(You know the drill. Every group gets the same mission.)

You are all allowed the rest of the day off. You had the chance to explore the city a little bit and buy some odds and ends. The dwarven blacksmith might be glad to see others of his ilk, since the current dwarven population of Phlan counts exactly three - "An' he ain't on good terms with dem two bitches."

(Make any simple weapon and armor purchases you want - all costs are standard as listed in the PHB)

The night offers some restful sleep in the communal barracks (or elsewhere in the city if you prefer). The poisonous river and high wall form enough of a barrier that monster incursions are a rarity. However, Boros is not taking his duty lightly, and there are plenty of patrols around.

Your day's work is already planned in advance for you. Boros opens a partial map of the slum area. It's a parchment crawling with additions, corrections and smudges from food. The slums seem a mess of collapsed houses and blocked streets. The dragonflight left the entire area in ruins, and it will take considerable time to clear the area once you make it safe. Boros jabs his finger at a particular spot and mutters something about scouts spotting the centre of kobold activity there. After you take care of that and prove your worth, you'll be free to pick your next assignment. He spits on the floor and grumbles that you seem like you could handle this.


Each square is about 250 meters.
+ marks cleared area ("Good work, team!")
- marks mapped but not cleared area ("Might still be some beasties there.")
? marks unmapped area ("Will get to that later.")
The spot Boros indicates is in C2.

The trip to the target area is uneventful. The guards, of course, don't leave the wall or escort you out into the slums. Orders, they say. But you get the impression Boros simply doesn't want to lose his soldiers.

Navigating through the narrow passageways and collapsed houses takes almost half an hour. You get the distinct impression of being watched, but can't quite spy anyone following your movement. The center of kobold activity Boros wants taken out turns out to be a largish, still standing two-storey house with a collapsed roof. It's built of thick stone blocks, and looks more like a fortification than a townhouse. A thin wisp of smoke rises from the place, and even from afar you can smell some sort of stew.



shaded = wall
shaded "+" = barred window
shaded "-" = open window
"I" = door (action or reaction to open or close)
. = rubble (difficult terrain)

A single kobold guard paces around the house, muttering about how hungry it is and how unfair life is and how he needs to find a new band to hang on to.

(You can start anywhere on map edge. If you need to run away, you can do so from a map edge as well. The kobold guard hasn't spotted you yet. He has AC12 and HP5 and is armed with a rusty blade and a sling.)

"There is but one guard. It would be best to attain information. I could cast a command spell to get the creature over here, then perhaps a bribe of food or trinkets could get it to talk about what we would find inside?" Risshil suggested as he looked at the building through his spyglass.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:01, Thu 22 Oct 2015.

"I'd definitely prefer to know what we're going to be facing once inside the house. A count of kobolds would be nice as well. It's a good first move, Risshil." Hai runs his hand over his low cropped mohawk. "If we can get inside relatively undetected we may be able to find a leader of sorts and force a surrender."

Hearing the mutterings of the kobold give Ra some thoughts on it as well,
He is not happy with his band, when we talk to him tell him he join us. Not really but maybe he will talk more if he feels safer.
Running a hand over his javelin, knowing he could do better on his next throw. Missing the leader then it having no visible effect on the ghost thing left him disappointed with his prowess.
He nods agreement to both Risshil and Hai Tao, information would help.

The Black Knight nods his helmeted head.  His baritone voice is quiet as he softly responds to his companions.  "Agreed, Ra'Mer, but if we offer something, who must be prepared to follow through.  I suggest that we say nothing about sparing its' life, that way such a piece will still be on the board should it be required for play."  He draws his sword slowly, and as quietly as he can, as his left arm adjusts its' grip on his shield.

