digimattic
First Post
Arnir looks like a kid in a candy-shop "you're a good man, Diogenes. I'd take scrolls of Colour Spray, Detect Secret Doors, Protection from Evil and Feather Fall. Thank you Diogenes!"
Six From Gate Pass - A War of the Burning Sky Campaign (3.5)
- Thread starter Gregor
- Start date
Arnir looks like a kid in a candy-shop "you're a good man, Diogenes. I'd take scrolls of Colour Spray, Detect Secret Doors, Protection from Evil and Feather Fall. Thank you Diogenes!"
Diogenes leaves the room for about 15 minutes.
During that time, you all continue to enjoy your wine, bread and cheese.
When the wizard returns, he is carrying some rolls of parchment covered in runes and arcane script. He takes a seat and hands them to Arnir: "Sorry I took so long, but those scribes have the whole library out of order. Anyway, here you are my friend. Use them in good health."
Now fairly rosy-cheeked, Diogenes downs another glass of wine and pats his belly in satisfaction before standing up. "Alright then, off we go to Shealis'"
Diogenes takes you through a maze of hallways. You pass lecture halls, small laboratories in various states of cleanliness and small packs of young robed students chatting nervously and then scattering when they see you. Eventually, you round a corner and find yourselves on the ground floor of a tower. You climb a large wooden staircase that winds up the interior until you reach the third floor. Diogenes opens a door to the hallway and then stops just outside the first door on the left.
Slightly out of breath, he points at the door and says: "This is Shealis' room. I'll be waiting in the stairwell. Just holler if things get out of hand."
Larion springs forward and knocks softly on the door. A muffled voice is heard from inside the room and Larion replies in elven: "Sillaanam, ean ela Larion. Ean ela illa aeym oilseceilm matyemanaw. E amilla eelamtyeamamaw fa sasfamla eo anira Vilana Tyillala malaelaanillnya amire ilma el laailmnyir eo anira nyillaa ama ilnyhyemaw. Aniraa laaan ane tyilmcila. Sila ama alanam?"
There is no reply for several moments. Suddenly the door opens inward, apparently of its own accord, for you see an elven woman seated at a desk with a glowing ball of light hovering over her shoulder.
"Come in" she says.
You all enter and Larion closes the door behind you.
The room is rather spartan: a simple bed, well-made desk covered in papers and inkpens, and book shelf filled with leather-backed tomes are the major items of furniture. A single window, shuttered against the cold, dominates one wall and a small painting of an elegant city built over a crescent rift carved by a sparkling waterfall hangs over the bed.
"I am Shealis Amlauril of Shahalesti, as I am sure you have been told by Larion. Apparently you have an interest in something we rightfully acquired. State your business quickly for I have little time to waste this evening."
Up close, the blond elf woman’s blue eyes flicker like shining sapphires, and her pale skin glows like snow. She wears concealing red robes, but the metallic gleam of chainmail peeks out from her collar. Her gloves shine like silver.
[sblock="if you speak elven"]Master, it is Larion. It is as your familiar reported - some have come in search of you. I was overpowered by members of the Gate Pass resistance who are on a quest for the case we acquired. They seek to parlay. May we enter? [/sblock]
During that time, you all continue to enjoy your wine, bread and cheese.
When the wizard returns, he is carrying some rolls of parchment covered in runes and arcane script. He takes a seat and hands them to Arnir: "Sorry I took so long, but those scribes have the whole library out of order. Anyway, here you are my friend. Use them in good health."
Now fairly rosy-cheeked, Diogenes downs another glass of wine and pats his belly in satisfaction before standing up. "Alright then, off we go to Shealis'"
Diogenes takes you through a maze of hallways. You pass lecture halls, small laboratories in various states of cleanliness and small packs of young robed students chatting nervously and then scattering when they see you. Eventually, you round a corner and find yourselves on the ground floor of a tower. You climb a large wooden staircase that winds up the interior until you reach the third floor. Diogenes opens a door to the hallway and then stops just outside the first door on the left.
Slightly out of breath, he points at the door and says: "This is Shealis' room. I'll be waiting in the stairwell. Just holler if things get out of hand."
