Zodiac Campaign (IC)

[MikelaC1]

There are not too many adventurers that reach double digits in levels, in fact, many adventurers dont get beyond 4th or 5th. They either meet a very untimely end, or having gotten wealthier than most folks will ever dream of, they buy a safe business and hang up the sword and armour. Making a living killing monsters is far too risky. But of course, for some, thats the whole challenge.
But around 10th level is a difficult time. You are no longer impressed with a +1 magic sword or a +2 cloak, but the exponential rate at which magic items increase in value is not matched by the rewards of knocking off beasties. And you do love your shiny toys. (not to mention needing them)
So in keeping up with the Joneses, sometimes funds get a little tight. As a man in another world once said, sometimes you do art, and sometimes you just pay the bills. And thats where you find yourself now.
Of course, working for a company like Amazon Enterprises (the third largest corporation in Daystor) is no small thing. At least you know they are going to pay their guards, unlike some shysters who disappear the moment you get into town, and you never see a copper of what you were promised. And working for Amazon is far more prestigious than working for Honest Abe's Rugs. So you took this job, guarding a caravan moving west to Vardune, the headquarters of Amazon Enterprises. Loaded with all sorts of trade goods, it would be an enticing target for any would be bandits, not to mention monsters who might like the finer things in life. Joining you in this gaurd mission are 7 other travelers, as far as you can see:

Please give a description of your PC, and include a few things that people would have seen over 3-4 days of travel. As well, you were attacked once, by a band of orcs.

[Ridai]

Daciana is a downright gorgeous woman, standing out even among most other amazons, an entirely female people famed for their beauty (among other things), the senses drawn by many things. Her beautiful voice that can be so soothing, tempting, awe-inspiring, whatever she wants to express. Her deep, purple eyes with that certain sparkle like starlight, framed by her black hair like strands of shadow, making people want to lose themselves within them and conveying her fey heritage. Her sensual curves that move with such enticing grace in her dances and with every step. Even without her voice drawing others, many feel drawn to Daciana, her presence carrying something welcoming, understanding instead that feeling of being unapproachable that other beautiful women convey, whether deliberately or not. Though her cloak and dancer's veil remain constants about her appearance, Daciana has changed her magical garments to look a little different everyday (usually in the form of dresses and dancers' outfits), always appropiate for the weather and surroundings, always underlining her beauty.

Although no one complained about having her along, many still questioned her worth as a guard, if never directly (which didn't prevent Daciana from noticing). Morale has noticably increased, Daciana providing entertainment in the form of dance, song and stories when the caravan stops for a while, quickly sorting out differences between members of the caravan to most people's satisfaction and, frankly, simply being nice to look at (which has led to some advances towards her, especially with her open devotion to Tishtina Bindar, like with many other amazons). Hushed doubts about her competence as a guard, however, were silenced after the attack by the orcs, a good number of the weak-willed creatures simply surrendering after only a few words spoken by Daciana, even trying to prevent the other orcs from doing more harm.

In the aftermath, the self-proclaimed witch provided healing as well as comforting words and massages to the weary and wounded, working closely with her current colleagues and also helping with coordinating their efforts, almost tireless in her duties.

Now, she is simply along with the caravan, her steps light and graceful as ever, her soft voice humming a carefree song from her homeland.

[al'Lan Mandrag]

Anaella is hard to miss among the guards, riding atop her massive bear. She is pale and fair, almost childlike, but in thevenings when she removes the heavy hide armour that she wears, all have seen the scars that mark her arms, her skin withered.

Anaella has proved herself quite and reserved, but during their battle with the orcs she unleashed her wrath: Fire bloomed from the ground and a storm appeared to unleash lightning from the skies. Her steed tore apart any of the orcs who got too close, and Anaella even struck some of the those intrepid creatures down with her lance and sword.

Now she rides ahead of the main caravan, observing the landscape, watchful for any approaching threats.

Spot [roll0]
Listen [roll1]

Inwardly she wondered at her current position. True she had fallen far, and was no longer the gallant knight she had once thought herself to be in service to her goddess Klintina, but now was she some sellsword? It seemed the only way to make her way, but she desired to use her powers to serve her people and her mistress, not some corporation. It seemed such a waste...

[redzimmer]

Mamoud El Fayat

Mamoud is not a particularly attractive man, made all the more punctuated by his outlandish dress and appearance. He has dark hair and a very full beard along with somewhat haughty facial features.

Over the course of the trek he would always be paying more attention to the endless notes he was jotting down on the parchments he carried than on actually guarding the caravan.

When not on duty he is endlessly bombarding the other travelling with the caravan with questions about themselves, their races, their abilities, and (quite embarrassingly) more personal and physiological inquiries.

"How is it you as an elf make reproduction? And how long is your gestations?"

"Do all peoples of your race have this green skin?"

"In the northlands, do you use the paper or do you have a slave rinse?"

His familiar, if it is possible, seems even more grating than him. The dust mephit seems the thrive on the trail dust your travels kick up. He has no tact and not filters when it comes to personal observations. How he has survived this long is a great mystery.

When the orcs attacked, Mamoud at first tried to parlay with them. A nasty spear thrust in his arm convinced the wizard to take a more pragmatic approach.

His worth suddenly became apparent as El Fayat took to the air and blasted several of the savage humanoids with his arcane powers. The mephit did his part as well.

After graciously accepting healing, he immediately began sketching a dead orc's entrails...

[Bladehunter217]

Something about Glendail makes her appear celestial, whether it is her gold hair or her fair skin, you cannot tell. She wears clothing that reflects her heritage, well dyed earth tones that seem to accentuate her toned body. Atop her head is a deep purple hat with an eagle pin. When making conversation, which she redily does, Glendail plays with her hat, spinning it in her hands. She walks or jogs beside the caravan, no weapon obvious on her person. She always seems to be in a good mood, smiling when she addresses people. Glendail loves to talk and is willing to speak with anyone. She has a wide variety of knowledge and has no qualms talking about anything.

When combat starts, she pulls her bow from her quiver which never seems to lose its arrows. She walks up into the air where she can rain arrows from above. When she draws her bow, energy seems to come from the tips of her fingertips and channel into the arrow which glows when fired.

[kladams707]

Virgil looks like the typical adventurer. Long brown hair that’s somehow straight and untangled despite never taking care of it. With his beard neatly trimmed, it provides a nice frame to his overall looks. The arsenal of weapons he carries, from greatsword to mace to crossbow, says to others that he’s a simple warrior. The dark yet gleaming armor convinces others of his warrior spirit. However, anyone who observes the holy symbol knows at the very least who he worships. Even though he is a cleric of Klintina, his eyes seem to belie his more violent side. In fact, when not in combat he is a more gentle, more kind soul. He was not without a sense of humor, though more in hearing it than telling it. He was even forced to stifle a snicker when Mamoud asked what one might consider inappropriate questions.

When he began guarding the caravan, he did wonder about some of his compatriots at the time. However, those thoughts immediately left his mind as he remembered all he had seen by the time he reached this level. He remembered that many times, nothing is as it seems. He knew that if the Amazon Enterprises were assigning these characters to the task, they must be quite capable, even if the party seemed a bit eclectic. Any doubt that was not removed when they began was removed well before the orcs attacked. He hoped any doubts about him, whatever they might be, would have been removed. He joined in any discussions around the campfire, and enjoyed getting different perspectives. He knew the world was dynamic, and even though he would do his best to uphold Klintina’s ideals, he understood the importance of hearing different ideas.

After the Orcs attacked, he knew he had proven himself in battle, despite holding back a little. He ran the orcs through rather easily with his greatsword. At the end, of the battle, his sword was clearly bloody. The adrenaline surge he felt subsided as he observed the bodies on the field. He was disheartened that the orcs attacked them, which only served to provoke him and the other guardians. He also wondered if it was too easy, but that question soon faded away as he noticed others in need of aid. He worked in concert with others to heal those that needed it, but left the bedside manner to Daciana.

[GuyFawkes]

Eurus

In the rearmost wagon, the small frame of Eurus lied on the wooden floor, sprawled out like he was on his own personal bed, looking comfortable like he the hard, cracked up wood was made from the finest silken mattress. His weapons, his bow, sword, trusty glaive, backpack and chain shirt were piled up haphazardly beside him. Eyes closed, his black mane of a hair spread out over his face, his bare, tanned chest rising and falling in slow, rhythmic repetition.

Obviously, he was asleep.

The past few days had been quite problematic for the head of the Amazon Enterprise employees riding with the caravan. They had hired a group of men and women as their guards for the trip, a trip that had been proved many times before as one big magnet for trouble (upon looking at the goods they carried with them, the barbarian fully understood why). And yet, here was this small, frail-looking boy lugging around oversized toys, who was supposed to be protecting their collective behinds.

To be fair, Eurus was of average height among humans, but beside the tall lumbering figures of the rest in the group with him, he did look small. In fact, aside from the elves, he was the smallest of the group, not to mention that...whatever that was that called himself a paladin, or templar, or something. That one was simply gigantic.

They weren't exactly sure how this particular young man had come to be under their employ as a guard, but they were wise enough not to question the higher ups. Perhaps the boy did hide something in him to deserve the position, and they could have let it go at that. But the problem really didn't lie there.

No. It was his insufferable penchant for doing whatever he damn well liked to do anytime he wanted. Eating meals out of schedule, lagging well behind the caravan or heading far ahead, taking some of the food or wine meant for trade that he fancied to eat or drink, or just like what he was doing now, sneaking into one of the wagons for a midday doze.

But that all changed when the inevitable did come and a band of orcs attacked the caravan. Luckily Eurus was not asleep that time, and so he lept right at the charging greenskins, and with his glaive, tore through their ranks with strength and grace the likes the Amazon Enterprise employees have rarely seen during their many days of travel. And in that small frame of his, Eurus made it look much more impressive than it already was.

Now, as the caravan head passed by and noticed Eurus sleeping again, he did not mind so much anymore and just shook his head in disbelief. But the fact that the young man did not bother to keep his snoring in check surely did annoy him so.

[MikelaC1]

Of course, the other reason that a group of adventurers was recruited to guard this caravan was the presence of the prisoner. No one knew what the prisoner's name was, he was not from the area. He had wandered into the town several days ago, raving about attacks from ettins, gorgons and a creature later identified by the local sage as a chuul, from the description he gave. The man was quite distraught and would talk of nothing else, and when people stop taking him seriously, he became violent, eventually 2 people were killed and several more injured when he went on a rampage.
Having no means to cure the man, and also wanting him punished for his crimes, the local authorities decided to ship him to Varstok, where the priests of the temples could hopefully cure him, and also hold him in their jails for whatever sentences would be deemed appropriate.
For the first 4 days of the travel, the prisoner had been non-communicative, taking his food and water when it was given, and just wandering around aimlessly when he was let out for exercise. Not even Daciana, reknowned for her ability to get people to talk to her, had been able to get a response from him. That changed on the fifth day. Late in the afternoon, as the caravan was moving past the old McCracken manor, the prisoner started staring at the old manor house, watching it intently, even as the caravan moved past. When the caravan master called a halt for the day, the McCracken manor could still be seen in the distance, and when let out for his daily exercise, all the prisoner could do was to stare in the distance at it.
The watch was set for the night, with the party being extra vigilent because of the prisoner's strange behaviour, but alas, the extra measures were not enough. The group that had the last watch (we'll blame the paladin and the rogue, because they still havent checked in) were ambushed in the night. Before they could raise an alarm (or even see what was attacking them), they were taken out by hold spells, knocked out and tied up. When the rest of the party woke up the next morning, they found the two guards tied and gagged, while the prisoner was gone from his wagon. The caravan master, who is responsible for the prisoner, wants answers.

[Ridai]

After helping the two bound men and checking for injuries, Daciana turns to the caravan master. "It seems that the prisoner harbored much more power and the accompanying patience than we thought. Not getting through to him should have been a warning sign for me. My sincerest appologies, sir." The amazon bows deeply. True, she isn't big on hierarchies, but she did agree to the job and the ball is in their part of the court right now. They are the ones capable of getting the prisoner back, they are the ones who can ensure as little damage caused as possible.

"However," she continues, putting on a winning smile. "it is easy to tell where he went. My colleagues were surprised and subdued by the prisoner, true, but the same would have happened with regular guards, with the difference that the latter most likely wouldn't be able to bring him back in an expedient manner. Though a delay will most likely be less harmful to your business than a missing prisoner, I am sure we can come to an agreement after me and my colleagues return from McCracken manor with the man. That is, if we have your permission to go, sir." Daciana's silken voice carries the definite sound of confidence as she calmly makes her case, gently taking the man's mind off the immediate outrage and towards what needs to be done right now.

Diplomacy to smooth things over with the caravan master [roll0]

[MikelaC1]

The caravan master looks around the area, trying to see if he can determine any more immediate threats. The party isnt the only gaurds the caravan has, but they are the most important. Finally he comes to a decision.