Risshil nodded. "Yes, saying we will spare his life will more likely scare the creature into giving up our position. Since I speak their language allow me to do the talking. Hai Tao, would you prepare a little food and hand it to him when he gets over here?" he asked before turning to Ra'Mer. "If you would position yourself behind the creature to grab him and quiet him if the need arises that would be helpful, as your strength is apparent. I would rather end this civilly then spill more blood, but it's quite possible we will be unable to get them to surrender peacefully. We must be prepared for that outcome even as he try this." he said before moving into position. Casting a small spell, he caused his eyes to transform into those of a dragon's.

"Approach." he commanded in Draconic, casting the spell granted to him by Labelas. He waited for the Kobold to approach via the command spell and then smiled at the little creature. "Little one, do not fear. I wish to be friends with you, and my companions offer you food in exchange for information." he said in draconic as it came close.


OOC: This is assuming everyone waits for me to get things started, so yes I know this is 2 rounds worth of actions. If someone wants to do something before I cast Command on my second turn that's fine.

Start in M28, move to N25. Cast Thaumaturgy to change the appearance of my eyes to that of a dragon's for 1 minute. Cast Command of Kobold Guard (Wisdom Save 13). Persuasion Check after it comes close.

20:01, Today: Risshil rolled 12 using 1d20+3 ((9)).

Desdichado nods his head in acknowadgment of the plan so far.  Seeing that he doesn't have anything better to suggest the Knight moves forward to offer cover to the brave wood elf.  As he stands slightly forward and to the right of the man, the Black Knight prepares to put himself into harms way to protect the cleric.

(OOC:  Start in L28, NENNN then end at N24.  Ready Action to step one square to the west and attack the first hostile enemy to enter his Reach.)

Hai Tao moves up to the wall in front of him putting his back against it. He reaches into his belt pouch and pulls out a bit of dried beef and a questionable looking apple he had taken from the mess area. "Hopefully our little friend isn't picky." For a moment he considers readying his shortsword but decided against it seeing that it may frighten the creature.


[OOC: Moves up to L27. Readies the food to give to kobold and readies a punch to the head if the little bugger is a biter.]

Ra'Mer shrugs his shoulders as Rishill offers to do the speaking and such, he did not speak draconic so he could follow along, reading body languages when he could not understand in full.

shaded = wall
shaded "+" = barred window
shaded "-" = open window
"I" = door (action or reaction to open or close)
. = rubble (difficult terrain)
k = starved kobold sentry (AC12 HP5)

R=Risshil D=Ser Desdichado H=Hai Tao M=Ra'Mer

The kobold scampers closer, under the effects of Risshil's mighty spell. Booming consonants and slithering prepositions Risshil utters echo off the walls, but the elf chose well - the spot is out of sight and the draconic syllables pass unnoticed.

The kobold stares up at Risshil. While the idea of anyone taller than itself wishing to be its friend is obviously very alien to the little lizard, it understands the offer of food very well. After all, it's obviously very, very hungry. The times are extremely lean for the kobolds of Phlan. Its little paws twitch nervously as it looks between the four of you.

"What... what are you wanting from me? I'm just a little kobold. If you want the big boss, she's inside, cooking. I wish I could be inside. The stew looked tasty." It licks its thin lips. "But you have food? I know a little." Its eyes sparkle.

Risshil smiled at the kobold and nodded. "Yes little one, the gnome has food for you. What we want is information. Tell us about the Big Boss. How many of your bretheren are there? Would the big boss be willing to talk?"

Satisfied to listen as Risshil speaks with the mobile as it appears willing to talk, we will see how helpful. Since things do seem to be going right Ra'Mer will take out a bundle from his pack, a days ration, not opening it he waits to see how things go.

Desdichado nods his head in mute encouragement to the Kobold, but otherwise keeps his mouth closed as he shifts his gaze from the smaller monster in front of them back towards the building.  His eyes search the visible portions of the building.  He pays special attention to the two windows and the door closest to their location.  The last thing they needed was for someone else to notice their negotiations.

