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Archiv => Archiv - Online-RPGs D&D/d20 3E => Drow Campaign => Thema gestartet von: Sheiriya am 10.05.2005, 01:48:25
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to Zhadristan
"I won't tell you how many of your thoughts I hear, because it's more fun to me, if you don't know."
Zhadristan can "hear" Sheiriya in his mind. She seems to be a bit amused.
"And it will last long enough. You can be sure of that."
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"I expected no less." Zhadristan replies softly.
After a brief moment he can't supress a light laughter. "Hopefully it works the other way round, too." surfaces in his thoughts, and he is quick to push the thought away by thinking of the task at hand.
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to Zhadristan and Jhalashar
"Then let us go back and find out where the others are now." the still invisible Sheiriya replies to Zahdristans spoken words.
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Zhadristan mentally imparts his agreement.
They can't be far. I take the point he voices in his mind, avoiding unnecessary noise now.
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to Zhadristan & Jhalashar
"So I'm on my way back."
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Zhadristan hands Sheiriya one of the spellbooks. "It contains necromantic spells. Perhaps they are more to your liking than to mine."
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"Thank you, they would be. Unfortunately I'm not able to learn spells from books." She hands Zhadristan the book back.
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"It will have its purpose, even if it is just coins." he says with a hint of disappointment and puts the book in has backpack again.
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"Why is that disappointing you?" Sheiriya asks when she notices the hint of an emotion in Zhadristan's voice.
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"These books would have been a valuable asset on our journey. I want to improve my spellcasting, but most of the spells in the two books are still beyond my abilites, and they will remain so longer than necessary with noone to give advice."
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"That of course is true. Then just copy the book for use in the future and sell the original."
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In Sschindylryn
"So the question is solved?" Zhadristan asks Sheiriya when they have finally left the temple.
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"Oh, just between Malifice and me." Sheiriya answeres and then continues "If you know someone else to lead the group, speak open. Maybe you like to try it yourself?" She gives Zhadristan a cheerful wink.
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"I wonder what the Dalharilen would think of that", Zhadristan says laughing.
"Do you know this place? A decent tavern preferably with a tailor's shop on the way? Otherwise we could try the one the Dalharil mentioned."
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"I'm here for the first time. But I have the feeling that a place mentioned by a Dalharil is not the right place to have some fun," Sheiriya answeres.
"At the moment I would prefer you to be the leader for the next hour, because I'm sure you know more about big cities than I do."
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"Oh I thought The Temptress sounded promising." says Zhadristan and takes a path towards the Bazaar where he will buy new clothes.
A few breaths later he asks Sheiriya, "Does it not bother you that most of the company left?"
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"Why should it bother me?" asks Sheiriya "Do you think they know something we don't? I admit that the Dalharil resisted my attempt to read her thoughts."
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"No I do not, but I was worried by the way things developed. I do not like the prospect of hiring to the likes of Malifice, but I believe just that is going to happen."
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"We'll see. If they give us a priestess for company which cannot see any world beside lolth's it may endeed be a hard time. But let us not trouble our mind with that and instead make the best of this day."
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"You are right, there is plenty of time to worry ahead", Zhadristan says. He brielfy looks sideways at Sheiriya "Well, I used to think about it occasionally since we left Maerimydra and it seems to me that the longer I am away from Skullport the less I want to return to that filthy pit. And then there is.."
He stops his complaining in midsentence.
".. the obvious conclusion that I need more of what we had in Maerimydra to keep me from thinking too much. On the other hand I would then likely lament about hordes of undead and demons". He gives an ironic chuckle at that and it seems to brighten his mood.
On a guess, he picks their way through the streets until they come across a decent looking tavern.
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"I'm sure I know another way to stop you thinking about whatever troubles you." Sheiriya tells Zhadristan giving him a suggestive glance.
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"No doubt about it" Zhadristan says smiling, not quite managing to hide the excitement in his voice.
