Adventures in Sigil - IC [4E]

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain sighs. Zyrr still doesn't get it, does he?

"You still don't understand, do you? I don't intend for you to end up in the hells or the Demonweb Pits. I've no more desire or less objection to seeing you damned than to Lucan. I am not joking or lying when I say I truly believe that there is hope for your race, and yes, for you as well, to walk a brighter, better path." He sighs again, heavily.

"I still do not see the sense in making a deal with a succubus. I still think the entire thing is foolish, stupid and doomed to utter failure." He looks sadly down at the ground. "But if I cannot dissuade you all from this madness, then I must try to protect you in any way I can. I am a failure before my god and I have sinned anyway. If I cannot change your minds, then I still cannot allow you to risk this. Corellon protect and forgive me, if it must be done, if I cannot persuade you to seek a safer, saner path... Then I will do it."

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf Bard

"You?" Lucan says to Zyrr. "Thank you, but . . . he's my father, and my responsibility. You shouldn't be the one risking your soul." Lena garbles something in his ear, and he looks up. "But you do have a point. There being two of them is a problem. They may be trying to trick us, so we need to make sure they can't use that against us."

[Haberdashery]

The entire situation had gone right over the Shepherd's head. As he sat there, hands folded in his lap, a look of utter perplexity slapped across his face, he found himself entirely departed from the present, lost in his simple, foggy thoughts involving sheep jumping over a mossy stone wall. Only there were five goats standing atop the wall, bleating to each other over which way to jump; it was a rather high wall, and either side would be a precarious jump. Neither side was safe, and yet each goat was trying to sway the other as to which was the safer side.

The Shepherd finally shook himself of his day dream, blinking down at his companions as they stared straight at him, expecting him to contribute to the discussion. An innocent, and somewhat bashful look crossed his face, and he spoke with something of a hesitancy.

"Errrm...I don't think trusting the bat-woman with the poor wardrobe choice is a very good idea. She would not be making a deal with us if there was no gain for her, I am sure of this. There is no shepherdly bone in her body; what she seeks to gain is probably not a good thing. For any of us."

His face became resolved, and peaceful,

"But if you wish to trust her Lucan, I will sign for you. All of you have something to lose in such a bargain; I only have my goats, and I know that they will be well taken care of in my stead."

[Mando Knight]

Aramil lightly pinches the bridge of his nose with one hand and sighs. "Currently, signing the contract would be the safest manner in which to secure Edgar's soul. For his soul, at least. However, the contract is on a rather strict time limit and we don't even know what they're really looking for. For your own safety, until we can renegotiate the deal, I will not allow any of you to sign the contract. Better we keep our souls and lose Edgar's than risk our own to help a devil."

[Nai_Calus]

"At least one other has sense," Eltain says. "If you won't listen to me telling you it's a terrible idea, listen to him." He ponders.

"So. With that said, what exactly do we do now? Look for him? Look for the chest? Do something else entirely that the devils will never expect?"

[Toric]

"Well.... I'm not used to more than one person saying what needs to be done. So first let's all gather behind one voice on what needs to be done. I've heard about this new fad on the surface, where everyone says what they want and whatever says most is what everyone goes with. They call it.... 'boating.'"

Zyrr looks around the room at the varied group. The fey noble, the stone shepherd, the half-blood knight, the lucky gnome, and the hare-brained half-elf. The chaos that arises when they're together is addicting, but it's now a little out of hand.

"I propose we boat on the plan we'll enact as a group. Once boating is done, we dismiss all other paths so that we can focus our strengths until circumstances change enough that we re-boat. I for one didn't come all the way here just to turn back without even trying so I see two options: we plan to set sail for the Astral Tangle and retrieve the chest, and I'll forego talk of signing until we know more; or we travel into the Abyss itself to free Edgar's soul ourselves. If anyone has other suggestions, now is the time to voice them. Boat for the path you think is right, boat for the path you think is smart, boat for the path you think is going to win anyway, whatever. Just boat."

[Hzurr]

DM Post

There's a soft knock on the door, which is odd considering the late hour. A moment later it swings open silently, and in walks Zorella, followed by her two bodyguards. Her clothing is slightly less sheer this time, but still far below Shepherdly standards.

She smiles as she looks over all of you, and again the intoxicating scent of perfume fills the room. "Well, I understand you've been very busy little mortals since I last saw you. Going to Libraries, buying maps... It sounds like someone is planning a trip." She gives a slight laugh. "Naturally, I assumed that this meant you were planning on taking me up on my offer."

She walks over to Pavick, clearly targeting him because of his discomfort in the last meeting, and begins massaging his shoulders slightly. "This, of course, was thrilling news to me, because I was looking forward to working with you. Naturally, part of me was worried that you'd simply use the information I gave and try to recover the chest on your own." Her grip on Pavick's shoulders begins tightening. "However, I'm sure you would realize how angry this would make me," Pavick begins to feel her claws digging in "and how I would be forced to retaliate if such an action were taken." The claws begin digging in, just to the point of drawing blood, before suddenly relaxing. "But I'm sure you'd never do something like that."

"So..." she glides across the room, and takes a seat next to Lucan "I came by to see if you were ready to sign my contract." In a small burst of flame, it re-appears in her hands, and she places it in Lucan's lap.

"As a courtesy, I double checked on the whereabouts of your father's soul. It looks like he ended up in Phlegethos." Zorella tsks slightly. "Such a nasty place. The lake of fire, a near endless maze, Fierna and Belial's cruel games..." She gives a pout. "Doesn't sound like a place I'd like to be condemned to for all eternity." She casually strokes Lucan's hair. "Although given time, he could end up in worse places... frozen solid in the lakes of Stygia, eaten by the flies of Maladomini, a guinea pig for Mephistopheles' hellfire..." she sighs. "So many things that could happen to a soul abandoned by his loved ones.

[Mando Knight]

"Actually, we were doing mostly research. Can't sign a deal unless you know everything about it."

Aramil gives a little smirk. "Or did you think we were just some wandering idiots? Anyway, looking over the details, we found that the contract needs a little work before anyone can sign it."

And by a little he means a lot.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Zorella gives Aramil a sad pout. "Oh. I'm sorry, I thought it was clear. What exactly were you hoping to change?" She smiles at the swordmage, the pointed teeth clearly visible.

[Haberdashery]

And she sauntered right past him again, speaking to all his companions, again. The funny bat woman always ignored him. For that matter, most people seemed to ignore him.

"Hello Shep." The Shepherd said to himself. "It is very nice to see you again."

The Shepherd turned his head in his seat, meeting the invisible remnant of himself on the opposite side of him with a pleasant smile.

"Oh yes, likewise."

[Mando Knight]

"Oh, what's written there is plenty clear. It's what's not written there that isn't. Things like "What's in this immortal-proof box that is so important?" "Gee, Zorella, you really seem to make Edgren seem like he's probably actually getting his just desserts. Why should we help you so we can help him?" and "Huh. Two weeks to travel about a weird uncharted island? Seems a little short, especially if things go out of control." You know, things like that."

Aramil grabs a quill, parchment, and ink and starts writing. "Here's what I want. One: full disclosure on the contents of the item we're about to retrieve for you. Two: if the value of the item's contents, or the direct application of the contents, exceeds the value of Edgren's soul, the remainder is paid to the signer. Three: Edgren's soul gets transferred to an escrow while we're on the job. Four: the time limit for the item's retrieval is expanded. Five: if the contract is broken or tampered with after it is signed, the one who breaks the contract is bound in loyal servitude to the other party for a predetermined period of time... say, one hundred years. Six: the contract is to be reviewed and signed by an official from the church of Erathis, and a copy of the contract will be kept on file in her courts and in the libraries of Ioun."

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Zorella arches an eyebrow. "Hmm...this should be interesting." She takes the parchment, and looks it over.

"Point One I can agree to after adding in a clause of silence on your part. I could care less if you know, but there are some I'd like to keep in the dark. Point Two I can let you know what the application is, but the item in question is rather unique, so it's difficult to assess a price. Then again, so is a soul, which makes the point rather moot, don't you agree?" She gives a wink, before continuing.

"As for Point three, he's not going anywhere because I don't trust you, but I can arrange to have him kept in a secure location in Phlegethos where he will be safe from any and all torment or harm until the allotted time has passed. Four, the timeline can be expanded to three weeks, no more. On a fast ship, it takes 4 days to get to the Tangle, which gives you plenty of time."

She cracks her knuckles, and continues. "Point five...I have no problem with. I never back out on a deal." She gives a slight smirk. "As for six, I have no issue with a copy being held in the Library, but I don't trust the church of Erathis, and I can't believe they'd be impartial. I will agree to sign in the presence of a neutral representative, such as one of the officials of Sigil."

Zorella hands the parchment back to Aramil, and takes a seat again, this time next to Zyrr. She places a hand on the Drow's thigh (slightly too high for comfort), as she continues speaking. "Don't forget, however, that I could hire anyone to do this for me. I'm simply doing you a favor, since you're so eager to free a soul." She traces a long nail around the Drow's ear, but looks over to Lucan. "You're more than welcome to go along your merry way, and leave him to an eternity of torment."

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard

Lucan finds the exchange dizzying, but thinks he's followed most of it. That said, he's noticed that something's been left out.

"Before we agree to anything, I want to know why there are two of you," Lucan says.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Zorella gives a smile."I told you, it was an astral projection. I have to keep safe, don't I?" She bats her eyelashes at Lucan, looking very weak and defenseless.

Insight DC 25
BUUUUUUULLLLLLLLSSHHHHHH*****TTTTT

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard

Lucan ponders this for a moment. He tilts his head to one side and thinks some more. He frowns, and looks at Lena, who shrugs. Then he shakes his head.

"I know you're lying," he says. "I just can't figure out why."


[roll0]

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Zorella sighs. "Fine, then, if it will speed things up. I have a twin sister who I work with who is occasionally mistaken for me, that's who the Paladin saw. She made the original deal with Edgren." She quickly smiles. "We had the soul moved from under her name to under mine. Everything clear now?"

[Haberdashery]

A stony eyebrow raises on the Shepherd's forehead. If it went any higher, it might fall off.

"Why would you hide such a simple thing like that, and then lie about it?"

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard

"No," Lucan says. "You still haven't answered my question. Why did you lie to us?" He stands up, so he's now looking down at her. "You invade our home to try to force a deal on us, telling us how honest and reliable you are. Yet you've been lying to us all along. Why would you lie if you want us to trust you? How can we trust you, when we know you've been lying? How do we know you aren't lying now?"


Insight check to see whether she's still lying.
[roll0]

And let's see how intimidating Lucan is
[roll1]

Not very of either, it seems.

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain looks at Zorella, smiling his best seductive smile, and stands, walking over to her. He smoothly glides around her in a circle, wrapping one hand around her shoulders, delicately, and lightly trailing the other up and down her front, skimming her 'clothing' but not quite touching her. He breathes his words into her ear with a lover's quiet tone.

"Ahh, my dear. Lies are such ugly things, and we who serve Corellon are tasked with destroying ugliness and protecting beauty. And you are so very, very beautiful..." He suddenly grabs her wrist and spins her about violently. "It would be such a pity to have to destroy that beauty. Why did you lie to us, and why are you still lying, you little viper? Tell the truth or I'll carve it from your pretty flesh, and your bodyguards will be less than useless."

(OOC: Eltain's getting his Phantom of the Opera on with Zorella, yep.)

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Zorella is pondering her answer to Lucan's and Shep's questions, when she suddenly finds herself whisked away by Eltain. As the Paladin's mood turns threatening, she takes a step back in shock, which is soon followed by a low, earthy chuckle. "Well, that was unexpected. Perhaps I underestimated you too well Paladin, I like you more now that you've shown some teeth." The two Devil guards, who had taken a step forward towards the Paladin, glaives drawn, calm down at their mistresses words, and a slight gesture from Zorella sends them back to their posts at the door.

She pauses a moment, to catch her breath. "As for why I lied to you? Well, it's a bit second nature, I suppose. My sister was caught off-guard by your sudden appearance, and simply said the first thing that came to her mind. Not a very good lie, I'm afraid, but I was obligated to continue it." She glances at Lucan. "Family, I'm sure you understand." Her gaze shifts, for the first time since she arrived, to Shep. "And I maintained the lie in an attempt to prevent a situation exactly like this from occurring. A poor tactical error, on my part." She extends her hands, palms out, in apology.

Her eyes narrow slightly, as she turns to face Lucan. "I came by to see how your progress was going. I knew you'd be investigating to see if what I said was true. I assume you've confirmed it by now?" she doesn't wait for an answer before continuing. "And at this point, you've had plenty of time to think about the contract, so I simply thought I'd drop in and deal with any questions you might have. Pardon me for showing initiative and interest." She gives a frown as if she's offended.

"I did not come here to lie, I came to do business. I'm bound by the Pact Primeval to meet my word completely on any contract I sign, which includes not promising on what I can't deliver." She gives a soft growl, indicating her feelings on this issue, but continues. "Don't forget, you came to me. I have something you need, not the other way around. If you don't want my business, that's fine, I'll find someone else." Her eyes flash with fire, as she glares at all in the room. "Now, you've heard my counter-offer. What say you?"

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

At first Pavick had been dumbstruck by Zorella's attention in giving him a shoulder rub. Her warm hands felt very pleasant on his shoulders, but as that pleasure turned to pain, he had to remind himself who exactly they were dealing with.

"I say, we still need more information. This is a great task you are asking of us, and if you truly wish for success, you'll tell us everything. I can tell you are a woman who knows much more than she lets on. Maybe you should start with what you know about why Edgren failed. Knowing where others have failed before us may help us to succeed. Maybe we should add to that contract that you will answer, truthfully answer any question we ask about this mission."

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Zorella sighs. You can tell she's beginning to tire of all the questions and accusations. "I don't know the details of Edgren's downfall, I wasn't there and I wasn't in the mood to listen to his excuses when he finally returned. I think he ran into some trouble with the locals, but I'm unclear as to what actually happened.

"As for truthfully answering any question, I think that in regards to the mission I have been exceptionally clear. I've already agreed to include in the contract what you're going to be going after, and what it is to be used for. What more could you possibly need to know? It's in my interests for you to succeed, so why should I mislead you and make it more difficult?"

She stretches, wings unfurling, and gives a yawn. "I'm getting bored with this. What about you? You're the one so eager to negotiate the contract. Have my concessions placated you?" She turns to examine the swordmage

[Toric]

Zyrr'delin freezes when the fiend finds her mark. Another rule: if a female places her hand in that region, it means she'd like to do one of two things, and one of them gets more unpleasant the more one flinches. After a while, though, he wills his muscles to relax, remembering the corollary to the above rule: if you're not in pain within a minute, she's probably not interested in thing one, and her interest in thing two puts you in a very good position. Before Zyrr can take advantage of this, though, Eltain pulls her away.

It's just as well. The assassin is content to sit back and ponder the situation silently for the moment. Let's see... Four days assuming nothing bad happens. I have no clue what bad things might happen, so I'll say seven given something coming up. A round trip will take from eight to fourteen days, leaving anywhere from thirteen to... seven days on the Tangle itself. Much better than a range from six days to.... a minute on foot. Good bargaining, good eladrin. Good bargaining indeed.

[Mando Knight]

Aramil sighs, thinking things through. "Well, I'm still not fond of the price, but I suppose that's the cost of business."

He waves toward Lucan. "If you still think that this is what you want, kid, go ahead and take the chance."

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Zorella gives a smile. "Well then..." she pulls out a parchment, similar to the one you saw before, the same dark charcoal paper with fiery letters



I, the undersigned, agree to retrieve the item specified to me: one small gold chest hidden in the captain's quarters of the spelljammer vessel "Strickweem" that crashed into The Tangle of Celestia. If the above item is returned intact and untampered within Three weeks time, all claims to the soul of the human Edgren Thoene by any infernal powers or creatures shall be null and void. If the item specified is not returned within this time frame, my soul shall be forever forfeit to the fiend Zorella'al'welrub.

Upon signature of this agreement, the aforementioned fiend Zorella'al'welrub (henceforth referred to as the first party) will fully disclose the contents and application of those contents within the chest mentioned above. Any information obtained in this matter may not be disclosed to others in any means verbal or non-verbal (including written, dramatized, telepathic, or encoded, etc) by the undersigned nor any of the undersigned companions (those currently present in the room at the presentation of this document, hencefore referred to as the Second Party). A breach of this clause of silence will be considered a breach of the contract on the part of the second party.

The soul of the human Edgren Thoene will be kept in a secure location free of all fiendish and non-fiendish torment (both physical and non-physical) and will be kept in the best possible health until the end of the three week period previously mentioned. Failure to provide for the safety and security of this human will be considered a breach of the contract on the part of the first party.

Any tampering or alteration of this contract after it is signed by both parties will be considered a breach of the contract by the tampering or altering party.

Any breach of the contract will result in the breaching party entering into an immediate period of complete and loyal servitude for a period of 100 years to the non-breaching party.

Signed,
______________________

She hands the paper to Lucan. "Do we have a deal?"

[Haberdashery]

Before Lucan has even the slightest moment to react, the oddly nimble fingers of the Shepherd whisk the paper and pen away. From the folds of his cloak, he withdraws the small, finely crafted golden spectacles, and places them on the bridge of his nose. He hums a moment as he peruses the document, tapping the end of the pen against his rocky lower-lip.

For someone like the Shepherd, to make a hasty decisions was as to ignore a wolf prowling far too closely to the pasture. It pained him to make such a decision so quickly, but his heart knew that any moment of pause, any momentary delay on his part would cause there to be great debate over who would sign the document, and an argument would most certainly break out. This was the way it should be, and he knew it.

With a strangely artistic flourish, the Shepherd signed his name in loopy, graceful letters that were entirely uncharacteristic of their writer. He handed the document back to Zorella, and bowed his head respectfully.

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard

Lucan's taken by surprise when Shep grabs the contract. He still staring in consternation when he applies his signature, and he shakes his head in wonder.

"I . . . I don't know what to say," he finally manages. "Thank you, my friend."

[Haberdashery]

The Shepherd simply smiled, that familiar twinkle in his left eye, and placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. Nothing more needed to be said.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Zorella looks almost as surprised as Lucan when Shep signs the paper. "Hmm...not who I was expecting." She takes the contract back, folds it up, and hands it to one of her guards. "I'll find an official of Sigil, sign it in front of him, and have a copy sent to the Library. You're free to accompany me while I do so."

Again, that smile with just a hint of fang returns. "In the interest of the full disclosure clause, allow me to be proactive in meeting my end of the deal. The box belongs to Mephistopheles. We stole it from him, and he wants it back. The nature of the box prevents it from being scryed upon or touched by Fiendish hands, which is why I'm forced to use a proxy. If the box is opened, it will summon one of Mephistopheles' generals; another deterrent against thieves." She gives a low chuckle.

"Mephistopheles is nothing if not thorough, and the threat of a pit fiend is enough to prevent just about anyone who would steal your creations. Unless, of course, you're somewhere that prevents the summoning of creatures. Somewhere like Sigil" She glances out the window with a wry smile. "The Lady of Pain is a nuisance, but every so often we can use this place to our advantage."

"Inside the box, is one of the most powerful wards ever created. It will prevent demons, any demon from entering into the warded area. My master wishes to claim a small area of the Abyss for himself for some of his experiments, experiments I do not know the full nature of, and would prefer if this process was not interrupted by endless hordes of demons descending from all sides."

She looks at the Paladin "See? Nothing to worry about. You're stealing something from someone you most likely despise, that will be used against something else that you hate."

She glides across the room, and opens the door. "Now, I believe I've met my end of that clause. You have three weeks. A copy of the contract will be delivered here within the hour."

With that, she's out the door.

[Mando Knight]

Aramil smiles wryly as he gets up. "I think I'll take you up on that."

As they start to walk out, he adds "That's actually a fairly interesting device you've got us looking for. Too bad we're signed to nondisclosure... more than the Blood War would be changed if news of this got out. Could probably make thousands of platinum on the information alone, not to mention the artifact itself."

[Hzurr]

DM Post

As the pair walk, Zorella eyes the swordmage up and down. She's changed her shape to appear human now, and had it not been for the two bearded devils following you, she would have appeared fairly nondescript.

"You are correct on all accounts, so I'm sure you understand why I required silence on your part." She places her arm in Aramil's as she continues speaking. "Now I couldn't help but notice, that you were the one who suggested a 100 year period of servitude if the contract was broken. I also can't help but remark that you are one of only two members of your party whose race is known for living hundreds of years. So if for some reason, say...thousands of platinum, you did break the contract, you would easily live long enough to collect that reward." She pauses, as she sees a Clerk of Sigil walking down the road. She flags him down, and moments later has signed the contract, and the clerk has placed his seal on it. She gives Aramil a smile, mutters a quick incantation, and two copies of the contract appear. She hands one to the swordmage, before flagging down a passing Tort and paying him to take a copy to the temple of Ioun.

Once the business is taken care of, she turns around to the Swordmage. "So I guess the real question is, are you willing to risk your friend's soul for a exeptionally large amount of money and a few years of your life? Because if so, then I think we can do all sorts of business together."

[Mando Knight]

Aramil gives a short chuckle. "Perhaps. Coin isn't what I'm after right now, though. And I believe I've got a spelljammer to catch."

He turns to leave and waves a farewell. "I assume we can find you at the Imp when we're done?"

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Zorella gives Aramil one of those looks. "Well, if there's something else you're interested in, be sure and let me know. You can find myself, or someone who knows where I am at the Imp. See you soon..." She gives Aramil a smouldering smile, before turning and fading off into the crowd.

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain remains silent through the entire process, too stunned by the foolishness of his companions to even speak. Once they had taken down an incubus, refusing to believe its lies and coercion, but now they were willing to cheerfully sign away their souls to a succubus, and for what?

After Aramil and Zorella leave, he looks at the others.

"Why?" He asks plaintively, looking between them, especially at Lucan and Shep. "There were so many alternatives that didn't involve doing that. That didn't involve prostituting all of us to her." He frowns unhappily.

"I promised I'd help, and I'll keep that promise. I'll assist you through this endeavor. But afterwards, I'm gone. I cannot continue to work with those who would willingly work with fiends. Zyrr I can understand it from. He doesn't know any other way. But the rest of you? I expected better from you." He sighs heavily.

