Expedition - Foxy/Lost Children- 01 May 2021

[Stirling]

Foxy O'Hare

"Yes, I too have had my fill too of wine...and words. Though my thirst for blood has yet to be quenched. We will draw on this 'Mexican' standoff another time however. Clay, fetch this mage his horse." Foxy stares back at the mage, unflinching in her contempt for him and her grim resolve to get the stuff we need for the goblin trade.

Foxy nods for Clay to retrieve a horse, eyeing the mage suspiciously for any deviance.

Foxy shot him with two arrows before, one leg, one shoulder. Eyeing those places, can she see any wounds, blood still running? She has heard of potions which rapidly heal and has seen Clay bring the leg bones of Mr Farrow together. So she is trying to ascertain the current health of the mage. She has heard rumors that even trolls regenerate bones and flesh back unless burned with fire. He was a 'heavily injured' mage before, does he still appear that way? Also if the mage has cast anything like ESP or a mind reading spell, (he has mentioned our names and discerned the goblin potion in the wine skin) realizing this does Foxy have any will save against its' power?

(if he can read her mind it would be the sight of the mage having drank the wine, being on heat like a bull and Foxy toying with him until she cuts his manhood off, castrating the bastard for wanting to capture and abuse two little girls).

[Marullus]

George looks confused. "What's a Mexican?"

[Rusty Tincanne]

Clay Weatherwax
Clay looks from the mage to Ms. O'Hare. Is it true that you have placed Balex's potion in your flask? I don't even know what to say... You are toying with the lives of these two girls. Fetch the horse yourself - you offered it, after all. George and I will stay with... What is your name, anyway? You know much about us. Clay refused to pay any further attention to Ms. O'Hare, instead trying to learn about the mage through small talk.

If Ms. O'Hare does leave, Clay will attempt to learn why the Red Robes had requested the girls be kidnapped and, in general as much as he could about this man's religion and where he comes from.


All loot from dead wizards has been added to my inventory aside from the earrings, which Foxy seemed to claim. Let me know if that is not true and I will add them.

[Stirling]

Foxy would hesitate to tell George, 'those little brown skinned goblins' from the far south.....

Foxy O'Hare

Foxy walks by the mage whispering to him, "When you ride into the sunset, keep looking over your shoulder." and then she turns to walk back to the copse, passing Clay and whispering, "Virgin."

If her face could thunder then a storm would be coming.

[Rusty Tincanne]

[quote="Stirling"]Foxy would hesitate to tell George, 'those little brown skinned goblins' from the far south.....
Wait... Complaining about Mexicans and she has red hair... That sounds frighteningly familiar!

Clay Weatherwax
While keeping a close eye on the mage's hands and words, Clay tries to learn more of this new world he has entered. What was the purpose of asking the goblins to steal these young girls from their homes? Where is it you come from and what is it you believe in?

[Stirling]

Red hair, from her Celtic roots, slightly dyed to cover the grey!

Clay has the coins and books, the farmers have the gemstones. The birdcages are attached to the horse Foxy will take. She has the earrings and a dagger. Clay and Mr Farrow have the other daggers. The farmers should all be wearing the Red Robes from the three dead mages. Balex has a skull...

[Rusty Tincanne]

Yeah... no. Clay isn't giving up those stones. They mean more to him than coins. So for now the stones are with Clay and he will gladly give out coins later. Asala can carry them for now unless there were saddle bags on the horses.

What do the horses have on them? Saddles? Bridles? Or is it a bare back-thing?

[Marullus]

The horses have bridles and blankets. They are slow-mosy draft horses and are lacking proper saddle and tack.

[Rusty Tincanne]

Is your lack of response meant to indicate that the mage is stonewalling Clay?

[Marullus]

Is your lack of response meant to indicate that the mage is stonewalling Clay?

No, sorry. Several forms of debilitating illness in my house right now; I was only awake for about an hour at a time today.

Clay Weatherwax
While keeping a close eye on the mage's hands and words, Clay tries to learn more of this new world he has entered. What was the purpose of asking the goblins to steal these young girls from their homes? Where is it you come from and what is it you believe in?

The mage looks askance at George and then back to Clay. "It wasn't personal; goblins are notorious for getting instructions wrong. I wait here to make this deal because I'm glad to see them returned to Mr. Farrow. An unfortunate understanding."

[Rusty Tincanne]

Clay Weatherwax
Clay nods while frowning. It is kind of you to assist us then. If you had not intended to rip a family apart, breaking the bonds of parent and child, what were the instructions that were given? What did you hope the goblins would provide you? And again, please tell me of your people. How far are they from here? What are your beliefs?

