AtG Howling Crag (5e PBP) IC

[FitzTheRuke]

The Stone Giant who had remained silent on the second tower began to laugh at Doc's threats, but was quickly rebuked by Utharn. Kahru could see that the hill giant did not think that it was funny, as he clutched a rock with white-knuckles and stepped further away from the gates, nearly backing himself into the furthest spire.

The now-quiet giant hauled a chain at Utharn's order, and the big stone gates slid slowly inward. Utharn slipped out, and the gates shut behind him. His back to the guards, he turned pointedly toward Gimlak and made a face that suggested that he understood the dwarf to be psychic and wished to communicate. As he did, he began to slowly explain out loud how it was quite impossible for them to gain entry.

 

[Snarf Zagyg]

When Doc saw Small Stoney come out, he was right pleased that someone was still honorin' the lawful ways. Doc spoke loudly, not really to Small Stoney, but to make sure the words were heard by the cowards at the gate.

We ain't got no beef with ya. And we came to parlay like y'all asked, not because we heard there was likker and fun here. Or to show anyone what we don't need showin'. Reckon we already showed that we got more than just talk if'n needed.

Then Doc directed his speech a little more directly to Small Stoney and the group.
Y'all under my protection, but I'm not much for the niceties. Y'all can parlay while I'll keep the peace.

Telepathically: Figure y'all got something to say, and I done spoke more than I care to for the next week.

OOC: Moving this along (see OOC). Donnell(?) or Hoss(??) should propose a neutral (short walk) parlay ground, and this would be a help action if persuasion roll needed. Donnell/Hoss- if persuasion with help rolls badly, don't forget about the d8.

 

[Kobold Stew]

The Colonel watches as the gates open up, and Utharn emerges. This is who they are negotiating with, and Doc's oath binds all of them to be on best behaviour. The Colonel, empty hands extended, waits and says nothing until Utharn is outside.

If there are spectators from the battlements, they see a peaceful negotiation. No one sees Spark fly in above Utharn's head and into the enclosure, since she is invisible at the time. The Colonel thinks to call her back, but he is instead looking at the giant.

"We come as ambassadors, and I will echo the promise already made: that we bring no violence to your Thane. So come, let us in, that we may speak with him and with Laerthar. Or if you will not, send Laethar out, and we shall parlay out here."

He pauses, and then adds. "To keep an embassy at your gates does not befit a lord of such standing."

OOC: Persuasion 1d20+8 with help: 21.

 

[FitzTheRuke]

::Yes, yes - it is unfortunate. But you must leave.:: Utharn said, with a hint of desperation in his gravelly voice. ::If you will allow, I will escort you back the way you came and offer my Thane's regrets.::

As he said this, with his back to the wall, he made a gesture in front of himself that suggested that they would be able to speak more plainly when they were away from the gates.

 

[Kobold Stew]

The colonel stares at Utharn, and does nto draw attention to the unnecessary gesture. He responds aloud, and with what he hopes is credible indignation:

"This is an insult to Lord Faldur! An embassy to be turned away at the gates! And now to be escorted away! Well, I never!"

The Colonel turns and walks away, trusting that others will follow.

 

[TaranTheWanderer]

Spoiler: Donnell - Mini-sheet

Donnel Race: Human HP: 86/86 91/91 AC: 18/20(with shield)	Buffs: 15/15 Temp Hit Points +5HP (aid) 8/8hrs Soul's help 1/1 1d8	Spell Save DC: 15/+7 Spell Slots: 1st[ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] 2nd [X] []
Channel Divinity: 2/2	Lay on Hands: 30/30	Arnythyn: HP: 25/25
Spoiler: Stats(saves) STR: 13+1(+4) DEX: 16+3(+10) CON: 14+2(+5) INT: 10+0(+7) WIS: 12+1(+4) CHA:16 +3(+6) *saves include aura	Spoiler: Skills Athletics+5 History: 4 Insight: 5 Intimidate: 7 Investigate: 4 Perception: 5 Persuasion 11 Religion: 4 Stealth: 11 Survival: 5	Spoiler: Spells Daily: Divine Smite 1/1 Find Steed: 1/1 Memorized spells 1st : Shield of Faith*, Prot. frm Evil* Cure wounds, Bless, Divine Favor, Divine Smite Heroism 2nd: Aid*, Zone of Truth*, Protection from Poison, Shining Smite

---

Donnell graciously accepts,

"This is not what we anticipated, Master Utharn and, with everything that is happening in our kingdom, I'd very much like to hear what you have to say. Lead the way."

Just like The Colonel's, Donnell's attitude was of frustration and anger but, really, it was a show for those standing at the wall. This was exactly what he was hoping to achieve.