Your group go and get him back. I'll arrange the caravan into a defensive formation, with the less important wagons to the outside. Hopefully this wont take long and we wont run into any trouble we cant handle.

The man walks off, getting things organized and getting the lesser guards into positions to defend the wagons loaded with trade goods.

[Ridai]

Daciana gives the caravan master another beautiful smile and a nod, then turns to the others. "Well then, I think those who have seen the man's reaction to the manor would agree he most likely went there, but anyone with the ability to read tracks confirming that assumption would also be appreciated. Any quick preparations before we go?" The amazon's entire being seems serene, simply focusing on the task at hand.

[kladams707]

Virgil was somewhat annoyed, now having to go after an escaped prisoner. It seemed easily preventable. Despite the irksome task though, he understood they had to go after him. Even if the prisoner was mad, he had killed two people in a fit of rage. Virgil knew he was dangerous enough by that alone. He didn't hesitate to take up arms to bring the prisoner back, if only to make sure others wouldn't suffer the stranger's wrath.

"I'm afraid I'm not much of a tracker. I'm in agreement with the manor house. As for preparations, I'm all set. If everyone else is too, we might as well get moving. Time is of the essence."

[redzimmer]

Mamoud

Mamoud only half-listened to the whole exchange, studying his spell selection for the day as he was.

I wonder if the one riding the bear would consider a spell exchange, he wondered idly.

He looked at the sky to determine the time and then cast Overland Flight upon himself.

"The abandoned manor seems to be the likeliest of locations for the villain," he says, rising a foot above the ground.

Knowledge History and Knowledge Nobility to see if there is any more info Mamoud can dredge up about the manor. He isn't from these parts, but he reads everything he can find and will intently listen to any rumour he can get his ear on.

History 1d20+11
Nobility 1d20+11

[GuyFawkes]

Eurus

"For all that size, you'd figure you'd get the job done," Eurus said as he looked at the Killoren before laughing.

"No matter, no matter. Don't take it too hard. For the rest of us to not have noticed what was going on, we take blame equally," he added as he patted the Kiloren's back (he would have gone for his shoulder if it didn't take so much effort to do so).

"Personally, I doubt they'd be there, after all that staring yesterday. Too obvious. Unless they're that confident. Or that stupid." The dancer checked his gear as he talked, and after seeing everything was in order, he put the base of his right palm on his chin and pushed sideways, cracking his neck bones.

"But. I am hoping they'd be there. That, and they're not stupid." Eurus smiled as he started for the direction of the manor. He didn't particularly liked getting one upped by anyone, much less by a lunatic prisoner and his lackeys, and he'd like to pay them back. And he hoped to have some fun doing so.

[al'Lan Mandrag]

"The two who failed, they should remain here." Anaella arbitrated. "We cannot afford weakness or mistakes. Why were his abilities not known? He had killed two men before; did no one check if that was done with magic?" Anaella's anger is cold and vicious, but she doesn't stir from her seat upon her bear.

"I might have a chance at following the tracks, but I am not a hunter."

Survival check to track [roll0] - can only work if the DC is 10 or lower :smallwink:

[Ridai]

"They should get their chance to make up for their mistake. I would feel better if some of us stayed to guard the caravan." Daciana glances to Holland and Frey. "Come or stay, your choice." With that, the amazon starts walking towards the manor or wherever the tracks lead. "Let us find a madman."

[MikelaC1]

The tracking skills of the group are neither non-existant or not the best in the world, but fortunately, they dont have to be. The tracks made are pretty plain, and tell two things.
First of all, they seem to lead straight to the manor, with no attempt to hide them. Secondly, there are (as far as can be seen) only one set of tracks, and they indicate that the person who made them was being dragged while he was still on his feet. Whoever dragged him was either floating just above the ground or somehow had the ability to hide his tracks.
It takes about an hour to get to the manor, the tracks not varying in their appearance. They lead up to what once might have been a door, although now it is not much more than a hole in the stone wall. The exterior of the walls doesnt show much signs of damage, however thats to be expected as the fires were inside and any exterior smoke marks would have long since been washed away by the rain and years. From the outside, you cannot see much inside the "door".

[GuyFawkes]

Eurus

Whoever it was that took their prisoner, it seemed like he or she was capable enough to have done the whole thing undetected. To have overpowered two of their companions, who certainly were no slouches, as he saw in the prior engagement with the greenskins, without making too much commotion to wake them up. And to be able to cover his or her (or its) tracks but purposely leave that of the prisoner's. It almost felt to the young dancer as if they were being led here. And he knew what that meant.

Without saying a word, he entered the threshold with a smile on his face.

[Ridai]

Having no illusions of being a great warrior or good scout, Daciana follows closely behind those more talented at those disciplines. "Let me try to talk to him, perhaps I can convince him or bring him to come with us. And watch out for ambushes."

[Bladehunter217]

Glendail had followed the group a little further behind than was necessary as she did not want the to be surprised by the madman or captor. She walked on the air as before until they were close to the house, at which point she lowered herself into the group and pulled her bow. "Alright, now for light sources, what does everyone have?" She pulled a torch from her quiver, one that was already lit. "I would hate for him to have the advantage because we cannot see him."

[Ridai]

"Light." With that simple word, Daciana's cloak begins to emit soft light. Briefly pulling a staff from her sling bag, she adds "And a little protection." Channelled through the staff, her voice lays a mage armor around her, followed by the staff going back into the bag.

Daciana uses a Light cantrip. Then she uses her Runestaff to cast Mage Armor at caster level 9, bringing her AC up to 24.

[redzimmer]

Mamoud

"I am well-accoutred in the light providing question," the simpleminded wizard replies.

He reaches into one of his voluminous bags and produces an everburning torch and a rather unusual-looking lamp.

"Which would you prefer, my elven friend? Though I thought your people were capable of seeing in the darkness."

He fumbles through some papers he also has in the bag of holding.

"Yes, starlight sight or "low-light vision" as the northerners call it. Are you possible a racial variant without the ability? Or perhaps you suffer a degenerative disorder which robs you of this ability?"

This theorizing goes on for some time...

[kladams707]

Virgil

"If he gives us the chance," Virgil said in hushed reply to Daciana. At first he thought the prisoner had escaped all his own. However, the track marks may have indicated something else afoot. Perhaps the prisoner was not so willing an escapee as he thought. Not wanting to appear imposing, he chose to illuminate his armor with the spell, rather than his sword.


casting Light orison on armor

[MikelaC1]

The insides of the ruin are not pitch black, seeing as most of the roof has been burned away. Its not as light as day, but with the sources the party has, there is enough to see by.
What the group sees is what someone would expect with a house that was burned out from the inside and then left exposed to the elements for several years. Any sort of furniture has been turned to blackened piles of rubble, with any fabric that was on them long since rotted away. Dust and dirt are everywhere, and field mice scamper from the groups passage. The walls are not really standing anymore between the various areas, but the party could go left, right or straight ahead. The tracks seem to lead to the right.

[Ridai]

Preferring not to speak more than necessary in this situation, Daciana simply indicates the right for the group's path. There might be an ambush waiting for them, but the manor building is big and finding alternate paths could end up much too time-consuming.

[redzimmer]

Mamoud

Happy to relinquish any sort of responsibility, El Fayat follows Danciana, putting is lamp back into the bag of holding but keeping the torch in hand.

[Bladehunter217]

"My dear wizard, of course i can see better than a human with less light, but that does not mean I intend to go into a situation without preparation, just because I have enough light to see clearly now doesn't mean we won't enter a room or go below the building at some point and end with less light." Glensail smiles at Mamoud and walks with the group.

[kladams707]

[Virgil

Virgil followed the path Daciana lead them down. Though he agreed that they should maintain silence, he wondered if it was all for naught as his armor clanked with every step he took. He observed his surroundings as best he could as the group progressed through the manor.


Spot: [roll0]
Listen: [roll1]

[GuyFawkes]

Eurus

Seeing the unmistakeable trail that they had followed into the manor continuing on to the right, Eurus slowly padded forward to that direction. He ignored the idle banter from the others as he needed his full focus should there be an actual trap waiting for them.

[MikelaC1]

The party heads to the right and enters into a room that clearly was once the kitchen for the manor. Of course, any food that would have been still left in the room has long since either rotted away or been eaten by the wild life, so there is none of that. A giant stone hearth dominates one wall, easily big enough to have had two or three pots cooking simaltaneously, but the only pots left in the room are rusted beyond use, and not even ashes remain in the burning part of the oven. The rest of the contents of the room are in too bad a shape to make a guess as to what they once were, although being a kitchen, its not entirely unobvious.
Of more interesting note is a trap door in the floor, that likely leads down to a pantry of some kind. The tracks lead to it, and it appears from them as there was a bit of a struggle around it. Whoever was being dragged clearly didnt want to go down there, but he lost the fight. The trap door is once again closed, but there is a rope handle on it that can be used to open it.

[Ridai]

Clearly the way to go, thus Daciana stays out of the way of the more martially talented group members as the trapdoor is opened. With the prisoner's mental state, she is beginning to wonder if someone who doesn't leave traces has dragged him off or if a more magical threat is at hand.

[GuyFawkes]

Eurus

Of course, underground.

Not wasting any more seconds, Eurus stepped forward, cicling towards the hinge side of the trap door and grabbed the handle.

"Step back," he cautioned the others, and when they were a safe distance away, he pulled on the rope handle.

Str check (if needed): [roll0]

[redzimmer]

Mamoud

"This tracking of criminals is very invigorating!" Mamoud exclaims despite the shushing of his companions.

He would have eagerly moved to pull the cord, but heeded the advice to stand back instead...

[kladams707]

Virgil

Virgil kept his distance as well. His hand was on his sword, ready to draw it should it be necessary. He was tense, the anticipation of the unknown weighing on him. Virgil watched intently as Eurus opened the door.

[Bladehunter217]

"Into the basement then, come along dears, we've a prisoner to capture." Glendail dropped her everburning torch into the basement, and nocked an arrow. She looked down, scanning the entrance to the basement.

[roll0] spot
[roll1] listen

[MikelaC1]

As the trapdoor is pulled open, a set of stairs swings into place, leading down into the pantry. The different atmosphere down here might have slowed the decay of food, but the mice and other burrowing animals took care of that. As well, some of the root tubors left down here have taken over, meaning there isnt a whole lot to eat. There appear to be passages leading in either direction from the main room, each one lined with shelves, although little more than crumbs exist on any of the shelves.
Closer examination of the floor reveals a fresh wetness on the floor and it doesnt take much examination to determine that it is blood. The blood trail leads to the left.

[Bladehunter217]

"I think I might suggest that the prisoner is dead." Glendail said, levitating down into the basement. She aimed her bow in every corner, seeing which direction the trail led.

[kladams707]

Virgil

It seemed like a tight squeeze through the door with Virgil's armor. As he descended with the others, the unmistakable sound of his armor clanging continued. Once on solid ground once again, he saw the blood trail.

"Indeed that seems to be a real possibility," Virgil replied. Though I think we should still follow the trail. He may very well be alive. If he isn't, perhaps we can find out what happened

[MikelaC1]

There is no indication of whether or not the prisoner is dead or alive, but the blood trail leads to the left...and if he had died here, there would be a lot more blood. This trail is more like the trail that would be left by a wound but not a dying person.

[redzimmer]

Mamoud El Fayat

Mamoud draws his wand of web and heads in the direction of the blood.

[GuyFawkes]

Eurus

"Dead or alive, only one way to find out. Stay on your guard," said Eurus as he moved past the others and went ahead of the group. He thought about bringing out his own torch, but the illumination from the others' light sources was enough.

[Ridai]

Daciana, feeling everything that needed to be said has been said, follows the group to the left.

[kladams707]

Virgil

Virgil continued on with the others. Despite the blood, the amount present filled him with hope that the prisoner was alright...at least to some degree. However, as he walked, he began to wonder who... or what... had done this.

[Bladehunter217]

Well, lets see how this turns out. Glendail thought, letting the other go first so she could cover them from behind.

[MikelaC1]

The passage leads to the left, and goes for a lot longer than one would think would be required for a manor house. As well, the shelves along the side of the walls have long since ended, but the blood trail continues to beckon you forward. Finally, the passage ends, in a circular room. Lying in the middle of the floor is the prisoner. Even from the entrance to the room, you can see that he is dead.

[Ridai]

Even though he was turned into a murderer by his mental state, Daciana is far from happy to find the man dead, a frown marring her features. "Feels like a trap. Let me see if there are any traces of magic to be found..." Concentrating on her voice, the witch's senses sharpen to perceive the flows of arcane and divine energies in their surroundings, looking for the aura of invisibility spells or ones that might indicate traps or trap triggers.

Daciana uses detect magic to scan the entrance and the room without stepping into the latter yet.

[Bladehunter217]

"Not a bad idea, but lets see if i can improve on that." Glendail pulls an arrow from he quiver and focuses for a moment. She uses magic to float the arrow towards the body and prod it once from a distance.