[Haberdashery]

It takes a moment for the Shepherd to collect his thoughts through the frown that has settled onto his face.

"If that is the case," he begins, disappointment flashing across his face, "I don't like saying this, but perhaps it would be better if you leave now. If you do not believe in our cause, and will only continue to drive pointed, unkind comments at us, then you will be more of a burden than a blessing in such a dangerous place."

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain stares at Shep incredulously.

"You ignore every suggestion I make that doesn't involve going ahead with this. You insult me first by forcing this upon me even though you know that it is something I cannot willingly do, something that violates everything I believe in and every vow I've ever sworn to my god, and I am the one being unkind? The five of you are the closest thing I've ever had to a family, and that's why I'm willing to go along with this even though every single aspect of it offends me and is a blatant insult to my god. But if that won't satisfy you, I don't know how you want me to act. Should I be happy that someone I care about has made an ugly bargain with a being devoid of beauty? Should I find joy in this? Yes, my suggestions were more difficult, but trying to take the easy way out is what leads to things like this in the first place! I'm sorry if I value the souls of my companions more than the soul of a man I've never met who may well deserve his fate. I'm sorry if I care too much about my beliefs. I don't know who or what you want me to be, Shep, but I'm pretty certain that I can't be it." Tears stream down his face and he shakes as he speaks, unable to even remotely hide his feelings. Snow swirls uneasily about him and he stares at the wall for a time, gathering himself before he can speak again.

"Perhaps you're right. Perhaps I am just a burden. I know my beliefs don't always make me the easiest person to get along with. Maybe I should just give up on the whole idea, and just go back to being alone." He sighs miserably, knowing that something has broken between himself and the group, something that can never be mended. "If you need me for something, I'll be at the temple. I have to pray, and try to seek guidance. I'll try to see you off before you go, and I'll pray for your success."

[Mando Knight]

Aramil returns post-haste. It would be dramatically appropriate for him to enter as Eltain begins to leave, but not even he can move fast enough for that.

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain turns to leave, but his heart isn't in the action, Shep's words echoing in his mind, and a realization as certain as the beauty Corellon inspires in the world spreads through his heart. Perhaps it's Corellon's guidance. Perhaps it's the last thread of sanity that ties us to the world when we seek to leave it and find we can't. Perhaps it's just finally some common sense getting through that thick skull of his. Whatever it comes from, it comes.

It doesn't matter what Shep thinks about him. Or what the others think about him. Or what the fey think of him, or what other clergy members, or even Corellon. The only person whose opinion truly matters in the worlds is his own. If he can't be proud of himself, if he can't look into his own heart and see there in the mirror of himself someone he wants to be, someone worthy, someone who doesn't give up, nothing matters. And he's not proud of what he sees. The correct reaction isn't to give up on his friends, or point out how stupid he thinks their plan is, or to leave them to their own devices. If he thinks they've lost their way, then he needs to guide them. If he thinks the plan is stupid, then he needs to make sure he does all he can to ensure that it succeeds anyway. If he thinks that he needs to leave them, then that is when he needs most to stay with them. And before all of that, he needs to be someone that they can respect and trust, someone they can believe in. Someone he can believe in. He stops, slamming his fist into the door frame, and spins back to face the others.

"I am an ass. A complete and utter ass. I've been too wrapped up in my own pain to notice anyone else's, and too high up on my own moral horse to bother looking at anyone else's view." He bites his lip. "Of course we have to save Lucan's father. I still think this is a bad way of doing it, but that doesn't matter, it's done. The only thing to do now is make sure we succeed. And you're right. If I'm just going to sit here and complain about how much I hate everything about this, I am just going to be a burden. So I'm not going to. I'm going to stop acting like an idiot and stop acting like those damned Paladins of Bahamut who freak out constantly over everything. I haven't been much of a friend, have I? With friends like me lately, who needs enemies? I keep insisting my views are right, without even looking at yours." He kneels before them, his head bowed in shame.

"I'm sorry. Shep, you're right, and if you still want me to go, then I will. If not, then I am here, and you have my sword and my word as a Paladin of Corellon that I will do all I can to ensure the success of our mission and the salvation of yours and Edgren's souls. Lucan, I'm sorry I've been such a complete jerk to you. I shouldn't let my jealousy get to me like that. I shouldn't sit here and whine like a petulant child that it isn't fair. My answers will come in time, if they're meant to come, and stupidly hating you for having yours is pointless and makes me every bit as bad as the fiends I've been railing against. I'm sorry. Pavick, I'm sorry for all the times I've pushed you away when you were only trying to help, and all the times I've been an idiot. Zyrr, you know what I need to apologize for, I already have, but I apologize for it once again." He sighs and stands.

"I don't expect any of you to forgive me, Corellon knows I don't deserve it, but I still need to apologize, and if you'll still have me, I'm with you, through this and through whatever may come after. If you won't, I understand, and I wish you well. You're my friends. You're my family. It's time I started bloody well acting like it." He looks at each of them, and waits for their response.

[Haberdashery]

Never a man of many words, what he lacked in eloquence he made up for in presence; the Shepherd seemingly said more the less he spoke. He nodded his great, cloaked head.

"That is one of the most mature things I've heard you say." The Shepherd leaned on his staff and extended a gnarled, gentle hand to the paladin. "I would be happy to fight alongside you again."

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain ignores the hand and instead throws himself at Shep, enveloping the large Goliath in a decidedly less mature hug.

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

Pavick moves up to Eltain. He tugs on the half-eladrin's belt to get his attention as he finishes his hug with Shep. With a flourish of his hand, he produces a small bouquet of flowers out of thin air. He holds them up to Eltain. He has a proud grin on his face, but does not say a word. Shep has said all that needs to be said.

[Toric]

Having watched the whole spectacle in his usual silent manner, Zyrr makes no move to join the two. Though he does spread his lips and eyes in a warm smile, exercising muscles that haven't seen use in a long time.

"Now that sounds like the Corellon you told me about.

...And you're right, you know. From a practical perspective. It's done, the contract is signed, the sands are now falling, and I have no more desire for a soulless Shepherd than anyone. We should get moving."

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard

Lucan's pretty confused about Eltain's change of heart, but decides that it doesn't matter. As long as they're all together, it'll all work out.

"Let's get started," he says with a grin. "First, we're going to need a ship."

[Hzurr]

DM Post

At this time of night, the fastest place to get a ship would be at the Night Market. However, just from the short amount of time you've spent in Sigil, you know that anything purchased at the Night Market is risky, at best.

Alternately, you could try the Grand Bazaar when it reopens tomorrow, or go to the clerks Ward and find out which ships are already scheduled to head toward Celestia, and pursuade the captain to take a detour. Additionally, you can try and track down a captain/ship independently (either here at the inn, or asking around town. Most captains use docks convenient to portals to the Market district.

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard

"Maybe we should talk to Farrell," Lucan says. "He has a ship, and he knows where the Strickweem crashed. He might be willing to charter for us." Lucan frowns. "He'd probably want a share of anything we found, though."

[Toric]

"Actually that's not that bad an idea, offering him a share of the treasure." Zyrr muses as he rubs his chin. "Especially considering at least one group has already tried to find the ship. This will eliminate the need to hire mercenaries; if he doesn't wait for us to get back to the ship, he doesn't get paid. I'd recommend against seriously shopping the Night Market, but everyone can look for ships tomorrow for comparison; we're in Sigil, where it pays to shop around. But until then..."

Zyrr looks up at the dark... sky? Central ring? Whatever it is called, it indicates night in absence of a moon..

"But in the meantime, I have my own contact to meet at the Corellon temple, and now is more or less the perfect time to do so. So if there is nothing else, I'll meet you back at the Lady's Favor."

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain narrows his eyes at Zyrr and arches an eyebrow.

"Dare I even ask who you might be meeting at a Corellite temple, of all places?" He drums a hand on a table. "I am, of course, going with you. If for no other reason than to avoid any repeats of previous irksome situations with others trying to kill my filthy spider-kisser." He gives a half-grin that indicates that the last bit is meant largely jokingly.

[Toric]

Zyrr hesitates, brow furrowed, but replies with a preceding sigh. He'll find out anyway.

"I'm not sure who I'm meeting, exactly. It might be one of those tolerable priestesses you've been telling me about. Or it might be a drow sleeper agent. Like I said, I'm not sure." He shrugs.

[Nai_Calus]

"Then if things go well, I can vouch for you, and also warn of your current status, just to keep things safe for everyone involved, and if they go poorly, I can protect you. Let's go, then."

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Eltain and Zyrr make their way back across town, just one block away from the temple of Lolth that Zyrr attended two days prior. The temple of Corellon and Sehanine stand on either side of the street, and a large wall now divides where Lolth's temple would have formed a perfect triangle with the other two.

The temple of Corellon gleams in the otherwise dirty city. The building is nothing but polished white marble, laid out in the symbol of the eight-pointed star of the Fey-god. At each of the points is an arched doorway, glowing in a blue and purple light. Rather than a foyer, through each doorway, is a stairwell leading up and joining all the others at a huge center dais. As you approach, a pair of Eladrin guards step up to block Zyrr's path, but seeing him accompanied by Eltain they say nothing, just give the pair an odd look.

As you enter into the staircase, each step you place your foot on plays a different musical note, so as you make your way up, an entire medley is played. To Eltain, it's a familiar hymn of Corellon, but it's unlike anything Zyrr has heard before (at least in the temples of Lolth). Reaching the Dias at the top, you realize that the ceiling is open, and the light rain so prominent in Sigil falls here as well, pattering off the marble tile. Across the dias are a number of statues, each representing a different aspect of Corellon. Some are statues of the god with bow drawn; others show the crafting of magic; while still others show the god observing various mortals (primarily elves and Eladrin) playing instruments, painting, crafting, etc. On either side of the dais, are two larger than life mosaics of Corellon's two most famous battles: The casting out of Lolth, and the removal of Gruumsh's eye.

A number of priests, paladins, and other worshipers mill about. Some in discussion, some in worship, and some bringing their crafts to the temple to have them blessed. The pair draw a number of strange looks, but after a few minutes, two Eladrin paladin come up to Eltain. The taller of the two, a red-haired (probably autumn) fey extends his hand. "Welcome to Corellon's temple. I am Feeyun, and this is my cousin Dumak." The other Eladrin nods his head politely. "I don't mean to presume, but I heard a story from an acquaintance of mine in Mythrassar about a half-human servant of Corellon that defeated a demon there. Was that you?"

As the pair speak with Eltain, Zyrr notices a hooded figure watching him from across the dais. As he spies her, he sees the gleam of a smile from under the dark hood. The figure makes it's way across the room, and once it finally reaches him, Zyrr hears a silky voice. "Welcome, kinsman. This is an pleasant surprise. What brings you to the temple of the god of beauty?" The figure lowers it's hood, and in front of him Zyrr sees a female Drow looking down at him with a warm smile. Not a sneer, but a smile. It's rather unsettling.



-----------------------------
OOC: Is anyone else doing anything before the next day?

[Nai_Calus]

"I was there, yes, but I can hardly claim full credit. It was a foul Incubus who tried to threaten my companions and myself into working for him by claiming that he would otherwise unleash hordes of demons on the city. I refused to bend to his lies, and we were able to call his bluff and defeat him and the swarm of dretches he summoned. I did strike the killing blow on him, but he was weakened greatly first by one of my companions. Zyrr was there as well and fought bravely, which gave me quite a bit of hope for him." He looks around and sees the drow talking to another. He grins at the sight of a female drow, openly talking warmly to a male in the middle of a Corellite temple. It is the first truly beautiful thing he's seen in this city, and it fills his heart with joy.

"Hey, Zyrr! Who's your new friend?"

(OOC: And does she have a sister for Eltain, or failing that, feel up to a little friskiness? :smalltongue:

[Toric]

As she approaches, Zyrr greets the hooded woman with a typical grin, glad this is going so easily. His voice is calm and controlled as he responds "Well well, it seems Sigil truly does have everything. You see, my friend has been hounding me for days to at least look at the place and..." No drow face has ever looked so soft. The smile he expected. Smiles are valuable, versatile tools as the assassin learned long ago, but these lips are no mask - the surrounding face and indeed the woman's entire body language radiate the warmth the smile presents. For perhaps the first time since he learned the rules, Zyrr finds them completely shattered in an instant. But he can pick up the pieces later, he has a statement left to finish.

Two violet eyes flutter and a dark face whips back and forth, shaking off the haze that overcame it for but a second. The voice resumes, with lower pitch and considerably more inflection. "And once I'd heard of a drow woman here curiosity climbed the wall persistence could not yet tear down. I just had to see you for myself."

"Speaking of my friend, here's Eltain now. You can thank him for the initial spark." It might not exactly be true, but still, you can. He turns and addresses the paladin. "I don't know, to be honest. I was hoping she could tell me but let us see what I can glean for myself." Zyrr'delin returns his attention to the woman, scrutinizing her from the feet up. "Let's see. Dark clothing, so you're likely not a priestess of Corellon as I'd heard though I see no spider-patterns of she-who-shall-go-unnamed-here either. Few hair decorations, little makeup, a woman unafraid to get down to adamantine tacks I imagine. But with an obvious gentle side." Gentle. There's only been one drow I could describe with that word until now.

Now that he has managed to stop talking and seeing and sensing, it finally occurs to Zyrr that he is stalling. Why stall? Why not simply say the line he'd been fed, that he's tired of Underdark life and looking for a new way? The answer comes to him as soon as it is asked, as a simple feeling floating through the web of his mind. I have not looked forward to drow conversation this much in a long time.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

The woman gives a laugh. A genuine laugh of mirth, rather than cruelty or mockery. "Ah, no one has ever told me that I lack the ability to be a priestess because of the color of my robes, but I'll keep that in mind for all future fashion choices." She reaches down into the folds of her robes, and pulls out two holy symbols, one of Corellon, and one of Sehainine. "I actually revere both of the gods of the Seldarine, although it is Corellon who marked me as one of his champions." She extends her hands, palms out, showing a glowing silver emblem of the eight-pointed stars that almost look to be tattooed on, although you've never seen a tatoo that seems to pulse with light as these do. "On all other counts, however, you are correct, although the lack of hair decorations is more due to a lack of options. Apparently, there are a shortage of artisans who are both skilled in making hair pieces for drow and who have any talent fashioning the emblems of my god." She gives a fake sigh of exasperation. "Who knew?"

She then gives a polite curtsey to both Eltain and Zyrr. "It is a pleasure to meet you both. I am Eilistraee."

She examines both of you, her head tilted slightly to the side, before the smile once again returns, sending warmth coursing through you. "I must say, I'm thrilled to be able to ask this, but what brings a Paladin and a Drow to this place together, and so willing to talk to someone such as I? Most Paladins I meet either run from me or try to kill me, and most of my kin that I meet...do more or less the same thing. It's odd, yet exhilarating, to see two such as yourselves together here today, and I would love to hear how you came to this place."

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard

While Zyrr and Eltain run off to do their thing, Lucan sees if he can locate Farrell.


[roll0]

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain raises an eyebrow, surprised by the implication that the girl isn't aware of the order he belongs to. He speaks quietly, knowing that most of his faith consider what he's about to say to be deep heresy.

"Well, as I've told Zyrr. Not all of us believe that the drow are all irredeemably evil, or that Corellon hates them when he clearly does not. I belong to a small organization on the mortal world that's called the Order of the Azure Star, referring to a star seen in that world and the feywild both, that legend says was placed there by Corellon after the separation of the drow and their banishment to the underdark, to serve as a warning that he would be watching them. We believe that rather than a symbol of warning, that it's a symbol of a promise - That Corellon does indeed watch those drow who choose to try to return. That he is always looking, and that those who manage to cast off the evil ways they had practiced and learn to live in a way that brings beauty to the world are not shunned and hated by him simply for being born as what they are, but are instead loved and treasured by him. The drow are his children, after all, just as much as the elves and eladrin, and I cannot believe that he would shun them entirely. The Corellon I believe in, that I love, could never do such a thing." He smiles. "So those of us who believe these things try, if possible, to show the drow we meet that there is another way, and that they are not despised by Corellon and all his faithful as they might believe."

Eltain chuckles. "It can be difficult, though. There are many who would wish to kill me for those beliefs, and one must always be cautious. How many times have I sworn to you now that I'm going to kill you one of these days, Zyrr?" He smiles. "Zyrr originally was working as a mercenary for an enemy of a former employer of mine. He wound up being hired to work with us after we convinced him to abandon the treacherous dog he was working for, and we've wound up traveling together ever since. He has some regrettable skills, but I must admit I do admire the artistry with which he practices them."

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Lucan asks around for a bit, and eventually stumbles onto a pair of drunk Githyanki who slur something about seeing Farrel at The Flying Halfling, a popular bar on the edge of the Market District.

OOC: Is anyone else traveling with Lucan? Also, I'm going to wait on Eilistraee's response til after we hear from Toric

[Mando Knight]

Aramil finally returns to The Lady's Fortune, and seeing as how half of everyone else is elsewhere, he just orders a meal.

[Hzurr]

DM Post


Aramil enjoys a nice fish filet with a white wine.


-------------------------

Lucan (and anyone who accompanied him) find their way to The Flying Halfling with little difficulty. Despite the late hour, there a still a number of patrons at the bar, but most are fairly intoxicated. After a bit of asking, he's eventually directed towards a table near the front of the room, where an exceptionally drunk Githyanki sits, several empty glasses in front of him, telling a story to his companion who has long since passed out. As Lucan approaches, the gith tilts his head groggily, and looks up at the half-elf with squinted eyes, struggling to focus on Lucan's face. "Who're youuu, and why do you have two headsh?" he slurs. "You shome sorta Ettin baby?" he points an accusatory finger at the Bard. (Well, he points an accusatory finger about six inches to the left of the bard, but Lucan gets the general idea)

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

Pavick tags along with Lucan, saying "There's something I wanted to talk to you about anyway." As the two eventually make their way toward the Flying Halfling, Pavick says, "So Shep and I stopped by the clerk's ward earlier today. We might have some information coming that could help... or maybe not. The woman didn't seem too hopeful. Anyway, it won't come in for a couple of days either way, and by then we hopefully will already be on our way. I was thinking maybe you could assign one of your employees to check in each day until the proper files are found. Pick someone you trust to sort through the documents and if there is anything important they can get a wizard or something to send us the information. Think that it's worth doing?"

---

Pavick stands behind Lucan in the Flying Halfling. He suppresses a giggle at the drunken githyanki and stays out of sight, figuring he'd let the bard take the lead and join in if needed.

[Toric]

Again, breaking the rules. Such a forward statement would have surely earned a backhand from any normal female, especially the parts suggesting lack of grooming. Zyrr ponders this while Eltain explains himself, learning more about the young paladin's views, admitting at one pause that he's lost count of the "kill you" vows by this point. He raises an eyebrow when Eltain finishes. Praise? From the paladin? The rules have shattered indeed.

Perhaps it's time Zyrr started breaking the rules to. ...No. Not yet, he's seen supposedly kind, understanding drow in the past. All but one revealed the kind face as a facade. He'd hide his true reasons for now. "Our friendship has been... rocky on both ends. But I must say this young eladrin's very wily for a paladin. As for how we came here, we have a half-elf friend in the City of Doors, who needed help with a little problem. While here, I heard about another drow in the company of eladrin, and it struck me as a possible kindred spirit." Well, that's... mostly fact actually. But the best lies always contain a kernel of truth, now to get to business. "I'm... tired of the Underdark way. The double-talk and intrigue is fine and dandy, tis just part of being a drow. It's just that there is no trust to be had at all. Too much betrayal, the only reward for loyalty is a knife in the back. I'm not ready to join Corellon's faithful - not when the majority attack me when feasible - but I want to escape the web of death Lolth's society has woven.

But escaping is never easy. So I've heard and so I've seen. There are eyes and ears everywhere. If a little spider tries to weave a strand away from the main web, the big spider cuts away at the strands - friends, acquaintances, traders, contacts - until the little spider has no choice but to crawl back to its mother. I'm only lucky Eltain has little family to speak of outside his church. He's quite an untouchable thread. You know what I mean?"

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Eilistraee considers your words for a moment. "That the two of you have any relationship at all that does not involve bloodshed is cause for rejoicing. I have heard of the Order of the Azure Star, but unfortunately it's followers are few and far between. As you say, there are many in the service of Corellon who find my presence here blasphemous." Glancing around, you do spy more than one cold look in your direction; and even the two Fey who had come up to speak with Eltain took a rather hasty exit after Eilistraee came over.

"However, I'm changing their minds. A bit more slowly, than I'd like, but I'm making progress. Regardless, it is a pleasure to meet a member of that order, and I am grateful that there are those who believe in the promise as I do." She clasps Eltain's hand warmly. As Zyrr speaks words, her face remains rather expressionless, but in her eye there is a slight twinkle. "The words you speak now are those I long to hear from every Drow. My calling is to provide a method of escape from the webs of the Spider-Queen. Typically, when someone is so eager to express this desire as well, it's an assassin that the Lolthites have sent to kill me." She rolls her eyes slightly, before returning them to Zyrr and again giving that slight smile. "But that's a risk I must be willing to take if I'll ever free any of my brothers or sisters from the path to the Demonweb pits." She walks over to a nearby stand, and quickly writes a few lines on a piece of paper before returning to the Drow and Half-Eladrin.

"Tomorrow evening, I'm meeting with several other Drow. Most are runaway males, but a few females as well. They're...curious, as to what I have to say, and much like you are far from any desire to worship Corellon or Sehainine or anyone, they just find that they have a longing for...something more." She hands Zyrr the paper. "Here is the address. I think you may find some answers there, or at least realize that you aren't alone in your search. Given our tendency for paranoia, feel free to bring your friends that you mentioned, if that will make you more comfortable."

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard

"I'm not an Ettin," Lucan says. "I'm a bard." He frowns at the Githyanki a bit, reluctant to ask his next question. He finally decides to get it over with. "Are you Farrell?"

[Hzurr]

DM Post

The Gith starts to stand, fails, and starts to stand again. And fails again. Finally, content with sitting, he gives a nod and jerks his thumb to his chest. "Thatsh me!" He starts to laugh, sending a wave of alcohol scented breath your way before suddenly becoming very serious. "And it'sh CAPTAIN Farrel thankyouverymuchhh." He then dissolves into a series of coarse laughter, until he spots Pavick behind Lucan. Farrell waves his hand in Lucan's direction. "Get out of the way, Ettin!" Once his line of sight is cleared, Farrell squints and stares at the Wizard for a long minute.

