Helix: The Old Manse. (Lord Krothos)

[Spearmint]

Face devilish traps, exotic encounters, build your reputation and notoriety or die in unlauded ignominy. Come back to life as a wandering undead. There will be plenty to get your teeth into.

wonder what sort of ritual the lizardman was really doing?

[Quonundrum]

[Stirling]

Vann Hector

so let me bring some context to my being at the Old Manse and then I will ask the Soothsayer a question or two.

In short, the Secret of the Saurons Expedition discovered they were using a barrow mound devoted to a Knight of the Black Legion. (Nergal elite warrior). The neighbouring barrow contained the buried remains of a legion of undead warriors who routinely dug their way out of the grave to assasult the Sauron Mound in an effort to open a portal to release the Knight who seems to have been restrained by a continuing ritual the Saurons' enacted day after day. Unaware of this, we killed all the Saurons' though we did not open the portal behind which the Knight (or at least his hellish steed?) remains bound.

The Saurons are based in the terrain of the Blackwater River, about 25 miles south of the Barrows. They seasonally rotate guards for duty though the priests seemed to have lived there permanently.

During our search of the Barrow we obtained tomes detailing Sauron rituals and edicts. My transcription was not the best, Vicar Othar has these volumes. My understanding is the Saurons' worship aspects of Tiamet or Bahamut basically a draconic cult.

after summarising that I will ask the following.

"What ritual did you hope to complete with the bodies of those executed and what ritual binds the crypt knight in the barrow? Who is this 'Blossom of Death'?

What will the Saurons' do now you have no dragon egg and what will the Elves do?"

you know, I suddenly have a thought. If the dragon egg has been taken by Karl Barrelgut at the dwarf forge as alleged and some of those dwarves are trying to mount an expedition to redeem a petrified hero (see old Bulletin Board notices), a Sturgaard 'Wargslayer'. Could we not get the Saurons' to trade. Return the body from Basilisk Wood where he is supposed to still stand in exchange for the egg. The dwarves take the body back to the Moon Peaks as heroes, the Saurons' give the dragon egg back to the elves, the elves return the eggs of the Saurons. Everyone wins.

Apart from the Soothsayer who will hang for the murder of Old Basil and the rangers.

[Quonundrum]

Karl has the egg?

It's a reasonable plan, preferrably with the shaman still alive to guide you and help with the sauron negotiations, though.

[Stirling]

Karl has the egg?

I am not sure. But he is forge-master and priest of Moradin and reading between the lines (and forum threads), the Soothsayer points to him or at least associates.

It makes sense. Another thought, how does Lord Krothos feel about the dwarves having a dragon egg? Anyone think he might want it too? After all, having gained the staff and crown of Silas, Chief of the Barbarians, he might think riding a dragon he can tame the next thing to establish his reign?

[Spearmint]

The Old Manse

May 22nd 1066.

Conspiracies, theories, suspicions. All are aired in the cell. The chained Soothsayer sags, tired from his stress.

"Do I need to loosen his tongue a bit more?" the guard captain asks. He is restrained by Vicar Othar. "No, see to his wounds, clean him and make him presentable."

In an audience with Lord Krothos you can each make a representation or suggestion (cut & paste a previous post or with extra knowledge suggest a different action).

Vicar Othar reminds Krothos that three villagers were heinously slain, flayed of skin and hung aloft with ribs exposed in a mangled 'blood eagle' ritual murder. Justice might not be sated with executing this Soothsayer but the lizardmen are traditionally just abhorrent, intelligently evolved reptiles, soulless creatures outside of the grace of St Ygg. The populace demand justice and after the Hospice tragedy, the execution will draw the community together around a common theme and increase his popularity. The Sauron is resigned to his fate and by admission was conducting necromancy over the dead bodies. Old Basil was a relative of the miller's wife and he, Hendon is a very influential person in the village. Vina herself a notable artisan skilled in crafting the silken garb that he wears.

