Chapter 10: Eye of the Storm

[Brian]

Team K

Seeing the man fling Rinti toward the edge of the roof, Condign rushed across the bridge to the other broken pillar. He thrusts the rod out and focuses his rage at the man as he attempts to flee.

____________________

Condign uses the Rod of Dread to cast Hellish Rebuke at the man.

Attack Roll vs Reflex: (1d20+8=24)

Damage Roll: (1d6+4=5)

Not that this attack will stop him, but at least he'll remember us fondly. ;D

[Dave B.]

Team B

Shorak raises an eyebrow at Belarin/Nerrin. He will wait and follow Belarin's lead.

[Joe]

Streko turns back to the injured warrior.

"I've stopped the bleeding and removed the offending crossbow bolt, but I am concerned that the bolt may be been poisoned. Is there a Jorasco House of Healing nearby or someone who is better versed in the art of poison extraction?"

Streko looks around him, ensuring no further attacks may be coming. He hears a young girl's scream from what seems to be far away and looks up to see Condign aiming his new toy toward the roof he saw Kal heading toward.

"Olladra, watch over them and keep them safe."

[Darren]

Team K

Kal does not hesitate for even a moment. He reaches out and grabs for Rinti.....

....and gasps in horror as his hand misses her completely. He is so distraught that he he almost doesn't notice as his own foot begins to slide perilously towards the edge of the rooftop. "Streko!" he yells at the top of his lungs, his voice full of panic. "Streko! Help Rinti! Please!"



_______________
Dexterity check (1d20+2=6)

[Jeff]

With a yelp, Rinti reaches out her hands, first for Kal, then for the edge of the roof, but she misses both and slides right over the side. He isn't fast enough to reach out for her a second time. The half-elf girl's body turns in the air as she falls, screaming, and crashes down into a pile of alley garbage. It didn't sound like a soft landing, and Kal realizes she's silent now.

Meanwhile, the cloaked enemy is fleeing. Condign is forced to sprint out halfway across the walkway in order to unleash his malice! He holds out the rod, half expecting it to burst with fire...but while nothing visibly happens with the device, flames do erupt around the man, and he curses as he bats at the fires even as he runs. They quickly diminish again, but his cloak is scorched and smoking.

Streko:

"Is there a Jorasco House of Healing nearby or someone who is better versed in the art of poison extraction?"

The half-orc woman comes forward, her face pained as she tries to keep her broken arm still. She shakes her head, then looks north. "The Jorasco house is in Respite...not too far, but not close enough to get there and back again without the Iron Watch showing up. You might not want to be here then."

Streko's professional opinion, given the legendary stamina of giants, is that this hill giant probably isn't going to die from the poison, but it's keeping him unconscious.

When Kal calls for Streko, the woman looks up and then back to him. "You're a busy halfling, aren't you? Look, leave the giant. Don't get yourself involved in the mess that might come. You've done more than anyone else would already."

__________________________

• Rint's Dexterity check: 11 (failure)
• Condign's attack (Hellish rebuke) hits cloaked man / 5 fire damage

If Kal and Condign wish to pursue the cloaked assailant, they can. It won't be easy—he's got a head start now, and a chase through the rooftops and streets of Stormreach, where he has the advantage—but it is possible. It'd be a skill challenge.

[Ken]

Team B

Jan 2, 2012 17:50:20 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Her uncle looks only briefly at Adamant, then lowers his gaze, obviously a little uncomfortable discussing this topic right here and right now. Looking to Belarin, he says, "If you wish to avoid the dangers posed by this...err, ship, then stay close to your guards. Anything as vile as...well, vampires would probably keep with their own, surely. Southwatch is where Karrns tend to congregate. So just don't go there, eh?"

All in all, the Kundarak dwarves are clearly tight-lipped about this. But they know something, even Belarin and Shorak can sense that now.

Belarin nods at the older dwarf's words, yet he looks distracted. "Yes, yes, wise advice, good sir," he says. "But there's something I heard earlier... oh, what was it? My apologies again, sirs, Lady, my mind is juggling too many things, Karrnathi cultists, this confounding map... ah well. The notion in my head seems lost."

He utters a somewhat disgusted "tsk tsk" and turns as though to leave, adding, "Come on, Shorak, Redoubt, let us not trouble..." He pauses, then says with a pleased tone, "Ah ha! Now I recall what lodged in my head. Gerhest. I believe one of you said 'Gerhest.' What is that? It's a vexing name on an antique map that I've been tasked with verifying... most vexing, yes..." Nerrin's nasal voice degrades into an irritated hiss.