He rolls his head back towards Lucan and gives a vague point in Pavick's direction. Who'sh she? She's beautiful..." His head lolls back towards Pavick and he continues staring. "I SHAID YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL!" he repeats, practically yelling at the gnome.

[Toric]

Zyrr glances at the parchment and tucks it into a pocket. He'll have to remember to ask one of the clergy a good place to dine with friends before he leaves. This was certainly too easy. Especially... well, he was
an assassin, but not sent to kill her yet. The fact that she'd thought of this meant at least she wasn't daft.

"I thank you, lady." He offers her a deep bow. "I hadn't realize Sigil had become such a hotspot for sunward Drow. Tomorrow evening... I might be able to attend." He looks to Eltain. "We'll have to see if the others will agree to stay landlocked for another day. Surely we won't have everything ready by then." He then turns back to Eilistraee. "It's been a pleasure meeting you but we're on a bit of a time crunch and I have another wayward cousin to take care of. Eltain can keep you company until I return." Without waiting for the paladin's consent, Zyrr turns and... steps into an alcove. A familiar, ruddy human with dark curled hair steps out and leaves the temple.

Now that his mission for the Drow priestess is complete, it's time to deal with his little follower.Should he find him, and "Vendis" not recognize him, Zyrr finds another alley to wander into pulls something out of his pack: a simple scourge made from straps of leather, bought from a seedy-looking Tiefling. Holding it in his off-hand, he uses his main hand to uncork a poison vial and hold it upside-down, the contents leaking into his palm, though not spilling over his hand. (Storing a dose of Bloodstinger Poison in the Poison Gloves) The bottle emptied, he holds the scourge in his main hand and focuses on it, imagining the leather bolts with scales, eyes, fangs. He immerses himself in the creative vision, his fingers growing long, black-painted nails, his garb transforming into flowing robes, his face gaining the makeup and jewelry Eilistraee's lacked. The only remaining sign of his magic hat to all appearances is a large purple jewel resting on the drow priestess's forehead.

The disguised Zyrr steps out of the alley, toward the unsuspecting scout. "Male! Why haven't you left to defend Lolth's sacred creatures? Even now, a human stands outside the Copper Cauldron proclaiming phase spider on the menu! Deal with him!"

[roll0] plus whatever other rolls I'd need to take to make this work.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Insight - [roll0]

Vendis snaps to attention as the disguised Zyrr approaches. "Yes, of course Mistress. I'll..." His voice trails off. "Um...the Copper Cauldron?" He points behind Zyrr, and just down the street, Zyrr can clearly see the sign of the Copper Cauldron, with a gnome out front announcing the lamb stew.

Vendis' continues staring at you for a moment. "My apologies, Mistress," You can hear the doubt and questioning in his voice at this last word, "But I'm under the orders if the high priestess herself, and I'm afraid I've never seen you before. Where do you come from" The doubt in his voice is obvious, but despite his doubts, you know that no male Drow would risk calling a female a liar in public.

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

Pavick glances up to Lucan, an uncertain expression on his face. He shrugs then turns back to the captain. Immediately he smiles and begins to giggle. Pavick waves a hand in front of his (or rather her) face as if he had an acute case of the vapors. "My oh my!" he says in a high pitched tone. "I never would have thought..." He breaks off giggling again. "And a captain no less! Do you have a very big ship?" He gives a quick wink. "My friends were planning a trip, and could use a ship."

[Hzurr]

DM Post

The Githyanki gives a wide grin (and the barmaids passing by give Pavick slightly incredulous looks), and he leans forward. "Oh trusht me honey, my ship is big enough for you." He gives a wink (with some difficulty) as if he was making a subtle hint, but his current notions of subtlety would be considered obvious by a pair of ogres. He follows up this wink with a very loud hiccup.

Farrell roughly pulls Pavick onto his lap, and signals the barmaid for another round, but she's too busy staring, mouth agape."Sho, you're lookin' for a ship, are you? Where'd a sweet thing like you be wanting to go?

[Toric]

It's not hard to bring the real flush in Zyrr's cheeks from the error into a flush onto his illusory form's cheeks as she reaches for her serpent-headed whip. "You dare place some mortal mission, even one from a high priestess, above defilement of Lolth's sacred beasts!?" As the assassin expends the stored poison in his gloves, the fangs on the priestess's vipers drip venom... just before digging into the male's shoulder. He's a good little male. He won't dodge.

"Find the place serving phase spider! It is somewhere in this city! Search all day if you have to, I will take no excuses!"

Let's try this again. [roll0]

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard

Lucan has no idea what Pavick's up to, but he quickly lays down some coin to get the githyanki another drink, gesturing the barmaid into motion.

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain frowns worriedly after Zyrr leaves.

"I would be remiss in my duties as a Paladin of Corellon if I didn't warn you that Zyrr's family has been after him a bit lately due to ignoring tasks they set him with while adventuring with us. I strongly suspect the priestesses here are at least attempting to keep him on a leash, and he is being followed, which is undoubtedly what he's gone to try to deal with." He sighs. "Which is of course something I'm sure you're familiar with. Certainly I've encountered it before. It's always so hard, trying to get them away from the blasted spider-kissers." He frowns. "Especially when many females who turn have a hard time losing their tendency to try to dominate over the males, and the males can be so conditioned to accept domination that they don't even question it. You, thankfully, seem to be free of that so far." He nods to her. "If we're still in town tomorrow evening, I'll see you then. If not, good luck with the meeting." He moves towards the altar and kneels to pray, the familiar words like a warm blanket wrapped around him, his spirits lifted by knowing that he at least wasn't the only person around this city who saw the true nature of his god.

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

As the captain picks Pavick up and turns him around to sit him on his lap, Pavick rolls his eyes while Farrell can't see. Still he makes himself comfortable on the man's knee, or at least as comfortable as he could be given the circumstances. Pavick leans over the table and begins using some of the spilled alcohol on the tabletop to draw circles on his surface with his fingertip.

"Well, it's no coincidence we sought you out for this little trip. From what I've heard, you know the destination better than we do ourselves. There was a ship by the name of Strickweem that you forced aground not too long ago. I'm sure a captain such as yourself has done this to many powerful vessels, but perhaps you remember it?"

Pavick waits for the captain to acknowledge that he knows what "she" is talking about. As he does so, Slick slithers out of Pavick's sleeve and onto the table. Pavick lets the tiny serpent slide through his fingers and squirm around the wet tabletop suggestively.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Farrel gladly takes the drink Lucan provides, and gives the bard a pat on the back before leaning back and taking a long dring. Turning his attention back to Pavick, he thinks for a long minute. "The Strickweem? Yeah, I remember it..." He gives a slurred curse. "Nearly boarded 'er, but their pilot decided it'd be better to kill 'em all than get taken over by the likes of me!" A few of the other Githyanki at a nearby table give a slight cheer at this, but he waves them off.

"Now, shugar, I believe we were just getting to-WHAT IN THE NINE HELLSISTHAT?" As Slick slips out of Pavick's arm, Farrel jumps back in a panic, sending Pavick crashing to the floor, and taking out two other tables as he frantically scrambles backwards away from the snake. It takes a moment for the captain to piece together what happened, and the entire bar has been thrown into disarray. He points at Pavick accusingly. "What'd'you bring that thing in here for? Did th'ettin make you do it?"

Insight DC 15This guy obviously has an issue with snakes.


----------------------------

Eilistraee gives a nod at Eltain's words. "I fully suspect he was sent here, or is being pressured to do something here. That doesn't change the fact that that Drow is looking for something, and I'd like to help him find it." She smiles at the half-eladrin, before allowing him space to worship alone. As Eltain kneels to pray, for just a split-second, he sees a faint glowing on his palms, the sign of the 8-pointed star, just as Eilistraee had, but when he looks again it's gone.



----------------------------

OOC: Still gonna need to see an attack roll from Zyrr

[Hzurr]

DM Post


----------Zyrr-------------------


Zyrr's whip flies through the air, and even as Vendis tries to bring up an arm to stop the whip, the barbs dig into the Drow's cheek, and you see his veins begin to bulge green as the poison starts working it's way through his system.

He stumbles back, and looks up at you, and scowls. "I don't know who you are or where you're from, but the temple will hear of this..." He starts hobbling off as fast as he can, but the poison has disoriented him, and he stumbles down the street. You don't think he recognized you, but he definitely knows that something is wrong.

Perception Check: to see through the disguise [roll0]


----------Aramil & Shep-------------------

Back at the Inn of the Lady's Favor, as Shep and Aramil enjoy a meal, there's a slight draft as the door opens, and the entire doorway is filled by a massive shape. The creature walks in, and moves over to a table, looking around nervously. She's easily over 7 feet tall, with dark gray skin, mottled with dark patches, the same color as the thick braid that hangs down to her waist. Her face appears to be made of rock, but under that stoney brow, bright yellow-blue eyes sparkle in the lantern light. She's brought a drink, but in her massive hands, the cup appears practically tiny. As she glances around the room, her eyes fall on Shep, and she gives a slight gasp.

To Aramil, and everyone else in the room, it's obvious: this woman is a female Goliath.

[Haberdashery]

Perceptiveness was normally one of his strong suits. One didn't wear the honorable mantle of the shepherd and have poor eyesight, it just wasn't fitting. He had the eyes of an eagle, or at least, so he had been told; the Shepherd was not one for boasting. All that time atop his little mountain staring down at the world below was like a grindstone to sharpen his eyesight.

It could only be considered somewhat odd, or perhaps ironic, that the Shepherd was perhaps the last person in the bar to notice the rock woman staring at him from across the room.

He sat there quietly, his usual tranquil look splayed haphazardly across his face, the aged crook leaned against the table while he looked for some hidden meaning in the swirls of his soup. It was good soup, but never let good dregs go to waste when they could so easily just be rearranged to look like little puffy sheep. He smiled, pleased with his artistic skills, beaming proudly to those around him. It was perhaps the reactions of those around him that made him realize something was off. The Shepherd frowned.

Was there something on his face?

No, same rough stonework as before.

Was he not supposed to play with his soup?

Maybe, but that patron with the horns just threw his soup at the one with the wings and he didn't get in trouble. That seemed like a more grievous offense to the Shepherd.

Maybe he was violating the dress code, or was committing some sort of inexcusable fashion faux pas.

...except that strange gentleman over there wasn't actually wearing any clothes.

This was quite puzzling, and the Shepherd scratched his beard uneasily as he looked around the room. And...oh. Oh. That. There. By the bar.

The Shepherd turned his head to Aramil, his lips pursed.

"Aramil, my friend," he began, "I must ask you to do me a favor of the utmost importance. If you would be so kind, please take your mug of ale and hit me as hard as you can with it. I do believe I have relapsed into hallucinations again."

[Mando Knight]

Aramil looks down at the glass of wine in his hand, then back up to Shep. "Do you think you're imagining my having ale, or the newcomer who looks like your female counterpart?"

[Haberdashery]

The Shepherd stares very hard at the glass of wine. The glass of wine that looked so much like a mug of ale just a moment ago...

"...It's worse than I thought."

[Hzurr]

DM Post

The woman continues staring at Shep, and tries to make eye-contact, giving a slight wave to the Monk

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard

Lucan notices stuff. "I like snakes," he says. "Slick protects my mistress's honor." He tries to convice the Githyanki to keep his hands to himself, without scaring him off entirely.


That sounds like an intimidate to me.

[roll0]

[Haberdashery]

It took him a moment. The Shepherd was never one for quick decisions, or quick realizations, for that matter. He looked back up at Aramil, his shiny black eyes blinking.

"Wait, you can see her too?"

[Hzurr]

DM Post

At Lucan's words, Farrell stands (still slightly wobbly), his bloodshot eyes looking frantic. "It'sh not my fault...no one told me that the stone was sacred to Zehir! I promise, I can get it back, I jus' need more time." He's still very intoxicated, but the earlier mirth and boasting is now gone, and has been replaced with panic.

Suddenly he stops, and looks at the drink Lucan just bought for him. "Oh gods..." His eyes widen in horror, and he stumbles across the room towards the door. Just outside, he leans over and after a few failed attempts, shoves his finger down his throat, and vomits loudly in the gutter.

Religion DC 15 Zehir is the evil god of poison and assassins, and snakes are his favored creations.

[Mando Knight]

Aramil takes a sip of his wine. "She looks to be as real as I am."

He waves his hand in the Goliath-ess's direction. "She seems interested in you, go ahead and talk to her."

[Haberdashery]

Finally allowed to stare at her without looking like a madman who is staring into blank space, the Shepherd stares at her with wide, bewildered, and almost entirely frightened eyes. He turns back to Aramil again, and whispers furiously in his ear.

"...what do I say?"

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

Pavick unceremoniously flops onto the ground as the captain jumps up. He looks up at first a little annoyed at having been dropped on the ground, but as he watches Farrell's reaction, his annoyance quickly turns to laughter. Pavick lays in the middle of the dirty bar room floor laughing to himself hysterically. The ridiculous situation seemed to have finally taken it's toll on him. After 30 seconds or so, he is able to pull himself up to his feet and looks over to see the captain retching just outside.

He tugs on Lucan's sleeve, bringing him down to share a private word. "What in the name of Olidammara is going on around here?"


Yes, I realize Olidammara is a 3e god, but he seemed the best name to invoke for this situation. If it's a big deal to you, I suppose I can change it.

[Mando Knight]

"Just... go and say hello to her, ask her where she's from, that sort of thing." Aramil does not have nearly a large enough nose to write poetry with which Shep could woo the woman.

[Toric]

Beneath the magical disguise, sweat runs down the male drow's nose as his shadow hobbles off. That was close. Still, even if it didn't turn out the way he intended, his goal is accomplished; "Vendis" will bother them no more this night, the poison should see to that. He'll be back the next day, surely, but there is time to think about that before Eilistraee's meeting. The curly-haired human nods to the clerics as he makes his way back into the temple.

---

"It's done. That one won't be following us for a while." says a quiet voice behind Eltain. "I'll be ready to leave when you are."

[Haberdashery]

The normally courageous spirit of the Shepherd has seemingly sunk just as much as his face had at this very moment. His eyes lower, saturated with uneasiness as his picks himself up from his seat on unsteady legs. He had stared down the great of an Eye Tyrant, laughed in the face of the spawn of the Abyss, sold his soul without even a second thought to a temptress from the Nine Hells...and yet this woman, this strange...oddly...very attractive woman filled him with a sense of fright he had never felt before. His very skin tingled, and his tongue swelled in his throat; his hands searched frantically for pockets to thrust into until he remembered that his shepherding smock had none to speak of.

The walk across the room felt to be hundreds of miles long; the trek through the mountains into Fallcrest felt like a casual stole about the park compared to this long, grueling trek across the bar. His feet shuffled in their mottled sandals, refusing to take his normal bold, poised and tranquil steps.

When he had finally reached her, he stared into those eyes, those...those lovely eyes that reminded him of pristine alpine lakes as the morning sun touched them just right in its ascent into the wakening sky. He had to say something to her. Something wonderful, something that...something that could only come from a shepherd, something utterly majestic and profound. A shepherdism the likes of which had never been uttered before. The Shepherd opened his mouth.

"pehsmiouyerawoholleh."

....sh!t.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

The female Goliath watches Shep as he makes his way slowly across the room. Her eyes shine as he approaches, and she leans forward with a smile as he opens his mouth. At Shep's word's however, her face freezes. She blinks, and bites her lip in confusion. After a long moment, she gives a hopeful smile. "Hrm...do you speak Common? <I also know a little bit of Giant?>" The voice is low and rocky, but flowing, like a waterfall cascading off rocks.

OOC: Could I get a perception check from Shep?

[Haberdashery]

That was odd. There was a funny feeling in the pit of the Shepherd's stomach when he looked at her up close. And that...hmmm. It was a little troubling for the poor Shepherd, and it showed on his face. He had never met another of his kind before; frankly, he didn't even know if he had a kind. How exactly would he know what an odd trait would be if he hadn't ever seen a female goliath before? Maybe they all had that. Though...hmmm. That was probably the case, and he was over-thinking as usual, but... It did seem like a lot of people were turning up to have those.

The Shepherd picked his face back up off the floor. She did have a very pretty face, and it looked the same as it had, but it was often the way with the Shepherd that when something began to bother him, it would bother him to the point of making it impossible for him to look at something the same way again. He smiled a half smile at the woman, his nerves melting away, that little flutter had fluttered off.

"Common is fine," he said politely, nodding his head; the Shepherd had returned to his normal state of mind and center of focus.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

The female Goliath gives a sigh of relief. "Oh good. My Giant isn't what it used to be." As if she suddenly realizes that they are communicating, she quickly breaks eye contact, and tries to find anything other than Shep's face to look at. This inevitably leads her to look the obvious, as her face contorts slightly with curiosity. She clears her throat. "I like your...robe. It's very...hrm...purpley."

[Haberdashery]

The Shepherd chuckled. "Madam, I believe you must not be looking at it right." He straightened his golden kimono.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

The Goliath looks at the robe again. "Oh...right. Sorry, it looked...purpley to me." She clears her throat awkwardly, but she finally extends her hand "I'm Horvath."

A smile forms on the stoney face, as her eyes sparkle. "I'd ask your name, but I think I already know it. You're the Goatherd, yes? I've heard stories..."

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain ponders what he saw, and decides that it's surely a sign that Corellon is pleased with him at the moment. His prayers ask for success in saving Shep's soul, strength to continue to be a good example, and for Zyrr to be able to see the beauty and joy of life without Lolth. When he finishes he stands and decides he's avoided another issue long enough, and seeks Eilistraee out.

"You are a priestess of Sehanine as well as Corellon, yes?" He frowns. "I... There is a grievous sin I have committed against her faith that has been weighing on me for some time. When I was younger, there... There was a girl I knew. She was beautiful and I wanted to help her, her mother was sick but they were too poor to afford any kind of help. So I... I was even younger then, and stupid. I decided that the best way to help her, since my own temple wouldn't help, was to try to steal the money they needed. From, well, Sehanine's temple. In one of my worse leaps of illogic I figured that if I succeeded she would be amused by it, since I was motivated by love and following a more... Shadowy... path. As it turns out, though, I am a terrible thief and I was caught, and I ran away. I've never been back and by now between the crime and running the punishment for what I did would likely be death." He frowns, sighing. "I meant to bring it up to the last Sehanite priestess I met, but, er, other things happened and then it was just awkward to try to bring up the subject." He looks embarrassed. "But I've needed to confess this to a member of her faith, and seek guidance on what to do. I can hardly claim to be a proper servant of Corellon if I am an offense to his partner." He looks unhappy and awkward and embarrassed.

-----

When Zyrr returns, he nods and turns to him.

"I probably don't want to know what you did, so don't bother telling me." He grins. "Let's get back to the others. Did you still want to ask the priests of Melora if they have any advice?"

[Hzurr]

DM Post

As Eltain approaches and explains what he needs, she gives him a polite smile. "Yes, of course." As he explains the situation, she listens politely, but her face contorts a bit as he finishes. "Wait...that's it?" You notice she is trying very hard to suppress a smile, and is...moderately successful.

After a moment, she regains her composure, and looks Eltain in the eye. "What you were attempting to do is perfectly understandable by the faith of Sehanine. We do not condone stealing, but we recognize that there are...extraneous circumstances. As a general rule, I recommend you ask before attempting to steal, but as you said, you were young." She pulls out a holy symbol of Sehanine, a crescent moon, and touches Eltain's forehead. "You are forgiven by the church, and no offense is taken."

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard

Lucan leans over to whisper to Pavick. "It seems he lost something sacred to Zehir, the evil god of poison and snakes. He thinks we're here to collect. Let's go talk to him." Lucan follows after Farrell, and once he's finished his business, asks, "Tell us where you lost the stone. This doesn't have to end badly."


[roll0]

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Farrell wipes his mouth with his sleeve, and looks up at Lucan and Pavick. "I shold it to'n Efreet. He wassome sort of a art collector, and 'e offered me ten timesh as much. I didn't think it'd be misshed."

Behind you, the entire bar watches, but none interfere, even from his own crew.

"But don' worry. I'm gonna find 'im, I swear, and I'll get it back. I jusht need somemor' time."

[Toric]

Zyrr winks in reply. "Don't ask don't tell, eh? That'll help us get along much better."

He looks over his shoulder to the grand hall, and turns back with a shrug. "Yes, we should have time for that. Let's see what they know where nobody's been."

With one last polite nod to Eilistraee should she be present, the two make their way out to speak with the followers of Melora.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Near the edge of the temple district, you find the temple of Melora. Rather than a building, this temple instead appears to be a grove of thick trees, a dense forest packed into a city block, a spot of bright green life in an otherwise gray, urban sprawl. The contrast is amazing, but the brush is thick enough that it is near impossible to tell what lies past this barrier of trees.

At the front of the grove, a natural break in the treeline appears to be the entrance, and standing on either side are two crouched humanoids. As you approach, they stand and observe you, unblinking. At first glance, the pair appear to be human, but as you look longer, you notice their eyes appear slitted like a cat's, and their faces are angular and pointed. Their hair is dark, and thick, and their clothing appears to be leather tunics lined with a thick, white fur; yet around each of them, you spot a necklace with the seashell emblem of Melora.

The creature on the right steps forward as you approach, while the second one glances around, as if watching for danger. "Welcome, visitors. What brings you to the goddess of the wild's grove?"

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard

"Tell us about this efreet," Lucan says. "What's his name? Where is he? Maybe we can work things out, in turn for passage to the Tangle."

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Farrell looks confused. "Th'Tangle? Why'd you want to go there?" But after a moment, he holds up a hand "Nevermin'...I don' need t'know. Th'Efreet's name was..." He squnches up his face for a bit "Al'abhijeor. He runs an antiques shop at th'night market. But he won't sell it back, I've tried..."

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain picks up on Eilistraee's mirth and blushes a bright blue, snowing in embarrassment. He chuckles.

"I suppose compared to the things drow normally come from doing, it's an utterly foolish, insignificant thing to be worried about, but it has been wearing on me. Thank you."

-----

Eltain nods at the Meloran priest. There are no particular bonds between their faiths, but no true enmities, either. And the gardens are lovely.