Telepathically, he communicated as much,

Good, now let's see if we can get answers. And maybe convince him to be an ally inside.

 

[Snarf Zagyg]

Doc was keepin' an eye on what was goin' on, but everything seemed to be proceedin' as planned, if a bit tense-like.

He took a long drag off his cheroot, and flicked it with great accuracy and disdain in the direction of the cowards in the Crag. Then he started walkin' up with the fellas and Small Stoney.

With just hint of mischievous fire in his eyes, Doc did speak to Stoney as they was moseyin'.

Escort? Well, I don't know ya well enough yet. But appreciate the offer.

 

[FitzTheRuke]

When they were far enough away from the gates that the winds blew the sound of their voices away to the east and the road wound southward, with rocky outcroppings blocking the guard's view, Utharn turned his large gray head to the sky, scanning first the clouds, then the surrounding flats. When he was satisfied that no one was watching or listening to them, he stopped and said, ::I will speak plainly. I do not generally like smalls; nor do I trust them. Yet nor do I approve of the Giant Alliance and our raids on your people. Our actions have made you a considerable threat to my people, when we had formerly held a long peace, as it should be. You have shown that are not unwilling to seek a peaceful solution, and yet your efforts our blocked at every turn. It frustrates me, as I am sure it frustrates you.::

He sighed a deep rumble and went on, ::And worse! I believe in the honesty of stones, which will not lie to you. We are told that Thane Arnak will not speak to any smalls, but not three days ago, a group of you were allowed in by the Castellan. Three months ago, two were made my Thane's advisors. Now he is acting strangely, and though I am his cousin, I cannot speak to him directly. Utanu Three-Eyes says that he has been blessed by Ogremoch, but I do not know. Or if he is, I do not know if that is a good thing.::

He looked at his feet, knowing that he had just spoken sacrilege aloud to strangers, and he was ashamed. He quickly changed the subject, ::Thane Arnak's sister, Belastraya is the Castellan. She is pushing us deeper into the Alliance of the Ordning. I do not know who is behind the 'plan', or what its ultimate goals are, but I know by order of the Orning, that the responsiblility must lie with King Snurre Iron Belly of the Obsidian Hall. The Ordning goes higher, but as you know, Lord Thyffon abandoned Chief Nosnra at the Steading and no one has seen a Storm Giant in four hundred years.::

 

[TaranTheWanderer]

Spoiler: Donnell - Mini-sheet

Donnel Race: Human HP: 86/86 91/91 AC: 18/20(with shield)	Buffs: 15/15 Temp Hit Points +5HP (aid) 8/8hrs Soul's help 1/1 1d8	Spell Save DC: 15/+7 Spell Slots: 1st[ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] 2nd [X] []
Channel Divinity: 2/2	Lay on Hands: 30/30	Arnythyn: HP: 25/25
Spoiler: Stats(saves) STR: 13+1(+4) DEX: 16+3(+10) CON: 14+2(+5) INT: 10+0(+7) WIS: 12+1(+4) CHA:16 +3(+6) *saves include aura	Spoiler: Skills Athletics+5 History: 4 Insight: 5 Intimidate: 7 Investigate: 4 Perception: 5 Persuasion 11 Religion: 4 Stealth: 11 Survival: 5	Spoiler: Spells Daily: Divine Smite 1/1 Find Steed: 1/1 Memorized spells 1st : Shield of Faith*, Prot. frm Evil* Cure wounds, Bless, Divine Favor, Divine Smite Heroism 2nd: Aid*, Zone of Truth*, Protection from Poison, Shining Smite

---

Donnell listened carefully,

"These attacks are paving the way to full scale war. The human kingdom will not sit idle while our villages are pillaged by your people. The Dwarves will ally with us to defend them because their land is also on the border," Donnell nodded to Gimlak,

"This is what your Thane risks by being so brash and reckless.

"The information we have is that the Thane isn't ... himself. That he may have some affliction of the mind. There is also rumours that this Castellan is manipulating him.

"If our information is true - and you seem to confirm it, it means that your loyalty to the Thane may be playing into the hands of someone who doesn't have your people's best interests in mind.

"You, yourself, seem to want to uncover the truth and, I think it would best help your people. We would be willing to help you.

Will you help us help you?

Donnell paused for a moment, not wanting to give too much away. He waited to the hear the Stone Giant's answer.

Telepathically:

If honesty is so important to him, do we ask him to act as a spy for us? Or tell him we are sneaking in? He might not like the idea.

 

[Steve Gorak]

Telepathically, Gimlak adds. If there is mind magic at play, I may be able to remove it. Getting close enough will be the challenge. I can make us invisible, but that may not be enough,