Meeting within meetings, or life is such a Drag....on
Ingrge Wednesday February 6th, 2002 7:42:41 PM
Even though Dunadori is a very rural village, Ingrge is feeling very antsy and is ready to move on. In a break from what one would consider normal, Ingrge has spent most of his time in the village with the former orphans, talking with them, doing small magics for them and generally just bathing in their boundless joy and energy.
The day the messengers arrived, Ingrge woke with a splitting headache, just knowing that something bad was going to happen. That day he avoided the children even though they repeatedly called out to him trying to cajole him to come and join them for their daily fun.
Quiet as the messengers speak their pieces, Ingrge all but growls when the charges against the Gold Dragons are read. As Parnoth's message is read, he does growl a bit and then it rolls in to a loud rolling belly laugh as Lian asks his question. Unable to recover in time to answer him, he just nods as Milo takes the lead in answering.
During the decision making Ingrge again is mostly silent thinking about their upcoming visit with Parnoth.
DM kent Wednesday February 6th, 2002 7:56:27 PM
Fluet gets a very broken connection with the druid almost as if something is interfering or blocking any true communication, but you kind of get a sense of injury, fogginess and aid needed.
The Talons make their goodbyes and leave the town of Dunadori behind heading toward Emerald City. Along the way they come across several small roadside shrines to Marteus, all of which have small stone offering bowls that are full of what appear to be old bloody hearts. They make their way to the city with little or no trouble and are not even stopped or questioned at the city gates. The atmosphere in the city, if it is possible, seems even more fearful and depressing than ever. There are city guards on every street corner but even they are not out alone, and they look none to comfortable themselves. You have passed several smaller temples to Marteus on your way to the palace, but you have heard things about a larger, main temple deeper in the city.
You finally make your way to the palace and even there you are not stopped or questioned. As you make your way in to the throne room, you notice that little has changed since the last time you were there, including that there is no one home. You do see however, that there is a glass orb sitting on the throne.
Flueterflam Wednesday February 6th, 2002 9:21:30 PM
After his attempt to contact Mohannin, Fluet pulls K'Nara aside to speak before leaving Dunadori. "Please be careful, we are not safe. Not only the news from the messengers, but other things are happening. I have found that we are needed somewhere, but sadly my vision was neither strong enough, nor complete enough to show me where. I just want you to know this, because it does not feel right. It seems as though a great presence is trying very hard to impede us from our journey." For the rest of the journey towards the Emerald City, Fluet is quiet and seems disturbed by something.
"Be wary all. Things appear very stretched and bloodied. I speak not of just our path to the city," the bard speaks cryptically.
Spying the orb, Fluet unsheathes his sword, not trusting the situation. A quiet groan escapes his through as he waits for something to jump out from nowhere within the temple.
Olana Wednesday February 6th, 2002 10:49:34 PM
All the shrines and temples to Marteus left Olana feeling more than a little spooked. But it was stranger still walking through the City so boldly and not being hailed and arrested.
"Where's Mop, I wonder?" she muses aloud as they enter the dragon's lair. She keeps a lookout, and her sword drawn, letting Ingrge and Figment sort out the puzzle of the orb.
Milo Thursday February 7th, 2002 2:38:26 AM
Milo is strangely silent during the entire trip back to Emerald City. Oddly enough his countenance is passive, though he seems to be keeping a tally of something. From time to time he stops at a shrine to examine its contents more closely. When the group arrives in Parnoth's throne room, Milo hangs back.
Lian d20+6=23 d20+10=11 Thursday February 7th, 2002 4:17:35 AM
En route to the Emerald City, Lian makes mention to K'nara that he is very nervous about going into the City. As he travels, he bounces between Bertram and Milo in general conversation to try to take his mind off the Gold Dragons, Parnoth and the Dark One. Most of all, he misses his simple life with Nel'dorath the Master, The Way of the Hand and his family. "I miss fathers wine and the vineyard." Lian kept saying periodically through out the journey back to the Emerald City.
"Bertram, all this weighs heavy on me. We have the world on our shoulders, it seems, and I have a bad feeling about this trip."
"Maybe the Gold Dragons can replace LUCIA, or at least fix her K'nara."
OOC: Made voluntary Spot (23) and Listen (11) during the the trip to the Emerald City.
K'Nara Thursday February 7th, 2002 7:23:53 AM
K'Nara's sharp hazel eyes glanced piercingly around the throne room. Indeed, Olana seemed to be correct--Mop didn't seem to be in evidence.