On the other hand, as much as he hates to admit it, Bharazd'had did not himself murder the rangers though he is unsure he could have stopped the act or even tried. He admitted in his view the captives lives were forfeit, so at least condoned the killing if not the way it was carried out.

He recommends that Lord Krothos acts in the best interest of the Duchy, making a spectacule by hanging the Soothsayer. Then (in Pontius Pilate fashion) we can wash our hands of this whole grisly affair.

The words are persuasive, spoken with considered thought and as you note, absent of mentioning the dragon egg or the allegations made against the dwarves.

Sven, Vann Hector, Moriartus , each provide a short mitigation if you wish and a fresh charisma check.

[OGRE MAGE]

Sven looks around the room at those present as if he has something up his sleeve, but he holds his tongue until the others have spoken first, hoping to gauge the room before adding his revelation.

Sensing the probability of saving the lizardman dwindling with each word from those in charge, the mage looks often to Vann and Sir Dewy (if he is there?), hoping that they will suggest something to appease the bloodlust in the room. After hearing about the dangerous Nergal mound from the others, the young mage makes a suggestion that Lord Krothos may not have thought of yet.

"Is an undead Nergal knight and a legion of undead warriors more of a concern than a possible future Dwarven-Sauron skirmish? If something isn't done to prevent the Death Knight and its steed from escaping the mound, and they are allowed to gather an undead army to lay waste to all the lands, this misunderstanding with the Saurons will be nothing more than an afterthought."

"Could Bharazd'had not be more useful to us as someone who could help keep that evil at bay?"

CHR Check (9) [3d6]=15 Then he picks his nose at the table.

[Stirling]

Vann Hector

In normal circumstances, he would have no conscience backstabbing the Soothsayer lizardman in the back and sticking his body in a pure to burn. Brutal executions not his fascination, at least if the Sauron is due to die, then execute him with justice and mercy. A short drop from a rope or off with his head by one of the pikemen.

But the point brought up about the Sauron Mound, is relevant at least to continued security of the region. "The undead awoken from the neighbouring mound crawled from their graves with but a single purpose, to assail the Sauron barrow and breach the bronze doors upon which were etched Nergal symbols proclaiming the Black Legion.

It might be speculation but I think if we can deal with the restrained Knight then those others will stay dead not rise as undead.

But the rituals are based in Sauron theology. Neither I nor Vicar Othar have been able to decipher the complete dogma and communion with their gods perfectly. But the Soothsayer might. A lesser of two evils perhaps, but if he can help defeat the Nergal threat then it means that Old Basil and his apprentices didn't die in vain."

Vann Hector charisma check vs 9 [4d6]=14. Reactions [1d100]=67

He doesn't sound convincing.

[Quonundrum]

Moriartus

"It is true that the manner of execution was deplorable. Ghastly. Utterly inhumane. The people rightfully demand justice and heavy is the burden of lordship which must deliver justice for them."

"Yet it is this very burden, felt upon heart and soul, given to us by our divine creators, that distinguish ourselves as evolved. Civilized. We have the capacity for enlightened thought, and judgement."

"The sauron tribal warlords, bereft of such consideration, sought no solution beyond the point of their spears. Yet, the very survival of their species is at stake. The accused could not hope to deter such any more than to hold back the waters of the Merisc."

"Now, it is also true that evidence of resurgent cults has emerged recently. Nergal, Set, Orcus, Impurax, Kali. The accused can be hung for this crime. Our hands washed of this incident ... for now, and perhaps a week, a month? If these threats are not addressed, I fear we may never wash the resulting blood from our hands."

"The sauron shaman has knowledge of this evil. Worked to contain it. Though the warlords of his tribe are uncivilized, we are not. Guided with the providence of St. Ygg and the Futurus, we have the gift of wisdom. We need not make the same mistake."

Charisma (17): [4d6]=13

[OGRE MAGE]

Feeling a bit of the guilt for his unintentional part in the misunderstanding, Sven speaks lastly.

"My Lord. I believe Moriartus is correct."