"We find ourselves in need of traveling to the astral tangle, and figured that those of your faith were the best ones to ask for survival advice. As you may be able to guess, I have little experience in roughing it."

[Toric]

A forest. It had to be another forest. Even in a massive planar city.... there has to be a forest. Zyrr mentally swears that if he sees another forest again it'll be too soon.

Then he remembers they're going to a no-man's-land wilderness. Lolth has such a twisted sense of humor sometimes.

The keepers evoke a special interest from the assassin. Angled, predatory features. Smooth, gliding movements. And an obvious feral undercurrent to their actions. Zyrr approves.

"It's one of those unconquerable frontiers from what we understand, the kind that should have a seashell emblem penciled beside it on the charts. Anything you can tell us would be appreciated."

[Hzurr]

DM Post

The shifters look at each other, and the one who spoke nods. He turns back to examine the odd pair in front of you, while his partner disappears into the thick foliage behind him. "The Tangle? Not a popular destination. I am not familiar with it myself, but Cyrus will know."

A few minutes later, you can hear the sound of hoofbeats coming from within the grove. The shifter who had disappears moments before reappears, and takes his former position again, but from the thicket behind him, you see a large form emerge. At first, it appears to be another of these wild humanoids on horseback, but on second glance you realize that that the horse has no head, and instead it is all one creature, half-horse/half-man.

The Centaur leans over to examine you more closely. "My pack-mates tell me you are interested in the Tangle of Celestia. May I ask why you wish to go there? It is wild even by the standards of the godess..."

[Toric]

Zyrr smirks, weighing his options. Cryptic. Yes, cryptic seems a good way to start.

"Because we now have no choice. The soul of a friend is on the line, as well as that of a stranger."

[Haberdashery]

There was a sudden stirring in the Shepherd's chest, a feeling that he did not experience quite so often. He could only truly call it vindictiveness, despite the fact he didn't have a vindictive bone in his body that he was aware of. It might have been the fact that this woman had just likened him to a bastard child of an ornery mule...maybe that was more of it than the Shepherd liked to admit. But, and this part was crucial, both to his reasoning and in order to self justify his snippy feelings, he felt he could not trust the woman. One reason was because he hadn't ever seen another of his kind before. Frankly, for the longest time he had believed that when people pointed at him and called him a goliath that they were simply making fun of his height. The other stemmed from the fact that, even for someone who had never come to Sigil, he truly wondered just how popular he could have been to reach the ears of some goliath woman he had never met before. Maybe some of his companions, but he was the quiet one. The tall, hard to miss one, but quiet and simple nonetheless. And quite frankly, he hadn't exactly done anything remarkable, at least in comparison with his companions. He was still just a shepherd, and mind you a shepherd dammit, not some muck-dwelling goatherd thank you very much. Also there was the fact that he really didn't know who to believe in such a strange place, and when flanked on both sides by a short fellow with a bulging head and freakishly white eyes and a strange thing that looked like a cross between a stag beetle and a grizzly bear, he wasn't quite ready to believe that whatever this woman was was who she said she was. No matter what his judgment might be telling him about her smooth, and seemingly truthful exterior. More than once had a wolf tricked him, and he swore many times that such a thing would never happen to him again, will of the gods or not.

The Shepherd simply smiled, that same one, the safe, oddly pleasant smile, and shook his hooded head.

"I think you must be mistaken."

[Hzurr]

DM Post


-----------------Eltain & Zyrr--------------------

The Centaur frowns. "A soul?" He stamps a hoof in annoyance. "Let me guess, you made a deal with a devil?" He snorts, and scowls. "A month ago, a human came to me with the same story. His soul was on the line and he needed to find some ship that had crashed in the Tangle. Never saw him again."

One of the Shifters behind him mumbles something in elven that translates approximately to "Damn city-slickers going where they don't belong..."

Cyrus glances back, and arches an eyebrow. "Be polite..." He looks back to the pair of you, and crosses his arms in front of him. "I'll tell you the same thing that I told the human. Make sure you can find food and water. Anything you bring with you will rot within a day. Don't stay too long, or your gear will also rust and rot away within a week or so. That includes anything you may be wanting to trade with the locals, so if you're wanting a guide, you'll have to convince them some other way than trade or bribery. They distrust outsiders, and can be fiercely territorial, so if you make an arrangement with one tribe, and cross into the lands of another, it's considered an act of aggression. They don't like Orcs, either full-blooded or half-blooded, so if you have any of them coming with you, I recommend leaving them behind."

He glances at the two shifters. "Did I forget anything?" The one who had yet to speak mutters in a flat voice."Local Wildlife?"

The Centaur nods. "Right. Just about every damn plant or animal on that island is poisonous, so if you aren't certain, best to assume it can kill you." He scratches his thick, curly beard. "I guess that's about it. Anything else you need to know?"


--------------Shep-----------------

As Shep responds, Horvath looks into his eyes, and you see her jaw set, slightly. The hand she had extended drops, and she begins to lean forward, but her eyes flicker over to where Aramil sits at the bar, and she relaxes back into the chair. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend." she says, her gaze downcast. "I'll...um...I'll go now." She appears to be blushing slightly, as she puts a few coins on the table, and walks towards the door, quickly. Just before she leaves, she gives one last glance at Shep, before disappearing out the door.

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard

"So it's agreed?" he said. "We get this stone for you, and you'll help us track down the Strickweem?" He gives his best winning smile.


Use word of friendship to be super convincing
[roll0]

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Ferrel squints at you. "Wait...you guysh aren't here t'kill me?"

[Haberdashery]

The Shepherd watches her go, the stone wheels in his head slowly turning and ticking away. He slides back over to Aramil, and tilts his head down towards his companion.

"You're smart, Aramil. Tell me something. She had six fingers on one hand, and when she put her hands through her hair it sounded like leather. I did not trust her, even though she seemed genuine. Did I do the right thing?"

[Mando Knight]

Aramil gives Shep a quizzical look as he thinks. Then he smiles softly. "It may have been the succubus, disguised by an illusion. I don't know what more she would want from you, except perhaps to ensure her prize..."

What else he didn't know: he could have sworn the book he read earlier said a succubus could polymorph into any humanoid form... was he remembering right? If so, why use an inferior disguise such as an illusion?

Let's see if Aramil remembers correctly with his untrained Int skills...
[roll0] for devil lore (alas, since succubi are now devils, I can't use his fantastic Arcana modifier instead by RAW...)
[roll1]... if it's applicable for remembering the book's details correctly.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

OOC: hmm...this will still fall in the realm of Arcana, so I'll assume your check was higher.

Succubi can change their shape, but it is limited to medium creatures (although it is typically attractive females). Since a Goliath is so large, there's a chance that the shapechange was pushing it's limits and was imperfect, or it's possible the succubus just made a mistake. There's also no guarantee that it actually was the succubus.

[Toric]

"The human." Zyrr turns to Eltain. "Sounds like our stranger. If we're to succeed where he failed...." He presses a hand to his chin and concentrates.

"Hmm..... Is there anything he should have asked about?"

[Nai_Calus]

"Indeed. Please let us know, I cannot protect our friend's soul properly if I don't have all the knowledge I need to do so. Any advice you can give us on figuring out what kind of plants and animals aren't poisonous, if the water is safe to drink, that sort of thing?" He snorts. "At least you should be at home there, Zyrr. All the poison you could ever ask for."

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Cyrus pauses, and thinks for a moment, his tail swishing. "Hrmm...he should have asked if it was a good idea. he gives a half-laugh, half snort.

"As a general rule, I'd recommend only drinking flowing water. Even then, I'd recommend boiling it and blessing it if you have the means. Unless you have a guide, I'd say spend as little time as possible on the ground. That's where you'll find the larger predators. As far as animals go, if it's brightly colored, that's most likely a warning it's poisonous. If it isn't brightly colored, that most likely means it doesn't need to be poisonous, so you should really be worried. That's not always true, but it's a good guideline. If you do need a guide, I've heard that the Jepsik tribe is slightly more reasonable. They're on the Northern side of the island, if my memory serves."

The Centaur turns a stern eye on Zyrr. "And if your goal is to simply harvest more poison for your mistresses, you'll find it's not worth the price. We don't have much sympathy for those who plunder the wild for their own gain, and if you get yourself in trouble, it will be of your own doing.

[Toric]

Zyrr holds his hands up in a submissive gesture. "The thought never crossed my mind." Though that reminds me, I really should check in at the Lolth temple again. ...It can wait.

"So keep to the trees, be wary of poison, and we'll have to work our tails off to get anything worth eating. And get out in a week if we know what's good for us. I think that covers it. Thank you for your advice, hopefully we'll do better than the last one you gave it to."

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard

"Not today," Lucan says. "Not as long as you keep your end of your bargain." He leans in close. "Cross us, and that can change. Understand?"


[roll0]

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

Pavick tucks Slick back up the sleeve of his robe, even though it is obvious the wiggly little guy doesn't want to go. Within a few moments, Slick has taken his usual position wrapped around Pavick's forearm, but his little snake head still pokes out, nestling in the palm of Pavick's hand.

"So the question becomes what exactly do we need to do to get you to take us to the tangle? We'll do what it takes, but there are other captains in town if you ask too much." Pavick taps his foot waiting.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Farrell looks up at Pavick, and but his eyes keep drifting to Slick."I just don't want to die. I'll do whatever you say, I just don't want to worry about Zehir sending someone to kill me."

[Nai_Calus]

"Thank you for your help," Eltain says, inclining his head.

When he and Zyrr leave, he sighs.

"Sounds like a lovely place. I wonder how the natives even manage to survive if it's that bad, and why they don't just leave." He snorts.

"Maybe we should go visit the Lolthite temple now for maximum silliness. Although if one of your matrons tried to whip me, I don't think she'd find me willing to bow to her pitiful little matriarchy or backstabbing nonsense." He raises an eyebrow.

[Toric]

Zyrr's grin disappears as he slows his walk. "You understand how the only way I could get into Corellon's temple was with a paladin escort. I will admit, I've been inside the Lolthite temple, so believe me when I say that even if you played the 'I have turned away from our overbearing overgod' angle the only ways you might get out of the temple would be in the belly of a spider or in chains. Let's just go back to the Lady's Favor."

[Nai_Calus]

"I know that, Zyrr, it was a joke, of course we're going back to the inn," Eltain says, grinning. "I know better than to think I can just waltz into the temple of an evil goddess who hates my god and get away with it." He smiles. "Whereas, yes, Corellon is, if not actually good, at least not evil; and I am a clergyman and thus it would be assumed I have a reason for bringing you, be it merely as flimsy as not wanting you out of my sight. Although I supposed this one, with Eilistraee there, you might actually avoid needing me for." He looks distant. "I wonder if she's attached to anyone..."

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Farrell is still so concerned about the possibility of assassins, that eventually, he agrees to take you to the Tangle in exchange for simply not killing him. Once you've shaken on it (and he makes careful note not to shake Pavick's hand that has the snake in it), he gives you directions to a Portal at the edge of the Lower Ward. He's planning on heading out at midday tomorrow (at this point, you've more or less worked through the night, so this gives you about 32 hours).

OOC: Anything anyone wants to do in Sigil before you all head out?

[Toric]

(OOC: Well we can't just leave the drow subplot hanging, can we? ....The answer being yes, yes we can if the majority says so.)

Zyrr chuckles at Eltain's response. "You, a paladin, joking? Couple that with an assassin saving a life and surely it means something is wrong with the multiverse."

When the half-eladrin mentions Eilistraee's potential attachment or lack thereof, the drow does his best to look forward, face neutral. But slowly his lips purse, the corners of his eyes crinkle, and he glances to his traveling companion. "I should have guessed you'd hold an appreciation for the exotic. I'll warn you now, for your own good; however else a drow female differs from her cousins, one thing is agreed as constant between them: each is an undisputed mistress in the bedroom. Defy her rule at your own peril. If that doesn't scare you off, go for it." He shrugs as he continues walking.

---

Back at the Lady's Favor, Zyrr happily relates the information they gathered about the deadly poisonous flora and fauna of the Astral Tangle, the territorial tribes they might not be able to negotiate with, and the approximate week-long time limit they have before their precious gear goes the way of a piwafwi hung out to dry on a sunny day. As he nears the end, though, he begins to slow down, putting off something he inevitably must bring up.

"We've been invited to a get-together tomorrow night. Or rather, I've been invited and you can come if you wish. I was invited tonight by a non-Lolth-worshipping drow, to a gathering of non-Lolth-worshipping drow, as a sort of non-Lolth-worshipping drow support group. I understand if you'll be busy preparing or resting, but I believe there will be concessions available and it will be a good excuse to enjoy ourselves before embarking on a journey that may very well kill us."

Zyrr awkwardly draws a circle on the floor with his foot and looks up, focusing on Shepherd. "I don't know if goatsmilk will be on the menu."

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard

"Well," Lucan says to the others at the Lady's Favor, "Ferrell has agreed to take us to the Tangle, as long as we agree not to kill him." He gives Zyrr a long, hard look. "There's also a stone he sold to an Efreet, that if we could get, might be useful to make sure he doesn't abandon us."

When he learns more about the Tangle, he says, "There is a bard song that can provide nourishment, even when we can't bring food. I don't know it, though, and it requires an expensive focus."

[Mando Knight]

Aramil gives Zyrr a quizzical look. "Why do I get the feeling that you're only going there to scout for your mad mistresses?"

[Toric]

Zyrr responds pointedly, without meeting Aramil's eyes. "Because that is exactly the reason a typical drow would have to attend such a meeting. Though I'd hoped we'd established by now that I am most certainly not typical, I'll humor you. If I were simply spying for a mistress, I most certainly would not invite you all, particilarly not Eltain for obvious reasons, nor the Shepherd, because with that many confused animals gathered together there's no telling what he'd do.

...Unless by mad mistresses you include the one asking me to bring friends to the gathering in which case, one, I agree with your description, and two, yes that is precisely what I am doing."

[Haberdashery]

There is an indignant snort from the mountainous figure of the Shepherd.

"Then you can hardly call it a gathering."

[Toric]

Zyrr opens his mouth to respond to the Shepherd, but draw back, puzzled. ".....Explain."

[Haberdashery]

There is no further need for an explanation, what with the stony-faced expression the Shepherd gives the drow.




But the Shepherd never explained things anyway. This was nothing new.

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain rubs his forehead and ponders his sudden headache.

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

Pavick looks around at the others. "Sure, I'll go if you want. Might be fun. We need something to do to pass the time anyway. I doubt I'll run into Farrell there, and honestly, I don't relish meeting him again too soon. I'm hoping it was just the alcohol, but if not, I'm going to seriously need to teach him some basic facts about gnomish biology."

[Nai_Calus]

"Well, in the meantime, perhaps we should prepare for our journey. Lucan, see if you can track down that ritual and the focus you need for it, it sounds like it might be important, or see if you can find any alternatives if you can't or it proves too expensive. At least some way of purifying water. The priests of Melora didn't say anything about magical means not working, just that you couldn't bring anything in, although we might want to confirm with them that such things will work first before spending the money. I'll go see them again in case first."

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard

"Sure, I can do that," Lucan says. "But it's more than I can afford. If we want that, or any other rituals that can do the same thing, we may need to pool our resources."

[Hzurr]

DM Post

OOC: to avoid needing to make another trip, you know that magic can work, but non-native reagents and focii suffer the same fate as regular gear. They'll function, but after about a week or so they'll start losing potency and eventually rot away

[Nai_Calus]

"Well, we'll find out how much it costs, then, and see what we can do. We need to get started on such things soon, though. The clock is unfortunately ticking, and all the prayers to Labelas Enoreth in the worlds won't slow it."

(OOC: Fast-forward button and handwaving to get to plot-y things, yes? I so don't want to spend several days rolling streetwise checks until the forum roller likes us. :smallbiggrin: :smalltongue: Labelas Enoreth, by the way, is the elven god of time and longevity in older editions. I don't care what 4E Pelor is the god of, Labelas came first. :smalltongue: )

[Toric]

"And while that's being done, I'll need something to occupy my time until tomorrow night; I really have only one major thing to do aside from trance. I'll dig up some leads on that efreeti and his trinket. Who knows? Maybe I can get on his good side with a recipe for rothebone stoup."

To help move things along, as I understand it a [roll0] check might be needed to find the merchant in question, so I'm rolling it now. Along with a [roll1] to ask around for local watering holes that serve as excellent informal meeting places.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Asking around, Zyrr doesn't find a lot of information on the Efreet, but he does confirm that Al'abhijeor does run a booth at the night market, and it's said to specialize in...rather dark trinkets. Relics of evil gods, stones from the Far Realms, weapons crafted in the abyss.... They all seem to have a place in his store.

As far as local meeting places, there's a slew of taverns in both the market ward as well as the Lower Ward. The Lower Ward taverns are generally more low-key; but since many merchants frequent the taverns in the Market Ward, it's easier to get a private room to meet in. The two that Zyrr hears generally positive things about are "Residuum" a very upscale bar in the Market Ward, known for it's private and warded meeting rooms; and "Rory's Place" down in the Lower ward, owned by a Tiefling (who's name isn't Rory, oddly enough) and is a fairly large tavern but far from any main thoroughfares.

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain does ask-y thingies, askingly, to see if he can find something. He asks until he finds out things or runs out of time.

(OOC: Fine, here's five of them to get it out of the way, maybe one of them will succeed. I think my streetwise mod is +10, away from sheet.

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
)

[Hzurr]

ooc: What exactly are you trying to find out?

[Nai_Calus]

(Ooc: What Lucan and Eltain were just talking about. :| Where we can find the ritual and it's components and how much it will cost so we can get it or not.)

[Hzurr]

DM Post

After some asking around, Eltain finds a vender in the Bazaar who's selling the rituals and components Lucan was asking for. It takes a bit of haggling, but Eltain does manage to talk him down on the price.

OOC:
Basically, any of the ones you want can be found in Sigil. You only have to pay 75% of market price. Here are the ones dariathalon posted

{table]Ritual Name|Level|Component Cost + Focus|Market Price|Key Skill|Source
Purify Water|1|10|50|Arc, Nat, or Rel|Arc Power
Create Campsite|1|15|50|Nature|PHB2
Traveler’s Camouflage|1|10|50|Nature|Pri Power
Preservation|2|25|100|Arc or Nat|Dragon 366
Bloom|2|20|100|Nature|PHB2
Traveler’s Feast|4|35|175|Nature|PHB1
Call Wilderness Guide|6|144|360|Nature|PHB2
Song of Sustenance|8|135+680|680|Arcana(Bard)|PHB2
Detect Object|10|400|1000|Arcana|PHB1
Trailblaze|10|200|500|Nature|Forgotten Realms Player’s Guide[/table]

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard

Lucan, who's peering over Eltain's shoulder, browses through the rituals. "So which ones should we get? I like I don't think we can afford Song of Sustenance, so I think Traveler's Feast is the next best one. We'll need enough Residuum for a week, though. What do you think?"

[Toric]

Three locations. Three locations for two very different tasks. After sufficient time to rest, Zyrr decides to take the two-location task first. With a wave goodbye to the others, the drow makes his way..... back to the Temple of Lolth. To report like a good little drow.

[Haberdashery]

The party wouldn't have goat's milk. The Shepherd could scarcely believe it. Well, that wasn't particularly true, all through the Feywild he didn't see any proper goat's milk either. He just assumed these elves would have some sense. Obviously he was mistaken. Again.

But truly, this will not do at all. You simply can't call it a party without goat's milk. You could try, but you could also try to do a handstand without any hands. The Shepherd was just going to have to bring goat's milk to the party. He had his own supply, but that was for special occasions only; you can't waste the good stuff on just a simple gathering. But even the cheap stuff would do--otherwise the evening would just fall flat, and they'd probably all just sit there wondering what happened. Tch. They'd probably have cow milk instead, Great Goat in the Sky forbid. Could you believe it? The Shepherd certainly couldn't. Cow milk. You know who likes cow milk? Goatherds. That's who.

Stupid elves. Must he hand-walk them through everything proper?

[Hzurr]

DM Post

As everyone splits to head off to various shopping destinations and taking care of last minute details, Zyrr makes his way back to the now familiar temple district, to the temple of Lolth.

Again, you are made to wait for well over an hour before a priestess finally appears. Eventually, the same priestess as before comes out and examines him with that same look of disgust, and the same snake headed whip in her hand. The familiar blow to the back and spiked heel against your cheek soon follows, and with a sneer she speaks. "So, You visited the temple. Did you find what you were tasked with?" she softly strokes the head of one of the snakes that makes up her whip as she awaits your response.

[Nai_Calus]

"I must admit I only dabble in the Bard's art, so I don't know for certain which will be best. I do think regardless that we need to get a way to ensure that we have safe water. You can last without food far longer than you can without water. Neither are pleasant, but the latter is more vital. I do have some money if we need to pool resources."

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

Pavick tags along with Eltain and Lucan on their trip to the marketplace. "Yes, purifying water would certainly be useful. I think this preservation ritual is at least worth a look too. Whatever causes things to rot in the Tangle might be overcome by this ritual. If so, it could definitely save us a lot of work. Bloom, Traveler's Feast, and Song of Sustenance could all provide us with food if it doesn't, though I'm not sure how useful they'll be. Bloom, if we're not careful about where we cast the spell, will probably just net us a whole lot of poisoned apples. Song of Sustenance would be a lot safer, but also would cost a lot more than I have. Even if we pool our resources, it'd be expensive. Traveler's Feast seems like it might be the way to go from my perspective too. Then there's the problem of components. Since most components from around here will rot fairly quickly, we should probably try to make contact with locals as soon as possible. Not only can we get some information from them, but maybe we can trade for local components that will last through our trip."

[Toric]

Zyrr breathes in the scent of the floor. Blood, sweat, and mingling perfumes. The familiar smell of home. Along with the familiar arrowhead of home pressing threateningly down on his head. So very unlike that strange smiling woman. Why ever would any drow want to leave this?