And then there was that orb on the throne.
"Well--do NOT touch the damn globe..." she warned the others, "...remember how we almost lost Milo to that booby-trapped scepter!" K'Nara gestured to the crystal and nodded Figment's way.
"Think you can divine whether this little trinket is likewise boobytrapped, Figment?" the leader of the Talons asked. If he determined that it did not appear to be so, K'Nara intended to pick it up and examine it herself--she knew she stood a better chance than Milo at surviving another lightning charge.
Brother Bertram Thursday February 7th, 2002 7:39:01 AM
"Ahh Lian how can you say that? We have found a purpose to all this madness! We have an opportunity to make a difference! Now having said that I am not going to turn my back on anyone anytime soon.' Bertram chuckles, still in a grand mood from his time with the children.
Figment d20+16=31 Thursday February 7th, 2002 10:38:48 AM
As the Talons travel toward the Emerald City and happen across these shrines of evil. The mage detroys them. If they are too large to tear down he blasts them with lightning bolts to rip them apart. He leaves not one stone standing on another as he goes. "I may not be able to prevent the deaths of these poor soulds, but I most certainly can stop their desecration! At least now these yahoos will be rebuilding shrines instead of executing people to put on their existing ones.".
The enrages caster makes sure he enters the city with his full reportiore of spells. His blood boils as he passes the evil shrines in the city, but he decides it more expedient to see Parnoth first. It is clear he is not in control and so apparently needs help. This meeting may bode well for the Talons after all...
He detects magic on the orb and makes sure it is not trapped. If it is a crystal ball as he thinks it is (Arcana DC 31) - and there are no traps - he picks it up and looks into it.
Ingrge d20+3=18 d20+12=28 Thursday February 7th, 2002 4:54:01 PM
Extremely quiet on the trip to the city, Ingrge too is visibly upset at the site of the roadside shrines and assists Figment with their total destruction as they go along. Joining Figment along side the throne to examine the orb, Ingrge adds his assent to Figment's that he doesn't think there is a trap. After further looking at the orb, Ingrge also agrees with his fellow mage that it seems to be some sort of crystal ball or communication device. (knowlegde Arcana). As Figment reaches for it though Ingrge shrugs and then speaks. "Friend, Scrying magics are one of my primary specialties perhaps I might more completely use this to our advantage."
DM kent Thursday February 7th, 2002 5:01:50 PM
As you all make your way to the City Ingrge and Figment along with anyone else who joins them destroy 7 roadside shrines to Marteus. Milo gets a basic heart count of 7 per shrine and 7 shrines passed and destroyed along the way.
The Talons, minus Milo move their way to around the throne as Ingrge and Figment both reach toward it. As soon as Ingrge's finger tips touch the orb it suddenly raises up in to the air, turns emerald green and then opens up as if it were an eye, moments later, Parnoth's voice can be heard in each of their minds.
"I have a proposition for you, "Talons." Parnoth chuckles, "I find this quite ironic, that we now seem to be fighting for some of the same things and against the same foe. As you can tell I am away from the city and not able to currently properly take care of things there. What I need for you to do is to infiltrate Marteus's main temple and rescue one or possibly two of the prisoners that you will find there. Now before you ask, I cannot tell you anything about them as that information might actually endanger them. Suffice to say that you will know whom it is that you are to rescue, when you find them." Behind the throne you will find 4 cure serious wound potions. Take them and use them as necessary. Good Luck."
As he finishes speaking the globe flashes brightly and then shatters into dust.
Flueterflam Thursday February 7th, 2002 5:18:12 PM
The bard sheathes his sword after the request. He seems much less jumpy, realizing the orb truly would not spawn any meanies. "So I suppose we could guess all we want as to whom we will be saving....but I say we shouldn't. Let us just proceed with brevity and hope that we have surprise with us for this one."
Milo Thursday February 7th, 2002 7:45:21 PM
Milo speaks up, having some experience with infiltration, "I would recommend that we case the temple for an entire day and night before we attempt this. It would be good to see who comes in and out of there, and when they change guards, and when activity is the heaviest and lightest, before we go charging in to a hornet's nest." Milo wonders to himself why he didn't consider this with the creature.
Brother Bertram Thursday February 7th, 2002 7:54:10 PM
Bertram listens to the proposition eagerly, anxious to strike any blow against the Dark Lord. He is surprised to hear Milo's comment however. "Friend Milo-YOU who rushed into the Brehir Cave and nearly lost your life.....YOU suggest we proceed with Caution??" Bertram's eyes are twinkling as he asked belying his shocked manner.