While waiting for answer, Clay indicated to George and the mage that the mage needed to keep his hands out in the open, and that George should not hesitate to shoot the mage with an arrow if he did not comply. Likewise, Clay kept his sling and a stone in his lap. Nothing personal, but I have seen your power. Please consider it a compliment.

[Marullus]

"We are not a people, per-se, but seekers of enlightenment, much as I imagine you to be, Clay." says the Red Robed man. "News of the North's re-opening has spread quite far. We've followed omens northward ourselves; there are so many things that were once known that might now be rediscovered here. Your friend is quite the bloodthirsty brigand, but I cannot fault you for her. One does not bear responsibility for such evil when it is in the heart of another. As for us, our alliance with the goblins has simply been fortuitous and expedient. Their ability to trade good mounts and supplies aids us as we remain sequestered in pursuit of lost knowledge. Our beliefs are varied and simple - we wish to rediscover what is lost, that is all. Such things take time and patience, and we wish to preserve our right to both as much as possible. Did you know, for example, of the natural sites in the forests to the north? Such magic as is there thrums in the ether so loudly we can hear it even here. I'm sure your Archduke would be -quite- happy to gain control of them for his own purposes. He's a shrewd man."

[Rusty Tincanne]

Clay Weatherwax
If the man was still able to read his mind, Clay was sure he would sense the doubt in his head. What kind of enlightenment could be found with the use of necromancy? Or work so hard to dodge questions? But Clay knew his previous questions were only curiosity, not pertinent to the matter at hand. That is a charming story, and it is true my curiosity is piqued, but I am dedicated to the task at hand. If you truly wish to see the girls returned to their fathers and mothers, tell me of this "big magic" you are delivering. What is it and what instructions were you going to offer Dmukas?

Along that line of conversation, Clay is looking for the following information, if he can get it:
- What is the magic that is being offered?
- How does it work/what would he tell Dmukaz?
- Are there any special rituals/routines/greetings Clay, et al should know about before heading into the goblin lair?
- What should Clay expect to find?

Along with anything already mentioned in this thread, the ESP-spell would let the mage know that Clay is willing to let others die in exchange for safe passage of the girls. That Clay is quite disturbed by Foxy's actions and words - and has been all along. That Clay is really interested in the regions of the north that were described. And that Clay knows that the mage is stalling/obfuscating all those answers - and he has a hunch that as soon as the horse shows up, the mage will try to kill Foxy, Clay and George so he can ride away on the horse, hence why we have the bow and sling at the ready. Oh. And that, should Clay feel he is being led astray, Clay is fine killing the mage - he doesn't believe any message has been sent.

Edit: The Mage would also know that Clay has thought several times about feeding the mage's hands to Balex.

[Marullus]

The Red Robed man continues to make conversation. As Clay pushes on the "issue at hand" regarding the goblin exchange, he simply smiles politely and says he'll "wait for the horse." He is amiable enough and makes no sudden moves, the minutes passing by as you wait for Foxy's return.

"I can see your doubt in our desire for knowledge. We are sorcerers, not necromancers, and such lures hold little of my attention. It sorrows me to see my neophytes slaughtered, and moreso to have to use them as I did to save my own life." He pauses, composing himself in a moment that truly seems to be honest grief. "But all the magical academies of the southern kingdoms combined do not hold a fraction of what was once known, was once wielded in this land. My companions, and I, though I am but young in such matters by comparison, held much distinction among the southern schools but it was not enough. Even with all we know, we struggle to understand the high concepts of these ancients whose pathways we now tread. Should Ms. O'Hare ever appear on our threshold, she will be held accountable for the evil in her heart and the deaths of our members. I will mince no words about that. But you, I see you have some true veracity and curiosity within you. Should you ever seek us out in the hills to the west and mean no ill will, which we will know, mind you, it may be that we could work towards common cause. There are some challenges that we, as wizards, remain ill-equipped to face where an accord might be reached."

He pauses in his tale and looks over Clay's shoulder, watching patiently until Foxy and the horse emerge over the ridgeline about a minute later. Foxy leads one of the draft horses, a simple sack across its back along with the blanket and bridle. He looks at her for about a minute, then nods, his face still revealing little more than a polite smile. He removes a pouch from his robes and holds it outward. "This is what you need. I'll exchange it for the reigns. I will then give you your answers from the saddle. I intend no deceit - no slipping you potions, nor violations of you after you accept that trust. You give me the horse and I give you the keys to retrieving the children. You set aside any ill thoughts of my death by bowshot and betrayal, me riding west and you returning east."