"If it helps to save the life of this creature, despite your obvious distrust of their kind, I would be willing to consider that decision as my favor from the crown, if it pleases you, sir."

Again, the young mage looks around nervously.

[Monsieur Rose]

Sir Dewey

The Knight enters, having been escorted to the door. Upon seeing Othar and Lord Kronos, he stops at the threshold and kneels. "Vicar. My Lord. My sincere apologies for my tardiness. I understand that you have been brought current with the Black Knight's tomb."

"If I may, I would speak on the matter. There is a great evil being restrained on the moor. Tales of unrelenting undead and resurgent cults are filtering into common conversation. I stand before you to state that they are all true. I have seen them. And it is with a heavy heart, that my actions resulted in the deaths of the shaman who were holding the forces at bay."

"Dwarven, elven, lizard politics is not my concern, and I gratefully bow to your expertise. My concern is the security and well-being of Helix, Ironguard, Bogtown, and this Motte. Dispatching this sauron does not make us safer, to the contrary, it makes us blind. We don't know what is thinly restrained behind that door, only that it is evil. Powerfully so. This sauron possesses information that we need to confront that evil, lest it breaks free and commands countless undead to ravage the entire region. Black things are rising, my Lord. The undead care not for politics or displays of justice, only for death."

"I would take responsibility for the sauron if you decree, and swear an oath to that end. A dark veil is creeping across your lands, my Lord. Spare this creature so that he may aid you in shining light upon it."

Charisma(17): [4d6]=15

[Spearmint]

The Old Manse

May 22nd 1066

"if it pleases you, sir."

"It please me not!" Lord Krothos rises from his carved chair, roughly so for it tips backwards to land in the floor with a loud thud that echoes in the audience room. "No it does not. How my ancestors would roil in their graves as the sea they came across. That we deliberate upon the fate of this, this, swamp filth." Everyone quiets, shuffling feet uncomfortably.

"Still I accept the wisdom of your words though the counsel vexes my ears as a bee in my head. I had thought to make a procession that justice could be seen but it is not with justice or mercy that I must judge." He looks at the staff, wielded in his hands as he places the floor. Sven at least recognises it as the Sceptre of Silas.

"The barrows hold many mysteries, we have uncovered some and relics are being restored to us by the grace of Ygg at an opportune time. If cults are rising then as men, we must too. Meeting this challenge head on and grasping the initiative lest foul deeds, greater than petty murders go uncontested.

I would not have Saurons' lay claim to being the defenders of civilization or boast of being unyielding to the Crown. If evil is to be stopped, then God willing, it should be our duty, our joy to dam the rising tides and raise our banner."

He goes on, a little melodramatic, quoting heroes of old and stories of his ancestors victories. Of course he has no such victory that extols his own virtues and prowess. Indeed those songs of the 'Sons of Kell' exalt his deceased brother Perafin, not him. He lived poorly in his shadow and even now feels, though he is heir to the Duchy, he has been relegated to administrating a sideshow in the Barrow Moor region while the Citadel prospers under his elderly Father's hand.

"We wage war, not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers in high places." he says, quoting religious text. He seems to acknowledge the suggested threat of the Knight, this 'Blossom of Death', and rising under Nergal's influence as a certain threat to the realm security.

"Your mitigations are heard. I will ordain this quest to prevail against the Nergal threat. It needs careful thought rather than just charging headlong. But I will leave that in your care."

He checks that Vicar Othar and chamberlain Ollis agree with his decision, takes any questions then clears the room.

you can ask a question each if you wish.

so the general decision is he will allow Sir Dewey to plan an expedition to assault the Black Knight's mound, taking along the Sauron Soothsayer to help with any Sauron rituals that bind or loose the entities restrained.

There are other concerns and pressing regional crisis he is conducting so doesn't conscript everyone to go on this trip (thereby freeing folk to go to Ironguard), he might have other places to send envoys or have use of the mages. (regarding your previous conversations with him).


So ends the Soothsayer interrogation scene.

questions or comments if you wish.

