The Fate of Kas'arrata

[ocato]

The bustling city of Kas'arrata sits at the end of the Irving Peninsula like the jewel at the end of a scepter. The city is tremendous, to the extent that large portions of it's dwellings are either right on the waterfront or, in places, actually built on floating barges that dot the western coast of the city. It's walled gates facing southeast have stood for a thousand or more years and have never been penetrated. Ships come from every direction seeking to dock in the illustrious ports of Kas'arrata, often thought of as the very marketplace of the world. Those who do business here do so shamelessly, selling anything from rare gems and metals to illicit potions and herbs to slaves and rare or dangerous animals. While most of what is traded in Kas'arrata is illegal in most places (the city itself often included), the government often does little or nothing in way of stopping it. The city has grown wealthy by accepting the trash and disease of its neighbors and has no intention of developing moral superiority just yet.

The city is surrounded on all sides by a massive barrier reef, making sea travel nearby very dangerous. Because of this, sea-travel is often funneled through a handful of 'safe zones' where passage is unobstructed. Of course, the Merchant's Guild controls each of these zones. Ships that fail to pay for the privilege of entering or leaving the city are usually raiding upon landing at the docks or sunk a few kilometers of the coast by the Merchant Navy. The first rule of commerce in Kas'arrata is to get a cut-- even if it's a throat you're cutting. The General's audience for guards will be held tomorrow at 10am.

Ka Yahn
You arrive in Kas'arrata by ship at mid-morning, as is typical for most travelers into the city. The port is a bustling bazaar of people and noises, all of which seem very frightening and oppressive to the meek Haru. Almost as soon as you depart from the ship, a man comes up to you with a bag of apples and a piece of parchment. He offers you the apple freely and hands you the piece of parchment, claiming free lodging at the Black Water Tavern and Inn, just a few streets over from the dock. It is apparent by the parchment and his demeanor that he has some political interest in gaining the trust and affection of any who enter the town, and a quick glance at the parchment reveals why: "You are Cordially invited to enjoy an evening of free rest and food at the Black Water Tavern and Inn. Please stay as a beloved guest of the Merchant's Association, who would appreciate your support in the future."

Grishak
Your time in Kas'arrata has been what most would consider insufferable. Since entering the city you have not been able to get so much as a wink of good sleep, as a pulsing sensation in the back of your mind seems intent on keeping your attention. Some great psionic force is present in the city and seems to be subtly calling out to you, entering your dreams and affecting your body. You haven't been eating much lately and find your concentration waning. You've exhausted all possibilities in the city in your search for Blood Opals, but you begin to think that you should turn your attention to who or what it is that is affecting your mind.

Harkaitz
You arrive in Kas'arrata by ship late in the evening. The port is a bustling bazaar of people and noises, all of which seem dull and unimportant to you. Almost as soon as you depart from the ship, a man comes up to you with a bag of apples and a piece of parchment, but he is quickly pushed aside by an attractive young human woman. She is average in height and appears slender and graceful. She has long, chestnut brown hair and a supple face that seems almost as obviously waiting to smile as a snake poised to strike. She is dressed in fine clothing, denoting some status, and walks towards you with an unstoppable stride, bumping past others much larger than she without being stopped or intimidated. She walks directly towards you, her eyes fixed and her hand extended to shake yours. She calls out in a sweet voice that reminds you of elven honey-wine, "Master Aquilon?"

Meovai
Your time in Kas'arrata has been rather uneventful. You have been staying at a rather respectable Inn near the noble's quarter. While the Inn is not lavish in accommodations or expensive, it is very well kept by a polite elderly couple, Mr. and Mrs. Kornan. These two, gnomes as far as you can tell, seem to take a special interest in you, offering you home-made meals and polite conversation that is typically not extended to other guests. However, the night before last, you had a terrifying dream in which a tall, dark man entered your room and demanded you train him as an Empty Hand Master. Able to tell that he was a very dangerous and evil man, you refused him. Despite your obvious advantage of size, he was able to shove you through the thin walls of the inn. When you awoke from the dream, your room was undamaged. However, in the night, someone had murdered the other guests at the inn and the Kornan's were missing. You decided to leave immediately, hoping to find lodging elsewhere, keeping the mystery present in your mind.

Seryn the Dark
Your time in the city has been relatively enjoyable. The darkness of the city streets and the hearts of those who dwell there gives you ample time and place to do any such deed as fits your desires. Your search for the Kingslayer has turned up no leads, except one. A passing acquaintance of yours, an Inn-keeper named Garble "Gurb" Greywatcher has informed you that the Merchant's Association has commandeered his establishment, the Black Water Tavern and Inn, in an attempt to drum up support for some political move. As such, many powerful members of the Association will be present tonight. Gurb tells you that your search for the Kingslayer may best begin by interrogating one of the Merchant Lords.

Barham Leight
You arrive in Kas'arrata by ship at mid-morning, as is typical for most travelers into the city. The port is a bustling bazaar of people and noises, all of which seem very exciting and interesting. Almost as soon as you depart from the ship, a man comes up to you with a bag of apples and a piece of parchment. He offers you the apple freely and hands you the piece of parchment, claiming free lodging at the Black Water Tavern and Inn, just a few streets over from the dock. It is apparent by the parchment and his demeanor that he has some political interest in gaining the trust and affection of any who enter the town, and a quick glance at the parchment reveals why: "You are Cordially invited to enjoy an evening of free rest and food at the Black Water Tavern and Inn. Please stay as a beloved guest of the Merchant's Association, who would appreciate your support in the future."

Ursa
Your arrive at Kas'arrata's gates as the sun begins to set. It is obvious that travel in and out of the city through these means is typically reserved for caravans by the surprise the gatekeeper, an aging man in ill-fitting armor. He smiles politely at you, taking you for a savage simpleton or fur-trader, and lets you in without much discussion. You enter the city's lower class quarter, made obvious by the cramped homes and apartments stacked on top of each other in poorly built dwellings. Your bear and you seem to garner some attention, and before long a city guard patrol comes up to you and begins questioning you as to why you are in the city, why you have a bear with you, and whether or not you have papers of transit.

[Ascension]

While Harkaitz set out to journey to Kas'arrata on the recommendation of an acquaintance who was apparently familiar with the city, he had certainly not expected to be greeted by name upon his arrival.

Though he wonders why the girl shoved aside the man with the apples, he takes the hand she offers him with a cordial smile.

"The very same. And who might you be, young lady?"

[playswithfire]

Meovai

Though he was doing his best to at least keep his outward appearance calm as he walked the streets of Kas'arrata, Meovai knew the events of two nights ago were still affecting him. His left foot was sore, which only happened when he let himself limp more than usual. But given the deaths at the inn two nights ago and his inability to sleep well last night as a result had disrupted his concentration. How is it possible? I and my room were unharmed. That part must have been in my head; but the dead bodies, those were real. Could he have possessed me and made ME kill them when he was in my mind? But there was no blood on my hands. Maybe he kept them all asleep and killed them silently. If he can make me dream what I dreamed, he can surely keep others asleep and killing them like that would take little martial prowess. He begins to speak out loud without realizing it. Yes, he's not very strong, which is why he appears as a strong man and wishes to learn a martial art that can compensate for weakness and small size. This was a discussion he'd had with himself a dozen times in the last two days, but somehow, the conclusion seems more calming this time or perhaps he's simply willing the thoughts away to deal with his foot and, he realizes, his hunger. Patting his stomach, he looks around for a place to eat. Spotting one that seems relatively clean but inexpensive, he makes a decision. A meal to fill the body and then some training to clear my head; that's what I need.. He begins walking towards the tavern/restaurant, looking and feeling much calmer than he had a moment ago.

[ocato]

Harkaitz
The woman shakes your hand cheerfully with a squinty grin. Allison Chase, undersecretary to Janis Mantra, Archmage of the University and head of the Mage's Guild. We've been expecting you sir.
She smiles warmly, and seems to smell very nice. You can't shake the notion that she has such a prestigious position do largely in part to her beauty and charisma.
I have been asked to make sure you find accomodations here in Kas'arrata. Perhaps you would come with me? The Mage's Guild would be happy to offer you lodging and food this evening and Master Matra is very eager to meet you.

Meovai
Hungry and confused, you enter a large tavern. You realize that, having been lost in your thoughts, you had wandered all the way over towards the docks. The tavern is large and hundreds of servants bustle in preparations for some important meeting. A Halfling man with a crutch hobbles over to you and smiles. Gurb Greywatcher, nice t'meetcha friend. Can I see your invitation?

[Ascension]

-Harkaitz

*She may only have this job because she's beautiful,* Harkaitz thinks, *But I'm not going to complain. It's been too many decades since this old elf has had an excuse to spend time in the company of a pretty young thing like her.*

"Thank you very much, Miss Chase. I think I'll do that. Lead the way."

[AmberVael]

Ka Yahn

"Y-yes, I'll do that. Thank you."
Haru smiles weakly as he takes the apple and piece of paper, deciding to move off to the inn as quickly as possible.
"And where do you think you're going, little weakling?"
Ka Yahn's terrifying voice echoes in Haru's mind, making the poor man jolt and nearly drop his apple.
"Taking advantage of the favor of merchants? Men with idle fingers and coin, deciding they have what it takes to run a city? Bah."
Ka Yahn guides Haru away from the man who greeted them, forcing his hands to rip the parchment in two and let it drift to the streets, clenching the apple in one hand until it crumples, leaving strange claw marks in it as he drops it after the parchment.
"May Pale Night take their coin and burn them for their arrogance. We'll consider their offer only if there is nothing more interesting to find..."
A glint of red in his host's eyes, Ka Yahn makes his way through the streets, his terrible gaze falling on anyone who manages to get in his way or catch his attention. Despite Haru's dull and uninteresting form, Ka Yahn's mere presence in him makes him seem frightening if the demon pushes his influence hard enough. He'll scour the streets for any entertainment, people or places of interest, but should he find nothing by evening, he'll make his way to the Black Water Inn.

[Proven_Paradox]

Seryn "Slade" Darkwalker

The whisper gnome moves through the streets slowly, cautiously, sticking to the shadows. He doesn't really focus on staying out of sight, though his innate power over darkness would likely be enough to keep him out of the eyes of any who weren't actively seeking him. He makes his way towards this "Black Water Tavern and Inn" that Gurb mentioned...

Once he finds his way to it, he will silently examine the outside of the building, looking it over for places to enter without being seen by both those outside and in, as well as ways to exit in a hurry should things turn bad for him. He also keeps an alert ear out for the words of those passing by.

So, first off, I finally figured out why it wasn't saving Slade's alias and last name on my sheet--forgot that MW doesn't like double quotes. The name I start the post with is the one on his sheet now. Most people would know him as Slade.

Next, some rolls.

Listen: (1d20+13=14) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1737817/) Wow, what a WONDERFUL way to begin a game. ><

I'll take 20 on a search check for the entrances/exits mentioned.

What time of day is it, and what time of day will the meeting begin?

[The_Snark]

Barham Leight

Barham Leight had a philosophy. In fact, he had many; but the one that applied most readily here was, "Don't turn down free food."

He takes the apple, glancing over the note. "Why, thank you, my friend," he says, although the greeter has already moved on to another passenger. "I think that I will." He nods to himself, folding the note and placing it in his pocket. He spends a moment contemplating the apple before he takes a bite out of it, and then he spends another moment looking at the people on the shore as they go to and from the ships. He spends a third moment watching the waves go up and down on the pillars of the next dock over, and then a fourth moment, because it is the kind of sight that deserves at least that much.

Barham Leight spent moments like water, because just like water, there were always more of them. Just now, though, he felt he was done here. There were many other places in the city he would doubtless enjoy, and his keen senses had noticed signs that he should move on, such as a dockworker almost running into him from behind as they carried crates off the ship.

Barham Leight ambles off in search of the Black Water Tavern, or anything equally eye-catching.

[ocato]

Harkaitz
(It is mid-afternoon. Disregard the original "early evening")
Miss Chase smiles warmly and takes your hand. She leads you through the crowded port district at a calm pace, often standing beside you as you walk and sometimes leading you. She holds your hand regardless, seeming intent on making sure she doesn't lose you. As you walk towards the Nobles Quarter, you begin to see the towering buildings of the Academy in the distance. Miss Chase seems intent on making small talk along the way, pointing out her favorite places to eat, specialties of the city, and anything else that might make Kas'arrata appear to be the kind of town one would want to live in.

Ka Yahn
You wander the city for a few hours, looking for something particularly interesting, when the nearby bustle of the Bazaar catches your ear. The bazaar is a large outdoor market set up directly on the waterfront. While not explicitly under the merchant's association's direct control, the Bazaar is typically monitored and taxed by them. As you wander the Bazaar, you notice a small stand being run by an emaciated old man, who appears almost skeletal. He looks at you in such a way as to suggest he can read your soul as most could tell your hair color. His gaze is discomforting to say the least, but you have a hard time shying away from it.

Slade
You stand in front of the Black Water Tavern and Inn as the early afternoon sun shines on your back. Although Gurb had told you that the event of the evening was a dinner affair, you decided to come by and case the joint. Appearing to be a remodeled house, the Tavern and Inn appears to be a rather large two-story building. A few steps lead to a covered wrap-around porch with chairs and small tables set up, and above the porch's awning you can see quite a few windows. Wooden posts built with small fencing in between them line the porch and support the awning. It appears that one could rather easily climb one of the posts and make it to the awning, and enter a window from there. The porch wraps around to the left side of the house, allowing you clear entrance/exit without having to do so directly in plain view of any passer-by. As you study the house, a rather large Goliath steps directly over you and walks up the steps and into the building. As the door opens, the clamoring of servants working hard at some preparation can be heard, otherwise the bustle of the street is the only sound available.

[Ascension]

Harkaitz

Harkaitz is somewhat amused by both the woman's insistent grip on his hand and her glowing description of the seedy port city.

"It seems almost as if you're interested in making me more than a guest," he remarks with a slight grin, "I'm not sure if these old bones are ready to settle down yet or not. Let me speak to your Master Mantra before we go making plans..."

[AmberVael]

Ka Yahn

Haru quails before the man's gaze, but Ka Yahn is in control... and though he is uneasy and slightly intimidated, he reacts much differently than Haru.
There are two main types of reaction to intimidation and threats. Most people are submissive, and instinctively avoid such situations so that they will not come to harm. Like many animals are prone to do, they flee and cower away to survive, which serves them well. However, some people have learned that force and intimidation can be fought by matching it... and thus Ka Yahn finds himself in an odd sort of staring match with the old man, glaring back at him with an abyssal gaze, refusing to back down lest he be proved weak.

[playswithfire]

Gurb Greywatcher, nice t'meetcha friend. Can I see your invitation?

Meovai

Jolted out of his reverie, Meovai answers the halfling Invitation? I was just looking for some food. But, seeing the many servants walking around, I seem to have come to the wrong place. What's going on, if you don't mind me asking?

[ocato]

Barham
The city is filled to the brim with things to see and hear that might catch the attention of a curious passer-by. There is a bazaar near the docks that teems with life and activity, and past that is a large district of shops ranging from magical reagent brokers to wandering flower sellers. In fact, despite the city's seedy reputation, one with the eye for it can find moments of simple beauty at every turn. Assuming you head towards the Black Water Tavern, Barham will pass through the busy bazaar and the merchant district on his way towards the Inn.

