Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
The Lich Queen's Eye
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Warbringer" data-source="post: 3570912" data-attributes="member: 14391"><p><strong>Act VI: Remorse</strong></p><p></p><p>As Markhad recovered from his wounds, the healing power of Velatash closing the tears in his flesh and healing his bruises, the bald kalashtar leapt to his feet.</p><p></p><p>'My friends,' he started to convey in startled revelation. 'We must leave this area quickly, with no further aggression towards this village. Leave the fallen lizardfolk and do not desecrate or loot them. Let us go quickly!'</p><p></p><p>Markhad moved back into the jungle, frantically signaling for the troupe to follow him. </p><p>The suddenness of his urging, and the trust of years fighting together, prompted the others to follow, at least for now.</p><p></p><p>'We have made a grave error, which I did not see in the chaos and fear of the battle. Our mission cannot afford a protracted conflict with the lizardfolk. Yes, they see that we can defeat them even when we are outnumbered and surprised, but I believe they will take steps to defeat us one at a time. Our searches will be certain to separate us at times and then we will be easy prey for a lizard hunting party. We must parley with them.</p><p></p><p>'Furthermore, I believe that to follow the course of peace with these beings is right and good. They are clearly intelligent. Perhaps they can even assist us. Finally negative actions on our part now will make the lizards even easier to subvert, should agents of the Dreaming Dark follow in our footsteps....</p><p></p><p>'I volunteer for the task of meeting with the lizardfolk. As you know, I have some diplomatic skills as well as the means,' tapping the purple tattoo on his forehead, 'of extricating myself from danger without further harm to the lizardfolk. I will make sure my efforts do not interfere with my duties on this mission, and, as I said, there may be ancillary benefits.</p><p></p><p>'If you agree with this idea, I will begin my efforts tomorrow.'</p><p></p><p>Velatash started at his kinsman with a puzzled look, his longsword dripping still with the fresh gore of battle. His heart raced wanting to press the battle now, but his mind slowly became calmed by reason the words and thoughts of his brother. </p><p></p><p>'Markhad, your words as always, are well chosen,' he offered. 'If it is the will of the others, then I too will be in agreement.' Suddenly becoming nauseated, Velatash slowly sank to the ground, the last of his strength drained from him by the dark poison that seeped through his veins. </p><p></p><p>'Markhad, perhaps you should take Tzzt with you when you parlay. I cannot offer you my usual protection,' the kalashtar smiled. 'For some reason I am slow to recover form our little fight, but I will be with you, as one.'</p><p></p><p>Markhad attectionately clasped a hand to his kinsman's shoulder, squeezing it gently, sighing. 'It is, true. Most of us have wounds of one kind or another. I managed to avoid the effects of the toxins, but I can feel much decoherence in my myelitic modes - I may have expended too much of my psionic potential too early in the day. May il-Yannah keep us from further conflict until we can cycle our brainstates.'</p><p></p><p>Trying to rise, Velatash continued. 'We should either establish a base here, after a negotiation with the Lizards or perhaps move off a ways out of there territory.' Weakness and nausea once again swept over him. 'There may be other rival lizard clans we have not met yet, my brother.'</p><p></p><p>'Most probable. But for that reason, this clan may be more willing to parley, perhaps in hopes of gaining us as allies in their minor wars.'</p><p></p><p>Mithros carefully considered the strange human, sizing his words while surveying the jungle foliage, ever alert for another surprise attack. </p><p></p><p>'I care nothing for the lives of these reptile men. You can have your talk with them, but if there actions prove them once again to be treacherous reptiles, then I will sneak into their camps under the light of the twelve moons and take their chieftain's life.'</p><p></p><p>Markhad turned and nodded at the elf. 'It may yet come to that, but it may not. We should try.'</p><p></p><p>Thallinos had stood in silence, evaluating the words of the group, as he had done countless times during the war. 'I agree with Mithros, he finally added. 'I do not believe the Lizard men will likely be reasoned with. That much is apparent in their aggressive and unprovoked attack on us as we approached.' </p><p></p><p>Closing his black cloak of shadow around his chest and shrouding his white hair in the shadows of its cowl, he continued. 'I believe that a stealth attack would be best. We elves could easily sneak into their lair under cover of night and cut off their leadership at the head. I doubt these beasts will fight on if we have removed the brains controlling them. '</p><p></p><p>Markhad persisted, as he had on many other occasions, acknowledging the shrouded elf's dark assessment. 