"There are one, two three, many of my brothers inside. You don't have enough fingers on your hands to count them all, good elf. And the big boss, she promised us endless food and to protect us from kobold-hunters. She talks, always, yes she does. A smart orkse she is." It chitters and grins, tapping its foot at some inside joke. "Do you want to meet her? I can ask her."

As the kobold begins answering questions, Hai Tao holds out the food to the little creature. "Here, friend. Have some dried beef and an apple, you look too skinny for your own good. They should feed you better around here." Hai smiles.

"Let me speak to my friends first. Please have something to eat while I discuss things with them." he replied to the kobold, gesturing to Hai Tao and the offered food. He then slipped out of the draconic tongue and spoke to his companions.

"There seems to be ten or more kobolds inside the structure, and they are led by a female orc they call the big boss. Apparently she likes to talk, so he offered to introduce us to her. While I am partial to this and would rather take the chance of a peaceful resolution, but doing so puts us in potential danger as well as losing the element of surprise. I understand if any of you are against this. I would like to hear what you think before coming to a decision."

After placing the food into the creature's clawed hands he turns to Risshil, "That is quite the risk. But if we can come to some kind of terms with this..Big Boss, then maybe we can avoid any possible bloodshed. I am willing to give civility a chance if the others are. If things look like they may turn would you be able to convince the Big Boss of our good intentions much in the same way you did with our scaly friend here?"

Wiping a hand from his forehead down his face Ra'Mer only nods to the others. He supposed he could wait and see how it played out.
"Go ahead, lead the way. Lets see what we are up against."

The Knight thinks for a moment, and then shakes his helmeted head.  "I fear it may end badly, but will follow your lead in this.  Boros seems to think such creatures are beyond redeption.  I hesitate to second guess the one with more experience than I."  He looks down at the hungry Kobold, "Still, perhaps compassion will win over some hearts, even if others are hardened against it."

(OOC:  Ser Desdichado will move like a bodyguard and stick next to Risshil.  He'll do his best to stand between the cleric and any visible enemies.  Unless Risshil asks him to do otherwise, of course, in which case he'll stand to the man's side.)

The kobold gnaws and munches on the dried beef with gusto. The apple, however, is given a mistrustful look. Well, perhaps it has a worm in it? So the little lizard gnaws on it as well once it's finished with the beef. The kobold seems quite malnourished now that you have a chance to look at it from close up. No wonder - the waters around Phlan are poisonous, and there are few things that grow in the ruins of a city.

Once done with the meager meal, it looks up expectantly at Risshil.

Risshil looks back down at the kobold. "We would like to speak with the Big Boss. Please take us to her."

It is done, they were on their way in. For good or bad Ra'Mer was ready, taking a position just behind their new guide he follows the kobold in. With hammer in hand that is, he would not go into danger without something.

The Knight moves forward flanking the Risshil.  his sword is at the ready and his eyes scan the surrounding territory for possible ambush.

shaded = wall
shaded "+" = barred window
shaded "-" = open window
"I" = door (action or reaction to open or close)
. = rubble (difficult terrain)
k = starved kobold sentry (AC12 HP5)
K = halforc woman (AC13 HP15)

R=Risshil D=Ser Desdichado H=Hai Tao M=Ra'Mer

The kobold finishes the meal and leads the party towards the house. It yips and shouts in Common, its small voice almost childlike.

"Hey, boss! These gentlebeings want a word!"

"Squinty, you stupid git!" A female voice can be heard from inside. "Didn't I tell you to stop asking people in for lunch? We barely have enough for us as it is!"

There's a horde of yips and snickers from inside the house. "What are you laughing about?" the woman's voice sounds. "The bunch of you is not any better! You'd all have starved if I hadn't taken you in! Shaddup!" There's the sound of a ladle hitting a kobold head, then more yipping and laughter. Somehow this reminds you of some sort of orphanage.

