Ye Olde Adventure Worlde session 39

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Summary

May opens he box from Lady Morelos and finds a crown that Saḫḫiru finds very concerning. She also hosts a court, where Laito Voronwië and Ulkash are presented and describe their situations and goals - Laito to have an off-season place to restock and relax, and Ulkash to find a place of refuge for her people.

Session

Session date:

In Game date:

Session Start: Sun Jun 30 12:15:15 2019 Session Ident: #gnomeland
<May> Yeah, probably the safest area.
<YOAW_Narrator> Heh, I had my Downloads folder open, and apparently Landis searched for "ffffffffffffffcxd"
<May> hee
<YOAW_Narrator> I forget, is this a Knowledge or Will test?
<YOAW_Narrator> I feel like initially a Knowledge test, at least.
<May> To cast a ritual? It's ussually both I think.
<YOAW_Narrator> Okie doke, let's start with Knowledge for the moment.
<May> !roll 7d6
* Lan-werk rolls for May: [ 7d6 ] getting [ 5 2 1 6 2 4 6 ] for a total of [ 26 ].
<May> so 23
<May> That's the part I'm good at... >.>
<YOAW_Narrator> You, Faire, and Temu proceed to lay out a series of wards over the course of several days worth of spellcasting.
* Sahhiru will come find you on the first day of such preparations.
<Sahhiru> Ahem.
<May> Uncle!
<May> Hi!
<May> How are you!
<Sahhiru> -_-
<Sahhiru> I would like a moment alone with my niece.
* Faire looks at May. Temu, for her part, nods and walks out immediately.
* May smiles, hopefully reassuringly at Faire, though probably more worriedly.
* Faire returns a weak smile and will follow Temu.
<May> Is... something wrong?
<Sahhiru> I wish you'd come to me before you started this.
* May sighs.
* Sahhiru puts up a hand.
<Sahhiru> I'm not going to stop you.
* May raises an eyebrow
<Sahhiru> But it would perhaps be wise to let your people know you're possibly putting yourself in danger.
<May> I thought you would stop me. I owe it to Induriel to at least try.
<Sahhiru> I'm not sure it will help Induriel, but that would be a happy outcome.
<May> How did you know?
<Sahhiru> Temu told me, of course.
<May> -_-
<Sahhiru> She has your best interests in mind.
<Sahhiru> As well as her troops'.
<May> What about her troops?
<Sahhiru> What happens to them if something happens to you?
<May> There's never been a blind ruler before? I'd manage.
<Sahhiru> Induriel was blinded by a glance at the contents of the box in a vision.
<Sahhiru> That's quite removed from being physically present when the box is opened.
<May> ...what would you do?
<Sahhiru> I'm sorry?
<May> I'm asking for your advice, uncle. You're my advisor. What would you do if you were me?
<Sahhiru> I told you, I'm not going to stop you. In fact, I'm going to help. I believe this to be important.
<Sahhiru> But my previous inquiry was not rhetorical.
<Sahhiru> What happens to Temu's troops if something happens to you? If you, gods forbid, perished from whatever that is, what happens to your people?
<May> If something happened to me... I don't know. I guess the city and its troops would go to you. Or back to Laris.
<May> But that's not going to happen.
* Sahhiru sighs.
<May> I can do this.
<Sahhiru> I've taught you better than that.
<Sahhiru> I do believe you can do this.
<Sahhiru> But I need to know you understand how much you're risking, and for whom.
* May is silent for a moment.
<May> I understand.
* Sahhiru gives May a long look, then casts his gaze over the ward preparations.
<Sahhiru> Well, you seem to have done good work.
<May> Thanks.
<May> I suppose... I should really think about succession once this is over.
<Sahhiru> -_-
<Sahhiru> Yes, you should.
* Sahhiru sighs.
<Sahhiru> For now, concentrate on the task you've laid out for yourself.
<Sahhiru> It will do no one any good for you to be distracted.
<May> Thank you... for understanding.
* Sahhiru gives a small, indulgent smile.
* Sahhiru sighs again, heavily.
<Sahhiru> You will be the death of me, Mamitu. And that truly means something for someone with a lifespan like mine.
* May smiles and puts an arm around him.
* Sahhiru returns the gesture.
<May> Don't say things like that. You know I'd never want to hurt you.
<Sahhiru> What we accomplish and what we *want
* to accomplish are often quite different, esibaru.
* May frowns at that.
<YOAW_Narrator> (Okay, on to box opening. Can I get that Will test?)
<May> !roll 4d6
* Lan-werk rolls for May: [ 4d6 ] getting [ 4 5 5 4 ] for a total of [ 18 ].
<May> 14...
<YOAW_Narrator> (That's a solid roll)
<May> (Whew...)
<YOAW_Narrator> Okay, anyone else in the room when you open this thing? Probably Faire should be elsewhere, and Sahhiru will want to be there. Temu?