Harkaitz
Miss Chase looks at you with a sort of playful innocence. I assure you sir, I am simply acting as instructed. I was asked to make sure you enjoy your stay. She pauses a moment, and... should you fail to escape the city in time, you may find yourself a permanent resident. Miss Chase giggles a bit to herself, as if this were and idle or unrealistic threat. We should hurry along, Master Mantra hates to wait.

Ka Yahn
You stare at the old man, who meets your gaze equally. After a few moments, he begins to laugh maniacally. You can't help but feel like he knows something you don't as he slowly begins to reach into his pocket and produces a red gem, which he waves at you teasingly. He then swallows the gem and barks like a dog at you. BLUE WANTS RED, I'LL HAVE YOUR HEAD! HAHAHAHAHAHA

Meovai
Gurb chuckles at you. You sure picked a lousy time to come by looking for pub snacks! Tonight the Merchant's are having a big to-do to get anyone who'll be stuck in town on their side. They seem to think that if the King's decree lasts more than a day, they'll lose some money. Fancy that! Anyway, they're having a little party. He reaches into his pocket and hands the Goliath a piece of parchment. Come back in a few hours, tell them you're a goon fresh off the boats and show them this. They'll treat you like a prince!

[Proven_Paradox]

Satisfied with his examination of the building, Slade enters the tavern, examining the interior room and the patrons within silently (well, after getting out of the doorway).

[Meat Shield]

Grishak

The goblin shuffled out of his room at the Dancing Harpy, and the other guests moved out of his way as fast as they could. They had had their fill of interacting with the impossible little goblin, who if it could be believed was getting even more irrascible and rude.

His black cloak was low over his face, and his three-fingered, gloved hands grasped his well-worn staff tightly. Trudging past the innkeep, the man meekly said, "Pardon me, sirrah. 'Tis time fer the room money." The man shrinks back even as he says it, afraid of the reaction.

The goblin stops silently in front of the bar, and stands still for a moment. Then a hand disappears under the cloak and reappears, bearing a few silver coins. These he quietly places upon the bar, and moves on.

The brainless, simpering clod. Why must I be cursed to be surrounded by such useless idiots?

Because you are superior - compared to you, everyone is a simpleton. Now, let us go forth and find what is bedeviling us so. Perhaps then we can make more headway on our true quest.

The goblin paused only for a breath, but placed his hand upon his breast in thanks for the comforting words that he heard in his mind. Thank you, Solut. Yes, let us concentrate on this damnable static in my head. Perhaps once that is cleared, we can make more progress.

The goblin started off once again, turning from the doorway of the Dancing Harpy, pausing only once to wave some bat guano, utter a word of draconic, and send a bolt of flame at the feet of a beggar who asked him for a spare coin or two, sending him running as fast as his shoeless feet could carry him. The rest of the market goers spared him a much wider berth after that. Perhaps these dolts are not as dumb as I took them for.

And thus did Grishak spend his morning, quartering the city, using the strength of the buzzing and pain in his head to guide him to whatever is distressing him to no end. Whenever his headache grew, he knew he was getting closer. Occasionally he would send Solut out on surreptitious flights to gauge direction to the source as well, judging that when the connection to his psicrystal became harder, that would also be closer to the source.

[Ascension]

Harkaitz

As much as Harkaitz would enjoy "playful innocence" in a woman under other circumstances, Miss Chase's current cheer is rather disturbing. He frowns deeply, the lines on his face reminding the observer that his face has worn such an expression many times before.

"Escape the city in time? What do you mean? I'm only here because my friend Colrin suggested I visit someday, and I had some free time, so I thought to myself, 'Why not stop by?' He was a member of your Mage's Guild, I think, but he left on sabbatical some years ago... never returned... If this city is a place one has to 'escape' in order to leave, I think I may know why he never came back!"

Hecate, the weasel riding on his shoulder, squeals a weaselly sound in agreement.

[AmberVael]

Ka Yahn

"Crazy old man!"
That gem looked expensive... oh it was so tempting to try and get it, but at the same time... all the people around him...
Ka Yahn's borrowed eyes flick over the area, trying to see if the man has anymore gems, or if that was the only one.

[The_Snark]

Barham Leight

The dark-skinned man wanders through the bazaar, allowing both his eyes and feet to ramble. So many things, and the feeling that many more were passing by out of sight. It tempted Barham to simply Ask where he would most enjoy being; but something catches his eye, and he decides he will save this for when he is no longer enjoying where he is right now.

He stops in front of a stall selling eggs: tiny ornamental eggs, to be precise, coated in a thin shell of precious-looking stone and layered in small jewels. He peers at one thoughtfully, an oval covered in black and golden patterns and embedded with obsidian and gold flakes. "Wonder," he muses, "if there ever was a bird that laid eggs like this. You ever wonder that?" He directs the question at the stall's owner.

[playswithfire]

Meovai

Taking the parchment, Meovai thinks to himself Well, a party's a good way as any to spend the night before becoming one of the king's guards. I hope. and then answers Grub Thanks for the suggestion. I can wait a few hours, I suppose. Guess I'll go train first and eat second. With that he turns to leave in search of an open area where he can practice his stances and kata.

OOC: Meovai's in Step of the Wind for now; probably shift to Shield of Muscle once combat happens

[ocato]

Slade
You enter the tavern amidst great hustle and bustle. It appears that servants are preparing for the big party tonight as you were informed of earlier. You stand in the doorway for but a moment before Gurb calls to you and begins hobbling over as quickly as he can. Slade? I wasn't expecting you until the party started! What can I do for you old friend? His face is cheery for a moment until a few servants pass, then he speaks in a hushed voice. You are early. If you like, I can find you a place to wait until things wind down, but you really shouldn't just walk in the front door without giving me an idea of the plan. These are the types who will cut both our throats faster than-- another servant passes by and Gurb resumes his previous cheer. to the shopkeeper I say, if it were a third leg, not a crutch, I'd probably still have my wife! He laughs gregariously for a moment, elbowing you to join, then resumes his hush. So what's your plan?

Grishak
After a few moments, you begin to realize that the source of your pain is coming from other people-- not everyone you meet, but some. It would seem that whatever disturbance is in the air is affecting other people as well, though most of them seem to be either doubled over in pain or suffering from eccentric insanity. The echoing screams from the Bazaar catch your attention. "BLUE WANTS RED, I'LL HAVE YOUR HEAD! HAHAHAHA. However, you can also sense a stronger source of your disturbance coming from the opposite direction, near the shore. There, a few hundred feet offshore lie a number of barges with homes built on them. Should you go, you'll see no obvious way to get there except to swim.

Harkaitz
Miss Chase looks at you sideways. I don't suppose you're fooling with me, are you. The dreadfully simple king of the city has stated that in one week he will completely seal the city up. No one in, no one out-- that is, if the assassination attempts don't stop. That's why we've had our diviners watching the docks so carefully. Master Mantra wanted to be aware of any powerful wizards or sorcerers who entered the city in case... I really rather ought let the Master discuss this with you. We're almost there now. Miss Chase gestures forward to a large stone archway with iron gates. Beyond them lie a lush greenery, trees, bushes, grasses, and flowerbeds, lining cobblestone paths that wind between behemoth buildings. Miss Chase leads you through the Academy campus and towards a small tower that is barely visible from anywhere in the city, due largely in part to the giant buildings surrounding it.

Ka Yahn
The old man spits at you and begins speaking in a tongue you can't immediately recognize. He laughs again, pats his stomach and yells "RED FOR ME, NONE FOR YOU DEMON! HAHAHA" He then takes off running as fast as he can down the bazaar, dodging people easily as he moves faster than most men a quarter his age could. Fortunately, his calls were largely ignored and no one seems to even notice you.

Barham
The old human shopkeeper laughs at you a moment, then leans forwards. Don'tcha know nuffin? Them's Griffin eggs! Since ah like yer style so much, ah'll even see yah one uv de good'ns. Most uh these won't never hatch, but ah gots a good one er two if ye got th' drakes fer et!

Meovai
Fortunately, the city is full of traveling vendors, and you are able to pick up a few pieces of fruit to tide you over. You wander around the city for a short while before finding a large open area in the slums. The lot is dusty and has some pieces of junk in it, but otherwise seems unused and perfect for your purposes. You spend a few minutes practicing your stances when a few neighborhood children come up and look at you with fear and confusion. You can't dance her mister! This lot belongs to that madman who scares all the children away from playing here! If you play here, he'll shoot his fire at you he will!

[Ascension]

Harkaitz

Harkaitz is somewhat puzzled.

"Shouldn't your diviners be watching the king, not the docks? It would be better to try to stop the assassins than simply to accept the closing of the city, wouldn't it?"

He sighs.

"Well, maybe Master Mantra will be able to explain it in some way that makes logical sense. I'll just ask him."

[AmberVael]

Ka Yahn

He knew.
Ka Yahn's eyes narrow.
He knew and he was taunting him. That wouldn't stand- no, not at all. Ka Yahn's lip twitches instinctively, baring his canine teeth as he suppresses a scream of rage and instead just runs after the old man, shoving anyone who gets in his way aside. He uses minor flashes of his demonic power (but not enough to really give anyone a glimpse of what he's doing) to jump into the air and teleport past obstacles that would otherwise slow him down, trying to make it look acrobatic rather than magical. Still, his movement will likely attract attention, but he doesn't really care about that.
He was going to rip out the old man's heart and watch him scream in agony as he died.

[Proven_Paradox]

At Gurb's prompting to laugh, Slade chuckles a bit, putting on the best fake smile he can manage--which probably isn't that convincing. Once the coast is clear, he whispers, "Reconnaissance from the shadows shall be my plan, I think. I doubt anyone here has eyes keen enough to see me should I not wish it, nor ears sharp enough to hear me. Blend with the shadows, and listen to them speak when they thing themselves alone. One can learn much from those who think their words private."

[playswithfire]

Meovai

Coming to a ready position and smiling at the child, Meovai answers Well, he doesn't seem to be using it much right now and I've only got a little more left to do. Another fifteen more minutes of my exercises, which are a form of martial arts, though it can look like a dance when I don't have an opponent, and I'll leave the lot. I do thank you for the warning, though. He resumes his kata.

[The_Snark]

Barham Leight

"Griffin eggs," he muses. "Huh. Think o' that. Most eggs are dark colors, you know?" Barham looks up at the shopkeeper for the first time. "Gray, or brown. Colors like that. Birds lay 'em like that so they can stay hidden, keeps 'em from being eaten. Not griffins, though. Maybe they lay jewelled eggs so's people will want to have them and keep them safe. Like cuckoo birds. Maybe they're gettin' people to do the work for them so they don't have to."

His eyes stray up to the roof of the stall as he stares off into space. "Maybe not, though," he says thoughtfully. "Y'ever met a griffin?"

[ocato]

Harkaitz
Miss Chase smiles warmly, Anyone who's worked for the guild knows better than to question their directions, I am simply a messenger and a greeter. Let Master Mantra speak to you about this. She smiles again, leading you into the small tower. The interior resembles a lobby, surprisingly. Miss Chase leads you past secretaries and passing scholars and students to a narrow spiral staircase, which sways and creaks as you walk up it. Once at the top, she seats you in a comfortable waiting area and informs you that the Archmage will speak with you shortly.

Ka Yahn
The old man bounds away at speeds almost inconceivable, you follow him closely and you're able to eventually track him around a corner and into a dark alley. You approach slowly and he draws a long, slender piece of metal, a wand you assume, and points it directly at you. His hideous laughter has yet to stop.

Slade
Gurb laughs again, smiling warmly and pats you on the back. Yeah, termites I think. I'm glad you could come by and take a look. I think the crawlspace on the second floor might be where they nest. They've chewed up the crawlspace so badly that you can hear everything going on in the dinning room when you're up there. There are some holes big enough a man could see through. Please solve this problem or else you never know what terrible thing might happen.

Meovai
The children look at you for a moment and scatter. As the sun begins to set, you think it might be time to head towards the inn if you're going to be in time for dinner.

Barham
The shopkeeper smirks at you, Yeah, ah've seen a griffin, how do you think I got these? You callin' me a scammer kid? I've half a mind to call the Merch and we'll see if you don't get strung up for callin' ME a SCAMMER. Y'want that, do ya?!

[AmberVael]

Ka Yahn

"Keep laughing while you can."
A cruel smile spreads across Ka Yahn's face as he slows down at the entrance of the alley, red energy writhing over his body to begin forming his true appearance.
"I'm going claw out your eyes and tear out your tongue."
A flicking, serpent's tongue comes from his mouth with a hint of fire after it as horns grow from his head, his fiendish nature growing from him like plants from the ground.
"And while you blindly and silently beg for mercy, I'll settle my claws into your chest."
His arms are covered in the energy writhing across him, and two more arms grow below the first pair, all of them with clawed hands capable of crushing stone in their grasp.
"Then, when you feel death coming for you, I will tear out your heart and watch it bleed into the gaping hole in your chest."
Wings rip from his back, ethereal things that seem almost more like hovering, hanging tentacles covered in blood, an aura of abyssal might.
Ka Yahn lunges forwards towards the man, swiping out with a claw.

Invest essentia:
3 in Girallon Arms
2 in Phoenix Belt
2 in Brassmane
1 in Blood Talons
2 in Pegasus Cloak

Initiative: [roll0]

Charge at the old man on his turn:
Attack: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]
(If the man happens to be lawful, add [roll3] damage. But I doubt he is.)

[Proven_Paradox]

Slade raises an eyebrow at Gurb's responce, smiling bemusedly. Certainly, he stands before a master of subtlety. "I shall see what I can do about that... I'll go ahead and take a look up there, actually; see what it looks like. I'm not sure how long I'll be." With that, he strides forward in search of the mentioned crawlspace--making certain no one is following him as he goes.

[The_Snark]

Barham Leight

"It seems we're having two entirely different conversations," Barhams replies peaceably, unfazed by the shopkeep's aggression. "You're worried about bein' accused of something, and I am simply trying to talk about griffins. I've never seen a griffin before, you understand. Don't know much about them, and I admit I am curious. Your conversation don't seem to be makin' you all that happy," he inclines his head to punctuate his point, "so why don't you join me in mine? Let's talk about griffins."

[ocato]

Ka Yahn
You lunge at the man, who continues to laugh maniacally. He slides to the left as you slip and fall in front of him. He looks down at you and begins to howl. RED FOR ME, DEAD FOR YOU!

With that, he points the wand at you and unleashes it's power, firing three beams of fire into your back


Wand of Scorching Ray, two touch attacks
[roll0]
[roll1]
Damage
[roll2]
[roll3]


He smiles over your body, assuming you dead regardless of whether he hit or not. His laughter grows louder and louder. MELQUIADES WILL BE VERY PROUD OF ME FOR THIS! RED FOR ME, RED FOR MASTER! THE AGENTS OF BLUE ARE THROUGH THIS DAY! TELL YOUR LITTLE MASTER HE CANNOT HAVE IT!

Slade
You wander up the stairs, finding a row of doors. There is a fairly obvious compartment in the ceiling with a rope hanging down. Pulling the rope opens the door, causing a ladder to descend.


Barham
The shopkeep smirks a bit and shakes the egg at you. He doesn't seem interested in talking. He tries to thrust it into your hands. Buy it or piss off!

