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  1. - Top - End - #451
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    Default Re: [4e FR] The Five of the Realm - IC

    Bah!

    He walks out.
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  2. - Top - End - #452
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    Default Re: [4e FR] The Five of the Realm - IC

    Mai-Sal

    Mai nodded silently, finding this Nolan's explanation at least somewhat agreeable, though she was curious as to what information the letter held. She supposed her mystical studies could wait at least a moment or two, so she stood and walked over to the where the letter was tacked to the doorway to see what it had to say.
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  3. - Top - End - #453
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    Default Re: [4e FR] The Five of the Realm - IC

    Mai

    You walk over to the note, and see it is this bizarre script, of which you cannot read.
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  4. - Top - End - #454
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    Default Re: [4e FR] The Five of the Realm - IC

    Mai-Sal

    Mai's expression quickly shifted from mildly curious to mildly annoyed as she failed to comprehend the language the note was written in.

    Please tell me she didn't send us here just to retrieve this thing, she thought to herself, rubbing her temples with one hand while grabbing and placing the "Gem of Gods and Demons" onto her forehead in place of her familiar headband, which she stuffed into a pocket for the time being. Only then did she make a second attempt to read the note.
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  5. - Top - End - #455
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    Default Re: [4e FR] The Five of the Realm - IC

    Mai

    (Just say if Mai "reads this alound", if so then everyone can read it)
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    To my Wonderful Helpers,
    I see you have found a wonderful gem of a treasure from your little outing. Even I had no idea that you would find anything like this. Very impressive. Of course, being an ancient power has its benefits, like being one of the few that can still read and write in this language. In fact, if I am talking about cheese and sheep, I apologize, I haven't used this language in well over a few centuries.

    Well, moving along with the point of this little letter. Come back to the castle, for we have many things to talk about. I have sent an escort for you all. There have been some.....complications, that have arose since you left. Please take Nolan at his word, he is a good man and a good soldier. He will bring you back to me safe and sound. Have a safe Journey and as soon as you get back, all of you will have something waiting for you here.
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  6. - Top - End - #456
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    Default Re: [4e FR] The Five of the Realm - IC

    Dak listened intently at the mouth of the cave while Mai read aloud the note. At the mention of "something waiting for you", his eyes grew wide with anticipation. Dak suggest we hurry back! Follow the strange man to Silver! he pleaded with the others. His floating disk responded in kind, trembling to be dragged along the path toward Metherna!

  7. - Top - End - #457
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    Default Re: [4e FR] The Five of the Realm - IC

    Mai-Sal

    Even though she was still mildly annoyed by the letter, Mai couldn't deny that it was exhilirating to read a language that, up until now, had been a total mystery to her--and she had to admit she was curious about Metherna's veiled words, a curiosity that came out as she shared the contents of the letter with the rest of the group.

    "I agree, I should like to see what's underlying these statements of hers as soon as possible. My research into the deeper mysteries of the arcane can wait another day I suppose, I still recall the enchantments I studied yesterday, so we'll still have the storm on our side."

    With that, Mai packed up to get ready to leave.
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  8. - Top - End - #458
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    Default Re: [4e FR] The Five of the Realm - IC

    ALL

    After the reading of the letter, Mai gathers her things and prepares to leave, as do the rest of you. Nolan is waiting at the top of the stairs that led you below ground. He nods at you when you reach the top and continues walking into the opening. When you reach outside what you see very much surprises you, to say the least. You see about 10 men on horses, and about 40 men on foot, all with various weapons, but all in full armor. Some banners hang with the symbol of Metherna, and some of their shields have her symbol on them as well. Nolan walks over to a horse and hops up on him with ease, "Well, shall we? We shouldn't waste any time sitting around, we are greater targets doing that. We will ride for the remainder of the day, camp tonight, and get up very early, and should arrive back to Waterdeep tomorrow afternoon sometime." He kisses at his horse, and she starts walking, with the other riders following, but the men on foot seem to wait for all of you to get into the middle of their ranks before filing in behind you, creating a protective barrier around you all. You all march until that night, then the soldiers clear out an area somewhat adjacent to the road, and you make camp.