[kladams707]

Virgil

Virgil was stunned to see the dead body. The bloody trail had shown a lack of lethality. Yet the prisoner before him lay limp. Just as he was about to step forward to check on it, the words of the others stopped him. It was then he realized, like the others, that perhaps this was a trap. He watched as the others cast spells and poked the body from a distance.

[redzimmer]

Mamoud

Mamoud was always intrigued by the dead. As his companions continued their magical autopsy, he scanned the room in hopes of seeing any signs of what happened.

Search [roll0]

[MikelaC1]

Daciana uses detect magic to scan the entrance and the room without stepping into the latter yet.

You detect no magic on the entrance or in the room.


"Not a bad idea, but lets see if i can improve on that." Glendail pulls an arrow from he quiver and focuses for a moment. She uses magic to float the arrow towards the body and prod it once from a distance.

Nothing happens when you prod the body.


Mamoud

Mamoud was always intrigued by the dead. As his companions continued their magical autopsy, he scanned the room in hopes of seeing any signs of what happened.

Search [roll0]

There are no visual clues as to what happened.

[redzimmer]

Mamoud

"Perhaps we should collect the body and return to our employer," Mamoud suggests. "The raising of dead is not beyond the ability of those blessed by the gods."

[redzimmer]

Mamous Still

"Here now, I shall put him into one of my bags."

Mamoud without a care wanders over to the body, a bag of holding in his free hand.

[GuyFawkes]

Eurus

"Wait," the dancer instantly stepped towards Mamous and held him back. Turning to Daciana, he commanded, "Check the body for traces of magic."

[Bladehunter217]

"Yes, lets speed up this process." Glendail casts detect magic as well, focusing entirely on the body. "Lets see what we can find out"

[redzimmer]

Mamoud

"Hmm? Oh yes, please proceed," Mamoud says, readily acquiescing to Eurus's request.

[Ridai]

Once done with the room and entrance, Daciana focuses on the body, hoping to perhaps reveal a clue of what happened to him (or if he was rigged).

[kladams707]

Virgil

Reckless Virgil thought to himself when he saw Mamoud act. He waited as the others analyzed the room and body for magic. All the time he wondered if this was the real body. The prisoner before them seemed dead, but the bloody trail indicated a different condition.

"So, what have you got on the room and body?"

[redzimmer]

Mamoud

Mamoud wonders if his time dabbling in some anatomy texts will help him determine the cause of death for this poor fellow.

Untrained heal check
[roll0]
Apparently he was too busy drawing faces on the genitalia diagrams to pay much attention to anatomy.

[MikelaC1]

Both Daciana and Glendail detect some traces of magic on the body, but they are unable to determine what sort of magic it is, or even if it just some sort of item on the body or a buff spell of some kind.
Mamoud is way too far away from the body to determine the cause of death, but with the pool of blood around his head, you would think there was some sort of wound there.

[GuyFawkes]

Eurus

Not wanting to waste any more time, Eurus took his haversack and got from within it some rope and a sack. Then he turned to Mamoud.

"Give me the bag. I will do it. Watch what happens. This may be a trap yet."

With rope, sack, and bag of holding in hand, Eurus will try to put the body in the sack and tie it up with a rope, then finally place it inside the bag of holding.

[redzimmer]

Mamoud

Curious to see the roping technique to be displayed, Mamoud relinquishes bag of holding #2 to Eurus.

"A magical aura!" he exclaims. "And blood around his head. Do you suppose he is afflicted with vampirism?"

[kladams707]

Virgil

Virgil stepped in the room just as Eurus began manipulating the body to put in the bag. Observing this he kept his distance before doing anything else.

"Not sure. Maybe I'll have a chance to look at it and see, " Virgil replied to Mamoud.

[Ridai]

"Check for obvious wounds before you bag him entirely, might give us a hint at who or what killed him."

[MikelaC1]

The moment Eurus begins to handle the body, there is a dazzling flash of light that encompasses the whole room and all of the party.
When their vision finally clears, the party finds themselves in something they have never experienced before. They appear to be floating in mid air, and the best way to describe the area they find themselves in would be what it would look like inside of a 12 sided dice.
In the exact centre of this "dice" is a glowing red gem, about the size of a human head. The party discovers, by trial and error that they can float about the room by merely thinking of where they want to go, and they slowly move in that direction.
No one touches the gem or the sides of the walls (unless they indicate that they do), but a visual inspection reveals nothing. The gem's depths cannot be seen, and the walls appear to be an opaque color, revealing nothing of what lies beyond.

[Ridai]

Floating. That's... peculiar. Unexpected. As are the surroundings. "Is everyone alright?" Daciana asks, having stabilized her position, learning how to move. True, she does not know what it going on. But the sensation of weightlessness, effortless movement into all directions, it still feels fascinating, great even, quickly moving with grace through the sheer air with her usual poise. Sashes, cloths, hair billowing and flowing in a way that makes the amazon look simply unearthly.

Her eyes reveal nothing beyond the even color when it comes to the walls, hence she gently floats to the gem in the center. Taking a deep breath and hoping for the best, she touches it, hoping for and dreading a reaction from the contact.

[MikelaC1]

The gem feels cool to the touch, perhaps even less than what it should be given the room temperature, but not uncomfortably or even painfully so.

[GuyFawkes]

Eurus

"Well, bite me. I did not expect that," Eurus exclaimed. "On the bright side, at least it's not vampirism. I would have preferred explosions or acid baths or flying pointy things though," he added as he shook his head.

It took a few moments for him to get a hang of how to move around in the space, and when he did, he unsheathed the dagger on his belt and used it to touch the walls.

[MikelaC1]

When Eurus touches the first wall, a bolt of light flies out from it, and heads straight toward the gem. It circles the gem 3 times, and then seems to enter directly into it. The gem begins to glow just a tiny bit, and if Daciana is still touching the gem, she will note that it is just a bit warmer. The wall turns to a black color.

[Ridai]

At first alarmed, but quickly realizing there is no danger (the bolt just passing by her harmlessly), Daciana watches the goingon-s with fascination. As the gem's color turns and the temperature changes, she inclines her head. "It... just got warmer." She looks to Eurus. "Could you try touching more of the walls?"

The witch herself floats over to one of the other walls and carefully touches it with her fingertips.

[MikelaC1]

Daciana touches another wall and there is a duplicate reaction with a bolt of light flying from the wall, and heading into the gem, although this time, the bolt circles the gem 5 times before entering it. As before, the touched wall turns black, and now the gem is glowing just a touch brighter.

[GuyFawkes]

Eurus

"Oh, great. Puzzles. Definitely not in the mood for puzzles. Why can't we just bash things in?" he muttered to no one in particular.

"Okay, one wall at a time. Let's see if the effect is similar first,"

[Ridai]

"It seems that your wall was the number three, mine was the five. Okay, one at a time, memorize the number of times the bolts circle the gem, just in case." Daciana turns to the others. "Please stay put for now so we have a point of reference."

With that, she coordinates with Eurus to touch all the walls, one at a time, memorizing each one's "number".

[GuyFawkes]

Eurus

Eurus nodded at Daciana's plan. Turning to the others, he asked, "We have lots of mages here. I'm sure you can do something to label each wall, yes?" before proceeeding to touch the walls one by one in a clockwise manner from where he touched the first wall.

[MikelaC1]

As each wall is touched in turn, a bolt of light flies forth from it, circling the gem before entering it. Each time, the number varies, in turn covering all numbers from 1 to 12, and each time the gem glowing brighter and hotter as it does so.
When the final wall is touched and the bolt enters, there is another blinding flash of light and a lurching feeling. The effect passes, and the party finds itself back in the room with the dead prisoner, however, the gem is now floating with them as well.
Before the party can do anything, the gem suddenly blazes brighter and brighter, and then ghostly forms begin to emerge from it. In order, a giant dire ram, a gorgon, an ettin, a giant dire shark, a longbow wielding centaur, a huge scorpion, a man carrying a bucket of water, a giant dire lion, a beautiful maiden, a chuul, a set of balance scales, and a chimera emerge from it. They snarl menacingly at the party, but then fly off, passing through the walls of the pantry with ease. Seconds later, an extremely handsome (at least, as far as you can tell through his ghost form) rises from the gem as it bursts. He smiles at you (but its not a kindly smile) and then flies off as well. With that, a silence descends over the room.

[Ridai]

"Wha..." Daciana starts, trying to work out what just happened. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think I just saw approximations of the... signs of the zodiac? Was that some kind of seal or...?" She has a bad feeling about all that, the ghostly man's cold smile making shivers run down her spine thinking back to it. Something else comes to mind, as well. "Didn't the man say he was attacked by ettins, gorgons and a chuul?" The amazon does her best to reflect on what happened, but she is rather confused right now.

[Bladehunter217]

"Can you explain to me one thing? Why did you start tapping sides without thinking? We have absolutely no idea what those things are that flew off. Illusions, conjured creatures, what?" Glendail looks at the group and rubs her temples. "Lets get out of this room before we set off another trap. I'll take the right side with my detecting, Daciana, would you take the left?"

[GuyFawkes]

Eurus

The dance barely flinched when all the ghostly shapes manifested from the gem, but he did tighten his grip on his dagger. When the last of them (the man with the wicked smile) was gone, he sheathed his dagger and proceeded to bag the corpse.

"You know lady, sometimes you just gotta do things. When you start thinking things over, that's when you screw up. At least that's what happened today, so be thankful," he replied to Glendail before bursting into laughter.

"Right, let's not tarry. The caravan needs us."

[Ridai]

"Look, we were in a featureless twelve-sided room with no other way out and the normal rules of gravity did not apply. When we were brought there, it was already too late, at least that is how it looks like to me, as none of us could even remotely identify the magic on the body, implying a rather advanced kind of magic." Daciana sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose, then shaking her head to clear it.

She nods to Glendail. Daciana reactivates her detect magic, covering the Glendail-indicated area on the way out.

[Bladehunter217]

"It does not matter now, all we can do is move on." Glendail hangs to the right as she walks along, looking closely at the walls and listening for any surprises.

[MikelaC1]

[COLOR="Navy"]She nods to Glendail. [COLOR="Navy"]"Someone please take the gem.


Seconds later, an extremely handsome (at least, as far as you can tell through his ghost form) rises from the gem as it bursts.

The walk back to the caravan takes a little longer, burdened as you are by a corpse. Upon your arrival, the caravan master looks at the human shaped bag you are carrying, and puts two and two together. He gives the order to break formation and gets the wagons heading on to Varstok.

[Ridai]

Daciana heads to the caravan master. "The tracks looked like he was dragged and once we were in the basement, we also saw that he was losing blood, but once we found him, he was already dead, no trace of who or what did it. There seemed to be a spell of sorts on his body, but no real indications what its purpose was."

[Bladehunter217]

"Point is, the prisoner didn't simply wander off so we should keep our guard up since we don't know who or what took him away. Aside from that, we have nothing to keep the journey from continuing." Glendail returns her gear to the quiver and takes her place beside one of the wagons.

[redzimmer]

Mamoud El Fayat

The wizard watched the whole exchange without bothering to aid or interject. It seems he spent the whole time merely taking notes and nodding as the group deciphered the trap(?).

On the way back he thankfully retrieved his bag of holding from Eurus and then announced his findings.

If any...

knowledge arcana [roll0]

knowledge/profession astrology [roll1]

[MikelaC1]

The rest of the trip to Varstok is uneventful, taking about 5 days to complete. The caravan master handles entry into the city, and then sends one of the guards to fetch a magistrate to deal with the party and the dead prisoner. About 15 minutes later, he comes out of a building and comes up to you, asking for your report.

He is aware of the facts of the case that lead him to be arrested, he wants to know how his death happened.

[kladams707]

Virgil watched as the others pressed on the gems while he floated. He was very surprised at first, and when he tried to move he couldn't do it as effectively as the others. He continued is observance just as the second flash appeared. He was in awe as 12 images appeared before the party. He seemed especially connected to the bucket man and large shark, as if he felt a strong bond. No sooner did the second flash start it abruptly ended. He saw the recognizable dead body.

What in t he world was that? And why did the bloody trail indicate something else?

These were thoughts he had bit was certain the others had them too. However, it was time to continue the journey, not only back to the caravan but to Varstock. Again as he traveled, he listened and conversed with others, but now with a nagging feeling in the back of his mind. Arriving in Var stock somewhat weary, he joined the others to report in. Without really thinking he was the first to speak.

To be honest sir, someone or something got the drop on two of our compatriots and dragged the prisoner to a manor. We went after him and found him dead.

He looked at the others wondering if any of them wanted to add the vision they shared.

[redzimmer]

Mamoud

"Begging your pardon, Most Honored Sir," he says, "is it not in the ability of a priest to speak with dead? Or perhaps revivify him as a sentient undead! I could research a spell to make him a wight! I am certain we can contain him while we ask him your questions."

He see the frown on the magistrate's face.

"Ah, I see the necromancy taboo is in effect here... interesting, interesting..."

He scribbles some notes.

"So are we to be paid now?"

