Surin wants to explore
Subject: Surin wants to explore
At this point the party has not really been sitting around for verylong. Surin wouldn't want to cause a real incident without cause- butif an opportunity looks good enough, he'd jump.
The Reception
Subject: The Reception
The next couple of hours are a bit disorganized. Harp asks to be shown the way to one of the training grounds, Salix asks to be shown to one of the farms outside of the warrens and Ragnar asks for an audience with the Steward. One of the guards hurries off and returns an hour later. "First Steward Minlon is busy preparing for the reception dinner for tonight. He will meet with you tomorrow, at the third hour after noon. In the mean time you should clean your selves and prepare for tonights banquet. The King will be there." After he has reported he returns to his duty outside of the party's quarters.
Harp has an uneventful time at the training grounds. He tries to spar with some of the dwarves, but they seem to distrust him. The couple who do work out with him do so half heartedly and he learns almost nothing. Salix spends several hours outside at one of the few patches of arable land. After talking with the workers he realizes that they are the dregs of dwarven society as far as skill and intelligence are concerned, barely more than simpletons. He also realizes that they is not nearly enough cultivated land to support the large crowd of dwarves he has seen so far. Still, the druid finds in comforting to be outside and work with the dwarves tending the land. A couple of hours before the dinner a runner shows up to bring him back to his quarters.
At one bell past the evening bell a new set of guards show up to escort the party to the reception. "It's in honor of the Byhoian Ambassador, you know" one of them says. "This is the first new Ambassador that the King has welcomed." The other dwarf elbows his companion in the side hard enough to make him stop talking. "You will be in the back of the hall, but should have a good view" the second says. He was right about that. The party is about as far from the head table as can be and still be in the reception hall. Most of the tables are filled with dwarves in some sort of order that the party can not figure out.
At the head table there is room for almost twenty people. All but five of the seats are filled by the time the party has been seated. A loud voice rings out over the hall "His Lordship, Ambassador Calieri of Camlost." There is a smattering of applause as an older man, finely dressed, walks in through a side door and to one of the open seats at the head table. He is middle age, fairly heavy, with a bald head. He carries a white staff that has a red gem set in the head. As he gets to his seat he places his staff in a stand behind him.
The voice rings out again "His Lordship, Ambassador Tripin of Undulant." This time a much younger man, very tall and very dark of skin walks in. His hair is black but he is dressed in a fine white set of robes, trimmed in gold. He uses a finely wrought walking stick, but does not really seem to need it. He takes the open seat on the opposite side of Calieri.
The voice rings out a third time "His Lordship, Ambassador Elspeth of Tornado." A man of medium years walks in, dressed in very non nondescript robes. He is a bit shorter than Tripin and as dark as Tripin is, Elspeth is pale. If the man wore white robes, he might be lost. The only thing that stands out is his flaming red hair. He takes his place next to Calieri and sits.
A fourth time the voice rings out "Her Ladyship, Ambassador De Blum of Byho." The Lady walks out resplendent in a magenta gown. Her golden hair has been done up in a fancy braid and she walks with a commanding step. She takes her place at the table next to Tripin. Only one spot at the head table remains.
The hall falls silent as the voice rings out for what is probably the last time "His Highness, King of the Underkingdom, Defender of Dwarfdom, Hammer of Moradin, King Barden." A stocky dwarf comes into the room. He is dressed in fine purple and gold robes. He moves quickly to the open spot at the head table and speaks "I welcome the Lady De Blum to our court. Her beauty is only surpassed at our joy of her safe arrival. May there be many more years of profitable alliance between our two countries." He picks up his wine goblet "All hail Byho!" Everyone in the room picks up their drink and joins in on the toast.
OODM: Does any one want to do anything during dinner? Let me know and I will try and write more tomorrow night. I have a few e-mails to send to people.
>hr />
From: Derek
Subject: The Reception
If there are any Dwarves sitting with them that are amiable, Allistair will ask some general questions.
"Why is it that everyone's title seems to be numerical, i.e. the first of third of second of first of etcetera etcetera. Is it genealogical or something? Like tracing one's paternal lineage by birth order back to a common ancestor?"