Larion springs forward and knocks softly on the door. A muffled voice is heard from inside the room and Larion replies in elven: "Sillaanam, ean ela Larion. Ean ela illa aeym oilseceilm matyemanaw. E amilla eelamtyeamamaw fa sasfamla eo anira Vilana Tyillala malaelaanillnya amire ilma el laailmnyir eo anira nyillaa ama ilnyhyemaw. Aniraa laaan ane tyilmcila. Sila ama alanam?"
There is no reply for several moments. Suddenly the door opens inward, apparently of its own accord, for you see an elven woman seated at a desk with a glowing ball of light hovering over her shoulder.
"Come in" she says.
You all enter and Larion closes the door behind you.
The room is rather spartan: a simple bed, well-made desk covered in papers and inkpens, and book shelf filled with leather-backed tomes are the major items of furniture. A single window, shuttered against the cold, dominates one wall and a small painting of an elegant city built over a crescent rift carved by a sparkling waterfall hangs over the bed.
"I am Shealis Amlauril of Shahalesti, as I am sure you have been told by Larion. Apparently you have an interest in something we rightfully acquired. State your business quickly for I have little time to waste this evening."
Up close, the blond elf woman’s blue eyes flicker like shining sapphires, and her pale skin glows like snow. She wears concealing red robes, but the metallic gleam of chainmail peeks out from her collar. Her gloves shine like silver.
[sblock="if you speak elven"]Master, it is Larion. It is as your familiar reported - some have come in search of you. I was overpowered by members of the Gate Pass resistance who are on a quest for the case we acquired. They seek to parlay. May we enter? [/sblock]
|
The Bashar
First Post
Hrimr takes in the sight of this of Elf and decides to take the direct approach
"Greetings Shealis, let us be quick. You have a case that you can't open with the information we both want. Let us work together to get the case open and share the information to our mutual benefit. Neither of us has much love for the Empire, I don't see why we should fight amongst ourselves"
OOC: Perception check to see if I notice anything or anyone concealed or hiding.
"Greetings Shealis, let us be quick. You have a case that you can't open with the information we both want. Let us work together to get the case open and share the information to our mutual benefit. Neither of us has much love for the Empire, I don't see why we should fight amongst ourselves"
OOC: Perception check to see if I notice anything or anyone concealed or hiding.
Shealis looks at Hrmir: "Names are powerful things Dwarf. You know mine, it is only polite that you share yours and those of your associates." She pauses to glare at Larion. "I see my associate has discussed much as to the ... condition that the case is in. However, I have not yet had the time to inspect the case, so I cannot confirm nor deny that we are unable to access its contents."
Shealis narrows her eyes and ponders before continuing: "Larion tells me that you claim to represent the Gate Pass resistance. However, you walk with one who is clearly of Ragesian nationality. I find this disconcerting. However, I presume that my associate has addressed this already. So, let me muse for a moment that you are in fact members of Gate Pass' motley band of protectors. It is true that the resistance is committed to the neutrality of the city and are therefore enemies of Ragesia at this moment in time. However, the intelligence contained in that case is likely of more value to my King. You see, while you and your group are concerned with the slush covered streets within the currently besieged walls of Gate Pass, my King prepares for a larger prize. Would it surprise you to learn that my King, Lord Shaaladel was a most trusted companion and advisor to the late Emperor Coaltongue of Ragesia? Indeed, during Ragesia’s annexation of its neighbors, Lord Shaaladel lent aid, and he and his trusted aides participated personally in battles at Coaltongue’s side. With the sudden death of the Emperor, it was assumed that my King would incorporate the throne of Ragesia into a new Shining Empire of Shahalesti. Instead, Leska, Coaltongue's high inquisitor has usurped the throne! The Shining Lands of Shahalesti cannot accept this."
She pauses once again. "I apologize, for I do not mean to lecture. If you and your group are truly enemies of Ragesia, then I am open to discussions on how we might both utilize this intelligence."
