Nature's Prophets

[jamondashwood]

Jervis seemed frustrated by the answer. "For the sake of formality?" What was so bloody well good about being formal all the time?

"I am Jervis, the one you called up here." he said for the second time. He was a gnome of few words, most times and didn't much care for titles.

The gnome stroked his chin in thought, it would seem human trials are very hung up upon titles. Arik had argued that he was a lord, while this person said he wasn't. They made Serol tell them the difference between a Wandering... whatchamacallet and the other kind of Kossuthian.

"He is Mage Jervis Dench of Boetrah."

Jervis swiveled his head to stare daggers at his bird.

"They were talking to us." he said rather disappointed that the answer he gave still wasn't good enough. "Though if they continue to be this picky our story might take several tellings."

Still not convinced the formality was not for the stupid Jervis looked directly at the Drachens. He knew most of the people on the other side of the room and they were not stupid. Thus if a stupid one was to be found it must be on that side of the room.

"We.... are.... ready... to.... answer.... your.... questions..." every word was carefully enunciated and spoken slowly so the stupid could follow it.

[DM Cyphus]

The hint of a smile crept onto the face of Richard Goodwest, but it quickly died away. "Alright then, Mage Dench. It has been mentioned before that you were involved in the incident with the Drachen warehouse and that it was your magics that were responsible for the appearance of the hauntings. Is this true, and if it is, what magics did you utilize to create such a scenario? Oh and, Mage Dench, you need not speak slowly for others...only I need understand your answers."

Richard Goodwest nodded to Jervis' responses and moved on when the Gnome was done.

"Why did your group apprehend only one of the mercenaries involved in the thwarted raids on the Preten warehouses in Illul?"

(((He'll listen to Jervis' response, and no matter how strange or odd it is, he'll continue to press forward. He'll get what he can out of Jervis, but he clearly isn't willing to spend the time necessary to pry the responses he'd like out of the Gnome. He seems to just disregard the Gnome's oddities as being common to many Mages. )))

[jamondashwood]

Jervis nodded at the question but cast the 'stupid people' one last look before beginning. "Oh yes." he asnwered to the first question, "That was a lot of fun. We could show you, if we would be allowed our spell comonents." A look to Lord Goodwest told him, however, this was not to be the case.

Jervis will go into a graphic telling of the tale with large hand signals detailing how he used the simple spells of ghost sound, mage hand and dancing lights to create such havoc. In the middle however, the little gnome got a bit distracted speaking more about the setting and the particular sounds he was using and how they were applicable to this kind of ghost instead of a spector or wraith.

He tells the story well, and truthfully but with several sidebars that detail the varrious types of undead that might have been able to do the effects he produced. How that undead was usually found, what types of things they were capable of and how they came into being, both natrually and magically created.

Rigor simply perched on his shoulder and for the moment had yet to inturupt except to interject his own bit of knowledge on the subtle differences between a zombie and a stitched zombie.

After nearly an hour detailing the events at the graveyard Jervis exhaled a sigh, seeming to forget the other questions as his mind was fully and truely focused on the the telling of the graveyard exploit.

[DM Cyphus]

Goodwest failed to even ask his remaining questions. He seemed, however, genuinely intrigued by the Gnome's speaking as time went on. Toward the end of the speech however, Goodwest's face seemed to contort ever so slightly as he wrestled with some inner thought or idea that he failed to share or interject with. As the speech ended, Goodwest stared directly at Jervis. "Most interesting," Goodwest said in a curious tone, "Most compelling, I'd say." He smiled a bit to himself as he looked back down at his notes.

He didn't proceed with questioning the Gnome. Instead, he proceeded with the formal hearing as though nothing had been different about the Gnome's testimony and asked, "Lord Drachen, do you have any contentions with this testimony?"

"No," came the anxious reply, "We do not, Lord Goodwest. I do not."

"You are dismissed, Mage Jervis Dench of Boetrah. Most interesting indeed..."

When the Gnome was seated, Goodwest called for the next man. "I am to speak next to Lord Thorgar Ironstar of the Clan Ironstar of Stagart."

[DarkAffair]

GODS this was the most the gnome had gone on, that he could remember since joining the group.

Thorgar stood as his name was called and took his place for questioning. Grumbeling slightly about the daintiness of his chair and how he was gonna need something strong after this meeting.