    The night passes with relative peace, though when you look into the sky, as the night descends upon the world, you notice a red-ish tint to the sky that was definitely not there before. Any questions asked about the phenomenon gets the same answer from any of the men, "It will be explained."

    Infernion:
    Spoiler
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    Since you have left the cave/temple, you have had a great since of foreboding that has been following you. It as almost as if something or some one is looking for you, searching for you, though as far as you are aware you have not seen anything suspicious. The light in the sky also have a particular sense of evil that seems to reach down to your bones. A presence you have not felt since......()


    All:
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    At this point, if you would like, you can make a quick post about the night. If not, just say something in OOC like, "I sleep" or "Move on" or something of the like. The rest of what is going to happen is a bit long, so I Wanted to break it up a little for you all.
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  9. - Top - End - #459
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    Default Re: [4e FR] The Five of the Realm - IC

    Kadaith

    Kadaith frowned slightly at the scene before him. He had an inkling something like this might happen, but it appeared that events were proceeding more quickly that he had hoped. All the more reason to hurry on then.

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    Moving right along...

  10. - Top - End - #460
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    Default Re: [4e FR] The Five of the Realm - IC

    Infernion


    Infernion paces restlessly for a good deal of the evening, often looking up at the sky.

    Infernus is on the move. The red's crocodile smile returns. These men and women that travel with me have no concept of the cruelty and evil they are about to face. Devils from another plane are one thing. The master of Hell here on earth is something very different.

    Eventually Infernion's pacing slows. He slumps against a tree from exhaustion more then anything.
    Last edited by CalebRoberts; 2012-11-07 at 10:07 PM.
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  11. - Top - End - #461
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    Default Re: [4e FR] The Five of the Realm - IC

    Arya

    Walking long distances is easier as a wolf, though the men's horses don't appreciate it. When they finally stop and make camp for the evening Arya transforms back and walks over to Mai, ignoring the guards and bannermen as if they weren't there. "Have you had a chance to look over the tomes we found? Perhaps they're written in a language that the gem will let you read."

    Spoiler
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    Anyone interested in trying to crack open those tomes?
    "We have sent many to Hell, to smooth our way," said I, "and we are standing yet and holding blades. What more?"- Roger Zelazny, This Immortal
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  12. - Top - End - #462
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    Default Re: [4e FR] The Five of the Realm - IC

    Mai-Sal

    Mai of course had been curious as to what all of this was about--why the detachment of soldiers, what was happening in the world, what's the deal with the red sky, all that stuff--but with no answers forthcoming she left it alone and concentrated on her magical studies, putting the final touches on a couple spell theorems she'd been working on.

    When the drow shapeshifter approached and asked about the tomes, she silently cursed herself for letting that slip her mind.

    "No, I suppose I've been a bit preoccupied, but that isn't a bad idea," she replied, getting up from her resting place, retrieving the books and the gem from their stash and bringing them back over so they could take a look. She had that same curious half-grin on her face that she gets when learning something new. "Let's find out, shall we?"
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  13. - Top - End - #463
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    Sorry for the delay guys, crazy weekend.

    Mai

    You take the books out and line them up. At first you cannot make sense of the writings on the front, but it doesn't take long for you to at least recognize what you need to do. You take the Gem out of your bag and, taking off your current headpiece, set the Gem around your head. It seems to take on life of its own, floating around your head. However, once you do and look down at the writing again it all becomes clear.
    Mai eye's only (unless she shares)
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    They seem to be ancient texts, in three volumes, relating to Asmodeus. All three have his symbol on them. They are older than any other book that you have ever seen, and seem like they would probably fall apart if handled too much. They seem to be fine at the moment, but need to be preserved, in Mai's opinion, soon. Otherwise the information in the might be lost for forever.
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  14. - Top - End - #464
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    Default Re: [4e FR] The Five of the Realm - IC

    Mai-Sal

    Mai gives the tomes a quick once-over, reading just enough to get a sense for what they are before stopping and returning them to where they'd been safely stored, taking extra care that they wouldn't be damaged on the trip back.