[sblock="what Hrmir sees"]Hrmir, you've taken a a really good look around the room and you don't see anything beyond what is plainly obvious[/sblock]
Shealis narrows her eyes and ponders before continuing: "Larion tells me that you claim to represent the Gate Pass resistance. However, you walk with one who is clearly of Ragesian nationality. I find this disconcerting. However, I presume that my associate has addressed this already. So, let me muse for a moment that you are in fact members of Gate Pass' motley band of protectors. It is true that the resistance is committed to the neutrality of the city and are therefore enemies of Ragesia at this moment in time. However, the intelligence contained in that case is likely of more value to my King. You see, while you and your group are concerned with the slush covered streets within the currently besieged walls of Gate Pass, my King prepares for a larger prize. Would it surprise you to learn that my King, Lord Shaaladel was a most trusted companion and advisor to the late Emperor Coaltongue of Ragesia? Indeed, during Ragesia’s annexation of its neighbors, Lord Shaaladel lent aid, and he and his trusted aides participated personally in battles at Coaltongue’s side. With the sudden death of the Emperor, it was assumed that my King would incorporate the throne of Ragesia into a new Shining Empire of Shahalesti. Instead, Leska, Coaltongue's high inquisitor has usurped the throne! The Shining Lands of Shahalesti cannot accept this."
She pauses once again. "I apologize, for I do not mean to lecture. If you and your group are truly enemies of Ragesia, then I am open to discussions on how we might both utilize this intelligence."
[sblock="what Hrmir sees"]Hrmir, you've taken a a really good look around the room and you don't see anything beyond what is plainly obvious[/sblock]
digimattic
First Post
Arnir steps forward with his bow over his shoulder, the ancient carvings plainly displayed to the lovely she-elf before him
"Lady Shealis, I am Arnir, of the House of Bowflight. I must say it is an honour to meet you- I have admired....your skill over the past few months I have stayed here in Gate Pass. In truth, I cannot speak for the group as a whole, for I have known them only since this evening. What I can tell you, you already know: This group of resistance fighters struggle for their city. While I cannot claim to have such loft ambitions, they have come to my aid and offer me passage out of the city. Cutting to the chase, it is clear you are an intelligent woman, and you have a sense for politics and the way of the world. I put it to you like this: would it not be better to let Gate Pass resist the Ragesians on its own? In such a high-stakes game, it seems to me foolish to involve Shahalesti in a conflict where they could allow a third party to do the "dirty work" for them, rather than announce themselves to this Inquisitor as an aggressor from the outset. Our King, Corellon protect him, is wise enough not to pay for something he can get for free."
"Lady Shealis, I am Arnir, of the House of Bowflight. I must say it is an honour to meet you- I have admired....your skill over the past few months I have stayed here in Gate Pass. In truth, I cannot speak for the group as a whole, for I have known them only since this evening. What I can tell you, you already know: This group of resistance fighters struggle for their city. While I cannot claim to have such loft ambitions, they have come to my aid and offer me passage out of the city. Cutting to the chase, it is clear you are an intelligent woman, and you have a sense for politics and the way of the world. I put it to you like this: would it not be better to let Gate Pass resist the Ragesians on its own? In such a high-stakes game, it seems to me foolish to involve Shahalesti in a conflict where they could allow a third party to do the "dirty work" for them, rather than announce themselves to this Inquisitor as an aggressor from the outset. Our King, Corellon protect him, is wise enough not to pay for something he can get for free."
Adjuntive
First Post
Rightfully acquired, Alric nearly spits upon these words knowing full well that their acquisition was a form of robbery. Though even its original acquisition was dubious and the fact his very presence, as a Ragesian, a Ragesian exile no less could make this negotiation become heated very quickly. And the outcome of this negotiation is crucial. That and he is intrigued by Arnir's ploy and watches Shealis intently for her reaction, suddenly intrigued by what may come from this line of discussion.
"Lady Shealis, I am called Alric Greyblade. I am of Ragesian blood, but I do not fight with their colours. You have my word and I swear upon the gauntlet of Helm that I do not serve the interests of the High Inquisitor in any way. My interest is for my home of Gate's Pass."
Alric then steps behind and to the left of Arnir indicating his deference of the negotiation to him.
"Lady Shealis, I am called Alric Greyblade. I am of Ragesian blood, but I do not fight with their colours. You have my word and I swear upon the gauntlet of Helm that I do not serve the interests of the High Inquisitor in any way. My interest is for my home of Gate's Pass."
Alric then steps behind and to the left of Arnir indicating his deference of the negotiation to him.