<May> (No, as few people as possible. If Sahirru insists on being there I'd want him waaaaaaay back.)
* Sahhiru will wait outside the edge of the outer wards, which should contain anything if the inner ones fail. Should...)
<YOAW_Narrator> The box remains a strangely negative space to your magical senses, and seems an ordinary box, if of unusual material.
<YOAW_Narrator> It has a simple lock, into which you insert the key. A careful turn and you hear a soft click.
* May flinches only slightly.
<YOAW_Narrator> Attempting to slowly lift the lid, you are blinded by a bright flash, accompanied by the smell of brimstone and an echo of voices you can't quite make out.
<YOAW_Narrator> As your vision clears, you see, sitting in the box, an iron crown.
<Sahhiru> May! Close the box!
<May> Huh...
* May looks at Sahirru and then quickly does so.
* Sahhiru looks the closest to panicked you've ever seen him.
<May> It's... a crown.
<Sahhiru> Stay right where you are.
<May> Uncle... what... are you ok?
* Sahhiru begins walking around the outer edge of the wards, closely examining them.
<May> What is it?
* Sahhiru seems to regain some composure.
<Sahhiru> I am...concerned.
<May> If you know something, tell me.
<Sahhiru> I don't know how she...
<Sahhiru> Give me a moment to check your wards again.
* Sahhiru continues his circuit, nodding as he finishes.
<Sahhiru> The box is locked again?
<May> No, just closed. Should I? What is going on?
<Sahhiru> Please, lock it.
<Sahhiru> I recognize that crown.
* May does so carefully
<Sahhiru> Or, at least, its like.
<May> From where?
<Sahhiru> From home.
* Sahhiru gives May a significant look.
* May looks at the box again.
<May> What... does it do?
<Sahhiru> For the moment, it makes us a target, but I think your wards may have prevented anyone from sensing it.
<Sahhiru> At least, I pray that is the case.
<May> Gods...
<May> Where did she get something like that?
<Sahhiru> I truly don't know.
<Sahhiru> Though I'd like to find out.
<Sahhiru> For the moment, we should leave it warded.
<May> (Does it seem like the box is containing it magically again?)
<YOAW_Narrator> (It does, yes. It's not currently detectable to magical senses.)
<May> Yes... yes that seems like a good idea.
<May> And double the guards on this room. No one comes in.
* Sahhiru nods.
<Sahhiru> I'll make sure Temu and Kadanu are informed.
* May nods.
<Sahhiru> We have some things to discuss, but, for now, perhaps you should get some rest.
<Sahhiru> And food. You've been performing warding rituals for days.
* May nods.
<May> But they held.
* May smiles slightly.
* Sahhiru smiles proudly and puts an arm around May to lead her out of the room.
* May nudges him in the ribs.
<May> Told ya.
* Sahhiru chuckles.
<YOAW_Narrator> Okay, so, Induriel, Laris, and Laito should arrive back in town about the time Korivan and Urath do.
* Daifan is basically just escorting a small group, and leaving the rest under observation
<YOAW_Narrator> Presumably, folks are headed to the keep?
<Daifan> (yes)
<Laris> (yeah)
<Induriel> (sure)
* Daifan is now known as Korivan
<Induriel> (I mean, I'm going wherever they lead me. :P )
<YOAW_Narrator> (heh)
* NPC3 (webchat253.ranchwireless.com) has joined #gnomeland
<Induriel> (I assume I have warned Laito about the presence of Vanilorran elves, and not to attack them on sight or anything. :P )
<YOAW_Narrator> (Presumably)
<YOAW_Narrator> Servants can be sent to inform a tired May and a worried Sahhiru about the guests.
* Sahhiru will ask that they be brought to the great hall.
* May gives the biggest sigh that the servant has ever likely heard and heads down.
* Faire is now known as Laito
* NPC3 is now known as Urath
* Laito takes in the keep, quite calm.
* Urath seems more nervous, openly staring at the high walls.
<YOAW_Narrator> Everyone just arriving will be ushered into the hall, with May and Sahhiru arriving moments later.
* Sahhiru casts a glance at Korivan and Urath, but nods towards Laris to bring Induriel and Laito forward.
* Laris will do so.
* Induriel will let himself be guided into position
<Laris> May I present Captain Laito Voronwië, called Uraiwë, Captain of the Ola Sornë.
* Laito bows deeply to May.
<May> Greetings, Captain. Welcome to Nesu Abamatu.
<Laito> I thank you for your hospitality, Siru Lalu.
<Laito> I come bearing gifts. I'm given to understand you have a fondness for the written word.
* Laito will produce several scrolls and a large, bound book.
* May chuckles slightly.
<May> Yes, I do.
<May> My thanks, captain.
* Laito gives a dazzling smile.
<Laito> The least one could offer for such imposition.
<May> What is it that you are looking for here.
<Laito> A place for my troops to winter. Or perhaps 'to rainy' might be more accurate in this climate.