"Yes, I found this priestess. And she's not just the goddess-defying heretic you said, but a madwoman above and beyond." he states, voice slightly muffled by the object pressing his cheek to his teeth. "She hardly seemed concerned about my intent, practically begging me to take an invitation to her next meeting. I have a copy of it here." He slowly reaches into a pocket and pulls out a slip of paper with his handwriting, using the hissing of the whip vipers to gauge whether he's overstepping any bounds. "Tonight. Two hours after what passes for dusk here. A place called 'Residuum.' I've been instructed to take a roundabout route and I would like to keep my renegade facade until the web closes, so I request that I travel to this gathering myself, that I might be at this Eilistraee's side with dagger in hand."

Yeah... That's totally not the meeting place [roll0]. If this roll fails, I'll use the Daily effect of my Lucky Charm to add [roll1] to the result.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

She gives a slight smile at Zyrr's words, but you can still see the sneer behind it. The foot lets up, and she motions for the Assassin to stand. "Well done, male. I'm glad to see you weren't so foolish as to be taken in by this traitor. I assure you, your services will not go unrewarded. In fact, I-" She pauses, looking at Zyrr's face for a moment. There's a long moment where neither breathes, as the priestess stares into the assassin's eyes. The snakes at the end of the whip begin twitching in anticipation.

Eventually, she resumes speaking, breaking the tension. "Keep your blade close by tonight. We will strike down the blasphemers of the Spider Queen together. You may go..."

She turns, and walks back out of the temple, the spikes on the back of her heels clicking on the stone.

((Could I get an insight check from Zyrr))


[I]OOC: And an opposed insight roll: [roll0] vs a 36 DC +2 circumstance bonus for Zyrr

[Hzurr]

DM Post

It's impossible to say exactly what it is that tips Zyrr off. Maybe the way she walked, or perhaps the lack if an insult or threat as she left. Either way, Zyrr is left with the unshakable impression: She Knows.

[Toric]

She knows. She broke the rules this time because she knows. And however malleable the assassin's plan might be, this does not fit into it in the slightest. Gone is any chance to play both sides, much like that moment months ago when he found himself plunging a dagger through a certain necromancer's neck.

Zyrr's feet fall faster than usual as he passes back out of the temple. He has a definitive skip in his step, practically dancing his way through the crowd, keeping a constant shuffle of people around him in all directions. His famous grin is back, static, tight, his back teeth pressed against each other. The priestess has caught him in a lie, but that doesn't mean he has to show the whole world. The Night Market will have to wait for... well, night, of course. For now, he doesn't recall anyone jumping to hire some mercenaries, so the assassin walks the now-familiar path (until the Dabus have their way with it) back to the Lady's Favor for a little extra help in that task. As he walks he rubs a spider trinket riding in a pocket. She must be laughing her abdomen off at her pawn now; demonic evil goddess or not, she loves changing the rules.

Should anyone be back in their room at Lucan's co-property, Zyrr greets them with the following cheerful announcement: "Well, my life is suddenly in shambles. Who wants to go hire some big thugs to threaten violence for us?"

[Nai_Calus]

(OOC: We'll assume Eltain has returned because it amuses me to have him there.)

Eltain sighs.

"What did you do now? And precisely who do you plan to threaten?" He rubs his forehead. "If you need someone to beat you and degrade you that badly I can do it, but you've got to stop kowtowing to those insane priestesses of yours."

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard

"So, Traveler's Feast and Purify Water? Those seem like they'd be the most useful," Lucan says.


OOC: Since OOC Lucan can afford Traveler's Feast and 5 days worth of reagants, we can spend leftover cash to get purify water. Just in case.

[Toric]

For one, the truth comes spilling out of Zyrr. The truth about how he managed to get away from the Underdark this time - that is, under strict supervision, the mission he was charged with to kill the woman he's meeting tonight, how he horribly bungled his attempt to keep one foot in Lolth's web and the the other near Eilistraee, and that he now expects his kin to start tearing down everything around him on the surface world.

"Eltain's safe, he has no family to speak of. Sorry, but it's true. Aramil's family is mostly in the Feywild so he's safe. Shepherd.... Most drow haven't heard of a goat, so his flock's safe. Lucan's only known family is currently in the most secure safehouse possible, so that just leaves Pavick's family. Precautions should be taken; I'd rather us not come back from a long trip to save one man's parent just to find out another man's parents have been compromised.

The violence thing? That's easy. I mean that we hire mercenaries for our trip. They convince anything that attacks the ship while we're on the Tangle to stop."

[Mando Knight]

Aramil, conveniently, has been sitting at a table in a shady corner, wearing a cloak. He had a mission to complete in Sigil, after all.

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain sighs. He'd been expecting something just like this, of course. So many of the drow tried to keep both lives. All learned before long that it was one or the other. The Spider Queen and her minions would never accept one veering from the 'proper' course, especially not a male.

"Oh, Zyrr. What are we going to do with you?" He rubs his forehead. "Yes, we've got to make sure everyone who can be warned is warned. Pavick's parents, we've got to make sure they're protected. Aramil's family as well. Shep's goats are probably safe, yes... Lucan, is your mother still alive? We should warn her if she is. And yes, I've got no one we know of. None of us should go out alone, for that matter. Although if they're going to go after those around you, I'm probably the prime target, simply because we've been seen together so much and because, well. I'm a Paladin of Corellon, they want me dead on general principle." He ponders. "Well, perhaps when we get back we can use me as bait to drag them out."

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

All the color drains from Pavick's face. His mouth opens and he tries to speak, but it doesn't work. The words don't come at first; it is difficult to speak without exhaling the panicked breath he holds. Finally, he forces it out. "My... My parents?" He may not LIKE his parents much, but he did LOVE them and did not want anything to happen to them.

He climbs up onto a chair to look Zyrr straight in the eye. "Listen." He thrusts out a finger towards the drow's chest. "If whatever you've done causes ANY harm to come to my parents I will never forgive you." He spins around plopping himself down in the chair and rocks back and forth nervously.

[Toric]

Zyrr stares at Pavick. Resisting the urge to pat the gnome on the head reassuringly, he stands with hands behind his back. "Then that will make two of us. Your mother's cookies are wondrous, and the world would be a darker place without them." The heavy tone of his voice and the grave look on his face suggest that either he has some deeper feelings or he just really likes those cookies.

"But we shouldn't need to be on high alert right now. No drow actually witnessed my travels from the Underdark to Sigil, so the only way Pavick's family will be in danger is if they can divine his identity. Besides, arranging for them to stay as guests of the Rex family for a week should suffice; my kin aren't about to storm a fortified estate because one drow defected, however skilled." Zyrr wipes the dampness off his brow with a cloth, calming as he reminds himself of the facts currently in his favor. "Nobody will strike directly at us today either, most likely. From what I gather, nobody outside this room knows that I suspect I'm targeted for heresy, and I am needed to reach a much more important target. We can continue acting as though nothing is wrong until we leave for the Tangle tomorrow - perhaps hurriedly."

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf Bard

Lucan blinks at Eltain's warning. He hadn't thought that his adventuring might affect his family. "My mother and sister are with the tribe. We can send a warning to them, but it may take a while to reach them. The tribe's hard to find sometimes."

[Hzurr]

DM Post

As Aramil sits brooding in a corner while Zyrr and Eltain go about their business in town, word subtly spreads about his search for capable mercenaries. A number of creatures of all shapes and sizes approach him, but most prove to be exceptionally unfit. Eventually, however, there are a few worth considering.

---

"Ah, my lord is looking for men-at-arms, yes?" The crimson skinned Tiefling in front of you strokes a well-oiled goatee. "Well, he would indeed be hard pressed to find a better force than the Tuathian Legion, commanded by yours truely." The Tiefling gives a slight tilt of his head. "I am Verathi El'thian, captain-commander of the Tuathian Legion. We make use of both spell and blade, cunning and force; using techniques developed by the legendary empire itself, yes? Your enemies will be our enemies, and in your service I can swear that we shall make the planes tremble at the sound of your name."

---

"I will not wayste your time. My name iz Phillipe Rôdeur, and ze men under mah commande are ze finest archers in ze world." The elf in front of you stands at attention, but speaks quickly, and in an accent that tells you he has not had much experience with common. "We mobilize quickly, and zhere are none who can match us in ze wild. Whezher you have need of troops for small skirmishez, or to defend a keep, zhere are none who will slip past the sharp eyes and sharper arrows of my men."

---

The insectoid creature in front of you clicks his mandibles awkwardly as his antennae probe the air around the two of you. "You seek hunters. You seek warriors. <click> My clutch are these things. We watch when others would sleep; <click, click> we press on where others would give up; we attack when others would surrender. <Click click>" The Thri-Kreen pauses, as it tries to adjust it's thorax into a chair never meant for a creature of his shape. "I am Lakta-cha, leader of the clutch. The clutch fight with claw. The clutch fight with spear. <click> The clutch fight with mind." As if to accent this point, the cup on the table begins to float in the air, seemingly on it's own accord, but you see one of the compound eyes focused on the object. "If you wish to become the head that points the clutch, we will allow this."

---

The dwarf slams his mug down on the table with a thump. "Ah, that hit th'spot." He gives the bartender a shout of praise, before turning his attention back to Aramil. "Right, where was I? Oh, yes, your little problem. Well, I've got men under my command that could meet your needs, no doubt about it. Naturally, some of them aren't too keen on the idea of working for a bunch of pointy-ears." He holds up a thick hand. "No offense meant." He strokes his thick beard and smiles. "But there are few who will turn down your gold, that's fer certain." He gives a laugh, and claps Aramil on the shoulder. "My men are battle-hardened. Fighting Drow and Goblin mainly, but we've had some experience with all sorts. We've got a number of priests of Kord in our ranks as well, so we're able to tend to our own wounded and keep pressing on, even in the heat of battle. Doesn't matter what we're up against, when a group of Dwarves like my men draw a line in the sand, there's nothing that will get past that line."

OOC: If Aramil isn't really crazy about any of these choices, he can continue interviewing applicants.

[Nai_Calus]

"Yes, let's just go ahead with our previous plans. Don't let them know we know that they know." His eyelid twitches and a single snowflake falls to the ground at his feet as he says the sentence.

"And of course try to make sure your little friend doesn't follow us." He frowns.

When the time comes for the meeting, Eltain gathers Zyrr and whoever else is coming, and goes along with whatever Zyrr's plan for losing a tail is.

(OOC: I vote we grab him, drag him into the Corellite temple, yell 'Look out, a drow!' and then run, because it would be silly and potentially backfire since Zyrr is also a drow, but yeah, not the best plan.)

[Hzurr]

DM Post

OOC: I assume Zyrr is taking point on trying to losing any tail you may or may not have, so let me know how you want to do that, and I'll give you the appropriate checks.

[Mando Knight]

With all four potential groups, Aramil attempts to determine their group size, their ability to deal with cold-based attacks and fey, and if they were interested in sending a small escort detachment for a relatively short excursion, to protect a vessel while the rest of its occupants went ashore for a period of time.

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

Pavick takes a deep ragged breath. "Before we leave Sigil, we'll need to arrange to send messages to whoever needs informed about this mess. I can do a couple of Sending rituals, but we'll need to figure out what to tell them."

He stands up, and pushes the sleeves of his robe up. The oversized sleeves promptly fall back down around his hands. "Let's get going to this meeting. Anything I can do to support drow getting out from under the thumb of their bitch-queen, I'll support whole-heartedly."

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Out of the four groups, Verathi El'thian's Tieflings are the smallest, with only 100 or so members. However, it seems like they are are very independent, and sending a few out on a trip like this is simple to do.

Phillipe Rôdeur and Lakta-cha each lead a group 200-300. Small squads also seem to be something that their group does easily, yet they all seem fairly tight knit, so taking a small group far away from everyone else is doable, but it would take some convincing.

The dwarf (named Caddox Lochmoren) leads by far the largest group, with nearly 500 dwarves under his command. However, it looks like they rarely subdivide into groups of less than 50, and tend to focus more on large-scale combats.

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain ponders. "We shouldn't give specific details... Maybe say an old enemy has resurfaced and may be targetting our families and associates. Keep it vague, but leave enough detail that they know it's not a jest."

Eltain grins at Pavick's support for the drow.

"Glad to hear it." He turns to Zyrr. "Lead on, then, and let's lose ourselves a tail."

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard

"Vague, but detailed. In twenty-five words or less," Lucan muses. "This will be a challenge."

[Toric]

Once business arrangements are done with the merceneries, Zyrr is sure to add one last request. "Umm, could we get... say... four or so of these folk to come with us tonight? The strongest among them. Tell them not to expect fighting, just a rather large parcel to bring to the ship."

---

"Certainly." Zyrr replies to Eltain, while pouring a familiar mixture onto his glove to be magically soaked up and putting the finishing touches on a modified earring he clips to his side. (Storing Carrion Crawler Brain Juice in the Poisoner's Gloves) "Now, before we leave, point out 'Vendis' if you see him tagging along. He probably won't act hostile, so please, no weapons until I say so."

Without any further explanation, the drow makes his way out into the late sunset, skipping merrily in front like the little bullseye he is. Walking into a dark elf trap filled with other dark elves, with only the faintest idea of my own trap at hand. Zyrr'delin thinks as he continues down the streets. Whatever happens tonight, it's going to be fun.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

To get a group of the mercs available to come with you on such short notice will be difficult, but any of the groups can arrange to have some of their men meet you there

OOC: Could I get a perception/arcana check from everyone?

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain's spidermagic senses tingle.

[roll0] Arcana
[roll1] Peception

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf Bard

Still thinking hard about his message, Lucan's not really paying close attention to his surroundings. ("Dear Mom, Do you remember the time I took Martia's bow and you made me give it back? Well, be careful. Someone's after you. Love, Luc--" No, that wouldn't work? Would it? How many words was that? 1, 2, 3, 4, ... Was that 25 or 26?) Lena starts twittering in his ear about some magic or other, however.


[roll0]
[roll1]

[Hzurr]

DM Post

As you make your way across the city, everything seems to be normal. There's no sign of Vendis. Occasionally, you spot a drow behind you, but they all seem to wander off after a few blocks, and there's no indication that any were going out of their way to follow you.

Navigating your way through the Clerk's Ward is a bit different this time of day, as the daily workers begin leaving, the Civic Festhall is moving into full swing. The sounds of music and laughter only a half-dozen blocks away seem to fill the entire ward. As you move from one of the side streets onto a main thoroughfare a few blocks from your final destination, you find that this street is practically empty (by Sigil standards, which means there's still several people wandering about).

Leaning against a cart on the left hand side of the street, however, is Vendis. As you come near, he waves you over."Well, you made good time. I just barely got word of which direction you were headed. I figured you'd take a more roundabout way..." He pauses, looking all of you up and down. "Hmm...you aren't as tall as I remembered..." he mutters, looking at the Goliath.

Eventually, he turns back to Zyrr. "Look, I'm not unreasonable. I think I know where you're headed, but all I need from you is an address to confirm, and your clothes." He holds up a hand "Just outer garments, and armor; I don't want your skivvies or anything like that. But I need all of you to take them off, hand them over, and we'll be on our way." Again, he gives that nonchalant shrug. "I don't really care where you go after that, but I'm under orders, and those orders included force if necessary."

He gives a whistle, and from the rooftop above you see another Drow stand, with a chained gnome standing next to him. From behind you, there's a slight pounding as an ogre moves forward, with a pair of Drow behind him and a handful of Goblin slaves. The ogre is rather short for one of his species, but still stands a foot or two taller than the Goliath. He looks at Shep's golden Kimono and gives a grin. On either side, a pale humanoid steps out of the shadow. Their faces are saggy, and almost white, but as they look at you, their skin begins to ripple and re-form.

Vendis motions vaguely to the various newcomers, before making eye-contact with Zyrr. "Look, you seem like a decent fellow, even if you made a few dumb mistakes. We've got you surrounded, and all we need is your address and your cloak. Don't do anything stupid."

[Haberdashery]

The Shepherd stands to his full height, and thrusts out his broad chest, staring a look of shaggy magnificence into the ogre's face. His glassy eyes flash coolly in the light of the Sigil streets, and the cavalier, unimpressed look on his face practically screams, "You'll have to tear it off my cold dead corpse."

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Vendis sighs, and glances back behind him. From out of an alley up ahead, a drider steps out, and begins moving down the street. The various citizens wandering through the road quickly begin to move away from the battle they feel is about to ensue. Vendis looks at the Shepherd, and then to Zyrr. "Last chance."

[Mando Knight]

Earlier...

To Verathi, Aramil states "I'll need a small group of adventurers, not more then ten by my reckoning, to accompany me and a small group. The adventure shouldn't take much more than a couple of weeks, and we'll pay at least standard fare. In addition to that, I've got a long-term garrison and combat contract in the Feywild that might interest men of your skill."

To the elf with the outrageous accent (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa0cz2V_VqU), he speaks in Elven instead. <Good. I have need of a band of archers. Something big is happening in the Feywild, and my side needs as many able bodies as it can get.>

To Lakta-cha, he replies "Your people are not a kind often seen in the Feywild. If your clutch is willing, I have a need for hunters who can catch my prey there by surprise."

To Caddox, he says "Sir Lochmoren, if your five hundred warriors fight for my kin half as well as you say, we would surely put aside our past differences. We would certainly be honored to have Kord's blessing for the war that is to come, as well. Whether it is gold or battle your warriors have need of, you shall have plenty of it."

On the street...

Aramil sizes up the situation. "Oh, our things, too? Sorry, but I'm afraid that I'm the only one able to wear my sword."

[Hzurr]

DM Post

earlier...

OOC: So Aramil is choosing e) all of the above. Well, I guess he can do that, since the family is footing the bill...

Verathi gives the swordmage a nod. "That sounds do-able, yes. And as for the Feywild, this wouldn't have anything to do with the rumors I've heard about Eladrin troops mobilizing would it?" He gives Aramil a not-so-subtle wink. "I agree. Now, let's discuss my fee..."

---

Phillipe Rôdeur arches an eyebrow. "<Ze feywild? My men will be pleased. I look forward to showing you what a wize investmant you have mahde.>" He extends his hand with a smile.

---

Lakta-cha gives a bow, antennae twitching. "<click> The clutch welcomes you as the one who will direct the clutch-head." He reaches up with his upper set of arms, and begins working something in his mandibles. After a moment, he presents you with what looks like a sphere of some sort of resin. You assume that this is how deals are sealed between Thri-Kreen.

---

Caddox gives a laugh. "Gold or battle? Why can't it be a bit of both?" he raises his mug. "Aye, I think we can do business together, lad." He drains his glass. "Now, let's discuss details. I've got three units of..."

(We can assume that the continuation of all these negotiations went smoothly.)

[Toric]

Well this is certainly more, well, direct than Zyrr was expecting from a fellow drow. He greets Vendis with a friendly smile. "Oh, but then I might not have run into you. And I was so looking forward to this meeting." It's unclear whether he's being sarcastic or not.

His smile drops when "Vendis" begins barking orders and the plan begins to come together. They need an address and outer clothes, nothing else. It's obvious, they mean to impersonate the Fallcrest heroes.

"It's funny, I'd say the same thing about you, whatever your real name is. Professional, level-headed, you just made a few mistakes."
He casually rests his hands on his hips.

Zyrr being who he is, he can put himself in "Vendis"'s shoes. Were he to attend an event in another man's stead, step one would be to ask for clothes. This would make step three simpler, being disguising himself in an unsuspicious manner. Step two would be, if not for present company, killing the other man to prevent a breach of disguise. He is not about to be the other man.

"Your first mistake was crowding me while I was doing my work. Reminding me just what I've been these last few months. Your second was thinking you could threaten me."

[roll0]

With a blur of his left hand, a dagger appears just as the drider enters. Let this lesser avatar of Lolth's wrath face him. If it should die by his hand, surely she won't mind too badly.

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain snorts derisively.

"I have a counter-offer. Dismiss your minions and come with us. Give up this life of madness and slavery. Do you truly wish to spend all your life as a disposable tool, discarded the moment your mistresses bore of you? There is a better way. It does not have to be like this. Let us help you." He sighs. "And if you will not see sense, then you won't have to worry about your mistresses anymore. We'll rip you apart and you'll beg for their mercy. I do not suffer fools."

Diplomacy: [roll0] (+18, 30)
Intimidate: [roll1] (+15, 25)

(OOC: Back at sheet. Know what my mods are.)

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

Pavick stares hard at Vendis, but does not speak. He knows there is usually little use trying to peacefully interact with someone once they've decided where they stand. Eltain was attempting a fool's errand, but still it was endearing that he made the attempt. Being honest with himself, causing a few drow some pain would feel good today after the threat that they've caused.

His hard stare passes from Vendis to the drider, then the ogre with his drow and goblins, and finally up to the drow on the rooftop holding the chain of a gnome. Finally his expression softens slightly, he's seen far to many of his people in slavery recently. Maybe he could help his brethren yet again.

He reaches into the large pocket of his robe and caresses the orb there, ready to pull it out if needed.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Vendis looks at Eltain for a long moment, as if hearing something for the first time. However, the moment is broken as the Drider moves up behind the Drow. "Get on with it....I want to bleed them..." it hisses. Vendis glances over his shoulder at the creature, and his eyes quickly dart to the Drow on the rooftop watching him, as well as the other drow in the back before returning his attention to the group in front of him.

He gives a half smile towards Eltain. "You and I know that's the Spiderqueen never lets anyone go. Nice try, though." He draws a long rapier in his left hand, and a dagger in his right. "Sorry about this, but I'm afraid we're going to have to take things by force. Again, it's only business." He gives another whistle, and the servants of Lolth begin to close in around you.

The street you are in is fairly wide, and lined on either side with the odd assortment of houses and buildings normally found throughout Sigil, with no two really looking like they belong. The few carts and stalls that were still here have been quickly abandoned as tensions heated, and the street is more or less empty. In the alleys and on the edge of the street, you can make out the deadly razorvine growing.

Map:
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/96/encounter41.png

Map Key
http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/2142/pctokens12.png

Initiative:
Zyrr - K11
Shep - M16
Aramil - J13
Lucan - M12
Eltain - N14
Pavick - J16

Vendis - I9
Drow Soldiers - J20, N21
Drider - K5
Skintaker - H11, P12
Arachnomancer - P6
Gnome Slave - P7
Goblin Slave - L22, O19, P20
Ogre - L18

[Haberdashery]

The Shepherd - HP 83/83, AC 28, Fort 24, Ref 26, Will 26

It dawned on the Shepherd, as he stood there in the moments of silence before the plunge, that between his hands he still held the jug of goat's milk he had promised himself to bring to the little gathering. The Shepherd cracked his neck. It was against his shepherdly ethos to let good goat's milk go to waste.