Figment Thursday February 7th, 2002 11:19:58 PM
The mage defers to Ingrge as he offers to examine the orb. And he pauses a moment whenever Bertram ribs Milo. "I say this with only the best intentions for our survival. As our foes increase in power to match our own we MUST coordinate our attacks more effectively. The casters have spells that can improve the effectiveness of the fighters, we too have damage spells we can only cast before the fighters close. The fighters have ranged attacks as well as close quarters weapons. We need to plan my friends. We could have killed 3 of those behirs with our current skill with proper planning, but we barely survived one. I pray my words are taken in the light they are offered. I hold no ill feelings, I only desire not to needlessly die - or watch a friend die.".
After a pause he also offers "I think Milo's plan is a good one. We can also use stealth to get in. Invisibility and such. I would prefer an evening to redo my spells for such a task, but I am prepared now if the need arises.".
Lian Friday February 8th, 2002 12:03:50 AM
Also surprised at Milos suggestion of caution, Lian just shakes his head; "Ooh Milo!"
"Can I help with the infiltration? I want to get inside, become one of them. That sounds safe enough, no dragons or behirs, yeah sound safe alright. Can I help Milo?"
Olana Friday February 8th, 2002 2:56:44 AM
Olana nods as the plan is discussed, Figment being quite right of course, not wanting a repeat performance of what happened back at the cave a few weeks ago. That was hard lesson to learn.
"I hope it's not Mop who he wants us to rescue," she adds to the conversation. "I don't want to sound mean, but you know that man really gets on my nerves."
K'Nara Friday February 8th, 2002 7:34:13 AM
"Damned overgrown lizard sure knows how to pick and choose his moments!" grumbled K'Nara. Then she huffed a sharp breath. "I've been to Izen, so I know what Marteaus will try to reduce the rest of the Wold to, should he get the chance. Let's grab those potions and get over to our friends, the Tines...maybe they can help us with some information on the place we have to go to."
Lian d20+2=4 Friday February 8th, 2002 7:41:15 AM
"These... Tines, have I met them?"
OOC:I really don't remember the Tines, Int check 4. :)
Figment Friday February 8th, 2002 11:19:00 AM
The mage moves around to the potions (assuming his detect magic is still active) and makes sure THEY are not trapped before picking them up. Once done, he says "That sounds like a good idea. Let's go see our friends, perhaps Lorna will be about.".
DM Kent d20+3=19 d20+3=7 d20+3=7 d20+3=20 Friday February 8th, 2002 6:37:59 PM
There are no traps around the potions and they really are the curatives that Parnoth said they were.
The Talons make their way to their friendly neighborhood "Tine" hangout, only to find that it is no longer in existence, In fact the only things remaining are the brick steps that led out of both doors and the masonry fireplace and chimney the Talons had so often warmed themselves in front of. Their questions about the "Tines" meet with very cold stares and averted looks and sudden hurried exits. They do however, find an inn that has room for them that they can use as a base of operations, the price of the room and common board however is quiet exorbinant, even for Emerald City at 8 gold per person per night.
Over the next two days and night, the Talons locate the main temple and do a little recon work.
You find that the temple, apparently has only one entrance and it seems to be always busy. The busiest times seem to be between midnight and the early morning. You have been able to count between 15 - 25 robed priests or guards enter and exit the temple. Any closer count is difficult due to the fact that they all appear to be identical. The lay people you have seen entering the temple have rarely entered of their own free will. Most have been bound and or hooded. Screams are heard coming from the temple at all hours.
Milo and Lian manage to with the use of a bit of invisibility and sneakiness manage to get inside the Temple to scout a bit and learn that there is a guard station, with 4 guards, halfway in to the foyer, that all entrants must check in with before proceeding. Milo manages to hear that each group that approaches the guard station, says something to the guards and then are allowed to pass. Lian from another perspective notices that as each group passes through the arched entry, to the deeper recesses of the temple, that they flash something over their head toward the arch.
(OOC> Ok the time you may post for now covers an evening, the entire next two days and nights. If changing spells, please send me your current memorized list. If trying anything more difficult than standard material please roll on DC 17. If necessary I can do an interim post over the weekend if there is something you specifically want to do.)