"Are there many wizards here in the Dwarven kingdom? I'd be interested in meeting some, or at least visiting their library if it's permitted."
Otherwise Allistair will just politely eat, and answer any questions others might have for him.
At the reception
Subject: At the reception
Harp will eat quietly, making general conversation if prompted. He knows that 1/2 orcs are not seen in a friendly light and will do nothing to arouse suspicions.
Salix will ask about any creatures that might live in the underkingdom. While he has spent most of his life in the forests, he will be curious to learn about any animals or plants that live underground. He knows they exist, but he had never spent much time learning about them.
From: Porter
Subject: At the reception
If Harp gets any answers about underground critters, Mund will ask about which ones are good to eat.
From: Mark
Subject: At the reception
It was Salix that asked about underground critters. Kevin is still playing both. However, Salix was unable to get the dwarves to open up to him.
From: Bryan
Subject: At the reception
Surin will make general conversation. If there is any wawy to askabout dwarven politics (for example leading in with conversationsabout the various clans), he'll do so.
From: Porter
Subject: At the reception
Mund will tell the story of the rasslin' he had with the centaur at the Great Tree, with Surin as a bear, etc., trying to get one of the dwarves to rise to the bait and rassle him. All in good fun.
From: Kevin
Subject: At the reception
Salix sits at the table, taking in the converstation around him. His friends are scattered about the table, a smattering of the local dwarves in between them. Determined to make the best of what he is sure to be a dark, damp adventure to come, he attempts to engage the dwarves sitting at his side in some general conversation about the animals that populate the deep. A couple of gruff answers later, it becomes painfully obvious that the reputatoin for suspicion that dwarves were known for had some basis with this group. He was unable to find out anything from those around him. If he had not known better, he would have thought these dwarved rude, but he knew they were just being there normal standoffish selves.
From: Jason
Subject: At the reception
Ragnar's heart sinks as the king Barden is introduced. Their information was out of date! He was not skilled in the skills of the court, and he felt that he was suddenly out of his depth. What had happened to King Dar. Would Barden still be friendly towards the Order? So many questions that he needed answered, and yet the dwarves he had been with did not seem particularly talkative.
Finally, Ragnar decides that while he may not have the smoothest tongue, he can only try. He turns to whichever dwarf is closest and mentions "I was under the impression that the king was named Dar, but my information seems out of date. How long has King Barden been the king?" If his question is answered, he will try to find out any other details of what happened to Dar, as well as anything he can find out generally about dwarven politics.
The new King, HP and character sheets
Subject: The new King
The gruff dwarf next to Ragnar shakes his head at the question "He who was King before was lost a few months back. There was a cave in and the King and his guard were trapped. When we finally cleared the fallen rock we found the bodies of his men, but no King. We fear he is dead. We searched and searched but were not able to find him or his body. His cousin, the new King, assumed control. He can not be crowned until 6 months have passed though." (Gather info check, DC10, 19+1=20, success)
From: Randy
Subject: The new King
Ran, for one, is grateful to be seated at the back of the hall. He hoped that it was far enough away that Lady De Blum would not notice him. He engages in polite conversation with those around him but generally just listens, hoping to pick up any snatches of information that he might overhear.
From: Mark
Subject: HP and character sheets
Every one is fully healed by now. So please update your character sheet on Sakeriver.
The new sheet is a bit different. You have to logon to the main page and then go to the character sheet page. Click your character. Then click on EDIT at the top of the page. Then make your changes. Now you have to go to the bottom of the page and hit the SUBMIT button. This button is all the way at the bottom.
When done look at the sheet again to make sure the change was accepted.
Also, for the spell casters, please update your spell list if you want to make any changes.
From: Josh
Subject: HP and Character sheets
I probably will make some spell changes tonight when I get home.
Meet the Ambassadors
Subject: Meet the Ambassadors
The dinner drags on for what seems hours. The food is wonderful. Venison, beef, other unnamed meats, smoked, roasted, boiled, seared. The party has not eaten this well in months. While eating most of the party talks to the dwarves around them hoping to find out a bit more information about the situation in the Underkingdom. The dwarves live up to their reputation of being a closed lipped. Kal is able to find out about the numbers the guard told them about. "It is a military designation. It lists the Patrol, Unit, Brigade, Division and Army number they belong to and it is based on groupings of five, so five patrols make up a Unit, five units make up a brigade. I'll try and find out more if I can."