The door opens and a halforc woman steps out, squinting in the sunlight. Apart from orcish hides, she has an apron on, a wooden ladle in her hand, and is trailed by a few underfed kobolds. These cling to her like lost children. As far as halforcs go, she's quite shapely, with childbearing hips. Her appraising gaze passes over each member of the party as she wipes her hands in the apron. A large medallion of jet'black stone hangs on a simple cord around her neck, inscribed with an orcish rune. Risshil recognizes this as a symbol of Luthic, the orcish goddess of fertility.

"Oh, good day to you gentle sirs. Can I help you with anything?"

Being much a man and more so a barbaric one, Ra'Mer manages a big smiles at the curvy woman before him. From the side of Risshil he throws her a question,
"What be your business here about? Are you recruiting or protecting lil ones?"
Like much he had seen in his short life thus far Ra'Mer knew evil was more than in your skin and she could well be of a good heart. He was not above smashing little lizards but if they were not hurting anyone or had no ill intents.....well...

"Greetings daughter of Luthic. We were sent by the city because they wish to reclaim the old areas of the city. I understand that violence has happened, but we hope to find a peaceful solution. I believe that if you and your little ones work with the city, you can live better lives. If you are willing to do so." Risshil said with a smile.

The Black Knight contents himself with watching and listening for now.  His companions have already spoken, so he will see how the comely half-orc responds to them.  His sword remains naked in his hand, but the point is now lowered towards the ground.

As the conversation begins Hai does his best to avert his eyes finding things on the ground and on the buildings to divert his attention. His height made speaking or even giving the Half-orc female his attention feel a bit inappropriate which brought color to the gnome's cheeks.

shaded = wall
shaded "+" = barred window
shaded "-" = open window
"I" = door (action or reaction to open or close)
. = rubble (difficult terrain)
k = starved kobold (AC12 HP5)
K = halforc woman (AC13 HP15)

R=Risshil D=Ser Desdichado H=Hai Tao M=Ra'Mer

The motherly halforc smiles pleasantly. Even at Ra'Mer, who makes such an accusation. That exposes more of her feminine lower tusks. "Oh, I tried getting out of the slums - Luthic knows I did. But they just wouldn't let me." She waves her hand westward, then south, and north. "Old Norris doesn't want me and the children passing through his turf; the rope guild to the south is unsafe as it is; we have no boat to cross the waters of the poisonous river to the north. Not that Bane's chosen would let us escape with our lives. And going close to the wall of your civilized area means death my arrows. We're driven into a corner, here. I wish there was a way we could escape. Perhaps you can help?"

She smiles at the party. Her eyes going to the gnomish monk, and for a moment Hai Tao has the impression she was about to pull him in against her ample bosom. The kobolds are curiously quiet, listening to the conversation.

"We were intructed to clear the streets, if we take you 'prisoner' and escort you out the gates, would that not be doing our job?"
To Ra'Mer it would be doing the job asked for as well as not involving them in needless battle. But he would wait until the others put in their own thoughts on the matter.

"The streets are clear my friend. It is the building that is not. I see no reason why the city cannot hire them on as workers. It is a win win situation. The city gains workers in this dangerous area and they keep their place of living as well as gain food and a small amount of money." Risshil said plainly. He then slipped back into the draconic tongue so the kobolds could understand better. "I have heard tales of kobold work ethic, ingenuity, and craftsmanship. Would you all be willing to work for the city of humans in order to build and repair these lost areas? I think it would be possible to convince the city to hire you on and allow you a section of the district to live in."

"Failing integration into the work force we could easily talk to the local constabulary and militia about allowing this group to go free. Obviously they mean no harm or they would have attacked up. And it seems clear that this lovely woman wishes nothing more than to protect her friends. I believe we can find a diplomatic way to handle this between the people of this city and these few here."

"While I am loath to cast cold water upon peaceful aspirations during this conflict resolution," Ser Desdichado speaks at last, "I feel it my duty to remind all present that it would be a difficult talk at the best of times to get such a large group through the gates without incident."

The Knight turns towards the half orc woman and tilts his head slightly.  "Is this all of your lively band?  Or are there others scattered around the slums?  Before we consider any real options we need to know exactly what we are dealing with."

