Adventure: Fire and Ice

[ryryguy]

[sblock=JNC]Re: the milestone, I'm totally fine with the DM making a decision, I wasn't looking for a judge to overrule renau1g or anything. I was just asking him to say one way or the other, which he did in the next post. (And the answer was, yes, milestone!)[/sblock]

 

[Mal Malenkirk]

-''Hum, he's willing to come in, at any rate. And he sounds sincere. Let's be on our guards and see what he has to say.'' Hadrak says to the others.

-''FINE! COME IN WITH YOUR PETS. BUT YOU CLEAN UP IF THEY MAKE A MESS!'' he shouts to the stranger.

 

[ryryguy]

Ingot listens to the back and forth between Hadrak and the unseen gnoll. It seems content to let the more experienced priest do the talking (or shouting).

"I WON'T COME IN ALONE, WITH A GROUP OF KILLERS, I HAVE TO WATCH OUT FOR MY OWN SAFETY IN THIS MATTER. EITHER YOU COME OUT HERE, ALL OF YOU IF YOU WISH, OR ALL OF US COME INSIDE" the voice replies.

"How about we just go to the top of the wall?" it suggests. "They can see our faces from there."

But Hadrak has already made a decision and invites them in. "All right then... we'd better go to the gate. Even if the gnoll is sincere, others might take advantage to launch an attack."

 

[Mal Malenkirk]

-''Yes, but I am intrigued. I am not that sure he even works for Rigas, at this point. He seems to be a ranger, at first glance. He has more in common with adventurers like us than a defrocked monk of some sort. It doesn't mean much, he could just be a mercenary, of course, but still... Beside, if things turn hostile, we have a better shot at capturing him if he comes inside. But we need to have people on the look out for anyone else trying to sneak into the place. This might be a diversion, after all.'' says Hadrak.

 

[JRYoung]

-''Yes, but I am intrigued. I am not that sure he even works for Rigas, at this point. He seems to be a ranger, at first glance. He has more in common with adventurers like us than a defrocked monk of some sort. It doesn't mean much, he could just be a mercenary, of course, but still... Beside, if things turn hostile, we have a better shot at capturing him if he comes inside. But we need to have people on the look out for anyone else trying to sneak into the place. This might be a diversion, after all.'' says Hadrak.

"I agree with Hadrak, we might asss well talk to thisss visssitor inssside the compound" adds Skalisss. "Brother Micha's men can keep watch."

[SBLOCK=Skalisss' Stat Block]
Skalisss - Male Dragonborn Paladin 2
Passive Perception: 13, Passive Insight: 18
AC:22, Fort:16, Reflex:14, Will:16 -- Speed:5
HP 33/33, Bloodied 13, Surge Value 9, Surges left 7/11
Action Points: 2, Second Wind: not used
Conditions:
Powers -
Valiant Strike
Bolstering Strike
Divine Challenge
Piercing Smite
Dragon Breath
Channel Divinity: Divine Mettle
Channel Divinity: Divine Strength
Lay on Hands x2 BOTH USED
Healing Word USED
Paladin's Judgement USED
Sacred Circle
Healing Surge from Dwarven Plate Armor
[/SBLOCK]

 

[nerdytenor]

Dorns body tenses each time the gnoll shouts from outside the compound, and each time Dorn hates himself for his fear.

"Let them come," he says to the others. Someone who didn't know Dorn might think he is trying to prove something to his companions, and that would be true. But even stronger than this is his desire to prove something to himself. I am ready for battle, father, even if it is not the kind of battle you would have wished for me.

 

[Kalidrev]

Crag grins...almost HOPING that the gnoll starts something while inside the compound.

"I will guard the door to the gem while you all meet with the messenger. They will have to go through me before anything gets through."

 

[renau1g]

The gnoll waits while the group opens the doors, Crag staying close to the door that Brother Micah has pointed to. The monks keep watch outside in case this is a trick.

Him and a small pack of hyenas (5) enter the area, the gnoll carries a bow over his shoulder and his grizzled, scarred face tells of his many battles.

"I am Huntsman Yanni and I've been paid to deliver a message from Rigas. You've all demonstrated your skill, and he is impressed." the gnoll says, his hyenas snarling at the humanoids around.

"RIGAS HAS NO QUARREL WITH ANYONE HERE. HE OFFERS YOU ALL A CHANCE FOR YOUR LIVES. HE IS COMING IN 8 HOURS AND WILL TAKE THE DIAMOND AT THAT TIME. THE MONASTERY SHALL BE BURNED AND ANY LIVING CREATURE INSIDE KILLED" the gnoll continues, his voice raising to be heard throughout the area.

"Of course, he has asked me to extend an even more generous offer to you. Should you choose to aid him in his task, he shall reward you greatly from the monastery's holdings." the gnoll says, shifting back into a low voice.

 

[Mal Malenkirk]

-''I am so disappointed. No, I am furious! This message is pretty much everything I said it would be three shouts ago! You waste my time and my saliva. And that 'generous' proposal is utter non-sense. Even if we were the kind of scum that betray their employers (a bloody insulting concept!), why would we accept to be paid with loot we are currently guarding? That's a moronic offer! If we were this evil, we'd take the entire loot including the diamond and then go kill Rigas just for fun. The second part sounds good right about now! Rigas is insulting both our virtue and our intelligence in one fell swoop.''

Hadrak is both astounded and outraged. So much so that he is even sputtering a little.

 

[ryryguy]

Ingot does not seem very impressed by the gnoll's words. But neither is it particularly upset, especially compared to Hadrak.

"Huntsman Yanni," it says. "I'm also disappointed by your message and by your proposal. I would listen to a reasoned case if you care to make it. For example, what right does Rigas have to claim the diamond? What does he intend to do with it?

"But if all you offer are threats and bribery, I am not inclined to yield." The warforged's words are calm, but as it finishes its statement, its eyes burn with a steady white light.