Milo d20+28=35 d20+24=43 Friday February 8th, 2002 7:22:26 PM
After receiving a package that he was waiting for, Milo is seen, oddly enough with a new pair of soft looking boots, as well as a cloak that seems to allow him to blend into the surroundings around him. He is moving around more quietly than ever these days. After his reconnasaince of the temple, Milo makes his way into the city looking for the temple of Alemi, and if it is gone, any remnants of the clergy. He keeps himself, more or less to the shadows. (OOC: Made hide and move silently checks over all for this little mission DC 35 and 43 respectively)
Brother Bertram Friday February 8th, 2002 9:05:46 PM
Bertram looks about for any dwarves which might be able to give him any information about the current situation. He also seems to delight in wearing his Domi Holy Symbol openly on his chest.
Flueterflam Friday February 8th, 2002 11:38:33 PM
The bard seems very interested during this slow period of time, with the actions of Milo and Lian. For the first night, it appears Fluet would like to ask either of the two something, but shies away. The next day, he finally gathers up the courage and confronts Milo. "I am curious if you'd help me sneak about, like you do so well. I don't want to get into any trouble, but maybe I can help a little."
It is clear that Flueterflam is somewhat afraid and embarassed asking. He doesn't appear to await a 'yes' answer, but looks hopeful still. A sudden idea pops in his head, and he leans over and whispers in the hafling's ear, "I've never actually tried to cast it, but I have learned how to make myself invisible." The bard smiles awkwardly for a moment, then looks as though he's ashamed he tried at all.
Figment Saturday February 9th, 2002 1:14:44 AM
The mage rememorizes spells based on what they've learned (Character sheet to follow). He seems highly motivated to destroy this place - and he intends to find a way. to the others he says "We need to time it so that the largest number of priests are out of the temple when we strike. Also, if one of you can get close enough, we can find out what exactly it is that those guys are saying to the guards and what they are flashing up to the arch. Also, we might try to quickly take out a group of the priests outside the temple somewhere and get their stuff - including whatever they are flahing to the arch. Divide and conquer.
Olana Saturday February 9th, 2002 1:17:53 AM
So where were the Tines, Olana wondered, not that it came as that much of a surprise to find them gone. If possible, she attempts to study the comings and goings at the Temple in finer detail - change of the guard, when exactly the priests seem to emerge, and hopefully where they go. Was there a pattern?
(Presuming that Milo and Lian have shared their info.) "I wonder what it is they use to get in?" she discusses with the others. "A spell, some kind of charm or icon? If it's some kid of artifact, maybe we could steal one."
Listening to Figment, it seems he's thinking the same. (We must have posted at the same time LOL.)
Figment Saturday February 9th, 2002 1:19:03 AM
In a moment he continues. "We could also try guerilla warfare. If we began taking out groups of priests and leaving evidence that it was maybe some of the Tines - who apparently have fled - or perhaps some followers of The One, we could vastly reduce their effectiveness before taking on the temple and at the same time allay their fears of a main attack. Make them think it is a fringe group somewhere looking for easy targets.".
Lian d20+6=24 d20+10=29 Saturday February 9th, 2002 5:36:07 AM
Lian will tell his friends what he has seen and whatever they want to know when they ask. The elven monk is also QUITE concerned and interested with what they might have been flashing (and saying, if anything) at the arch and what the guards are saying to one another. (Spot of 24 at the arch and Listen of 29 at the guards)
"Fluet my friend, I am not the one to ask about such things. Our friend Milo is the expert on things of this nature." Lian motions in the direction of the halfling.
"I am not really the one to set ambush, but I think it might be the quietest way in, ambush a small group and free them of thier robes and other items of religous significants. Open warfare is probably a bad, very bad, idea in the middle of town. Milo, you should go in and find out what they are doing to the people deep within, take Fluet with you, he maybe able to help with the guards or clerics with his powerful magics. I will stay close. This whole affair needs to be done with some sort of...[PAUSE]" Lian thinks of a proper way to say, "...thought."
"We should also find out if any of the Tines people are still in the city or if they became victums of that evil temple."
And at some point on one of the nights while they are out spying, Lian will make some sort of cryptic remark about Milo's new gear being elven make. ;) "Milo, where can I get one of those?"
Any real down-time, Lian will spend it practicing his Kahta and excercising, occationally letting out a shout, 'kai'. He may also at one point ask K'nara if she would like to spar hand to hand with him, or anyone who will.
OOC: Lian will spend 16 of his own Gold on his room and 10gp if he can find a bottle of fine elven (or the like) wine.