Risshil perhaps hasn't thought this out all the way. Actually paying kobolds for working? The very concept of this is sure to make hairs bristle. Kobold work ethics? The litle critters looked at eachother, trying to make sense of the words. "If Mom says we do, we do!" a particularly undainted kobold chirps in draconic. "We can't build a nest here, the ground too hard."

The halforcish woman grins and adjusts her hair as the gnomish monk compliments her. "Why, you are very handsome yourself. As for diplomacy, the humans in the docks are rather fond of shooting arrows at me and mine, so I don't think that would work. There are dozens more children around, scavenging for food, and there is my brother. He should be back from Podol with the groceries soon."

Risshil raised an eyebrow as people talked about getting all these kobolds and the priestess into the city. "I think you misunderstand. My plan means that they don't have to move from here, and that they don't have to enter the city. We shall be their ambassadors for this matter, though I would ask you to come with daughter of Luthic. That way you could be the speaker for your children in the future. My plan is to have you all work for the city doing what you do best, and they in turn make sure you have food and the right to stay here. If I can convinced them on a small monetary spending as well I'd like to, but it's not necessary. This would be a win for both the city and for your family."

"Though I think the idea of the kobolds being able to work with the city and build a better life for both sounds excellent, it may be a bit too ambitious. We know the city has taken a relatively negative view of the kobolds since the attacks. Even with our recommendation and this woman's insurances that they will cause no more mischief I'm not sure they will go for it." Hai shakes his head and sighs, "That being said I'd be will to try."

"If it fails then we move on to the next step, getting them out and someplace safer. There's no problem with trying."

In reply to Risshil (msg # 37):

"Can't hurt to ask else we escort them out ourselves. Guards on the wall can be distracted. "
Either was good, if they were not evil or at least not evil to others then there was no reason not to help. The little ones could help in the cleaning of the city. Someone had to do it.

Ser Desdichado listens attentively to the woman explaining her thoughts, and nods his head.  He gazes around at his other companions.  "So, several dozen of them, lets' assume a nice round fifty, plus her brother and herself.  You'd probably have an easier time hiring a ship to meet them along to river then trying to get that lot past to guards."

"Good woman,"  His attention returns to the half orc, "This Podol, is that a person, or a place?"  He seems to stop for a moment, and then straightens himself before her.  His sword returns to its' sheath with a hiss and snick.  "I apologize.  We are being extreamly rude here.  I am Ser Desdichado.  My companions are Risshil, Ra'Mer, and Hai tao."  He gestures to each of them in turn.  "What name may we call you by Lady?"

As Desdichado introduces him, Hai Tao bows respectfully to the woman. He was inspired by her facing such daunting odds yet still willing to help those less fortunate that herself. Hai became even more determined to find a peaceful resolution to this problem. The city members would just have to put away their hatred and intolerance and see reason.

The halforcish woman nods, smiels and bows. She's all too eager to take the party up on the offer, particularly if they suggest hiring a ship. She points out that the only place to dock is the northern shore of the slums, because the Rope Guild fills the southern approaches to the seashore.

She introduces herself as Mila, a wise woman and caretaker. Soon enough her brother arrives with a load of groceries. He is Markus, and he likes his axe. The kobolds are curiously quiet. After a few exchanges, Mila excuses herself and returns to the house to fix the kobolds' meal. The little pests follow her inside amidst a newly reignited burst of yipping and chatter. Markus remains outside with the party to answer other questions and plan the escape.\

(does anyone peek inside the house?)

Ra'Mer, admiring the curves of Mila will allow his gaze to follow her inside. Even stepping around to get a good look of what the inside looks like.
If questionedonit he may blush a bit but will confess only to seeing what the little ones were up to.

Ra'mer can't fail to notice several corpses of humans, elves and a dwarf strung from hooks upside down along the inside walls of the building, a carcass or two still tripping blood into a bowl. The other significant furnishing of the building is the big table, around which the kobolds sit and slurp noisily.