He gestures at a tavern in the street ahead which he hopes to be at least as good as the Blindle's Blade in Skullport. Once inside, Zhadristan casually scans the crowd as usual before he takes a few quick steps towards the innkeeper. After a brief hushed conversation,
the innkeeper hands Zhadristan a bottle of dark wine and two brass-colored goblets. Holding them with both hands he turns towards Sheiriya. A serving wench quickly wipes a nearby table with her dirty rag, making it at most appear cleaner, and fetches the left-over mugs of ale from it.
Zhadristan indicates the table and says "Or a room upstairs.", letting Sheiriya choose to her liking.
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While Zhadristan talks to the innkeeper, Sheiriya stays behind and lets her gaze wander before it settles on her companion again. "I would prefer the room upstairs if it's comfortable there." she tells him and nods towards the stairs. When Zhadristan moves on, she follows. Inside the room she closes the door and turns towards the drow and tempting smile on her face. Suddenly her hair changes from white to silver.
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Pleasently surprised and with eyes shining with anticipation Zhadristan watches the change of Sheiriya's hair color. Without taking his eyes off of Sheiriya he places his loaded hand crossbow and his sabre beside the bed.
He slowly approaches her while beginning to remove his attire.
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Sheiriya slowly walks towards Zahdristan while looking at him. "So, you don't want to lose time, that's nice." she whispers in his ear and lets one hand stroke playfully along Zhadristans side. She does not undress herself, but wants to have the male do it.
So, we get nearer to the point where we should stop describing in order to "protect" the younger readers.
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Yes, I think so
Some time later...
"I suppose it is about time to consider returning to the temple", Zhadristan says softly. There is only little resolve behind his words.
He plays his fingers along Sheiriya's side and his gaze drifts away to nowhere in particular.
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"You are presumably right. The holiday is coming to an end." She lets her hands play over Zhadistans body again, before she stands up and streches, thereby presenting her body in an alluring manner. Then she picks up her clothes and dresses slowly.
"Do you know where I could find a place to take a bath before we leave civilisation again?"
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"If you are satisfied with a simple wooden tub, yes. The door at the end of the corridor, though I am afraid it is not large enough for the two of us." he explains, all the while looking at her.
Finally he gets up and dresses as well but does not don his armor. "And I ordered warm water."
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"I would have prefered a big pool with many beautiful men, but a wooden tub will do." Sheiriya tells Zhadristan and he cannot tell if teasing him or not. She slips out the door and gets to where the water waits.
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During the rest
Zhadristan places a couple of items that the group aquired in the fight for the bridge earlier on on the ground. Turning his back on the others, he signals to Sheiriya.
I just said it as an excuse to move away from them, Zhadristan explains.
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Sheiriya takes a look at the items nonetheless and waits for Zhadristan to come up to whatever he wants to speak about.
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I am worried about that devil spawn or whatever she is, Zhadristan explains, Did you see the way she looked at me when she threatened me? I have no idea, what it was about.
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Oh, I don't think she cares about you. Last time I checked you weren't alone inside your body. Sheiriya tells Zhadristan with a smile. Then she points towards an item. What do you think about this one? Is it something special?
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Zhadristan looks at the item, than again at her. For a moment he appears angered, but he quickly recovers.
Last time you checked? What are you talking about?
He slowly fetches spell components from his cloak's pockets.
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Think about Xyranma. Did you see any sign of him or her, or maybe better 'it', since the last fight? Any moving statue, chain, or the like? She gives the drow an innocent look. Where might it be?
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I see, Zhadristan says and looks at the items again. Despite his steady outward behaviour she can tell that he is in a rage.
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Now, what are you going to do? she asks Zhadristan.
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Zhadristan looks at her for a long moment, pondering if he should tell her anything at all.
I have yet to decide that. But either way, it will no longer be inside me when it is over.., he finally answers.
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I can't help myself but think you look ... disappointed Sheiriya signals. Its interesting.
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I am primarilly angered, he signs with tense fingers. But maybe I am disappointed.. In you for not telling me earlier, and in myself for being fooled by that thing.
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Practically it wouldn't have made any difference if I did, right?