Milo Saturday February 9th, 2002 12:03:24 PM
Milo looks skeptically at Fleuterflam for a moment then replies, "I'd be happy to work with you on learning how to become less conspicuous when the situation calls for it, but I don't think that practicing in the Temple of Marteaus is such a good idea." Milo looks rather critically at Lian for suggesting such a thing. "However, if you want to do some skulking about town, I think it's a great idea for you to learn some of those skills Fluet. I'd be happy to teach you."
Flueterflam Sunday February 10th, 2002 12:35:33 AM
While listening to Lian talks, the bard becomes more cheerful. He appears relieved that the others didn't find his request unreasonable. Fluet also appears less embarrassed, seeing that he wasn't mocked.
With regards to Milo's comment, Fluet hesitantly leans over and whispers, "I have never really told anyone this, but I can cast invisibility. But I've always been afraid to. I know all these spells...you know from travelling around before I met everyone...but I'm always afraid I'll make a horrible show of it and you will all hate me for it." He takes a long deep breath and continues, "Well, I've also done my fair share of sneaking, but I can't compare with you. That's why I never said anything about it before. I just feel so pathetic compared to you. I just wanted you to know. Please don't tell the others."
Lian Sunday February 10th, 2002 2:36:54 AM
"Bertram, what are you going to be doing these next few days?"
Brother Bertram Sunday February 10th, 2002 11:25:06 PM
Bertram scratches his beard at the question. "Well mainly I am trying to find any dwarven brethren with any information on this temple. "My other pet project is a bit different." Bertram grins and points to his Holy Symbol of Domi..."Bait"
Lian Monday February 11th, 2002 1:01:13 AM
Lian stratches his head, "Bait?"
K'Nara Monday February 11th, 2002 6:20:11 AM
"We need to try to sneak in, I guess," the leader of the Talons agreed with Olana's initial idea of waylaying a group of Marteaus clerics and using their robes to gain entry to the temple. "Two or three of us could be 'clerics', another couple can be some 'hired muscle', and the rest of us could be...ahhhh...'guests of the temple'..." The redhead snorted her disbelief of that last term.
"Let's go find some handy clerics we can...borrow the robes and stuff from, shall we..?"
Figment Monday February 11th, 2002 12:33:15 PM
"I will attempt to not cast any spells until we go intothe temple. A nicely placed sleep spell might make quick work of a small group, if they are novices.". The mage leaves with the others to locate a group.
DM kent Monday February 11th, 2002 7:23:53 PM
Lian and Milo on one of their forays to the temple, manage to overhear what is being said to the guards at the desk, and it chills them to the bone each time they think of having to say it themselves. What they heard the different groups say to the guards is,
"The Heart of the True Woldian God is Black and will soon eclipse the Light."
They were however, unable to get a good enough look at what it is that is flashed toward the cieling as they go under the arch. The only thing they can really tell is that it fits fairly easily in to a lrage hand, and that all of the users take it from somewhere inside their robes in order to use it.
After the Talons agree on the plan to capture several priests and use their robes to gain entry they scout out a likely group and set up some sort of ambush. With Figment and Ingrge focussing their power on quick and quiet subdual and the others following up to finish the job, the priests didn't stand a chance.
(Let me know if you kill them while they are unconcious or leave themn alive. If alive, let me know what you do with them.)
On the priests (I will assume you search them.), you find their robes and other clothes of course, a total of 15 gold, three very nasty looking daggers, (Milo and Bertram can feel the evil radiating off them.), three holy symbols to Marteus (roughly hand sized), three, funny looking, hand-sized glass, flat discs, and three, four-inch round, metallic looking, balls. All of the items in the last three groups, as well as the daggers radiate magic.
(OCC. OK, I need your posts to focus on what you are and how you are going to do you infiltration, who is playing what roles etc.)
Olana Monday February 11th, 2002 8:04:58 PM
Tying and gagging the priests, Olana whispers - "Now what?" She is clearly uneasy about killing them in cold blood, but will do it if leaving them alive would put the group in obvious jeopardy.
"Do you think it's the discs that they use to get in?" She looks to see if there's enough disguises for everyone. "Whoever is up front will need to be convincing and priestlike I should think," she ponders. "And thats not me," she adds with a sheepish grin while trying on some priest gear.
Lian Tuesday February 12th, 2002 12:09:14 AM
OOC: Did the priests mainly consist of humans, and what races were the 'guests'.