Day: 03 May 2021
Time: 08:15 pm
Light source: Sunny Evening (Sunset 8:53pm)
Temp: 54 F
Wind: 15-17 E
Injuries: Foxy (gravely wounded), Mors (gravely wounded), Mr. Farrow (moderately wounded), Clay (Mildly wounded). Unwounded: Gus, George, Asala, Maurice the Owl, Four draft horses, Balex.

[Rusty Tincanne]

Clay Weatherwax
Prior to Foxy's arrival
Your offer of hospitality is generous, particularly in light of what has transpired with my help and planning. It is possible I may travel westward to visit you after the girls and farmers are safely home. If I were to come, how would I find you? Where do you reside and what are you called? But as I say, I must see this task through first. Perhaps you can help me with that?

Whatever you think of Ms. O'Hare and myself, these farmers are honest men, doing their part to eke out an existence. I feel that Beith wants me to see them safely home. But even with Beith on my side, we are vastly outnumbered when we enter the goblin hold. Is there anything that we have taken that might assist us if the goblins decide to attack us? There were bird cages and stones. Do they have powers (like your rings) that might assist us? If so, how do they work?


After Foxy arrives
Clay rises and approaches the draft horse, inspecting the sack. As he stands near the horse he has an idea and starts to speak.

I am sorry to separate you from your friends; I know you prefer to live with more of your kind, but this man is injured and needs to go safely and swiftly home. It is likely the goblins will steal your friends back for this man anyhow, so they will probably return to you soon.
If you could, do not leave with this man until he has told us all we need to know. I will let you know when that is. I would hate for him to forget to tell us something important.

He adds a thought in case the mage is still reading his mind, Sadly, our actions thusfar have made us untrustworthy, which, in turn, makes you untrustworthy. This is not attempt to double cross you, but to prevent us from being left without the information we need.

With that done, Clay addresses Ms. O'Hare and George. Please stand on opposite sides a bit. If he attempts to leave before telling me what we need to know, you can shoot him. If I act oddly... you can shoot me too. But George should take care of Morr if you have to.

Morr, go with George, please.*

* that was done with body language as well so Morr would understand the command better.

[Marullus]

Holding for Foxy.

[Rusty Tincanne]

you could put in a resume for the pre-Foxy stuff...

[Stirling]

Foxy O'Hare

Foxy passes the reigns of the horse to Clay, "They are all fine up there, just waiting for us and the key to unlock the children from their insidious imprisonment." she looks at the mage as she speaks.

"I don't know why you consider me so untrustworthy. I say what I mean, I mean what I say and I do exactly what I say I am going to do....ride on mage, may Eruanna forever be a sun upon your back. (she performs a simple geneflection, some devotional sigil, touching the palms of her hands), you cast a long dark shadow mage."

Foxy waits to return with Clay and George.

[Marullus]

For Clay:

Before Roxy's arrival.
"I suspect you can follow this trail well enough," the man smiles. "But I will continue to show you honesty. Come westward along the foothills until you see the redstone effigy, then upwards to the cliffside temple. We are the Order of Monoc. I do not know what my companions carried that you might have liberated from them. The cages are of interest to you, servant of Bieth... Made by creatures with an eye for the infinite combination of magic and nature. Their value lies in art and history and they would fetch an excellent price in the southern kingdoms. For the goblins, they are utilitarian and a friendship gift."

[Marullus]

The mage smiles politely, nodding once in acquiescence to Foxy's words. "May all brigands, thieves, and murderers find such peace and succor in the arms of Eruanna, the Goddess of Mercy and Truth."

Clay checks the horse and the sack, finding one day's rations within for the mage to eat, taken from the supplies that Asala carries.

The Red Robed man turns to Clay, holding the pouch to him while simultaneously reaching for the reigns. With this done, he mounts the horse, trotting him just a few steps to be out of arms reach. He looks to Gus and Foxy's loaded bows, then addresses Clay.

"You now hold the Finger Bones of Zhint, an item of potency desired by the Goblin King. He knows their use already, and as long as you turn them over the children should be yours no matter what else you say. Keep them or use them and you jeopardize the lives of those children. I bargain with the Goblin King -- Dmukas is of no consequence to me. As you've already learned with Balex, the goblins respond to confidence and power and they consume pain and weakness. It is not my custom to bow to their deities, nor are there special words, as you request. They are also more accomplished liars than you will ever be. They will offer supplications to their gods and offerings that you find distasteful, I expect. My advice is that you stomach what you must to leave with the children which you say are your priority. They are useful allies, as you've discovered yourselves already."

"You now have what you desire for the children. If you are truly not brigands, I would ask that you return the books found on my fellows, that I might return them to my Order. You may keep the cages and baubles in gratitude that at least my life was spared. If not, I wish to now depart."

He falls silent, looking expectantly at Foxy and Gus.