    "These books are ancient. Very ancient, maybe the oldest in existence. I've no doubt they tell of some very interesting things about the place we just were, but I'd rather not risk damaging them. Perhaps back in Waterdeep there will be some means of preserving them."
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  15. - Top - End - #465
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    Default Re: [4e FR] The Five of the Realm - IC

    ALL

    The night passes, if uneasily, and Nolan spends time waking those of you that have not gotten up yet. The sun is just beginning to crest over the horizon when he does, and most of the soldiers are already up and eating a quick, dry breakfast. After Nolan makes a pass by each of you, a soldier as well brings some dry breakfast to you. Before the sun starts to envelop the night, you notice the red tint that the sky has is still there. Just as the sun is has almost shown itself entirely, you all start your journey back to Metherna's castle.

    It, again, takes you a little longer to get back to her castle due to the fact that you are completely surrounded by soldiers, but you get back to Waterdeep by about 2 in the afternoon. The soldiers stay around you until you get all the way though town and safely, you presume, into the castle. The soldiers stay outside, save Nolan who escorts you to Metherna's throne room. He turns to you and says, "Wait here", and enters into the room. A few moments later, he comes back. "Her highness will see you now," and leaves you with a small smirk.

    When you all enter into the room, you see Metherna standing in front of her throne next to a quite large table, with 4 others around her. Some of you regcognize one or two of them, and some of you don't. Dak's eyes light up immediately upon seeing one woman standing around the table and yells out to her, "Mother!!!" He then runs up to her, hugging her feet, and she seems to smile and pat his head. Metherna smiles as she sees this, and all of you, "Ah, you are back. Thank goodness. I hoped Nolan took good care, and it looks like he did. You must have many questions I am sure. But first, introductions." She goes around the table, motioning to each "person" as she does.

    She first points to a man, or what looks like a man, with what you can only describe as golden hair and golden eyes. He is a large man dressing is beautiful plate mail regalia, but with no weapon, "This is King Vala, gold dragon and ally of mine." She then motions to a fiery looking woman, with rust copper colored hair and eyes to matcg. She is instead dressed in leather armor, and garnets one might see in a desert land, though you do notice massive amounts of jewelry all over her.....and fine jewelry it is, too, "This is Tortia, head of Calimport, and also an ally....for the most part," Metherna ends that with a shift smile and glance toward Tortia. She then points to the other woman who is almost as gorgeous as herself, who is dressed in an elegant dress that is quite form sitting and flows out at the bottom. She has deep green hair and eyes to match as well, "And this is Thorn, Queen of the forests and usually an enemy....usually."

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    More to come later, make any reaction posts you would like, and ask anything you would like.
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  16. - Top - End - #466
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    Default Re: [4e FR] The Five of the Realm - IC

    Kadaith

    Strange times make for strange bedfellows, and the current situation was clearly an...unusual one, as Metherna's words imply. As the barbarian glanced over the other dragons, a sense of unease seized him. It was obvious that the others lacked the kindness and humanity of Metherna that made him seek her out in the first place. He was unused to dealing with those so far beyond himself.

    And that last member of the conference, whom Metherna has yet to make mention of. A sight frown formed on Kadaith's face at this conspicuous omission.
    Last edited by Silver Coin; 2012-11-24 at 02:18 AM.

  17. - Top - End - #467
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    Infernion

    As soon as they are admitted into Metherna's presence, Infernion knows who the others are.

    He is terrified.

    He was been the hand of Infernus for along time, long enough to have brought pain and death to subjects of all the great dragons assembled. He knows they know it too.

    He drops to his knees in their presence, his head hung, his wings limp.

    He wishes to present the treasure they have won to the great Silver but never would he interrupt any as old and powerful as the Four arrayed before him.
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  18. - Top - End - #468
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    Default Re: [4e FR] The Five of the Realm - IC

    Mai-Sal Stormchaser

    Mai surveyed the room--or rather the room's illustrious occupants--looking for any signs of their moods and how they're handling being in the same room, what they might've been discussing or their reactions to any of the people who just entered (herself included).

    "Your graces," she offered, curtsying to each of them in turn while carefully avoiding eye contact. "At such grave cause that brings all of you together, one can only tremble."