[Ascension]

I love Barham. That is all.

Harkaitz

*Loyalty I appreciate,* Harkaitz thinks, *but 'knows better than to question their directions'? I don't like the sound of this...*

He says nothing. He reaches randomly into his bag of holding and pulls out a book to entertain himself with while he waits. It is his Handbook for Players, a set of rules intended to help one portray various characters in a variety of imaginary worlds. His copy of the Handbook is somewhat outdated, but he isn't too keen on some of the 'advancements' made in the newest edition, so he sticks to his faithful companion.

He flips it open to the section on the use of magic in games, always an amusing read. It suggests that the system of magic used in the real world is unsuited for roleplaying, and proposes various replacements, from a 'spell points' system to a system which limits casting on a per-encounter rather than per-spell basis. To an actual trained mage, such ideas are quite ludicrous, but Harkaitz realizes that the book's authors can't really be faulted for not having much experience with real magic.

*Game balance is something of an issue, too, I suppose,* Harkaitz thinks, *since real-world magic might make fighters feel somewhat inferior in comparison, at least at higher power levels.*

The Handbook for Players goes a bit far in the other direction, making the strongest class in the game the club-wielding "Batman." Wizarding forums are often filled with complaints about the Batman class, especially in coastal areas. Harkaitz personally enjoys playing Batmen, which is why he was dismayed when the coastal wizards announced that the newest edition of the Handbook, whose publication they would finance, would attempt to tone the class's power down considerably.

Harkaitz finally puts two and two together: The coastal wizards are the ones who are messing up his game... and this Mage's Guild is in a port city. Coincidence? He thinks not... but it would be rude to say so to the Archmage's face.

He decides to wait and just post a bulletin complaining about it somewhere near the forum.

[AmberVael]

Ka Yahn
Red energy whirls above the demon, barely deflecting the first shot, and simply absorbing the second as it strikes him. He growls and reaches up with his arms, attempting to simply tear the man into pieces from where he lies.

Phoenix Belt grants 10 fire resistance, so 8 damage...
Ka Yahn will attack again from Prone, taking advantage of his Girallon arms to make four claw attacks at 1d4.
If he hits with at least two claw attacks, he automatically hits with a Rend attack that deals double normal claw damage.
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Secondary Attack: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]
Secondary Attack: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]
Secondary Attack: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]

Possible Rend: [roll8]

[Darius]

Ursa (and Brun)

At first, she replies to the man in a language he most likely doesn't understand, for it sounds like the halfling tounge, but is an odd dialect. Seeing his confusion, she asks in a thick accent, the guard if this is the camp called Kas'arrata. When he confirms it as such and allows her through, Ursa thanks the man and wishes him well.

The diminutive halfling sets atop her exceptionally large brown bear 'mount' as they lumber through the city. Her buckskins and body paint the only protection from the elements, but she appears unaffected by the chill in the air. A gnarled staff the size of a club in human hands is strapped to her back, and her treated leather bags and pouches are beaded with images of the sun. She has all sorts of jewelry, trinkets and talismans in her hair and hanging from her body. She looks quite the savage in this civilized land.

When stopped by the patrol, she speaks in the same halting accent - it is as if she has difficulty speaking the language or is speaking it for the first time.

"Greetings brave warriors of Kas'arrata. I know not what papers are, and if I had them, I would gladly give you them. I have other gifts I could give you." She reaches into a pouch and pulls out some berries. "Each of these berries has enough nourishment to feed you for the day. If hurt you be, then they may help." She then pulls out her one gold coin and says, "Brun and I seek to speak with the chief who wears the sun on his head - it shines the color of this." She shows the coin. "I have had a vision that he is in danger - a danger that will send the tribes to fight one another and many will die. Can you take us to see your chief so that I may speak to him of this?"

[roll0]

ooc: A great time to roll a "1" :smalleek:

Stat Block

Ursa:
AC 33 (touch 26,flat 31)
HP 124
Fort: +16
Ref: +8
Will: +17 (+2 vs. fear; +4 vs. Fey)
30' move
Turn Undead Uses remaining (7)
30' blindsense
15' blindsight
+27 Listen
+21 Spot

Spells/Abilities in Effect
woodland stride
trackless step
venom immunity (poisons)

20th level Gr. Magic Fang (+5 bite)
20th level Gr. Magic Fang (+5 claws)

11th level longstrider
11th level endure elements
11th level listening lorecall
11th level greater resistance (extended to 48 hours)
11th level sirine's grace
11th level bite of the werebear

Brun - bear companion
AC 26 (touch 12, flat 23)
HP 108
Fort: +18
Ref: +12
Will: +9
50' move
Evasion
30' blindsense
Low-light vision
Scent
+5 Listen
+8 Spot

Spells/Abilities in Effect
20th level Gr. Magic Fang (claws)

11th level longstrider
11th level endure elements*
11th level listening lorecall*
11th level greater resistance (extended to 48 hours)
11th level bite of the werebear

*shared spells

[Meat Shield]

Grishak

Hmmmm. It has been some time since I was confronted with a mystery. What can cause such disruption across the city. Fortunately I am of a superior race and talent to withstand such energies without going mad like that blathering human in the Bazaar.

Grishak merely observes the barges from the shore form some time, attempting to take in the general ebb and flow of the goings on there, looking for guards, what types of activities, anything to give him an edge. He also looks for a dark place to infiltrate the barges.

Ready, old friend?

Of course. The faster we stop this infernal interference, the faster we continue our mission.

Once he has studied as much as he can from the shore, he finds a shadowy nook in an alley nearby, and takes a look around to make sure he is unobserved, concentrates for a moment, looks around one more time, then disappears, only to instantaneously reappear in the shadowy place on the barge he had observed.


Initiate Touchsight on self (11 minutes, 5 pp)
Dimension Door to barges (7 pp)

[ocato]

Harkaitz
You sit quietly, reading your..er...tome, until Miss Chase steps back out of the Archmage's quarters, appearing a little flustered and red in the face. Her hair is disheveled and her clothes appear jostled. You can hardly tell if she was beaten within an inch of her life or went diving across a table to catch a falling item. Either way, She smiles at you (appearing out of breath) and motions for you to enter the office.

Ka Yahn
You lean up to the old man, having easily defeated his attempts at striking you down. His laughing voice can be heard for a few moments even as you stand over his eviscerated body. His last coughing laughs repeat the name "Melquiades."

Ursa
The town guards look at you confusedly for a moment until you produce the gold coin. Them's papers good enough for me! the guard exclaims, extending his hand for the coin. Ef y'wanna see the king, y'gotta wait 'til tomorrow like everyone else. Just... you'd better find an inn or something or else you'll be sleeping in the slums. You don't want the body catcher to get his hands on you, do you? The guards laugh mirthfully.

Grishak
A cursory glance at the barges reveals no obvious entry onto the barges. They appear to be well to-do homes, but you cannot discern any obvious guards. However, it is obvious that there is some psychic force operating aboard the barges. It appears you just might have to swim.

[Darius]

Ursa (and Brun)

Ursa gladly gives up her one coin and commits the name of the chief to memory - Theking; a strange name, but this is a strange place. Before the guards leave, she asks, "Where might I find this inn you speak of?"

Assuming directions are given to her, Ursa smiles again at her new friends, and says, "I hope to see you again. I will meet with your chief, Theking, and tell him how helpful you were."

She then communicates her intentions of travel to Brun, and the bear begins lumbering towards the inn she was directed to go.

Stat Block

Ursa:
AC 33 (touch 26,flat 31)
HP 124
Fort: +16
Ref: +8
Will: +17 (+2 vs. fear; +4 vs. Fey)
30' move
Turn Undead Uses remaining (7)
30' blindsense
15' blindsight
+27 Listen
+21 Spot

Spells/Abilities in Effect
woodland stride
trackless step
venom immunity (poisons)

20th level Gr. Magic Fang (+5 bite)
20th level Gr. Magic Fang (+5 claws)

11th level longstrider
11th level endure elements
11th level listening lorecall
11th level greater resistance (extended to 48 hours)
11th level sirine's grace
11th level bite of the werebear

Brun - bear companion
AC 26 (touch 12, flat 23)
HP 108
Fort: +18
Ref: +12
Will: +9
50' move
Evasion
30' blindsense
Low-light vision
Scent
+5 Listen
+8 Spot

Spells/Abilities in Effect
20th level Gr. Magic Fang (claws)

11th level longstrider
11th level endure elements*
11th level listening lorecall*
11th level greater resistance (extended to 48 hours)
11th level bite of the werebear

*shared spells

[Ascension]

Harkaitz

*The archmage either believes in rough discipline or rough sex,* Harkaitz thinks when he sees Miss Chase's state, *but whichever one it is, at least it doesn't last long...*

He shoves his Handbook back into extradimensional storage and stands.

He nods at Miss Chase and then enters Mantra's office, not knowing quite what to expect.

[playswithfire]

Meovai

His practice complete and his hunger returning, Meovai bows to the empty lot, as a show of respect to his temporary practice area and then heads back to the tavern, anxious for both food and information about what had prompted such an event.

[Proven_Paradox]

Annoyed that the crawlspace seems so easy to access, Slade reaches up to grab the rope (jumping if he must). He climbs up the ladder that descends and moves through the area it leads to quietly, examining it so he can figure out what he can see and hear from inside. ((Take 10 on move silently, result of 44.))

[AmberVael]

Ka Yahn

The demon's eyes narrow at the corpse as he begins digging through it, looking for the gem the man swallowed, having no respect for the dead man's body at all. All he cared about was the gem.
Tricky bastard. There was something wrong about all of this. I'm going to have to keep my eyes open for a while.
He'd also have to find a place to wash himself off, though being near the docks, that shouldn't be too hard. Getting to such a place without someone getting alarmed at the amount of blood and gore on him, however... perhaps not as simple. Oh well. He'd manage. Glaring down at the old man, he continues his grisly task until he finds the gem.

[Darius]

ooc: comment move to ooc forum. Sorry.

[ocato]

Grishak
You arrive aboard the barge, stealthily, but with no cause. The barge, despite having maybe a dozen structures on it, seems largely abandoned. You wander about for a bit, looking for any cause of your psychic disturbance, when you happen upon a blood stain on the door of one of the buildings.

Ursa
The guard gives you vague directions towards the docks, obviously more interested in your gold piece than anything you might want to know. He points vaguely in the right direction, then wanders off.

Harkaitz
You enter Mantra's chambers, a lavishly decorated library with so many arcane books that they litter the floor. From the curtains to the seating, the rugs to the chandelier, decadence appears to be the order of the day. Sitting behind a solid oak desk at the far end of the long room sits an aging man wearing a bluish robe. He waves at you to approach as he stands, speaking in a surprisingly booming voice. Welcome, Master Aquilon, I've been expecting you. I hope your stay in my fair city has been enjoyable, so far.

Meovai
You leave the empty lot without incident (despite the fearful watching of the neighborhood children, who seem intent on the idea of you being gobbled up by some fire-breathing madman). You walk briskly towards the Black Water Tavern, noting even from a distance that the place is swarming with people of all sorts of wealth and standing. You ready the parchment that Gurb gave you and stand patiently in line.

Slade
You easily find a nice place to set up and watch the events unfold. Now that the tables are set up and the staff has mostly cleared, you can see a slow trickle of various people, anywhere from street roughage looking for free eats to gallant merchants and people of taste. The Tavern begins to fill quickly. However, the main table, set perpendicular to the others and up on a dais, appears empty still. You are fairly sure that, should the Merchant lords arrive, that will be the most likely place for them to be seated. You find it rather odd that Gurb is nowhere to be seen.

Ka Yahn
After a few gruesome minutes of searching the entrails of the old man, you find two things. One is the red gem you'd seen him swallow, some sort of opal perhaps. The other is a thick metal disk, like a holy symbol, but referencing a deity you've never seen before. The image on the symbol is of a crescent moon with a squid cradled within it. The squid's tentacles appear to be reaching down to the earth.

[Ascension]

Harkaitz

"Well, it hasn't been much of a stay, so far. I've only had a few minutes in which to judge your fair city, and at least one of those minutes involved being told that I'm probably not going to be able to leave. So no, I wouldn't say I'm particularly enjoying the ambiance so far, though it's no fault of yours."

Harkaitz's gaze drifts lovingly to the bookshelves.

"Although if you'd give me a chance to look through a few of these books, I might not mind staying for a good long while..."

[AmberVael]

Ka Yahn

The demon eyes the symbol with distaste and distrust, deciding to leave it there, doubting Pale Night would appreciate such a sacrifice- and he certainly had no need of it. However, he does pick up the gem, holding it in one hand as he searches for a quiet, quick way to leave the alley, and perhaps something to wash off with- or at least cover the blood stains on him.

[Proven_Paradox]

Slade

Satisfied with the easy view, Slade settles in at a place where he has the best vantage point to observe--both visually and audibly--the main table. He will wait until the main event has begun, though in the meantime he will keep an eye out for Gurb. ((Taking 10 on hide and move silently (50 and 44 respectively), hiding with Hide in Plain Sight.))

[ocato]

Harkaitz
Janis smirks at you. Yes, of course. As you may have guessed, my extensive library is open to all members of sufficient standing with the Mage's Guild. However, I feel that I would be misleading you if I did not explain our situation...fully. The Archmage furrows his brow as he speaks, setting down a pipe and leaning foward to engage you. I apologize if Miss Chase gave you the wrong impression... I assure you she will be reprimanded for her carelessness. It is true that the city is going to be closed to comers and goers within a week's time. I assume you were unaware of this fact or else you probably would not have risked passage here. While it is ideal to hope that a solution will present itself in the next week, the fatalist in me says that I should do what all of the other factions in the city are doing-- Call my own and count those I can call a friend. May I call you friend?

Ka Yahn
Fortunately for you, it seems that some local hubbub is drawing most of the attention of the people at the bazaar. Shops and stands begin to close as evening approaches and most people are headed over towards the Black Water Tavern. You find it quite easy to escape the alleyway and find a spot by the docks to clean yourself.

Slade
You sit quietly in the crawlspace, enjoying a comfortable view of the entire tavern. You can hear and see everything well enough that your reconnaissance should go swimmingly if you have the wits to stay put and avoid making any noise.

[The_Snark]

Barham Leight

"I think that I will," says Barham Leight, not making any move to take the egg, and strolls off into the crowd, eyes searching for distinctive objects and interesting people.

[Ascension]

The Faction War was always my favorite part of the Planescape setting. Too bad there isn't a Doomguard here for me to join. Well, not with Harkaitz, but I like playing Doomguard, so if there was one I would have prepared a proper character... but anyway, that's beside the point.

Harkaitz


"I'd love to just say yes, I'm your friend, but I'm a bit concerned how every other sentence that comes out of your mouth is something about reprimanding Miss Chase. The poor girl did nothing wrong. She just had to escort a troublesome guest who asked her too many questions... If you show as little mercy to others as you do to her, I'm afraid I won't be here long before I've been demoted to scullion in a kitchen somewhere..."

Harkaitz's gaze drifts back to the books again.

"But regardless of how you treat the help, you seem to be the best option at the moment... I certainly have more in common with you than the money-grubbing merchants. For better or for worse... I will stand with you. Now... a few questions..."

Harkaitz leans forward.