After several hours the King and the Ambassador's head to a clear space at the side of the room forming a reception line. They stand in a line with the King at one end and the Ambassador's next to him, the Lady just to his right. Other people in the hall start to gather in line to greet and shake the hands of the Ambassador's and the King. Ragnar turns to the others "We need to get in line. This may be a chance to meet the King face to face. He hurries the others out of their chairs and over to the lengthening line.
The line moves fairly quickly. It seems that the proper etiquette is to just say their hello's and move on. Calieri is the first in line. Up close his size is even more obvious. His robes hide a large belly and his fat fingers have several gaudy rings on them. His bright blue eyes peak out over heavy lids and his freckled skin shows that he has spent much time out of doors, however far in the past that might have been.
The second ambassador in line is Tripin. His hand is firm but his dark eyes are predatory. The whites of his eyes stand out in contrast to his dark skin. He looks to be well built and possibly a strong man under his robes. The third ambassador is Elspeth. Up close he seems even more fragile than before. His handshake is limp and his smile wan. His bright red hair stands out in contrast to all the dark beards and hair found in the dwarf warrens.
The Lady is next. She stands next to the King. Ragnar, first of the companions, greets her and she thanks him for his efforts on the trip. When Ran, who is next in line, approaches her demeanor changes. In a steely voice, loud enough so that many of the people near by can hear her, she says "You. Do you know how insulting you were when you asked for my daughter's hand in marriage? The mere thought of someone of your birthright thinking that I would sell my precious child for a few gold. I should demand that the King grant me a champion that I might defend her honor, but I would not sully his hall with this problem." She steps forward and slaps Ran across the face, hard. "I do not want to ever see you again. If you dare to show your face in my quarters I will have you arrested and flogged. Do you understand me?"
OODM: E-mails being sent out.
From: Mark
Subject: Reception line order
This is the order that the party is going through the reception line.
Ragnar
Ranthir
Harp
Kal
Salix
Ally
Mund
Surin
All of the party heard what the lady said, only Harp and Ragnar are close enough to really do anything.
From: Jason
Subject: Meet the Ambassadors
After a moment's surprised silence, Ragnar turns towards the Lady de Blum and replies (interrupting Ran, if need be) "My Lady, I appreciate your forbearance. I assure you my companion meant no insult." Turning only his head with a hard look towards Ran, he concludes "I assure you we'll talk privately."
From: Randy
Subject: meet the Ambassadors
Ran is momentarily taken aback. This was not the treatment he was expecting from the lady. Just as his anger starts to rise he hears Ragnar chime in. He is nearly unable to hold back from commenting despite the look from Ragnar. He wants to call her out for her lies and vileness but he has grown to respect Ragnar and decides, reluctantly, to hold his tongue.
From: Josh
Subject: Meet the Ambassadors
What. A. Bitch.
From: Kevin
Subject: Meet the Ambassadors
As Harp makes his way through the receiving line, his hopes of a quick retreat to their quarters diminishes. Would this never end? And he thought the Order had long drawn out ceremonies.
Then, the tedium of the night is broken by the outburst in front of him. Without warning, The Lady DeBlum lashes out both verbally and physically at Ran. Her comments are outrageous, but her assaulting of Ran is beyond the pale. Knowing Ran as he does, Harp moves to his side to restrain him when the inevitable response comes.
From: Derek
Subject: Meet the Ambassadors
OOC: Would Allistair have any decent chance of casting a spell with verbal and somantic components unnoticed? Even with all the attention in the room clearly not on him? Just speculation right now, but Ally could come up with a pretty biting anonymous reprimand using Ghost Sound or maybe Whisper.
Back in the room
Subject: Back in the room
It is unlikely, especially with out the needed feats, to cast a spell with out it being noticed. This is a fairly crowded area and Ally and the group are standing in a reception line.
