D&D: Kazadar Empire

[bkmanis]

Upon waking Trent studies his spell book to memorize his spells for the day, afterwards he grabs a bite to eat. "Well have we decided what we are to do next?" He asks Dolfuur. "Perhaps we should go and talk to King Osbourne, since he wanted to see us before we leave. Perhaps he will have a suggestion."

 

[Faehlle Cennaire]

{ooc: Listen & Spot checks to see if she can discern the location of any other 'threats', along with roughly how many there might be... just in case this turns ugly. Also, untrained Sense Motive check to see if he's bluffing, or outright lying.}

"A mere 500gp? Hah!" Faehlle laughs. "We'll be worth many times that to Lorengrad when we're through, but I warn you, if you aim to collect today, or if you harm even a hair upon my noble companion, you'll regret that you ever interfered with our business here."

"Our purpose is to liberate Taran from the mad grasp of Lorengrad and his wretched Kazadar minions, but I will speak no more of this until I know with whom I parlay," she says bluntly, anger simmering in her eyes, her hand resting eagerly on the hilt of her mother's heirloom sabre.

"Declare yourselves!" she barks. "Are your allies of Kazadar's mad overlord or are you fighting to free it's people from his corrupt clutches? Or are you merely another posse of bounty hunters with more greed than sense?" Her eyes narrow as she looks the man hard in the eyes. "And I warn you: speak quickly, for my patience wears thinner by the moment."

{ooc: Fae's hand rests on her sword, but she does not draw it. If the man declares himself to be an enemy (Kazadar), intends to claim the bounty on their heads, or harms Gilbie in any way, she charges the man, drawing her sword as she does, and attacks him.}

 

[Dolfuur]

Dolfuur wipes a crumb from his beard. "What do you think we should do, Trent?" he asks the Gnome.

 

[Toric_Arthendain]

Abandoned Barn Outside Taran

Raspy voice chuckles. "I had heard that the elven lass was fiery but didn't realize that you travelled with a genuine she-devil, little halfling! Be glad that I am not your enemy, or her words might have gotten you killed. In fact, were I an enemy, you would have been killed on sight." The man turns his attention to Faehlle. "Brave words, lass. But in the lands of men, particularly men of low character like the Kazadar overlords, those words will get you killed. My name is Lodren and I understand that you were looking for me." He nudges Gilbie forward and lowers his sword. Up in the hayloft of the barn, Faehlle spots two more men, bows in hand but no longer pointed at anyone in particular.

OOC: Faehlle's sense motive check wasn't good enough or bad enough to give her an impression one way or the other. As for Trent and Dolfuur, I'll leave that alone for the moment until a decision is made on a course of action.

 

[bkmanis]

"I'm concerned about our companions but it may not be a good idea to wonder around town looking for them." Trent replies to Dolfuur. "Let's go and talk to Osbourne before we make any decisions." Trent suggests.

 

[maddmic]

Gilbie turns around and looks at his assailant. Well, well, well. See, I told you that he'd come out into the open and seek us out once he heard of our deeds. Nice to meet you Lodren. I've already introduced myself and as you can plainly see, we are on the same side when it comes to the Kazadar. To let you know, we had been on a mission to find you and seek your council. However, if what the barkeep told us is true, then our efforts may have been in vain. Tell us, how many Kazadar scum are around this town?"

 

[Dolfuur]

"Heh, they can take care o' themselves, especially that wolf lass of an Elf," Dolfuur says to Trent with a smile. "I fear fer any Kazadars that get te close."

He gives a rumbling lauguh. "Now, I'm tinkin' Osbourne isn't gonna turn tail and run fer the hills just because there's more men in the town than he thought. But he prolly can't meet the Kazadars in the field," Dolfuur says. "Some kind o' trick that splits the forces'd work well. But that's far in the future. Fer now, if I were him, I'd get more information on the troops. Ye can't win wars witout information," the Dwarf adds with a rumble.

"Nor allies! I'm sure that he'd get 'elp frem the Clanholds, but first I have te get back to the mountains to pass the message," Dolfuur frets. "Been too long away from under the mountains as it is."

 

[Faehlle Cennaire]

Faehlle's stance relaxes and a grin slowly crosses her lips. "She devil?" she smirks. "Ha! I have been called worse things in my day, but for now, however, you may call me Faehlle."

"And it would seem that I owe my wise friend an apology, for you did indeed seek us out as he felt you would," she adds, bowing respectfully to Gilbie before continuing.

"My friend speaks ever the truth and we have indeed come seeking your council. Here, however, where the eyes and ears of Lorengrad might find us as easily as you did, may not be the best place for such discussions."

 

[Faehlle Cennaire]

*bump*

{ooc: Hey, are we still on? Where is everyone? Where's our GM?}

 

[Toric_Arthendain]

OOC: Sorry for the lack of posting. With the holiday season upon us, I've had my attention on other things. I'll keep the game running at a slower rate during the rest of December and then pick up the pace after the New Year.

IC:
Abandoned Barn Outside Taran

Lodren stares at Gilbie for a few moments and then grins. "Sides are a relative thing, Master Halfling. What 'side' I am on depends on the moment and the circumstances. The fact is that I don't particularly like the Kazadar, which isn't to say everyone living in the empire. I'm talking about the hard-line Kazadars. The military commanders, the government officials, those sort of people. The common folk, the merchants, laborers, and even many of the soldiers aren't such bad people. They're just trying make a living. Frankly, given my profession, the sort of trouble that you all represent is bad for business. Things are stable now, even if those in charge aren't particularly good people. Throwing things into chaos will only cause problems in that regard. Its going to take more persuading for me to offer any sort of help. And contrary to what the fair elf says, talking here is as safe as anywhere. My associates will alert us to any trouble heading our way. So, what is the whole story here? Who are you working for? And what is it you want from me?"

King Osbourne's Camp

After spending the day resting, Dolfuur and Trent find themselves summoned to King Osbourne's tent around nightfall.

"I hope you both are feeling better but I wanted to find out what your plans are? As for myself, I can't wait too much longer to take out the Kazadar. The prisoner you brought in has given me valuable information on the strength of the army in this area. Unfortunately, to wait much longer, will jeopardize my position. We risk discovery every hour we wait here in this valley. Therefore, it is my intention to attack the keep north of Taran at dawn three days from now. The day after tomorrow at dusk, I will move my troops into position. The following morning, just before dawn, we will launch the attack. At the same time, another portion of my forces will descend on Taran and wipe out any resistance met there. I just wish I could find out what your companions are doing in town now. Maybe they've contacted Lodren..."