"How many factions are we talking about? In the event of civil war... which is what it sounds like you're preparing for... what sort of force do you expect each faction to be able to muster? Do you know who it is who's trying to assassinate the king? I will do all I can to ensure the stability of the Mage's Guild amidst the chaos which shall almost inevitably strike this city in the next few days, but I cannot help you at all if I don't understand the parameters of the situation."

While waiting for Mantra's answers, Harkaitz wracks his brain for anything that might help him verify the Archmage's story, anything he might have heard about Kas'arrata, its king, and/or its people.

Knowledge (Royalty and Nobility) [roll0]
Knowledge (History) [roll1]
Knowledge (Geography) [roll2]
Knowledge (Religion) [roll3]

[AmberVael]

Ka Yahn

The demon washes himself off quite thoroughly, shaking out his hair like a dog before standing straight and stretching. After a moment of this, he looks down at his prize, trying to determine its worth as he holds it up to the light, squinting.
Really quite a pretty little thing...
Temptation strikes, as it always does, to hide and hoard it for himself. Maybe he could keep it a secret...
But no, Pale Night would not be fooled, nor pleased. His power would drop in an instant, and his goal would become a speck in the distance. The demon scowls a bit, then drops his hand back to his side. It was both an honor and a curse to be in the service of the mother of demons- while she was powerful and bestowed that power on him, giving him a name and status, he was still bound to the service of someone else, a fact that sorely vexed him. He should be able to stand on his own!
In time, he thought. In time he could take his rightful place.
Ka Yahn glances around him, checking for anyone who might have followed him, or anything that might catch his eye. Failing either of those, he'll begin moving towards the Black Water Tavern with everyone else, figuring that a place with numerous people would be more interesting.

[Proven_Paradox]

Slade

Slade stays put and avoids making any noise.

Heh, just to make sure that nothing gets stalled on my account. Slade's not going anywhere unless something relevant to him happens.

[playswithfire]

Meovai

Meovai waits in line for the event at the Tavern, attempting to listen to the others in line to get some idea of what he's walking into; he's still mainly concerned with the food. But, clearly something important is going to happen here and he'd like to be able to at least pretend to know what it is once he gets inside.

OOC

when he gets inside, pretty much more of the same; head for the food, keeping an eye out for Gurb to thank him while keeping a calm smile on his face and listening to the others in the room without instigating any conversations himself

[ocato]

Barham
You begin to notice that the streets are emptying as night begins its slow approach. People seem to be moving in the general direction of the Black Water Tavern-- or back home. Either way, the bazaar is largely deserted.

Harkaitz
You pause for a moment, only able to remember basic information about the city. The Archmage speaks in a slow, grandiose voice. One day, Miss Chase will sit at this desk. However, to prepare her for this position, she must first be carefully groomed. The Archmage smirks a bit at this, then continues seriously. Kas'arrata is run by many factions, some of which are better known than others. The King's council is represented by all of the notable contributors to city politics: The Illustrious Mage's Guild, the High Priestess of Wee Jas, a shrew of a woman known as Harpilla Groenig, The head's of the Merchant's Association... Janis smirks a bit, shouldn't be an issue. Then there's the Shipping Guild, that typically operates off-city and therefore doesn't have quite as much to gain here. They used to control the docks but the Merchants have taken that over fairly easily. Finally the King's Army, which is mostly the foolhardy guards, a ramshackle Militia, and General Hogart, of course.

Janis turns in his chair, looking out the window over the campus courtyard. Then there is another faction. One that cannot be easily seen. It is perhaps the most deadly of them all. Simply put, there is someone in this city who wishes to be king and has both the power and will to do so. Janis pauses a moment, his face twisted in disgust and fear. However, who this person is and what power he possesses is a mystery currently unsolved.

Ka Yahn
You begin to approach the Black Water Tavern, noting the large crowd outside. It appears that the doors have closed and that no one else is being permitted in. Inside, you can hear the din of the crowd hushing as if the main event were about to begin.

Slade and Meovai
You take your places respectively as the room fills up quickly. It is still noted that Gurb is no where to be seen. You wait patiently, but it seems as if no one will arrive. At the last moment, a group of well-to-do looking men enter and take their seats at the large table set up on the Dais. They raise their glasses to you in salute and bid you good cheer and good eating. Slowly, the eldest looking among them (seated in the middle) rises to give his speech.

Grishak
As you contemplate the bloodied door, you see a shadow figure of a large bat fly from within the confines of the structure. Night has finally fallen and you can barely make out the creature as it flies towards the city. Any attempt to react or stop the animal (it appears like a regular bat, nothing special) is stopped by a sudden reminding of the psionic background noise that rises up in your mind. Surely, the interior of the building is where your interest lies.

[Meat Shield]

OOC:

Jeez, don't you people have lives! :smallbiggrin: I'll try and catch up!


Original post:

Ocato had a reply posted while I was writing this one, edited post to follow

Grishak

Interesting. It appears someone met a spot of trouble. The goblin draws a gloved finger through just a bit of the blood to ascertain its freshness, then tries to find a window or other suitable place to take a peek inside. While he glances up and down the sides of the building for a window to peer in, he lets Solut fly up just to the edge of the roof to take a quick glance as well for anything of interest: doors, treasure, bodies, that sort of thing. Solut will let him know what he sees, then speed back to his perch around Grishak's neck.

Failing an easier way in, he will fall back on old reliable - going in the front door the noisy way.


Grishak

Interesting. It appears someone met a spot of trouble. The goblin draws a gloved finger through just a bit of the blood to ascertain its freshness, then tries to find a window or other suitable place to take a peek inside. While he glances up and down the sides of the building for a window to peer in, he lets Solut fly up just to the edge of the roof to take a quick glance as well for anything of interest.

Solut had just cleared the eaves in the failing light when he observed the bat fly from the house. Just as well that he had no mouth, for if he did the psicrystal certainly would have let out an exclamation as the bat flew by.

Well, friend, it appears there was something in there. Whether or not more remain, I see only one way to find out.

I agree, I tire of this sneak-thief behavior. Rejoin me, friend. Let us investigate this place properly.

Solut rejoins Grishak, returning to his perch upon his neck, while Grishak prepares himself for what is beyond the doorway. Taking no chances, he renews his protective power, as well some others, then addresses the door one more time before blowing it off its hinges with a ray from his fingertips.


I am assuming it has been long enough to renew the inertial armor since it is dark

Take three rounds to prep, and make sure the bat is gone
Touchsight is still active
Inertial Armor +9 AC, 11 pp
Force Screen +4 AC (shield) 1 pp
Energy Retort (electricity) 5 pp

Then hit the door with an Energy Ray (Sonic) for 5d6 5 pp

[Ascension]

Harkaitz

A look of concern passes over Harkaitz's face.

"I do hope the Guild and the Priestess of Wee Jas are not in conflict... I was raised in one of the Witch Goddess's temples. I have told you that I will stand with you, and I will, but it would not be pleasant for me to turn against my heritage."

Harkaitz banishes the uncertainty from his face before continuing.

"As for the rest of the situation... you say that this mystery man wishes to be king... the merchants obviously want to profit... as would the shipping guild... the king would want to retain his power... But what about you? What is it you desire? Mere survival? Stability? Or perhaps... perhaps you desire power. Do you wish to rule this city, either directly or by proxy? If you do, then drop this defensive facade. I'm sure the power of the militia is insignificant next to the power of your Guild's magics. The quickest way to smoke out the would be usurper who lurks in the shadows would be to take the throne for yourself. Let him come to you."

Harkaitz narrows his eyes.

"If there is going to be a war, then make sure the first move is yours... and make sure the first move is the last."

[Ascension]

Diplomacy: [roll0]
And wait, I forgot, I get a +2 on that due to Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty)

[Darius]

Ursa (and Brun)

Ursa directs her bear companion to the direction given, and the pair ambles towards the dock seeking this place called, an inn.


Stat Block

Ursa:
AC 33 (touch 26,flat 31)
HP 124
Fort: +16
Ref: +8
Will: +17 (+2 vs. fear; +4 vs. Fey)
30' move
Turn Undead Uses remaining (7)
30' blindsense
15' blindsight
+27 Listen
+21 Spot

Spells/Abilities in Effect
woodland stride
trackless step
venom immunity (poisons)

20th level Gr. Magic Fang (+5 bite)
20th level Gr. Magic Fang (+5 claws)

11th level longstrider
11th level endure elements
11th level listening lorecall
11th level greater resistance (extended to 48 hours)
11th level sirine's grace
11th level bite of the werebear

Brun - bear companion
AC 26 (touch 12, flat 23)
HP 108
Fort: +18
Ref: +12
Will: +9
50' move
Evasion
30' blindsense
Low-light vision
Scent
+5 Listen
+8 Spot

Spells/Abilities in Effect
20th level Gr. Magic Fang (claws)

11th level longstrider
11th level endure elements*
11th level listening lorecall*
11th level greater resistance (extended to 48 hours)
11th level bite of the werebear

*shared spells

[ocato]

Grishak
You push your way into the building, it's door is heavy and sticks. You find yourself in a cobweb laden wooden-paneled hallway. The stench of must is almost palpable, and you feel the presence of your psychic tormentor so powerfully that it is as if one had a sinus infection. Your head throbs, your eyes are blurry, and every subtle motion carries with it the threat of collapse. You stumble down the hallway, making surprisingly little noise. The entire barge, from your first entry on board up to this point strikes you as exceedingly still. The hallway ends abruptly into a small room. You find that as soon as you near the room, the psychic torment has suddenly ceased. Laid across the floor is a large symbol carved into the wood with chalks and powders. Candles are lit all over room, and in the center of the circular symbol are 6 people, dressed in robes with the hoods drawn over their heads. They are prostrated towards a stone slab in the center of the room, stained with blood. None of the robed figures move or seem to acknowledge your presence, and you cannot help but note the smell of gore and death in the room. You cannot help but shake a chill in the room, as if something were terribly, horribly wrong with this scene, beyond that which is already obvious.

Harkaitz
Mantra turns his chair slowly back in your direction. His face is dreadfully serious with thought. He pauses a moment before speaking calmly and deliberately. There are some factors to consider in a... civil war. The King's life is not a popular one. However, despite the best efforts of various organizations in the city, ourselves excluded of course, he has evaded death. Somehow he has erected an anti-magic field around his throne room, probably with that damn Priestess's help, making it particularly difficult to monitor his actions. Furthermore, as he grows older and more reliant on the power of healing magic to stay alive, the temple's sway over him has potential to grow. A direct assault on the throne, while... possibly successful, would require a great deal of luck. Should Groenig act against us, it would be quite the loss of life on both sides. Her Ruby Knights are not to be taken lightly. Worse yet, a direct assault on the king himself would also force us to deal with Hogart, who is mildly formidable as well. Should we move too haphazardly, we risk uniting our enemies together in the face of a common enemy. Janis tents his hands, thinking deeply The Merchant's guild is interested in removing the king as well. They stand to lose a great deal of money in the event of a full closure of the ports. However... Janis trails off a moment, then looks to Harkaitz directly, his stare piercing. ...the Merchant's Association is largely inconsequential, if my diviners are correct. We do not know much, but we believe that our mystery player has plans to move against them soon. You have some good ideas my friend, but this city is not ruled by any one act of brashness. If I cannot trust you against Harpilla Groenig and her Ruby Knights though, I fear your career in Kas'arrata may be less influential than we both might have hoped... Can I trust you?

Ursa
You approach a large homestead like building, probably the "inn" people keep mentioning to you. It would seem that there is a rather large crowd growing outside, mostly consisting of people who cannot get in. A few simple questions asked of anyone else reports that the inn and the banquet are both full, and that to prevent any excess, all entries to the building have been thoroughly sealed. At this point, you cannot help but notice a small animal, perhaps a raven or a bat, fluttering around the inn's chimney.

[Darius]

Ursa

Ursa leads Brun to an area where horses would be kept and uses her telepathy to command Brun to 'stay'. She dismounts and then walks around to the back where there are less people. She concentrates for a moment and her form shifts to that of a tiny bat. She flutters up to the chimney in search of the creature she saw. While up there, she uses her blindsense and blindsight to locate a possible way in...the chimney may do, if it is safe.

If it is safe, she will flit down and enter in the common room and then find a suitable place in the rafters where she can perch and observe.

Stat Block

Ursa: bat form
AC 33 (touch 26,flat 31)
HP 124
Fort: +16
Ref: +8
Will: +17 (+2 vs. fear; +4 vs. Fey)
30' move
Turn Undead Uses remaining (7)
30' blindsense
15' blindsight
+27 Listen
+21 Spot

Spells/Abilities in Effect
woodland stride
trackless step
venom immunity (poisons)

20th level Gr. Magic Fang (+5 bite)
20th level Gr. Magic Fang (+5 claws)

11th level longstrider
11th level endure elements
11th level listening lorecall
11th level greater resistance (extended to 48 hours)
11th level sirine's grace
11th level bite of the werebear

Brun - bear companion
AC 26 (touch 12, flat 23)
HP 108
Fort: +18
Ref: +12
Will: +9
50' move
Evasion
30' blindsense
Low-light vision
Scent
+5 Listen
+8 Spot

Spells/Abilities in Effect
20th level Gr. Magic Fang (claws)

11th level longstrider
11th level greater resistance (extended to 48 hours)
11th level bite of the werebear

*shared spells

[Ascension]

Harkaitz

Harkaitz's voice is firm as he delivers his answer.

"Although I have fond memories of my childhood there, the Temple barred me from studying magic for reasons I still do not understand. It took nearly a century, but I taught myself magic from nothing more than a few minutes of reading grimoires each day. Then, after over a hundred years of faithful service to the Temple, I was exiled as soon as they discovered my work. I revere the goddess, yes, and I can be a bit sentimental about her followers, but the simple truth of the matter is that followers of Wee Jas ruined my life. You can count on me to stand firmly against them when the time comes."

He holds out his right hand.

"I offer you my word... and my word is my bond."

[The_Snark]

Barham Leight

Barham decides that while it is sometimes enjoyable to move against the flow, now would not be one of those times. He lets himself drift towards the Black Water Inn and the crowds gathering there.

[AmberVael]

Ka Yahn

Ka Yahn frowns, rather irritated by this. He wasn't the type you wanted to close the door on- it only made him more interested and determined to get inside. Still, forcing his way in seemed a bit of a poor idea, even if it would work... perhaps another method of entry was in order. The demon begins circling the building, looking for another door or perhaps even a window that was not attended to. Oh yes, he'd get inside. It did peeve him that he was going to miss part of what was going on though- hopefully it wouldn't be too much of a loss.

[Meat Shield]

Grishak

Grishak is no stranger to blood and death, having spilled and dealt much in his life, but this sickens him far beyond a mere physical sensation. I have killed before, but those were all necessary. I need not resort to some foul ceremony. I think this ceremony ends now.

Yes, yes! These beings are responsible for our psychic torment. End this now, and stop the pain - and hurt someone who obviously rivals our own power.

His instincts tell him to strike now, consequences be damned. Kill these minions and destroy the altar and symbols, but his superior intellect studies the scene for a moment more to gather any final clues before striking.


