Re: Adventure #6 - The Lion of Vilderoy

Malazek Thu Aug 28, 2014 6:49 pm

Elodie wrote:Elodie curtsies, and then approaches the man, holding out her hand as she does so. She smiles as she says, "Lord Odbart von Kahler, what an honor to meet you. I am Unanna of the Fabled Lands. You have an exquisite beard!

The old wizard looks down and runs two thumbs behind his long braided beard before responding. "Thank you."

Elodie wrote:"Please forgive us for calling so late, but our time is short in your lovely city. We could not resist calling upon such an esteemed wizard." She clears her throat. "Forgive me, I am a bit parched. Might I trouble you for a drink?"

Staring at "Unanna" for a moment, the wizard hesitates ... but then responds. "Yes, of course. Where are my manners? How about some Arkonia Raki? You should find it similar in flavor to Arak." Talmut is familiar with both drinks, which should taste like anise. Arak is a popular drink in the Fabled Lands; Raki in Arkon. "And you, Meister Sidarim? Would you care for a nightcap? Your bodyguard, there, is welcome to a swallow, as well, if he cares for one."

Alpha Omega Thu Aug 28, 2014 7:09 pm

"Thank you, but I must decline."

Malazek Fri Aug 29, 2014 5:44 am

- Invoking the 24-hour Rule ...

Lord Odbart von Kahler wrote:Staring at "Unanna" for a moment, the wizard hesitates ... but then responds. "Yes, of course. Where are my manners? How about some Arkonia Raki? You should find it similar in flavor to Arak." Talmut is familiar with both drinks, which should taste like anise. Arak is a popular drink in the Fabled Lands; Raki in Arkon. "And you, Meister Sidarim? Would you care for a nightcap? Your bodyguard, there, is welcome to a swallow, as well, if he cares for one."

Jeremiah wrote:"Thank you, but I must decline."

"Sidarim" accepts the nightcap ... so, Odbart pours two glasses, one for Sidarim and one for Unanna. He does not pour one for himself. After he passes around the drinks, he says "But again, what can I do for you, at such a late hour? I'm sure you didn't come all this way just for pleasantries and refreshments."

Talmut hears the wizard's surface thoughts. Annoying Fablelanders, tell me what you want! I don't have all night.

Malazek Fri Aug 29, 2014 8:47 am

OOC: In order to move things along, I am invoking the 24-hour rule. I thought Swift was back, since he was posting ... but I also know he had some contractors working for him yesterday, so I guess he's still tied up.

To answer the wizard's question, "sidarim" explains that he and Unanna traveled her from the Fable Lands to study the Valley of Tombs. Their first stop was the Zaubereigarten, where they met another scholar. That scholar directed them here, telling them that Lord Odbart was one of the foremost experts on the subject.

"Who was this scholar?" Odbart asks.
Talmut explains that they didn't catch his name.
Could have been anybody, he thinks, but I hope it wasn't Ollie.

"Tell me," Lord Odbart says, "what, in the Valley, are you looking for, exactly?"
Talmut claims they were looking for ancient relics, left behind by Augustine rulers who were well known in the Fabled Lands.
"Interesting," Odbart says, but he thinks the Orb? No, the odds are too incredible. But what if?

Talmut goes on to ask the old Wizard if he has any suggestions, as to where he and Unanna should start.
"It seems to me that one of my colleagues abandoned a site, years ago, where some relics from the Fable Lands were found. Too dangerous, if I remember. Let me get those for you," he says, while thinking that should get rid of these pests.

Odbart excuses himself for a few minutes, but returns shortly with a thick dusty scroll case. "This should help. There are maps in there, as well as a few pages of a journal. I skimmed the contents years ago, but was never particularly intrigued by the location. I hope you find what you're looking for."

When "Sidarim" starts to ask another question, Odbart interrupts him. "Pardon me, but the hour is late. I would be happy to answer more questions at a later date, but right now I grow weary from the long day. I wish you luck."

"Lady Unanna," he continues, "it was a pleasure to meet you. And you, as well, Meister Sidarim."