Torrent speaks up at this point: "My name is Torrent and I represent the resistance. While I cannot comment on your country's bid for power, though to be honest it unnerves me given that my home is situated between both Shahalesti and Ragesia, I can stress this point: we are both current enemies of Ragesia. Let us work together. Take us to the case and perhaps our combined skills and talents can open the case. Perhaps at that point we can discuss what is to be done with the information. As my fellow resistance fighter has noted" she points to Hrimr "we should endeavor to share it. Perhaps we can even work together at some point in the future. Given our city council's penchant for idiocy, your government may need allies in the city lest it fall to the Ragesians and the strategic buffer between the two nations is absorbed for the benefit of Leska."
funkmamagoat
First Post
Kirio, who has been standing very much in the background for the last while, feels his pulse quicken slightly as he spares a brief moment to look the elven woman up and down appreciatively
He steps forward, flings his cape (which somehow is now a striking green, that very much matches his eyes?) aside rather ostentatiously and and bows formally to Shealis "Vmaaanelvla cilwa, E ils Nemee eo Nyilcillela, illw ils ireleymaw ane fa el anira tymalaalnya eo ela laynyir illa aey. Ean ela eoanal anmaelv ane fa laymmeylwaw fa irysillla amiral ela ela lae oilm omes iresa?"
[sblock="if you speak elven"] Greetings lady, I am Kirio of Calanis, sometimes called the Effusive, and am honoured to be in your presence. Your radiance brightens an otherwise spartan room and dreadful night. It is often trying to be surrounded by humans when one is so far from home, and comforting to speak in one's own tongue, yes?[/sblock]
He switches to common for the benefit of the others and smiles with what he hopes is a reassuring expression for the obviously powerful woman "I know our time is short, and that the situation is tense, but I have had the honour to fight with these fellows, and fought the Ragesians here 40 years ago in the company of this good woman's (indicating Torrent) mother for the resistance, her words are true. The odds of Gate Pass holding against this assault are slim to none and Shahalesian Crown will need allies in the city, yes? We know you have rightfully acquired the case, and do not dispute your right to it or what it contains; we ask only that you consider that Shahalesi may benefit from our assistance in its conflict with our common enemy and that to this end you share what in contains that there demise may more quickly be made to come about. Surely Shahalesti can make use of the resistance in its righteous cause, no? Tonight's battle is less important than the ultimate goal, and we elves know how to take the long way; the resistance is a tool you can use on this road."
OOC: Diplomacy to convince Shealis to share information and that working with the resistance is in her long-term interest
 |  |  | |||
| |||||
| |||||
| | | | ||
 | |  | |||
| |||||
He steps forward, flings his cape (which somehow is now a striking green, that very much matches his eyes?) aside rather ostentatiously and and bows formally to Shealis "Vmaaanelvla cilwa, E ils Nemee eo Nyilcillela, illw ils ireleymaw ane fa el anira tymalaalnya eo ela laynyir illa aey. Ean ela eoanal anmaelv ane fa laymmeylwaw fa irysillla amiral ela ela lae oilm omes iresa?"
[sblock="if you speak elven"] Greetings lady, I am Kirio of Calanis, sometimes called the Effusive, and am honoured to be in your presence. Your radiance brightens an otherwise spartan room and dreadful night. It is often trying to be surrounded by humans when one is so far from home, and comforting to speak in one's own tongue, yes?[/sblock]
He switches to common for the benefit of the others and smiles with what he hopes is a reassuring expression for the obviously powerful woman "I know our time is short, and that the situation is tense, but I have had the honour to fight with these fellows, and fought the Ragesians here 40 years ago in the company of this good woman's (indicating Torrent) mother for the resistance, her words are true. The odds of Gate Pass holding against this assault are slim to none and Shahalesian Crown will need allies in the city, yes? We know you have rightfully acquired the case, and do not dispute your right to it or what it contains; we ask only that you consider that Shahalesi may benefit from our assistance in its conflict with our common enemy and that to this end you share what in contains that there demise may more quickly be made to come about. Surely Shahalesti can make use of the resistance in its righteous cause, no? Tonight's battle is less important than the ultimate goal, and we elves know how to take the long way; the resistance is a tool you can use on this road."
OOC: Diplomacy to convince Shealis to share information and that working with the resistance is in her long-term interest
Last edited:
Shealis sits quietly after listening to Arnir, Torrent and Kirio's arguments. After a few uncomfortable minutes, she ceases her deliberation, takes a deep breath and responds:
"Arnir, I know of your House. I understand it holds honour in the court of Calanis so I accept your position in light of your standing in Shahalesti. I also agree with your reasoned point of view."