"K'nara should pose as a cleric, in fact, I think the humans should pose as clerics. Bertram and Ingrge could be the hired muscle. I will gladly pose as a beaten guest. I know little of religion and magic, I would be the perfect... slave?! Someone should beat me, make it authentic. When we get inside the temple, we can borrow more trinkets from the clerics."
"I think we should kill the priests, they may wake while we are inside, then give us away. They ARE evil, or at least misguided. It is up to K'nara though. Do not think ill of me for the suggestion, please. The balance of the Wold is tilting and becoming unstable, and Marteus is the reason. 'The True God has a Black Heart' that can not be good."
Lian relaxes a bit when he realizes what he has said and waits for a response, his expression is ambivalent... or confused.
Milo Tuesday February 12th, 2002 12:44:40 AM
Milo thinks for a moment and then looking up at Olana with a serious look on his face, "I'll just check those ropes," crouching behind each one of the unconscious priests, Milo seems to be praying in a whisper as he fiddles with something behind each of Marteaus' priest's backs, and then moves to the next, until he has attended to each priest.
Rejoining the group, Milo speaks in hushed tones, "Every priest that I saw walk in there was at least average height for a human. Which means everyone here should be able to pass for a priest in the dark... that is... except me and Bertram. I say that Bertram and I enter, walking right behind two of you, invisibly, and the rest of you pose as clerics. If we are cautious, we shouldn't alert any attention. Another option is that someone use magic to make Bertram taller, and I'll walk underneath someone's robes..." Then with a grin... "I choose Olana." Milo flushes red in the dark.
Lian Tuesday February 12th, 2002 3:42:00 AM
"I agree with your suggestion Milo. I am rather tall for an elf, I could look human in the dark."
Lian looks at one of the daggers among the religous paraphonalia and grimaces.
"Oh, that is truly ugly! May I hold onto one of those?" He pauses. "I do not think I can pull off the priest this priest thing."
K'Nara Tuesday February 12th, 2002 8:08:23 AM
"Blindfold them as well." K'Nara ordered as the evil clerics were secured. "However, we won't kill them now that we've captured them. Wouldn't be right." She thought for a moment.
"Fluet, Olana and myself would best pose as the priests." she reasoned out loud. "I'd have Figment and Lian pose as 'unconscious' guests, with Ingrge and Bertram carrying them along. Milo can be a...slightly damaged, but nonetheless protesting guest that Olana and me can be holding between us--that will leave our resident bard to give the performance of a lifetime before a captive audience--" K'Nara's hazel eyes twinkled at Fluet as she added in a voice that mixed in some seriousness with the humor: "--just so long as it doesn't become a captor audience, though."
"We should also dress in the stuff that the clerics had." the human bladesinger pointed out. "So you'll have to wait until later to claim any of the daggers, Lian."
Figment Tuesday February 12th, 2002 11:11:59 AM
The mage frowns and then gapes at K'Nara's pronouncement, completely disagreeing. Knowing her disposition, he decides to act instead of talk. He grimly pulls out his dagger and cuts their miserable throats without hesitation.
Once done, he looks back defiantly. "It wouldn't be right to have let them keep breathing. These evil vermin are attempting to destroy us and our society - and have no doubt they murdered many in their zeal. I wonder where the Tines are, or where Lorna is? Remember the 49 hearts in the shrines! These are creatures of evil and we must destroy them. We are agents of the state and sworn to protect it. It is our obligation to kill them. We were going to kill them in the temple. The only reason I can see to have kept them alive would be to subject them to public, painful torture. And be sure of one thing. I will kill ANY of these creatures we come across if I can. They are sub-human and have willingly and knowingly given up any rights they might have had. This is war and as such, I will wage it as I can. I'm sorry if you do not feel the same way. We CANNOT fail, and our risk of failure increases if we do not kill." The mage appears very defiant and without remorse of any kind.
Olana Tuesday February 12th, 2002 4:52:46 PM
The elf is busy listening to what Lian and K'Nara have to say, and is therefore oblivious to what Milo is doing. She sticks her head through one of the robes, and is just about to give the halfling a humorous retort when Figment appears to turn into the Grim Reaper, right before her very eyes and stops dead the smile that was beginning to appear on her face. She can't say anything, of course. It was pure hypocrisy to object when it was like he said - they'd probably have to kill once they got into the temple, too. And it wasn't like she hadn't seen it before. For a moment, she cannot move. Then, in an effort to break the ice in her heart, she walks over to Bertram. "How do I wear these?" she asks quietly, " As a cleric, how would I walk?" She seems rather sad, despite trying to tell herself that it didn't matter, it didn't matter.... Gods she was going to have to toughen up. Maybe if she was more like Ingrge....