Glitz Fri Aug 29, 2014 7:24 pm

Elodie attempts to look very excited about the scroll. "Thank you, Lord Odbart. Once again, we apologize for the late hour; you have been most generous and accommodating. Would we be able to call on you tomorrow? Do you teach any classes at the Zaubereigarten that we might be able to attend?"

Malazek Fri Aug 29, 2014 7:28 pm

Unanna wrote:Elodie attempts to look very excited about the scroll. "Thank you, Lord Odbart. Once again, we apologize for the late hour; you have been most generous and accommodating. Would we be able to call on you tomorrow? Do you teach any classes at the Zaubereigarten that we might be able to attend?"

"Indeed, I do. Tomorrow, in fact. Crack of Dawn. I will be lecturing an advanced seminar for charmers and enchanters. You are welcome to attend."

Glitz Fri Aug 29, 2014 7:35 pm

"That sounds very educational. I hope that we are able to attend. Thank you again, Lord Odbart." Elodie bows and prepares to be seen out by the guards.

Once outside, she will walk away from the house in the direction of the Zaubereigarten until she is sure that the door is firmly closed, and then return to the dark alley beside the house, glancing at Talmut and Jeremiah along the way to see if they are walking with her.

Alpha Omega Fri Aug 29, 2014 9:38 pm

Jeremiah will escort both Talmut and Elodie to the street.

Malazek Sat Aug 30, 2014 8:50 am

About ten minutes after Elodie, Jeremiah, and Talmut return to the alley ... Gumphrey emerges from a window and then drops down to street level. He brushes himself off and then says, "Yeah, he's evil. So's the butler. The guards are not, though. And neither is the orb." He goes on to describe the strength of each aura, as well.

- OOC: based on Gumphrey's description of the aura strengths, Talmut and Elodie are able peg the levels of Odbart and his butler, as well. Odbart is between 11th and 25th, while his butler is between 5th and 10th.

Glitz Sat Aug 30, 2014 8:59 am

Elodie (who is looking like her normal self again) claps Gumphrey on the shoulder. "Nice work!" she whispers. "I suggest we head to Meg's and have a private meeting in one of our rooms to discuss the next part of the plan, instead of standing around here in the dark like common criminals."

Malazek Sat Aug 30, 2014 9:56 am

Gumphrey concurs. "Unless we can find the brother tonight, we might as well get some sleep, too."

Glitz Sat Aug 30, 2014 10:27 am

Elodie will return to Meg's, unless anyone else objects.

Once they are back at Meg's, Elodie will survey the main room and see how lively things are. If it appears that there are still quite a few customers, Elodie will approach the bar. "My friends and I will be enjoying a late snack in my room. Can you have someone bring up a bottle of sparkling cider, some cheese, and some apple cakes, please?"

To the party, Elodie will say, "Let's talk briefly about our plans tomorrow in my room, and then we can get some rest."

Once upstairs, Elodie looks at Gumphrey. "So he's evil. Was there any kind of protection around the orb, or could you just take it? If we are going to take it, I would suggest tomorrow morning during his class. Then we know that the old man isn't even around."

Alpha Omega Sun Aug 31, 2014 8:39 am

"I agree, it will be easiest to steal the orb when the wizard is away. But there is still the issue of what to do with the orb after we have it. Are we keeping the orb or getting rid of it? If we plan on getting rid of it, we need to find someone to sell it to that is not evil and would have good intentions with the orb in their possession. If the orb is as corrupting as the brother says that may not be a wise path. The two people we had discussed earlier, though, were the Duke and this guy's brother."

Continuing...

"However, I believe the proper course of action would be to take this issue to the Duke. Breaking and entering along with larceny are perhaps not the ideal ways for emissaries of Umbrafall to be acting. Which would mean we would need to find out if the Duke is evil. What are your guy's thoughts on this?"

OOC: Sorry was working on my bathroom all day yesterday, I didn't get a chance to post.

Glitz Sun Aug 31, 2014 8:50 am

"I personally think we should leave the Duke out of this. If we want to determine if the brother is evil before we give him the orb, sure. But tattling to the Duke? I'm not sure I have much interest in being a part of that. Plus, has anyone considered the logistics of attempting to secretly using the scroll around the Duke? We'd have to go back and try to meet with him again...Gumphrey would have to sneak away...and if he IS evil, and suspects us at all, the last place I want to be is trapped in his castle. My vote is for taking action at the best opportune moment, and then checking the brother out."

