Myrrick nodded, "I do appreciate you honoring the parlay Dag, it has been a great gift. I would also ask then, what are you intentions after the lower levels, will you leave the villages and settlements around this citadel in peace? "

"Who knows what will happen, warrior. We follow the way of our dread lord," Dag said simply. "We will not stop being what and who we are. But this is an isolated place, far from civilization, and though we are growing, we are still two generations away from once again forming the great war-bands of the past. That is some thirty years; Dag will be long gone to whatever reward he's earned long before then.


Dag pauses a moment, sips from his goblet then says, "If you agree to this...exploration, we will show you a way down into the lower level. With careful mapping, you should be able to find your way back to the upper level once you are done. And in the interest of openness, we will send a representative to assist you. What say you?"

Dag em Dag has put the question to you. What say you, fearless adventurers?
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:14, Thu 03 Oct 2019.

Bruno looks around at his fellows before responding, "You have offered us quite an opportunity. Will you permit us to take our own counsel before giving you a final answer?"

Dag waves a hand and nods, tells his people to back off while you sit below the thrones in the open area. You talk in hurried whispers. What do you say?

Myrrick spoke quietly to his friends, "If we don't agree, at least superficially, they will kill us where we sit. So for now, as much as I may hate it, Dag is honorable, in his own way. Let us take the offer. And if we survive worry about Dag and his people."

Bruno responds in a low voice, "Yes, but...

"Were we not sent here by Selene to investigate this place and make it usable as a fortress by the ArchBaroness? Will it be considered 'usable' if this tribe remains here?

"Do we have the authority to make a treaty with them and premise our doing this not only on whatever treasures we gain, but that the tribe will serve the ArchBaroness and protect the border in exchange?"

"Can't do any of that if we're dead though. We have to survive, if we can clear the lower levels, then all we have to deal with is the tribe. easier to do than a mountain full of deaders wandering around."

Bruno nods, "Oh, I see your point, my friend. And at the same time even once we're done in the depths, how are we going to take on an entire tribe?

"I suppose what I'm asking is whether or not we have the authority to negotiate with Dag."

Bruknar still looks a bit pale, but he's steady on his feet and listens attentively.

"I'm just an old campaigner, and know naught of these machinations. Truth told, I don't usually go in for contract work. But I think the halbardier has the right of it: Can't live to fight another day if we don't play their game. My experience, and I would modestly posit that it is fairly vast, tells me that if we go into the depths, we'll find other entry and egress below.

"Of more concern to me is what's down there that makes them so nervous to handle the task themselves. It's not like they regularly align themselves with elves and dwarves...and with all due respect, half blood orcs. Don' know 'bout you, but Im a-getting a wee bit tired of deaders."

Gildan smiles and speaks as softly as possible, "I think it will be easier to get rid of a tribe of hobgoblins than a tribe of hobgoblins, a tribe of troglodytes, and a bunch of undead. Besides, Selene would want us to go after the undead first and foremost. I know this in my heart."

Bruno looks around the party to see if anyone else has anything to add and then shrugs, "Right. Well, we intended to go into the depths anyway, so taking this offer will at least make that easier to do. While undertaking this we'll also be able to develop a better sense of the tribe and once we're done we can decide whether or not we want to breech the fact that we're actually working for the Archbarony.

"Unless anyone has anything to add, let's talk to Dag."

"Kill the tribe first. No enemies left behind."

That's all Uthecar says.

Gildan shrugs, "Uthecar makes a good point. Obviously, they will betray us as soon as we have cleared out their enemies. Still, it's better to face an enemy one at time rather than en masse. I think we're better off working with them for the time being."

Uthecar shrugs as if it's of no matter.

"Then let's be about our business, then, instead of dallying."
This message was last updated by the GM at 17:11, Wed 09 Oct 2019.

Zan had been quite and skeptical about this parlay and hearing of the proposed offer.  He could sense trouble.