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    If I can I'd like to roll Insight: (1d20+21)[27]

    Since I'm sure everyone's familiar with Mai's background OOC, I just want to state that she's intentionally deferring to Tortia as to whether she acknowledges Mai or not.
    Last edited by Dacia Brabant; 2012-11-24 at 02:45 AM.
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  19. - Top - End - #469
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    Default Re: [4e FR] The Five of the Realm - IC

    Arya

    The drow slips into the throne room behind Mai and takes a short step to her left, waiting as introductions are made. Look at that simpleton, quivering in fear and delight at the merest whiff of his mistress musk. Arya bows to each of the three as they are named.

    "My Lords and Ladies of Waterdeep, please forgive this intrusion upon your persons. We come bearing tithe and tribute for Great Metherna, but had I known we would be blessed by your presences we would have sacked Mithral Hall to bring you worthy gifts." Arya says and bends down to one knee, face down, one hand hidden in his back pocket, pressing a sharp tack against his side just hard enough to break the skin. His face grimaces in pain and a few tears begun to well up in his eyes.

    He looks up, a mixture of pain and fear on his face. "Our insolence is unforgiveable, though I beg of you a chance to make amends."

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    Referring to them as the Lords & Ladies of Waterdeep is meant as a veiled insult. Before the Spellplague Waterdeep was ruled by the Lords, humans that hid their identities. As the dragons are well known Arya is implying that they lack the subtlety of Waterdeeps previous rulers.

    The rest is his faking diplomacy. His Bluff & Diplomacy modifiers are the same, so it means about the same thing. (1d20+6)[11]
    Last edited by Chambers; 2012-11-24 at 09:32 AM.
    "We have sent many to Hell, to smooth our way," said I, "and we are standing yet and holding blades. What more?"- Roger Zelazny, This Immortal
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  20. - Top - End - #470
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    Default Re: [4e FR] The Five of the Realm - IC

    Kadaith

    At the sight of the drow's play acting, the big man almost burst out laughing. Even he knew what he was getting at. It was painful to watch, and the best Kadaith could do was to look away. If the dark elf is trying to insult some of the most powerful beings in Faerun, he was certainly on the right track. A corner of his mind briefly considered the possible reasons behind this reckless behaviour as well as the potential reactions of the dragons and was left less than pleased.

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    Arya fails the roll against Kadaith's passive insight. This should be fun.

  21. - Top - End - #471
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    Default Re: [4e FR] The Five of the Realm - IC

    Mai-Sal

    Mai's eyes go wide as she looks askance at the drow, then instinctively she glances over at Tortia to get a bead on her reaction before returning her look to Arya. She shakes her head slightly as if to say "You don't even know" without actually voicing it.

    What is he playing at? she wondered. There has to be something more to it; even those Black Hand fools weren't that transparently absurd.

    She readied her escape spell just in case there were fireworks on the way.
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  22. - Top - End - #472
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    Default Re: [4e FR] The Five of the Realm - IC

    ALL & Arya

    Silence falls upon the entire room after the drow's words. There are a few guards in the room, as well as some servants milling about bringing some drinks, food, etc., to the rulers, and once he speaks all actions stops and all eyes go between him and the dragons. Thorn seems to just brush his comment off, and Tortia lets out a loud laugh and just looks at the drow. Metherna looks somewhat annoyed and starts to say something, but is interrupted by Vala. The large dragon in a man's form steps down to right in front of Arya. He puts a hand down and a single finger under Arya's chin, which has sprouted a large claw, seemingly from nowhere. Using the claw to raise the drow up, he looks at him straight in the eye, "I am well aware of the viciousness of your people, drow, and the disgusting and disturbing things they put their own through. I am also quite certain that you would rather not go back there...." leaving this last bit linger for a moment before continuing. "I do not care where your allegiances lie, wolf, but you will show the proper respect to those who have earned it. And I guarantee that the Queen of this land has done more than enough for you to deserve it. Mind your slippery tongue, drow, or I will cut it out, and then we will see how smart you think you are. And next time you make a speech, press into your flesh a little harder.....it brings more tears." Vala then takes his claw away, which changes back to his normal finger, and steps back over to the table.