K(arcana) [roll0]
K(psionics) [roll1]

Am looking for clues to the significance to the ceremony, how and why is it used, how it can be stopped, etc.
Touchsight is still active if there is a question about what I can see.
Inertial Armor +9
Force Screen +4
Energy Retort (electricity)

[ocato]

Ursa
As you skitter up the side of the building, you notice a halfling sitting in a rocking chair next to the back door. He is whistling to himself and kicking a crutch that is up against the wall. You pass by undeterred, heading towards the chimney and down into it. You notice that the stone spine has two entrances for soot, one is on the second floor (with the fire lit, therefore a very unpleasant option) and the other on the main floor. Assuming you stick with your original plan, you fly down and out of the main floor chimney causing a few coughs and cries of minor surprise but are otherwise unbothered.

Harkaitz
Janis looks at your hand for a moment, then takes it. Welcome to the Mage's Guild, Mr. Aquilon. May you find your end in a stuffy library, not the end of the Ruby Knight's sword. Janis smiles warmly, then calls Miss Chase in and asks her to fetch his 'stash,' a bottle of dwarven brandy.

Barham
You stand outside the crowded tavern, seemingly incapable of gaining entry. You soon find out from the grunts and groans of fellow waiting people that the event has closed and entrance is no longer being granted. Supposedly the entire building is sealed up tight.

Ka Yahn
You make your way around the back of the building, where you find a halfling in a rocking chair, enjoying the evening breeze and smoking a pipe. He looks up at you and pauses a moment, slowly reaching for his crutch. He is unarmed as far as you can tell. He slowly speaks to you in what seems almost like a riddle. Are there enough forks in the back?

Grishak
The ritual performed here was obviously arcane, but you are not quite sure what purpose it served. Your touch sight reveals nothing except for that which can be plainly seen before you. You realize that, having made no efforts at stealth, it is clearly odd that none of these cultists has made so much as a move in noticing your presence. The clarity of your mind rings almost as violently as the psychic torment you'd suffered before. You delve your mind and recall a small fact involving the torture of psychic creatures. Sometimes, when tortured or harmed excessively, they begin to send up subtly unconscious cries for help, which can become garbled or frustrated over distances or barriers of intelligence or even mindset.

[playswithfire]

Meovai

Meovai sets down his food and turns to listen to the noble that has risen to speak. Maybe now I'll find out what this is all about. Or at least the names of some of these important-looking people I can thank of the food...and maybe ask if they have any interest in joining or financing a martial arts school. The dream (was it?) comes back to him. On second thought, now may not be the best time to look for investors or students. He returns his attention to the noble.

OOC:just making it clear I'm still here; I know one or more other people may need to get inside before the noble speaks.

[Darius]

Ursa the Owl(bear)

Ursa finds an excellent perch in the rafters of the room where she is inobtrusively off to the side, but can hear and see all that goes on in the room and nearby area.

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

Stat Block

Ursa: owl(bear) form
AC 40 (touch 30, flat 34)
HP 124
Fort: +14
Ref: +11
Will: +17 (+2 vs. fear; +4 vs. Fey)
20' move (40' fly - average)
Turn Undead Uses remaining (7)
30' blindsense
15' blindsight
+35 Listen
+29 Spot
+19 Move Silent, +13 Hide
STR 20, DEX 21, CON 18
0 reach, +1 to size difference makes up for attack difference if needed
talons 1d4+10 damage currently/1d10+7 bite

Spells/Abilities in Effect
woodland stride
trackless step
venom immunity (poisons)

20th level Gr. Magic Fang (+5 bite)
20th level Gr. Magic Fang (+5 claws)

11th level longstrider
11th level endure elements
11th level listening lorecall
11th level greater resistance (extended to 48 hours)
11th level sirine's grace
11th level bite of the werebear

Brun - bear companion
AC 26 (touch 12, flat 23)
HP 108
Fort: +18
Ref: +12
Will: +9
50' move
Evasion
30' blindsense
Low-light vision
Scent
+5 Listen
+8 Spot

Spells/Abilities in Effect
20th level Gr. Magic Fang (claws)

11th level longstrider
11th level greater resistance (extended to 48 hours)
11th level bite of the werebear

*shared spells

[AmberVael]

Ka Yahn

Hmmm. A secret code, perhaps? Unfortunate that he didn't know the proper response... and threatening him could just make things worse. However, there were other ways of dealing with such a person. Ka Yahn smiles darkly and moves up to the halfling.
"I'm do not know the answer to your question, halfling, but I do need a way to get inside... perhaps there is a way we can come to an arrangement?"
He towers over the halfling, not overtly trying to threaten, but still depending more on intimidation to get him what he wants.
Intimidate: [roll0]

[Meat Shield]

Grishak

Torture! I have seen enough! This ends now! Solut, assist me!

Gladly, friend.

Grishak's eyes flare a brilliant blue as the room is shook by powerful psionic forces. Each prostrate form is hammered by an invisible blast, while the altar is struck by a sickly green ray from an outstretched finger.

For good measure, Grishak then drags his foot through the chalk lines at his feet, destroying the magic symbols and breaking the circle.


OK, I am assuming the people bowing to the altar are positioned around the slab at 12, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 o'clock, with the slab at the center, and myself outside the circle and below the 6:00 position (all from above).

Psionic Disentigrate on the altar slab - 11 pp

Overchanelled Quickened Psionic Blast (should hit everyone in the room) - 13 pp, everyone Will save DC 21 or be stunned for two rounds (until start of my turn three rounds from now). Expend Solut's psionic focus for this.

Move action to shuffle feet around in the chalk

[Meat Shield]

Grishak


Damage from Overchannel [roll0]
- Saving my last psionic focus

[ocato]

Meovai, Ursa, and Slade
The Merchant Lord's voice is halted by the sudden sound of eerie singing. The entire tavern seems to jolt at the haunting sound of a man's voice carrying down the hallway. In a flash, a tall, dark figure is seen standing on the railing of the second story, overlooking the dinner party and singing quite loudly. He is tall, with long black hair that is slicked back into a tie. He wears blackened armor with blood stains still fresh on it. His demeanor is jaunty, though his face gaunt. He has a long spiked chain wrapped around his waist, which he slowly unfurls. He finishes his song and laughs loudly.

Meovai
This is the man from your dream, you find yourself shocked to see him in the flesh.

Ka Yahn
The halfling looks up at you with a sort of twisted smirk. You can't tell if he's scared or smug, but probably a mix of the two. As the slow hum of song in the tavern rises slowly, his face becomes more of a smirk than that of fear. Let me give you some advice, friend. You kill a cripple on the side of the street and you're not gonna get close to what you want. Now, the way I see it is you either don't know what's going on in there or you want to stop it. Truth be told, you probably can't stop what's happening in there. But if you walk in, you're likely to be a target. He smiles, offering his pipe. If you have no love for the Merchants, your noninvolvement would be appreciated. You get the idea that the halfling is perhaps trying to offer you something to not interfere.

Grishak
You melt the stone slab into dust, blasting each of the cultists from their prostrated position. They fall over onto the floor like sacks of meat-- completely lifeless. Their hoods still hide their features mostly, but you can sort of see one of their faces. It is twisted into abject horror, the eyes twisted up into the back of their heads as if drawn by some force. They are all dead, and it requires no effort to destroy their ritual.

[Meat Shield]

Grishak

Shaking off the effects of the strain he endured moments ago, Grishak begins examining the scene.

Hmmmm, dead, but not my work. I am sure that bat that left as we arrived has something to do with this. Solut, I need your help again. I want to examine this room, but need you to watch for the bat or anyone else coming.

I shall be your outside eyes, friend, as Solut releases from his perch and flies up to the roof, keeping an 'eye' on the surrounding area.

Grishak then returns to examining the room, looking to the bodies as well as the furnishings and symbols. He is unsure what he is searching for, but wants to find a clue to who has done this or what his intentions may be.


Take 20 on Search check, total 32

[Proven_Paradox]

Slade

Seeing this man wearing bloody armor with obvious ill intent, Slade slowly, quietly draws his crossbow. He does not load it, nor does he aim it at anyone. He sits and watches quietly.

[playswithfire]

Meovai

Him?! Here?! Why?! Meovai is shocked to see this being again and reflexively assumes a defensive stance before forcing himself to remain calm, at least for a moment. Those who charge in foolishly are batted aside by better prepared opponents. This is one of the tenets of the Monkey Paw discipline. Meovai's eyes lock on the stranger from his dream, awaiting any declaration of intent, either verbal or more physical.


switching to Shield of Muscle as a free action; if possible, Meovai readies an action to take a 5ft step towards the stranger and execute Wrist Lock if the stranger attacks him; as my surprise round actions, I guess? Unclear if this is combat yet, but that's what Meovai would be ready to do
Meovai (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheets/view.php?id=81700)
M NG Goliath Barbarian/Swordsage/Empty Hand Master, Level 11, Init +2, HP 122/122, Speed 25
AC 29, Touch 22, Flat-footed 25, Fort +12, Ref +6, Will +14, Base Attack Bonus 8
+1 Unarmed Strike 20/15 (d8+11, x2)
+3 Mithril Chain Shirt (+7 Armor, +4 Dex, +2 Deflect, +6 Misc)
Abilities Str 24, Dex 13, Con 18, Int 10, Wis 22, Cha 8
Condition Active Stance: Shield of Muscle

[ocato]

Black Water Tavern
The mystery man hops down onto the table the merchant lords sit at. He wastes no time in turning and slicing deeply into the head merchant's chest with his spiked chain. The others begin to flee and chaos erupts in the small tavern. The whipping blades of the mystery man shoot in each direction, catching each Merchant as he attempts to flee. The man sings loudly still, then stops and emits a loud shout.


Initiative. If you want to fight, he is not apparently threatening anyone except the merchants he just assassinated. This was the Surprise Round. I'm rolling for everyone nearby, but if you don't want to fight or don't think your character would rush in to see what's happening, feel free to state that you are forgoing engagement and we will continue without you.
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]

EDIT:Oh, Meovai, Ursa, and Slade, please make will saves. Meovai, yours is at a -2 due to your proximity to the man.


Grishak
You wade through the corpses and the ritualworks and search the barge compartment cautiously. You find nothing of apparent value, although you are a bit put off but some of the tools of the ritual you find, including rusted and bloodied surgical tools. It would appear that whatever took place here was done recently and quite haphazardly. You continue searching the room and find what appears to be a small trapdoor, except that it fits seamlessly in with the floor. You cannot pry or open it with your hands.

[Proven_Paradox]

Will save: (1d20+15=34) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1740445/)

Slade watches the slaughter silently, ready to engage should he see a need, but for now remaining still. He attempts to judge the condition of those struck by the man's blades from his vantage point--live or dead being his primary question.

[playswithfire]

Meovai

Determined to get some answers from this man who had now intruded upon both his dreams and his dinner, Meovai attempts to stop the Stranger, moving up behind him and wrenching the stranger's one hand off of his spiked chain and then driving it behind his back toward the opposing shoulder blade before asking in a calm but menacing voice Who are you and why are you here?


Will Save [roll0]

Meovai doesn't care about the merchants, but he's got to take this guy down (if he can)

Move action to get over to the stranger, swift action to activate the gauntlet for a +2 to the grapple check, then Elbow lock
Touch Attack [roll1]
Grapple Check [roll2]
Damage [roll3] + [roll4]
If successful, we're grappling, he's pinned and he's only got one hand on the spiked chain so if he's got a way to use it in a grapple (Wolverine Stance or something), he takes -4 on attack rolls with it.

EDIT: Seriously?? A natural 1 on my first attack action in this campaign? Ugh.

[ocato]

Initiative
Barham - (1d20+1)[21]
Mysteryman! - (1d20+9)[19]
Slade - (1d20+8)[19]
Ursa - (1d20+2)[19]
KaYahn - (1d20+2)[10]
Meovai - (1d20+2)[7]

[AmberVael]

Ka Yahn

"If I were fool enough to just kill you, you'd be dead already."
Ka Yahn says derisively, laughing at the halfling's opinion of him. The halfling clearly didn't know who he was dealing with- the demon only killed people when it aided him, and he knew when murder would be helpful and when it would not. Killing this little guy? Not so much.
"Your first guess would be correct- I don't know what's going on inside, and I'd like to find out. I'll stay out of it if you tell me what is happening."
Ka Yahn smirks.

[Meat Shield]

Grishak

Down into the rabbit hole...

Again the green ray blazes from his hand, vaporizing the trapdoor and allowing his psionically enhanced senses to extend into the space below.


Disintegrate on trapdoor 11 pp
Touchsight to explore below

[The_Snark]

Barham Leight

Barham reflects that it is an odd necessity that there be far more invitations than there are people inside the inn: after all, not everybody who is handed an apple and an invitation will actually show up. The merchants seem to have overbooked their party, however, and Barham decides not to metaphorically shove his way through the door, waiting outside in the street and contemplating leaving for the baazar. There's a strangeness about empty streets by night that not even a forest at night can match, the sense that people should be here but aren't.

Sounds from inside distract him before he can make his way back through the crowd, though: singing, and shouts, and... a scream. That ain't right.

Barham Leight reaches out and taps the closed door once, twice, thrice with his walking-stick. On the third tap, the door vanishes, and Barham walks through.

Time Hop on the door.

[ocato]

Barham
You pass through the door with ease-- and just in time to be almost trampled by the guests hurriedly leaving. You look up to see a tall goliath standing in the middle of the room, not 10 feet from the table on the dais, where a tall dark figure is swinging a spiked chain through fleeing merchant lords. Having struck them down, he turns and begins shouting in a horrible voice. Ladies and Gentlemen! Do not flee! You've only heard the beginning of my song! Now it's time...for the chorus.

Meovai
The dark figure begins swinging his spiked chain overhead, focusing on you. His hellish scream sends shivers down your spine, but you resist succumbing to fear. He laughs at you a bit, then twists his body as if gaining some semblance of energy from the motion. With this he sends the spiked chain flying at your feet. As he strikes he calls out to you. You shun me as your student, master and worse yet, you do not fear me? Perhaps this will put the fear in you!


Energy Summoned= "Divine" Might feat
Touch attack for the trip
Opposed roll for the trip [roll1]
Attacking after a successful trip (power attack -10) [roll2]
Damage (if successful) [roll]2d4+15+20+9+4


Slade
You sit tight, watching the Goliath and this "Chorus" creature engage in battle. It's not clear who the apparent winner is, but you are safe as far as being detected is concerned.

Ka Yahn
Gurb groans a bit, sitting up in his chair and reaching for his crutch. Couldn't tell you for sure. All I know is... you know that Shipping Guild that everyone thinks skipped town? Rolled over for the Merchants? Well I got news for you. They're making a come-back, an' Ol' Gurb's glad to have em back. You've never seen such tyrants as these damn merchants. I just hope my buddy in there is smart enough to keep his nose out of things that don't concern him. Gurb sighes a bit. I tried to be subtle, but that kind of news can't be transferred... If the Shippers knew I was blabbing their assassination plan they'd have me in there getting cut up like a Full Moon Ham too-- or worse. Gurb gets up and begins to slowly hobble away. You can go in if you really want, the door's hardly locked. However if what I heard is true, the thing they set loose in there isn't going to be done playing til it's belly is full. As for ol' Gurb? I got a boat to catch.

Grishak
It appears that the hatch leads to an opening in the barge that does down a few feet and meets the murky water. The howling sea wind and the coming autumn suggest that the water would be very, very cold. Worse yet, you notice a foul stench rising up.