[Bladehunter217]

"I am under the impression that whoever killed him wanted us to find the body, there were no tracks of whatever dragged him away, but even a child could have followed the tracks by the dragged body. Whoever took him also took out to decent fighters without alarming the rest of the camp, they could have ambushed us in the mansion and done some serious harm. I am not going anywhere near that body now that it is off our hands and I suggest that you get rid of it as soon as possible." Glendail gave a short bow and stepped back, having expressed her concerns.

[GuyFawkes]

Eurus

The young dancer smiled and shook his head.

"Yeah, sorry. It was our negligence that resulted to this. Well, the contract did say we have to bring him here, and he's here. It didn't specify he needed to be alive," he said before laughing. "But if needed, you can take a portion of my share to cover for raising him. If you intend to."

[MikelaC1]

The magistrate listens to all of your stories, nodding and making notes as you do so, and checking the notes he has on the crimes that were committed by the prisoner. When you are finished, he thinks for a moment.

Based on the crimes ascribed to the prisoner and the number of witnesses to them, I have no doubts as to his guilt, and that he would have been facing a death sentence anyway. There are no heirs or family willing to pay for a resurrection, so unless you people are interested in pooling your pay to have him raised, only in order to see him executed, thats your choice.
A scribe that was standing beside the magistrate hands you each a sack of coins, 5000 gp in total, each.
While it was hoped you would bring him back alive, it wasnt specified and you have brought him here, so you will be paid accordingly.
However, some parts of the story you are telling certainly indicate there is more to this story than it seems. If you wish, I could arrange for a temple to send a priest to at least speak with the dead body. Or you could go your way. Im not sure how much a temple charges for such a service, but I would imagine its no more than 500 gold or so.

[Ridai]

Daciana accepts the payment with a small nod. "Such an arrangement would be appreciated. Perhaps his story will shed some light on recent events."

Taking 800gp of the 5000.

[kladams707]

Virgil

"There's no need since I can cast the spell, though we would have to wait until tomorrow," Virgil volunteered. "Would it be possible to get access to the body sometime tomorrow?" He then turned to the others. "Or do any of you want to know right this minute? Or even care to at all?"

[MikelaC1]

Daciana accepts the payment with a small nod. "Such an arrangement would be appreciated. Perhaps his story will shed some light on recent events."

Taking 800gp of the 5000.

OOC: You each got 5000, not 5K for the party.

[GuyFawkes]

Eurus

"Yeah, whatever. I have my pay. Might as well go along with it," Eurus said as he took his share. He did seem nonchalant about it, but he was a bit intrigued by the earlier set of events. His job was done, he had nothing much to do. Depending on what the meeting with the cleric might provide them, he could very well have something to be busy about next.

"Oh, all the better if you can do it for free!" he laughed as Virgil volunteered.

[Bladehunter217]

"I am curious about a few things, but nothing that requires money spent on a spell. If answers could be found tomorrow, then I certainly do not have any complaints. Unless, of course, someone really wants to know what managed to take him away from two guards." Glendail shrugged and accepted her payment. "It all depends on whether you can wait for your answers."

[Ridai]

Looking to Virgil, Daciana nods. "I can wait another day."

[MikelaC1]

The magistrate shrugs.

We have no immediate plans to bury him, his body can be interred for a day.
He gives you directions to the morgue.
He will be there for a day or two, after that length of time, I cant guarantee anything

[Ridai]

"Let us meet there tomorrow morning, then." Daciana says to the others before a smile crosses her face. "There will be plenty to consider once we know more, but for now, I plan to enjoy the rest of the day. Of course, you are welcome to join me if you like."

After saying goodbye for the evening to those who don't join her, the amazon goes to deposit most of her earnings (4500gp) in the nearest bank, prefering to travel relatively lightly, and rents herself a nice, comfy room for the night. With that done, she goes out to mingle with the people of Varstok and their nightlife, dancing, singing and generally enjoying herself, filled with energy, perhaps finding a handsome lad and/or beautiful girl to join her for when she retires to her room. Who knows what the evening might bring and there is only one way to find out.

[kladams707]

Virgil

"Tomorrow morning at the morgue it is," agreed Virgil. He wasn't sure how secure a bank might be. After all, he knew that magic could do many things. He instead chose to keep his money close by, where he could have a direct eye on it.

He too, however, decided that he was due for a good meal and a good night's rest. After renting a room himself, he went to grab a quick bite, either at the inn itself or somewhere nearby.

[GuyFawkes]

Eurus

"Tomorrow, then!" Eurus waved at the others and headed for the bank. He had decided to put the reward (4900gp) straight to the Anemoi joint account this time, leaving only enough gold to last him a few days, not wanting to have a repeat of what happened the last time. When he saw Daciana on the way, he decided to go with her and talked about idle things, whatever came up in his head (which was a lot), and when they were done at the bank, decided to go separate ways.

He then went to look for the most famous place in town to have dinner, and, swearing off the alcohol this time around, looked for a decent place to spend the night and turned in early.

[redzimmer]

Mamoud

The wizard happily accepts his pay and proceeds to seek a gem seller.

Wish to buy 10 pearls worth 100 gp each, then some gems of various values of 10 gp to 1,000 gp to lighten his load. Then toss 'em into his bag of holding that did not hold a bloody corpse.

He makes a mental note to prepare prestidigitation in the morning to clean the blood out of his bag.

[Bladehunter217]

"It seems we all have plans for the morning then." Glendail followed a few of the other to the bank, depositing the majority of her wealth (4950) into an account before finding an inn to stay at.

[Ridai]

After a wonderful evening and night, Daciana awakes in her room beside Elena Vanir, the lovely young half-elven bard she befriended yesterday. Both women enjoy breakfast in bed together and once their respective morning routines are done, they see each other off with a kiss, Daciana gifting an oil to soothe tired dancers' legs and feet to the half-elven maiden (who enjoyed it quite a bit) and Elena inviting the amazon to swing by whenever she likes ("Gladly.").

-----

After stopping by a small shop to replenish her assorted oils and lotions for massage purposes, Daciana punctually arrives at the morgue, greeting the group with a smile, being in good spirits. "Good morning, everyone. Now, shall we?"

-----

Once the spell is cast, Daciana states her first question. "When we found your body, we were briefly brought to a twelve-sided room and saw representations of the signs of the zodiac escape from a large gem, in addition to a ghostly man. Who or what were all those?"

[MikelaC1]

The spirits of the Zodiac, they tormented me to let them free, they must not escape

[GuyFawkes]

Eurus

After having breakfast, Eurus wandered through town to see if he could find something to spend his money on. When he arrived at the market, he found a small stall that sold curios, and he decided to buy a small trinket to give his little sister when he returned home. He also decided to buy a small wooden toy horse for his cousin, which tumbled into buying things for his other relatives.

He had been immersed in his shopping when he remembered he had to be at the morgue, and so he hurried there, arriving on time before the others had began.

"He he. Too late for that now. But what is your connection to them? Why you?"

[MikelaC1]

They choose me for I was first in the manor house...get them out of my head, Get Them Out Of My Head...GET THEM OUT OF MY HEAD

[Ridai]

One of the things Daciana suspected came true: the man was a victim of a greater force. And even in death, he is tormented by his former burden.

"Unfortunately, they are free now. Why were they sealed within you? We lack insights into what drives them right now."

[MikelaC1]

They were not sealed with me...I went exploring in that pantry, hoping to find McCracken's gold but I only found that final room with their spirits calling to me. When I refused them initially, they inflicted their torments on me and drove me to Althar. The small village you picked him up in Then when we passed by, their spirits had opened enough of a gate to drag me back to the room. When I refused them again, they killed me.

[kladams707]

Sorry for breaking the flow a bit

As soon as Virgil awoke, he prayed for the spells, remembering to prepare a "speak with dead" spell. As soon as he was done, he started heading over. However, Virgil noticed in the morning that the weight of he new found wealth was heavier than he realized. He decided to stop by before going to the morgue and deposit all but 500 gold pieces. If others trusted it with their money, it might be safe enough, he reasoned. Once he was done, he quickly headed to the meeting spot

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

Once everyone had arrived at the mortuary, he went in with them. With access to the body, he cast the spell and let the others ask the questions.

[redzimmer]

Mamoud

After his gem purchases and a night's rest at a good inn, Mamoud lumbers back to the morgue to join on the "interrogation."

He takes a moment to use Prestidigitation to clean the blood from his bag.

"Spirit," he asks, unaware or uncaring if he uses up a question without consulting the group, "what did they request you to do?"

[MikelaC1]

They told me to set them free. They tormented me, telling me they would cease if I did as they asked.

[al'Lan Mandrag]

Anaella

Days ago...

Anaella was loathe to leave her steed but she did not let her doubts slow her and she followed the others into the manor. Whilst they spent their time talking and meddling, Anaella watched, learning and to her horror, discovering too late that the others had released these spirits. It was clear to her that something had been undone whilst they had floated in that netherrealm, but what she did not yet know.

The day before

Finding a stable that would do for a bear was an occupational hazard that few other adventurers had to deal with, and so Anaella spent her night on the outskirts of the town, Orton's furry pelt as comfortable as any bed. She deposited nearly all of her worldly wealth into the bank (7500gp).

Now

Commanding Orton to stay, she had returned with haste to the others, and now watched as they dabbled in necromantic arts upon the victim of... whatever it was that had happened back in the manor.

She considered various questions she might pose to the animated corpse, but none of them seemed right: Are they evil, are they servants of a divinity, how can they be bound again? All of these ran through Anaella's head, but she waited, silently, and hoped that Mamoud would not ask the corpse some irrelevant question about degenerative eyesight problems or racial variants.

[redzimmer]

Mamoud

Mamoud turns to the others.

"I would like to ask a number of questions about what afterlife an magically-compelled killer can expect," Mamoud says.

"But I expect that you have more pressing questions," he adds quickly, seeing the looks on his associates' faces.

[Ridai]

Daciana does shoot Mamoud a... less than enthusiastic look at the prospect of his questions. Since the others don't seem to have any more questions, she asks "Do you know what the Zodiac are planning to do?"

[MikelaC1]

Force all of humanity into perfect representations of themselves.
With that, the semblance of life that the spell had created dissipates, and the corpse collapses back to the floor

[Bladehunter217]

"Well, thats a tad bit depressing, force people into being what their signs say they are? I know people have a tendency to have traits associated with their signs, but that goes a bit far." Glendail shook her head and looked back at the corpse. "At least that answered the more important questions."

[al'Lan Mandrag]

Anaella stepped forwards then, an eyebrow arched at the melodramatic parting statement of the corpse.

"And what would that even mean?" she wonders; "I rather think that you have overstepped yourselves. Whatever it is you did with your meddling... Well let us say that it is now your prerogative to clear it up." Anaella's harsh tones echoed in the room, chilly and without kindness or camaraderie.

Don't worry, she'll warm to you guys. Eventually.

[Ridai]

Daciana watches the corpse in silence for a moment, nodding to what Glendail has to say before Anaella airs her thoughts. Daciana doesn't look all that affected as she glances over to her companion. "Like I said before, I still believe it isn't anyone's fault, we just happened to be the ones that stumbled across the body first. Regardless, I do not want the Zodiac's plan to come to pass."

The amazon turns to the others, regarding each of them. "It is clear that these are powerful, terrible forces at work. The question for me is who of you wants to join me in finding and stopping these creatures. It is hard to find talented adventurers like yourselves and those talents will be sorely needed, I imagine."

[GuyFawkes]

Eurus

"Bah, don't be so uptight about it. Meddling or no meddling, we were bound to be tied up into this mess the moment we accepted that mission," Eurus simply shrugged.

"Anyways, we don't even have a clue to how things are gonna happen. How are they going to do it? Where do we go next? We could attempt to ask again, but does the dead man even know those things?"

"But," he paused, "...things like these, they are bound to pull those of us involved into this whatever we do, so even if we just wait, it'll all come to us one way or another. He's the living...well, he's proof of that," he said pointing at the corpse.

"Well, then. I guess we're done here. I'll be here in town for a few days, so if you ever find something about this, leave a message at the [one of the cheap inns]. I'll try to ask around about this, see if I find anything, so leave a way for me to contact you when you do drop by." With that, Eurus moved across the room and exited through the door. "See ya!"

[kladams707]

Virgil

Virgil was about to respond when the others chimed in. He just listened and didn't really say anything, letting the other state it for him.

"Agreed." He stated after Eurus finished. "We know their goals, and it falls to us to stop them. Unfortunately, we don't know where to start and I'm not entirely sure the former prisoner would know much more."

At that point, he turned to Anaella. "I know you don't think you have any responsibility in this. Nonetheless, your help would be greatly appreciated. Maybe we can do some research as well."

[Ridai]

"Varstok is a big city. Perhaps we can find historical records alluding to the Zodiac or legends on the subject. Perhaps the man we saw used to study these Zodiac creatures and left some research behind we could go from." Meanwhile, Daciana waves Eurus goodbye with a smile.