<May> Queen Alcarinel asked as much on your behalf a short time ago. I understand that our answer did not reach you before you arrived here.
* Induriel carefully does not react to this statement
<Laito> Yes, Siru, and I apologize again.
<Laito> As I mentioned to the ambassador and Lugal Corvis, we can of course remain outside of Nesu Abamatu's territory if necessary.
* Induriel nods fractionally
<Laito> Though perhaps some agreement could be reached wherein we are still able to trade for supplies in the city?
<May> Captain... your presence puts me in something of a predicament. Why here?
<Laito> We have a contract with the rulers of Iter-Was to clear space for a settlement to the south and west of here.
<Laito> This is the nearest bastion of civilization, and thus offers the best opportunity for rest and resupply.
<May> How close to the city would you be camping?
* Korivan looks bored and unimpressed
<Laris> I imagine that would be negotiable, and would require discussion with the Hrieffen?
<Laito> On campaign? Not at all. Were we allowed to stay here, I'm sure some would seek quarters in the city, but we would establish a camp in consultation with you and your people so as to ensure no difficulties.
<May> Mmmm...
<YOAW_Narrator> (Korivan, they do at least register as fairly magically powerful to your senses)
* Korivan pays more attention once the Hrieffen are directly mentioned
<Korivan> (okay cool)
<May> Captain, would you be so kind as to give me a moment to consult with my advisors? I'll have my servants bring some food to the dining room for you if you are hungry.
<Korivan> (like, relatve to who?)
<YOAW_Narrator> (Relative to most of you in the room. You'd put them on par with any of you, but you'd need to examine them more closely to be sure.)
<Korivan> (okay)
<Laito> Of course, Siru. I am at your service.
<May> (Are they dragonmarked?)
* Laito gives another deep bow and will take their leave.
<YOAW_Narrator> (Not that you sense at all, or see. (And they don't wear a ton of clothes ;))
* Korivan glances at May and co, and then at Urath, and will assume if she wants to talk to peeps we shoudl also step out for the moment
* Urath will go where Korivan goes.
<Induriel> (Well, we may want to talk to Korivan sans Urath for a few minutes at some point in the very near future...)
<May> Gaath Korivan, I would like your input as well if possible.
<May> But if you'd like to see to our other guests comfort first, that would be good also.
<Korivan> She can wait.
* Urath nods.
<Urath> I'll, uh, I'll just be outside.
* May nods.
<May> Thank you.
* Laito smiles at Urath and holds the door for her.
* May will send a servant to take care of her as well.
* Korivan will come close to where the actoin is instead of lurking near the door
* May will wait until they are both out of the room.
<Korivan> (action)
<YOAW_Narrator> You'll hear Laito greet Urath in Orcish as the door closes.
<May> Ok... so. Thoughts?
<Sahhiru> They seem perfectly polite, in person, but that doesn't change the situation.
<Korivan> ...what situation?
<Korivan> What do they want?
<Sahhiru> They have 500 troops which they wish to station in our territory.
<May> The situation of having hundreds of mercenaries camped on our doorsteps.
* Korivan looks unimpressed
<May> This place is precarious enough without a wildcard like that in the mix.
<Induriel> The Captain did explain something of their reason for being here, however. And I believe that reason is of interest to Nesu Abamatu.
<Laris> They seem disposed to be respectful of our wishes and boundaries. And, if they wish to spend their money in the city, it could be beneficial for us.
<Induriel> The Captain and the Ola Sornë both have an exemplary reputation. I am sure they will abide by your wishes, and be of minimal trouble.
<Induriel> However, there is more to consider here.
<Korivan> Who are they fighting?
<Induriel> It seems that Per An is interested in expanding northward.
<YOAW_Narrator> (Iter-Was. I said Per An last time, but I need to go back and correct the logs)
<Korivan> (Oh I can fix that)
<Induriel> (Oh, right. Sorry. :P )
<YOAW_Narrator> (np, just reminding)
<Sahhiru> That's concerning.
<May> (How far is Iter-Was from us?)
<Sahhiru> This is would be further north than the wadjet have ever settled before.
<Induriel> Orcs, it seems. Which brings us to your own guest, Gaath Korivan. Could you tell us more about her, and why she has come here?
<YOAW_Narrator> (Pretty far. About as far as Aethrennar, but over water, so shorter in practice)
<Korivan> She wants ....aslyum, for her people.
<Korivan> We found them in our lands _
<Sahhiru> In your lands?
<Induriel> That is consistent with what Laito told us. It seems the orcs are being driven northward by Iter-Was' efforts.
* Korivan nods slowly at Sahhiru
<May> Are they asking for asylum with your people or in the city?
<Korivan> They came.... seeking the city
* Induriel raises an eyebrow
<Korivan> She can speak.. for herself
<Sahhiru> How many are there?
<Induriel> Refusing the Ola Sornë while accepting many orcs would be... difficult to explain, perhaps.
<Korivan> a few hundred But they are..... not warriors. Mostly.