[OGRE MAGE]

Pleased that his plans to depart for Ironguard wont be affected, Sven puts in his 2 coppers.

"If this situation isn't resolved by the time we return, I will do anything in my power to assist in its successful completion."

He leaves the interrogation with a phrase that his frineds have heard once before.

"May the gods of fate have mercy on our souls."

[Quonundrum]

Moriartus has no other questions or comments, or perhaps more accurately, he knows when it's time to be silent. The shaman's life is spared, for now. The saurons were writing missives to someone in the room. Vicar Othar? Ollis? Whomever it was, and whatever their motives, they may not wish this mission to succeed ...

[Monsieur Rose]

Sir Dewey

The Knight bows and addresses Lord Krothos. "Your will be done. The Bards will sing the praises of the wise counsel of Lord Krothos. I will begin preparations immediately."

He turns to address Ollis. "I have need to speak with the prisoner during the preparations. Will it be housed here? Or am I to take it into my care?"

Sir Dewey makes note of each person in the room and means to speak with them.

"Sirs. Could you do me the honor of your company to discuss this matter?"
He means to talk to Sven and Moriartus.

He nods to the Vicar, and exits as requested.

[OGRE MAGE]

Sven looks up in awe at the metal clad Paladin.

“Of course, sir knight. What would you ask of me?”

[Quonundrum]

Moriartus

"Certainly, Sir. I am at your disposal."

[Monsieur Rose]

Sir Dewey

Assuming they can find a quiet room and shut the door. Vann can join if he wants, not trying to exclude people from scheming.

"Good to meet you all. I've seen you around, didn't you master that pig during the festival? Good show. I don't believe I've had the pleasure of formally meeting you, though. I am Sir Dewey, recently of Ironguard." He bows and gets right to it.

"It was obvious to me that there was tension in the room concerning the Sauron. As you championed it, I would like to know what your thoughts were. I have no allegiances, save to Ygg and my companions, and must know if there is corruption or scandal surrounding these events. I heard tales of Sauron messages being sent here, is that right?"

[OGRE MAGE]

Sven smiles when the knight remembers him from the greased pig competition, then chuckles a little at his introduction.

"I am sorry sir knight, forgive me, but I thought I heard the others referring to you Sir Doozy. I figured you must really be one of a kind, but now I see the error was mine. No disrespect intended, of course."

The young mage seems a bit fidgety and nervous in the company of the holy warrior, as if he is ashamed of what he is about to reveal.

"I know the Sauron was speaking the truth about at least one note that was sent along with a group of their kind. Though at the time I didn't understand any of what has been reported since. I saw the note personally, though it was written in a way that I couldn't quite comprehend. It did detail the egg, and the deal with the dwarves, I think. But that was long ago now, just after we first arrived here in Helix. I had almost forgotten about it altogether."

"You see, we stumbled into a band of Lizardmen out on the moors, and a few of the men in our party refused to leave them be, using scare tactics and exaggerations to justify their bloodlust. We overtook their group and killed them all, sinking their bodies in a pool of swamp water out on the moors. A man named Steban was leading the group then, and his military training simply wouldn't allow him to leave well enough alone. He was the one who convinced us that attempting to make peace with them was folly, and instead insisted that we must attack them before they tracked us and killed us in our sleep."

"He is dead now, so I feel bad placing the blame solely onto him, but now that I understand what is going on here, I knew I couldn't hide this atrocity any longer."

[Quonundrum]

Moriartus

"I advise caution, Sir Dewey. During our interrogation the shaman implied that missives were exchanged with someone else in that room. Words of peace and treaties, contradicted by actions that he claims ultimately scripted the events leading to the capture and execution of the rangers. When pressed, he suggested the dwarves know the truth, to ask them. Aside from myself, Sven, and Vann Hector, Vicar Othar and the Captain of the Guard were present. Obviously, we could not use this uncorroborated in his defense. If true, there may be one quite close who would prefer your mission to fail."