Mila notices Ra'mer checking her out, and offers him true fanservice. Bending over and accidentally turning in a way to accent her curvy figure and large rack. Oh my.

This was not good, why was it always the hot ugly chick's that were cannibalistic freaks? No time to think over it more and since barbarians were not entirely renown for subtleties he blurts out his finding.
"The city folk won't take any offers with these table settings."
He points into the building to emphasize his point.
"All sorts of people hung on the walls like butchered cows."
With practically no effort his weapon is in hand and shield already strapped to his arm Ra'Mer awaits an answer from anyone.

Ser Desdichado stops moving when Ra'Mer makes his announcement.  His hands do not move as his eyes instantly take in the surroundings and the locations of his companions and this Markus.  An ambush would be a poor way to repay the faith the group had shown.  His voice is even as he addresses Markus.

"Your explanation for this?"

The halforc shrugs while his sister comes closer again, wiping her hands in her apron. She makes eyes at Ra'mer.

"They were already dead when we found them. No sense in letting the meat go to waste, is there? Nothing else edible around here anyways. Those groceries took sneaking over to Podol to get, and that marketplace is quite a bit away through hostile territory. Awww. Just look how the little ones like it. Silly little buggers." She looks at the half-starved kobolds fondly as they gorge themselves. "Really, they only need some direction."

Still hoping Mila might be 'normal' enough Ra'Mer asks one more thing...
"What do you and your brother be eatin'? Same thing the little ones eat or these groceries?"
He had not seen what the groceries actually were but assumed for the time it was different that what is displayed upon the walls and the like. Ra'Mer could go for a less attractive girl and even a good 'n big one but if he might turn up on the menu....? Well it was too tribal. Oh, there were barbaric people that might but he could not bring himself to do it. Suppose he would avoid her cooking at least until she was out of the city.

Hai Tao shifted from one leg to the next as he did his best to keep his breakfast down. Being a monk he had sworn off meat early in life but he never faulted others from eating the animals raised and sold in the market. But eating other sentient life was abominable. Certainly it was possible these people could have fallen before Mila and her group had gotten to them and in moments of extreme need cannibalistic tendencies have been forgiven. Yet here her brother had come with items supposedly taken from the marketplace so they did have other options. Also Mila being incredibly nonchalant about the hanging bodies gave Hai an increasingly uneasy feeling that had him quietly pulling his shortsword from it's sheath. His understanding nature that extended to those different than himself was being sorely tested.

"Then it is safe to assume that their diet, and yours as well, will change once a more stable food source can be found?" Risshil asked, his eyes narrowing a tad. While he held some measure of trust and respect for Mila knowing her goddess as one of the non-violent orc gods, a half-orc who loves his axe still brings a racial nervousness about that puts him on edge.

The Knight looks to his companions to gauge their reactions.  For some reason he finds it difficult to give up on the idea of diplomacy completely  Risshil and the others had wanted to try, and he was content to continue to try, until it was clear beyond a doubt that they would not succeed.  So, he remained silent, and watched the ax-fond Half Orc instead.  Perhaps he would surprise them.  Perhaps.

"It'd be unfair to serve the poor kids something we wouldn't eat ourselves." She flashes a smile at Ra'mer, misinterpreting his unease as attraction. "Times are lean, and we can't choose what to eat. You get used to the taste, after a while.  I could care less for the taste of elf or dwarf, however." The male halforc grunts in agreement, an expression of distaste on his face. "The children don't seem to mind, though."

Meanwhile the kobolds gorge themselves on the stew. They are voracious and done with the meal in but a dozen seconds or so. A chorus of yipping makes Mila turn around and yell. "You'll just throw up if you overeat! Be good children and take a walk, the next meal is in two hours!" There is much grumbling from the "children", but they obey.

Hai Tao drawing his shortsword is not seen as a threat, apaerently. After all, everyone is friendly, no?