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That depends on how long you already knew it, Zhadristan replies, but that is no longer important now.
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If you think so. But I didn't know it for a long time. She waits if Zhadristan might say anything else, maybe about the item.
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There is a moment of "silence" between them, until he decides to let the matter drop. Pick one you might find useful, Zhadristan prompts her to choose an item.
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Sheiriya thinks a for a moment and then takes the whip and hands it to Zhadristan. This?
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Alright, but this is going to take a while.
Zhadristan begins the preparations for the spell he is about to cast.
Roughly an hour later, he is done with the whip and begins anew with a different item. Probably good for whipping goblin, but otherwise I do not know, he tells Sheiriya.
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The Shadow Queen's enclave
Sheiriya's pure black eyes are unreadable. "So you are? About what? I'll be relieved when we part from that spawn of the hells." She looks around to find something comfortable for an hour or so.
"I am relieved that, well, you bear no grudge about that with Xyranma. I was harsh on you" , Zhadristan explains. He adds more lightly, "And I am glad that you did not get hurt by that lightning bolt of mine."
"Once she has had the answers she took the soul of that githzerai with a dagger. At least I think that is what she did", he comments on the devil. Zhadristan tries to look around as unsuspicously as he can manage to ensure she is nowhere near, before he continues the mental conversation.
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On their way through the market in search for a room, Sheiriya and Zhadristan come by a merchant, who sells clothes among other things. In passing Zhadristan regards the leather garments and slows down. "I think this would suit you well", he tells his stunning escort.
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(Just in case ... that merchant (which may wear a cloak or something) looks much like a surface elf if you spot some of his skin.)
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Sheiriya stops to take a look at the things Zhadristan poited at. She raises a hand to feel the leather. "Good merchant, is that a special kind of leather?"
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The merchant wears gloves but has the hood of his cloak down. He has very pale skin, and white hair. His cloak is made of fine white cloth but his clothes are made of black leather. He wears a high-collared shirt with small gemstone buttons, which falls to mid-thigh and is belted. His legs are covered in tight leather. The slight illumination from several subtly placed lanterns allow the colours to be seen. The only other colour about the merchant is his grey eyes.
Although he speaks fluent drow, with the accent of The Deep Wastes, his voice is difficult to hear. It seems his voice can not be raised above that of a hoarse whisper.
'Gracious lady, allow - if you will - this humble merchant a moment to recall one of his mother's first instructions. She said to me that the goddess of our race did set drow against drow because our own kind is our only worthy opponent. We improve only by besting our equals. The challenge must be equal to our skills and therefore improve us.
'It is a principle I apply to my trade. As drow we are the mistresses of the known world and we must wear garments that are made of a material that is worthy to lie next to our skin. I have seen barbarians who wear goblin leather and other such low-grade leathers. Yet that is not for the noble and the mighty.
'My clothes, which I have for sale today, are made of drow leather. All are fashionable, all are comfortable and most are reasonably priced. A precious few command higher prices since subtle enchantments are laid upon them.
'If it please you, I will answer any question you care to ask me.'
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Sheiriya lets her gaze wander over the merchant and gives him a wicket smile. "I hope these drow were of high enough standing to serve as clothes for me. But why do I see no white ones? ... OK, what do you have for me that would fit me well?" She spreads her arms so that the white drow could see her figure unhindered by the cloak she wears. It looks like she does not dislike the thought of wearing clothes made from drow leather or at least does not show it yet.
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"White drow leather is a little harder to obtain and as a consequence commands a higher price,' the merchant replies in a calm and unruffled manner. 'I do have some white leather in stock but I rarely choose to display it because of its value.'
The merchant examines Sheiriya's figure analytically. 'Is my lady dressing for fashion or for function? I have long dresses made from half-drow prostitutes whom retain a measure of their professional persuasiveness if you wish to appear seductive. Yet I think that you are above such things.
'Are you a traveller and do you wish for something durable, hard-wearing and comfortable? I have an outfit made from young noble warriors who fell in their first battle.