"Torrent, I hear your plea and I recognize that there may be some mutual strategic benefit to our cooperation against Ragesia. I am spurred on by your disdain for the current political regime in Gate Pass for, as you know, they have seen fit to force my people to live in designated ghettos for some time now."
"Kirio of Calanis, while I know not of you from our homeland, I also hear the wisdom in your soft voice and can see the vigor of your argument in your intense stare."
She stands up and shoulders a pack at the foot of her bed. "I have heard your deliberations and ultimately I concur."
"But mistress-" Larion interjects. Shealis waves a hand and cuts her associate off: "Silence Larion. I have made my decision." Larion's face reddens and he turns his eyes to her feet in deference.
Turning back to you all, she continues: "My associate and I will take you to the case's current location. There we will work together to determine its condition and address any potential hurdles by cooperation and pooling of resources. We will then determine the fate of the information contained within the case once it has been appropriately reviewed. Come, we leave immediately."
With that, Shealis strides from the room with Larion clipping at her heels. You follow the agents of Shahalesti back down the stairwell, pausing only to say your goodbyes to Diogenes who wishes you well and offers up a rude gesture to Shealis as she strides by.
You exit Gabal's and trudge back out into the snowy streets of Gate Pass. Fire still lights up the sky to the West and the occasional muted crashing of a building or a distant landed stone from a sieging trebuchet cries out. You follow Shealis and Larion eastward through two more districts and then head towards the southern wall of the city. The elves lead you through cramped alleys, beneath sky bridges and through stone archways until you reach a small residential area.
Though a few of the buildings in the vicinity have fallen down, and small fires still smolder at this late hour, a number of people stand outside chatting and children play in the streets. Everyone in the area is of elven, or half-elven heritage and they stare at the non-elves in your party as you pass. Kirio and Arnir, you recognize this area as one of the elven ghettos that your people are forced to inhabit in Gate Pass. The ghetto itself is quiet, filled with many trellises along the sides of buildings and plenty of open squares lit, presumably magically, by purple and blue dancing lights and torches.
Eventually, Shealis arrives at a two-story brick building which, upon your close inspection, has a fake front door, and the windows are just wooden frames painted to look like curtains have been pulled. The chimney is exhaling smoke, a sign that someone is there, but there seems to be no entrance to the building.
Hrimr, ever since you’ve been in the ghetto, you have noticed that a crow appears to be quietly following your group. It has not done anything except follow you. When you arrive at the two-story brick building, you fail to spot it and it seems to have left.
The she-elf wizard takes you down a side alley and around the back of the building to a narrow space between it and the outer wall of the ghetto. A rat scurries around looking for food. Shealis points your attention to a secret door made of wood, painted to look like brick, and identifies three switches that can turn, hidden in a carving of various creatures. First she turns the carving of an armored woman with a gleaming greatsword, then the carving of a noble and muscular man with a lion’s head and finally the carving of winged woman with a trumpet. You all hear a loud metallic click and she then opens the secret door.
Following after her, you find yourself in a 50-ft. square room that is dimly lit by a roaring fire in a fireplace against the left wall, filling the building with modest warmth. Casting shadows throughout the room are nearly a dozen doors, propped up by metal frames, all of them unfinished. Tools hang around the walls, stacks of wood are piled beside the fire place, and sawdust covers the floor. It looks like the workshop of a carpenter obsessed with doors. A staircase leads upward in the back right corner, and one of the doors stands at the foot of the stairs. Three golden-haired badgers slumber near the fire and though they rouse when you arrive, they quickly lay back down once they see Shealis.
“Fmelv weaml anira nyillaa, ean ela E, Shealis!” Shealis calls out in elven,
Moments later, two elven warriors pad down the stairs. They wear helmets of the soldiers of Shahalesti and are clad in chainmail. Two swords hang at their belts and shortbows are strapped to their backs. One of the soldiers hands a black metallic case to Shealis and bows in respect.
Smiling, she turns to you: “Well, here it is. Where do we begin?”
