Long Term Game IC: Chapter I - The Herald of Chains

[afrenchpenguin]

Leonardo turns to the group as they enter the city, "Alright, now that we're here, we need to talk to the mayor. Anyone have any suggestions in strategy for persuading him?"

[Cranthis]

"I'll assume that forcing him isn't an option, and instead suggest that we try working around that the Gnolls are just people looking for a home."

[drack]

"Bring an army of Gnolls to his front door?"

[afrenchpenguin]

"Oddly enough, I don't think bringing an army to someone's doorstep is a valid negotiation tactic."

[Dunkoro]

Naah, it is most of the time. But we don't have a gnoll army remember? And neither even does the Herald. Remember how the mayor told us that those gnolls could not pose a threat, because all they can do is raid farms? That's why I think we need not to overvaluate the power of this gnollish band.

[drack]

"And yet..." The Mystical Sha-Lue intones. "We saw but one camp..."

[Dunkoro]

Anyway, it doesn't matter to us too much how big force does the Herald posess, it won't help us any in convincing the local people to move out of here. It's not like we're in any control of these gnolls. But we'd act as if we saw a whole gnollish army, ready to mow down the city and we were sent to warn them and give them last chance to retrear? Do you think they'd believe us?

[drack]

"Not a mite." The Mystical Sha-Lue declares, eyes twinkling merrily.

[afrenchpenguin]

"They may not have an army, but that Herald of Chains has a trick up his sleeve. He said that the Coming has been hastened, but how?"

[rweird]

Assuming you go to see the mayor:

The clerk shows you in, the mayor looks up as you enter. "What is it you want to see me about?" he asks.

[afrenchpenguin]

Leonardo steps forward toward the mayor. "We have talked to the Gnolls, and we have spoken with the Herald of Chains. I have convinced him into instead of raiding your farms that we all can come to an understanding without further bloodshed."

[rweird]

The mayor looks surprised, and takes some time before he speaks. "What is it they want?"

[afrenchpenguin]

"You see, these creatures ultimate goal in their deeds, was to secure themselves a place in society. They have been exiled and mistreated because they are different. My suggestion, is to stop this violent bloodshed and make peace. Allow them entrance into your cities, and I can promise you this will end here. Now I know what you may be thinking, letting a bunch of savage Gnolls into my town? Absurd! But understand this, The Herald of Chains is an intelligent creature and can easily teach these Gnolls how to function in your society. He's a rather interesting fellow, i'm sure you'd get along smashingly with him. Who knows, these Gnolls could actually help your society. More consumers equals more wealth. But please, the bloodshed can end here. Even if you set them up in an isolated area of the city, or a housing project, i'm sure they'd be fine with just a protected place to live.I only ask that you consider this. Please."

Spoiler

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Diplomacy Check:
(1d20+7)[13]

[Dunkoro]

Additionally, it will be generally seen as a good act. You know, if you really wanted you could have assembled a mob and crushed those gnolls. Inviting them to your society will not only increase your numbers and thus effectiveness, but you will gain in the eyes of outsiders, who will see you as a merciful and empathetic. And you can be sure of having these gnolls' loyalty up until their death.

Spoiler

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Diplomacy - (1d20+4)[23]

[rweird]

"I may be willing, though townspeople would object, and my duty is primarily to them. You'd have to get them to agree."

[afrenchpenguin]

Leonardo sighs. "So we have to go around and ask every person in this city if they're ok with the Gnolls coming to town?

[drack]

Meanwhile the Mystical Sha-Lue shares his talents with the kind village folk, turning around any money pressed on him into sweet morsels for the children.

Spoiler

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He doesn't have much faith in plan A.

[rweird]

"You could bring it up at the town hall meeting friday." (today is wednesday)

Mystical Sha-Lue is rather well received by the people

[Dunkoro]

We'll be there. And we better prepare a good speech, convincing common people, especially these that lost something from the gnolls' attacks will not be an easy task.

[afrenchpenguin]

"Alright then, I guess we will wait, unless the rest of our company has any objections."

[Cranthis]

Johnathan makes a grunting noise.

Spoiler

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Bluff check, the grunt was a lie!
(1d20+5)[12]

[afrenchpenguin]

"Alright then, we will wait. I'm going to go to a local tavern or inn and start writing the son- I mean speech. Mister Mayor, you wouldn't happen to know of one of these places would you?"

[rweird]

"Very well. The Dancing Hog is a good inn. Good night."

[afrenchpenguin]

"You have my thanks, let us be off."

[rweird]

The clerk shows you out.

[drack]

The Mystical Sha-Lue, having been entertaining people in the streets, skips over to join them as they exit. "What is our wonderful employer's viewpoint?"

[afrenchpenguin]

"Well, he wishes that the people decide whether or not the Gnolls are allowed in, so we will bring it up at the next town hall meeting."

[Dunkoro]

And we better prepare for our speech as good as we can. I suggest we start by getting a room in the "Dancing Hog" inn, it was recommended by the mayor, so it can't be too bad can it?"

[drack]

Itresting.

[Cranthis]

"He's doing it because he knows the humans will never accept the Gnolls. They think them worse even than the Hobgoblins."