[ocato]

The damage probably won't be a factor (way to fail that trip Chorus) but here's the rerolled damage just in case. [roll0]. And yes, I realize that's a lot of damage. I'm not murdering people or something, this is all for a purpose.

[Darius]

Ursa

Not sure who the 'man' was or why he was attacking the people here, his attacks appeared to be unprovoked. His shout, sends chills up her feathered flesh ([roll0]). This creature needs to be stopped, she thinks. Flying down from her perch, Ursa flits through the whirling chain's swings (Current AC is 40) and then the owl flies directly above the assailant and begins shifting its shape and grows to large size replacing feathers with fur and a large brown bear thumps down atop of the chainwielder.

ooc:
I am not sure how you want to have the bearry-flop in game, but I am assuming it is akin to an attack of some sort.


Stat Block

Ursa:
Brown Bear Form
Speed: 40(50) ft. (8 squares)
Armor Class: 37, touch 25, flat 36
Base Attack/Grapple: +8/+33
Attack: Claw +29 melee (2d6+21)
Full Attack: 2 claws +29 melee (2d6+21) and bite +27 melee (3d8+13)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Improved grab
Saves: Fort +18, Ref +9, Will +17 (+2 vs. fear; +4 vs. Fey)
Abilities: Str 27(43), Dex 13(17), Con 19(27), Int 12, Wis 24, Cha 18

Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, a dire bear must hit with a claw attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity.

Turn Undead Uses remaining (7)
30' blindsense
15' blindsight
+27 Listen
+21 Spot

Spells/Abilities in Effect
woodland stride
trackless step
venom immunity (poisons)

20th level Gr. Magic Fang (+5 bite)
20th level Gr. Magic Fang (+5 claws)

11th level longstrider
11th level endure elements
11th level listening lorecall
11th level greater resistance (extended to 48 hours)
11th level sirine's grace
11th level bite of the werebear

[playswithfire]

Avoiding being tripped? [roll0]. Good; two pathetic rolls in a row would have annoyed me.

[Meat Shield]

Grishak

Probably the victim of the ceremony....Not getting in that water though. Solut?

On my way.

Grishak uses the cover of night to exit the house and watch towards the shore as Solut flies down and climbs along the underside of the hull, searching for the source of the foul smell.

[ocato]

Ursa
You transform into a mighty bear, falling down next to the surprised man. However, he is single-minded in his pursuit of his next victim, the Goliath that shunned him.

I imagine moving and wildshaping and attacking is a bit much for one turn. Also, this way I don't have to go back and alter the rest of the actions. If that's super-obnoxious or seems wrong to you, please say so and we'll work something more fair out. PS: Sorry for botching up initiative. I hate to do it, but I have to be somewhere, so we'll have to cliffhanger this for now. If you want to give me some if/but/ors for your next couple turns, that will streamline the process greatly.

[Ascension]

Harkaitz

Harkaitz gladly accepts Mantra's offer of brandy. He sits there with a kind of smug grin on his face, completely oblivious to the murder in progress elsewhere in the city.

[playswithfire]

As he strikes he calls out to you. You shun me as your student, master and worse yet, you do not fear me? Perhaps this will put the fear in you!


Meovai
Avoiding the swinging chain, Meovai closes on his unknown attacker, grabs an arm still moving from the force of swinging the chain and uses the momentum to flip the stranger onto his back. He then adjusts his grip and attempts to wrench the stranger's arm from its socket. I will neither train nor fear a man who kills the defenseless. Now, what are you doing here?


5 foot step to get in melee range, then Comet Throw to drop him in the square behind me (i.e. where I was before 5 ft step); visual is flipping him over my shoulder
Touch Attack [roll0] Trip Attempt [roll1] Damage [roll2]
If that works, using follow through; swift action to adjust grip; move action to use Shoulder Lock
Touch Attack [roll3] Grapple Attempt [roll4] Damage [roll5] + [roll6] Fort save DC 21 to halve the bonus damage and prevent one arm being useless for [roll7] rounds

Please let me know if any of the homebrew seems way too powerful and I'll work with you to tweak it. This is me playtesting it.

Combat Block

Meovai (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheets/view.php?id=81700)
M NG Goliath Barbarian/Swordsage/Empty Hand Master, Level 11, Init +2, HP 122/122, Speed 25
AC 29, Touch 22, Flat-footed 25, Fort +12, Ref +6, Will +14, Base Attack Bonus 8
+1 Sweeping Unarmed Strike 20/15 (d8+11, x2)
+3 Mithril Chain Shirt (+7 Armor, +4 Dex, +2 Deflect, +6 Misc)
Abilities Str 24, Dex 13, Con 18, Int 10, Wis 22, Cha 8
Condition Active Stance: Shield of Muscle

[ocato]

Meovai
The spiked end of the chain wraps around your ankle firmly. However, you hold strong, denying the man in his attempt to trip you. He slacks the chain and pulls it back, attempting to reclaim his weapon. You move in on him, flanking him between you and the sudden extra contributor, a large monstrous bear. You reach out to grab at him but trip coming up the Dais. You regain your footing and the fight continues at a stalemate.

Grishak
You quickly find that the stench disappears. Whatever caused it has slipped beneath the murky waves and disappeared from most discernible methods. Solut seems to agree that, unless you have some plans involving a deepsea dive, it may be wise to research another avenue of behavior.

Harkaitz
After a few moments, Miss Chase reappears (in a new outfit, something informal and attractive) with a bottle of dwarven brandy. She sets the bottle and some glasses down on the desk and begins to walk over towards Mantra, who gives her a look that clearly says "Get lost." She does so and moves out of the room quickly. I admit, Master Aquilon, that I believe I know more about the city and it's workings than you do. However, I am very interested in your theories for the supremacy of our Mage's Guild. Please, tell me about your ideas.

[AmberVael]

Ka Yahn

The demon watches the little lame man start hobbling away, then cautiously opens the back door and steps inside, trying to remain quiet. No doubt the fight going on will aid his efforts at silence.

Move Silently: [roll0]
Hide: [roll1]

[Ascension]

Harkaitz

Harkaitz takes a glass.

"Civil war breeds chaos at an exponential rate. With as many competing factions as there are in the city, civil war is almost inevitable... but chaos is unacceptable. We can't let the situation get out of hand. We can't let chaos take over. That's why I say we take as much of the city as we can safely into our protection... at least until the threat of destabilization has passed. If that means conquering the whole thing... then we'll just have to conquer the whole thing."

Oh yeah, he's Lawful.

[Meat Shield]

Post removed and reposted below, adding extra item found in search

[ocato]

Ka Yahn
You stealthily move into the back of the tavern. You find yourself easily able to move through the kitchen, which is vacated. Bits of food still cooking and silver cookware lays around as if left in a hurry. You can hear the sounds of battle in the tavern portion of the Inn. There is also a stairwell down into the cellar that is accessible from the kitchen. Due to the roar of the battle, you are easily unnoticed.

Harkaitz
Janis nods his head, tenting his hands. Yes, that much is clear. However, I am curious as to how, exactly, you want to do this. Please, indulge me.

Grishak
You return to the ritual room and see a strange encoded message to the effect of "the DM is dumb" You search the ritual room once more, paying special attention to the bodies of the ritualists. You remove their hoods and find that each one of them has had their brain forcibly removed from behind. Furthermore, in the 12 o'clock position body, you find a blood opal where his brain used to be.

OOC: I'm really sorry, my notes got mixed up when I was sick and I've been trying to sort some of it out. I think I was crazy because some make no sense and others are directly out of order. I apologize profusely for messing up your search and this vital and interesting information.

[Meat Shield]

Grishak


Didn't quite make it to bed yet, am as soon as done here.
^ Don't sweat it - you're running about four different campaigns right now just in this thread. Like I never missed anything DMing my group. :smallwink:


Resignedly getting the report from Solut, Grishak gnashes his teeth. I do not like having mysteries unsolved.

Nor do I friend, Solut thinks as he retakes his perch. We were too late to see what has transpired or to stop it.

Aye, old friend, but I think we may see whomever is responsible 'ere long.

Grishak takes one more long look about the scene of the dark ceremony, memorizing everything for future reference. A nagging thought tells him to examine the bodies once more however, and he stoops to check each one for something that could tell him who they were before they came here.

The empty skull cavities startle him somewhat, but he recognizes it as part of the arcane-psionic ceremony that was performed here. The last body to check, however, makes every effort here tonight worthwhile.

<goblin>"May the Overminds be praised! he exclaims, as his fist closes over a blood opal that was inside the skull of the last 'worshipper'. Solut vibrates his excitement, being too pleased to even transmit his thoughts to his master. <goblin>"One step closer, old friend, one step closer..." In his excitement, he speaks out loud to Solut, instead of using the telepathic link like normal.

Most all other concerns are lost now, and Grishak turns and then disappears one more time, only to reappear in the shadowy alley from whence he first arrived on the barge. He turns and makes his way back to the Dancing Harpy with a lilt in his step. Today was a good day, and the innkeep at the Harpy does not know to be horrified or relieved when he hears a low whistled tune from under the cloak as Grishak enters the tavern and heads to his room.


Autohypnosis to memorize the symbology and ceremonial trappings so I may recognise them later. Take 20, so total is 29 - I know I destroyed a bunch, so I'll leave it to your call: either I only remember a partial picture (what is left) or I can get a pretty good (but not exact) picture of what was there before I went overboard with the psi blasting.

Dimension Door back to the alley 7 pp, and the long walk back to the inn.

[Ascension]

Harkaitz

"Well, simply put, I don't know. I have insufficient data from which to draw a conclusion. I need to know precisely what this Guild is capable of, I need to know approximately what the other factions are capable of, and I need to know how many, if any, of the common people we can expect to side with us."

[Darius]

Ursa the Bear

Thrusting her mind to communicate with the goliath who is also trying to stop the chain-wielding mutual foe, a voice enters Meovai's head, "I am the bear. You may call me Ursa; perhaps together we can stop this foe."

With that, she then begins clawing and fighting the marauder.

[roll0] - I just realized the flanking should put this at 45
[roll1]
if hit [roll2] - 47 (and a touch attack to boot)

[roll3] - ditto, so 45
[roll4]
if hit [roll5] - 45 (and a touch attack to boot)

[roll6] - this is a 49, now
[roll7]

ooc: crit confirmation roll is in ooc thread.

Stat Block

Ursa:
Brown Bear Form
Speed: 40(50) ft. (8 squares)
Armor Class: 37, touch 25, flat 36
Base Attack/Grapple: +8/+33
Attack: Claw +29 melee (2d6+21)
Full Attack: 2 claws +29 melee (2d6+21) and bite +27 melee (3d8+13)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Improved grab
Saves: Fort +18, Ref +9, Will +17 (+2 vs. fear; +4 vs. Fey)
Abilities: Str 27(43), Dex 13(17), Con 19(27), Int 12, Wis 24, Cha 18

Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, a brown bear must hit with a claw attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity.

Turn Undead Uses remaining (7)
30' blindsense
15' blindsight
+27 Listen
+21 Spot

Spells/Abilities in Effect
woodland stride
trackless step
venom immunity (poisons)

20th level Gr. Magic Fang (+5 bite)
20th level Gr. Magic Fang (+5 claws)

11th level longstrider
11th level endure elements
11th level listening lorecall
11th level greater resistance (extended to 48 hours)
11th level sirine's grace
11th level bite of the werebear

[AmberVael]

Ka Yahn

Ka Yahn continues his approach towards the battle, wanting to see the combatants and hoping he can see them before they see him. Though he manifests none of his power, he is very much ready to do so- even a hint of a threat will be responded to with instant action.

[playswithfire]

OOC: sorry I got us all tripped up with initiative and whatnot; these are the four things Meovai might end up doing based on what the stranger and the bear do. The last one is basically a copy of my last post, modified for changes to shoulder lock. Curse my low initiative
Meovai

I'm tripped and the bear has grappled him:
Replying aloud the the voice in his head. Thank you for your assistance Ursa. This man has slain many innocents and must be stopped. He rises moves to help the bear wrestle the stranger into submission.

Move action to stand, 5 ft step to get in range, standard action to join the grapple with Shoulder Lock (which has been toned down)
Touch attack [roll0] Grapple Check [roll1] Damage [roll2] + [roll3] Fort Save DC 21 or -2 penalty on attack rolls with his spiked chain for [roll4] rounds


I'm tripped and the bear has not grappled him:
Indeed, Ursa, it seems I am in need of your help. He then pulls himself to his feet using the chain that struck him and attempts to dislocate one of the arms holding it.

Same as above, except I'm probably getting hit as I stand up; use rolls from above


I'm standing and the bear has grappled him
Replying aloud the the voice in his head. Thank you for your assistance Ursa. This man has slain many innocents and must be stopped. He moves to help the bear wrestle the stranger into submission.

5 ft step, full attack to attempt to join grapple and then use damage your opponent option
Touch attack [roll5] Grapple Check [roll6] Damage [roll7]
Touch attack [roll8] Grapple Check [roll9] Damage [roll10]
Second touch attack not necessary if first grapple check is successful


I'm standing and the bear has not grappled him
Replying aloud the the voice in his head. Thank you for your assistance Ursa. This man has slain many innocents and must be stopped. He moves to the stranger and throws him to the ground, twisting the stranger's arm in the process.

Then I do what I already posted, except I drop him where he stands:

5 foot step to get in melee range, then Comet Throw to drop him in the square behind me where he stands; visual is flipping him over my shoulder
Touch Attack (1d20+20)[30] Trip Attempt (1d20+24)[39] Damage (4d6)[18]
If that works, using follow through; swift action to adjust grip; move action to use Shoulder Lock
Touch Attack (1d20+20)[32] Grapple Attempt (1d20+34)[37] Damage (d8+7)[11] + (5d6)[17] [roll11] Fort save DC 21 to halve the bonus damage and prevent one arm being useless for (2d4)[5] rounds -2 attack roll penalty for [roll12] rounds

[ocato]

Grishak
You return to your room at the inn, free of the psychic disturbance and one blood opal closer to your ultimate goal. You sleep well.

Harkaitz
Janis smirks, You are wise to be wary of speaking uninformed. If history teaches anything in this city, the will of the people is about as consequential as a cloudkill spell. He smirks a bit. While it is dreadful to harm 'innocents,' it would be worse if their uneducated loyalties were to get in the way of their well-being. Wedworth is an oddly popular king with the commonfolk. However when magical lights are on every street corner and conjured food free to all citizens, they will cheer our names. When they no long toil endlessly in the shadows of the Temple and the Castle for those who do not care about them, they will cheer.

As he speaks, Miss Chase enters the room again, sheepishly. She walks over to Master Mantra and whispers delicately in his ear. He nods approvingly. It grows late, my friend, and our plans go... as planned. Shall I have Miss Chase prepare a room for you?

Ursa


Chorus
[roll0]
[roll1]


Your tear into the man's flesh, noting that despite the location of your bite-- it does not seem any more grievous than your other blows. The man laughs in your face, even when you have him in your hold, and bursts into a fog of dust, which hurriedly disappears into the night air via the first available window.

Ka Yahn
You notice the participants in the fight include an odd ghoulish looking man with a spiked chain, a large Goliath who appears unarmed, and a giant, angry looking bear. The bear seems to obliterate the dark man into nothing but dust.

Meovai
The man appears defeated, rather easily it seems. You are now faced with a giant bear that is seemingly an ally.

