Ruins & Judgements

[DM Bob]

They look at Mak in cold, dead unison. The stares are uncomfortable. A slight tremor hits your hearts as a group, but not enough to send you running.

More of a reminder of their combined power - enough to defy death and the Grey itself...

...and somehow beyond even the curse that affects their long dead countrymen and women. The Will. The sheer Will of it all.

The Speaker finally breaks the silence.

"Either three souls stay - or the ship, her Captain... and one more. Your choice."

Odrela adds, "That blade was forged for me by the dwur of Kemlalok and handed to me as a gift from their King. The partnership of Bodach and the small ones was essential in keeping our borders safe... and in the continued construction within our realm. It has remained keen since before the Speaker's time."

Abez looks at you with nervous terror.

[Niachi]

Laakh tries shallow breathing through his nose to settle his mind and return's looks with Abez. He channels their entire history together with his eyes to indicate 'You and ship are safe'

[Attilius]

HurK respectfully bows "Thank you speaker for the generous amendment to the terms. May we have a sidebar recess to discuss amongst ourselves in private who will stay?"

[Skrye [AC3; 48/48HP]]

- Kem doesn't say a word but she is surprised by a name she never heard beforehand - 'Kemalok? I'm not well versed in geography, as I'm new into trading, but not in my years as gladiator I heard of such a place, leaded by a king.. Maybe, in our return, the Speaker could reveal more, but now this matter with Wyan is the most important' - Thinks as the dialogue continues

[Deleted]

Mak narrows his eyes at the three. "We will consider your terms. We require only a few minutes to do so. While you wait you may discuss amongst yourselves how Bodach will provide aid to us on this task."

Mak walks over to Abez and waves his arms for the others to huddle together. "Your thoughts, Captain?"

[DM Bob]

"We will need a bit more time to discuss aid with our Council. There were many that argued for your deaths or enslavement. Us three are too small a number to reach a quorum. The Laws must be followed, even now..."

Speaker Veneteer and the other two dead nod and disappear from the deck.

[Deleted]

Mak smiles and nods. "Okay, it looks like we've reached an accord."

He sits and takes a moment to look over the rocks. "I'm far from our best tactical mind. Let's consider the task at hand and let our best minds make a plan of attack. If selected, I'm willing to be one of those who stay in Bodach. Whatever give us the best shot at success."

He looks to Laakh, "You may want to let Shardivan know the mess he's gotten us into. We barely negotiated our way out of execution here."

[Attilius]

Apr 2, 2021 7:12:03 GMT -12 @rpgagmjay said:

He looks to Laakh, "You may want to let Shardivan know the mess he's gotten us into. We barely negotiated our way out of execution here."

"Yes, he may have some useful insight into our new situation."

Apr 2, 2021 1:57:17 GMT -12 @rpgagmjay said:

Mak walks over to Abez and waves his arms for the others to huddle together. "Your thoughts, Captain?"

HurK lays a gentle hand on the Abez's shoulder to interrupt him. "I'm sorry my friend for getting us in the mess. Should've landed OUTSIDE the walls." he says shaking his head. "But if we are to survive this new necromancer hunt we have to look at it from a logical numbers point. They have said the 3 that stay behind will be safe and unharmed and I believe them. They may have some psionic sleep or stasis that they put them under. That being said, if we have to travel north and AWAY from the silt, it only makes sense that we leave the Gambit under their protection and watchful eye. As for the 2 others..." he slowly looks at the entire group "Drusso and Khuv have already offered themselves though I fear we will need Khuv's psychoportation abilities...

My suggestion is the two least combat effective stay behind."

[Niachi]

Laakh Mindlinks Shardivan with general update and request for ETA of 'reinforcements' promised. His tone is urgent.

[Skrye [AC3; 48/48HP]]

- Looking to HurK - Everyone could be useful at the right time.. - as not liking the comment of anyone been expendable, although understanding the way of thinking

[DM Bob]

Shardivan simply responds, <"Not now. Later.">

And cuts off.

***

Abez stammers, "I'm not staying here with those, those things. End. Of. Story."

Khuv grins. "I'm still game. You, Druuso? Haske?" The two elves nod in reply. The halfling adds, "This could be the, erm, chance of a lifetime. Right, Dru?"

The bard half grins. "I was watching last night and recalling the legends of this place. Two tales claimed it's riches were untouched and still lay deep below the cursed streets. From what I saw last night? There's some metal to be had on some of the dead and definitely a below city - and it seems not all the walkers are active during the Sun's presence. If they leave the ship? We might be able to smuggle some things out."

***

Noon approaches.

Once again the guardians of Bodach appear, midnight orbs in hand.

"We offer a choice. Weapon, protection or aid. One is given freely. The others? Given upon additional collateral." States the Speaker.

The once silent figure adds, "The choice must be made all at once. One additional guest? One additional gift. An eye for an eye; a risk for a boon."

Odrela grins (you think, you know with that dead visage and all).

[Attilius]

"It seems we have our volunteers then. Abez, please recuse yourself as captain and bestow it upon Khuv while the Gambit is docked here."

***

"Thank you speaker, please tell us the details and specifics of these 3 boons so that we can determine which to pick and which to trade for with collateral."

[DM Bob]

"Those are not the terms. Your choice will be used as a judge of character. The ones that help rule below will then mull, debate and nit-pick as we are wont to do." States the Speaker.

Odrela adds, "Choose wisely."

The other one nods in agreement.

[Deleted]

Mak calls forth the volunteers. The Gambit, Captain Khuv, Druuso and Haske.

"These have volunteered, along with our ship which grants us two choices. After a discussion with my companions we have selected both protection and aid. Though an additional weapon would be appreciated, we already earned one through hard fought combat and do not wish to be greedy over the treasures of Bodach. We believe that these selections will best help us complete the task of killing Wyan."

"Please take our selection and allow your thinkers to debate our merits. I believe that Bodach will support our goal of bringing justice to Wyan."

[DM Bob]

Odrela reaches into a fold in her gown and presents a small polished green-black obsidian orb the size of a halfling's fist.

"While us Lawkeepers are generally bound to our land's domain, taking this in hand and calling out my name will let me know you are in need. This is "aid". I will perform one task for you in your quest. You fear not having to wait for long." She states.

The unnamed figure disappears and reappears near instantaneously and presents you an ancient white banner, inlaid with golden thread, set on a pale wooden pole, perhaps 8-10 feet high. The thin pendant flutters about half that in length. A set of golden scales in balance are embroidered in the center.

"This is protection." He states. "This banner of Bodach has never been lost in battle, even during our final stand. Those who stood beneath it were protected from the first volleys of foul magics intended for our leaders. If held by a holy man or wizard, some of that energy can be used to fuel a counter to your enemies' folly."