"Why should we shed any blood for a sworn enemy, They may be trying to be good, but as they grow the evil will creep back in.  Ever hear the tale of the fox and the scorpion, didn't end well for the fox.  Now access to a map would be quite useful.  Perhaps we could play along at least till we get the map.  Beyond that I'll make no promises and bargains with their kind."

"Would you rather plant your stake here, and fight it out to the bitter end, master elf?" Bruknar asks Zan. "I don't like the odds, but care not either way - frankly would rather face live meat than deaders - but the allure of treasure below calls to my baser nature."

"Take a damn vote alriddy, an' be done!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:47, Sun 13 Oct 2019.

After listening to his companions go back and forth, Kullonar leans forward and says, "We are divided on this decision for obvious reasons. I suggest we rest on it and not make a determination which may prove deadly for us. While we have been talking, St. Cuthbert has spoken to me, hinting about a deeper level of spell rewards from him. I feel I should rest and pray to get these spells...one of which, may allow us to seek Cuthbert's divine guidance as to what we are to do. What say you? We've supped with these...creatures, and yes, while they are evil in nature, they are lawful at heart. They have a code they are compelled to follow. I do not believe they will harm us. They need us...however strange that seems."

OOC: The spell Kullonar can cast on the morrow is Augury.

"I don't think Dag's going to give us time to rest. Just to be clear, because I'm uncertain we're all that divided and my concern about politics may have muddied the waters...

"Zan, we were already intending to go into the depths. We've now learned that there's somebody creating the undead, so while it may seem as if we're doing the Hobbers a favor, we're really just putting off the decision on how to deal with them.

"If it's a vote, I think so far myself, Gildan, Myrrick, and Brucknar are for taking Dag's deal for the nonce. So, that's four 'for', which is a majority, no?"

OOC: Sorry, I really have lost count of our number, so if I'm wrong here I'll edit!"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 17:24, Tue 14 Apr 2020.

OOC: If you ever get stuck with how many PC's are in the group, click on the 'Cast' link at the top of the screen, next to Game Map; further to the left 'Dice Roller.' Everyone knows were the dice roller is, right? go right two steps. LOL.
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Looks like the final score was 4 yea, 3 nay. That said, everyone's in accord once the count is taken. Should be fun: a quick romp through the warrens, piles of gold everywhere and a secret exit out the back end.

R-i-g-h-t!

Go tell Dag. He'll be delighted.

OOC: Oh, yes, I did that, Seer, but I've lost track of which NPCs are with us. For instance, I thought Uthecar may have died along with Weasel and couldn't recall whether the Gnome was still around. Thanks for doing the count, though!

Having confirmed the decision that they would accept Dag's offer Bruno leads the party back to the Chieftain, We are willing to explore the depths for you."

Gildan smiled. He was glad to be among such wise companions.

Having counted the ballots, Bruno and Kullonar provide a unified front with the others in lockstep behind.

When Bruno tells him the good news, he shows eyeteeth in a wide grin. It is a bit disturbing; nonetheless, he nods and calls forth one of the brutes who were so deadly in the fight. Those of you who understand hobgoblin, hear him say (roughly translated), "Take them to the hole."

To the party, he says, "Fortune favor you, adventurers. May your faith and your sword arms lead you to victory. We will celebrate your return with a feast in your honor."

So saying, he nods at the brute, who leads you from the throne room without preamble. The brute points downward, his face a stoic mask.

ooc: another post to come - I'll try to get it done today.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:45, Mon 14 Oct 2019.

"I have my reservation, but have to reluctantly agree that we are focused on the greater evil.  I'll not leave my companions over a minor disagreement.  I'll leave the negotiations up to you."

Zan tried to remain as neutral as possible with regards to the deal being struck up.

Looking down into "the hole" Kullonar tries to quell the bile rising in his throat, while at the same time trying not to stain his britches. He breaks out into a sweat and squeezes his eyes shut, murmuring prayers to St. Cuthbert for strength and courage. After a minute or two, he looks back at his companions. His heart is thumping so loud he can barely hear, but his jaw is set and his eyes show he is ready to descend into the depths.