[redzimmer]

Mamoud

At the mention of searching a large archive, Mamoud perked and suddenly paid attention.

"You will of course need someone skilled at mining reference materials!"

His mephit Shabaz alights nearby.

"Between the two of us we are fluent in seven languages..."

The wizard carries on.

[MikelaC1]

As the group discusses things related to the Zodiac, the mortician puts the prisoner's body back into storage. He then adds to the discussion.

If youre looking for an astrology reading for yourselves, Madame LaMesh claims to be the most accurate astrologist in Varstok. Her fees can be pricy, but many nobles and business people seem to trust her.

[kladams707]

Virgil

"Not exactly sure she's the type of expert we're looking for," Virgil replied to the mortician. However, after a moment's thought he reconsidered. "Then again, perhaps it wouldn't hurt seeing if there is something she can offer us. What do the reset of you think," he inquires to the others.

[al'Lan Mandrag]

Anaella

Well Eurus was demonstrating exactly how much he believed in social responsibility. Anaella glared after him coldly as he left, before returning her attention to the rest who were discussing research.

"You speak the truth, companions, we must learn more of these beings, beyond the ramblings of a dead madman. Perhaps a 'reading' might work, if these astrological symbols are connected to the Zodiac creatures."

[Ridai]

"Mamoud and I will pay a visit to the archives, libraries and scholars. Meeting Madame LaMesh would make for a good alternative plan, unless you want to visit her in the meantime."

As a note, Daciana's plan revolves around Gather Information (in terms of records and scholars), Astrology and Knowledge (arcana) to dig up information.

[redzimmer]

Mamoud

Like a hypothetical child promised a trip to the proverbial candy story, Mamoud nods enthusiastically.

"Yes, I am a scholar of numerous disciplines and have no small knowledge in regards to astrology. Then to question this seeress. Yes, so many things to do..."

He all but trips over his shorter associates as he leaves the morgue, not quite yet sure where local archives may be.

Shabaz, Mamoud's mephit familiar stops to acknowledge the others before following after.

"Er, he tends to walk into things if I don't watch out for him," the dust mephit explains apologetically.

[kladams707]

Virgil

If you think the research would go faster if you two had more help, I'll help. Otherwise, I and another could perhaps pay a visit to LaMesh.

[Ridai]

"Mamoud doesn't seem to lack enthusiasm, if direction. I think we'll be fine, although I wouldn't say no to more help. Meet back at the Oakenshield Inn [nicer inn] in the evening?" The last bit is directed to everyone before Daciana heads after Mamoud to direct him into a more productive direction as well as to start her own research as well.

[al'Lan Mandrag]

Anaella

To Virgil: "Then let us find this Madam LaMesh, and find out what she can tell us of this disturbance. And if that fails, I shall find a temple and pray to Klintina for guidance." She rises and turns to the mortician: "Could you give us a location and directions to this woman?"

[MikelaC1]

The mortician gives the people going to Madame LaMesh the directions, shes actually only a few blocks away. As well, he directs the research crew to the largest archives in the city.

Unfortunately, the research doesnt go all that well. There are plenty of tomes on the subject of astrology, however most of them are explanations of the authors theories and interpretations of the signs, as well as a put down of all the other authors out there. Not one book ever mentions a physical manifestation of the signs, and there is certainly no hint of one overall guiding figure. The party does manage to use the manuals to interpret all of their own signs however, including their sun signs, which are a subject not known of outside the astrological community. It seems that between all the members of the group, virtually all the signs are covered.

Madame LaMesh works out of a quiet, well maintained house. Those going to see her end up having to wait for about an hour as she does have a reading going on, but they are eventually ushered in to see her. The best way to describe Madame LaMesh is to picture up the stereotypical gypsy fortune teller, although there is no crystal ball, only a mass of star charts in the middel of the table.

So, how can I help you? What fortune do you wish to see? And how do you pay me?

[redzimmer]

Mamoud

Tact and common sense are neither of the traits associated with Mamoud. This is evident as he approaches a random person on the street.

"You there, common person! Where does one locate the library?" He pauses, afraid the person cannot understand him.

Perhaps he is of a different nationality. he tries again in Goblin, then Draconic to be sure.

Diplomacy

[roll0]

Dismayed that the answer cannot be found in books, Mamoud dejectedly heads off the location of the astrologer Madame LaMesh.

Probably too late to join in, but at least to rejoin the party after they are finished.

[Ridai]

After all their research, nothing. But the arrangement of signs is... more than a little strange. After the mostly unsuccessful work, Daciana goes to see whether the others are still seeing the Madame, otherwise she heads to the inn to wait for the others, also leaving a note at the cheaper inn for Eurus to direct him to the nicer inn.

[kladams707]

Virgil

Virgil wasn't surprised at the appearance of Madame LaMesh. It was pretty much what he had expected, and as such wasn't sure how the lead would pan out. Still, he and Anaella were there, and so replied to the medium.

"Well, madame, before we get into payment, we were wondering how much you might know about spirits, particularly those related to the Zodiac."

He waits for confirmation from LaMesh before continuing.

[al'Lan Mandrag]

Anaella

Allowing Virgil to lead the interview, Anaella allowed herself to play with her purse causing the faint jingling of all the gold coins within.

[MikelaC1]

Spirits? Related to the Zodiac? I have never heard of spirits related to the Zodiac. The Zodiac is a primal force, not a spiritual one.

[GuyFawkes]

Eurus

Having left the morgue, Eurus resumed his shopping and ate lunch. It was after that that it occured to him to finally do something about the Zodiac issue.

Without any clue where to start, he decided to hit the taverns. It was a long shot, but even he was still surprised at times at what he could find out among the drunk.

Hitting one of the busier-looking taverns, he walked up to the bar, ordered a drink, and made idle talk. Once he had a few tankards worth, he began to ask around about the prisoner they had just brought, if they knew anything about him, or about the manor.

Gather Information: [roll0]

[kladams707]

Virgil

Odd, Virgil thought to himself. Then what did we see?. So far, it seemed LaMesh did know more, so he continued.

Really? That's interesting. Though perhaps I misspoke. Would it be possible for such a force to create manifestations? Or someone to use such a force to do just that?

[MikelaC1]

Eurus

Having left the morgue, Eurus resumed his shopping and ate lunch. It was after that that it occured to him to finally do something about the Zodiac issue.

Without any clue where to start, he decided to hit the taverns. It was a long shot, but even he was still surprised at times at what he could find out among the drunk.

Hitting one of the busier-looking taverns, he walked up to the bar, ordered a drink, and made idle talk. Once he had a few tankards worth, he began to ask around about the prisoner they had just brought, if they knew anything about him, or about the manor.

Gather Information: [roll0]

Despite how busy the bar is, there is a scarcity of information to be had. The prisoner was a local (to the original village) problem and his arrival in the city was not expected. Varstok has more interesting concerns than a local yokel from the provinces. Inquiries about the manor reveal mostly the same information that the party already knew, it was owned by a minor noble, McCracken, but when it was sacked by an orc attack, no kin stepped forward to claim it, and due to the fact that it had never been a profitable province, no one took it on themselves to make a formal claim on it. The province had been under the direct governance of the council ever since.


Virgil

Odd, Virgil thought to himself. Then what did we see?. So far, it seemed LaMesh did know more, so he continued.

Really? That's interesting. Though perhaps I misspoke. Would it be possible for such a force to create manifestations? Or someone to use such a force to do just that?

The old woman's eyes glitter shrewdly. There once was a legend, yes She looks significantly at her palm. But my palms are still empty, no?

[kladams707]

Virgil

"Ah, but of course. Your price," Virgil said as if he had forgotten. Of course he hadn't.

"What is your fee?"

[MikelaC1]

What you seek is known to almost no one. It comes from a time before the new gods of Daystor. No other astrologer probably knows of it. My fee would be 100 coins of gold.

[GuyFawkes]

Eurus

Disappointed, Eurus decided to take another approach. He figured to be more direct this time, and asked about rumors of ghostly ettins, gorgons, or chuuls haunting somewhere around the area or possibly near the manor.

[al'Lan Mandrag]

Anaella

"I have your price then, fore-seer, but I expect the knowledge to match the price."

Anaella counts out 100gp.

[Bladehunter217]

Glendail slipped away after the questions were answered, considering what was said. She headed for a tavern trying to decide who would best be able to answer her newest question.

[MikelaC1]

Eurus

Disappointed, Eurus decided to take another approach. He figured to be more direct this time, and asked about rumors of ghostly ettins, gorgons, or chuuls haunting somewhere around the area or possibly near the manor.

Once again, the attempts of Eurus do not meet with any success. The manor was pretty much abandoned by all, thieves probably picked the place clean very quickly and then it was left to the elements


Anaella

"I have your price then, fore-seer, but I expect the knowledge to match the price."

Anaella counts out 100gp.

There was a legend, a long time ago, about how the belief of mortals in the Zodiac was so strong, that the force that it existed as, was transforming into a spirit. But during the war, there was no belief in such things, there was no time for such, survival was the over-riding concern. When the new gods were victorius, astrology was muchly discredited, ridiculed as superstition. So whatever energy was being given by the beliefs of mortals was cut off.

[GuyFawkes]

Eurus

With no luck in finding any clues, Eurus decided to call it a day. After buying another round of free drinks, he excused himself and headed for the inn. Upon getting the note left by the others, he went straight to his bed for a midday nap; he figured it would be best if he went and met the others sober.

[redzimmer]

Mamoud

On second thought, perhaps I shall provision my arcane wares, Mamoud thought.

He finds a random passerby and asks another tactless query as to the location of magewares.

i.e. spell components, scrolls for sale, materials to copy spells, etc.
Diplomacy
[roll0]

[kladams707]

Virgil

Virgil listened as Madame LaMesh recounted the tale. This was certainly the first time he had heard of it, which wasn't too surprising considering it was rare knowledge.


Is there anything in the legend about this energy returning? Or something that would once again empower this energy?

[MikelaC1]

Mamoud

On second thought, perhaps I shall provision my arcane wares, Mamoud thought.

He finds a random passerby and asks another tactless query as to the location of magewares.

i.e. spell components, scrolls for sale, materials to copy spells, etc.
Diplomacy
[roll0]

Mamoud receives directions to several magic shops, it would seem that Varstok has several good ones


Virgil

Virgil listened as Madame LaMesh recounted the tale. This was certainly the first time he had heard of it, which wasn't too surprising considering it was rare knowledge.

Is there anything in the legend about this energy returning? Or something that would once again empower this energy?

There is nothing about the energy returning, although if the belief in astrology strengthens, as it has over the time since the Gods War ended, it would make sense that it would happen. You might want to talk to someone who would know the most about the Gods War to talk about what happened to astrology after it ended.

[redzimmer]

Mamoud

Mamoud is eager to see what arcane delights Varstok has to offer. Curious as the spells most common in this region, he heads first to a seller of scroll and inquires of their wares.

[redzimmer]

Mamoud

After fumbled attempts to haggle and nearly getting the price increase due to his poor interpersonal skills, Mamoud purchases scrolls of daylight, explosive runes, arcane sight, dispel magic, dimension door, fire shield and wall of fire.
In case anyone cares.

Alas I had not prepared read magic today, he lamented. he would have to transcribe them another day.

His much lighter purse slaps against his hip as he heads back to the inn.

[kladams707]

Virgil

Virgil wasn't sure if this was really the extent of LaMesh's knowledge, but he wasn't going to press it. She had dealt with them patiently enough and he appreciated her for it.

"You say we should talk to someone who knows more about the Gods War. Do you have someone in mind?"

[MikelaC1]

Madame LaMesh cackles as Virgil asks his question.

The Domars and the Bindars lead the war, and the strongest surviving Domar is Elinon. She is the high priestess of Lysindra, and no doubt is at her temple in Varstok. You cant miss it

She gives directions for you to follow.

[Bladehunter217]

Glendail wanders into the tavern and heads to the bartender. "I was wondering if you've seen or heard of a particular man." Glendail gives the description of the last spirit from the gem, leaving out the part that it was a spirit. "I believe he has been dead for a while, but if he sounds familiar, I would appreciate it."

[MikelaC1]

Glendail is able to give a good description of the man, however no one in the bar can remember seeing anyone who looks at all like him.

[kladams707]

Virgil

Virgil accepted LaMesh's answer. If she didn't know much about what they were looking for, he supposed a new lead was acceptable. He wasn't sure if there was anything else to discuss. He turned to Anaella and inquired

"Is there anything that you can think of to ask Madame LaMesh?"

[redzimmer]

Mamoud

Mamoud finished his scroll purchases, and as an afterthought he purchased some ink and materials to transcribe a 1st and 3rd level spell.

I like figs.

[al'Lan Mandrag]

Anaella

"Could you name such an expert within this city then? You pose us possibilities, and myths, is this how you trick innocents out of their hard earned coin?" Anaella asks LaMesh grimly.

[MikelaC1]

I already told you the best expert on the subject, Elinon Darasis-Domar, high priestess of Lysindra, and I gave you the directions to her temple.

