D&D 5E [IC] Uller's Out of the Abyss

[Uller]

Shuushar thinks a bit. "I don't know their exact prices. Probably depends on how far you want to go. Probably around a hundred gold coins or so. I'm sure it's negotiable."

Then Derendil speaks up "History is full of tales of kings dealing with armed bands in their realms by offering them safe passage out to avoid them causing trouble or in exchange for services." The then goes on to relate to you the story of an ancient Emperor named Lexiuz who put out a call for allies to come aid him in reconquering lands lost to invaders. Every time an ally arrived to his city he would immediately extract a pledge of allegiance from them and then sail them and their army across a narrow straight to where they could not harm his lands by foraging and pillaging. But when the mightiest ally arrived, he refused to bend his knee and instead began ravaging the lands until Lexiuz not only agreed not to force the pledge but offered him riches and titles...Eventually you get the point of his rambling and grow bored...

Orsik reminds you "Perhaps this high priest Shuushar mentioned could help with...you know...the gnomes and their (whispering) condition."

 

[DMAesh]

"Perhaps," Ezraen replies to Orsik, "But it sounds as if he might rather sacrifice them than heal them though. We can ask. Let's take a measure of this kuo-toa first."

The half-drow nods to Derendil, "Understood, but it is not in my nature to simply terrorize them to get what we want..."

 

[JustinCase]

Erevan nods. "We could always resort to that if our other options fail. But sacrifices... Say, Shuushar, is your city safe? For other races? Is there a city guard of some sort, or an authority if one is being treated unfairly?"

 

[Uller]

Shuushar stares at you for a moment...blankly...as always. After a long silence he replies "No."

Sarith adds "Here we do not partake of the illusion you surface dwellers call justice. There is strength and there is will and if you lack both there is enslavement and death. The archpriest he mentioned will be the ultimate authority. It's a small village. We have raided stronger villages patrols this size...of course those were drow and had a Priestess of Lolth and a Magic-User with them...they are well known for trading passage for goods or wealth or service of some sort. It would profit them more to trade with us and not lose any of their warriors than attack...although they may test us first."

Shuushar circles aimlessly while Sarith speaks, nodding in agreement.

 

[SunGold]

"You're half right. There is justice, but only for those with the strength and will to take it. And we will, if these fish-men want a fight. But let's go see if they'll take coin or service first."

 

[DMAesh]

Ezraen nods, "Agreed."

 

[Uller]

Eldeth and Bertram have both been keeping watch this whole time. Eldeth is watching the path toward the Northwest (away from the village) and Bert toward the Southeast (toward the village).

About the time you start to conclude you will approach the village Eldeth gets your attention. "There is a group coming towards us along the path and it looks like a small boat on the water with them."

Bertram points out "I see some lights and movement among the rocks between us and the village."

Edit: As far as you can tell, neither group seems to have noticed you yet.

 

[SunGold]

Surana fights the urge to reach for her weapons. She squints into the darkness, trying to determine the numbers coming toward them.

"I can't see," she says in frustration. "Does it look like they outnumber us?"

 

[Uller]

You can see dim lights carried by a group, perhaps 200 yards away. Sarith squints: "Could be eight or a dozen walking on the shore. Plus whatever is on the small barge."

A horn sounds from the approaching group and there is stirring in the area of the rocks in reaction.

 

[DMAesh]

Ezraen scowls, "Dig in, hold your ground and watch your neighbor's back."

The paladin gets ready for battle.