If the drow had never tasted goat's milk, perhaps it was time to let them.

The Shepherd hoisted the jug up onto his shoulder in one graceful hand, and began his dance. On light fleet that scarcely touched the ground, the Shepherd bounded forth, swinging the clay jug in graceful, milky arcs. If goat's milk could bring happiness, it could also bring death, as the whirling throes of frothing madness swept through his foes like the winds of a hurricane.

His dance concluded, the Shepherd pulls a thin, rock-hard wafer from the little parcel he carried beside the jug. They were supposed to be crackers to serve with the milk. But, as they say, waste not want not. The wafer soared through the air like a discus, taking a drow in the neck.


EDIT: Whoops, Shep's attack roll is +16, not +14. All of his attacks should be 2 points higher. I'll put a strikethrough and post the proper result next to each attack.

Standard Action: Spinning Leopard Maneuver
The Shepherd will shift his speed, moving through the following squares in this order: M17 -> N18 -> N19 -> O20 -> N20 -> M21. When he is adjacent to each creature, he makes the following attacks against them.
Attack vs. Ogre's Reflex: [roll0] 33
Damage: [roll1] damage plus [roll2] poison damage, half damage on a miss.

Attack vs. O19 Goblin's Reflex: [roll3] 32
Damage: [roll4] damage plus [roll5] poison damage, half damage on a miss.


Attack vs. P20 Goblin's Reflex: [roll6] 17
Damage: [roll7] damage plus [roll8] poison damage, half damage on a miss.


Attack vs. N21 Footsoldier's Reflex: [roll9] 31
Damage: [roll10] damage plus [roll11] poison damage, half damage on a miss.


Attack vs. L22 Goblin's Reflex: [roll12] 27
Damage: [roll13] damage plus [roll14] poison damage, half damage on a miss.

Free Action: When Shep is either N19 or N20, provided he hits one of the creatures that he attacked, he will use Centered Flurry of Blows on the Ogre for 6 damage, and he slides the Ogre to L-M20, and will gain combat advantage against him until the end of his next turn. Shep will then use Starblade Flurry to target an additional creature with his Flurry of Blows, dealing 6 damage to the Footsoldier in J20.

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard
HP 77/77 AC 26 Fort 21 Ref 22 Will 25

Startled out of his contemplation by the drow attack, Lucan unslings his bow and spins to shoot the drow right on top of him--until he realizes that it's Zyrr. He checks his shot and instead fires arrows at the creepy guy right next to him. Wait, that wasn't Eltain or someone, was it?


Minor
Draw bow

Standard
Use twin strike on P12 skintaker
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3] Crit damage: 27 (see OOC thread)

If he's a minion, and the first arrow pops him, then target H11 skintaker with second arrow instead.

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain - 88/88 - 31/21/23/25

Eltain has had quite enough of slavery, thank you. Once more seeing a gnome, one of his fey brethren, in chains sets his teeth on edge. So be it. If these spider-kissing, slaving bastards wouldn't see reason, then he would bring Corellon's wrath upon them. First, though, was to free the slave and deal with his keeper. The essence of the Feywild, burned into his veins through birth and careful practice, swirls about him, and a quick step forward teleports him to the roof near the drow. He rushes towards the drow, his sword drawn, trying to keep his balance on the roof, slashing at the drow. He fails miserably, losing his balance and utterly missing the drow in his attempt to not fall off the roof. He remembers why he doesn't bother trying to be heroic most of the time and sighs. No matter how much he trains, when it comes time for the real thing, he always fails. Always. He wonders yet again why Corellon even bothers with him.


Fey Step to R10, charge to Q7.
Ardent Strike on the drow:
[roll0] vs AC
On hit: [roll1] and he's subject to my divine sanction until the end of my next turn.
The acrobatics roll that will turn this from cool and badass to stupid-looking and L1 chumpness: [roll2]

[Toric]

Zyrr - 75/75
27 AC, 22 Fort, 26 Will, 24 Ref

"It never is." Zyrr steps back toward Lucan as he finishes the echo, drawing a dark grey rapier with a black edge dripping with poison fresh from his glove. Upon backing up, he slides his feet together, standing straight, leveling his main weapon at his stalker and would-be doppelganger. "En garde." He can't help but smirk at himself as he propels himself forward, dagger-hand squared toward the humanoid to his left.

Action 1: Free Action: Draw Flesh-Seeking Rapier.
Action 2: Minor Action: Use the Poisoner's Gloves to apply Carrion Crawler Brain Juice to the Rapier.
Power (Consumable, Poison): Minor Action. You apply the poison to your melee weapon or five pieces of your ammunition. Until the end of the encounter, whenever you hit a creature with a weapon attack using the poisoned item, the target takes 4 extra poison damage, and it is slowed until the end of your next turn.
Action 3: Shift to L12.
Action 4: Charge to J10 and execute a Melee Basic Attack against Vendis, spending my Assassin's Strike in the process.
[roll0] vs Reflex due to the Deft Blade feat.
[roll1] + [roll2] + [roll3] 98 Damage +2 Poison, and the target is slowed until the end of Zyrr's next turn.

Zyrr's aim is to nonlethally disable Vendis. He wants him alive. Also, if the strike connects if Vendis is still standing at the end of my turn, I will use the rapier's power.
Power (Encounter): Free Action. Use when you hit an enemy with this weapon. You gain a +1 power bonus to your next attack against that target with this weapon.


"Your third mistake, whatever in the Abyss your real name is!" Zyrr shouts as he jabs his rapier in. Vendis parries with his own weapon, but finds his arm being forced downward, both blades guided to his leg. "Thinking I could ever!" A sliver of cold iron pierces his shoulder from behind as the assassin twirls around him. "Consider you!" The twin blades puncture his thigh, the venom hitting him with a rolling wave of burning agony followed by a sea of numbness. "A threat!" Bringing his rapier arm up and his dagger arm down, Zyrr tips his shadow forward... sending a face into his upward-swinging leg.

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard
HP 64/64, AC 22, Fort 21, Reflex 24, Will 26

Pavick grits his teeth as he pulls the orb from his pocket. As he does so, his other hand points out with sending two rapid blasts of cold energy trying to freeze the pale creatures where they stand.

Pavick glances around quickly trying to assess his position. When enemies are attacking from both sides the middle might not be the best place for him.

He whispers a few words to the other gnome, allowing his magic to carry them up to the rooftop. "Brother gnome, please don't resist. I will send you to safety and bring you back when we have defeated the drow and you are free." With a quick gesture Pavick called forth one of the nearby portals to carry the gnomish slave away to another plane. As a glow of white light forms around the slave and tries to carry him to another plane, a similar glow appears around Pavick. When the light around him disappears Pavick is no longer where he stood moments before.


Minor: Draw orb.
Standard: Icy Rays on the two skintakers.

H11 [roll0] doing [roll1] and immobilizing him until the end of Pavick's next turn.
P12 [roll2] doing [roll3] and immobilizing him until the end of Pavick's next turn.
Minor: Use gnome's Ghost Sound to speak to the other gnome privately.

Spend Action Point
Standard: Sequester on the gnome slave.

[roll4] Hit: The target is banished to a demiplane (save ends). The target disappears, cannot take actions, and cannot be targeted. On a save, the target reappears in the space it last occupied. If that space is occupied, the target returns to the nearest unoccupied space of its choice. You can expel the target from the demiplane as a free action, in which case it appears as described above. Since Pavick has the Spell Focus feat, the -2 to saves should cancel with the +2 you spoke about in the OOC thread.
Planeshifter's Action: Teleport to F12.

[Mando Knight]

Aramil
HP 100/100 Surge 25, 10/10
AC 28 Fort 22 Ref 24 Will 24

Aramil smirks as he mentally counts the targets. "Well, Zyrr, your friends sure do know how to start a party. They even gave us better than even odds."

With that, he walks (yes, walks!) into the fray, twirling his blade into an arcane stance as he suddenly shoots past his first target with a lightning-fast strike, reappearing by the drider with a second slash... though the second strike misses widely.
Minor: Impenetrable Warding... all defenses gain the +4 bonus from Swordmage Warding (+1 from Improved Warding) until the stance ends.

Move: Walk to J9 in a manner that avoids opportunity attacks

Standard: Dual Lightning Strike on Vendis and the Drider. Both attacks vs AC.
[roll0]
Hit: [roll1] and marked until the end of Aramil's next turn.
Teleport to J4
[roll2]
Hit: [roll3] and marked until the end of Aramil's next turn.

The Cloak of Translocation's property engages with the teleport, boosting Aramil's Ref and AC by an additional 2 each.
Ending Defenses:
AC 30 Fort 26 Ref 30 Will 28

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Zyrr's sudden lunge forward catches Vendis completely off guard. Vendis frantically tries to fend off the blades. He gives a cry of pain as the rapier digs into his legs, only to echo it a split-second later as the cold iron digs into his neck. Blood spurts out over Zyrr, and Vendis goes to one knee, spitting up blood. With a growl he raises his head, and looks at Zyrr. "Now it's personal."

The Shepherd glides through the crowd in front of him, milk jug swinging. It slams against the ogre's head with a *thunk*, and the backswing catches a nearby goblin by surprise, sending the creature flying through the air. The next Goblin is quick enough to duck under the swirling jug, and scampers away. As the Goliath whirls through the air, the jug takes out another goblin, and a flying foot catches a Drow under the chin. A quick follow up punch sends the ogre stumbling into a more advantageous position, and before the second drow can react, a wafer plunges into the his jugular vein, sending him to the ground, clutching his neck in agony.

Aramil strides forward with confidence, and but as he brings his sword down on Vendis, the Drow swipes with his short sword, blocking the blade and causing Aramil to miss by a hair's breadth. As the swordmage darts across the battlefield in a bolt of lightning, he finds himself staring up at the huge Drider in front of him, and his attack is easily blocked by the abomination's scimitar.

Lucan pulls out his bow, and with two sharp *twangs* sends a pair of arrows into the pale human next to him. The creature opens it's mouth in a cry of pain, but doesn't go down.

With a flash of snowflakes, Eltain disappears from the street and reemerges on the rooftops above. As he makes his way across the ceiling, a loose tile give way, and sends the Eladrin stumbling, causing his swing to go wild. Luckily, he maintains his balance enough to keep from falling prone in front of the pair.

Pavick's icebeams shoot true, and both of the pale creatures find themselves firmly frozen in place. The gnome slave's eyes widen as he hears Pavick's voice in his head, and he gives a slight nod as he disappears with a flash.

Vendis slowly gets back on his feet, spinning a blade in each hand. You can see the streetlight reflect off of a oily sheen on each, hinting at poison. With a grunt he quickly stabs down with both, attempting to force Zyrr back into the arms of the skintaker. The Assassin is too quick, and Zyrr deflects both blades, resulting in a foul curse from Vendis.

The Drider whirls around and a step back. With a praise to Lolth on it's lips, it swings it's scimitar. Even as the swing goes laughably wide, you feel a curse from Lolth descend on you, and you realize that you are now locked into combat with this arachnid monstrosity. Ignoring it would bring down punishment from the spider goddess herself (marked).

The pale man with two arrows in his side tries to step up to Lucan, but finds his feet firmly encased in ice. He extends a white hand towards the bard. You see the creature's skin ripple, as he tries to mirror your own, but the bard is just out of reach.

The second skintaker reaches for the Drow, but also finds himself rooted firmly in place, he gives a low wail as his skin ripples furiously.

The Arachnomancer gives a curse at finding his slave missing. He glances down at the battle below, and with a foul word, a spectral spider appears on Aramil's back, grasping on to the swordmage. The Arachnomancer turns his attention to Eltain, and with a wave of his hand, barbed spectral webs seem to grab at the Paladin, dragging him backwards across the rooftops. The barb's dig deep into the Paladin. Even as the barbs dig into Eltain, the spectral spider on Aramil's back digs in, drawing an equal amount of blood. (29 damage). Even as Eltain recovers, he still feels the webs around him, pulling at him.

OOC: At the start of Eltain's turn, the webs will try and pull him over the edge. You can make a save to grab onto the ledge

With a gasp, the gnome re-appears where he had once stood. Once again in chains, he looks at Pavick with a face filled with apology.

After Shep's impressive display, the remaining Goblin begins to move over to cower in a corner, but before he can do so, the ogre gives a growl. "Coward! Get there or be dinner!" He gestures to the other side of Shep, and with a squeak the goblin runs around to the far side of the Goliath and stabs with a pick, all while muttering "Medontwannadie!Medonwannadie!". His pick, however, strikes true, and Shep feels the poison course through him. (7 damage)

The ogre looks down at Shep and laughs. "Let's see who stronger, rock man!" And his arms come forward and tries to shove the Goliath to the ground. Had it not been for the Goblin behind him, Shep could have stood his ground, but the tiny creature threw him off balance just enough to send him to the floor. With a roar, the Ogre steps up, grabs Shep by the beard, and goes into a run, dragging the Goliath behind him. As he runs down the street, dragging Shep across the pavement, he comes to a sudden stop, and uses Shep's momentum against him. He swings Shep by the beard, sending the Monk crashing into the side of the building in front of the Ogre. The creature stands over Shep laughing in triumph. "Now silly rock man want to give yellow cloak?" (41 damage - prone). Luckily, Shep is able to see the attack coming, and absorb some of the damage (ignore 14 pts from Dragon Defense). As Shep looks down, he feels a warm liquid running down his back, and realizes that the jug of goat's milk that was in his hand has shattered...

MAP
http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/1608/encounter411.png

Initiative:
Zyrr - J10
Shep - D22 (34 damage - prone)
Aramil - J4 (29 damage)
Lucan - M12
Eltain - Q10 (29 damage- pushed 3 squares at the start of every turn (save ends))
Pavick - F12

Vendis - I9 (100 damage)
Drider - K5
Skintaker - H11(10 damage), P12 (51 damage - bloodied)
Arachnomancer - P6
Gnome Slave - P7
Goblin Slave - M22
Ogre - E22 (37 damage)

Attack Rolls:

Vendis
- Longsword vs Zyrr's AC: [roll0] Damage: [roll1] + 5 ongoing poison (save ends)
- Shortsword vs Zyrr's AC: [roll2] Damage: [roll3] + 5 ongoing poison (save ends)

Drider
- Scimitar vs Aramil's AC: [roll4] Damage: [roll5] - marked

Skintaker
- Steal Skin vs Zyrr's Fort: [roll6] Damage: [roll7]

Arachnomancer
- Minor action, curse Aramil - Aramil will take damage equal to the damage the Arachnomancer deals to anyone else.
- Spider Mask vs Eltain's Will: [roll8] Damage: [roll9] Crit: 29- push 3 squares. At the start of your turn, you're pushed 3 squares (save ends)

Gnome Slave
Save - [roll10] (He gets a -2 because he's trying not to come back) - I don't know how to type. It should have been 1d20-2. The roll was a 12, so the total is 10, so he returns

Goblin Slave
Pick vs Shep's AC: [roll11] +2CA 7 poison damage

Ogre
Push vs Shep's Fort: [roll12] +2CA - knocked prone
Damage [roll13]

[Haberdashery]

The Shepherd - 64/83 HP, AC 28, Fort 24, Ref 26, Will 26

There was a flash in the Shepherd's eyes as he it trickle down his back. The ogre had done it. Now he'd done it. The Shepherd rose to his feet, his neck popping and cracking like the splitting of shaken stone, his eyes bright and malevolent with a sudden fire.

"You can strike me," The Shepherd's knuckles cracked as he flexed his fingers.

"You can attack my flock," He stretched his arms to the side of him.

"You can even use entirely improper grammar while you do it," He brought his hands together before his nose, palm-to-palm.

"But when you spill the milk of the sacred goat..." His knees bent, his fingers curled about his palm as he splayed his hands outward. A bright light began to shimmer and twist around the Shepherd, flickering motes flashing through the still, golden air that surrounded him.

"The great goat in the sky have mercy on you."


Minor Action: Stand up from prone using Acrobat's Boots

Action Point - Standard Action: Radiant Fist's Action activates, and the Shepherd heals 15 hit points, and all his attacks until the end of his next turn deal 4 extra radiant damage. Divine Sun
Attack vs. Ogre's Will (with Combat Advantage) [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] radiant damage plus [roll2] poison damage plus 4 radiant damage and the Ogre gains vulnerable 5 radiant until the end of Shep's next turn.

Minor Action: Solar Enemy. The Ogre's radiant vulnerability increases to 10.

Standard Action: Drunken Monkey
Attack vs. Ogre's Will (with Combat Advantage): [roll3]
Damage: [roll4] 18 damage plus [roll5] poison damage plus 14 radiant damage, and the Ogre is slid F22 and makes a melee basic attack against himself, with a +4 bonus to the attack roll.

Free Action: Centered Flurry of Blows against the Ogre before the slide to slide the Ogre to E22, it takes 6 damage plus 14 radiant damage, and Shep gains combat advantage against him until the end of his next turn.

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard


Lucan takes a look around, the rhythm of battle gifting him with a hint of a possible future. "If someone could move the Zyrr look-alike one step closer to me, I'd appreciate it," he shouts. "Oh, and Zyrr, could you move a bit to the north? Thanks!"


Lucan will delay until after Pavick.

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain - 59/88 - 31/21/23/25

The drow filth manages to wound him, but Eltain resists the attempt to shove him off the building, digging his sword into the roof and bracing himself against the edge. He growls at the pain and the injustice of it all, and brings his sword up to attack again, moving over the rooftops. Alas, the pain blurs his vision, and the swing is once again poor. It hits, though, barely. The meager success does little for Eltain's dampened spirits, however, and he is unable to shake off the magic affecting him.


Move to Q7
Elegant Strike on the drow:
[roll0] vs AC
On hit: [roll1] and he's slowed and can't shift until the end of my next turn.
Save: [roll2]
Marking him with DC, because I can.

[Toric]

"Right on it!" Zyrr calls back to Lucan, parrying one high blade and hopping north over a low one. The two drow, now locked into their dance of death, begin to blend into a blur of black and white. The slender edge of a blade flashes twice in the mix. "You want two things from me. I want just one from you. Your name. Your real name."

Shifting north to J10 as a move action. Also, due to a feat I forgot I had (Cunning Stalker), since Vendis has no creatures adjacent to him other than Zyrr, he grants Zyrr combat advantage.

Spending an action point to execute an MBA against Vendis.
[roll0] vs Reflex.
[roll1] + [roll2] + 4 poison damage, and Vendis is slowed until the end of his next turn.
Due to Executioner's Action, any of the above d8 rolls with a result of 1-3 become a roll of 4. As a result, the Attack Finesse damage becomes 8 instead of 4.

Using a standard action for a second attack.
[roll3] vs Reflex.
[roll4] + 4 poison damage, and above effect.

Damage totals: 34 for first roll, 24 for second roll.

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard
HP 64/64, AC 22, Fort 22, Reflex 25, Will 27

Pavick heaves a sigh as the gnome reappears after only a few seconds. He shakes his head sadly, looking down at the orb regretting not using his mastery of it to hold him there a little longer. He glances back up to the gnome across the street on another rooftop and nods in understanding.

Lucan's call for assistance brings his mind back into the battle. He gives the bard a quick salute. "I'll give it a shot," he calls back. Pavick closes his eyes for a moment and focuses his mind through the circlet he that wrapped around his head allowing it to guide and strengthen his control of magic.

When he opened them, he he spoke a few quick words of power and made a gesture thrusting his open palm down at the street beneath him. A loud crack of thunder ripped the air and washed over the enemies in the area.


Minor: Activate Circlet of Mental Onslaught

Standard: Thunderwave on Columns G-I and Rows 9-11.
Vendis [roll0]
Skintaker [roll1]
If hit they take [roll2] and I can push them 2 squares. I won't bother pushing Vendis, but the Skintaker will get pushed 1 to I10.

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard

Lucan sees that Pavick's attack against the creepy guy is weak, so he attempts to help him out.


Immediate Interrupt
If Pavick's attack on the Skintaker misses, Lucan will use Rhyme of the Blood-Seeking Blade
[roll0]
[roll1]
On hit, the skintaker takes a -6 to all defenses against Pavick's attack

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard

"Perfect!" Lucan says to Zyrr and Pavick. Then he draws his sword and takes a deep breath, listening for the rhythm of the battle, focusing on the possibilities in the music. Then he improvises, twisting the luck around the Zyrr copycat, and with a few sung words, sending him into a frenzy.



Minor
Draw sword

Spend action point
Fated action: Lucan gets a re-roll during this turn: [roll0]. I'll apply it to the first attack that misses.

Standard
Use Song of Discord on Skintaker in I10
[roll1] 25 (see re-roll above)
On hit, the Skintaker is dominated next round. This means I control his actions, and he grants combat advantage.
Hit or miss, he makes an MBA against himself.

Standard
Use Unluck on Skintaker in I10
[roll2] (+2 if dominated)
[roll3]
On hit, can replace Skintaker's next attack roll and with [roll4], and can replace Zyrr's next attack on the skintaker with [roll5].

I describe what the skintaker does while dominated in OOC.

[Mando Knight]

Aramil
HP 78/100 Surge 25, 10/10
AC 30 Fort 26 Ref 30 Will 28

Aramil sees the Arachnomancer lance out at Eltain, and he waves his hand in defiance, creating a shield that absorbs some of the pain aimed at the Paladin. Returning to the offensive, he steps forward and vanishes, reappearing next to the drider, striking his blade alight as he slashes at it, while placing his mark to ensure that it doesn't flee further.

Immediate Interrupt: Channel Shielding on Eltain. The damage dealt by the Arachnomancer's attack by 7.

Move: Armathor's Step to M6, gaining a +2 bonus to attack the Drider, and continuing the duration of the Cloak of Translocation.

Standard: Burning Blade against the Drider.
[roll0]
Hit: [roll1]
Effect: all of Aramil's melee attacks deal +3 fire damage until the end of the encounter.

Minor: Aegis of Assault on the Drider.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

OOC: Aramil & Eltain both have +7 hp from Aramil's Interrupt attack last turn.