[Proven_Paradox]

Slade

The battle over, Slade scans the merchants from his position above, looking for one that is still alive. Though he doubts any of them have any information to give regarding his goal, it still might be beneficial to talk to one of them...

[playswithfire]

Meovai

After watching the stranger disappear in out the window, he turns to regard the bear. Well, thank you, Ursa, was it? You certainly took care of him quickly. Ideally, I would have preferred to interrogate him as he is responsible for both the deaths here and a number of others at an inn two nights ago. He may also have kidnapped the owners of that inn who were quite nice to me. I would have liked to have known why, as well as who he was. But, sincerely, my thanks. Me moves his arm as is to shake hands and then remembers it's a bear. Well, I don't think we can catch him now. Shall we see if there's any way we can help those he attacked?

[Darius]

Ursa the Bear

Once again, Meovai feels Ursa's voice ebb into the back of his mind as the bear communicates with him telepathically, "I did my best to stop him, but he vanished into dust and fog. I, too, would have liked to speak with him, and I fear we may meet him again. Please explain to the others here that I am not a threat to them, and I have a means to help those who are hurt. If you would like for me to start with your wounds, I can use the powers of nature to help knit your wounds? If you would tell me your name, I could call you by that, warrior."


Ursa wonders if this man was some sort of undead abomination...[roll0]

Stat Block

Ursa:
Brown Bear Form
Speed: 40(50) ft. (8 squares)
Armor Class: 37, touch 25, flat 36
Base Attack/Grapple: +8/+33
Attack: Claw +29 melee (2d6+21)
Full Attack: 2 claws +29 melee (2d6+21) and bite +27 melee (3d8+13)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Improved grab
Saves: Fort +18, Ref +9, Will +17 (+2 vs. fear; +4 vs. Fey)
Abilities: Str 27(43), Dex 13(17), Con 19(27), Int 12, Wis 24, Cha 18

Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, a brown bear must hit with a claw attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity.

Turn Undead Uses remaining (7)
30' blindsense
15' blindsight
+27 Listen
+21 Spot

Spells/Abilities in Effect
woodland stride
trackless step
venom immunity (poisons)

20th level Gr. Magic Fang (+5 bite)
20th level Gr. Magic Fang (+5 claws)

11th level longstrider
11th level endure elements
11th level listening lorecall
11th level greater resistance (extended to 48 hours)
11th level sirine's grace
11th level bite of the werebear

[playswithfire]

Meovai

I am uninjured and my name is Meovai. Turning to the assembled, frightened crowd, he raises his voice and speaks aloud. Attention, I know it may sound odd, but this bear is here to help us, as you have seen. He has the ability to heal those who are injured. Please do not be afraid as he attempts to do so.

[ocato]

Slade
You are unable to be certain, but based on the wounds, you do not see how any of the merchants could have survived.

Ursa and Meovai
Not surprisingly in Kas'arrata, a political assassination leads to a crowd of looky-lues. However, no one appears injured except the limp bodies of the Merchant Lords. Their servants and guards apparently abandoned them at the first sign of trouble. It would appear that whoever was trying to assassinate them made a wise choice in their hire.

Ursa
Based on what you have seen (ability to transform into a bat, able to take a gaseous form, immune to critical hits) you have reason to believe that the creature was either a Vampire or Vampire Spawn.

[Ascension]

Harkaitz

"I suppose that's a good idea," Harkaitz agrees, "Though I will rest more easily if you can assure me that the Guild is secure. You do have guards on duty, I assume? Would your defenses be strong enough to hold off the mystery man you spoke of?"

[AmberVael]

Ka Yahn

The demon, overhearing the conversation between Ursa and Meovi- or rather, just Meovi talking to someone that doesn't appear to respond, slowly steps into the room, his eyes containing only a glint of its demonic red. He stalks over towards Meovi, confident in himself and his position.
"You may still be able to find the culprits... but what is it worth to you?"
Ka Yahn grins, dangling his bit of information before them like a carrot, trying to get them to dance and jump for it.

[Darius]

Ursa the Bear

Thrusting her thoughts into Meovai's consciousness, Ursa communicates with the goliath, "I take it you are not injured, then, warrior?" This seems strange to Meovai, since he just thought the same thing to Ursa. Then it dawns on him - she cannot read his thoughts. After Meovai makes his announcement, the familiar voice echoes inside his head, "Thank you, but..." almost what could be thought of as a giggle resonates inside Meovai's head, "I am no man...I am what you people would call a halfling, and a female as well."

When the newcomer enters, Ursa remains vigilant. She communicates to Meovai, "I do not like the timing of this, be wary." She then sizes up this one, trying to see his motives.

ooc: [roll0]

Stat Block

Ursa:
Brown Bear Form
Speed: 40(50) ft. (8 squares)
Armor Class: 37, touch 25, flat 36
Base Attack/Grapple: +8/+33
Attack: Claw +29 melee (2d6+21)
Full Attack: 2 claws +29 melee (2d6+21) and bite +27 melee (3d8+13)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Improved grab
Saves: Fort +18, Ref +9, Will +17 (+2 vs. fear; +4 vs. Fey)
Abilities: Str 27(43), Dex 13(17), Con 19(27), Int 12, Wis 24, Cha 18

Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, a brown bear must hit with a claw attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity.

Turn Undead Uses remaining (7)
30' blindsense
15' blindsight
+27 Listen
+21 Spot

Spells/Abilities in Effect
woodland stride
trackless step
venom immunity (poisons)

20th level Gr. Magic Fang (+5 bite)
20th level Gr. Magic Fang (+5 claws)

11th level longstrider
11th level endure elements
11th level listening lorecall
11th level greater resistance (extended to 48 hours)
11th level sirine's grace
11th level bite of the werebear

[Meat Shield]

Grishak

The unexpected find of the blood opal still thrilled his heart, but also made his mind wander as he lie in his bed beginning to drift off to sleep.

Why was the opal there? For what purpose? Obviously it had some meaning to the ceremony.

I believe you are correct, friend. Let us consider it tonight, else we may want to pay a visit to the local mages guild and partake of their library.

Excellent thought, Solut. Yes, let us consider this before sleeping, and pay a visit to the mage guild tomorrow.


K(arcane) [roll0]
K(psionics) [roll1]

Looking for the significance of the blood opal in the ceremony

[ocato]

Harkaitz
Janis smirks at you. I assure you that the unnamed player in this city has no interest in attacking us. At least... not that I know of. If he decided to come in the night and kill us all, he would have a great deal of men to cut through. Janis smirks. Sleep comfortably my friend. With that, Miss Chase rests her hand on your shoulder and motions for you to come with her. She pauses a moment, allowing you to say any last thoughts/goodbyes to Master Mantra.

Grishak
You determine that the blood opal has some significance in arcane rituals of unspeakable evil.

[playswithfire]

Meovai

A brief grimace of embarrassment crosses over his face as he hears the halfling's voice in his head, but the calm smile returns before he responds. My apologies. You must admit it's hard to tell when one is looking at a bear. A bear that can speak to my mind but not hear it, I now realize. My name is Meovai and I am indeed uninjured. As the new man walks up to the two of them, Meovai nods to Ursa that he understands and shares her mistrust. Addressing the newcomer You said culprits; meaning the one who just left and those who sent him?

OOC:sense motive on the new guy [roll0]

[Ascension]

Harkaitz

"I shall sleep well, Master, I shall. The Fate of Kas'arrata is in good hands."

The old elf turns and follows Miss Chase out.

I originally wrote that line as "the fate of the city," but then I couldn't resist the temptation to title drop.

[AmberVael]

Ka Yahn

A sense motive on Ka Yahn, in my opinion, might reveal that he's:
1) Telling the truth
2) Probably about as trustworthy as a mercenary (so it depends on what is offered)
And most importantly, and obviously-
3) He's freakin' creepy and scary.

Ka Yahn smiles mirthlessly at them.
"The single man is unknown to me, but I believe I know who backs him. Unfortunately I only entered as the fight drew to a close, else I might have shared in the bloodletting. But that aside... I do have information you seem to want, and I have no real compunction about keeping it a secret- though I am led to understand that revealing it might provoke a few... accidents... so I would like to be repaid for my risk. I'm sure you understand."

[Proven_Paradox]

Slade

With none of the merchants left alive to interrogate, and having no interest in the conversation of those that remain on the floor below, Slade quickly (but quietly) takes his leave of the inn. He puts away his crossbow as he leaves the crawlspace, and makes his way out to the streets, by whatever route would be least likely to have him seen on the way out. Once there, he will try to find out the location of Gurb by asking those around the inn if they'd seen him.

[Meat Shield]

post moved to later for sake of narrative coherence

[Darius]

Ka Yahn
"...I do have information you seem to want, and I have no real compunction about keeping it a secret- though I am led to understand that revealing it might provoke a few... accidents... so I would like to be repaid for my risk. I'm sure you understand."

Ursa the Bear

Ursa's voice pushes into Ka Yahn's head and the same thoughts are echoed into Meovai's, "I think this was no accident, so I do not know what you mean. As for payment, all that I have of worth has been given to those that guard this town, but I, too, have information that may be exchanged to you. Knowledge for knowledge."

Stat Block

Ursa:
Brown Bear Form
Speed: 40(50) ft. (8 squares)
Armor Class: 37, touch 25, flat 36
Base Attack/Grapple: +8/+33
Attack: Claw +29 melee (2d6+21)
Full Attack: 2 claws +29 melee (2d6+21) and bite +27 melee (3d8+13)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Improved grab
Saves: Fort +18, Ref +9, Will +17 (+2 vs. fear; +4 vs. Fey)
Abilities: Str 27(43), Dex 13(17), Con 19(27), Int 12, Wis 24, Cha 18

Improved Grab (Ex): To use this ability, a brown bear must hit with a claw attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity.

Turn Undead Uses remaining (7)
30' blindsense
15' blindsight
+27 Listen
+21 Spot

Spells/Abilities in Effect
woodland stride
trackless step
venom immunity (poisons)

20th level Gr. Magic Fang (+5 bite)
20th level Gr. Magic Fang (+5 claws)

11th level longstrider
11th level endure elements
11th level listening lorecall
11th level greater resistance (extended to 48 hours)
11th level sirine's grace
11th level bite of the werebear

[ocato]

Harkaitz
As you leave Mantra's office, Miss Chase smiles warmly at you. I like you, Harkaitz. I think I will like having you serve under me. With this she flashes you a look of defiance. Have no delusions Harkaitz, when the old man passes on, I will be running this guild, and I suggest you have the wisdom to follow my lead when the time comes. I'd hate to have to kill you. She leads you downstairs towards a large dormitory.

Grishak
You find your dreams are filled with images of the blood opal you found and the ceremony you ruined. You see a dark figure singing as he places it in the empty skull of the lead ritualist and dark energies flowing from each of their limp corpses, but your mind cannot create the image of the being on the stone slab. You try to look but your mind seems to jolt and you wake up. It's about 3am and you suddenly cannot help but notice that your new gem is glowing faintly.
I hate to do it, but I need to put you on holdsies for a few, the timeline might get screwy otherwise. Suffice it to say you aren't done for the evening.

Slade
You leave the inn, following someone who seemed to know where Gurb was, but wanted some fresh air first. He smokes his pipe and looks up at the sky, smirking, and then points you towards the docks. Better hurry pal, his ship has come in. With that, the man motions towards the 7 heavily armed men wearing black and red tabards that are entering the tavern with grave seriousness on their faces. They seem to flank an old, bald woman with dark skin and an odd yet well-made robe. Looks like the creeps're here, you'd better go find Gurb before they do.

Barham
With the abrupt end of the fight occurring faster than you could react, you watch these people, odd looking men and a bear it seems, discourse. You are suddenly bumped from the path by a tall man wearing dark armor and a heavy tabard of black and red. You are pressed from the path as the seven of them enter the tavern, surrounding a tall, elegantly beautiful, if not somewhat aged looking bald woman. Something about her seems to entice awe and suggest danger. You feel that if you want to leave, you should do it now, lest be trapped here under their inquisition.

Meovai, Ka Yahn, Ursa
You have just begun your discussion when suddenly seven large, dark armored men arrive through the front door of the inn. You quickly realize that four more stand on the second story and a few have massed in the kitchen behind Ka Yahn. It would seem you are surrounded. From the folds of the seven front-door men comes a small, yet elegantly beautiful woman of around 45. She has a thin frame, beautiful dark skin, and no hair whatsoever. She steps forward, walking over towards the dead Merchants with no apparent fear of any of you, then speaks. What happened here? As soon as you speak or show any body language that suggests nearing the woman, all of the armed men immediately draw their weapons, mostly greater swords with a few large pincher-topped staves. Obviously they have no qualms about how to protect this woman.

[Ascension]

Harkaitz

Harkaitz stops walking.

"Do you realize who you're threatening, young lady?"

He brandishes his walking stick (aka Metamagic Rod of Extend Spell) threateningly.

"I've been on this earth for two-hundred and seventy one years, Miss Chase, and I'm willing to bet that's at least two centuries more than you. I respect Master Mantra for his power, not his age, but you... From the look of you I doubt you have either. You're nothing more than a glorified secretary, and I will never willingly defer to your authority."

Harkaitz readies an action to Teleport back to Mantra's office if Miss Chase responds aggressively.

[playswithfire]

Meovai

Turning to Ursa, Meovai begins to explain He wasn't calling this event an accident. He was saying that... Turning to look at the newcomer again. Actually, if I understand you, this may not be the best place to discuss it. He may have had someone here watching after him. Perhaps...
As the doors open to reveal the armored men, he finishes we should talk later. As the guards surround them, Meovai raises his hands in an attempt to show his peacefulness and attempts to answer the woman. A large man, with black hair and blackened armor interrupted this event and attacked those nobles before we could react. He was defeated by Ursa here inclining his head in the direction of Ursa and turned into a cloud and went out the window. If I may ask, who are you?

[Proven_Paradox]

Slade looks to the men swarming the inn with little more than passing interest. Hey mutters under his breath, softly enough to not be overheard, "Hmph. Depending on what Gurb has to say for himself, he may find their company more pleasant than mine." With that, he takes off for the docks, moving at full speed and sticking to the shadows.

[The_Snark]

Barham Leight

It isn't every day, reflects the traveler, that one sees a bear and a giant work together to kill a murderer. This is something that bears investigation. Barham decides to loiter; and more importantly, while the elegant woman grills the principals for information, he decides to find out a bit more for himself.

Barham Leight opened his mind to the future and called out, and the future answered back. A conventional mind might scoff at the notion that one could send back in time to help oneself solve a problem, and indeed a conventional mind had, a while back. He had said flatly that it was absurd, that the future was never certain enough to make the answers reliable. If the future questioner only knew because he had learned it from his own future self, the knowledge had simply come out of nowhere. Barham had reckoned that yes, this was true, but bringing something out of nowhere was what magic did best. It turned out that if you ignored the various ways in which it didn't make sense, the magic worked just fine.

DM:Barham is using Anachragnosis, as detailed in the violet philosopher class. I'll put his first few questions here, but the rest may depend on the answers he gets. If you want to PM the answers rather than post them openly, I'll PM his remaining questions back.

1: What is the first name of the killer?

2: What is the last name of the killer?

3: Why did he kill those people?