Markus grunts again at Risshil's question. "I'd give my left nut to not have to eat dwarf ever again. Gruumsh's hairy balls, they taste worse than crap."

It was not heard of, people eating other sentient races in times of dire need, so he could understand it to some degree. Now they just had to find a remedy to this situation.
"Well let us get about finding a solution and we can clean this up."
With a smile towards Mila he makes a hasty retreat to the streets before he can be offered any stew. He had rations enough for himself and perhaps another but not all the kids.

Hai Tao gives a friendly smile and a slight bow to Mila and her brother before following Ra'Mer out of the house. Once out in the street he lets out a long breath before sliding his sword back into it's sheath. Keeping his voice low he speaks with the tall human.

"That was rather unpleasant in there. I'm at a bit of a loss on how to handle things. My order forbids the eating of flesh from any animal and I believe that goes double for the flesh of sentient beings. I understand that these orcs and kobolds are in a tough situation but...I certainly can't condone their actions. My only suggestion would be to get them on a boat and out of this city. Immediately if possible."

In reply to Hai Tao (msg # 53):

Taking a hand and wiping it down his face he tries to clear his mind of the house, HE was a barbarian and he never thought of that in all his years. Ra'Mer would eat cats, rats or dogs first.....people....never...he would go vegetarian.
"You may just be right on this. I do not think the city would stand for the thought of it in no circumstance. So, getting them out of the city would be their best hope."

The Knight strode closer to his companions to share in their whispered council.  He nodded his helmeted head at the words spoken by Hai Tao, and Ra'Mer, before voicing his own thoughts.  "We will find that difficult to do if we try to force a passage for them through to the docks.  Perhaps, however, we could bring this woman back with us.  There she can plead her case with the Captain himself, and perhaps bargain for some more appropriate meat for her brood.  If she can prove to him that her charges are under control then he might be willing to help her."

He glanced between the three companions.  "Otherwise, we are in a tough place.  Either we risk everything to bring them through territory we have no knowledge of, or we break our word and do as we were bad to do."

(you can either hack them to bits, try to negotiate a spot for them with New Phlan's council, or just leave them in place and go on. What'll it be?)

(Negotiations with the Council is my vote.)

(Negotiate as well- at least get them outta town and a new diet)

(Agreed on the negotiations. They are scavenging corpses that others have killed. While that fact and the fact that they seem to not have any sign of remorse over it is unnerving, they aren't actively being aggressive.)

(you're all acutely aware that the Council hired you to remove denizens such as these from the Slums, right?)

Stockholm syndrome
Or somethi like that


But if they get out of the city they are removed and that is the most RaMer can hope for. It woukd be a large number of hem removed without violence, reservi brute tactics for the next encounter.

(Agreed. Negotiations, though difficult seems our best bet. Removed doesn't necessarily mean terminate.)

(I'm, as a player and character, expecting negotiations to go horribly wrong, but turning around and attacking now would feel too much like murder instead of righteous justice.  If we were going to do that we should have done it from the start.)

(Definitely too far down the rabbit hole to turn back now. And even though the group may be hanged, drawn and quartered as collaborators at least we gave it a shot.)

In reply to Ser Desdichado (msg # 63):

Agreed, awkward....

Long story made short:

The party comes back to the gates and converses with Boros about their findings. The man is hardly amused about the cannibalism and perceived softness of the party.

"Hrmph. If it was me, I'd have burnt the whole charnel house. To sanitize it. Kobold tastes terrible, by the way." he laughs, but his eyes are cold.

Some maneuvering with the council can result in a few rowboats being put to the use of evacuaing the kobolds from the north shore and onto the plains just eeast of Phlan. The costs for this will vary according to what kind of approach you take.

(A charisma rol, or an appropriate skill, with the check determining how much you have to spend to rescue them all. A 20+ result means you only forefit the reward money for clearing that part of the Slums.)