________________________________________
OK, then. Skill Challenge! If that is sufficient for a Bluff check, let me know. Belarin will add the bonus from beguiling tongue.

[Brian]

Team K
Condign watches in horror as the girl slides off the roof, while at the same time the man who had flung her bursts into flames. Then the man manages to extinguish himself and races away.

Condign hesitates for just a moment, conflicted between a desire to chase the man and his concern for Rinti. He sees the same conflicted anguish on Kal's face.

"Leave him go, my lord," he calls out to Kal. "We have done all we can to save these people. And we need to attend to the girl. I have no doubt we will meet up with him again, and we can make our displeasure at his behavior known at that time."

Slipping the rod back into his belt, he climbs carefully down and goes to check on their young guide.

[Darren]

Kal's eyes glisten with unformed tears of frustration, anger and worry. He pauses for only a moment to pull in a deep breath, and it's like a breeze that blows the last bits of morning fog away. Kalarian nods at Condign, then moves quickly down to Rinti.

_________
Sorry for the short post. Running out of time this morning and won't be able to post again until tonight, but I wanted to get something in here before I leave.

[Joe]

When Kal calls for Streko, the woman looks up and then back to him. "You're a busy halfling, aren't you? Look, leave the giant. Don't get yourself involved in the mess that might come. You've done more than anyone else would already."

"When in the company of a Lord of House d'Deneith, I expect nothing less than action all the time. I can say that your giant here has been poisoned. I doubt it will kill him, as he's fighting it off quite well, but he won't be moving any time soon and may remain unconscious for quite some time.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I must go see to someone else."

Streko races toward the side of the building he heard Rinti's scream come from, already checking to see if his healing kit is prepared for more work.

[Dave W.]

Team B

Jan 3, 2012 21:34:27 GMT -4 Ken said:

He utters a somewhat disgusted "tsk tsk" and turns as though to leave, adding, "Come on, Shorak, Redoubt, let us not trouble..." He pauses, then says with a pleased tone, "Ah ha! Now I recall what lodged in my head. Gerhest. I believe one of you said 'Gerhest.' What is that? It's a vexing name on an antique map that I've been tasked with verifying... most vexing, yes..." Nerrin's nasal voice degrades into an irritated hiss.

"Oh by all things holy, it's the gods-cursed map again." Redoubt grumbles with the air of a servant never listened to. "I have advised and will again, we should sell the thing and be quit of it. I tell you someone or many will die of that map by the time it's promise is delivered. I'd rather not be the one nor among the many." 
________________________________________
is that enough to get an assist on Nerrin's check?

[Dave B.]

Team B

When Belarin/Nerrin mentions Gerhest, Shorak sucks in his breath. He seems about to say something, but stops himself when Adamant/Redoubt starts complaining. Shaking his head Shorak crosses his arms and just shakes his head in frustration.

I don't know if that warrants a bluff assist or not.

[Jeff]

Team B

Belarin:

"Come on, Shorak, Redoubt, let us not trouble..." He pauses, then says with a pleased tone, "Ah ha! Now I recall what lodged in my head. Gerhest. I believe one of you said 'Gerhest.' What is that? It's a vexing name on an antique map that I've been tasked with verifying... most vexing, yes..." Nerrin's nasal voice degrades into an irritated hiss.

The old dwarf nods just barely, as if hesitant to acknowledge it. But he seems an honest man. "A name you'd best forget about it, young man," he says. "That place will be the last place anyone who chooses to go there sees. You'd best dismiss it."

Adamant:

"I have advised and will again, we should sell the thing and be quit of it. I tell you someone or many will die of that map by the time it's promise is delivered. I'd rather not be the one nor among the many."

Shorak:

When Belarin/Nerrin mentions Gerhest, Shorak sucks in his breath.

The old dwarf regards Adamant and Shorak and nods again, then looks back to Belarin. "Your guards speaks wisely."

His niece, though, speaks up. "And out of turn, I'd say," she says.

"Aye," her uncle says. "But if you've got a map to the place, you might consider selling it and saving your life." But from his words you don't think he is implying himself as a would-be buyer. "A journey to Gerhest would be the end of you." Nearby, the dwarven bodyguard bobs his head ever so slightly.