<Sahhiru> Ambassador, surely you see they are different circumstances.
<Sahhiru> Ah, understand, rather.
<Induriel> Yes, yes. I was merely making an observation, not an official protest.
<Induriel> But to the main issue: what does this expansion imply for the city?
<Korivan> (I can't tell theres anythig wrong with INduriel can I?)
<Laris> The Ola Sornë, however, don't seek to stay within the city. They are willing to camp at a distance and visit for supplies as needed.
<Induriel> (Well, my eyes are visibly black. That's new. :P )
<YOAW_Narrator> (Yes, you can, as his eyes are entirely black)
<Korivan> (neat. I'll stare at him. ont that he'll notice ;V)
<Induriel> Gaath Korivan, what does this mean for your people? I think we can expect more orcish refugees coming into your lands.
<Sahhiru> Housing is already lacking. Several hundred more will be difficult.
<Sahhiru> Though I suppose we were discussing more labor...
<Induriel> This is likely just the beginning... the first trickle in a possible flood.
<Laris> We can set to work constructing more housing - and yes, we had already envisioned expanding the walls to accomodate more growth.
<May> But if we allow the orcs in and the mercenaries to enter to trade, could we expect fighting or killing inside the walls?
<Sahhiru> Well, if their reputation holds true, and we make it clear we'll look with considerable disfavor upon such, hopefully that will hold.
<Sahhiru> And we can deal harshly with any disturbances.
<Laris> If it becomes an issue, we can enforce our laws as necessary.
* May nods.
<Induriel> On the Ola Sornë side, certainly. But what about the orcs? Gaath Korivan, you say these refugees are not warriors.
* Korivan frowns
<Korivan> They're not.
<Korivan> More..... craftspeople.
* Korivan looks at may
<Induriel> Can we count upon them to maintain the peace, then?
<Sahhiru> They'll understand the consequences if they don't.
<Sahhiru> And Korivan is not here to speak for them.
<Korivan> YOu wanted your city to be.... a palace for people to come. So I let them ome here to speak for themselves.
<May> Yes. You're right. we should hear from her.
<Korivan> (place, not palace)
<Induriel> Now, you mean, Mamitu? It could inform our further deliberations.
<Induriel> Though I expect we will need to discuss matters privately again after that.
<May> Yes. We can continue once she's been heard.
* Induriel nods
* Sahhiru will go to the door to send someone to bring Urath back.
* Urath will return shortly.
<May> (Does Urath have any sort of title?)
* Urath is a tall, broad woman in her late middle age, with long black hair and deep green skin.
<YOAW_Narrator> (Speaker is fine.)
<YOAW_Narrator> (I'll have to come up with what that is in Orcish, but she speaks Turathi)
<May> Welcome Speaker. You are here on behalf of your people?
* Urath nods.
<Urath> On behalf of my family, yes, Siru.
* Urath seems a bit nervous.
* May nods.
<May> Go ahead, then. You are safe here.
<Urath> We're from south and west of here, back over the mountains.
<Urath> Mercenaries, hired by the serpentfolk, drove my family from their home.
<Urath> We don't have the best relations with our mountain kin, so we moved more north, and we had heard of your city.
<Urath> We hoped we might seek shelter here.
* May nods.
<May> How many are you?
<Urath> My people are strong, if not numerous compared to this place. We can fight or build or craft, as you need.
<Urath> 368 have made it here with me, to the Hrieffen lands.
<Induriel> From how far away did you journey to get here, Speaker Urath?
<Urath> Many days travel. A passing of the moon, at least. We were travelling with wounded, children and elders.
<Induriel> I see.
<May> If your people are given refuge in the city, will they agree to abide by it's laws and not break its peace?
* Urath nods.
<Induriel> Could you tell us more about the attack on your people?
<Induriel> I am sorry to focus on such an unpleasant memory, but such military action is of interest and concern to us.
<Urath> They were so many. Many times our tribe's number, even before the battle.
<Urath> Turathi, like you, Siru.
<Urath> And smallfolk, uh, gnomes. And giants. And undead.
<Induriel> Was it only your tribe that was attacked?
* Korivan will see if this description matches any forces he knows of, particularly
<YOAW_Narrator> (It's not an unusual makeup for a Turathi force.)
<YOAW_Narrator> (House Lalu still has a few giant slaves, though not many, and gnomes were part of Turath.)
<Urath> Many tribes, many killed. Some stayed with the mountain tribes, to continue the fight, but we lost most of our warriors.
<Urath> And, as I said, we aren't as, hmm, aligned with our mountain kin.
<Induriel> Did you have any warning that this attack was going to take place? Any rumours beforehand, or attempts at negotiation?
* Korivan frowns
<Korivan> Who cares?
<Urath> We were told to leave our homeland. We refused. They attacked.
<YOAW_Narrator> (Again, not unusual for a Turathi legion)
<Korivan> (but whre are theyre turathi legions in the area that we;re not controlling?)