'As regards clothes that will fit you I can alter any garment so that it displays your figure to your best advantage - if you so wish it. If there is anything you see that you desire please let me know. All of my wares are not only made to the highest standards but are accompanied by their own unique personal history. You will always be the centre of any social event on account of never being short of a fashionable anecdote.
'If you wish to see my white leather goods I can arrange a personal viewing for you at my lodgings after the market closes, perhaps?'
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"I am afraid we do not have the time for this", Zhadristan quickly interjects.
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"Of course my friend is right, but I may come here again to take a look at your white leather. Normally I would prefer to dress for fashion but at the moment something more durable would be the better choice." The beautiful female examines some of the outfits presented in front of her. "Which of these do you think to be the best choice for me?" Sheiriya addresses both Zhadristan and the merchant.
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"Since your companion commands you to make haste, I suggest this,' the merchant replies. He picks up a long leather skirt, which is soft, supple and made from black leather. It is decorated with small garnets and split high at one side to allow easy movement. The outfit is completed by a trim, smart jacket also made from soft black leather.
'My price is 2,500 gold pieces.'
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"It is a flattering idea, but I am certainly not the one giving the orders," Zhadristan says with genuine amusement.
"This skirt definitely has its merits, but with it you should probably consider making up the rear the next time we climb." he suggests his less adequate thoughts.
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"Why? Are you afraid the others could get insights they did not yet have?" Sheiriya asks Zhadristan with a little mocking laughter before turningback to the white skined merchant. "2500 gold pieces for you might be well enough but I think for skirt and jacket this is a little bit more than appropriate. Drow leather cannot be so expensive since there is plenty still walking around in this dark lands. Make a better price."
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In response Zhadristan utters a not-so-serious sulking growl ere he turns his attention to the merchant as well, supporting Sheiriya's argument with an agreeing nod.
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The merchant bows. 'I acknowledge your perspicacity, lady. As you say there are plenty of drow which could provide good leather. However, did you not also say that: "I hope these drow were of high enough standing to serve as clothes for me."
'These garments are not made from commoners. My original price stands.'
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"Ah, you are an observant merchant and of course you are right. But if it stays at the price I have to tell you that at the moment I have more urgent things in mind to spend my money on." The beautiful drow pauses for a moment and then asks. "Are you going to stay here for some time? Maybe I come back in the future to get some fine drow leather."
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The merchant bows to Sheiriya, 'I shall be here for a while. If you wish to suggest a price you think is more reasonable I am happy to listen.'
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"May I gently remind you of our primary intent?" Zhadristan asks Sheiriya, smiling broadly.
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"Yes of course you may remind me about that special thing." Sheiriya answeres Zhadristan. "So dear merchant, I'm sorry to tell you that I'm a little bit in a hurry. But when there is more free time I will remember you. Maybe I'll be in need of white leather then." With a smile she turns away.
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"Please excuse our hurry, but we have.. urgent business." Zhadristan tells the white drow and is off with Sheiriya.
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"So did you see anything that would suit us well, yet?" She asks Zhadristan a little time later. Then she stops for a moment and looks around. "I guess the rooms over there are nice." Smiling she points at an inn a few houses ahead which seems to be more or less on the expensive side.
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"Oh it does, I already know that I will have a hard time leaving", he says and increases his pace slightly. Once inside Zhadristan pays for a room with a hot bath and a fine meal for them to enjoy their leisure.
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"Isn't there a spell for having luxury when resting outside?" Sheiriya asks Zhadristan when they get to their room. "A hot bath should possible at least even in the lowerdark."
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"I would be surprised if there was none," he answers dropping his backpack and cloak on the floor. He walks towards the bed and pushes with his palm against the mattress to test its comfort. Zhadristan then approaches Sheiriya to kiss her and undo her leather clothing.
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Sheiriya returns the kiss and starts unclothing the male drow. "Let's find the hot water first." she whisperes in his right ear.
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Zhadristan utters a few hushed sounds of agreement while his lips seek hers again.
Looks like we are approaching said point again..