_________________________

Need a little bit more for that Bluff check, Ken. And Dave and Dave, feel free to pick a skill and run with it. If you need to ask me any questions about something you might know more about, let me know. There's no hurry on this.

[Jeff]

Team K

A twenty foot drop from a roof to an alleyway floor isn't too dangerous, when you can take the time to do so carefully and not simply drop unexpectedly like Rinti. Both Kal and Condign do struggle with the effort, though, and are forced to lower themselves as quickly as they can down from the nearby walkway first, then go around the building.

So Streko reaches Rinti first, just as human and tiefling come up behind him.

The girl landed in a pile of rubbish and splintered wood. She's got a few obvious cuts, and she's unconscious. But Streko immediately sees that she's got no broken bones. Still, the unhappy-looking bruise at the back of her head is cause for concern. A concussion.

But some healing magic might just do the trick.

Tangat, tail thumping feebly, starts whining.

____________________________

Condign's Athletics check (1d20+6=7)
Kal's Athletics check (1d20+8=10)
Streko's Heal check (1d20+14=24)

[Darren]

Kal rushes to Rinti's side, roughly pushing people out of the way in his haste. Despite knowing the girl for only a few hours, he feels affection for her as well as responsibility. He looks down at her and sees the small movement of her chest, the rise and fall looking so peaceful and he let's it the breath he hadn't realized he was holding.

Kalarian places a hand on Streko's shoulder. "Do we need to bring her to Jorasco, or can you mend her here?"

[Brian]

Team K

Condign joins Kal and Streko as the halfling ministers to the girl. Her eyes are closed, and he knows from experience that the longer a person is unconscious, the worse the chances are for a recovery.

But healing is the purview of his pious friend. Condign turns and scans the surroundings for any sign of further trouble. He scowls deeply, and this time it isn't an act.

_________________________

Can Condign get a perception check, please?

[Joe]

TEAM K

The girl landed in a pile of rubbish and splintered wood. She's got a few obvious cuts, and she's unconscious. But Streko immediately sees that she's got no broken bones. Still, the unhappy-looking bruise at the back of her head is cause for concern. A concussion.

"Quite the nasty bump you have here, young one. But never worry, never fear...we are here for you, as you have been for us thus far."

Kalarian places a hand on Streko's shoulder. "Do we need to bring her to Jorasco, or can you mend her here?"

"Just a minor bump, in the grand scheme of things. I'll be able to assist her here. She'll be good as new, my friend."
____________________________________________________

Not sure what Streko actually does at this point...another healing kit or cast Healing Word? Whichever, Streko will do everything he can to ensure she's good as new.

[Jeff]

Joe, what Streko does is up to you. Don't leave decisions on actions up to me!

[Joe]

I wasn't leaving the action up to you. I was asking the DM a question, hence the question mark in pink.

I have never cast Healing Word on an NPC and I'm not sure if that is even possible as a player (if so, I suppose the DM would be responsible for activating the Healing Surge. Is that how the mechanics work on this?). Does Healing Word work on NPCs who are unconscious and can't spend a healing surge or am I thinking too much and healing surges are automatic? I thought it took a conscious effort to spend such a surge.

Regardless, Streko will do everything possible to ensure Rinti is up and running as quickly as possible. Or at least up and guiding. If a Healing Kit won't do that, fine. If Healing Word can, then fine. I need guidance here. Thanks.

[Jeff]

You can use Healing Word on NPCs, absolutely. How it plays out with things like healing surges (which NPCs don't have many of) isn't something you need to worry about. At minimum, it'll heal an NPC 2d6+4 hit points, which for a lower-level noncombatant type is a heck of a lot.

[Ken]

Team B

Jan 6, 2012 9:46:22 GMT -4 Jeff said:

The old dwarf nods just barely, as if hesitant to acknowledge it. But he seems an honest man. "A name you'd best forget about it, young man," he says. "That place will be the last place anyone who chooses to go there sees. You'd best dismiss it."

Adamant:
Shorak:

When Belarin/Nerrin mentions Gerhest, Shorak sucks in his breath.

The old dwarf regards Adamant and Shorak and nods again, then looks back to Belarin. "Your guards speaks wisely."

His niece, though, speaks up. "And out of turn, I'd say," she says.

"Aye," her uncle says. "But if you've got a map to the place, you might consider selling it and saving your life." But from his words you don't think he is implying himself as a would-be buyer. "A journey to Gerhest would be the end of you."