<Induriel> (Mercenaries.)
<Induriel> I think it is important to know, Gaath Korivan.
<Korivan> Why?
<Induriel> Because we may eventually be the target of such attacks ourselves.
<Induriel> I would like to know what sort of warnings we may expect, if any.
<Sahhiru> It's not unwise.
<May> That may be a bit premature, but your point is taken, Lord Antalanon.
<Korivan> YOu think they woudl approach this place.... the same way?
* Korivan sounds grumpy and dubious
<Sahhiru> Unlikely, but we must be aware of the possibility.
<Sahhiru> If the Ola Sorne are a concern, certainly this force would be as well.
<Induriel> Unlikely in the near future. But in time...
<Induriel> Speaker Urath, do you know the name of the company or companies that attacked? Or could you describe the standards and flags?
<Urath> They had many, but all flew the yellow dragon banner. Many flew a flag of nine crowns.
* Sahhiru frowns.
<May> (Is that one we would know?)
<YOAW_Narrator> (You'd all know the 'yellow' (gold) dragon banner is the imperial flag of Turath. You can test Knowledge on the other.)
<Induriel> (Does that mean anything to me? I assume not, I'd need Malliel or Valtheriel to tell me later...)
<Induriel> (But hey, I can try...)
<Induriel> !roll 4d6
* Lan-werk rolls for Induriel: [ 4d6 ] getting [ 2 3 6 1 ] for a total of [ 12 ].
<May> (Does education add?)
<YOAW_Narrator> (Eh, not in this case, I don't think)
<Korivan> !roll 4d6
* Lan-werk rolls for Korivan: [ 4d6 ] getting [ 2 2 3 2 ] for a total of [ 9 ].
<May> k
<May> !roll 5d6
* Lan-werk rolls for May: [ 5d6 ] getting [ 6 6 4 6 4 ] for a total of [ 26 ].
<May> (wooo!)
<Korivan> (no clue)
<Induriel> (Cripes, May! :O )
<YOAW_Narrator> (May, you recognize the banner of the Green Steel Legion. They're an old and storied army of Bael Turath, not previously mercenaries, but also thought destroyed in the Doom.)
<May> The Green Steel banner? I thoguht they were wiped out?
<Sahhiru> Reports of their demise seem to have been greatly exaggerated.
<Induriel> It seems not. From what the Speaker is telling us, they survived... and must still number in the thousands of troops?
<Sahhiru> That's a sizeable force to support.
* lan_phone (uid135102id-135102.brockwell.irccloud.com) Quit (Quit: Connection closed for inactivity)
<May> I've never heard of them being mercenaries. Either they've changesd with the times... or perhaps someone else has taken up their flag.
<Sahhiru> Perhaps.
<Induriel> Speaker Urath, is there a Turathi name for your homeland? I would like to be able to pinpoint it on a map, so we may have a more specific idea of how far away these regrettable events took place.
<Urath> Arraqu Nā'ilu, they called it.
<Induriel> (So how far away is that?)
<YOAW_Narrator> (Test Knowledge again :))
<May> !roll 5d6
* Lan-werk rolls for May: [ 5d6 ] getting [ 2 1 2 2 5 ] for a total of [ 12 ].
<Induriel> !roll 4d6
* Lan-werk rolls for Induriel: [ 4d6 ] getting [ 4 5 4 6 ] for a total of [ 19 ].
<Induriel> (Plus 2B Education?)
* lan_phone (uid135102id-135102.brockwell.irccloud.com) has joined #gnomeland
<YOAW_Narrator> (Yeah, folks can include education on this one, I suppose)
<May> !roll 1d6
* Lan-werk rolls for May: [ 1d6 ] getting [ 3 ].
<May> (14 then)
<Induriel> !roll 2d6
* Lan-werk rolls for Induriel: [ 2d6 ] getting [ 6 3 ] for a total of [ 9 ].
<Induriel> (28? :D )
<May> (SHouldn't that be 21?)
<Induriel> (I don't know... is 2B two bonus dice, or simply +2?)
<YOAW_Narrator> (You still just take the highest four dice)
<May> (Roll 6, take 4)
<YOAW_Narrator> Anywho, you both know roughly where that is, more than 200 miles away to the southwest.
<Induriel> (Anything of historical or strategic interest?)
<May> That's a sizable distance. I should think we'll be safe for the time being at least.
<Laris> I think it is worth consulting Nakhtmin, in case they have some insight about the aims of the wadjet in this regard. They might not know, but they have greater knowledge of those lands than most people here, and may have knowledge of their general tactics and strategies, even if not this specific campaign.
<Induriel> For the time being, yes.
<YOAW_Narrator> (It was considered for Turathi settlement once upon a time, but its lack of a deep harbor, and smaller stable zone, made it not as desirable.)
<Induriel> But in the long run, that is not so far away. Once Iter-Was is well-established there, they may develop further designs.
<Induriel> Thank you, Speaker Urath.