From: Mark
Subject: Back in the room
Ran is not sure what stings more, the slap to the face or the bald face lies and the besmirching of his honor. His left cheek still stinging and his right now flush with anger and embarrassment Ran starts to open his mouth in reply. Just then Ragnar's hand clamps down on his arm in a tight, almost painful grip. The fighter looks down at his companion and is stunned to hear him say "My Lady, I appreciate your forbearance. I assure you my companion meant no insult." Ragnar turns his head and gives Ran a hard look "I assure you" he concludes "that he and I will talk privately." Ran almost confronts his companion when Harp grabs his arm on the other side. The ½ elf realizes that there is nothing to be gained by a confrontation here and so turns to the Lady, bows slightly and moves on to the King.
The rest of the party pays their respects to the King, exchanging banal pleasantries with him. Kal gives the Lady a stern look but she ignores him, chatting with Elspeth when not talking to someone. Ragnar signals for the companions to follow him, and they quickly head back to their rooms. Once in the room Ran whirls and faces Ragnar "Do you want to tell me what that was all about. You know that everything she said was a lie and you wouldn't let me defend myself? I thought we were friends?"
'Ran, I apologize for what I said in there. I don't doubt for a moment that your conduct was correct, but you didn't seem to recognize that the Lady was trying to pass a message without being overheard. She wants to speak with you privately, and without anyone else knowing of it. Ordinarily I could not care less what the desires of someone falsely accusing my companion were, but in this case, I'm afraid we may need her help in order even to meet with the king, let alone obtain the gem. I know that speaking with her is a challenge, but I would appreciate it if you would make the effort.'
OODM: The last paragraph was from Jason directly. I await comments.
From: Derek
Subject: Back in the room
OOC: Huh? I'm confused. How in the world do you interpret the Lady's actions as "I want to meet with you privately" ?
From: Kevin
Subject: Back in the room
Harp's jaw drops in surprise. He had thought the Lady had lost some of her brain cells. It had sure sounded like she had meant what she had said.
From: Jason
Subject: Back in the room
OOC: Body language?
From: Porter
Subject: Back in the room
While waiting at the end of the line, Mund keeps trying to get Surin to play games with him.
"Come on, you pick the target, and I'll stick my knife right in it."
He watches with amusement the bruhaha that happens with the broad and Ran. At least its not boring.
When he reaches the lady, he laughs good-natured at her, but doesn't say anything.
From: Mark
Subject: Back in the room
Oh and I have very little problem with you and your characters being very confused about this. That is the whole point.
From: Mark
Subject: Back in the room
The Bluff skill can be used to pass secret messages. I am not a big fan of this being use with 100 % accuracy, even if the person attempting it rolls well on the Bluff check. If the person for whom the message is meant does not expect it I then roll a sense motive for the person getting the message. Ran rolled a 2 plus his non existant sense motive mod. Ragnar, who has +11 to his sense movtive, rolled an 11 for a 22. Harp rolled a 5 or something along that line. This was a DC 20 sense motive. Only Ragnar picked up that the Lady's actions were out of character.
From: Josh
Subject: Back in the room
This is getting good. :)
From: Randy
Subject: Back in the room
Ran, frustrated at the embarrassment he had just faced, is initially unsure of what Ragnar says but then thinking about it, it seemed obvious.
"She practically begged me to marry her daughter for the whole journey to this point and hasn't once shown a negative thought towards me personally. I can't believe I missed this signal. She must have information to share. I wish she didn't feel the need to pass it to me personally but I feel sure that you are correct Ragnar. I should go to see her at the earliest opportunity. Perhaps Ally should make me invisible so that I can do this without being detected."
From: Porter
Subject: Back in the room
"Maybe Ally should make somebody else invisible so that they can watch your back while you go talk with the crazy lady."
From: Kevin
Subject: Back in the room
Harp speaks up "Or, Allistair could turn you invisible and you could go with Ragnar when he goes to "talk" with her. But then, how do you get out of there? Maybe Allistair could go with Ragnar so he can make you invisible when you go to leave."
From: Jason
Subject: Back in the room
"Actually, I agree with Mund. Despite the fact that she didn't mean what she said, she *did* accuse Ran in the hearing of some very important people, and I think it would be best if someone were with him in case something goes wrong.