Belarin easily represses a mild yet surprising urge to hug Adamant. Bonescrape's bloody jest, he is a natural at this! he thinks. But Nerrin simply adjusts his glasses and -- after summoning a little bit of fey magic to gild his words -- says in a matter-of-fact tone, "Thank you, sir and lady, for your opinions... but OF COURSE I intend to sell it! Go to Gerhest? Heh heh heh, that's a silly notion. A long overland journey would play havoc with my joints." He briefly looks at his dragging right leg as though a dog had just peed on it.

"I do know that the map's information is valuable to others, however -- people who lack the wisdom of you and I, good people. Exactly how valuable is something I am still trying to determine. That is what has brought me here, to verify the information and find buyers. A more informed seller can better command the price, as I'm sure you understand. What, then, makes it so dangerous? You speak as though you have personal, unpleasant knowledge of this place, er.... oh, do forgive my manners, Nerrin Blackwell, at your service, sirs... Lady." He raises his chin slightly. "And I do, of course, respect a proper business transaction. I believe in rewarding valuable information you provide with a respectable commission upon sale."

__________________________
Belarin makes a Bluff check, and uses the beguiling tongue power for a +5 bonus:
Bluff check (1d20+16=18) Damn! I almost didn't use the power since his Bluff is great on its own, but I'm VERY glad I did. I hope it's enough.

[Joe]

Jan 6, 2012 23:25:52 GMT -4 Jeff said:

You can use Healing Word on NPCs, absolutely. How it plays out with things like healing surges (which NPCs don't have many of) isn't something you need to worry about. At minimum, it'll heal an NPC 2d6+4 hit points, which for a lower-level noncombatant type is a heck of a lot.

Streko reaches out to Olladra and whispers Rinti's name to her, then calls out the name of the Goddess as his holy symbol flares with radiant light, courses down through the Halfling's arms and into the body of the unconscious girl, filling her with healing energy.

"Good as new," he says to the girl.
____________________________________________________

Streko casts HEALING WORD on Rinti.

Thank you for the knowledge, good sir.

[Jeff]

Team B

You can see that both the elder dwarf and his niece are listening more carefully now. Which has the bodyguard studying you, in turn, with greater scrutiny. The latter is looking for a problem, a reason to physically intervene and stop this conversation between commoner and noble.

"We are of similar mind, then, young man," the older dwarf says. "Many fools have come to our city to seek a great fortune and will soon enough scurry off into the wilds in search of it. It falls to us to keep our heads and not allow them all to bury their treasures in the ruins of Xen'drik as they bury themselves.

"Now then. This map of yours sounds promising...err, Master...Nerrin, is it? Aye, there are others who would be interested in it, should it prove genuine—another matter in itself. It might be that our house could broker a buyer for you. If you wish to be selective about your customer and the weight of his gold."

"But I wonder," he adds, "How genuine a map to Gerhest can be. The place is purported to appear every ten years in one of two places. Or...is this a map of Gerhest, of the place itself? That would be a rarity indeed. It is well known in Xen'drik as an old abandoned ruin yet thick with guardians and traps. Giant spiders, golems, and the spirits of the dead. If the stories are to be believed."

The old dwarf steps forward and inclines his head and extends a hand to Belarin—the bodyguard places a hand on the handle of his hammer at the same time. "My name is Worgan d'Kundarak. This is my niece, Lady Diesa d'Kundarak."

Like all dragonmarked houses, when a dragonmarked heir introduces himself, he typically uses only the house name, not his individual family name. You can sense the arrogance in Worgan's manner, but it's fairly mild for a house heir. Nothing like Kal's, or even Diesa's.

"Where did you find this map?" Diesa asks with obvious interest.

You also sense they're taking the bait. The idea of unexpected profit has scented the waters.

____________________________

Ken, go ahead and roll your Bluff check and toss in the Beguiling Tongues bonus.

[Jeff]

Team K

Streko feels the warmth of Olladra's power flow through him and into the half-elf's body. The bump on her head fades....

And Rinti's eyes fly open almost immediately. She smiles, blinks, and tries to focus on the three of you. Tangat's tail wags.

"I almost died!" she says excitedly. Eyes still a little unfocused, she looks up at Kal just as you sense a few people lingering at the mouth of the alley, looking curiously in. "You are amazing, my lord! Slayer of giants."

She clutches at Streko. "You healed me with...magic? I've never felt that before."