<Urath> (To May) Not to push, but to be clear: Can my people stay?
* May looks at the others to see if anyone has any obvious objections.
* Laris does not
* Induriel can't see her looking around, but does not seem about to say anything either way
* Sahhiru nods his acquiescence.
<May> Speaker Urath, your people are in need, and Nesu Abamatu will not turn you away. As long as your family will abide by its laws then they are welcome to take refuge here. The matter of housing may be a bit... problematic at first with so many, but we will try to find accomodations for you as soon as possible.
<May> I know that you will be a strong addition to our community.
<Urath> You are most gracious, Siru. You have my thanks, and my people's loyalty.
* May nods and smiles at Urath.
<May> You are very welcome.
* Urath nervously returns the smile.
<May> And if you have any concerns or questions, please come and see me. For now, can I assume you will represent your people to me?
* Urath nods.
<Urath> My family trusts me to speak for them, yes.
<May> Very well. Welcome to your new home.
<YOAW_Narrator> (That seems like a good spot to go to Eyllia)
<YOAW_Narrator> (And we can have solos/other scenes later)
<YOAW_Narrator> Eyllia, you have secured the prisoners from the raider ship, and gotten the fishing ship ready to make way again.
<YOAW_Narrator> You have nine prisoners still alive, all of them, oddly compliant, if not speaking.
* Eyllia is very worried about this whole situation
* Sahhiru is now known as Lysa
* Laito is now known as Meghan
* Eyllia will meet with Lysa to discuss. Meghan is welcome to join
<Lysa> So, raiders from another plane, do you reckon?
<Eyllia> I guess?
<Meghan> Whatever they were saying to each other...if I didn't know better, I'd say it was Supernal.
<Meghan> But I didn't understand it, which is odd.
<Eyllia> Supernal? Who speaks Supernal, or a dialect of it?
<Meghan> (brb)
<Meghan> (sorry)
<Eyllia> I feel like I'm sailing in uncharted waters with no land in sight.
<Meghan> Mostly just outsiders, angels and devils and the like. Some scholars on this plane. My father.
* Meghan shrugs.
<Meghan> It's supposed to be able to be understood by anybody, but, like I said, I couldn't tell what they were saying.
<Meghan> I didn't know it could do that, but it *sounds
* like it.
<Lysa> Any idea what those people are?
* Meghan shakes her head.
<Eyllia> and why kidnap fishermen? Whats the end? Information gathering? There are better targets that you would think they could reach.
<Meghan> Never seen them, never heard of anything like them before.
* Lysa nods.
<Lysa> We could try to ask. Vana knows some translation spells.
* Eyllia nods
<Eyllia> If they are being compliant, maybe they'll be forthcoming too, once we can speak to them.
<Eyllia> I'm heading us to Hearthspire as fast as the wind will take us
<Lysa> Aye.
<YOAW_Narrator> (Do you want to try to talk to them before you get to Hearthspire, or wait until you get there?)
<Eyllia> (well try and talk to them)
<YOAW_Narrator> (As a group or one at a time?)
* Eyllia will try and pick out a pair that would seem to be the most senior or highest rank, however to figure that out.
<Eyllia> (and try one at at time from those two)
<YOAW_Narrator> (Make an Awareness test)
<Eyllia> (empathy help?)
<Eyllia> !roll 3d6+6
* Lan-werk rolls for Eyllia: [ 3d6+6 ] getting [ 3 2 3 ] for a total of [ 8 ] which, after the modifier [ 6 ] totals [ 14 ].
<Eyllia> (14 if no empathy)
<YOAW_Narrator> (You can add Empathy to this, I think)
<Eyllia> !roll 1d6
* Lan-werk rolls for Eyllia: [ 1d6 ] getting [ 4 ].
<Eyllia> (so 16)
<YOAW_Narrator> You notice two of them whose lead the others are following: an older (you think) warrior and a slightly younger (looking) caster type.
* Eyllia will point them out to be seperated.
<Eyllia> The younger one first
<YOAW_Narrator> They seem to reassure the others and come along willingly.
* Urath Raider_Caster
* Urath is now known as Raider_Caster
* Raider_Caster walks along willingly, frowning but otherwise cooperative.
* Eyllia will have him brought to her cabin, where Vana can try and work her magic
* Meghan is now known as Vana
* Vana will conduct her ritual, one she's become more adept at of late.
* Vana nods when the ritual is complete.
<Eyllia> lets see if this worked.
<Eyllia> So what do they call you?
* Raider_Caster frowns some more.
<Raider_Caster> We are called quom. You may call me Darad.
* Raider_Caster is now known as Darad
<Eyllia> Darad, then. I am Captain Eyllia. Those fishermen that you quom attacked are under my protection.
<Darad> I am sorry.
<Eyllia> You would be best to explain your actions, as it will directly affect how you and your fighters are treated.
<Darad> It no longer matters. We are expendable. Your people may do with us what you wish.