Zyrr and Vendis lock blades, a quick flash of thrusts, parries, and riposts. In the end, Zyrr proves to be the more skilled warrior, as the assassin's rapier finds a gap, and plunges into Vendis' midsection. The other Drow gives a gasp of surprise as the rapier plunges into him, pulls out, and stabs again. Vendis drops to his knees, hands on his stomache. With a grunt of pain, he looks up at Zyrr. "Kosalram..." he gasps, before his eyes roll back in his head and he slumps over, unconscious.

The Shepherd stands, and as his anger grows, a golden glow begins to appear behind his eyes, his skin shimmering slightly. Suddenly, the Monk's fist flies into the Ogre's face in an explosion of sunlight, and Shep can feel the creature's nose shatter beneath his fist. The ogre howls with pain, even as it tries to shield his eyes from the light emanating from Shep. The Goliath begins glowing even brighter, further driving back the Ogre, and out of that glowing mass a Shepherd's crook flies out, jabbing the ogre's own fist into his face, followed by a quick jab from the glowing mass.

Aramil again blinks out of sight, and in a burst of flame appears next to the Drider. His blade strikes true, and the creature rears back on it's hind legs in pain.

With a burst of strength, Eltain manages to hold his ground as the spectral webs try to pull him off the ledge. Cautiously moving forward, he brings down the sword of Corellon on the Drow. The Arachnomacer raises an arm to ward off the attack, but his strength isn't enough to stop the Paladin, and Eltain's sword crashes down on the wizard, even as the webs continue pulling at him.

As Pavick leans over the edge, the small gnome's hand extends and below him the street explodes. The skintaker prepares to dive out of the way, but just as it prepares to jump, a quick arrow from Lucan pierces it's leg, and it's caught in Pavick's blast and blown back next to Zyrr.

Lucan, rather than firing another arrow, chants a series of notes meant to cloud the creature's mind. The skintaker clutches it's head, and rips at it's own skin, but manages to resist the lure of the Bard's song. However, the half-elf's next melody falls on the pale creature, and Lucan can feel his curse take hold.

The Drider again skitters back a bit before taking another swing at Aramil, bringing the scimitar down against the swordmage. Aramil raises his blade to deflect, and the Drider misses him by less than a hairsbreadth.

The skintakers lumber forward, one towards Zyrr, and the second towards Lucan. The pair reach out, and both the Drow and Half-elf can feel the shifting, clammy hands on their skin. Zyrr feels part of himself get sucked out, and suddenly, he's staring at a perfect copy of himself. (24 damage) Lucan, however, manages to avoid the grasping hands, and the skintaker's face continues shifting, but doesn't manage to match the bard's handsome face.

The Arachnomancer looks at the wound the Paladin gave him and snarls. "You dare strike me? I pity your allegiance to such a weak god. It will be a pleasure taking your body for sacrifice..." He unhooks a mace from his side, and swings it at the Paladin in front of him. The blow connects with a crunch, and even as the mace head strikes the side of the Paladin, the spectral spider on Aramil's back digs it's claw into the Swordmage's side (24 damage). He looks at the gnome next to him, and the chain begins glowing a sickly green. "Blind him..." he hisses.

The Gnome looks up at Eltain, and his eyes begin glowing that same color green, his movements jerky and erratic. He raises his hands, and sparks fly out, stinging Eltain's eyes. The attempt is half-hearted, however, and Eltain is easily able to shield himself. (Eltain can make an opportunity attack against the Gnome if he wishes)

The Goblin, finding himself all alone, gives another squeak before running to hide behind the cart. He lines up, and takes a shot at Lucan, before dropping to the ground, cowering. The shot goes harmlessly wild, and the goblin gives a wimper

The Ogre is bleeding profusely, and his eyes are still stinging from the golden light, once again tries to shove the Monk in front of him. This time, however, Shep is ready, and holds his ground against the creature. The ogre, barely standing mutters a low "Uh oh..." at the inevitable fate he's about to suffer

MAP
http://img808.imageshack.us/img808/6752/encounter412.png


Initiative:
Zyrr - J10 (24 damage)
Shep - D22
Aramil - M6 (24 damage)
Lucan - M12
Eltain - Q7 (24 damage- pushed 3 squares at the start of every turn (save ends))
Pavick - F12

Drider - K5 (23 damage)
Skintaker - J11(46 damage), J10 (51 damage - bloodied)
Arachnomancer - P6 (24 damage)
Gnome Slave - P7
Goblin Slave - M22
Ogre - E22 (129 damage - bloodied)

Attack Rolls:


Drider
- Scimitar vs Aramil's AC: [roll0] Damage: [roll1] - marked

Skintakers
- Melee basic against self: [roll2] Damage: [roll3]
- Steal Skin vs Zyrr's Fort: [roll4] Damage: [roll5]

- Steal Skin vs Lucan's Fort: [roll6] Damage: [roll7]

Arachnomancer
- Mace vs Eltain's AC: [roll8] Damage: [roll9] Crit: 24

Gnome Slave
Attack vs. Eltain's Will - [roll10] Damage: [roll11] - blinded (save ends)

Goblin Slave
crossbow vs Lucan's AC: [roll12] 7 damage

Ogre
Melee attack vs self [roll13]+4 Damage: [roll14]
Push vs. Shep's Fort: [roll15] Damage: [roll16]

[Haberdashery]

The Shepherd - 64/83 HP, AC 28, Fort 24, Ref 26, Will 26

"A wise shepherd once said," The Shepherd raises a sandal-clad foot and kicks it straight into the ogre's chest, which sends him toppling to the ground. "It is not the strength of your arm, or the might of your crook that matters." He steps heavily onto the creature's fallen form, his crook gleaming in the fading light surrounding him, and walks up the crest of its chest. The Shepherd perches there and squats to his haunches, staring the ogre straight in the face.

"It is how you wield them." The graceful hand of the Shepherd forms into flat palm, and crushes the ogre's skull clean through. The Shepherd paused a moment, wiping the brain matter from his hand. It seemed to him that that shepherdism made far too much sense for his liking. Maybe he was slipping...

Without further thought, the Shepherd vaults from the bleeding corpse, jumping clean over the building beside him, and lands back amidst his companions.


Standard Action: Five Storms
Attack vs. Ogre's Reflex: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] plus [roll2] poison plus 14 radiant damage.

Move Action: Swift Flight, Shep flies 10 squares to N13.

[Mando Knight]

Aramil
HP 54/100 Surge 25, 10/10
AC 30 Fort 26 Ref 30 Will 28

In a flash, the swordmage appears next to the Arachnomancer. He is very much not pleased. He swings his blazing sword repeatedly, obviously making every effort to annihilate the drow. "SILENCE! Not another word from you. Burn in the light of those your ancestors spurned!"
Minor: Circlet of Mental Onslaught: +1 to attack and damage rolls. With everything Aramil has. For the rest of the encounter.

Move: Fey Step to P5. Free MBA against the Arachnomancer.
[roll0]
[roll1]

Standard: Lightning Clash on the Arachnomancer.
[roll2]
Hit: [roll3], and a secondary attack on the drider
[roll4]
[roll5]

Action Point: Learned Boost on Booming Blade against the Arachnomancer.
[roll6]
Educated Action: If the above misses, reroll: [roll7] If it still misses, Learned Boost is not expended (Reliable).
Hit: [roll8], Aramil gains 10 temp HP and +1 to all defenses against the Arachnomancer, and if the Arachnomancer starts its turn adjacent to Aramil and moves away, he takes [roll9]
HP: 54/100+10t

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard
HP 77/77 AC 26 Fort 21 Ref 22 Will 25

"Damn it!" Lucan shouts, as the remarkably strong-willed Zyrr look-alike resists his magic. Soon, though, he has to deal with his fellow creep, and it's all Lucan can do to fend him off. He takes a step back, drops his sword, and fires an arrow at him laced with karmic retribution. "Stay away, creepy!" Then, spotting that Eltain's having some trouble, he speaks a word of healing.



Move
Shift to L12

Free action
Drop sword

Standard
Use Karmic Wound on skintaker in N12
[roll0]
[roll1]
On hit, if the target hits with an attack before the end of Lucan's next turn, it takes [roll2] damage.

Minor
Use healing word on Eltain
Receives surge + [roll3] hp + 5 temp hp and slides 1 square (his choice)

[Toric]

Zyrr - 52/75
27 AC, 22 Fort, 26 Will, 24 Ref

((By hitting Zyrr with an attack last round, the Skintaker activated his Counterstrike Armor's property: "Property: The first enemy that hits you during an encounter takes ongoing 5 damage (save ends)."))

"Kosalram..." Zyrr repeats as he drops the other drow to the ground. "On the one hand, if it were Vendis that would have been a fine coincidence. On the other-" He feels it clearly, the sensation's impossible to miss. Something that sticks to him, not to his skin but something deeper, that gets ripped away along with the sticky thing. That part which is lifted away leaves a very painful scar. The assassin turns... to see himself, minus the charm.

Even as he shifts position around his duplicate, an idea forms in Zyrr's head. He turns to the drider and shouts "Spiderfolk, I took his form but he took your cousin's life! He'll take mine as well, help me!" If he catches the drider's attention he points at the "real" Zyrr with his dagger-hand.

Move action to shift to I10.

Standard Action to execute a Melee Basic Attack against the Zyrr skintaker.
[roll0] vs Reflex.
[roll1] + [roll2] + 4 poison and the target is slowed until the end of its next turn.

If possible, making a Bluff (as a minor action?) against the drider to convince it that I am the skintaker and the skintaker is the original Zyrr, who needs to die now. [roll3]

[Nai_Calus]

(Eltain wouldn't be in range of Lucan, I don't think.)
Eltain - 75/88 - 31/21/23/25

Eltain barely manages to resist the pull of the webs. He moves forward once more, hate burning in his eyes as he glares at the drow. Hate and shame. All he'd managed to accomplish was to barely wound the bastard and be half-killed by it in the process, and Aramil flashes in and wounds him severely immediately. As always, the older, purer Eladrin demonstrates Eltain's uselessness for him. A soft flurry of damp snow blows around him as a deep humiliation burns in his breast. The others were always having to save him. He raises his sword again to attack, hoping to try to prove himself just a little. He draws on Corellon's power, pitiful, unworthy vessel for it though he may be, and channels his anger at the gnome's mistreatment and at himself for his failures into a beam of pure, burning light that he sends at the drow.


Move to, I dunno, R8, I don't actually know what square I'm in.
Radiant Delirium:
[roll0] vs REF
On hit: [roll1] Radiant damage and the target is dazed until the end of your next turn. In addition, the target takes a -2 penalty to AC(Save Ends).
Miss: Half damage, and the target is dazed until the end of your next turn.

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard
HP 64/64, AC 22, Fort 22, Reflex 25, Will 27

Watching over the edge of the rooftop, Pavick sees the pale humanoid touch Zyrr and transform to his look alike. It was an amazing copy, he had to admit. But then again, Zyrr had a counter for it. Pavick was fairly certain he still knew who was who, but then again if he was wrong, it was only Zyrr. The assassin hadn't been doing much to endear himself today. And the spell he was contemplating wouldn't exactly harm him anyway.

Pavick muttered a few words and a small glowing emerald green eyeball flashed into existence above his head. As Pavick rubbed his fingers across the surface of his orb, he wove a charm spell on what he believed was the skintaker who had stolen Zyrr's appearance.


Minor: Using Emerald Eye on J11. (Effect: Until the end of your next turn, you gain a +5 power bonus to Insight checks against the target and a +2 power bonus to attack rolls against the target's Will.)

Standard: Charm of the Defender on J11. [roll0]
Hit: You slide the target up to 3 squares (to J9), and it is immobilized until the end of your next turn. Also until the end of your next turn, when an enemy starts its turn adjacent to the target, the target makes a melee basic attack against that enemy as a free action. The target gains a power bonus to the attack roll and the damage roll equal to your implement's enhancement bonus (+2).
Miss: You slide the target up to 3 squares (still to J9).

I'm assuming that since Pavick saw the whole transformation below him and characters haven't moved around much that he still would know who is who. If this is not the case, let me know and we'll work something out in OOC.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Even as Zyrr speaks the lie to the Drider, he can tell it's weak. The alternate Zyrr gives a shake of it's head, and a soft *tsk*. Spinning around, Zyrr plunges the blade into his mirror. Just as the blade begins to pierce the skin, there's a ripple, the assassin feels a blade sinking into his own midsection, and his own poison begins coursing through his veins. (23 damage - slowed)

As the Shepherd continues glowing, a fist snaps forward into the ogre's skull. As the huge creature falls (much holey-er than he was before), the Shepherd flies over the building, and finds himself next to Lucan and the second Skintaker.

Aramil vanishes in a blink, and erupts in a blaze of fire and lighting on the rooftop. From somewhere out of the inferno, a blade appears coming down against the Arachnomancer again, and again, and again. Even as he strikes, he feels the curse from the Drider take hold and send poison through his veins, but it doesn't slow the relentless assault against the mage. The Drow is driven to his knees, and he looks up at the raging Eladrin in with hate in his eyes. "Foolish creature," he pauses to wipe the blood from his mouth, and slowly stands. "You dare draw my blood? You will regret the day you dare challenged a-"

The Arachnomancer's words come to a sudden stop, as in a golden burst of radiant light, his head flies off his body and lands on the street below with a wet *thunk*. The body, still on the roof, slumps over, and standing behind him, Eltain stands, blade covered in blood from where he removed the Arachnomancer's head. The spectral webs attached to Eltain slowly fade away, and the spider on Aramil's back turns to mist, and is dissipated.

Pavick, fortunate enough to have watched the entire transformation in front of him correctly identifies the false Zyrr, and sends him stumbling back. With a word of beguilement, Pavick twists the false Zyrr's mind, and the skintaker turns to attack the Drider behind it.

Lucan takes a step back sends another curse at the creature trying to imitate him, and a dark wound appears on the creature's chest, the note echoing around him, threatening another. A quick song later, and Eltain's wounds begin to heal.

The Drider gives a laugh at Zyrr's predicament, and raises it's scimitar to bring down on the assassin; but before it can make a move, the false Zyrr in front of it turns and takes a swipe. The attack goes wide, but the Drider chitters in fury, as it looks from one Zyrr to another, now utterly confused. With a curse of rage, it turns and moves over towards the roof, trampling a cart in the process to again attack the Swordmage that had caused so much damage. Again, the Drider can't seem to get past the Swordmage's defenses.

The false Zyrr gives an all to familiar smirk, as it reaches out with a hand and attempts to grab the original Zyrr by the throat. Zyrr feels some of his own life force sucked out of him, and even as you gasp for air, you can't seem to catch your breath (14 damage, can't spend healing surges (save ends)

The second skintaker, frustrated by the elusive Bard, turns it's attention to the new creature that has appeared next to him. His skin begins taking on a gray, rocky tone as he reaches out to take hold of Shep's arm. The pale creature's grip closes around Shep like a vice, and Shep finds himself staring at his own mirror image. (34 damage)

The Gnome gives a gasp of surprise at the sight of the Arachnomancer falling. His eyes widen, but before he can say anything, the chain again grows bright green, and shatters. The gnome collapses to the ground, clutching his throat, foam appearing at the corners of his mouth.

The Goblin, sensing an opportunity, fires one last arrow at Lucan, before turning and fleeing into the streets of Sigil. The arrow makes contact, but the wound is shallow. (7 damage)

MAP
http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/5513/encounter413.png


Initiative:
Zyrr - J10 (37 damage)
Shep - N13 (34 damage)
Aramil - P5 (15 damage)
Lucan - L13 (7 damage)
Eltain - Q7
Pavick - F12

Drider - M6
Skintaker - J9(Zyrr - 51 damage - bloodied), N12 (Shep - 80 damage - bloodied)
Gnome Slave - P7


Attack Rolls:


Drider
- Scimitar vs Aramil's AC: [roll0] Damage: [roll1] - marked

Skintakers
- Disruptive Touch vs Drider's's AC: [roll2] Damage: [roll3]
- Disruptive Touch vs Zyrr's AC: [roll4] Damage: [roll5] - can't spend healing surges (save ends)
[roll6] Save vs ongoing damage

- Steal Skin vs Shep's Fort: [roll7] Damage: [roll8] Crit: 34


Goblin Slave
crossbow vs Lucan's AC: [roll9] 7 damage

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain - 75/88 - 31/21/23/25

"Stay here until the battle is done and we'll get you out of those chains." Eltain says to the gnome, gently laying a hand on his shoulder. "You won't have to answer to anyone anymore." He straightens and glares at the drider, then suddenly vanishes in a burst of snowflakes, reappearing at street level in front of the drider with a burst of ice crystals that leave the ground around him frozen.

"I don't believe we've met, foul spawn of Lolth, and I don't think we will again."


Divine Challenge on the Drider
Winter's Arrival to teleport to M8, all squares adjacent to me are difficult terrain until the end of my next turn.
Righteous Smite:
[roll0]
On hit: [roll1] and you and each ally within 5 squares gain 8 temp HP

[Haberdashery]

The Shepherd - 46 + 8/83 HP; Resist 10 all, AC 28, Fort 24, Ref 26, Will 26

There was another Shepherd standing in front of him. Only it was a very poor copy. Shep could tell. His nose was in the wrong place, he simply couldn't get the blithe expression right (his eyebrows were simply not high enough), and the way he held his crook...well, suffice to say, it looked very light-in-the-sandals.

...he certainly was oddly quick though.


Minor Action: Stone's Endurance

Minor Action: Healing Word on himself.

Standard Action: Strike the Avalanche
Attack vs. Fortitude: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] plus [roll2] poison damage, and Shep pushes the Skintaker 3 squares, all through the razorvine, to Q11. The secondary attack is irrelevant.

Free Action: Before the push, the Shepherd uses Centered Flurry of Blows to slide the Skintaker to O12, it takes 6 damage, and the Shepherd gains combat advantage against it until the end of his next turn.

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard
HP 70/77 AC 26 Fort 21 Ref 22 Will 25

Lucan grunts as the bolt nicks his side, but otherwise ignores it.

He thinks he knows which Shep is Shep. He fires two arrows at the one which isn't Shep. Probably.

Then he sings a soothing song, to take away Zyrr's pain and heal him.



Standard
Use Twin Strike vs. Shep skintaker
[roll0] v AC
[roll1]
[roll2] v AC
[roll3]

I'd also like to heal Zyrr, but it won't do much good unless he's shaken the effect that doesn't let him spend healing surges. If he hasn't saved by Lucan's turn, he'll use:

Minor
Ode to Sacrifice
Lucan takes Zyrr's effect onto himself


Minor
Use Majestic Word on Zyrr
Spend a healing surge and receive surge + [roll4] hp + 5 temp hp
And he slides one square of his choice

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard
HP 64/64, AC 22, Fort 22, Reflex 25, Will 27

Pavick took careful aim with his next spell at the mind of the false Zyrr. As his fingers whirled over the surface of the sphere, one of the creature's worst fears flowed out from its mind taking shape next to it to attack it. Pavick was glad to let the magic decide the form of this fear, because he didn't know exactly what such a creature would fear, and honestly he really didn't want to know.

If the magic of the spell does not find purchase in the mind of the skintaker, Pavick gives the orb a quarter rotation in his hand, redirecting the power of the spell onto another nearby target, the drider.


Standard: Nightmare Eruption on the faux Zyrr. [roll0] doing [roll1] 22 Psychic Damage (see ooc). Since there is not another enemy adjacent, I won't use the other effect.

Free: If the Nightmare Eruption misses attack the drider instead using Orb of Deception class feature. [roll2] doing [roll3].

If fake Zyrr is downed by the time Pavick's turn rolls around, he'll instead target the drider with the first attack. He won't be able to use the Orb of Deception because the other skintaker is not within 3, so ignore that portion of the post in that case.

[Mando Knight]

Aramil
HP 39+10t/100 Surge 25, 10/10
AC 30 Fort 26 Ref 30 Will 28

Aramil ceases frowning for a second as he sees Eltain behead the villainous mage, but only for a fleeting moment. Drawing on even more magic, he reappears opposite Eltain again, trying to coordinate his blazing blade with the paladin's frosty radiance.

Delay until after Eltain.

Minor: Cloak of Translocation's daily power: regain Fey Step.

Move: Fey Step to M5. Free MBA against the Drider.
[roll0]
[roll1]

Standard: Spikes of Agony on the Drider.
[roll2]
Hit: [roll3], and if the Drider moves before the end of its next turn, it takes 8 damage.

[Toric]

Zyrr - 15/75
27 AC, 22 Fort, 26 Will, 24 Ref

Sheathing his dagger, batting the skintaker away in the gentlest way he can manage, Zyrr glares at the two Eladrin-blooded teleporting around, seething jealously. If only he could teleport from one point to another.

A small smirk finds its way on his face, a trickle of blood beginning down one corner.

He can.

Zyrr gives his duplicate a tanting glance. "Copy this." Turning his back to the imitator, he takes one step. Waves of summer heat envelop him, snuffing out his form like a flickering candle. On the very rooftop the other two just left, the drow emerges from a mirage next to the unluckier of the two present gnomes. The summer air lingers around his form, distorting his shape. To Aramil, it looks familiar. It feels even more so. Like his father is present amidst the battle.

Zyrr examines the adjacent gnome. He doesn't look too good. Zyrr might as well figure out what's killing the gnome exactly while catching his breath. It might help the whole "Sorry I might have put your family in danger" thing blow over.

Move action to shift to K8, then standard action to use Walk Through Shadows, teleporting to P8. Due to his Shado,w Walk ability, he now has concealment until the end of his next turn.

Then, just to do something with my minor action, I'll use an Arcana check if applicable to determine what's happening to the frothy gnome and whether anything can be done to stop it. [roll0]
[roll1]

[Hzurr]

DM Post

With a blast of summer heat, Zyrr disappears across the battlefield. As he re-appears, that odd connection he had felt with his copy feels faint, and barely there; yet he can still feel the creature in his head, albeit faintly. Looking down at the convulsing creature at his feet, Zyrr can't really figure out what's wrong with him, but it's obvious that this gnome is dieing.

As Shep swings his crook against his strange doppleganger, the other Shep does prove to be a bit light-in-the-sandals, and leaps over the staff. The golden glow returns slightly as the Shepherd begins moving his hand over his wounds, healing himself. However, as he does so, some of the light appears around his copy, and the energy that the Goliath was using on himself is instead used to heal the faux-Shepherd.