[kladams707]

Virgil

Virgil was a bit taken aback by by Anaella's accusation, though he shouldn't have been. After recovering he attempted to continue.

I apologize for my compatriot's terse comments. I do thank you for putting up with us. Is there anything else you can tell us about the Zodiac force, or do you suppose our best bet would still be with the priestess.

[MikelaC1]

The Zodiac should remain a force and not a spirit. A force has no free will and cannot act for or against someone by their own choice. Spirits always have their own aims, and can use their power of destiny in concert with whatever powers they acquire from sentience. If the Zodiac has indeed become spirits, then they need to be stopped. I pray Elinon can give you more insights.

[al'Lan Mandrag]

Anaella

"Well charlatan, we will not pass your door again, be warned of that. Virgil, let's go, we will meet with this Elinon Darasis-Domar, and see if she can prove more helpful." With that, Anaella turns and sweeps from the room, heading for Elinon's predicted location.

[MikelaC1]

The party reunites, and the directions given by Madame LaMesh lead them easily to the temple of Lysindra.
The group would expect that meeting a high priestess under most circumstances would involve a whole lot of rigamarole, but for some reason, they are quickly ushered into the presence of Elinon. Perhaps it is because, if you were to rank all the epic personages in Daystor, Elinon would be at the top of most people's lists and no lower than #2 on any other, and thus the group is not seen as a threat to her; perhaps because Lysindra is such an action goddess, she doesnt stand on ceremony; or maybe there is another reason.
Elinon herself stands a presence that makes everyone think the reputation she carries is no stretch. She's tall for a woman, standing at least 6', and she is no willowy model. Her jewelry is simple but tasteful, but there is just enough of a sparkle to each piece to let someone know there is magical power contained in each one. But perhaps the most telling sign of her prowess are the two long swords belted at her waist. When people picture a two handed warrior, they normally see weapons like the short sword or the scimitar, the long sword is believed to be too heavy to be wielded one in each hand. The number of people who can wield dual long swords is ridiculously low and the number who can do it as well as her is non-existant.
Apart from the other acolytes in the temple, two other people, one male and one female, are standing close to Elinon. Both of them have a presence about them, although standing near to Elinon tends to minimize the effect. The only item of real note that either of them have is a large trumpet, being carried by the male of the group.
Elinon addresses the group.

I bid you welcome to the temple of Lysindra. What brings you to us on this day?

[Ridai]

In the meantime, once Eurus arrives at the inn, Daciana chuckles a little and fetches him a little well-tasting drink (made after a recipe well known to her) often ingested after especially long and intense parties, simply adding "This one's on the house, so to speak."

--------

Daciana warmly greets her companions as they arrive at the inn. "Sadly, our findings were slim, to say the least. What did the Madame have to say?" Hearing about the findings and having been directed to Lysindra's temple, Daciana perks a little, first worried, then in anticipation. Not much time is wasted afterwards to get going.

--------

As with all Lysindran temples, the amazon feels completely comfortable despite being far away from what most people would call a warrior. It is not hard for her to appreciate the artfulness of an able combatant and the go-getter attitude of Lysindra's followers, just as they usually don't mind her helping them relax a little now and then.

Elinon greeting the group, Daciana returns the gesture with a radiant smile and bow, not only directed at the high priestess, but also both of her apparent companions. "Thank you for meeting us so swiftly." Not much time is spent on etiquette and the like, a simple gesture gets the meaning across just as well. Thus, she cuts to the chase. "Madame LaMesh directed us to you. We have reason to believe that the forces of the Zodiac have in fact become sentient spirits, possibly led by an unknown man, all of them on the loose. Do you perhaps know more about these spirits or legends surrounding them?" As Daciana awaits an answer, she does not hide the fact that she is taking in Elinon's appearance as a whole, this being the first time she meets Elinon in person, her admiration a clear and honest compliment, however small it might seem to the high priestess.

[PSinger]

Despite being in the temple, the man is obviously not a worshipper of Lysindra, as his white tabard proudly displays the symbol of Michael Bindar (God of Courage), as does a very well-wrought periapt.

Of course, the man is obviously not a man, either ... what with the long, flowing, emerald green hair, the green skin, and the pale green eyes. From his back begin to unfold a pair of great, white wings that seals the "not a man, but masculine" deal. He is actually only 5' 3", a sturdy gold-and-a-silver or so in weight, and with well-defined, lean muscle. He is an unearthly apparition, and is the male counterpart to Daciana in beauty.
Because his form is so iconic, it takes only an INT 10 to determine that this is some type of angel, rather than the usual 10 + CR.

K: Planes DC 24
This is an archon, which are a race of celestials. Review all outsider traits.

K: Planes DC 29
This is a trumpet archon, a herald and messenger of the gods of Celestia that usually travel rather than act as guards or any coterie. Younger archons are usually sent to aid mortals, but as celestials they are meant to guide the mortals to greatness rather than seek glory for themselves (though glory for their deity is fine).

K: Planes DC 34
Their trumpets can send armies into disarray, and those who oppose them usually do so with fear and trepidation in their hearts.

K: Planes DC 39
Their trumpets are a source of pride, and these items can also turn into mighty greatswords. Trumpet archons, in addition to great prowess and heavenly knowledge, possess powerful spellcasting ability. Their skin is rock-hard and difficult for mortal weapons to pierce.
He says nothing, but stands at a wide-legged attention with his hands atop the mouthpiece of his long trumpet, and the bell of the trumpet to the ground. Anaella might notice off the bat that on his feet are sandals, but of a very sturdy sort that also hold some form of spurs she has never seen. These spurs are not made of metal ... but of an extremely hard stone. They are hinged and locked in an upward position so he doesn't clack walking around.

Other than that, when Anaella comes forth without continuing the decorum due this temple and great pontiff, that is when his wings slowly come out - not threateningly, but to remind her of where she is and who she is with. He looks down on Anaella, his hair actually moving slightly and deliciously, with no apparent source of a light breeze. In a sonorous bass-baritone that is not loud but carries inherent power he looks to the rider. "Which is more important? Time, spirit, or man? Let your knowledge of which of the three guide you, but demand not."

[lostsole31]

The female on the other side of Elinon is an elven woman of great age, though on closer inspection it seems she is a half-elf. She is a crone that is partly stooped and her hair is matted in beads and dreds and so used to hedge potions that it has given her hair a green tinge. Her skin is wrinkled and even having small warts here or there, definite liver spots, and gnarled and knobby hands. She probably stood five-and-a-half feet in her prime, but now stoops well over with an equally knobby staff to (barely) keep her standing. Her robes are old hempspun. She is the classic visage of a storybook witch. All you need now are some children to eat.

She wears a large medallion of Lysindra, the goddess of battle magic ... and yet she doesn't carry a single weapon. The guess that she focuses on the "magic" portion is easily evident when you look at her eyes. There is neither pupil, iris, nor sclera. Only luminous, opalescent orbs.

She cackles wildly (ending in a coughing fit). "Get off it, Vanarath. You're only an armchair astrologist, the annoying kind that studies from books. I'm a real astrologist ... I didn't learn my art from books, they merely augmented what I observed over the years. I don't waste time analyzing the stars to determine constellations and movements of time. I read them with my heart, and intuit how each sign interacts with the other.

"You'll have to forgive this Heavenly Half-Wit. Welcome to the temple. I am Eleth'Sarat."

[redzimmer]

Mamoud

Challenge accepted!
Knowledge the Planes
[roll0]

Mamoud is fascinated by the archon before him, and a more than a little offended by the half-elf woman's disparaging comments on the merit of books.

After babbling for ten minutes about the basics of archons and asking inappropriate questions about celestial wings moulting and the genetics of senior citizen half-elves ("do you have facial hair? Many half-elves have such a thing"), finally offers:

"Oh yes. The man. Who is he?" He offers an over-long description of the man again. To be helpful.

Shabaz shrugs apologetically.

[Ridai]

With the apparent angel talking to Anaella and Eleth's response, Daciana gives a harmless little chuckle at what is most likely the beginning of a lot of entertaining back and forth between the two. The amazon gives another small bow towards the elderly half-elf (who also is likely more than she appears to be, at least judging by the eyes). "Ah, my manners. Daciana Solaya, pleased to meet you."

[lostsole31]

"Beautiful, beautiful girl!" she marvels at Daciana. "I was once thought a beauty in my day, but my beauty was merely mortal. Only an amazon can be so stunning, am I right? And if I am not entirely deceived, there is a sisterhood we might share were it not for the gulf of time between us, dearie, despite some stylistic differences, for we are all Artists, no?

"Oh, but time, time. That's really what this Zodiac kerfuffle is all about, isn't it? Mortals created the concept of time to understand the seasons and and the universe and our place in them, as well as our 'when' in them. Then some lughead *cough, cough, cackle* came along and tried to do what all book-binders want to do: to undo the mystery of the universe so they could carry it on pieces of crushed leaves bound in leather and claim they actually 'know' the cosmos.

"The Zodiac is a force of nature, really, but one inaccessible and only observed. There are some who gain power from the night, some from the moon, but none gain power from the stars themselves. Now, for some reason we have yet to discover, I reckon some would-be primum-mobile is attempting to spiritualize the components of the Zodiac to in turn funnel power into him. Who, or more likely What, remains to be seen.

"Course, *cough*, I only reckon."

[GuyFawkes]

Eurus

Eurus, who kept to the back of the group, shook his head and stepped forward.

"Yes, yes, pleased to meet you. We can have the debates later. For now, we need answers. Madame Elinon, if you would enlighten us on the answers of our inquiry," he said with a slight bow to the priestess.

[lostsole31]

Eleth'Sarat's eyes pop open at Eurus. "Oooh!" she squeals and cackles while doing some back-and-forth, obviously sexual motion. "Wish I were decades younger to get me some of that! Are you corn-fed, lover? or just sculpted?"

[al'Lan Mandrag]

Anaella

"Spirit, I answer you, angel, is the strongest. For it is with righteousness that we have risen up from the level of beasts, and come to see the gods in their true aspect."

She stepped up beside Eurus, determinedly ignoring Mamoud's ramblings and Eleth's bawdy interjections.
"My lady, Highpriestess. As my companions have stated, we come before you with questions of the past, that require answers to protect the world now; I believe lives hang in the balance."

[PSinger]

As Anaella stepped up beside Eurus, Vanarath says, "Animals have spirits. And if you possessed such vision, you would be a god yourself. I would love to discuss philosophy with you ... later. But you're right. Business now."

Mahmoud
In the meantime, as it is obvious that ten minutes - let alone just one - has not occurred, then either Mahmoud is mumbling (a la red-stapler guy in OFFICE SPACE), or he is actually posing specific questions to interrupt the proceedings. So, what is it?

[MikelaC1]

I dont claim to know all the answers, but after consulting with Lysindra, this is what I believe happened.
Astrology has always been around, more or less, some people think its all stuff and nonsense and others actually believe that the stars can chart our paths. The level of belief has varied over time and at one time, long ago, the belief was so strong, people actually claimed to see sentience arising from these symbols. Nowadays, no one would make that claim, at least, not until the past week.
Somehow, the belief of mortals in the Zodiac has somehow managed to allow them to assume physical form, most likely in the form that their symbol implies. They werent able to do it in the past, but they managed to retain enough power to keep their spirit form and finally were able to break through.
As to the "man" guiding them, I have no clue. More information on him is required. Tishtina, in her own unpredictable fashion, has dubbed him Lord Zodiac, I suppose its as good a name as any, given what we know.
It falls to us, as the protectors of good, and to you specifically for unwittingly releasing them to deal with the threat. Not that you are responsible or at fault here, it would have happened sooner or later, but people are always quick to fix the blame. Im always of the opinion that its better to deal with a problem early on...before they can grow even stronger

She takes a moment to spread out a map on a table, likely of the surrounding area.

We already have at least one report of strange activity, and given its nature, it sounds at least Zodiac inspired. A group of amateur mountain climbers were scaling a relatively easy peak in the Telgars when they came across some bighorn sheep, or rams. Normally, rams have little to no contact with humans, but these rams were quite agressive, even with no ewes present. Two of the climbers even lost their lives when they were butted off one of the ledges. We need you to go and look into this and see what more we can learn about these beings.

She pauses.

These two have been assigned by their deities, Lysindra and Michael respectively, to aid you in this quest. Hopefully, some of their more combatitive interpersonal nature can be properly channeled into this business. It is also not lost on us that with them and yourselves, every sign in the Zodiac is represented at least once either from primary or sun sign, and given what we are fighting, we are sure that is no coincidence.

[Ridai]

Daciana nods appreciatively in response to Eleth to confirm that she is, in fact, an amazon, followed by being thoroughly amused by the crone's antics. Brightening the mood a little, that kind of thing certainly isn't far from welcome at this point in time.