<Eyllia> If it no longer matters, then there is no reason not to tell me.
* Darad nods.
<Darad> We needed supplies. That was the secondary reason for our intrusion to your plane.
<Darad> The first was retrieval.
<Eyllia> retrieving the Kahewai?
<Darad> Kahewai?
<Eyllia> what or who were you retrieving?
<Darad> Fragments of Lakal.
<Eyllia> (do I know that name? Lakal?)
<YOAW_Narrator> (You can test Knowledge)
<Eyllia> !roll 3d6
* Lan-werk rolls for Eyllia: [ 3d6 ] getting [ 5 5 3 ] for a total of [ 13 ].
<YOAW_Narrator> (The name doesn't ring a bell)
* Eyllia looks at Vana for any hint
* Vana shrugs.
<Eyllia> what are Fragments of Lakal? Can you describe them?
<Darad> They vary. They usually appear as crystals, some as small as a grain of sand, some as large as this ship.
<Darad> They are fragments of our god and homeland.
<Eyllia> and why do you think there are fragments here?
<Darad> We can sense them. All quom can.
<Darad> Our seers search the planes for them.
<Eyllia> so you traveled to the seas here to find them? That seems very ineffective. You must have had some clue as to where you were going to complete your retrieval. Where were you headed?
<Darad> Our task, when we were taken, was completed. We sensed a fragment travelling this sea, and our kin took the bearer back with them.
<Eyllia> If this fragment is so precious to you, why take the one who was carrying it, why not barter for it instead? The risk cost you nine fighters this time.
<Darad> You misunderstand. The bearer did not carry the fragment. It was inside of them. It was unlikely your people would barter for one of their own.
<Darad> Nine fighters is a steep price, but not too dear.
<Eyllia> What will happen to the bearer when the fragment is removed?
<Darad> They will most likely perish.
<Eyllia> This was not the first quom raid for fragments. More will be coming yes?
* Darad nods.
<Darad> If not our ship, then another.
<Darad> There are many in this region of the mortal plane, for some reason.
<Eyllia> Take him back to the others
* Eyllia will continue once Darad is out of the room
<Eyllia> We'll confirm what he's said with the other one... but assuming it is all consistent, the Kahewai are in trouble.
<Eyllia> Seems too much for it to be coincident that their land appears and these planar raids begin... they brought these fragements with them.
<Eyllia> whatever they are
<Eyllia> but I dont see any danger in bringing the quom to Hearthspire for further questioning
<Eyllia> do any of you?
* Vana nods.
<Vana> Seems wise.
<Lysa> If for nothing else than to answer for what they've done.
<Eyllia> agreed
<YOAW_Narrator> The other prisoner you pointed out can be brought to you, and Vana will recast the ritual.
<YOAW_Narrator> (They'll basically confirm what Darad told you)
<YOAW_Narrator> (Perhaps a little more gruffly)
* Laris will go see Nahktmin
* Lysa Nakhtmin
* Lysa is now known as Nakhtmin
<Nakhtmin> (I keep doing that)
<Laris> Greetings.
<YOAW_Narrator> Laris is greeted by a shiny new skeleton servant, who will show him in and then go to get Nakhtmin.
* Laris takes a look around.
<Nakhtmin> Lugal Corvis, a pleasure, as always.
<Laris> Nakhtmin, it is good to see you. Your workshop seems to be doing well.
* Nakhtmin smiles.
<Nakhtmin> Well, it certainly didn't hurt business to have supplied you with some of your troops.
<Nakhtmin> And contracts with the city take up much of my time these days.
* Laris nods
<Nakhtmin> But I always have time for you. To what do I owe this visit?
<Nakhtmin> Wine? Something to eat?
* Nakhtmin offers.
<Laris> Thank you, that would be appreciated.
* Nakhtmin directs the skeleton to bring refreshments and brings Laris into an adjacent room with chairs and a table.
* Laris will take a seat.
<Laris> I wanted to ask you about certain news we've heard from the south - the people of Iter-Was are recruiting mercenaries to attack the orcs in the mountains.
* Nakhtmin frowns.
* Nakhtmin makes a sign you recognize as a warding symbol.
<Nakhtmin> Iter-Was.
<Nakhtmin> Zealots and hypocrites.
<Laris> In what way?
<Nakhtmin> Like most of my people, their rulers are divine, but those of Iter-Was believe they descend as much from [Dragon] as from [Serpent]. They see themselves as more kin to you northerners, and more worthy than the rest of my people.
* Laris listens attentively
<Nakhtmin> So they call southern practices uncivilized and sacrifice to northern gods, counting Ratha and Arkhos among them.
<Nakhtmin> No doubt they see themselves as the inheritors of the draconic legacy.
<Nakhtmin> I would be wary of their presence so near.
<Laris> So far, it sounds like it is mainly others hired by them. Is that typical of their military strategies?
* Nakhtmin nods.