Then she looks at Condign. "Did you catch that man?"

"YOU!" a new voice calls out, interrupting the moment.

You turn and see the people have parted for a newcomer: A warforged. Not quite as bulky as Adamant, but standing tall with confidence and authority. He wears a metal chestplate bearing a symbol you've never seen before—a warhammer with an eye in it inside a gear—and has a halberd in hand that glows softly at the head with purple light.

"The Iron Watch," Rinti murmurs quietly so only the three of you can hear. "Probably on our side. If we cooperate."

"If you are able, follow me," the warforged commands and turns to walk back toward where the ettin fell.

[Brian]

Team K

Condign turns momentarily at Rinti's words. Kal killed the giant? Oh, brother.

Then a new voice booms out and he sees a large warforged approaching. His hand clenches tightly around his sword, his instinctive distrust of constructs rising like molten rock from the fractured ground of the Labyrinth. But he forces himself to relax; his time with Adamant has taught him a valuable lesson about prejudice.

Seeing that Streko has healed the girl, and not wishing to anger an Iron Guard, Condign nods to Kal. "Stay near me, my lord. I still have not delivered you safely to your enclave."

With that said, he strides over to the warforged.

[Dave B.]

Team B

When Shorak hears that the Dwarves are from house Kundarak, he feigns minor excitement and surprise. After all, he had already suspected that this was the case.

He turns toward Belarin/Nerrin, "Master Nerrin, you should feel quite honored. The Kundarak house is quite respected in Stormreach. Famous for their role in the establishment of Coasthold and well known for their security dealings." He looks wryly at their personal guard when he says the last, as if to say, 'You're quite correct, we are not the same.'

Turning to Adamant/Redoubt and taking a small step back from Belarin/Nerrin and the Dwarven nobles, he adds, "Redoubt, the Lady is quite correct. You have quite the habit of forgetting who is employing your services." Hopefully, Adamant is not offended by this, but Shorak wants to play to their apparent arrogance.

Streetwise roll from private thread was 31. I tried to link it to this post but it didn't seem to work right. I probably did it wrong.

[Darren]

Team K

Relief floods into Kal like the bursting of a huge dam. Before he can stop himself, he grabs Rinti into a tight embrace. When he lets her go, his face is red and he backs up a step and coughs lightly. "I'm glad to see you well, Rinti." He grins in spite of himself. "Don't get too addicted to danger. We must be safe when we choose to fight. Our brains are our most powerful weapons, and yours almost got knocked right out of your head."

Placing a hand on the girl's shoulder, Kal turns to watch the interaction between his bodyguard and the warforged newcomer. He places his other hand on Streko and without looking at him says, "I cannot thank you enough, my friend. Now stay here with me and let us see how this unfolds. We will intervene only when necessary."

[Dave W.]

Team B

the bodyguard places a hand on the handle of his hammer at the same time.

Redoubt pointedly looks at the guard's hand but makes no move of his own. He raises his head to catch the dwarf's eye, trying to send the message if you feel the need to start with your hand on your weapon then you have already lost.

[Shorak] "Redoubt, the Lady is quite correct. You have quite the habit of forgetting who is employing your services."

"Yes, Shorak, it is a failing, one of my many defects as I'm sure you will continue to catalog." again putting on the put-upon servant tone.

Redoubt tries to  keep a hopefully concealed focus on the dwarf, while continuing, "You continue to encourage Master Nerrin in his quest to understand the map; I will continue to advise him to be rid of it. I am the one who is responsible for his safety."

"If Lord d'Kundarak can help arrange a deal that suits my concerns. But since that idiot in Sharn put this thing in Master Nerrin's hands, raving that Dol Arrah had helped him solve the mystery I have had the uncomfortable sense that there is more going on there than the obvious. If the gods are nudging events so that this fantastical place reveals its fantastical treasure, I say fine, let us play our hopefully small part and get out of Their nudging as quickly as possible."

"At any rate provided the vamp... I mean Karrns don't get it."
--------------------
Sorry this took so long I was writing while watching the Saints and Lions tussle.... Suddenly that sounds all ancient Rome to me...

I'm still not entirely sure how to make this work, but mostly Adamant is fishing here, trying to use Insight to see what sparks the dwarf's interest.

Jeff, do you make Insight rolls? I feels like the kind of thing we might not know how well it worked. Adamant's insight is +11 if you want to do the honors.