A man watches from the sidelines as you argue for the lives of the Kobolds. He is of average height and build, dressed in barely functional, worn woolen robes. A wooden medallion with Ilmater's symbol hangs from a simple rope from around his neck. You get the feeling he approves of your actions, but he stays quiet unless one of you wants a word with him.

Of the council members, only Cadorna seems genuinely irritated by your move. The others take a pragmatic view - after all, you did clear some of the slums.

When talking with the authorities or anyone dealing with business outside the group Ra'Mer takes a backseat. In fact he actively avoids speaking to them, his personality is such that it has been know to really rub people the wrong way. Granted people he knows tend to be able to deal with him others do not fare so well.

Hai Tao doesn't do well in most social situations. He isn't off-putting or overly aggressive he just isn't trained to convince others. So he'll leave the talking up to Risshil.

risshil will take point on this, as he was the one who pushed the party in this direction he feels it's only fair he focus the eyes and negativity o.to his person. He is also used to debates both political and philosophical. He would approach the man on the sidelines but only after business was done.

I will roll a persuasion check when I have time. If there is an assist mechanic I would appreciate it. He would make the case that the cannibalism, while gristly, was for the most part unavoidable. With that many mouths to feed and no stable food source outside of corpses, anyone would turn to such a deed. The fact that they said they would be happy to not have to do such a thing is a good sign, along with the non violence they showed, so giving them one shot to better themselves is an admirable goal. He would also state that such things are a rarity in the world, that tye orcish pantheon has few dieties who are not aggressive towards other races.

Risshil attempts to negotiate on behalf of the half-orcs and their kobold "children". It doesn't go too well - even though the elf puts on a respectable effort and brings forward a good amount of common sense, the prejudice against kobolds is just too strong. Once the council hears of the charnel meal, they just wrinkle their noses, the subtle shift in their behaviour enough to let Risshil know he's wasting air. Cadorna's reaction seems to be related to the team's failure to follow orders instead of the outrage at kobolds eating humans and demihumans.

So there's no help from the council to be expected. There is another avenue to solving this problem: you can hire boats to ferry the merry band over the northern bend of the poisonous Stojanow river and on the other bank, presumably into freedom. It will cost you around 60GP, depending on the negotiations with the boatmen. Those are gruff, business-like, and just one step above thugs and extortionists. Their boats are just barely afloat, the acid and poison of the river eating through the boats' wooden hulls in a matter of days.

Well damn..... All these efforts have proven futile. Making a run for wall would make them fugitives as they would have to fight their way out. Unless.....
Outside away from all authorities he asks the others.
"Two options, I see... bribe the gate guards, might be cheaper. Or find access to the sewer systems and try to exit that way, cheapest."

Scratches his chin and sighs in frustration. "Both those ideas seem logical but I fear the fates may be against us. The sewers may be the most dangerous but definitely more cost effective for our rather coin light group. Bribing a guard is fraught with many perils as well. Whenever a plan relies on someone that can be bribed one runs the risk of being betrayed."

OOC- Anyone else have an opinion?

This message was deleted by the player at 18:43, Tue 19 Jan 2016.

After being abandoned in their mission by their comrades Hai Tao and Ra'Mer stand among the starving kobolds and their matriarch in the run down building preparing plans. It had been decided that the only option to get the group out of the city would be to take the sewers. Though dangerous it seemed the only way to attempt to save lives.

Hai Tao runs his hand over his short cropped mohawk and sighs, "We'll need to find an accessible entrance and the most direct route out of the city. Also we'll have to attempt to stay out of the toxic waters as much as possible. We could try and find blue prints to the sewers but after our showing in the council I imagine they may be weary about letting us near any official documentation. Which would leave us with haphazardly wandering the sewer tunnels, a prospect I don't relish but one that may be unavoidable."

"Find a hole close to the wall near the river, once in head towards water. Oh and we might need some supplies. Sledgehammer, crowbar and perhaps some acid. does wonders for persistent locks."