<Nakhtmin> Proxies fight the majority of my people's wars, usually [warmblood] tribes: gnolls, minotaurs, orcs, halflings.
<Nakhtmin> Wadjet and sobekim lead, but rarely fight in numbers.
<Laris> We heard of a group called the Green Steel Legion, Turathi soldiers, and there is a new force recently arrived based out of Aethrennar who also proceed in that direction.
* Nakhtmin nods.
<Nakhtmin> Turathi were not an unusual sight in my home city.
<Nakhtmin> Aethrennari less so, but not unheard of.
<Laris> The Aethrennari seek to winter here and continue their fight next season. I am of two minds about it, personally, although ultimately it will be Mamitu's decision.
<Nakhtmin> How large is their force, if I may ask?
<Laris> Five hundred.
* Nakhtmin 's eyes widen.
<Nakhtmin> A significant number.
<Laris> Yes, although they are willing to have a majority of their force camp and don't require lodgings in the city. But it is not a small number to have nearby, even if we are not expected to shelter them.
<Nakhtmin> Though Aethrennari troops can surely be trusted. Can't they? Siru Lalu grew up there. I would imagine she has good relations with them.
<Nakhtmin> Of course, mercenaries are not the same as the rest of their people.
* Nakhtmin frowns.
<Laris> It is less that I think they personally cannot be trusted - they seem respectful of our territory and our laws, and they have a good reputation.
<Laris> They might even prove useful - they are capable fighters, and would probably be hireable if necessary.
<Nakhtmin> But...?
<Laris> But if they are working for Iter-Was, and Iter-Was's goals conflict with ours, we may have to pay considerably to buy their loyalty, or risk having an enemy force camped on our doorstep.
* Nakhtmin nods.
<Laris> As well, the orc tribes are already moving northwards, some seeking shelter here.
<Nakhtmin> Mountain tribes? I've heard they have little love for civilized peoples.
<Laris> These ones I think are from the other side of the mountains, and are not on good terms with their mountain kin either. From an area known as Arraqu Nā'ilu.
<Nakhtmin> I'm not familiar, but I'm not particularly well-traveled in these areas.
<Nakhtmin> Did Siru Lalu grant them shelter?
<Laris> Yes, she did.
<Laris> Three hundred sixty eight of them.
<Nakhtmin> That was gracious of her.
* Laris nods
<Laris> But if we have refugees from the orc tribes, and also those who are being paid to attack the orc tribes in close proximity, it could lead to conflict as well.
* Nakhtmin nods.
<Nakhtmin> I could work on more risen troops for guard duty.
<Laris> That might be helpful.
<Nakhtmin> Rather than the workers I've been focusing on.
* Nakhtmin nods.
<Nakhtmin> It, ah, it will cost, of course.
<Laris> But we need workers too, to construct housing.
* Nakhtmin nods.
<Nakhtmin> Resources are always scarce.
<Nakhtmin> Or at least precious.
<Laris> Indeed. I hope that we cah trade for more timber to help with at least some of the supplies we need. But I suppose the supplies you need are ... not of that nature.
<Nakhtmin> We have those supplies, for the most part.
<Nakhtmin> The recent battles have seen to that.
* Laris nods
<Nakhtmin> But ritual supplies, propitiation of the gods...
<Laris> If other costs are incurred, I will cover them.
<Nakhtmin> As you say.
<Nakhtmin> Lugal Corvis...
* Nakhtmin looks hesitant.
<Laris> Yes?
<Nakhtmin> This is perhaps not for me to ask.
<Laris> You can speak freely.
<Nakhtmin> I will of course do as you wish, but...should House Lalu not be paying for my services, rather than House Corvis? I don't pretend to understand the entirety of the politics, and gods know your people are more respectful of the risen, but it seems strange you are meant to pay for rituals on their behalf. Or will you be taking the troops with you whe
<Nakhtmin> n you return to Thantopolis someday?
* Laris considers how to answer that.
<Laris> The defense and upkeep of Nesu Abamatu is still partly my responsibility. And I have the funds to ensure it is properly looked after, while others might not. I would rather use these funds to help better secure the city's future, than return home wealthy and leave a ruin behind me.
<Nakhtmin> When cast in that light, it seems only the wisest course of action.
<Nakhtmin> I hope I did not speak out of turn.
<Laris> House Lalu can use their capabilities in other areas - to fund building supplies, for instance, or to help pay for these mercenaries if need be.
<Laris> No, not at all.
<Laris> I know that my... place here is not always clear. Even to me, at times.
* Nakhtmin nods.
<Laris> But I have the city's best interests in mind. If a time comes when my aid is no longer needed here, or my troops are no longer required, then I will consider how best to arrange for their proper care.
<Nakhtmin> Of course. I have no doubts of your intentions, Lord Corvis.
<Laris> I appreciate your aid.
<Nakhtmin> I am happy to be able to provide it.
<Laris> And if there is anything further you require, or that I can provide, you have only to let me know.
<Nakhtmin> Likewise, my lord.