LPDnD: Hazy Shade of Winter

[Jimer Lins]

Spoiler:

"We would have to ask him. I consider it a grave affront to even ask the question, General."

Trinal looks at him. "You know how old Victae- Sergeant Meneldur- should be and I'm sure have noticed that there is some discrepancy there. You also should know where she was last reported and what we faced there. Forty to one odds are not a concern to us after what we have faced."

He gestures out at the Chulassa armies. "You cannot defeat evil by committing evil."

He sighs and turns back to the General, a sad expression on his face. "However, he is not under my command. He is his own person and if he is willing to submit to your request, I will not gainsay him. If he is not, my only request is that he must be allowed to leave peacefully."

Diplomacy: [dice]0[/dice]

[Staris]

[OOC I will slightly apologize for reading the spoilers but curiosity got the better of me as I was sure I was going to be a conversation piece and as the captain would seem to still present would point out that he would have seen Stavis's compliance to what would likely have been a cell could answer the generals question to as such.]

[Blackferne]

Spoiler:

"That seems fair. He can stay in a restricted area, free to your party, and should that be unwanted on his half, then he is free to leave. My intelligence doesn't indicate that the Chulassa and the Drow are friendly anyway." The General leads you back to the war room. "Sgt. Meneldur please lead me to the gate."

"Yes, sir." Victae takes point and starts walking. four guards follow her, the general and Darius, and presumably Trinal, then four more guards. The wander back down through the hallways then get to the underground fields before getting to the tunnel that leads to the portculli.

To the party at large/

"Attention!" a voice calls out and the soldiers on the other side of the inner portcullis stand alert. Victae emerges around teh corner followed by four more soldiers, an older Elf, a scholar in robes, Trinal, and four more soldiers.

The older elf speaks. "Which one of you is the Drow?" He asks.

[Jimer Lins]

OOC- I wouldn't consider it to be any worse than being at the table when a side action occurs. If the DM really wants it to be out of band we can talk in PMs or what-not. This just lets us preserve immersion and really clearly identifies what was and wasn't happening in the character's sphere of knowledge.

[Jimer Lins]

Trinal says quietly "You're not under any threat, Stavis. No one intends you any harm."

[Staris]

Stavis will put up his lyre again raise his hand as he moves towards the portcullis but will keep a couple steps distance until instructed otherwise and will pull out his ski mask. "That would be me. I can wear my ski mask if you like or go without."

"Thank you for the heads up Trinal, just rather be accommodating as I know they will be required in letting me in."

Once he knows either way will either put it on or put it back and place his hands in front of himself with hands open in a sign of compliance it whatever they wish.

[Blackferne]

"My name is General Whylune. I am responsible for the safety and security of my soldiers and the civilians in this facility. While I have received glowing assurances from Sgt Meneldur and, I believe Trinal, here I know that a great many of the people in this place have deep seated fear and hatred for your kind. Given our current predicament regarding the forces amassing on the plain below us, I need every single person to be on task and without distraction. As such I present you one of two options. First you can come in shackles to an area that will be for your party. You will not be permitted to leave that area and the area will be under guard for your safety as much as everyone else's. Once the gate has been built you will then leave this Citadel. The second option is for you to leave through the tunnel unharmed to go wherever you wish. We will supply some rations as a gesture of goodwill, but ask that you not return to the citadel. Which option do you wish?" the General says.

[Staris]

[OOC Going to assume that he isn't to wear his mask.]

Stavis will bow slightly to the general though keeping his hands in front of him "Greetings General Whylune, I would start by stating that I recognize the significance of one such as myself being given such options, especially during times such as these."

"Be it a cell, stockade, or the accommodations as you have generously offered is of little concern to myself where I am accommodated, the success of this mission and the eventual defeat of the Chulassa and Blood army is much more important. So if that requires some suffering on my part as others have had to suffer and worse, so be it."

He will bow slightly again "I will however graciously accept the first option as I have feeling my friends will think differently to my being put in either of the former."

With that will extend his hands out further and bow his head slightly to accommodate the shackle and hood he expects to be used.

[Blackferne]

The inner portcullis raises and the eight soldiers enter the area hands on their weapons (though not drawn). The Inner portcullis closes and the outher raises. One of the soldiers takes Stavis and hands his personal effects to a 2nd soldier to hold. He puts Stavis's hands behind his back and applies some shackles.
"Drow you will respond to all commands as given, when ordered to stop, kneel, halt you will do so immediately without protest. You will not speak to any person we pass en route to the holding area. You will keep your head forward at all times. Private here will guide you with his hand on your left shoulder. He will be walking from the rear. You will so as he instructs in regards to direction and speed. Do you understand these instructions as I have given them to you?" The soldier holding your bag says.

[Staris]

Stavis will nod his head yes while confirming verbally "Yes."

Without moving his head but will look to the soldiers he can settling on this one that had been giving the instructions if he is able "No hood or blindfold?"

[Blackferne]

"Not at this time. If you disobey instructions we will revisit the issue." the soldier says. Then he turns to address the remainder outside the outer portcullis. "You will not come within 20 yards of the drow during this transfer. You will stay with the procession and not engage with any of the soldiers or civilians we may encounter on our transfer. You will keep weapons scabbard and keep your hands off the hilts. Any deviation from this at this time will be met as a hostile act. Do you understand these instructions as I have given them to you?"

Franklin and the Dwarves say "Yes."

[Furiel]

This is what happens when I don't get a chance to speak up due to timing...I won't ask for a retcon but for the record Tony would have done the following given the opportunity...

A) Reminded them in a harsh voice that his name is Stavis
B) Offered to hold Stavis' gear

Now however since that isn't an option as presented...

Tony will give the soldier a very hard look and give him a fraction of a nod of assent.

[Whiteness]

[Ooc - ditto on furiel's point A]

Syric responds with a nod, not trusting that his mouth would keep him out of trouble.

[Staris]

[OOC understandable and appreciated Stavis is in the don't rock to boat mode right now so other then a thanks for reminding them his name, willingly gave is pack to the soldiers as I figured that was going to happen and if I had wanted differently would have passed it off to someone before stepping up to the portcullis. Partially didn't if for no other reason then figured it would be requested anyway and again don't rock the boat. Granted in the back of his mind he momentarily thought he should had at least passed his instruments off but already resigned himself to replacing them and reminded himself they weren't more valuable then his friends.

Though is honestly more concerned with the walk to where ever he will be staying with the rest of the group in tow as he is already preparing himself for the thrown insults, possible rotten vegetables, or worse by passing soldiers and civilians and not looking forward to the consequences of his friends foolishly coming to his aid. Realistically the only reason he hasn't brought it up is he isn't sure how the soldiers would react to him making requests.

Also should add as a true out of character moment that I am actually enjoying this, so don't think I'm regretting picking a Drow or anything.]

[Jimer Lins]

Trinal stares at the General. "This is shameful, General. Your position is not so secure that you should be spitting in the face of those who come to help you- and are, quite frankly, your only hope to survive that Chulassa army. You know you have no hope to survive this siege without the relief we come to provide."

He looks grim. "Because it's more important that the Citadel survive, we'll still help and construct the Arcane gate to bring relief to the Citadel. But this insult will not be forgotten. Your assurances earlier to me implied my companion would not be treated disrespectfully, and this is disgraceful."

[Blackferne]

The General looks at Trinal. "I'm affording him more dignity and respect than nearly anyone under my command. This is not about him specifically, but more for the people in this Citadel. If you think this is an insult, then I can only conclude you're not tempered by years of long battle that we have endured. We'll meet again soon Trinal."

With that the General leaves.

The soldier who gave the instructions barks some orders and gives everyone instructions about where to order themselves during the transfer.
"Move out." he shouts and the procession begins. It walks through the tunnels to a large cavern with wheat crops and large glowing orange orbs near the roof.

Victae adjusting her gear as she walks alongside Trinal says "Trinal I know this is hard to see Stavis like this, but you need to think back to the stories about the Drow versus the wood elves that you no doubt heard as a child. We know Stavis and know he isn't like that. Most people have never seen a Drow at all and have fear consuming them. anyways, when we get settled in the barrack there is something I need to discuss with the group, and I'll need your mind clear for it."

The fields lead to a series of twisting and turning hallways that slowly work their way downward deep into the mountain before finally settling into a long hall with an underground fountain in it for fresh water, several large fur skins, blankets, and several brass fire mounts already blazing. There is a long table that has several baskets of bread and several crates of wine bottles in the corner.

