House Millithor in the City of the Spider Queen

[Xael]

Quertus apologises to matron mother that he doesn't have such spells prepared at the moment, blaming their quick departure from their home.

He then addresses Carcelon's suggestion:

"Mistress/Priestress/Carcelon/Whatever, those are normal options we have available. However, we can easily store more valuables on our person by accuiring coulple Bags of Holding. In addition, if I had the necessary wealth, I could accuire a spell that creates a large extradimensional chest, which would allow us to store even more items there. This way, we could both take the valuables with us, and attemt to take care of the archmage and the demons.

I also strongly agree that we should try to recruit the remaining houses to help us restore the order. I must admit that I'm not particulary thrilled about fighting an archmage and a demon who practically took over the whole city, at least without...

...cannon fodder.

I'm also struggling to learn a spell that allows us to travel faster in the underdark, and I'm sure it won't take very long until I accuire the necessary power to successfully cast it. Then we could easily make multiple trips."

OOC: What is the acceptable way for Quertus to address Carcelon and Narcelia?

 

[Thels]

Dariel watches and sits back as the other members of his house draw plans. Though he's interested, he doesn't see it his time to get involved.

 

[Prince Atom]

Likewise, Marckarius stands back and lets the older, wiser heads decide on the route. He's been shy about speaking his mind to his mother ever since the beholder thing, anyway.

TWK

 

[Endur]

The Matron reclines in her chair, crosses her left leg over her right leg and smiles as she listens to Carcelon and Quertus.



"Carcelon, your words are insightful as always."

"Fodder, Quertus? Such an interesting term, and an intriguing thought."

"Dariel, Marckarius, I can see that thoughts have crossed your mind. Please speak freely; my request applies to all of the members of the house. The fate of Qu'ellar Millithor may depend on your words."

 

[Pyrex]

Carcelon looks expectantly towards Krecil, Marckarius, Torellan and Dariel; waiting for them to respond.

 

[Radiant]

Since she does not see any need to speak at all if she has nothing to ad Narcelia sits silently and thinks about the words of her family.

 

[Thels]

Dariel looks around nervously, hoping for someone to break the silence and get a talk going. He's obviously not pleased with having to give his opinion. As the silence continues, he decides to give a small reply: "Well, Matron Mother, as I see it, we shouldn't let ourselves be toyed with and get back what's rightfully ours. We should first gather the means to accomplish this however. No need to get us killed on stupid unplanned revenge.". After that, Dariel immediately takes a few steps back, trying not to be of anyone's attention.

 

[Prince Atom]

Marck folds his hands and puts his forefingers to his mouth in contemplation, then speaks in a forthright tone:

"We could perhaps stand against our foes alone, but it would entail great . . . sacrifices on our part. I think it better to recruit aid in this struggle, and we have seen three sources so far in our journeys.

"One, there is the goblin tribe, back where we emerged into the Underdark. I am sure they could be persuaded to help us, if only by absorbing some of that demon's firepower. They can also tell us where other groups of such fodder can be found, so we can swell our numbers even further.

"Two, there is this city of merchants. Surely somewhere in this hive of scum and villainy can be found people with great combat skill and the willingness to let us rent it. We might have to sweeten the pot some, but there's plenty to go around if we offer the plum of some of our profits. Keep in mind that offering is hardly the same as promising.

"Three, and perhaps most tricky, there is the beholder. I did speak out against allying with him before, and I still believe he'll kill us as soon as look at us. However, he can perhaps be tricked into helping us. If we were to somehow maneuver him into the midst of the demon's hordes, he could do severe damage before they overwhelmed him. Of course, the trick is to herd him without letting him know he's being herded."

Having said his piece for now, Marck steps back and waits for the group to tear his suggestions apart and put them back together again in better form.

TWK

 

[Xael]

Quertus listens to Marcarius' suggestions and, as probably is his job, speaks:

"While I certainly agree that some meat between us and whatever enemies we face would be useful, I slightly doubt that we could control hordes of goblins and other lesser beings alone.

Considering the help we could recruit from the city, I count it as our best and easiest option. The people here are close to us, hopefully intelligent, and most importantly, expendable. And you should keep in mind that "renting their skills" and "recruiting" do not necessarily include that willingness you spoke of.", he adds with a grin.

The beholder is, as already said, tricky and tremendously powerful. I suggest leaving that option alone unless someone comes up an idea that allows us to either trick, pribe, or threaten it to help us."

 

[Pyrex]

"While we do have many options for acquiring warriors Quertus, willing fighters are far more effective and zealous than those who are coerced or compelled into service. The goblins are an interesting thought, but as they haven't been, shall we say housebroken yet I don't believe there are enough of us to control a large force of them.

I belive we will recieve the most support at the least cost from besieged nobles of Maermydra. We simply need to get them to stop hiding and start fighting.

To that end I propose we hire a modest force of seasoned warriors, perhaps a dozen or so, and sneak into Maermydra. If possible, we will organize the remaining drow against the renegade and the demon. If not, they will assist in carrying out the goods of the trading house.

Quertus, you mentioned a travel spell. What do you need to complete your study of it?"