[sblock=”if you speak elven”]Bring down the case, it is I, Shealis![/sblock]
"Arnir, I know of your House. I understand it holds honour in the court of Calanis so I accept your position in light of your standing in Shahalesti. I also agree with your reasoned point of view."
"Torrent, I hear your plea and I recognize that there may be some mutual strategic benefit to our cooperation against Ragesia. I am spurred on by your disdain for the current political regime in Gate Pass for, as you know, they have seen fit to force my people to live in designated ghettos for some time now."
"Kirio of Calanis, while I know not of you from our homeland, I also hear the wisdom in your soft voice and can see the vigor of your argument in your intense stare."
She stands up and shoulders a pack at the foot of her bed. "I have heard your deliberations and ultimately I concur."
"But mistress-" Larion interjects. Shealis waves a hand and cuts her associate off: "Silence Larion. I have made my decision." Larion's face reddens and he turns his eyes to her feet in deference.
Turning back to you all, she continues: "My associate and I will take you to the case's current location. There we will work together to determine its condition and address any potential hurdles by cooperation and pooling of resources. We will then determine the fate of the information contained within the case once it has been appropriately reviewed. Come, we leave immediately."
With that, Shealis strides from the room with Larion clipping at her heels. You follow the agents of Shahalesti back down the stairwell, pausing only to say your goodbyes to Diogenes who wishes you well and offers up a rude gesture to Shealis as she strides by.
You exit Gabal's and trudge back out into the snowy streets of Gate Pass. Fire still lights up the sky to the West and the occasional muted crashing of a building or a distant landed stone from a sieging trebuchet cries out. You follow Shealis and Larion eastward through two more districts and then head towards the southern wall of the city. The elves lead you through cramped alleys, beneath sky bridges and through stone archways until you reach a small residential area.
Though a few of the buildings in the vicinity have fallen down, and small fires still smolder at this late hour, a number of people stand outside chatting and children play in the streets. Everyone in the area is of elven, or half-elven heritage and they stare at the non-elves in your party as you pass. Kirio and Arnir, you recognize this area as one of the elven ghettos that your people are forced to inhabit in Gate Pass. The ghetto itself is quiet, filled with many trellises along the sides of buildings and plenty of open squares lit, presumably magically, by purple and blue dancing lights and torches.
Eventually, Shealis arrives at a two-story brick building which, upon your close inspection, has a fake front door, and the windows are just wooden frames painted to look like curtains have been pulled. The chimney is exhaling smoke, a sign that someone is there, but there seems to be no entrance to the building.
Hrimr, ever since you’ve been in the ghetto, you have noticed that a crow appears to be quietly following your group. It has not done anything except follow you. When you arrive at the two-story brick building, you fail to spot it and it seems to have left.
The she-elf wizard takes you down a side alley and around the back of the building to a narrow space between it and the outer wall of the ghetto. A rat scurries around looking for food. Shealis points your attention to a secret door made of wood, painted to look like brick, and identifies three switches that can turn, hidden in a carving of various creatures. First she turns the carving of an armored woman with a gleaming greatsword, then the carving of a noble and muscular man with a lion’s head and finally the carving of winged woman with a trumpet. You all hear a loud metallic click and she then opens the secret door.
Following after her, you find yourself in a 50-ft. square room that is dimly lit by a roaring fire in a fireplace against the left wall, filling the building with modest warmth. Casting shadows throughout the room are nearly a dozen doors, propped up by metal frames, all of them unfinished. Tools hang around the walls, stacks of wood are piled beside the fire place, and sawdust covers the floor. It looks like the workshop of a carpenter obsessed with doors. A staircase leads upward in the back right corner, and one of the doors stands at the foot of the stairs. Three golden-haired badgers slumber near the fire and though they rouse when you arrive, they quickly lay back down once they see Shealis.
“Fmelv weaml anira nyillaa, ean ela E, Shealis!” Shealis calls out in elven,
Moments later, two elven warriors pad down the stairs. They wear helmets of the soldiers of Shahalesti and are clad in chainmail. Two swords hang at their belts and shortbows are strapped to their backs. One of the soldiers hands a black metallic case to Shealis and bows in respect.
Smiling, she turns to you: “Well, here it is. Where do we begin?”
[sblock=”if you speak elven”]Bring down the case, it is I, Shealis![/sblock]
Last edited:
