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Post by Mr. Trommer on Feb 8, 2012 8:42:51 GMT -5
We can ask the elves for the location of their new rebel base. That way we would have the "opportunity" to rendezvous with them later for the Return of the J..., unless we then go do something else.
I would give the elves the non-magical books books I carried out with apologies for the rude suggestion of them buying them back. The books contatin their heritage and culture and I think it would be it would be a nice guesture.
We are going to use the faerie road. What are the odds that we will run into the Winter Queen and have the opportunity of giving her the harp. It probably would be bad if she heard tell that it was sold by us. We could ask the Princess how we should go about returning the harp to the Mab, the Winter Queen (Is Eddie reading the Dresden Files by chance?).
How much cash do we have? Is it enough to give out shares and pay for training, pearls, spell ink, etc.? I would think we would need the proceeds fom the tea cup, music box and whatnot to help defray the expenses.
Trommer will get a new bow from the elves. It was on his list. We might find it is more difficult to escape Denagoth and we will have to sneak into the Death...tower, to lower the...kill everything thing inside and take their stuff in order to escape. How many day would it take to clear out a tower. I mean, how tall and wide is it? It does seem to be on the way. and it probably would make for happier elves. What does the Princess know about the makeup and size of the Emperor's forces there? Does she know of a way to sneak in? We should ask in case we come back to it in case she knows something. It may have been asked before.
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Post by Wolfgar on Feb 8, 2012 11:36:55 GMT -5
We will likely need to use magic items to defray the cost of training - either in trade to Sherlane or destruction of evil items in the case of Dan. We have possibly 22 levels of training (Dan, Finn and Mary at 5th and Colby at 7th; not including Bolo's retraining). Worst case is 700 gp per level. That would be 15,400 gp. No way we have that in cash and gems with surplus to go around.
I think we should change the rule on training costs. Currently it is (d6 + 1) x level x 100 gp. I would suggest it be ((level)d6 + level) x 100 gp, i.e. roll d6 + 1 for each level, sum and multiply by 100. The max and min are the same but you get a better bell shaped curve.
I wasn't suggesting that we try to take on the Shadowlord in his tower. That is likely a suicide mission. But maybe there is a way to sneak into the tower to rescue the handmaiden and the Elven Star. Given how poorly the last rescue mission went I don't think we are ready for another, more heavily guarded, tower.
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Post by Ginger on Feb 8, 2012 11:53:46 GMT -5
Some training costs can be defrayed if I train Finn and/or Mary. Additionally, Colby, Finnious and Bolo could probably make some quick cash if we do a job for the Devonshire Thieves Guild.
We should probably keep the music box and tea cup to sell. I agree that returning the harp is prudent.
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Post by Wolfgar on Feb 8, 2012 12:24:57 GMT -5
I can't countenance working for the Thieves' Guild. Nor do I think we need to to cover training costs. That is the last I will hear on the subject.
Paavo glares at Colby for suggesting it.
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Post by Wolfgar on Feb 8, 2012 12:31:41 GMT -5
Paavo could offer his services temporarily to Sir Eldon Graves. Either as a captain of the guard or in training new recruits for the war effort. His captain's pay would be 600 gp for the month we spend training. The other fighters could do likewise if they aren't otherwise occupied.
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Post by Ginger on Feb 8, 2012 14:25:27 GMT -5
I can't countenance working for the Thieves' Guild. Nor do I think we need to to cover training costs. That is the last I will hear on the subject. Paavo glares at Colby for suggesting it. Colby apologizes profusely and assures Paavo that this will indeed be the last he will hear on the subject.
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Post by Bolo on Feb 8, 2012 17:27:52 GMT -5
I'm fine with leaving the harp and taking the cup and the music box. We have possibly 22 levels of training ... not including Bolo's retraining There is no cost for Bolo's retraining, just time. I think we should change the rule on training costs. Currently it is (d6 + 1) x level x 100 gp. I would suggest it be ((level)d6 + level) x 100 gp, i.e. roll d6 + 1 for each level, sum and multiply by 100. The max and min are the same but you get a better bell shaped curve. This seems better to me also.
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Post by venger on Feb 9, 2012 0:30:19 GMT -5
Can we arrange for a guide to meet us in Devonshire in 4 weeks time? They should come to Lord Sherlane's manor. That should hopefully give us time to return to Devonshire and complete training. If Bunny is our guide will she join us now? No. But if you leave word at the Vernal House, and someone is able, they will come. Can they show us on a map where the tower of the Shadowlord is? Do they have any advice on how to enter it safely (e.g. how to turn off the shield generator)? Anything we should know about the Elven Star if we are successful in locating it? It is somewhere beyond the forests of Lothenar, in the blighted lands of Denagoth. No one who has journeyed there has ever returned. The Elven Star is extremely powerful and, in Argenta's opinion, too dangerous for mortals to wield. Is there any token the Silver Princess is willing to give us that indicates to the Fae that we are in her favor? Would such a thing be useful in dealing with the Fae? If anyone wants to pledge themselves to her service, yes. Any advice on finding the Rain Bird or coaxing its tears from it? Not so much. Some thoughts on travel: have the rangers and elves (invisible) act as forward scouts. We'll see who's too encumbered to act in that capacity first. I think we should change the rule on training costs. Currently it is (d6 + 1) x level x 100 gp. I would suggest it be ((level)d6 + level) x 100 gp, i.e. roll d6 + 1 for each level, sum and multiply by 100. The max and min are the same but you get a better bell shaped curve. Do we need to tinker with this for any particular reason? His captain's pay would be 600 gp for the month we spend training. The other fighters could do likewise if they aren't otherwise occupied. It would be substantially less than that. Especially considering we don't use the 100GP/level/month upkeep. We can ask the elves for the location of their new rebel base. That way we would have the "opportunity" to rendezvous with them later for the Return of the J..., unless we then go do something else. They are headed for the Great (Eastern) Forest. I would give the elves the non-magical books books I carried out with apologies for the rude suggestion of them buying them back. The books contatin their heritage and culture and I think it would be it would be a nice guesture. That is a nicer gesture and they seem pleased. We could ask the Princess how we should go about returning the harp to the Mab, the Winter Queen The Silver Princess makes a face and tells you that dealing with her mother can be difficult. But she would be well-disposed toward anyone who made such an effort. If you want to return the harp, she'll direct you to the Winterlands which sound to be a confusing opposite of the directions given to the Summerlands. (Is Eddie reading the Dresden Files by chance?). I definitely enjoyed the Dresden Files but it's not a primary source for this. How much cash do we have? Is it enough to give out shares and pay for training, pearls, spell ink, etc.? I would think we would need the proceeds fom the tea cup, music box and whatnot to help defray the expenses. I'll try to sort through the character sheets and get you a treasure total. Trommer will get a new bow from the elves. It was on his list. We might find it is more difficult to escape Denagoth and we will have to sneak into the Death...tower, to lower the...kill everything thing inside and take their stuff in order to escape. How many day would it take to clear out a tower. I mean, how tall and wide is it? It does seem to be on the way. and it probably would make for happier elves. What does the Princess know about the makeup and size of the Emperor's forces there? Does she know of a way to sneak in? We should ask in case we come back to it in case she knows something. It may have been asked before. We'll handle minor items like bows, arrows, rations, etc. in session. The dread tower is said to scrape the very sky. It's not exactly on the way.
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Post by Wolfgar on Feb 9, 2012 9:46:00 GMT -5
If anyone wants to pledge themselves to her service, yes. (Paavo continues to be at a loss for words at the Princess's unwillingness to show us gratitude for rescuing her.) We'll see who's too encumbered to act in that capacity first. We can redistribute the load so that the scouts can move unencumbered. We are limited by the rate that the dwarves can travel. So the non-scouts can be encumbered. Though I imagine anyone moving encumbered will be louder than normal. We will just make sure the scouts are well enough in advance to detect something before it can detect the party. Bolo should do some quick experimenting to see how long he can leave something in the ring of vanishing. Put a coin in the room. Return every hour until it is gone. Once we know the time limit we can use it to temporarily store some of the more encumbering stuff. Assuming the stuff is in bags it should be quick to remove and return. BTW, we also have some treasure from the dragon hoard. It should be listed in the party folder as stuff we left with Lord Sherlane.
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Post by Ginger on Feb 9, 2012 11:12:41 GMT -5
Strength spells could also help those otherwise encumbered. Putting Danakes to 18/xx would give us an extra 1000 GP in carrying capacity.
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Post by venger on Feb 9, 2012 11:15:32 GMT -5
(Paavo continues to be at a loss for words at the Princess's unwillingness to show us gratitude for rescuing her.) So that's a "no" from Paavo, RE: a pledge of service? Though I imagine anyone moving encumbered will be louder than normal. We will just make sure the scouts are well enough in advance to detect something before it can detect the party. As long as we're aware of these encumbrance factors and how they could potentially impact: travel, non-detection, escape, pursuit, etc; I won't waste time micromanaging this stuff in session. -=Treasure=- Marcus: 400GP (He says he needs more) Ingrid:3 gold octagons 25GP (each) Colby:107GP (printed on character sheet) Friedrich:No money, gems or jewelry Mary Tanner:No money, gems or jewelry Danakes:217GP (written on character sheet) 15 SP (written on character sheet) Bolo:moonstone 20GP ruby 100GP diamond 75GP silver charm 20GP (grossly misappraised on character sheet) Paavo:23 GP fine cloak 100GP fancy ring 250GP Dan Danberry:No money, gems or jewelry Finnious:necklace of pearls 1500GP silver crown 200GP ruby & diamond encrusted ring 500GP Trommer:full moon arras 100GP gold make-up palette 1000GP huge faceted emerald 4000GP (magical) 10 bricks of red Denagothic gold 200GP (each) necklace of pearls 1600GP platinum needle 60GP 7 silver candlesticks 20GP (each) electrum basin 300GP Sherlane:17 assorted gems 40GP (each) 183GP 2100GP 9014 SP 60 gems 20GP (each) bracelet, lion charms 75GP fine riding gloves 24GP 3 gold rings 50 GP (each) ruby-studded longsword 300GP sharkskin pommeled broadsword 60GP 2 golden chalices 100GP each gold ring 100GP tiara, gold & diamond 4000GP necklace, platinum & sapphire 1200GP elven silver coins from Denolas manor 600GP worth goblet 90GP Gross total: 24200.7GPCan probably expect 90% value on the gems/jewelry. **I give you guys too much treasure. :)
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Post by Wolfgar on Feb 9, 2012 12:44:58 GMT -5
So that's a "no" from Paavo, RE: a pledge of service? That would be a no. Paavo only pledges himself to Ukko. But I hear Finn and Bolo were looking for some favors from the Silver Princess.
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Post by Bolo on Feb 9, 2012 17:26:06 GMT -5
But I hear Finn and Bolo were looking for some favors from the Silver Princess. Bolo is always looking for favors, but he generally only pledges himself to himself.
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Post by Friedrich on Feb 10, 2012 0:38:56 GMT -5
Would the Silver Princess have any use for an axe wielding dwarf? Friedrich's not willing to sell his soul to a devil, but if she is willing to help us find the Rain Bird and get my shadow back I might be willing to deal. As Paavo suggested, if she is able to give us something that would let the fae know that we are in her favor and not to be tormented, charmed, or otherwise be the object of any more of their practical jokes Friedrich would probably be willing to "pledge his service". (we're already doing it anyway). All Friedrich really has to offer is a reliable presence in a fight and use of his new found lordship. I would also want a guide in getting back safely to civilization.
What does she have in mind when she says "pledge themselves to her service"?
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Post by Wolfgar on Feb 10, 2012 9:24:43 GMT -5
I think that is an excellent idea. Friedrich has the most to gain from traveling the Faerie Road. So he might as well ally himself with the Fae. In for a penny, in for a pound.
Well out of earshot of Argenta and the elves, Paavo will continue to lament the inequities of the whole thing. Trommer releases a fox from a simple trap and is rewarded with Reynard's Favor. But we have several near TPK's (using two wishes against the daemon and burning another to get rid of the dao) in trying to free the Silver Princess and all we get is our injuries healed.
At least I thought we were getting a powerful ally against the forces of the Shadowlord. But it turns out she leads a ragtag bunch of elven refugees. In fact she was seeking aid from the Baron at the time of her capture. How are they going to help fight the forces of Denagoth? And now we are a week behind enemy lines with no easy way home.
Can someone remind me why this was a good idea?
(OOC: I think a lawful good character would want to do something for the greater good. Saving a single person of seemingly little import would not be of the greater good. Stopping evil incarnate (Zargon) from returning to the world, now that seems to be greater good.)
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Post by Mr. Trommer on Feb 10, 2012 11:03:12 GMT -5
We were able to bring a sliver of hope to a decimated people by rescuing their leader. Without the princess the elves might not be able to marshall their forces at all or just have all be killed without her leadership. We have learned of an assassination attempt and can give warning to an unsuspecting people of an invasion from evil forces. Had we gone elsewhere we may not have learned this. Take heart the greater good will be served by this!
Friedrich's renown will increase further once it is known that the "Dwarf with no Shadow" serves the favor of an elven princess. Even if he does not, that fact that he considered it will be wonder enough. Especially among dwarven kind.
Perhaps, if we returned to harp to Mab we might be able to get her help fighting the forces of evil. Friedrich might even get greater benefits pledging his service to her if not the silver princess. He might even become a Winter Knight in her service.
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Post by Ginger on Feb 10, 2012 11:10:52 GMT -5
This reminds me that we should ask the elves what they know of Reynard and tell them of our freeing him and him granting Mr. Trommer his favor.
Friedrich pledging himself to the Princess might be a good idea. He's already kinda pledged to Zargon, so this is an improvement.
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Post by Wolfgar on Feb 10, 2012 11:35:44 GMT -5
We were able to bring a sliver of hope to a decimated people by rescuing their leader. Without the princess the elves might not be able to marshall their forces at all or just have all be killed without her leadership. We have learned of an assassination attempt and can give warning to an unsuspecting people of an invasion from evil forces. Had we gone elsewhere we may not have learned this. Take heart the greater good will be served by this! Perhaps, if we returned to harp to Mab we might be able to get her help fighting the forces of evil. Friedrich might even get greater benefits pledging his service to her if not the silver princess. He might even become a Winter Knight in her service. She is not the leader of the elven people. She is the leader of a small rebel camp. Our rescuing her led to the enemy discovering where that camp was. Why the enemy camp is even here is beyond me. The current plan is to split into small bands and regroup in the Great Eastern Forest. They didn't need Argenta to come up with that plan. It wasn't like they were planning on breaking her free. We did learn about an assassination attempt on the Baron. Though we don't know when or how it will occur. So basically we are just going to tell him to be careful because the enemy wants him dead. Really helpful. If capturing her daughter did not make the Mab Queen their enemy I don't see how returning a harp will convince her. Clearly I am missing some of the back story.
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Post by venger on Feb 10, 2012 11:40:19 GMT -5
Would the Silver Princess have any use for an axe wielding dwarf? Friedrich's not willing to sell his soul to a devil, but if she is willing to help us find the Rain Bird and get my shadow back I might be willing to deal. As Paavo suggested, if she is able to give us something that would let the fae know that we are in her favor and not to be tormented, charmed, or otherwise be the object of any more of their practical jokes Friedrich would probably be willing to "pledge his service". (we're already doing it anyway). All Friedrich really has to offer is a reliable presence in a fight and use of his new found lordship. I would also want a guide in getting back safely to civilization. What does she have in mind when she says "pledge themselves to her service"? It's not a negotiation. The Silver Princess does not care about your petty lordship or any oaths you've taken to a mortal baron. And she would absolutely insist you discard that loathesome iron axe. Her kind are bound by certain rules and to bestow favor upon you in this fashion would require you to swear yourself as a vassal to the Houses of Whitefield & Rosewood. You'd then be afforded all the rights and protections thereof.
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Post by venger on Feb 10, 2012 11:52:36 GMT -5
Well out of earshot of Argenta and the elves, Paavo will continue to lament the inequities of the whole thing. Sometimes a paladin has to suck it up. Trommer releases a fox from a simple trap and is rewarded with Reynard's Favor. And look at all the mileage he's getting out of it. But we have several near TPK's (using two wishes against the daemon Those were really poor wishes. and burning another to get rid of the dao) That was a surprisingly good wish. And that's really more of a break-even considering the circumstances under which the wish was obtained. and all we get is our injuries healed. Aside from the considerable treasure/magic looted, safe harbor to recover, rations, bind wound treatments, death's door & multiple insanities cured, requiring Heal or Limited Wish spells that you would have otherwise spent a considerable amount of gold to cure. At least I thought we were getting a powerful ally against the forces of the Shadowlord. Who's to say you aren't? But it turns out she leads a ragtag bunch of elven refugees. The peasants of Aldagmor are fairly ragtag themselves. In fact she was seeking aid from the Baron at the time of her capture. How are they going to help fight the forces of Denagoth? Now that she isn't being held hostage by the Shadowlord, her Faerie allies are no longer constrained from attacking by threat of her death. Which is kind of a big deal for an immortal fairy princess. (OOC: I think a lawful good character would want to do something for the greater good. Saving a single person of seemingly little import would not be of the greater good. Stopping evil incarnate (Zargon) from returning to the world, now that seems to be greater good.) The destruction of Lothenar and the elven peoples who reside therein is a grand tragedy that could possibly have been lessened had you attempted to fulfill your oath to the Druid of the Grove months ago. We were able to bring a sliver of hope to a decimated people by rescuing their leader. Without the princess the elves might not be able to marshall their forces at all or just have all be killed without her leadership. Yes! Perhaps, if we returned to harp to Mab Mab is the Queen of Air & Darkness. The Winter Queen is someone else. Not really important, but still. She is not the leader of the elven people. That was Denolas. She is the leader of a small rebel camp. No, there's another guy who actually leads these rebels. Why the enemy(elven?) camp is even here is beyond me. The current plan is to split into small bands and regroup in the Great Eastern Forest. They didn't need Argenta to come up with that plan. It wasn't like they were planning on breaking her free. What do you think Bunny was doing? Just because they weren't successful doesn't mean they weren't trying. We have learned of an assassination attempt and can give warning to an unsuspecting people of an invasion from evil forces. Had we gone elsewhere we may not have learned this. Take heart the greater good will be served by this! We did learn about an assassination attempt on the Baron. Though we don't know when or how it will occur. So basically we are just going to tell him to be careful because the enemy wants him dead. Really helpful. It really isn't all that helpful, no. It's more like a memorandum about a plot than details of an actual assasination plot. They didn't even bother to burn it in the fireplace. Almost like they wanted you to find it...... If capturing her daughter did not make the Mab Queen their enemy I don't see how returning a harp will convince her. Clearly I am missing some of the back story. See above, re: hostage-taking of Silver Princess.
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Post by Mr. Trommer on Feb 10, 2012 12:27:55 GMT -5
We can ask Reynard to lead us safely past the enemy forces.
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Post by Wolfgar on Feb 10, 2012 14:07:02 GMT -5
Now that she isn't being held hostage by the Shadowlord, her Faerie allies are no longer constrained from attacking by threat of her death. Which is kind of a big deal for an immortal fairy princess. Granted I didn't think of this angle. I am confused about the timeline. When did -the Silver Princess get captured? -her castle get taken? -Denolas die? -the Elven Star get taken? I thought all of these occurred long before we came on the scene. Seriously, Bunny was (part of) the rescue force they sent? Can you imagine how we would have fared if we had gone to the Druids earlier and they tasked us with rescuing her?
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Post by venger on Feb 10, 2012 14:41:07 GMT -5
I am confused about the timeline. When did -the Silver Princess get captured? -her castle get taken? -Denolas die? -the Elven Star get taken? I thought all of these occurred long before we came on the scene. 5 years ago, the traitor Camla steals the Elven Star and delivers it in secret to Denagoth. A year later, the Shadowlord raises his dread tower and amasses his fell hosts. They assault the Forest of Lothenar and the border Ethereal. The fairy roads are blockaded. The siege of Lothenar begins. It's long and drawn out, the elves and their allies exact a bloody toll from the humanoid armies. With the fairy roads cut off and without the power of the Elven Star though, the sorcerous might of the Shadowlord is too much and the Palace of the Silver Princess falls. The elves begin to lose ground. The black dragon seals their fate, Denolas' manor is sacked. The remaining elves split into small pockets of resistance, harrying the forces of the Shadowlord wherever they can. It's a losing battle. >> campaign begins, druid expresses concern over friendly elves of Lothenar<< The Forest of Lothenar is immense and the elves are moderately successful in their guerilla efforts, but unable to stem the tide of darkness. Seeking aid in the most unlikely of places, the Silver Princess is captured in a failed bid to reach Alderaan Aldagmor. For several long months the princess is imprisoned in her tower, held hostage, until you rescue her. Seriously, Bunny was (part of) the rescue force they sent? Getting captured wasn't the best plan, but it was A plan. Can you imagine how we would have fared if we had gone to the Druids earlier and they tasked us with rescuing her? Things would have gone entirely differently if you had gone to Gramarye and learned all the things you were meant to learn from the druids.
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Post by Wolfgar on Feb 10, 2012 17:02:03 GMT -5
Thanks. That is helpful.
With the fairy roads blockaded, will we be able to search for the rain bird? Or is it only an issue with getting onto the fairy roads within the area controlled by Shadowlord?
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Post by Ginger on Feb 10, 2012 17:50:37 GMT -5
Given the timeline, we were apparently walking on the faerie road when it was occupied and we didn't have any trouble. That suggests that it's only the part that intersects with Lothenar.
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Post by Friedrich on Feb 10, 2012 19:35:17 GMT -5
It's not a negotiation. The Silver Princess does not care about your petty lordship or any oaths you've taken to a mortal baron. And she would absolutely insist you discard that loathesome iron axe. Her kind are bound by certain rules and to bestow favor upon you in this fashion would require you to swear yourself as a vassal to the Houses of Whitefield & Rosewood. You'd then be afforded all the rights and protections thereof. I didn't think she would care about a petty lordship. I was just throwing it out there but I won't mention it again. It seems that the group is all for me doing this and why shouldn't they be? Trommer, Paavo and Colby have all been level drained and all us need to get back to safety and thus have something to gain. Friedrich would hope that his companions would stand with him in battle even if not obligated by an oath (assuming that the fight is not complete suicide). If I swear myself to the Houses of Whitefield & Rosewood would I have to renounce my lordship? If the answer is no, then I will do it. She seems to be unconcerned with it as long as it does not interfere with my oath to her cause. If the answer is yes, I'll probably do it anyway ;D I will point out to the princess the fact that my life practically revolves around using this ax. She's not bringing me on for my good looks. Does she have a better weapon for me to use? OOC to group and DM: I am strongly leaning towards doing this. I think it would give us a great ally(ies) and lots of cool adventure hooks. Obviously I would like to be able to swear allegiance without angering Friedrich's baron. We all share a common enemy. Elves are CG, Friedrich's NG so I don't think there would be too much of alignment issue here. Obviously, I also need to hear what swearing an oath would entail before making a final commitment but I would imagine that there would be no ethical or alignment problem. We can do it on the board or on Sunday, however you want to handle it. Trommer, YOU sold me on the idea!! BTW, where are we playing this weekend?
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Post by Bolo on Feb 11, 2012 9:50:56 GMT -5
Is the axe truly iron, as opposed to steel? I don't think I realized that when we were dealing with the nighthag. If that's the issue, I think Friedrich is going to have a hard time persuading Argenta that she's okay with the axe. She doesn't seem to be very accommodating about anything else, so why would she with this? Not that I really know what the deal is with faeries and iron. Does anyone?
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