The thing with Shorak is really a feint to imply there may be competition between Nerrin's servants and so Redoubt could probe without talking directly with the dwarf.

[Jeff]

Team K

Rinti's grin fades into surprise when Kal hugs her. When he does, he can feel she's much too thin. When he pulls away again, she cocks her head and looks at the sharash in his hand. "You're a wizard, too, my lord? You threw lightning and thunder tossed you into the air!"

Kal:

"Now stay here with me and let us see how this unfolds. .."

It is quite clear to Kal that the warforged means for you all to follow him, not just Condign. His authoritative voice is obvious.

[Darren]

Team K

Jan 8, 2012 8:51:45 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Team K

Rinti's grin fades into surprise when Kal hugs her. When he does, he can feel she's much too thin. When he pulls away again, she cocks her head and looks at the sharash in his hand. "You're a wizard, too, my lord? You threw lightning and thunder tossed you into the air!"

"Yes, I do have my surprises, don't I?"

Kal:

"Now stay here with me and let us see how this unfolds. .."

It is quite clear to Kal that the warforged means for you all to follow him, not just Condign. His authoritative voice is obvious.

Still, Kal holds his position, arms folded, choosing to play the role of a lord allowing his servant to deal with a distraction so that he can be on his way.

[Jeff]

Team B

Shorak:

"Master Nerrin, you should feel quite honored. The Kundarak house is quite respected in Stormreach. Famous for their role in the establishment of Coasthold and well known for their security dealings."

The recognition in Shorak's words has an immediate effect upon the woman, Lady Diesa. She nods, soaking in the esteem afforded by her station. Her uncle, Lord Worgan d'Kundarak, seems less effected by it, but he nods in acknowledgement.

He looks wryly at their personal guard when he says the last, as if to say, 'You're quite correct, we are not the same.'

The guard has no reaction whatsoever.

Shorak:

"Redoubt, the Lady is quite correct. You have quite the habit of forgetting who is employing your services."

"You speak well," Diesa says. "For one of your people. Most of the dark-skinned elves are silent and rude for it."

Adamant:

Redoubt pointedly looks at the guard's hand but makes no move of his own. He raises his head to catch the dwarf's eye, trying to send the message if you feel the need to start with your hand on your weapon then you have already lost.

Adamant knows his message is probably not conveyed as he intends it. He's learned over his lifetime that others are terrible at deducing his outward manner. Tone, and seldom body language, is the only way he can express himself.

Adamant:

"You continue to encourage Master Nerrin in his quest to understand the map; I will continue to advise him to be rid of it. I am the one who is responsible for his safety."

"If Lord d'Kundarak can help arrange a deal that suits my concerns. But since that idiot in Sharn put this thing in Master Nerrin's hands, raving that Dol Arrah had helped him solve the mystery I have had the uncomfortable sense that there is more going on there than the obvious. If the gods are nudging events so that this fantastical place reveals its fantastical treasure, I say fine, let us play our hopefully small part and get out of Their nudging as quickly as possible."

"At any rate provided the vamp... I mean Karrns don't get it."

Adamant has no idea what effect talk of the gods has on these dwarves—in his experienced, the wealthy and the privileged seldom have much loyalty to the gods—but something in what he's saying seems to have an impact. Perhaps it's his insistence on the folly of holding onto the map, and the need to be rid of it.

Lady Diesa chuckles, seeming amused by the banter between Master Nerrin's choice of servants. "We can arrange a deal to suit your concerns," she says. "My elder cousin is Lord Korbek d'Kundarak"—Shorak knows that name; Korbek is the head of Stormreach's Kundarak enclave—"and has the ear of Yorrick Amanatu himself." Yorrick is another name unfamiliar to Belarin and Adamant, but which Shorak has heard many times. "We are in a position to arrange for a purchase."

Lord Wargon frowns but for the moment says nothing. He seems less eager to keep talking about this.

"Have you got the map with you?" Diesa says, looking Belarin up and down. He can practically see the platinum stacking up in her eyes.

_________________________

Belarin's Bluff check: 18 (success #1) (just barely!)Shorak's Streetwise check: 31 (success #2)
Adamant's Insight check (1d20+11=23) (success #3)

You just need one more success. Feel free to discuss who should make the next skill check; the only thing is, in this instance, you can't choose a skill that's already been used. Wargon d'Kundarak is a tough nut to crack; he needs a different approach.