Castle Amber: A D&D Adventure

Spoonweaver · Post by **Spoonweaver** » Sun Jun 28, 2015 10:16 pm

Voulton's plain view of their situation left everyone surprised. He seemed to have a really good grasp on things despite always playing down his ability to do understand things like this.
"Well ok, that seems like a good idea. It's a risk though. If you get killed lost in these mountains, we'll lose the sword and the mirror, if you do have it. I suggest you leave these items with me, or at the library, while you quest for ancient artifacts. In fact, I have to insist," Dan said this as he stood up from his chair.
"I understand that you'd rather not give them up, but in return I will help you in at least two ways. First, I believe I can help the woman that has been poisoned over there. Second, if you're looking for artifacts, you should seek out the green dragons in these mountains. I can map out their location for you. On top of this, I have information that could help you greatly once you begin seeking the ring. So, will you leave the sword with me?"

Post by **Bob the Hamster** » Sun Jun 28, 2015 11:43 pm

"You are going to have to insist?" Says Rob angrily. "Who put you in charge, Dad?"

Spoonweaver · Post by **Spoonweaver** » Mon Jun 29, 2015 12:24 am

Dan put his palm to his face and sighed heavily. "Ok, come over here, son. We should talk." Dan waved Rob to follow him as he walked off away from the group. "We'll be a couple minutes, the rest of you wait there please."

Gizmog · Post by **Gizmog** » Mon Jun 29, 2015 12:47 am

"While they're gone, we need to think very carefully about what we're going to do. He's got a point, we're going into danger and we don't want these items to fall into the wrong hands. But how do we know we can trust him?"

Voulton sits quietly for a second and then adds "I think we can trust him. If he were working for the opposition, he could've just let the walls close in. By moving it back, I think he showed that he' both trustworthy and powerful enough to take it from us if he wanted."

He sits quietly for another second and adds "Unless it's some kind of wizard trick to earn our confidence. The only proof we have is what he said, and he did pop up just when the walls started to close. That's weird."

"Three dragons though.. could be useful information. And if we give the stuff to him, we presumably are ensuring a future meeting. Maybe even figure out whose side he's on in this mess. It can't only be the demons who are in allegiance."

He sits quietly for another second. And then a few more. And some after that. Apparently he's done.

Post by **Bob the Hamster** » Mon Jun 29, 2015 12:54 am

Rob follows but he is absolutely fuming at his father's condescension. He is gritting his teeth and clenching and unclenching his fists.

Spoonweaver · Post by **Spoonweaver** » Mon Jun 29, 2015 2:16 am

Dan walked quite a bit away from the group before stopping. He took a moment to look at Rob before speaking. "So, you're my son? Not that I don't believe you, but this is the first I'm hearing of this. You seem pretty mad, so I can only guess you're not happy to see me."

Post by **Bob the Hamster** » Mon Jun 29, 2015 3:08 am

Rob is silent for a long moment, during which he grows visibly calmer.

"I'll bet you don't even rem--" he stars, and then stops.

"Look, I don't know you, you don't know me. I should just call you Dan."

"I am the only one of this party who doesn't care about breaking the curse-- I just want to stop Azedarc's and his Inquisition, but I want to help them break the curse--, because I think it would be good for Averiogne in the long run."

"You haven't earnen my trust yet, and I know you haven't earned theirs. I appreciate that you are trying to help. I appreciate that you want to work together, but you aren't going to get anywhere bossing us around, and you aren't going to win out trust by offering help and then putting conditions on it. Just help, or don't help."

Rob walks back to his friends.

Spoonweaver · Post by **Spoonweaver** » Mon Jun 29, 2015 4:02 am

"Wait!" Dan rushes over and gets in front of Rob, blocking his march back. "Again, it's not that I don't trust you, but at least tell me, what was your mother's name? Was it Julia, Grechin, Nina, or Maria?"

BMR · Post by **BMR** » Mon Jun 29, 2015 5:28 am

"I don't trust him. Besides, the bastard called me a liar. Me! A liar!"

Kalar calms himself down before continuing.

"I agree, that perhaps he does have a point about keeping the items safe. But consider this, we already went through the trouble of getting these items. We've done well enough so far. If we turn over these items to that individual, then we are admitting that we are possibly not up to the task. I refuse to consider a plan that ends with all of us dying. If we plan for failure, then what's the point of all this?

"As for being trustworthy, I have my doubts. He is certainly powerful, but great power does tend to make you see things differently. Can we trust him to keep the items safe? Perhaps. Can we trust him to keep our interests in mind? I doubt it. He comes off to me as the sort who serves his own interests without any thought as to the long term. Think about it, he has a son that he never even knew of. For all his power and obvious magical ability, he couldn't think to take responsibility for his own flesh and blood. Is that the type of person you want responsible for the flesh and blood of an entire kingdom? That should be proof enough that his concern is primarily himself.