[DM Cyphus]

"Please identify yourself, Lord Ironstar. And then explain to this Court your involvement in the matters brought before this hearing. I am most interested to learn why the Dwarves have a stake in this matter." Though the words seemed harsh on face, the tone of Richard Goodwest made them to be more of a request than anything. It was clear that he did not seek to upset the Dwarves as a community in any fashion, particularly through insulting or upsetting the one before him now.

[DarkAffair]

Formalities of this human court often mimicked the order of the dwarven council. So this request was simple enough.

“I am Thorgar Forgehammer second son of Hignar Ironboot of the IronStar Clan, Servent of the All Father Mordain and Keeper of the secrets of Fyre and Folding.”

“The dwarven interests in this matter are simple. We protect out interests. We entered covenant with the Kolendur family nigh 237 years ago. After their last m…… Mishap. I was asked by our clan elders to assist the Kolendur’s to ensure their survival. It is not in the clans interests to find another to proxy for us in the human markets.”

Simply stated he was sure that was all that needs to be addressed and awaited the next question.

[DM Cyphus]

"Understood. So you have been charged with the...protection...of Master Arikias Kolendur, correct?"

When Thorgar had responded, he moved on to his next question.

"Could you explain to me the events leading up to the destruction of the Drachen warehouse, and describe to me what took place from your viewpoint? Were the Pretens aware of the potential raid? Did they plan it?"

When Thorgar had sufficiently responded to this request, Goodwest came back with yet another.

"While in Illul, where did your investigation into Lord Lurrin Drachens claims lead you? Did you find any other solid connections to the Drachens other than Lord Lurrin Drachen's statements?"

Before finishing his personal inquisitions, Goodwest had one last question. "What business did these men and yourself have in the Dwarven city that necessitated their attention before returning here to Lethtar to report on their actions and assume responsibility?"

[The Ascendant]

((lol...well, we had discovered secrets in Featherale and we knew that Arik was poor after running a war for the Pretens and not getting paid so we went to get some cash...))

[DM Cyphus]

(((lol...I'm sure they'll understand..."Well, in order to provide the appropriate gold for the upkeep of my followers as per DMG page..." )))

[DarkAffair]

"Understood. So you have been charged with the...protection...of Master Arikias Kolendur, correct?"

“Aye, also it is necessary to build a strong relationship through the generations. I have done the same for his father before him and his father before him.”

When Thorgar had responded, he moved on to his next question.

"Could you explain to me the events leading up to the destruction of the Drachen warehouse, and describe to me what took place from your viewpoint? Were the Pretens aware of the potential raid? Did they plan it?"

“It was explained that we were to investigate the Drachen’s warehouse in case a retaliation target was needed, should a war be started. There was no raid. We scared off the patrols, approached and nearly had our heads removed from flying debris.

When Thorgar had sufficiently responded to this request, Goodwest came back with yet another.

"While in Illul, where did your investigation into Lord Lurrin Drachens claims lead you? Did you find any other solid connections to the Drachens other than Lord Lurrin Drachen's statements?"

“Lord Drachen’s claims took us to the streets, as is the nature of such actions. We had the employ of those that are more comfortable searching for those we seek. We were able to uncover Master Highbringer and his Jasper Blades, before they were able to strike. But I cannot say there was a direct connection beyond Lord Lurrin’s claims.

Before finishing his personal inquisitions, Goodwest had one last question. "What business did these men and yourself have in the Dwarven city that necessitated their attention before returning here to Lethtar to report on their actions and assume responsibility?"

“We stopped in Stagart at my request. We did so to return items of a dwarven nature, which was uncovered by this group in Featherdale Keep. The stay was quick, and we made our way back to Lether the next day.

[DM Cyphus]

Goodwest nodded to the Dwarf's responses, but at the mention of the Jasper Blades, he seemed to pause a moment from his writing and search his memory as though he knew the name from somewhere. He shook it off after a moment and returned to the hearing.

"Lord Drachen," he said once again to Lurrin's father, "do you have any contentions with this testimony?"

"No, Lord Goodwest, I do not. As always we are greatful for the Dwarves involvement in such matters. They tend to guide the situation in a straight and true manner when involved."