    Metherna seems a little surprised by her allies' actions, but says nothing to him about them. "Well, now that we have all become acquainted, there is one last member of our group here that you have to be introduced to....this is the Silver Hawk, Riordan Tael'aan, who's father carried the name before him. Both he and his father are quite adept at warfare, which is why I asked him here. We have a problem, of which I will explain, but I would like to know all of what you learned, and what this supposed tithe is you have brought me." She ends giving a not-so-approving glance at Arya.
    Last edited by Irish Musician; 2012-11-24 at 04:43 PM.
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  23. - Top - End - #473
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    Default Re: [4e FR] The Five of the Realm - IC

    Arya

    He sniffs once as Vala raises his head, dropping the act and staring blank face at him. "Of course, lord. I find myself ignorant of your preferred manner of respect. If you have time later, perhaps you could demonstrate your method for eliciting proper responses..." Arya says without inflection, then pauses to let his gaze linger across the king's beautiful face and well-sculpted body, then motions to Mai. "Your other servants carry your treasures, Great Metherna.

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    Roll for innuendo? Not being that subtle.
    "We have sent many to Hell, to smooth our way," said I, "and we are standing yet and holding blades. What more?"- Roger Zelazny, This Immortal
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  24. - Top - End - #474
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    Default Re: [4e FR] The Five of the Realm - IC

    Riordan

    Riordan nodded politely to the members of the party as he is introduced, he hoped that he looked sufficiently trustworthy for the party to work with him. Trust was going to be important, if he was going to be able to properly help them. He shifted uncomfortably as the Drow baited the Dragons. An unwise hobby, if one wishes to keep breathing., he thought, I think I'll stick with board games. He waited passively for Metherna to reveal what brought them all together.
    Last edited by Anonomuss; 2012-11-24 at 05:57 PM.

  25. - Top - End - #475
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    Default Re: [4e FR] The Five of the Realm - IC

    Arya

    As Vala returns to Metherna's side, he hears Arya's comments. A growl so low it is almost inaudible comes from Vala, and he spins around and starts back at Arya, but Metherna put her hand in front of him, stopping him. His head shoots at her and she looks at him. A few moments go by and some unseen, unheard conversation is going on between them. Vala then seems to stand down, but give a very intense glare at Arya. Metherna then speaks, "Arya, if you wish not to be around us or follow my orders, no one is keeping you here against your will. If you wish me to return you to the Underdark and to your Matron, then I will, just say the word. Otherwise, please do not think of me, or us, as enemies or another Mother for you to bow down to. I do, however, expect at least some level of respect from you Arya. It is no threat coming from me if you do not, just a request from an ally......Please show us respect, I beg you." With that Metherna returns to waiting for the explaination of what happened and what they found out....not to mention all the shiny treasure floating on the disk next to them.
    Last edited by Irish Musician; 2012-11-24 at 05:51 PM.
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  26. - Top - End - #476
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    Default Re: [4e FR] The Five of the Realm - IC

    Arya

    The reaction from Vala was expected. Arya braced himself for a more physical response but looked confused as Metherna spoke. Some response seemed to be on the tip of his tongue but he held it and let out a small sigh. "Old habits." He said softly and took a half-step back to let the others be more visible.
    "We have sent many to Hell, to smooth our way," said I, "and we are standing yet and holding blades. What more?"- Roger Zelazny, This Immortal
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  27. - Top - End - #477
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    Default Re: [4e FR] The Five of the Realm - IC

    Mai-Sal

    Mai would've bristled at Arya's "servant" remark, but she was too busy psychoanalyzing him to pay it any heed. Putting together his baiting of Vala--especially his choice of words and demeanor--with the scarring and the Matron references and what she knew of drow culture she could only come up with one thing: I see; he's a masochist, she thought, mentally filing it away for now, though a slight shudder escaped her as she tried not to imagine what he must have underwent to make him desire pain.

    She nodded to Riordan when he was introduced before moving on to the information, which she almost began to cite in Draconic--old habit, that--but not wanting to alienate her companions further she reverted to Common, though she retained the formal tone of the former language.