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Within the throne room of She of the Nine Secrets
When Sheiriya stops her detection spell she feels the gaze of the being in front of her lying heavily upon her. Half a moment later, she hears that dark melodic voice in her head:
"Your looks are sweet to the eye, one of the fairer kin. How come that you travel with these mortal meddlers?"
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Accustomed to being addressed telepathically Sheirriya stays calm when the voice she assumes to be of She of the Nine Secrets. "Thank you. I'm inclined to return the compliment," Sheiriya replies. "As you trade one secret against another answering your question would for you answering a question of mine, too. But nay, that would sound like a devil. I'll answere freely. They are interesting and for the time being it was beneficial for me."
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+ + + Sheiriya's Spy Mission + + +
A trio of figure, clad in dark robes move through the shadowy forest, one keeping on the "road", while the other two apparently checking each flank. They rush forward a few paces, then stop, always expecting a trap or an ambush. Despite their silent approach, they make good progress and Sheiriya would expect that they will come to the group's hiding place within the next five minutes. They wield javelins and dark-bladed swords.
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Sheiriya takes a moment to adjust her clothes to hide the hilt of her rapier. Then she calls out to the trio: "Greetings! Please state your desire."
(I do not know how Tongues works exactly. Does the speaker have to choose the language or does the spell take care about that? In the first case Sheiriys will speak undercommon.)
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(These people understand Undercommon without problem.)
The creature on the path freezes when you become visible. It looks about to see whether there are any more people about, warily turning its head one way or another. The creep on the left almost turns invisible withing the shadows, while the other fails to escape Sheiriya's senses. Apparently satisfied that you are all alone, the 'tracker' says in a hoarse voice:
"Actually, we are looking for a female like you, just a touch darker. But since she's not about, how about you staying and talking with me, will you?"
Now that Sheiriya can take a closer look, she sees that the chap is too tall for a drow and nigh fully covered in dark clothes. Dark eyes fix you, the few patches of skin that she can see are pale as the night's moon (if there were one, that is).
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Sheiriya hesitates a moment as if thinking about the words. Instead she tries to charm (charm monster DC 25) the one that seems to be the leader. "Well, I think I could stay a moment and talk with you." Sheririya says with a smile.
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The 'tracker' narrows his eyes, then relaxes a little, assuming that Sheiriya may not pose as great a thread as he thought. "Why not?!"
(Charmed)
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"I'm just curious. Would you tell me what you want from that 'darker female'?" Sheiriya suggests (DC 24). "If I happen to meet her, I won't tell her of course." She keeps a relaxed, inoffensive posture and looks at her vis-à-vis.
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Sheiriya notices the other two shadowy creature try to take up a flamking position, though stay well out of reach (20 feet on either side) - at least as Sheiriya can tell. They probably wait on the scout talk's outcome.
"See, we look for someone to suit our leader's appetites and gold bags. That dark one - according to him - would have done both. Maybe you want to come along and see our leader? I'm sure he'll be more than satisfied with you too ... and we need not to walk the brightlands after all?!"
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Sheiriya prepares herself to switch over to the ethereal plane (ethereal jaunt) if the others seem to attack.
"Maybe you should look for a different woman in the underdark that your leader would like," Sheiriya suggests (DC 24). "I'd like to come with you, but I have to refuse the invitation. Time is a precious matter here."
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"I think I saw a fair number of them females in that city anyways, why would we need to endure the shiningbright if we can get them," the creature replies. "And the drow on their side looked liked seasoned warriors too, who else would walk here in such small numbers, eh?" He motions to the woods and backs off into the direction of the Underdark entrance.
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Sheiriya watches the creature walk away and turns to one of the others. "What about you?" she asks. "I think you should follow him. Otherwise he might get the award for getting a female alone," Sheiriya suggests.
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Once they note that their presence is not as hidden as they had thought, the black-clad creatures follow their comrade without replying to Sheiriya.
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Sheiriya shrugs and walks a bit away that she would not be in direct sight if one of the creatures looks back. Then she teleports back to the others.