Aramil continues his on-again, off-again relationship with the Drider, re-appearing next to it and taking a swing. The drider, however, is ready, and the attack goes harmlessly wide. Aramil's follow-through swing proves to be too much for it, and the blade digs into the Spider-creature.

Eltain mirrors Aramil's movements, and in a flurry of snow appears next to the Drider, and brings his own weapon down on it, a divine warning sigil of Corellon appearing on the creature's forehead as Eltain's blade strikes true.

Even as Pavick creates a nightmare for the false Zyrr, the creature grabs it's head in pain, and gives out a howl that echoes down the street.

Lucan fires two quick arrows. The first bites the skintaker's side, but just as the healing from Shep was split between the two, so is the wound from this arrow. Fortunately, Shep had steeled himself against pain, and is able to ignore it. The second arrow, however, finds only it's intended target, and the fake Shep gives a very un-goliath like growl of pain.

The Drider, furious at the divine challenge of Corellon at it, turns it's fury toward the Paladin, bringing his scimitar down and issuing his own Challenge of Lolth on Eltain. The attack is a bit over-zealous, however, and the Paladin blocks it with ease.

The fake Zyrr, his appearance twitching and losing cohesion now that Zyrr is so far away, turns his attention to the next closest creature: Lucan. He moves up towards the Bard, and you see any attempt to imitate Zyrr fall, as the creature's skin begins rippling again. Lucan feels something pulled out of him, and finds himself staring into his own grinning face.

Shep's duplicate pulls out his own staff, and attempts the same swing that Shep had just tried, seeing if the original is as quick as the copy. Turns out, he is.

With a gasp, the gnome at Zyrr's feet struggles to stand, before falling again, unmoving.

MAP

http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/9766/encounter414.png


Initiative:
Zyrr - P8
Shep - N13 (damage from Lucan doesn't get through resistance)
Aramil - M5
Lucan - L13 (30 damage)
Eltain - M8
Pavick - F12

Drider - M6
Skintaker - L12(72 damage - bloodied), N12 (Shep - 83 damage - bloodied)
Gnome Slave - P7

Attack Rolls:

Drider
Attack vs. Eltain's AC: [roll0] Damage: [roll1] - marked

Skintaker:
Ending Steal Skin on Zyrr.
Steal Skin vs. Lucan's Fort: [roll2] Damage: [roll3]

Attack vs Shep's AC: [roll4] Damage: [roll5] - can't spend healing surges

Gnome:
Saving Throw: [roll6]

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain - 75/88 - 31/21/23/25

Eltain looks up sharply as he hears the gnome's distress. He can't figure out what the problem could be from down here, but figures he has to try something anyway, channeling Corellon's power to try to help the gnome fight it off, then resumes his attack against the Drider.

"Nice try, but no. Now hurry up and die. Someone far more interesting than you needs help."


Divine Mettle on the gnome, he makes a saving throw with a +5 bonus.
Virtuous Strike: [roll0]
On hit: [roll1]

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard
HP 40/77 AC 26 Fort 21 Ref 22 Will 25

"Argghh!" Lucan screams as the Zyrr-copy tears his skin off and starts wearing it. "Get it off! Get it off me!"

He takes a step back, and shoots it with an arrow to encourage someone else to take a hit.


Okay, I'm gambling that it's already used up it's ability to share the damage it takes with me. Or at least that it has to be adjacent.

Move
Shift to L14

Standard
Use Prophesied strike on the Lucan-look-alike
[roll0]
[roll1]
On hit, the next person attacking it rolls twice and takes the highest. And hopefully doesn't hit me instead.

[Toric]

Zyrr - 26/75
27 AC, 22 Fort, 26 Will, 24 Ref

"I think the fool might have a point!" Zyrr calls from his rooftop perch, in the midst of treating both himself and the dying gnome for injuries. The gnome might be a challenge; his diagnosis isn't as simple and familiar as a good stab wound."Under the attack of a clone, distance yourself, then let someone else attack." After doing what little he can to help the gnome, the assassin does what he does best, hopping roofs and vanishing amongst the shingles.

[spoiler]Using a standard action to use my Second Wind, restoring 18 HP. Rolling a [roll0] on the gnome, then using Ghost of the Rooftops as a move action to jump southward to Q13, maintaining his Shadow Step concealment which allows him to then make a [roll1].

((HP at end of turn: 44 + 5 THP))

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard
HP 64/64, AC 22, Fort 22, Reflex 25, Will 27

Pavick felt a lead weight in the pit of his stomach as he watched Zyrr and Eltain do their best to treat the fallen slave. He wished there was something he could do from here, but he couldn't do anything.

The only thing he could think to do was end the battle as quickly as possible so he could find help. So Pavick weaved together the magic of another spell. Suddenly the shadows around the two skintakers come to life grasping and tearing at the skin that wasn't theirs.



Standard: Grasping Shadows area burst 1 centered on M11.
L12 Skintaker [roll0]
N12 Skintaker [roll1]
Hit: [roll2] and the target is slowed until the end of Pavick's next turn.
Effect: Shadows writhe in the designated area and continue until the end of Pavick's next turn. Any creature that enters the area of the grasping shadows takes psychic damage equal to your Int modifier and is slowed until the end of its next turn.

[Haberdashery]

The Shepherd - 46 + 8/83 HP; Resist 10 all, AC 28, Fort 24, Ref 26, Will 26

Maybe it was a stupid idea. His companions were yelling left and right to avoid the one that looked like him. But...it just galled him so much. It was such a poor copy...

He simply had to show the thing a thing or two about being a proper shepherd. It simply could not be any other way.


Move: Shift to M13

Standard: Eternal Mountain, and using Lucan's ability to roll twice against the Lucan Skintaker.
Attack vs. Lucan Skintaker's Fortitude: [roll0]
Attack vs. Lucan Skintaker's Fortitude: [roll1]
Attack vs. Shep Skintaker's Fortitude: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3] plus [roll4] poison damage, and the target is knocked prone.

Free: Centered Flurry of Blows against both skintakers for 6 damage, the Lucan Skintaker is shifted to N12 and Shep gains combat advantage against him until the end of his next turn. I'm not going to shift the Shep Skintaker in an effort to not screw up Pavick's attack, eventhough he goes after me. I don't want to make him redo his action.

Note: Shep's Stone's Endurance will wear off at the end of his turn.

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard

Lucan wonders who the fool is. Whoever he is, staying away from his copy sounds like good advice.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

After taking a moment to catch his breath, Zyrr looks down at the unbreathing gnome in front of him in confusion before leaning over, and bringing a fist down hard on the creature's chest. The gnome gives a gasp as air whooshes through his lungs, and labors to keep breathing. Satisfied that he's done all he can, the Drow fades away across the rooftops like a shadow.

Aramil, frustrated by the mixed rate of success against the Drider, takes advantage of the Paladin on the other side of the creature, and brings his sword down with a grunt; a crackle of thunder echoing in wake of his swing.

As Lucan backs away from the creature wearing his skin, he fires an arrow into it. Although it's clear the fake Lucan was hurt, the real Lucan looks down to see blood in his side as well (8 damage)

Shep, waiting until Lucan moved out of the way, springs into action. The staff cracks against the skull of the false Lucan, sending the creature to the street, all semblance of resemblance to Lucan fading as it bleeds out. As the Shepherd's huge hand strikes out against the false Shepherd, he sees the skin ripple and suddenly feels his own fist striking him in the chest. The Shepherd is knocked flat by his own attack, and can feel the ribs bruising beneath his tunic. (29 damage + prone)

Across the way, Eltain again glows with the light of Corellon, sending healing to the gnome above while turning his wrath against the spider abomination before him. His blade bites deep, as green blood pours onto the street.

Pavick, still safe up on the rooftop, summons the shadows of the streets, as tentacles made of living darkness begin grasping at the false Shepherd. With a wail, the creature is torn limb from limb, and the torso falls to the ground at Shep's feet, unmoving. It's form is somewhere between the pale, saggy skin from before, and the bulky, stoney frame of the Goliath.

The Drider, seeing all it's allies dead or gone, gives one last hiss at the Fey on either side of him. "You will pay for this insolence. I will see you bound in my web, I swear it..." With a curse he begins scurrying away down the street, spidery legs a blur. Aramil swings as the creature runs, and takes a chuck out of it's back leg, but the Drider doesn't slow.

Eltain can make an Opportunity Attack.

OOC: The Drider has a base speed of 8, and he's running. I don't think anyone can catch him, but if so let me know. Right now, he's effectively at I(-11)

This will be the end of combat, unless y'all want to pursue the Drider


On the street above, the gnome shudders violently, but after a moment, the movements calm, and the slave begins breathing evenly...

Initiative:
Zyrr - Q13
Aramil - M5
Lucan - L14 (8 damage)
Shep - M13 (29 damage + prone)
Eltain - M8
Pavick - F12

Drider - I-9 (104 damage - bloodied)


Attack Rolls:

Aramil
Booming Blade
[roll0] vs AC
[roll1] Damage, and the drider takes [roll2] damage if it moves away

Opportunity Attack:
[roll3] vs AC
[roll4] Damage


Gnome:
Saving Throw: [roll5]

[Hzurr]

ignore this post, the board is acting wierd so this is a test.

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard

Lucan dashes forward, raises his bow, and sends two arrows after the fleeing drider.



Move
Move to L8

Standard
Use twin strike on drider

[roll0] v AC
[roll1]

[roll2] v AC
[roll3]

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

Pavick sees the drider attempting a getaway. Pavick looks back and forth between the spider-creature and his orb, carefully measuring distances then runs forward taking a flying leap off the edge of the building into the street below. At the same time, his hands wave over the orb casting a spell at the very maximum distance he is capable. The spell bursts from a point just behind the drider, but if Pavick's mental calculations are correct he should be close enough to still feel its lethargy inducing effects.


Move: Move and jump diagonally off the corner of the roof. He's trying to get as far as he can, but really I think 1 square off the corner is enough. Here's an athletics check to see how much farther than than he gets. [roll0] Edit: Looks like he'll land with a spectacular crash in H10. I don't know how the fall is, so he'll probably take some damage, maybe mitigated by the stand there. Just let me know.

Standard: Sleep has range 20 and area burst 2, so I think it can get him.[roll1]

Hit: Target is slowed (save ends). If the target fails its first saving throw against this power, the target becomes unconcious (save ends).
Miss: The target is slowed (save ends).

Free: Orb of Imposition - The drider will take a -2 penalty to his first save against sleep.

[Toric]

Zyrr

As much as he has been taught to imitate the skittering of a spider in his silent movements, Zyrr knows he simply can't keep up with the real thing as the drider takes off. His companions seem to have the situation well in hand, however, so he jumps back across the building, hops to ground level with the gnome in tow, and begins his typical post-battle contribution: searching the fallen enemy for weapons and magical trinkets, starting with Kosalram.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

The Drider stumbles away, taking another hit from Eltain as well as an arrow from Lucan. The creature is barely staying up as Pavick's spell lands on it. It stumbles forward a few more steps, but the gnome's magic proves too strong, and the Drider falls to the ground; asleep (and bleeding profusely).

[roll0]

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain catches up to the drider and stares down at it with a mixture of revulsion and pity, a deep sadness tugging at his heart as he ponders what might have been, had only the course of the man's life been different. The hand that had only a moment before been holding a sword aloft to end his life relaxes and lowers, the sword sliding back into its sheath. Now that the drider lays bleeding and unconscious at his feet, no longer a threat, he can't do it. He cannot bring himself to take the life of a helpless, sleeping man.

"We... We should try to help him," he says softly, his voice sad, "It... Just seems wrong to kill him like this."

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard

Lucan hurries to catch up, and when Eltain starts talking about helping him, he shakes his head. "I don't know if we can help him, but if he gets up, I'm shooting him."



Move
Get closer, but not too close

Standard
Ready attack
If the drider attempts to stand up or make any threatening move, use twin strike

[roll0]
[roll1]

[roll2]
[roll3]

[Mando Knight]

Aramil looks at Eltain quizzically. "Really? The only solution I can think of is to tie this thing up and drag it along with us to Zyrr's social event. Except that that would probably bring an entire matriarchy on our heads or something."

He climbs the drider's spider back, his longsword ready to decapitate the thing if the others agree.

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

Pavick crawls out of the merchant's stall he'd landed in. He advances on the drider's position while brushing himself off. "End him. His very existence is a blemish upon creation." He meets Eltain's eye. "I understand how you feel, but you have to remember that his goal in coming here was to stop the drow from seeking the beauty of Corellon. If given the opportunity, I'm certain he would do so again. His type just will not change."

[Nai_Calus]

"He isn't a thing, he's a person. Even if he is half spider." Eltain sighs.

"I admit, I don't know how we can help him, and he certainly wouldn't want our help, especially not mine, but..." He frowns. "It's just not right."

He sighs again at Pavick's words.

"He's just obeying what the matrons tell him to do. It's not like they give him a choice in the matter. He didn't choose what he was born to, any more than you or I did..." He frowns once more and lays a hand gently on the side of the sleeping drider's head.

"I'm sorry..." He whispers, then turns and walks away down the street back towards the gnome to tend to him, refusing to watch the bloodthirsty display of the man's execution. He wondered what his name had been. He wondered if he'd ever had any more choice in the direction of his life than he had.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

There's a low hiss, as the Drider regains consciousness. Turning it's upper body, it sees Aramil on it's back, ready to strike. The "Do it, fey-scum. It will only a matter of time til you find yourself trapped in the spider goddesses web. I will feast on your soul in the Demonweb pits.... It gives a grin, baring it's sharp fangs.

[Toric]

"That's another thing I never got about the faith." Zyrr remarks casually as he approaches the downed drider. "I spoke to several people today who've vacationed in afterlives. When you die you go where you believe you go, meaning the only ways you'll see him there are a wayward portal, an intentional visit, or some religious epiphany."

He sets his hands on his hips and looks up at the mounted Eladrin. "Feel free to do the honors. I have no need of him, and I've gained enough of the Spider Queen's interest today."

[Mando Knight]

"And if I do go down to the Demonweb pits, you should warn your queen that it'll take a lot more than some overgrown ticks to kill me."

Aramil doesn't give the drider a chance to respond, slashing at his neck with the intent to cut of his head in one blow.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

At Aramil's words, the drider opens it's mouth in a hiss of anger and hatred. That moment is frozen on it's face at it's head is lopped off of it's body, and rolls down the street. The remainder of the Drider corpse goes limp, and dark green blood begins pooling.

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain, tending to the gnome, hears the sound of the drider's death and sighs. So much carnage and hatred and bloodshed, on both sides.

"Corellon, grant me strength to deal with such things, and the inspiration to find the words in the future that I need to try to help those who need to find you."

[dariathalon]

Pavick - Gnome Wizard

Pavick does not feel the need or desire to watch as Aramil kills the creature. He turns around and moves over to Zyrr and the other gnome. He slowly approaches. "Is he... still alive?" he asks, the words catching in his throat. He really expects the worst, after seeing what the arachnomancer did, but still has a small hope.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

The gnome is breathing, but barely. Whatever happened to him after the arachnomancer died took a lot out of him. Had it not been for the actions of Zyrr & Eltain, you doubt he'd still be alive.

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain tries to heal the gnome, resting his hands on the gnome's chest and invoking Corellon's power.

(Lay on hands)

[Hzurr]

DM Post

The Gnome gasps and sits straight up. There's a look of panic on his face, as he sees the dead Arachnomancer next to him. He scrambles up the rooftop, and looks at you, questioningly. "What the hells is this?"

[Nai_Calus]

Eltain arches an eyebrow.

"It would appear to be a dead drow," he quips, looking at the corpse. He frowns. Another drow he failed to save.

"They attacked us, and we rather object to slavery. So we retaliated, and made sure you survived so you could be free of them. I'm sorry about what happened, I didn't realize that collar would act as it did. We were able to stop it though."

[Toric]

As the small, perfectly drowlike head falls away from the bloated, arachnoid body, Zyrr can't help but attribute a symbolism to the beheading. Hearing their rescuee arise, he turns around and returns to the gnome captive, crouching down and giving him a warm smile.

"In other words, sorry to disappoint, but this is not the afterlife you expected. Say, would you like to celebrate your freedom by coming to a party?"

Without waiting for an answer he continues south to the Shepherd. His foot jerks back after it steps in a puddle; formerly immaculate goatsmilk drips off it. "I... could make a joke here but I'll pass this time. Sorry about the mess, but now your hands are free to help me carry my new friend over there." He points to the crumpled form of Kosalram. "You know what they say, the disgruntled goat always kicks hardest after a good nap."

[Haberdashery]

"It wasn't quite as good as it could be." The Shepherd finally speaks. He had been quietly staring down at the trickle of thick milk that leaked between the cobblestones, leaning on his staff. "The man I purchased this from could learn a few things about proper texture and the aftertaste on the palate."

He tears his eyes away, shifting his gaze to the drow beneath him.

"I believe what you mean to say is that the nameless goat that tried to be naughty but failed quite miserably will provide a sharp kick to the nethers should he be clonked atop the head too swiftly and carted down the pasture into another shepherd's fields, provided that he is not kept under a suitably strong grip and tied up properly."

[Toric]

Zyrr stands for ten full seconds, eyes narrowed, chin raised, face neutral, body rigid and immobile. Finally he nods his head. "Precisely."

[Haberdashery]

The eyebrows of the Shepherd raise ever so slightly above the inexpressive slab of his face.

"You might just be a shepherd yet."

[Hzurr]

DM Post

The gnome's eyes widen. "Oh no...why'd you stop me from dying? Now the priestesses will think I had something to do with this. It'll be worse than death!" He leans forward arms around his lefs, and his breathing comes in rapid, shallow gasps of air.

OOC: I left the list of the stuff that these guys have on my work PC, so I won't be able to provide that til Monday,

[Nai_Calus]

"We'll make sure to take you somewhere you'll be safe before we leave for the Celestial Tangle. The priestesses won't get their hands on you, and when we come back we'll help you find a safe permanent home," Eltain says, soothingly. He smiles cheerfully at the gnome. "Everything will be alright, you'll see."

[Hzurr]

OOC: So...what exactly are you planning to do with this gnome right now?

[Toric]

"Especially when the people we're meeting seem to be experts at avoiding Lolth's eight eyes." Zyrr offers, having left Shep to his curdling. "...You don't have any trinkets that double as scrying beacons, do you? They're outside the dress code."

[Nai_Calus]

"Yes, for now we'll take him to the meeting, assuming he doesn't have any tracking devices on him, and then... I suppose we could put him up at the inn under guard to make sure the spider-kissers don't take him, or leave him in the care of the Corellite temple." Eltain turns to the gnome and raises a hand, his eyes closed as he concentrates on checking the gnome for any magical auras.

Arcana: [roll0]

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Eltain doesn't detect any type of magical aura (none were really expected to survive, and scrying on a slave's body isn't typically high on a Drow's priority list), and after a bit of prodding, the gnome agrees to come along.

OOC: Anything else people want to do before you arrive at the meeting?

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard

Lucan just follows along silently. He's mildly curious about these drow, but it doesn't seem to have much to do with him.

[Hzurr]

DM Post

Quick Post Hiatus update:

When we last left our dysfunctional band of misfits, they were in the streets of Sigil. The party has made a deal with the succubus Zorella to retrieve an item in exchange for the soul of Lucan's father, with Shep's soul hanging in the balance if they fail. The departure date is less than one day away, but in the meantime, Zyrr has agreed to meet with the drow Eilistraee to hear her speak on an alternative way of living for drow out from under Lolth's grasp. On the way, you were attacked by a group from the temple of Lolth who attempted to steal your identity and take your place at the meeting, but you were able to fend them off, and save a gnome slave in the process.

You make your way through the winding streets of Sigil, until you eventually arrive at the prescribed meeting place. The house you are meeting at is thoroughly nondescript, and had you not been looking for it, you would have completely passed by. Knocking on the wood and stone door, a small slit in the door opens, and a pair of crimson eyes glimmer as they examine you. A moment later, the door opens, and a male drow motions you inside quickly.

He leads you down a narrow hallway (Shep is forced to move sideways), before it opens up into a large room. A soft white light shines from two braziers in the corner, and on the far wall you can see three symbols etched into the wall, pulsating a blue light. The middle symbol is clearly the star of Corellon, but the other two appear to be the new moon and the full moon.

Religion DC 15
These were the ancient symbols of Corellon, Sehanine, and Lolth, before Lolth's fall

Standing in the center room is Eilistraee, who gives you a warm smile when you enter. Scattered about the room are several drow as well as a few elves and eladrin. Most of the drow are standing alone, with hoods drawn up well over their faces. Occasionally, two will stand together speaking softly, but most seem to be watching everyone else in the room as if they feared an attack at any moment. In the far corner, two drow, clearly female, stand apart from everyone else. They too have their hoods pulled up, but in the soft light you can see their faces are both horribly scarred by a huge spider that has been branded onto their faces, a penalty reserved for priestesses thrown out of the order and exiled from their houses.

The odd mixture of the group is a bit unsettling for many in the room, but Eillistraee motions for you to sit, and says softly that she'll begin in a few minutes. She raises an eyebrow at your slightly disheveled appearance, and the obvious signs of a recent battle.

[DSCrankshaw]

Lucan - Half-elf bard

Lucan doesn't know much about religion. But he knows just enough to recognize the symbols. "Hey, aren't those Corellon's and Selene's symbols?" he asks Eltain. "And I bet that last one is Lolth's, before, well, you know."


[roll0]

[Toric]

Zyrr

[roll0]

"Before the nightly darkness fell from amidst the moon and stars, yes." Zyrr finishes, entering after he's checked that Kosalram is still unconscious. The sight before him is.... underwhelming to say the least. Sure, Eilistraee is striking as always, and the two banished priestesses certainly give the group a sense of purpose, but this is less a gathering than it is a room full of hermits. He'll have to change that later, perhaps with a friendly smile, but not now. His face is an emotionless mask. Best not to risk setting drow bolts flying.

As he makes his way across the room, he tells Elilistraee loud enough for others to hear but soft enough to keep the somber atmosphere "Sorry we're late, we had to arrange for some last-minute pickups." He gestures behind him to the gnome and the carried drow. He pats the latter on a free-hanging arm. "This one's a bit in denial about his path in life, he might need some friendly faces around him when he awakes." If there is nothing else to be said, he leads his friends to a group of seats and occupies one.