Knightfall
World of Kulan DM
When called for, Akos steps forward resplendent in his immaculate robes, holding the ornate walking staff and smiling warmly.
"Hello everyone. My name is Akos, Loremaster Akos. You may call me Loremaster or Akos as you prefer. I am ajoined brother at The Great Teachers library and have extensive knowledge of many topics. I am also a negotiator, peace maker and I would prefer if we solve our encounters with words rather than s-words."
He pauses after the s in swords and adds ever so subtly "w" sound - not that he expects and appreciation of this lot.
"The world is a place of wonder and we don't have to choose fight among ourselves. We can choose to enjoy the world and its wonders. And let others enjoy it in their way. If we just treat the sorcerers as bards, I don't expect wizards to accept anyone without book learning, we could avoid lots of this unnecessary anguish."
He pauses just long enough to gauge the reaction, mostly of Master Custodio and continues just as he opens his mouth to comment.
"However, this renegade caused suffering and destruction of valuable history. He doesn't let others enjoy life as they want. And as such, he needs to be brought to justice. While I don't condone street justice, I will abide by the councils decision should we be instructed to kill him."
”I am Tuck, and I do condone street justice,” he says deliberately, referring to the Loremaster’s speech. ”Some never get any other. And I am here because I want to help the city that is my home, and to help those in the city. And because us little folk can stand to get some respect. And,” a sparkle shows in his reptilian eyes while something resembling a smile appears on the scales around his mouth, ”And I suppose there are coins for those who help.”
The kobold looks at the others, one by one, locking eyes with each before nodding a greeting. Then, before he can start talking again, he is interrupted by a big brown dog, more than twice his size and wagging its tail furiously as it runs up to Tuck apparently out of nowhere and with its sheer weight dropping the kobold to the floor. The riding dog proceeds to lick the kobold’s face for a full minute before Tuck finally manages to get the dog off him and sit somewhat calmly, still panting and wagging its tail.
”Ahem,” Tuck continues at last. ”This is Mutt. Seems to think I’m a dog. Fierce, that one. Anyway, I know some people, and I know the word out on the streets. That may help.”
The lord commander rolls up the message from Lady Pomander and then takes a seat at the table. He listens intently to you all before speaking.Big Tim eyes Tuck with curiosity, and then speaks, in a regal, formal tone: "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Tuck. I cannot say that I agree with your desire to seek justice outside the law, as I am sworn to uphold it and defend it, no matter the cost. However, I can, at the very least, state that I sympathize with you, and understand completely whereof you speak, having myself been the target of prejudice and intolerance many times, despite the fact that I serve with honor, and hold the title of Knight. We are kindred spirits, you and I, therefore, do not hesitate to ask for my help, or my guidance, as I will gladly offer you either."
Big Tim pauses, then continues, "The arcane matters, I leave to you, my good sirs, I merely ask that when the time comes, you will use your arcane skills to bless my aim, and strengthen my armor, so that I might better perform my duty upon the bodies of mine enemies."
"There are some in Bluffside who think Del Cannitha should be put to the sword the moment he is found, and I doubt he'll surrender to you." He pauses for effect. "However, I will not condone street justice if he or his Loyalists choose to surrender."
"Unlikely," Custodio notes quietly.
"Yes, when it comes to these Loyalists of his, I doubt they will drop their weapons and surrender. But they should be given the chance, at first. Once it becomes clear that they won't surrender, you are free to defend yourselves."
"Also, his enclave isn't actually in Bluffside," Custodio says. "If I understand my planar lore, his lair stands apart from the world."
"That's true," Oakfirst agrees. "Once you go through the portal, you won't be beholden to Bluffside laws, but you will still be acting as agents of the city. I expect you to act accordingly." He looks at Tuck. "You will be paid for your work, and your first largess is the use of this manor, my old childhood home. While I don't live here anymore, it has been used by adventurers I knew in the past — relatives and old friends who are gone now. Some retired, some lost in the field."
He looks around the room with some nostalgia before continuing. "You are free to stay here and use anything that isn't bolted to the floors or the walls. The one exception is my father's old room. I insist you not disturb it, as I was quite fond of him and lost him very young. Sir Tymbeck has already graciously accepted my invitation to stay in my old room, and I believe Relgar has set up in one of the guest rooms. I believe he chose not to sleep in Ayden's old room due to the wards placed there, but he did borrow some of my dead cousin's mundane clothes and gear from storage."
He looks at Relgar who is busy writing in an old ledger. The lord commander smiles and nods to the others. "You can claim any other room in the house. There are lots of options, but try not to break anything. This is still an Oakfirst residence, after all. Carter, Lavia, and Olhouser are all at your disposal. Carter is an old friend and one of the best smiths I know. Lavia runs the house and the two maids answer to her alone. Don't forget that. Olhouser was my father's steward, so he's not as spry as he once was, so go easy on him."
He pauses again and digs out a small pouch from his breast pocket. "That reminds me Tim, Terger wanted you to look after this for him, if you feel up to it." He hands Tim the pouch, which feels quite light in the big man's hand. "If you don't want the responsibility, I'll make sure it gets to someone else in his family."
He sighs and drums his fingers on the table. "Of course, I would like you to go through the portal and deal with the renegade as quickly as possible, but I doubt it will be as simple as walking up to it with the bloom and passing through without some sort of price to be paid. The one incentive I can give you, besides payment, is that anything magical you find on the other side is yours to keep, within reason, of course. Any coins, gems, and art you gather will be taxes by The Five after you return, but they will only take 1% of the value. The main except will be anything of archaeological value. Those you may have to surrender."
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