"You are dismissed, Lord Thorgar Ironstar of Clan Ironstar of Stagart," Goodwest waited a moment for the Dwarf to be seated before moving on to the next speaker, "I am to speak next with Master Jack of Lethtar."

Before Jack could even stand up, Gunner Drachen was on his feet and objecting, "The Drachens humbly request that the men we bring before you today be granted testimony before Master Jack of Lethtar. We believe that these men will prove to you beyond any doubt that this man was responsible for the coordination of the raid on our cemetery warehouse."

Goodwest nodded to Jack, "You may be seated for now, Master Jack. I will hear the testimony of these witnesses."

Each man stood. First was the lead guard from the warehouse who spoke on the haunting and being forced away from the warehouse in shame. He seemed enraged now knowing that he'd been tricked by the Gnome's magics, and exaggerated the details of the fake haunting a bit to better his image.

Richard Preten interjected and reminded Goodwest of the Gnome's testimony and the testimony of the men the Pretens had brought before the Court, citing that the warehouse had been looked into as merely a potential target for retaliation and that no raid was intended. Richard claimed that the magics utilized by the Gnome were merely an advantageous usage that allowed the group to take a closer look at the warehouse to verify that it was in fact a Drachen target as they'd been informed.

The second man to speak was one of the sergeants in the Drachen Guard. He responded first to the warehouse destruction and investigated the matter further. One of his men came forward with information that had been mistakenly leaked to a fellow in a local tavern that many of the Drachen guards frequented.

Richard Preten contended that this was true and went along with everything that Richard Goodwest had already heard regarding the actions of the men that had helped the Preten family.

The third man to speak for the Drachens was one of the Drachen Guard. He'd been the one to leak the information after one too many ales in the tavern and talking with a friendly stranger. When Goodwest asked him to identify the man that he'd spoken with, the guard pointed right at Jack and said, "That is the man I spoke to, Lord Goodwest."

Richard's reply was much the same. They were seeking targets of opportunity should the Drachens attack and the Pretens find themselves without any other options. Richard argued that the investigation was warranted to verify that the target was in fact a Drachen holding and not a Royal or public location.

The final man to speak was a former employee of a local theater troupe. He'd been tricked into giving up the fliers he'd been passing out to passersby to watch their latest performance. The man he'd been tricked by was none other than Jack, who'd used the fliers to pose as a tired solicitor in the nearby Drachen tavern. He too had managed to identify Jack.

Richard Preten offered to reimburse the theater troupe and make a settlement with the former employee to make up for the trouble caused, but still argued that it was indeed a clever ploy and necessary to uncover the information without much trouble.

"Alright," Richard Goodwest began, "I am to speak next to Master Jack of Lethtar."

Goodwest waited patiently for the Rogue to stand before him. After Jack had identified himself, Goodwest spoke directly to him.

"Lord Richard Preten has confirmed your involvement in the matters presented here in this hearing. I've heard rather similar accounts of the warehouse incident in the cemetery, both from the men who opened the doors and faced the blasts and the Gnome responsible for the magics that spooked the Drachen Guard. I know of the trip to Illul, and I can only guess that with your skills you were most helpful in locating the Jasper Blades and their leader here. The journey to Stagart has been sufficiently laid to rest for myself by Lord Ironstar. Is there something you feel you could add, Master Jack? If there is not, I have only one question for you. Did you destroy the Drachen warehouse, with or without the knowledge of your companions?"

[delkar]

"There is nothing else I can add to the trip to Stagart and our stay in Illul beforehand that hasn't been explained." Jack said. "As for the warehouse, I had nothing to do with its destruction in either side of your questions. I was as surprised as anyone else when it blew up in my face, if I may put it so litterally, sir. I was standing even closer then you and I are now, it is a miricle (sp?) indeed that I am here today."

[DM Cyphus]

"I see," Goodwest nodded, "And the Pretens had full knowledge of your actions, correct?"

After Jack had responded, he turned to Gunner Drachen, "Lord Drachen, do you have any contentions with this testimony?"

Gunner Drachen rose and responded, "No, Lord Goodwest, I do not."

"I will speak finally with Master Jaden Highbringer."

(((I'll give you the Highbringer run down after Jack old boy gets a chance to respond. )))

[delkar]

"Indeed, they did." Jack said then would go and sit down.