Ingrge Tuesday February 12th, 2002 6:18:58 PM
"K'Nara, I would make one change ... only a few things with your plan. I have seen few dwarves openly wearing the Symbol of Domi wandering the streets. I would suggest that Bertram be one of the 'invited guests' and that Olana and I once again don these," he suggests as he pulls out the two slave bands they had from before. "That will leave you, Fluet, and one other to dress as the clerics. Lian can be another of the guests and Milo can use his ring, and Figment can drink this potion and follow along invisible. Now the question remains... as to which of these is the object they are flashing."
Flueterflam d20+11=30 Tuesday February 12th, 2002 7:22:17 PM
Fluet nods to K'Nara. "I suppose I can pull everything together for ya." The bard prepares himself in one of the cleric's outfits. He shifts the outfit here and there, and finally appears satisfied that it is resting properly upon his person. (ooc: Disguise DC 30) "So how do I look?"
After a brief check from how the others find his costume, Fluet walks up right next to K'Nara. He throws his arm around her shoulders and blurts, "You are soooooooo going to owe me after this one." With a small chuckle, he makes one last stop before the group decides how to proceed.
Flueterflam takes a stride over to Figment and places his hand softly on the mage's shoulder. "I understand you. Please do me a favor though...Be careful how you treat your aggression. Just remember that hatred is blind, no matter how valiant your reasoning. I would want you to fireball my head off at a time of need, you hear?" He winks at Fig, and begins to develop some type of excuse with the most intricate details he can muster.
Brother Bertram Tuesday February 12th, 2002 9:04:41 PM
Bertram smiles at Ingrge's suggestion. "I heartily agree. I just hope that you will bring my axe along as 'evidence'."
DM Kent d20=19 Tuesday February 12th, 2002 9:15:56 PM
(OOC: Please let me know who is disguised how and how you are going to proceed.)
Lian and Milo saw that the priests all had the same sort of body type and were of the size of medium humans. As are the three you take out. The 'guests' have been of all races and sexes, though you have seen no sign of any dwarves.
Milo checks over Olanna's rope work and makes a few adjustments.
As Figment leans over to cut the first one's throat, he notices a pool of blood forming on the ground at his intended victim's back.
The Talons, adorned as priests, guests and slaves, make their way toward the temple. As they go along they notice that no one looks at them at all and many cross the street to avoid them altogether. They soon find themselves face to face with the Temple's entrance. There are few people around although another group of priests and guests have just arrived before you and are just entering the doors.
Lian d20+10=27 d20+6=17 Wednesday February 13th, 2002 1:59:22 AM
Lian lays a hand on Figments shoulder, "Perhaps it may have been better to listen to K'nara, she is our leader." Lians eyebrow raises, then he smirks a bit out of sight of K'nara. Then he turns to her. "K'nara, I was not 'claiming' the dagger, merely willing to hang onto it."
Lian talks with Milo about how he needs to act inside the temple. When we get there he plans to act exactly how Milo tells him too.
Lian pays very close attention to the group in front of the Talons at the temple. (Listen Check 27 and Spot Check 17.)
K'Nara d20+4=17 Wednesday February 13th, 2002 7:27:04 AM
K'Nara had the robe over her head and was floundering around in it, and so missed Figment's drastic actions until it was too late to stop him. For a moment--an intense moment that doubtless felt longer than it truly was--K'Nara's hazel eyes were ablaze with anger...and extreme disappointment.
"We will speak of this later, mage." was all the fighter said, her voice cold. Then she turned away to listen to Ingrge's words, considering them and then nodding agreement.
"Your words make sense." the redhead agreed. "Very well--since Fluet, Figment and myself are humans, we shall pose as the clerics, with you and Olana wearing the slave bands and accompanying Lian and Brother Bertram as 'guests'. Milo can use his ring--along with the three of us 'clerics'--as a means to sneak in with us. As for what to flash up at the ceiling at the proper spot--" K'Nara's glance was directed at Figment, though the man gets the definite impression that she is looking more through him than directly at him. "We will have to either catch up to another group of clerics just before they go past that spot--and hopefully see for ourselves what they're flashing--or we'll have to hope our learned mage can use his mighty intellect well and deduce which of these items to use."
K'Nara rolled her eyes at Fluet's prediction and then lets Lian know that she, herself, wasn't chastising the monk in any way--it was just that he'd have to wait until after the Talons didn't need to keep up the charade before getting any of the daggers. As far as K'Nara was concerned, Lian could have all three of them.