    "Right, so as your graces can see, we obtained a portion of the ill-gotten lucre Asmodeus's cult had accumulated over the centuries in that place, about which you will soon hear. I believe Dak has a full accounting of the monetary wealth, which we naturally present to your majesty for her judicious and generous use. In addition to the hard assets there also were a few tools of the arcane trade--a wand and a rod each bearing enchantments--as well as a shield fit for a paladin of noble heart and the Gem of Gods and Demons, as you are already aware," she left that last one to hang for a moment before continuing. "Next to that rarity, I would place the tomes of Asmodeus in terms of value if only for the information they contain, however they will require considerable care lest they fall apart on first read due to their immense, perhaps incalculable age.

    "As for what we uncovered, it was indeed a hideout for Ashmadai, but in addition to the symbols of their Lord of the Ninth Pit they also bore the standards of the other eight devil princes, which caused me to suspect they were following in the footsteps of an ancient cult that sought nothing less than summoning their lord to this plane and create a hell on earth, as it were. These suspicions were confirmed when we uncovered a secret temple of Asmodeus beneath the cave that must date back millennia, or perhaps it was transported from Baator directly? Either way, it was there that we found and slew Asmodeus's high priest, a number of crazed followers and the chained devils they were summoning."


    She might've stopped there, after all that was the gist of what happened and what she'd been able to infer, but she just couldn't let it go. She paused to take a breath, frowned at Infernion's genuflected form and looked sidelong at Metherna. If anyone wanted to interject, this would certainly be a good time for it, but regardless she states this final line quite flatly.

    "I regret we weren't able to interrogate a prisoner for more first-hand information than this, but apparently there were conflicting orders."

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  28. - Top - End - #478
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: [4e FR] The Five of the Realm - IC

    Infernion

    As Mai pauses, Infernion breaks in.

    Still on his knees he speaks up. "I assured that no survivors were left Majesty. This one the elemental referes to was to be left alone as we ventured deeper. She could not be allowed to escape.

    ALL, were wiped out. None survived to spread the word of Asmodeus and his minions. If I have erred in following your orders, my life is yours for the taking, as it has been since our first meeting.

    The treasure in no tithe Majesty. It is the full bounty we recovered from the hidden treasure chamber behind the Alter. We offer it to you now, and leave our reward, if any, in your wise hands."


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  29. - Top - End - #479
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    ALL

    Metherna listens to Mai's story quite intently, motioning to a servant as she speaks of the books & shield who then runs off, and gets quite a quizzical look on her face when Mai and Infernion go back a forth about this prisoner. "You did in fact follow my orders to the letter Infernion, and in that I thank you. However, there is a measure of civility that comes with having a prisoner. Who was this prisoner and what were the circumstances of their death? And rise, dragon, we are not overlords to you." Then she looks at Mai, "This is all very disturbing information. I guessed as much with the summoning.....but this temple....." Metherna trails off as she seems to be lost in thoughts and memories from millennia past, then continues, "I will have to research this temple. It must have been constructed even before our times. As for these books and this shield, let me see them and I shall see what we can figure out. As for the rest of the items, you may keep the Gem if you would like, for the moment. It will most likely help you in whatever quests I send you on in the future. I will look over this offering," she seems to laugh at this a little, "and figure out what it a fair share for everyone."
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  30. - Top - End - #480
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    Default Re: [4e FR] The Five of the Realm - IC

    Mai-Sal

    Mai nodded in understanding as the dragon queen spoke, but underneath that she was still frustrated. She increasingly had to remind herself that this isn't Calimport.

    "That is well. If I can be of any assistance in researching this question, your majesty, it would be my pleasure to do so. As for the prisoner, she was someone who readily helped us, torturing herself in violation of her oath to do so--an oath she likely didn't understand the implications of as it was composed in a dead language, nor was she bound to ideologically considering she was a mercenary. But that isn't even the issue," she said, her gaze beginning to burn again. "The issue is with this fledgling here executing my captive literally the moment my back was turned. By now I think I'm inured to people plotting behind my back, but that kind of erratic, unstable behavior is a red flag, if you'll excuse the turn of phrase."
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