Effortlessly transitioning to attentive silence once Elinon speaks. "It seems the first sign is also the first to make a move. I do wonder if they maintain that order, as that would make finding them easier, I imagine. Well then, time to look for my primary." She is dreading the prospect of climbing a little, perhaps potentially slowing down the group. "Sadly, my Voice is not very apt at lifting my body, as opposed to people's moods. Ah well." A shrug. She'll manage, even if that means shapeshifting with a little magical aid.

[kladams707]

Virgil

Virgil listens intently after introducing himself and echoing the others' urgency. Upon hearing of the rams, he agreed that it sounded as if it might be Zodiac related. It seemed to him a decent lead, though his mind did wander to thoughts about what hos sign might be doing.

[al'Lan Mandrag]

"I do not want to gainsay you, highpriestess," Anaella began, caution present in her voice, but nothing confrontational; "but is this what we shall work on? The activities of animals linked to the Zodiac signs? If they are the creation of mortal beliefs, should we not look to their work with mortals? I confess to knowing little of them, perhaps mortal beliefs have shaped them to believe they are linked with these animals." Anaella knew much and more of controlling animals, and she did not want to spend her time hunting a rogue nature-witch instead of these other things.
Shaking her head, she continues; "Maybe you are right. Let us find these sheep and quickly, for if this is true, they will be the least of our worries once the greater signs find a following..."

[MikelaC1]

I am not saying I am right. We really know little of what we face. But according to all the star charts I have ever read, Aries is thought of as the "first" sign of the Zodiac, and this ram activity is most unusual for their kind, especially with no ewes present. Perhaps its a false lead, but for now, its the only one we have to go on.

[GuyFawkes]

Eurus

Eurus stared silently at the old elf's antics and remained so a few seconds after she finished his question before erupting into laughter.

"I like you, old lady. You have to meet my grandpa sometime. Maybe you two would get it on," he said before laughing again.

"Ah, apologies. Please proceed," he spoke to the priestess while trying settling down.

When the priestess finished, Eurus nodded. "Right, it seems we have our next destination. Let's go scale us some mountains!" Turning to Daciana, he added. "Don't worry, my voice is worse than two rocks scraping against each other, but my arms surely are apt at lifitng. If you don't mind the rough ride," then laughed again.

[kladams707]

Virgil

"Eurus and the high priestess are right," Virgil said in agreement, finally speaking up.

"We don't know where to start. And the activity of the rams seems like something worthwhile to investigate."

[redzimmer]

Mamoud

Mamoud, in between inane asides, pipes in again on the main conversation.

"Have we unleashed an eldritch abomination upon the world? If so I would like to be sure I have the spelling of my companions' names correct."

@PSinger
No, he was just rambling there.

[MikelaC1]

An eldrich abomination? I think its a little too early to give them that sort of credit. So, are there any other questions you need to ask, or preparations you want to make? If not, here is the map to help you she rolls up the map, and hands to whoever is going to hold it and may Lysindra bless your footsteps.

[al'Lan Mandrag]

"I thank you for your assistance and wise words, highpriestess," Anaella said, taking the offered map and curtsying slightly.

Heading outside she waited for the others to assemble and then asked; "So is everybody agreed that we should head this way? We still have much of the day for travel if we begin now."

[GuyFawkes]

Eurus

"Nope, no questions for me," Eurus chimed in. "We could leave now, but are you all equipped for a climb? I know I'm not."

[Ridai]

"No questions. Thank you very much for your time and aid. Hopefully, the looming threat will soon be no more, as I must say I would love to perhaps get the chance to sing for the kind souls within these walls at some point." The good acoustics also did not go unnoticed by the witch. Daciana offers another bow, her good mood not dampened by the task ahead.

Outside
"Climbing gear should not be hard to come by. Care for a little shopping?"

As far as I'm concerned, shopping for climbing gear, then on to the hunt for Aries.

[redzimmer]

Mamoud

"Is there any thing you can offer us in a more... material manner?" Mamoud asks.

"The road may be perilous, and my priestly companions would verily benefit from any divine aids you may have to offer."

[kladams707]

Virgil

"We are grateful for the information you were able to provide us," Virgil said respectfully. He knew that when dealing with mystic forces that any clue might be rather vague and unreliable. But it was the first lead they really had, so it was worth looking into.

Once outside with the others he chirped up as well. I may have a spell that would help me, and only me really, for a short time, so some equipment should it fail me might be a good idea.

[PSinger]

"I shall need a few minutes, and then I shall meet you out front of the temple," says Vanarath.

It will take several minutes, but the party will begin to hear a strange noise, followed shortly by Vanarath astride a monstrous creature with four long spindly legs, skin that looks like steel, and rusting spikes on its back. An elaborate saddle and tack is used for riding this thing. It's jagged mouth, vaguely lizardlike, looks like it could chew through metal; and its foreclaws are wicked and hooked.

It actually looks like some beast from hell and yet it is ridden by this archon.

Vanarath flaps his own wings, and for effect has his mount claw out the ground with his hooks. It seems that the mount would be able to climb just fine if it can gain or claw a purchase. "Climbing or getting around ascents will not be an issue for us. For a short while only, I could carry a hundred pounds in flight, but no more."

[lostsole31]

Eleth'Sarat just shakes her head and cackles softly at the stupifying scene. She then simply turns to the rest of the group and says, "Perhaps if I ask nicely and I get time to pray, Lysindra will help me with a spell to climb quickly? She's usually good about that sort of thing as long as I put such a spell to good use. Transport and communication are no less a function of battle and their magics, and perhaps more crucial.

"Of course, until such time as I can get more diamond dust and the like .... had some issue with hill giants recently and mine got spent .... I would be willing to ask Her for enough to help four of us climb air instead of rocks. Much safer, that. Not quite good enough for a whole hour, but a lot of ground (or air) can be covered in that time."

[GuyFawkes]

Eurus

"Magic is good and all, but we gotta be prepared when the crap hits the fan. I'll go with Daciana. Anyone else who needs prep can come. We meet at the city gates (whichever is closest to where we're going if there are more than one) in an hour."

Turning to Daciana, he said, "Come, let's make this quick," before heading off into the market district.

Shopping for:
Climber's Kit - 80gp
Rope, hempen (50ft) - 2gp

Withdraw 100gp from bank.
Gold in hand: 110gp
In bank: 4,800gp.

[lostsole31]

"I'll come with," says Eleth'Sarat. "Who knows what the future will bring? I might experience the riot of smells and colors and peoples one last time. Let's go!" :smallsmile:

Once shopping, Eleth' will ask Eurus and Daciana in her creaking voice, "Wouldn't happen to be able to spot an old woman for a drink or two, would you? I don't have two coppers to rub together, and who knows when we'll drink again. I'm not saying 'stop,' dearie, oh no! Just grab me a skin when you get supplies and slow by a saloon to fill it with something to ease my ol' bones on the road."

[Ridai]

"Right behind you." Daciana answers to Eurus, giving a quick wave to the others as she heads off with the young man and Eleth.

At Eleth's request, Daciana gives a chuckle before answering "Of course. Just tell me what you'd like to have and I'll be right back." Shopping goes by quickly, with the witch getting said climber's kit, some more rope and another waterskin for good measure to avoid dehydration, filling both of her skins with fresh, clean water. For Eleth, Daciana acquires another skin, but filled with the kind of drink the crone asked for. A proper good variant of that, to be precise, not the cheap stuff.

"Here you go, hope that," the amazon adds while handing the elderly half-elven witch the requested waterskin. Once everything is taken care of, Daciana heads to the gate with the others, but not without sating her curiosity regarding Eleth a little. "I am curious about your witchcraft, Eleth, if I may ask. Do you practise hedge magic or do you draw power from your Voice?"

Climber's kit - 80gp
50ft of hempen rope - 1gp
2 waterskins - 2gp
10gp worth of whatever Eleth wants inside her waterskin (unless it is just water).

[kladams707]

Virgil

Virgil joins the others in their shopping trip. While a spell he had in mind might help him, he decided it would be better to save until he really needed it. He too decided to get a climber's kit and some rope. Not saying much, he headed to the gate once everyone he was woth was ready.

[MikelaC1]

The party is able to purchase the required climbing equipment, and gathers together at the eastern gate to the city. Setting out, they make good time on the Varstok road system, a commercial city like Varstok makes sure that the roads, at least in its area, are well maintained and patrolled. Merchants tend to get irate if their caravan gets sacked by a marauding ettin.
After several days, the foothills of the Telgar mountains are spotted, and the group begins its climbing expedition. None of the group are really experienced climbers, but they all have access to equipment and magic to aid them, along with the flight aid of Vanarath, and they manage the first day of travel without mishap, although there are a few bumps and bruises to show for it. Finding a ledge that is a bit sheltered near to the end of the first day, they decide to make camp there. Now off the roads, predators might become an issue, so the group will likely set watches?

[redzimmer]

Mamoud El Fayat

Mamoud tries to decipher the writing of the darkvision scroll he has sitting in one of his bags of holding.

Spellcraft DC 22

[roll0]

"I shall take the first watch, my boon traveling companions! This magical scroll shall grant me two hours of the ability to see in the dark."

He waits for applause that is not forthcoming...

It lasts two hours, so he'll cast it just before the sun goes down.

[lostsole31]

"Here you go, hope that," the amazon adds while handing the elderly half-elven witch the requested waterskin. Once everything is taken care of, Daciana heads to the gate with the others, but not without sating her curiosity regarding Eleth a little. "I am curious about your witchcraft, Eleth, if I may ask. Do you practise hedge magic or do you draw power from your Voice?"
She needs nothing else.
"Oh, thank you, pet. This will help when it gets cold in the mountains."

She takes a sniff of the skin and her voice squeaks, "Oooh! The good stuff at that. Well, I hope we get to the mountains soon!"

Concerning the question, she purses her lips. "Perhaps I don't understand, my dear. I do use my voice for what magic requires it, if that's what you ask. As for 'hedge magic?' I have never once heard what others describe as a hedge mage actually ever refer to themselves as such. It is a term of marginalization as far as I'm concerned."

As an afterthought, she looks at the skin and shrugs, "Besides, I like to drink too much to be trusted to brew potions."

Now off the roads, predators might become an issue, so the group will likely set watches?Eleth'Sarat says, "I have traficked with ... interesting Powers to receive my own. You may not have noticed on the roads, but I need no more than one hour of sleep a night, and even then my one open eye sees all. Still, the more the years have advanced, the more I realize that good company is best. So if you want to have double watches, that is fine as well."

[GuyFawkes]

Eurus

After walking a relative safe distance from camp and doing his "business", Eurus came back and prepared his spot.

'Wake me up when it's my turn. I take second to the last watch."

Yawning, he stretched his body and lay on his bedroll.

[PSinger]

Vanarath, even on the well-tended roads, is always awake and on guard when the party is stopped. He does not need to sleep.

The first night of the "wilderness" climb, Vanarath plays his trumpet after the meal to ease everyone to sleep.Perform [Wind Instruments]: [roll0]
Every night, he has a simple box from which he pulls large slabs of very red meat and feeds to his strange beast. Without a doubt the box is magical as just a single piece of meat brought out is already larger than the box by the time it is fully out. His monstrous mount tears into it readily, though it gets snacks throughout the day of ascent.

"I can take the watch. Unlike some, I did not have to traffic with any Powers of entropy to be able to be vigilant all night. Sleep within our aegis, mortals. Let the witch get her hour if she must, but it is her fault to offer her services and then end up getting her 'esteemed colleague' as her watch team.

"Sleep well, and dream of deeds ahead."

[lostsole31]

Eleth'Sarat glares at Vanarath for a second, then looks away and nods a little with her withered face sinking in further in reticent sportsmanship. "Very well, very well. Point...yours."

She looks to the rest of the group and sighs. "We'll take the watch, and the rest of you can sleep. I might nod for 20 minutes here or there, but this green hobgoblin will no more leave me be than he will abandon his post."

She then looks back up to Vanarath with a smirk, "But make no mistake, at the first sign of trouble I'm going to turn invisible so they shoot you first." :smallamused:

[al'Lan Mandrag]

Anaella

Whilst the others sought out equipment for the climb, Anaella left the city and returned to Orton. She coaxed the bear kindly whilst she updated him on the events of the day, and then both departed to meet the others at the gate.

Travelling was easy enough, but Anaella looked at her withered arms with regret. She would have to rely on magic for this climb, lacking as she was, her previous physical talents.

As the new pair offered themselves as watchers, Anaella nodded, but she approached Mamoud all the same; whispering she asked; "Maybe you would like to make the most of that scroll you have. No need to be obvious, after all, it would only damage their egos if they thought you were watching as well."

Bluff [roll0] against anyone's sense motive. Anaella is not a master of subterfuge.

[Ridai]

"I didn't mean to offend. Let me explain. Most mages draw their power from the world around them, some from within. Witches like me draw power directly from their voices. We are, first and foremost, enchantresses, we need no strange incantations or erratic movements, our casting is as natural as a normal talk." To underline her statement, Daciana simply lets her hand face upwards, showing a simple prestidigitation of crimson smoke rising from her hand, briefly showing the shapely form of an amazon female before dissipating. No incantation, no somatic components, simply just her voice and body language.