'If that proves necessary, I will even provide what help I can on such a mission. However, to pursue assassination now, while the lizards are certainly on guard, will not only prove quite risky but will destroy any chance of gaining the alliance - or at least neutrality - of these jungle creatures. And killing their leaders might simply remove whatever checks are kept on their hostility.'</p><p></p><p>Slipping back int of the jungle, vanishing into the dank darkness, Thallinos answered. 'I will of course follow the will of the group; I truly care not. But I think it important that we be aware of the savagery behind those with whom we wish to deal and address their aggression in kind.'</p><p></p><p>Tzzt, upright once a gain flowing some quick and makeshift repairs, lumbered over the group, the dark fire burning his gleaming eyes conveying his obvious intent.</p><p></p><p>Markhad stared at the new scars on his the warforged metal frame. His un-human friend had survived blows sufficient to kill a dozen men. Waves of calm and sympathy poured from the psion, powered only by pure sympathy.</p><p></p><p>'I'm afraid my metal friend that the lizards will not respond peacefully when they see you. I cannot imagine that they are familiar with a synthetic sentient such as you.... on the other hand, if they see me with no form of bodyguard they may suspect deception....'</p><p></p><p>Tzzzt's head jerked to one side, twitching, a spark seemingly popping from the side of his head, a short circuit they had all come to know signified the damaged warforged was trying to think the situation through, or rather to process it, as Kiernna would say.</p><p></p><p>'Listen to thinky man, listen to thinky man, listen to think....'. he repeated for several long seconds, before finally settling, and staring confused at the little gnome.</p><p></p><p>'What does fixy friend think? Tzzt no like metal hurting sticks.'</p><p></p><p>Kirenna pondered, weighing her own rage, the needs of the party, and the delicate condition of Tzzt, deciding ultimately it could not hurt to bring a good show of force.</p><p></p><p>'I'm coming too. I've invested too much hard work and love to lose him.'</p><p></p><p>'Very well,' Markhad conceded. 'But, I ask only that you follow my lead and try not to interfere with the diplomatic process.'</p><p></p><p>Turning to face the Tzzt, Markhad softly touched the warforged damaged temple. 'Tzzt, please upload and evaluate request: accompany subject Markhad. Location, village. Time plus one day. Offense to negative. Defense to standby. Retreat priority. Casualties zero point zero.'</p><p></p><p>Their decision made, the group moved further back up the valley to a place where they could heal and prepare for the following day, a defensible place amongst the ruins where they could watch the valley floor for signs that the lizardfolk had their own plans.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Warbringer, post: 3570912, member: 14391"] [B]Act VI: Remorse[/B] As Markhad recovered from his wounds, the healing power of Velatash closing the tears in his flesh and healing his bruises, the bald kalashtar leapt to his feet. 'My friends,' he started to convey in startled revelation. 'We must leave this area quickly, with no further aggression towards this village. Leave the fallen lizardfolk and do not desecrate or loot them. Let us go quickly!' Markhad moved back into the jungle, frantically signaling for the troupe to follow him. The suddenness of his urging, and the trust of years fighting together, prompted the others to follow, at least for now. 'We have made a grave error, which I did not see in the chaos and fear of the battle. Our mission cannot afford a protracted conflict with the lizardfolk. Yes, they see that we can defeat them even when we are outnumbered and surprised, but I believe they will take steps to defeat us one at a time. Our searches will be certain to separate us at times and then we will be easy prey for a lizard hunting party. We must parley with them. 'Furthermore, I believe that to follow the course of peace with these beings is right and good. They are clearly intelligent. Perhaps they can even assist us. Finally negative actions on our part now will make the lizards even easier to subvert, should agents of the Dreaming Dark follow in our footsteps.... 'I volunteer for the task of meeting with the lizardfolk. As you know, I have some diplomatic skills as well as the means,' tapping the purple tattoo on his forehead, 'of extricating myself from danger without further harm to the lizardfolk. I will make sure my efforts do not interfere with my duties on this mission, and, as I said, there may be ancillary benefits. 'If you agree with this idea, I will begin my efforts tomorrow.' Velatash started at his kinsman with a puzzled look, his longsword dripping still with the fresh gore of battle. His heart raced wanting to press the battle now, but his mind slowly became calmed by reason the words and thoughts of his brother. 'Markhad, your words as always, are well chosen,' he offered. 'If it is the will of the others, then I too will be in agreement.' Suddenly becoming nauseated, Velatash slowly sank to the ground, the last of his strength drained from him by the dark poison that seeped through his veins. 