"HALT!" the leading soldier says. "Drow, you are to remain in this hall at all times. If you attempt to leave this hall you will be attacked. The remainder of you must stay in this hall until Colonel Meneldur comes with your signets. Do you understand these instructions as I have given them?"

The soldiers set up a few guards outside the door and the rest vacate the area.

[Jimer Lins]

Trinal smiles at the General's words. "Oh my goodness, General... if you only knew." Chuckling, he shakes his head. "Battle-hardened, indeed. Someday, I will tell you a story about sacrifice, General. In the meantime, good day."

To Victae, once his nibs has left Trinal says, "Oh, I'm fine. I could not possibly care less about his fear of childhood boogeymen. I mean honestly, is this a military institution or not? His justification for Stavis' treatment is more about his own prejudice than discipline, in my opinion." Loudly enough for the other soldiers to hear him, but not obviously attempting to be overheard, he says "I certainly see no reason to believe any of these soldiers should fear a lone Drow, or that they would abandon all discipline if given orders that he is not to be molested. Their character, honor and sense of duty is obviously far above such silliness."

He grunts contemplatively. "In any case, let's get this started. You had some information for us- rest assured, my mind is completely clear."

[Staris]

[OOC I'm assuming the fact it wasn't mentioned that Stavis's hands where unbound that they still are.]

Stavis will make his way sitting down at the end of the table bench "Understand Trinal, I accepted the conditions and recognized them as much for my own safety. There are more then just soldiers here. This is not the small barrack we died the first time at, their families and regular civilians are as well and leads them to have concern not only themselves but their families."

"If the general shows he is in control with force will make some who might act to correct my being here less inclined to do so."

"Honestly, I'm surprised I'm allowed to be here. As you have clearly not seen what a single Drow can do to undermined a fortress such as this." Stavis will be looking to the fountain for that last part.

[Jimer Lins]

"No. I stand by my position that you cannot fight evil with evil. I know you agreed to the conditions, but I never agreed to like it."

[Staris]

Stavis will chuckle at that "I in no way mean to require you to like it, nor did I expect you to."

After while will comment "Hmm... they didn't search me." Stavis will ponder that for a while wondering if that wasn't in some ways intentional and will make a mental note to never walk up to the fountain. After a while without making it obvious will start looking for any spots that could be used to spy on them, more out of curiosity then anything else.

Perception
[dice]0[/dice]

It will take him awhile but realize his enjoyment at looking for the spying points is a first time at familiarity to his previous-previous life underground which will spoil the fun he was having.

[Blackferne]

Sorry Stavis, your hands were unshackled.

[Blackferne]

@Stavis The fountain is just a source of water for the room clearly coming from a partially diverted segment of an underground river. The wall it comes from is solid save the part delivering water. Looking around the room there is only one way out and that is the front room. The sides do not appear to have any hidden compartments or segments. Nothing magical seems to be in the room (like a glyph designed to eavesdrop). The only thing that appears to have eavesdropping capacity is the guards standing outside. As there isn't a proper door, but rather just the frame they can clearly hear normal volume voices. If you whispered it would be dependent on their auditory prowess.

[Staris]

Despite Stavis feeling he is not incorrect, can't help feeling a mixture of disbelief of there being no spying posts and further souring his mood as that deepens his confusion on not having been searched.

Though since he is no longer playing that game will eat despite not being particular hungry, will eat some of the bread and drink provided as he figures the citadel would be unwilling to take back the food after it had been in the presence of a Drow and will ensure Victea or someone else turns away any more food delivered until they needed it. [OOC Aka no more bread since we have an unlimited supply.]

Should any join him will make small talk for a while before meditating for 4 hours unless needed, making sure he is easily visible to the guards and well away from the fountain.

[Staris]

Otherwise unless needed will spend his time working to copy the language ritual Trinal's ritual book has into his own, unless copying the Traveler's Camouflage into Trinals was not yet complete which would take priority first. Will obviously eat a little something when the group eats and try to do a full 4 hour mediation when the others sleep but sees himself doing a lot of mediating beyond what his bodily need would require.

[Jimer Lins]

Trinal will join him in eating and refreshing himself. "Victae, what was it you wanted to discuss?"