"Allistair, you're able to let people converse at a distance, are you not? Perhaps you and Ran could go together and talk to her. It could even be someplace public. Salix, Surin, were either of you able to find some sort of park or garden? It wouldn't be surprising for her to miss the feel of outdoors, and if she were escorted there could even be witnesses that you never actually talked."
From: Derek
Subject: Back in the room
Allistair is absolutely dumbfounded at Ragnar's assertion that the Lady de Blum's actions were an act. After some explanation though, he agrees that there must have been some hidden meaning behind the Lady's actions and that they need to speak with her.
"I think your suggestion is a good one, Ragnar. Further discussion with the Lady is warranted, as is due caution. Depending on the level of stealth required we can try several things. Your suggestion of a park or other public place has merit, however if the Lady's hidden message is to be believed, Ran should not be seen by the Lady at all. Or at least Ran and the Lady should not be seen in the same place at the same time. Thus I think something even more discreet is called for. Perhaps Surin could help disguise Ran as someone else like Kal, and then the disguised Ran and I could talk with the Lady using my message spell?"
"Or, if Ran and I could get somewhere secluded, I could cast a Rope Trick that Ran and the Lady (and others too if needed) could meet inside. Perhaps inside a lavatory would be an ideal location? I would leave Sysyphys outside to scout the entrance to the lavatory, and when no one is around we could each in turn enter the lavatory and climb inside the rope trick. We could then have our discussion with the Lady and leave by the same route."
"I also have a spell that can make a group of us invisible for up to 8 minutes. Between that and the Message spell we could theoretically have a secret meeting with the Lady anywhere."
"Any other ideas?"
From: Porter
Subject: Back in the room
Would they even have lavatories here, or just chamber pots?
From: Derek
Subject: Back in the room
OOC: Good question. Do they have lavatories here? Even if not, surely there is a closet or back room or something that we could use...
From: Jason
Subject: Back in the room
OOC: On second thought, I think the more discreet version is better (IE no whispered conversations at a distance.)
From: Mark
Subject: BAck in the room
There are no lavatories per se. There are wash basins in the rooms and chamber pots.
There might be a lavatory somewhere in the warrens, but no one in the party has seen one.
From: Derek
Subject: Back in the room
"If there aren't any lavatories, then maybe there is some other place we could get into unnoticed. Any ideas? Or should Ran and I just go invisible and then use my Message spell to converse with her?"
So what?
Subject: So what?
So what is the party going to do? They do not know where the Lady is staying or how to get in touch with her or her schedule.
From: Mark
Subject: Waste
Just so everyone knows, the standard answer to this question is that there is usually an offal/waste chute that goes to a pit with an Otyugh. There may be several such pits around the warrens.
From: Randy
Subject: So what?
"Well, before we get to far we need to find out where she is staying. Surin, you're probably the best person to find that out. Do you think you could do some nosing around and figure out where her chambers are? She seemed to hint that that is where she would like to meet. Once we know that, I think it would be best for me to go alone since the message was directed solely to me. We can arrange a maximum time I will be gone and if I'm not back before that time expires, you can come looking for me."
From: Derek
Subject: So what?
"I'm not so sure that it's a good idea for you to go alone, but we can discuss that when we know where the Lady is."
"I might be able to approach her directly and in the open, by saying that when we were attacked by the enemy wizard, I fear there may be some magical after-effects from the spell that injured her. I could then pass her a note for a meeting time and place, or converse discreetly with her using the Message spell."
"Also I may be able to find her location using the scrying spell. It's not certain though, but it's no loss if it fails."
From: Josh
Subject: So what?
"It's certainly possible she was trying to pass a message, but I don'tthink it's a certain thing. She's conniving and cruel. We shouldwork to hear what she has to say, but we shouldn't trust her anymorethan absolutely necessary."
From: Mark
Subject: So what?
You know, I just realized I am having a blast creating a complex interesting female character.
From: Porter
Subject: So what?
"Let's sneak into her room, tie her up, and one of y'all magickers can use that brain spell on her."