'Markhad, perhaps you should take Tzzt with you when you parlay. I cannot offer you my usual protection,' the kalashtar smiled. 'For some reason I am slow to recover form our little fight, but I will be with you, as one.' Markhad attectionately clasped a hand to his kinsman's shoulder, squeezing it gently, sighing. 'It is, true. Most of us have wounds of one kind or another. I managed to avoid the effects of the toxins, but I can feel much decoherence in my myelitic modes - I may have expended too much of my psionic potential too early in the day. May il-Yannah keep us from further conflict until we can cycle our brainstates.' Trying to rise, Velatash continued. 'We should either establish a base here, after a negotiation with the Lizards or perhaps move off a ways out of there territory.' Weakness and nausea once again swept over him. 'There may be other rival lizard clans we have not met yet, my brother.' 'Most probable. But for that reason, this clan may be more willing to parley, perhaps in hopes of gaining us as allies in their minor wars.' Mithros carefully considered the strange human, sizing his words while surveying the jungle foliage, ever alert for another surprise attack. 'I care nothing for the lives of these reptile men. You can have your talk with them, but if there actions prove them once again to be treacherous reptiles, then I will sneak into their camps under the light of the twelve moons and take their chieftain's life.' Markhad turned and nodded at the elf. 'It may yet come to that, but it may not. We should try.' Thallinos had stood in silence, evaluating the words of the group, as he had done countless times during the war. 'I agree with Mithros, he finally added. 'I do not believe the Lizard men will likely be reasoned with. That much is apparent in their aggressive and unprovoked attack on us as we approached.' Closing his black cloak of shadow around his chest and shrouding his white hair in the shadows of its cowl, he continued. 'I believe that a stealth attack would be best. We elves could easily sneak into their lair under cover of night and cut off their leadership at the head. I doubt these beasts will fight on if we have removed the brains controlling them. ' Markhad persisted, as he had on many other occasions, acknowledging the shrouded elf's dark assessment. 'If that proves necessary, I will even provide what help I can on such a mission. However, to pursue assassination now, while the lizards are certainly on guard, will not only prove quite risky but will destroy any chance of gaining the alliance - or at least neutrality - of these jungle creatures. And killing their leaders might simply remove whatever checks are kept on their hostility.' Slipping back int of the jungle, vanishing into the dank darkness, Thallinos answered. 'I will of course follow the will of the group; I truly care not. But I think it important that we be aware of the savagery behind those with whom we wish to deal and address their aggression in kind.' Tzzt, upright once a gain flowing some quick and makeshift repairs, lumbered over the group, the dark fire burning his gleaming eyes conveying his obvious intent. Markhad stared at the new scars on his the warforged metal frame. His un-human friend had survived blows sufficient to kill a dozen men. Waves of calm and sympathy poured from the psion, powered only by pure sympathy. 'I'm afraid my metal friend that the lizards will not respond peacefully when they see you. I cannot imagine that they are familiar with a synthetic sentient such as you.... on the other hand, if they see me with no form of bodyguard they may suspect deception....' Tzzzt's head jerked to one side, twitching, a spark seemingly popping from the side of his head, a short circuit they had all come to know signified the damaged warforged was trying to think the situation through, or rather to process it, as Kiernna would say. 'Listen to thinky man, listen to thinky man, listen to think....'. he repeated for several long seconds, before finally settling, and staring confused at the little gnome. 'What does fixy friend think? Tzzt no like metal hurting sticks.' Kirenna pondered, weighing her own rage, the needs of the party, and the delicate condition of Tzzt, deciding ultimately it could not hurt to bring a good show of force. 'I'm coming too. I've invested too much hard work and love to lose him.' 'Very well,' Markhad conceded. 'But, I ask only that you follow my lead and try not to interfere with the diplomatic process.' Turning to face the Tzzt, Markhad softly touched the warforged damaged temple. 'Tzzt, please upload and evaluate request: accompany subject Markhad. Location, village. Time plus one day. Offense to negative. Defense to standby. Retreat priority. Casualties zero point zero.' Their decision made, the group moved further back up the valley to a place where they could heal and prepare for the following day, a defensible place amongst the ruins where they could watch the valley floor for signs that the lizardfolk had their own plans. [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
The Lich Queen's Eye
Top