Malazek Sun Aug 31, 2014 9:58 am

Elodie wrote:To the party, Elodie will say, "Let's talk briefly about our plans tomorrow in my room, and then we can get some rest."

Jeremiah wrote:"There is still the issue of what to do with the orb after we have it. Are we keeping the orb or getting rid of it? If we plan on getting rid of it, we need to find someone to sell it to that is not evil and would have good intentions with the orb in their possession. If the orb is as corrupting as the brother says that may not be a wise path."

"However, I believe the proper course of action would be to take this issue to the Duke. Breaking and entering along with larceny are perhaps not the ideal ways for emissaries of Umbrafall to be acting. Which would mean we would need to find out if the Duke is evil. What are your guy's thoughts on this?"

Elodie wrote:"I personally think we should leave the Duke out of this. If we want to determine if the brother is evil before we give him the orb, sure. But tattling to the Duke? I'm not sure I have much interest in being a part of that. Plus, has anyone considered the logistics of attempting to secretly using the scroll around the Duke? We'd have to go back and try to meet with him again...Gumphrey would have to sneak away...and if he IS evil, and suspects us at all, the last place I want to be is trapped in his castle. My vote is for taking action at the best opportune moment, and then checking the brother out."

"By the gods!" Gumphrey explains. "Didn't we already go over this? I thought our next step was to go find out if the brother was evil? I have no problem with stealing the orb. It would've been easy; I was right there next to it. It may be harder when I go back. Who knows?"

"At any rate, I am a little worried about sneaking into the Duke's place to use a scroll on him. From what I've heard, he's very powerful and frankly a little scary. Still, I am always up for a challenge ... so, if you want me to, I will."

"If the brother is evil, we can't really sell him the orb, I guess. Whether the Duke is evil or not, breaking into this guy's house is certainly illegal. Again, I have no issue with that. I do, however, have an issue with telling the Duke that we plan to break the law. I hear he comes down rather harshly on criminals."

"If you want to ride back to Umbrafall to find out what the Vicereine thinks, then by all means, let's do that ... but not until we know whether the brother is evil or not. It's not my first choice, but it makes more sense to me than telling the Duke what we're up to."

"I mean, unless the Duke IS good. In which case, I guess, we can let him get the orb. Assuming, of course, that having an orb in your house is illegal ... which I doubt."

Gumphrey finishes his rant with "Sorry, if I sounded a little grumpy. I love you guys."

Glitz Sun Aug 31, 2014 11:11 am

"Well-spoken, Gumphrey, and I certainly understand your frustration. If the party really wants to take this all the way back to Umbrafall, then I personally wash my hands of it, and say to continue on with our journey. I still am fully in favor of taking the orb from the evil brother and then scrolling the other brother."

Alpha Omega Sun Aug 31, 2014 11:26 am

Iterating what he believed to be the plan...

Jeremiah wrote:"I think our best course of action would be to discern if this wizard is evil or not, and then too the wizard who has proposed this venture to us. If the wizard with the orb is not evil, we should just leave the situation be and not steal it from him. If both wizards are evil, or if the brother who hired us is good and the wizard with the orb is evil, then I believe we should seek to determine whether or not the Duke is also evil."

"If the Duke is not evil, then we should present to him the facts and act according to his wishes. Now, if the Duke is also evil, I believe we should consult the Vicereine before taking any further action. As an official knight of the Vicereine, it is my duty to not only protect her realm, but to act accordingly when traveling; for I represent her and my actions reflect upon her. The last thing we need is to start a feud between the Vicereine and the Duke and to jeopardize our standings in Umbrafall. Sacrificing that standing would be a greater loss to us than any short term monetary gains we would get from stealing this orb."

"If this wizard with the orb is good, then we should see what he is trying to do and let him know that his brother plots against him. Or, if we are given legal recourse to take the orb, I think either Talmut, myself, or Elodie should try and see what the orb does, before we try and sell it. I would hate to put a powerful weapon into the hands of someone ill equipped to use it.