-----

After the first day of climbing, Daciana spends some of the evening soothing the group's tired muscles with her skilled touch, quitely humming relaxing tunes to lull the others to sleep before she herself rests for the night.

[MikelaC1]

The first night of travel passes uneventfully, and the group sleeps well under the guard of their two new companions.
The group had noted, the previous night, a bit of a path to take them up the next stage of their travels. They wake and begin to set up for travel, but just before they can set out, there is a clatter of hooves on the path and suddenly two huge bighorn sheep come barreling down it.
The sheep barrel into the party, one going after Vanarath, and one for Virgil. The battering attack fails to damage Vanarath, but Virgil gets butted by its horns for 8 points of damage.
As the group regroups, they turn and are ready to attack again.

Roll initiative, OOC

[redzimmer]

Mamoud

(Whoops, too late to reply to Anaella. Never one to even think of subterfuge, Mamoud would have probably misunderstood anyway,)

[PSinger]

Vanarath swings with his trumpet-suddenly-turned-greatsword, putting a great amount of swing into it.
Full Power Attack - PA6
Attack #1: [roll0], damage [roll1]
Attack #2: [roll2], damage [roll3]

[MikelaC1]

Vanarath puts plenty of force into his first shot and connects with the sheep, dealing him 30 points of damage, but its not enough to drop it. His second shot goes wide of the target.
The sheep retaliate, butting and biting at their targets. Surprisingly, the sheep are able to generate good power with their head butts, despite not having a chance to getting a full charge in, obviously their legs and long years of experience allow them to generate the shots. Vanarath feels the slam of those horns against his chest for 10 points but the bite doesnt not connect. Meanwhile beside him, Virgil gets lucky (or the sheep is unlucky, take your pick) and the ram is unable to damage him.

Mamoud up, Eurus on deck, Orton in the hole.

[redzimmer]

Mamoud El Fayat

Silently cursing himself for not purchasing components for stoneskin, Mamoud instead casts overland flight and moves above ground, hopefully out of the rams' rutting range.

He pulls out his wand of web as he lifts into the air.

[PSinger]

Almost totally forgot ... and mounts go on the same initiative as rider.Vanarath's mount follows suit with great power as well, biting and clawing at the ram.PA7
Bite: [roll0], damage [roll1]
Claw #1: [roll2], damage [roll3]
Claw #1: [roll4], damage [roll5]

[MikelaC1]

Vanarath's mount connects on two of his attacks, further damaging the sheep, but still not enough to finish him off. Meanwhile, Mamoud casts his spell to float out of range of the sheep, drawing forth a wand in preparation to cast.

Eurus up, Orton on deck, Daciana in the hole

[GuyFawkes]

Eurus

"Sheep? Might this be what we were looking for?" he shouted out to the others as he blasted past them and swung down his glaive with all his weight.

Charge attack any of the sheep that can be charged, stopping 10 ft from the target.
PA -9
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

If charging is not possible, he'll use PA -7, so subtract 4 from the damage, and he'll position himself so he threatens both sheep.

[al'Lan Mandrag]

Orton roars, a bellow that crashes around the camp site, as one of his mighty paws connects with the sheep already wounded sheep.

Move to attack (I'm assuming he'll also be flanking, since we already have two engaged and Orton has 40ft move speed).

Claw [roll0]
Damage [roll1]

[Ridai]

When they get ready to climb, Daciana changes her dress into a more tightly fitting outfit better suited for climbing so it doesn't get in the way, including a pair of fingerless gloves.

---

With the brawl suddenly unfolding, Daciana moves away from the center to stay out of the way of the more capable fighters. Turning around to face the sheep, she raises a hand before her face and slowly lowers it again, along with a slow, almost hypnotic "Shh, sleep...", her spell fully taking effect as her hand points to the floor, seeking to rob the animals of their consciousness.

Daciana moves away from the sheep (5-foot step if threatened by them) so that a melee character's threatened area is between her and the sheep.

Then, she casts Deep Slumber (CL 10, Will DC 26), aiming so that, if possible, both sheep are in the 10ft. radius (and as few other characters as possible, just to be safe in case of freak sheep with tons of HD). If only one sheep can be targetted at once, she aims for the one less wounded, again including as few others as possible.

[MikelaC1]

Eurus and Orton both connect on the same ram (not the one engaged by Vanarath), their blows are powerful, but not quite enough to finish off the beast.
At that point, Daciana casts her spell, and the ram (the one being attacked by Eurus and Orton) collapses to the ground.

Eleth up, Anaella on deck, Virgil in the hole.

Tactical: one ram sleeping, one ram being attacked by Vanarath.

[lostsole31]

Eleth'Sarat looks over to Daciana and says, "Sometimes the voice..."

She then casts hold animal on the ram still awake and fighting.
Will DC 17 negates

[MikelaC1]

The spell from Eleth takes effect as the last ram is held fast.

[GuyFawkes]

Eurus

Stepping forward slowly, his weapon still aimed at the sheep, Eurus asked Eleth.

"That spell of yours permanent or something? Otherwise someone good at tying up stuff? We should tie this animal up."

[al'Lan Mandrag]

Anaella steps forward and kneels before the magically immobilised sheep. She opens her hands to show she is unarmed, and makes soothing sounds, trying to calm the creature.

Wild Empathy: [roll0]

In future I'm going to plan what spells I prepare: a Speak with Animals could really come in useful right about now.

[MikelaC1]

Unable to actually communicate with the sheep, Anaella is not quite sure how successful she is. Since the sheep is unable to move, she cannot discern any body language from it to judge by either.

[kladams707]

Virgi

Virgil, while rather disappoimted he did not comtribute to the short battle, he was glad it was quick. He, as the others did, wondered what their next step would be. He watched as Anaella tried to discern a motivation with the sheep, but it seemed to be of no avail.

Well, if we are to communicare, it seems we'll have to dispel and hope for the best or tie it up and wait a day to prepare the appropriate spells.

[Ridai]

"Whatever you want to do, decide quickly. But we can't entirely rule out that they are influenced by Aries."

[redzimmer]

Mamoud

"Aries is traditionally linked to the element of fire," Mamoud offers. "Perhaps if we try setting one on fire and studying the results? I have several spells..."

[Ridai]

Daciana gives Mamoud a subtle, yet positively withering look.

[al'Lan Mandrag]

Anaella

"Bound as it is, I cannot say if I could calm it, but I would suggest we operate under the belief that it will try and harm us, and is motivated by the Zodiac sign. Perhaps some sort of permanent restraint would be best, and we could continue are journey. I shall prepare tomorrow in case we meet more of these."

[lostsole31]

"If there is active control of the ram," says Eleth, "I can help, even as I shall remove its paralysis."

Eleth'Sarath suddenly is suffused with the faintest light that goes out 20' in all directions from her, and includes the ram. Everyone in the area (40' diameter, btw) feels the warm glow wash over them like a spring rain.
Holy aura = magic circle against evil, double strength/radius (20', +4 bonuses).
** As MCaG, it also means that any active control is suppressed while in the area.
*** In addition, it acts like a lesser globe of invulnerability, suppressing all 3rd-level or lower spells in the area - such as hold animal.

She dispels her hold animal just to be sure.

[al'Lan Mandrag]

Watching the ram become free, Anaella drops to a crouch her arms open as she continues to try and placate the beast: she didn't fear that it would attack her, not with so many allies on hand.

Wild Empathy [roll0]

[MikelaC1]

The moment Eleth casts his magic circle, the hold spell on the ram, and the sleep spell on the other ram dissipate and both are active...and angry...once again. Anaella's attempts to calm the ram are ineffective, as it lurches into action once again.

OOC: Going to restart old rounds initiative, right from where we left off, so Virgil is up, and then we begin round 2. Both rams are once again active, however, badly damaged.

[kladams707]

VIRGIL

Virgil goes on the offensive, drawing his sword and moving to engage the ram already damaged by Vanarath and his mount. Not knowing if the others would try their subduing attempts again, he swung at the ram, leaving nothing to chance.


[Roll]]2d6+7

[MikelaC1]

Virgil takes out one of the rams, his damage more than enough to finish it off.
END ROUND 1
BEGIN ROUND 2
The one remaining ram, engaged by Eurus, struggles forward and manages to butt him with his horns for 10 points of damage.

Mamoud up, Eurus on deck, Bear in the hole

[lostsole31]

Eleth'Sarat simply drops her aura. This is a free action. The aura doesn't dismiss or dispel the spell effects, but suppresses. So the sleeping ram goes back to sleep, and the held ram is once again paralyzed. Coup de grace at will for the rest of the party.

[PSinger]

Vanarath looks at Eleth'Sarat and shakes his head and sighs.

[GuyFawkes]

Eurus

Shaking off the damage, Eurus brought down his weapon on the immobile animal, but using the side of the blade, to knock out the animal.

Full attack with nonlethal damage.
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Attack: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

[MikelaC1]

The blow from Eurus knocks out the ram, from what you can see, the damage dealt earlier has brought the animal pretty close to death.

[redzimmer]

Mamoud El Fayat

Mamoud wonders if any more of these magically-crazed ungulates are hereabouts. He takes a look.

Sorry if we're back in initiative...

spot
[roll0]
Just taking a look around

[MikelaC1]

Mamoud looks around, but sees no sign of any other rams.

[GuyFawkes]

Eurus

"Right, that should take care of it for a while," Eurus said as he sheathed his weapon. Then, he rummaged his haversack for some rope and proceeded to tie up the sheep.

"There. That should do it," he commented as he finished. Then turning to the others, he said. "Okay, what next? We wait for the morrow for the spell or look around some more?"

[al'Lan Mandrag]

"I suggest we continue to search: we came here for the zodiac, not to communicate with sheep: that was only a means to an end." Anaella mounted up, dissappointed by the harm that had to be done to the rams, especially if, as it seemed, they were under the control of some other entity.

[Ridai]

"I agree, we should move on."

HP totals?

[MikelaC1]

In some cases mounting up, or in others just picking up their packs, the party starts to make their way up the path that rams came charging down. As opposed to the previous days of climbing, this one is quite easy, the path is wide enough for two people to walk abreast (although not in the row that Vanarath occupies, with his 'war' beast) even if it is all uphill.
Nearing the time for supper, the group comes across a cave entrance, it looks unoccupied, and would at least be shelter for the evening.

[redzimmer]

Mamoud El Fayat

For safety's sake, Mamoud casts his prepared Summon Monster I to send a celestial fire beetle to scope out the cave before turning in.

[GuyFawkes]

Eurus

"Caves. They're traps. If they don't have other exits, we'd have nowhere to go if we're overwhelmed in case of an attack. If they do lead to somewhere, who knows what comes out from those tunnels. Best to sleep in a clearing, under the stars. If it doesn't rain, that is," the barbarian gave his two coppers.

[lostsole31]

Same question ... wounded?
Eleth says, "Let's see about some of these contusions ..."

[PSinger]

Vanarath says, "The same could be said of a clearing. Enemies could attack from all sides and still might be hidden. In addition, they could attack from above. For you, I advocate neither one. However, I can fly so my personal preference is outside. Of course, since I do not sleep I can be an outside guard. For now, though, the witch and I agree ... I have heavenly powers of healing."

[kladams707]

Virgil

It makes little difference to me where we sleep, Virgil replies. Though we should decide soon so some of us can rest and heal our wounds.

[MikelaC1]

The fire beetle goes into the cave and spends what seems like more time than needed to explore a simple cave. It finally comes back out, and heads to see Mamoud, chittering away in beetle language. It then heads back into the cave, checking to see if the mage is following him.

[redzimmer]

Mamoud

Clearly my little insectoid friend is assuring me this is safe.

"Lead on little friend!" Mamoud says, following the beetle into the cave.

[MikelaC1]

The beetle leads you into the cave and while it narrows near to the back, as would be expected, it doesnt completely close off. There is a tunnel, leading deeper into the mountain.

[kladams707]

Virgil

"It seems like we're exploring this cave then," Virgil says simply, shrugging. He follows Mamoud's lead, he seems to be following a beetle. He was weary and was willing to let someone else make a decision, and it seemed someone had.

[redzimmer]

Mamoud El Fayat

Mamoud again forgets he cannot see in the dark, and casts his darkvision scroll.

I presume there is 7 rounds left of beetle?

[Ridai]

Daciana makes her clothes shine with light with a mere words and, once again, follows behind the more combat ready members of the group.

[PSinger]

Vanarath and his mount bring up the rear. For the sake of others, he puts continual flame on his trumpet ... ... and just in case Mamoud wanted to save his scroll.

[GuyFawkes]

Eurus

"Oh, come on. You be exploring a tunnel leading to gods know where? At night?" Eurus shook his head. "Thanks, but no thanks. Just get back to me when you find something. I'll guard the entrance for you," he said as he plopped down on a sizeable rock near the entrance.

[PSinger]

"What matter the time of day when underground?"