Once the group reached the temple, the disguised bladesinger (OOC: made a Disguise skill check of 17) nodded at the group of other clerics.
"Hurry!" she whispered to her party. "If we follow along quickly enough, we are more likely to see which item they're flashing up to get inside..." K'Nara looked at Fluet and winked.
"It's showtime..!"
Milo Wednesday February 13th, 2002 10:05:51 AM
While getting ready to march off to the temple Milo answers Lian, "Don't ask me how to wear these things and act. Disguise and performance are Flueterflam's arena. That is where he is master... I'm sure he could give you some helpful pointers. Looks like I get to do what I always do... sneak along side ya'll." Milo grins, and as the groups moves out he activates his ring, becoming invisible, and stays somewhere in the middle of the group where he won't get stepped on.
Figment d20+16=35 d20+10=17 Wednesday February 13th, 2002 12:11:41 PM
The mage seems oblivious to K'Nara's coldness and nods at her pronouncement of discussing it later. Then he says with some alarm "They're already dead... I didn't kill them. They have a wound in their backs.". He looks around to determine what did - self inflicted or some external force.
Once that is done, he examines closely the items that they now have to choose from to flash at the arch to determine which one is most likely the right one. He draws on his arcane knowledge (DC 35) and his engineering knowledge (DC 17) for clues. He tests the spheres for wieght and tries to determine what he can about them (i.e. what are they, what might they do). "My initial conclusion in is that the flat glass would be the most likely item to flash. First, it is reflective, and second, it is flat. You would have been able to clearly see the 4" sphere in their hand if they had used it. Let me look at this and think a bit longer before we attempt this...". He continues a bit longer to mine information and then shares it with everyone. (i.e. to save time, Figment will tell the findings the DM reveals to all). Once done he asks two more questions. "Did ALL the priests who went through flash the arch or just one? If one, was he the first to enter, or the last?". And finally he says "If there was some specific 'way' these guys were flashing the symbol, I would suggest you allow myself to be the one to do it if it appeared and arcane trick. I would recommend Milo if it were simply a 'dexterity' thing - or Ingrge for arcana except they'll be posing as the prisoners.".
Once his questions are answered he dons the robe of the evil priest. He shudders as if all of a sudden a coldness ran down the length of him. He feels dirty, doing this. In a moment though he resolves in his mind that this act will make them pay in a way that is most pleasing to him - treachery repaid for treachery. He makes his headband reshape itself to match the head coverings of the evil priests (his headband of intellect can do this). Then he does something he finds most disturbing. He uses a cloth and picks up one of the nasty looking daggers and adorns it on himself, making sure that his bare skin does not contact it - and that he could cast or draw his own daggers easily enough. It is clear he is struggling greatly with this exercise. Once complete he says "I'm ready...".
Olana Wednesday February 13th, 2002 1:37:13 PM
The elf pulls off the robe she was trying on, and hands it to one of the others. "So, we're trying to keep Lian and Bertram under control, correct?" she asks, blinking her blue eyes.
She peers at the slave band for a moment then shrugs and tries to get a 'disinterested but don't give me any trouble'look on her face. Weapons she tries to hide wherever possible under her cloak. Then, she whispers to Lian and Bertram in all seriousness - "If I have to smack you, pretend it hurts really bad."
Figment, Cont. (Mage Armor, Cat's Grace) d4+1=4 d4+1=4 Wednesday February 13th, 2002 2:43:40 PM
He casts Stoneskin and Bull's Strength (+4) on K'Nara and Mage Armor and Cat's Grace (+4) on himself before they approach the temple as well. "Your strength and stoneskins will last 7 hours.".
Figment's AC is now 19 and Dex is now 21 (+5).
Brother Bertram Wednesday February 13th, 2002 4:32:55 PM
Bertram looks to Olana understandingly. "Tis alright Lass. Actually a priest of Domi would not go without a fight anyway, So why dont you get a good fist in right now to make it look real. We cant afford to make mistakes on this". Bertram turns his head and prepares for a quick right from Olana to finish his makeup.
Olana Wednesday February 13th, 2002 7:04:28 PM
The elf scoops up some dirt and smears it on Bertram's face. 'There, you look a bit scuffed up now,' she says. 'I can always head butt you later in front of the crowds.' She follows this up with a cheerful smile, before lapsing into indifferent jailer mode again.
LOG ON