Growing weary

"You are right Gumphrey, the next step of the plan was to determine whether or not the brother is evil. It does, however, sound like both you and Elodie have changed your mind about the Duke's involvement and the order in which we execute the plan. We are taking quite the risk breaking his laws and this wizard will most assuredly know it was us that stole the orb from him, so we must be prepared for any backlash that it will bring. I feel as if I am creating the problem in this group with my desire to uphold my position with the Vicerene. With her support and my position; wealth, fame and power are most assured. Altering this plan creates the possibility of putting these things I strive for at risk. But I will, however, go along with whatever the party decides. I will no longer be the obstacle."

OOC: We never decided on a plan to determine how the Duke was evil. But, I no longer care I just want this to move forward...

Alpha Omega Sun Aug 31, 2014 11:29 am

"Let's just steal the orb, use the scroll on the brother and sell it to him if he doesn't seem to be evil. If he is evil, we'll keep the orb and continue on."

Malazek Sun Aug 31, 2014 12:29 pm

Elodie wrote:"I still am fully in favor of ... scrolling the other brother."

Jeremiah wrote:"You are right Gumphrey, the next step of the plan was to determine whether or not the brother is evil."

Gumphrey nods. "Alright. Let's do that, first thing in the morning."

Gumphrey wrote:"If you want to ride back to Umbrafall to find out what the Vicereine thinks, then by all means, let's do that"

Elodie wrote:"If the party really wants to take this all the way back to Umbrafall, then I ... say to continue on with our journey."

Jeremiah wrote:"I believe we should consult the Vicereine before taking any further action."

Talmut points out that he can teleport back to Umbrafall, inform the Vicereine (or the Chancellor), find out what should be done, and then teleport right back. Then, in the morning, you can proceed appropriately. And without further discussion, he casts a spell and vanishes.

(OOC: Since you guys are going to sleep, he'll have his spells back in the morning).

Malazek Sun Aug 31, 2014 12:41 pm

Ten minutes later, Talmut reappears in the room. Gumphrey is already asleep. He wakes up Gumphrey and then relates to his companions what the Vicereine told him. According to the Vicereine, the Duke is both evil and power-hungry. She is worried that he would take the orb for himself and use it to overthrow the kingdom. So, the Vicereine wants you to secretly get the orb, but she does not want you to sell it to the brother. She wants you to sell it to her. She promises to pay the same amount that the brother offered.

Here's the twist. She also wants you to hang onto the orb (even after she's purchased it). As her representatives, she wants you to wield it in her name. If the orb can be used to control dragons, maybe that giants will stay in the valley. Even though it might be worthwhile to return immediately to Umbrafall, she doesn't think it's a good idea to disappoint the Arch-duchess. So, she wants you to take the orb with you to the capital, but to keep it secret until you return in the spring.

"Okay," Gumphrey mumbles, before rolling over and going back to sleep.

Alpha Omega Sun Aug 31, 2014 12:55 pm

"Sounds good Talmut. Once the wizard leaves to teach his class we should take the orb. Once we have the orb I recommend leaving the city as soon as possible, it may not be a good idea to stick around."

Malazek Sun Aug 31, 2014 12:57 pm

Talmut and Gumphrey both concur.

Glitz Sun Aug 31, 2014 2:36 pm

Elodie agrees, delighted that the Vicereine has offered to pay such a substantial amount of money.

She rises early, and attempts to find a courtyard in which to meditate before the day's events.

Afterward, she seeks out the rest of the party. "Gumphrey, do you think you should go alone? I think making an appearance at the class is probably a good idea...but obviously, making sure that you are successful is the most important thing."

Malazek Sun Aug 31, 2014 2:57 pm

The next morning ...

Elodie wrote:Afterward, she seeks out the rest of the party. "Gumphrey, do you think you should go alone? I think making an appearance at the class is probably a good idea...but obviously, making sure that you are successful is the most important thing."

"Well," Gumphrey ponders. "If Odbart hasn't noticed the intrusion, then I could certainly repeat my steps ... but there's a good chance he has. So, I guess, I would appreciate it if someone went with me. Maybe, we should all go?"

Alpha Omega Sun Aug 31, 2014 3:22 pm

"Sure, we can all go in."

OOC: I plan on casting a few spells before we go in.

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