"Further, the bastard is a liar. Or at least too stuck up and conceited to realize the truth. I gave my word that I have nothing to do with demons, and he insulted me to my face by calling me a liar. If he has any sort of magical power, which is certain, then if he doubted my word, it was well in his power to discern whether or not I was lying. I was not lying, and he still tries to insist that I'm some sort of lackey of demons."

Perfectly true, as Kalar is affiliated with devils, and not demons. Two completely different types of outsiders.

Kalar turns to Rachelle and says, "Looking for loathsome? Take a look at that fellow. Takes his pleasure where he can get it, consequences to the women and children he leaves in his wake be damned."

Kalar turns back to the rest and says, "I say we get what information we can from him. We can trade our own information as well. An even exchange. But turning over these items? Out of the question for me. Unless he can provide an equal and irrefutable guarantee, I say we have nothing else to do with him beyond intelligence gathering. And refuse his offer to help Lynda. Once I have the spell ready tomorrow, I can take care of her well enough. No need to put ourselves in his debt for doing something we are capable of."

Post by **Bob the Hamster** » Mon Jun 29, 2015 12:17 pm

Rob looks briefly confused, then furious, then doubtful.

Then he sadly says "Nina. Her name was-- IS Nina."

Spoonweaver · Post by **Spoonweaver** » Mon Jun 29, 2015 1:19 pm

"Ah, Nina. That explains why I never heard of you. After she found out I wasn't actually a nobleman she didn't want anything to do with me. I suppose I could have tried harder with her though. I'm not sure what you were told or what you were expecting. This isn't the ideal time to be meeting for the first time in any case. Maybe when this is over we can get to know each other or something," Dan said with a hopeful smile.

Post by **Bob the Hamster** » Mon Jun 29, 2015 2:19 pm

Rob thinks about Dan's words. Although not consistent with anything his Mother ever told him... the story is at least plausible. She might have said something like that to him if she was angry.

"Very well. Let us wait until safer times to catch up."

Rob continues walking back.

"It isn't just that we don't trust you-- about the sword I mean-- it is also that it is incredible useful. It lets the bearer fly! It cuts through undead like a good knife through a bad omelette. We are weaker without it. Finding the other relics will be harder without it."

BMR · Post by **BMR** » Mon Jun 29, 2015 4:23 pm

"Looks like they're headed back."

Kalar turns to Voulton and says, "Voulton, I would appreciate it if you handled any further discussions. I've said my part, and you know how I stand on the matter. I would rather not jeopardize any further negotiations by further aggravating the man, something I am rather likely to do if he still refuses to take back his insult. I will continue tending to Lynda. And tell him, no one touches my patient but me. We do not need his help to heal Lynda."

Spoonweaver · Post by **Spoonweaver** » Mon Jun 29, 2015 5:00 pm

"Well, the undead slaying power of the sword is unparalleled. However, if it's flight you need, I can help with that," says Dan moments after he and Rob returned to the group.

Gizmog · Post by **Gizmog** » Mon Jun 29, 2015 5:26 pm

Voulton nods to Kalar. He trusts him and will do his best to make sure everyone leaves happy... though he wonders whether or not Lynda will have skin tomorrow. "If the stories about Kathok's Axe are true, then it's at least as capable of dispatching undead and demons as the Sword of Sylaire.. though I didn't check to see if Kor would let just any rube use it."

This doesn't feel right. "Lynda's very attached to that sword, and I don't like talking about giving it away while she's still incapacitated. ...crazy as she might be (We had a wish to go home, and she used it to take us to the library! Can you believe it?!) she did kill that monster at Vyones with it and that gives her a stake in this."

Might as well just lay it all on the table. "Kalar's pretty miffed over that crack you made about being in league with demons. He's an honest man and his word is his bond, and even though he's..." Voulton looks at the assemblage of undead and shakes his head trying to think of the right word. "..spooky, there's some lines even he won't cross. He turned down a pretty good gig with his deity because he promised his help to us. To be accused of treachery... I can see why he's touchy about it."

"Long story short, The Sword of Sylaire is a big benefit to us on our quest.. but you're right, nobody wins if it gets eaten by bears. Kalar believes he can have Lynda feeling better by morning and he's rather protective of her right now. After she's been cured, you and her can figure out who should take custody. A tip for the negotiations, she likes pretty and she likes shiny."

"In the meantime, Moriamis wanted the Sword and now you do too. I can't imagine you're just going to hang it over the mantle. What're your intentions for the Sword, if Lynda chooses to give it to you? Where will we meet you again to retrieve it to complete our mission? And what's your plan in all of this?"