It should be noted that Barham has gotten good at giving helpful one-word answers to his past self; if he doesn't know, he'll say Unknown or Dunno. He might say Paid or Money if the fellow was a hired assassin, Wrath or Psycho if he was killing them because he hated them/was insane, Envy if he killed them for power, Protection if he was somehow defending himself. Unless his future self thinks it's better to give cryptic answers, he usually has a good idea what the answer means.

[ocato]

Harkaitz
Miss Chase eye-balls you a moment and then smiles. Don't say I never gave you the chance, hun... With that she resumes walking towards the large dormitory. (You can resume this conversation on the walk if you like). She takes you up a flight of stairs and down a few zig-zagging hallways. The way isn't too complicated, but isn't hardly simple either. She eventually finds a door with your name written on it, literally. She opens the door to reveal a surprisingly large accommodation, which a modest set of bookshelves, fine rugs and curtains, and plenty of genuine elven furniture. It would appear someone has gone to great lengths to make you feel very comfortable here.

Meovai, Ursa, Ka Yahn
The woman looks at you sideways a moment, eying your obvious display of no weapons or harm and smirks a bit. A cloud you say? That's rather amusing. She then turns and motions to her guards, who quickly close their ring around you somewhat. One of them, with obviously nicer armor and an air of superiority steps forward, sword pointed at Ursa and Meovai. Full containment, m'lady? There is a pregnant pause as each guard readies his blade as if he were about to strike. ...No. No, I don't believe we've heard the entire story just yet... With that she turns to examine the odd man by the door, apparently in some trance and/or talking to himself.

Slade
Tracking a crippled halfling is about as easy as following a stopped wagon, and as such you 'bump into' Gurb at the docks with relative ease. He looks at you with genuine relief. Hoppin' Half-Orcs, Slade! Thank the tiny gods you're alright, pal! I had a feelin' you were smart enough to stay outta trouble and here you are, fresh as the breeze. I hope that little bit of action didn't worry you too much. With this he pauses and brings his voice down to a hushed whisper. Now come on, you're just in time. See that boat over there? It's headed out past the corals to join the Shipping Guild fleet! They have a navy as big as all outdoors and they're going to bombard this little rink-a-dink into a crater if they have to. So unless you wanna be a casualty, I suggest you follow ol' Gurb t'safety! With that, the halfling motions for you to come along with vehemence and continues towards the ship, dragging a few heavy looking bags.

Barham
You tell yourself.
1&2: Closest he's got to a name is "Chorus." Man likes to sing, 'specially when he's killin' folk. Dunno why.
3: Reckon he got paid for it, but that's not why he did it. He's workin' for someone, but not who you think it is. Then again, he also just likes killin' folk, it seems.

[The_Snark]

Actually, I think the answers are supposed to be one-word answers, a la Commune; that said, if you want to make the ability a little better I definitely won't object.

Also, are his questions/answers said out loud? He'll be muttering them if possible.

4: Who is he working for?

[ocato]

Barham

I figure if you're talking to yourself, you can be a little verbose. However the basic information isn't going to be much more. I just prefer the flavor of this.

I honestly don't know who he works for, it just might not be yer first assumption

[Proven_Paradox]

Slade

The gnome sighs at the halfling. "I'm an infiltrator and assassin, Gurb. Do you truly think I would have chosen this line of work if safety was my primary concern?" His tone is even, perhaps slightly patronizing. He glares at innkeeper and says, "So, what exactly was the point of lying to me about the dagger, Gurb? Getting me to watch that slaughter? Did you hope to intimidate me into joining you?

My goal here remains unchanged; I will have the Kingslayer. If you've no information to give about it, then you're wasting my time."

Some pre-emptive sense motives.

This first one is to assess Gurb as an opponent, as described in CAdv. Making sure the cripple doesn't have a few tricks up his sleeve and all that.
Assess opponent: (1d20+12=18) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1743693/)

The rest are for the string of bluffs I expect to follow.

Sense motive: (1d20+12=27, 1d20+12=22, 1d20+12=27, 1d20+12=13, 1d20+12=30) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1743694/)

[AmberVael]

Ka Yahn

The demon crosses his arms, contemplating what role to play, and deciding on going with most of the truth. He wasn't especially good at lying...
"He tells the truth. I heard the commotion and came in the back way to try and find out what was going on, and saw the man they speak of get away."
Ka Yahn doesn't seem quite as creepy or intimidating now, drawing on the normality and presence of Haru to make him seem much less demonic.

[Ascension]

Harkaitz

Harkaitz is puzzled by Miss Chase's nonviolent response to his refusal of her offer.

"You're not going to try to kill me now? Isn't there a danger that I'll inform Master Mantra of your plans for mutiny?"

[ocato]

sorry if I'm being a little slow lately, I've been busy/distracted.

Slade
Gurb looks at you a moment and shrugs. Listen pal, they're watching me. If I'd told anyone 'bout the tavern they'd have revoked my pass on the big boat. The Big Boat is the difference between livin' and dyin' here in a few days. I'm offerin' you a ride. I suggest you take it. With that, Gurb hobbles on, dragging the heavy bags behind him slowly. B'sides, you never know what the Shippers might know. They'll have the Merchant's stuff under their control first and foremost. When it comes time for them to pass out what they find, a new friend has a better chance of getting it than a corpse. The Halfling hobbles along.

Is Gurb a threat? Not anymore, you can tell he has some training and knows how to fight, but his gimp leg has made it nigh impossible for him to do so easily. As best you can tell, it seems like he's telling a pretty good facsimile of the truth. He might not be telling the god's honest truth, but he's in the ballpark. Maybe embellishing some things here, guessing at some things there. Nothing serious enough to call a lie or deceit.

Ka Yahn
As you speak to the woman, you can't help but feel a bit...crowded. A slight glance over your shoulder reveals the three men who came in through the kitchen standing ready to kill at even a flicker of suspicion. One appears rather large (too large to be human) and wields an odd, pincer-headed staff, and the other two appear human and ready with greatswords.

Meovai, Ursa, Ka Yahn, Barham
The obvious leader of the Guard steps forward. He has short brown hair and slightly more ornamental armor than his men, and has the unmistakable look of a brigand. Something about him lends a flicker of mischief to his eyes. He looks over you all and speaks, his mistress obviously more interested in Barham. I am Knight-Captain Harlowe of the Ruby Knights. If any of you move, you will die. If you reach for a weapon, you will die. Utter an incantation, ready a spell, or look at the High Priestess in a manner I deem less than desirable... you will die. He speaks to Meovai directly. And tell your pet bear what I'm saying, it goes double for him. With that the man turns, seemingly in the interest of being within arms reach of the woman as often as possible. Now that the soldiers have fanned out, you see a slight mix of uniforms that you can only assume refers to occupation. At the door stand two rather tall looking Ruby Knights with Pincer-headed staves. Barham stands just beyond the door and staring curiously into his eyes is the woman. Next to her is Knight-Captain Harlowe, who is wielding a greatsword. There are three more greatsword wielders standing in position between Harlowe and the Priestess and you. Behind Ka Yahn are the men in the kitchen, another tall knight with the staff and two sworders. Above on the second story appear three knights who appear more like armored mages. They are guarded by a fourth, who is also a tall staff knight. You cannot be certain how many more might be nearby or on call.

Barham
You stand dead still, looking down and muttering to yourself. Once your power has ended, you see an odd yet somewhat attractive woman in her forties staring at you. She has dark skin and an odd smile on her face. She appears to be quizzically examining you and, upon your sudden return to lucidity, jumps back slightly with a peep, minorly startled. This peep is immediately responded to with a number of weapons pointed directly at you.

Harkaitz
Miss Chase looks at you sideways a moment. As I recall, he's the one who told you I was next in line for his job. The best you can tell him is that I asked you to side with me-- his chosen successor- once the time comes. If anything he might be a bit frustrated that you denied me. With that she smirks. Sleep well, elf.

[Ascension]

Harkaitz

Harkaitz goes back to shouting and stick-waving.

"He was talking about natural succession! You're talking about a coup d'etat! I've half a mind to wipe that smug grin off your face right here and now!"

Harkaitz readies an action for Enervation if things go sour.

[The_Snark]

Barham Leight

If he doesn't know, he doesn't know. Barham asks one more question before letting time resume its normal course.

Where can this Chorus fellow be found?

Returning to the present and taking stock of the sitation, Barham gives the lady a sincere smile. "Terribly sorry, miss. Got caught up in talkin' to myself. Can I help you?"

[Darius]

Ursa the Bear

Ursa's mental voice pushes into Meovai's brain, "Thank you for speaking for me once again. If it will help our case with these warriors, you may wish to tell them that the killer was one who is dead but not dead...one who feeds upon the blood of the living. I believe the term you would call one such as he, vampyre."

[ocato]

Harkaitz
Miss Chase gives you an innocent look. I should hope that an upstanding new member of the Guild wouldn't risk expulsion over a misunderstanding. Try to get some rest sir, apparently your long and arduous day is beginning to wear on your mind. She smiles sardonically and begins to turn to walk away.

Barham
He's been seen over by the barges I hear. Dunno why though.
The knights remain vigilant in their threat, prepared to remove your head from your shoulders at the slightest sign of a threat. The woman motions for them to lower their weapons and smiles warmly at you. She seems momentarily charmed by your demeanor, but quickly speaks her mind.Yes, we're looking for the man that killed these Merchant Lords. You know something. Tell us.

Meovai, Ursa, Ka Yahn
As the woman's focus shifts to Barham, the focus of the other knights seems to follow. While they don't move, for the most part they are not paying very close attention to any of you.

[playswithfire]

Meovai

Speaking quietly to Ursa, but hoping to be appearing to be speaking to himself, Meovai makes it clear he understands. Of course, a vampire.

If one or more of the guards hears him and questions him
He speaks up I've just realized something. I said that the man turned in to a cloud, but that's not quite right; he turned into a gaseous version of himself. He's a vampire

If no one notices his mutterings
He cranes his neck a bit to better observe the discussion between the woman and the man in the doorway.

[Ascension]

*That woman is dangerous,* Harkaitz thinks, *I need to keep an eye on her.*

"Come to me, sighted orbs!" Harkaitz calls when Miss Chase is out of earshot, and a series of small balls of energy begin forming around him. A minute later he is surrounded by Lying (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvU6X7S41F4) Prying Eyes.

"Disperse subtly," he commands, "Find Miss Chase. Follow her discreetly. Return once she is asleep or when she threatens you."

There are [roll0] of them.

[The_Snark]

Barham Leight

Barham decides he likes the lady's attitude: to the point, but not rude about it, and not as twitchy as her friends. "Fellow likes to call himself Chorus. He's a hired killer, and crazy to boot. Couldn't rightly say who hired him, but I reckon the barges'd be a good place to look for him."

[Darius]

Ursa the Bear

Ursa recalls the stories of vampires and their weaknesses. She remembers something about water and not being able to cross it. She pushes her consciousness into the mind of Meovai once again, "Legend says that a vampire cannot cross running water...if these barges are upon water, then this Chorus will not be able to board such a ship. He would need to be in one of the dwellings such as this one."

[AmberVael]

Ka Yahn

Ka Yahn is not one to stand idly for long, but he realizes the threat there is to him, and so he stands there with impatience. Considering the state of him, one might quickly assume that he's just a commoner, with nothing special to him at all, if a bit bad natured. He has no fine clothing or any weapons or items of note. Indeed, his only possessions seem to be the clothing on his back and the small belt pouch at his side- no sign of coin or objects of value anywhere.
Scowling, he slowly crosses his arms behind his back and waits.

[ocato]

Harkaitz
Your eyes follow Miss Chase back to her room, where she changes into her night clothes (behind a screen you old elf pervert) and goes to bed without incident. You consider doing the same.

Barham
The woman smirks and looks you over again. A seer, it seems... and more powerful than most. That man has been blocking our best diviners for weeks... She turns to her Knight-Captain and nods, then walks towards the door. Harlowe looks at you and then calls to his mistress. The others M'lady... full containment? There is a pregnant pause, then she shakes her head no. Perhaps they will recall this act of mercy and respond when we need it most. And do not bother blindfolding him... if he's as good a seer as I believe, it will do you no good. With that, the Knight-Captain grabs you and throws you over his shoulder, following the procession out of the tavern.

Ursa, Meovai, Ka Yahn
The Knight-Captain grabs the man by the door and the procession slowly leaves. They remain in formation close enough to prevent you from following or attacking. Those on the second floor and in the kitchen leave through their respective entrances. The Tavern empties quickly as the men apparently got what they want. It is approaching Midnight.

Grishak
Feel free to chime back in, I'm going to avoid that situation again as much as possible. Chock it up to poor foresight
You awaken, somewhat disturbed by your dreams, it is very early in the morning, you consider resting a bit longer and going back to sleep. However, it would also be a keen time to begin your work for the day, as there are many hours before Hobart's meeting.

[Meat Shield]

Grishak

Post moved from earlier in the thread to here to help maintain a narrative cohesion. I have added some more details, and a little something for Darius :smallwink:

The goblin was normally an early riser, but his dreams woke him even earlier than normal. The first lights of dawn were creeping over the walls of the city into his room. He decided to use the extra hour or so gained by the early waking to good effect. Going through his morning ministrations, he gathered his psychic energies for the day, and encased himself in his psychic armor. The lack of psychic interference pleases him greatly, and is like a caffeine addict having a morning cup of coffee for the first time in a month. But the wisps of dreams still cling to the edges of his consciousness, giving him more questions to ask about his new find.

Having a few hours before the meeting with General Hobart, Grishak decided to pay a visit to the Academy of Mages. So he set forth in the growing light of the cool morning, a small black-robed figure moving quietly through the awakening city.

Stopping in the market district, he breakfasted on a small amount of jerky the vendor swore was bear meat, but Grishak thought it tasted like something much smaller and and more gamey.

Arriving at the large stone archway of the Academy campus, Grishak stopped for a moment to orient himself. Making sure his fake bag of spell components was ready, and reviewing the powerless words of magic and hand movements, he spied the large tower in the middle of campus. Shuffling forth, he mounted the marble stairs leading up to the great oaken doors. Drawing a deep breath, he pounds on the door three times with his staff, and waits for someone to answer.

Ocato:When someone opens the door, I want to look at the person, but also want to make sure I get a good look inside, with particular interest for places I can bamf to if I need to.

[AmberVael]

Ka Yahn

The demon smirks and looks at the other two.
"I think, perhaps, my offer has expired... I bid you farewell."
He gives a mocking bow, then goes to leave the tavern and run off towards the docks, taking a more direct and perhaps less formal route in order to try and get there quickly, attempting to make it there at the same time or before Gurb.

[Ascension]

Harkaitz

When Harkaitz gets up in the morning he prepares most of his spells as usual, although he returns Scrying to his prepared arsenal in anticipation of acquiring a proper mirror from the Guild.

Also, as a precautionary measure, he spends an hour reading his Book of Plants, binding the Teleport spell to it in the process. He will now be able to prepare Teleport from any copy of the Book of Plants.

After that he sets off to attempt to gain access to the Guild's library.

[playswithfire]

Ka Yahn

The demon smirks and looks at the other two.
"I think, perhaps, my offer has expired... I bid you farewell."

Meovai

Understood. It seems others are pursuing this man already, and I don't think they want my help, so I believe I will wish them luck and retire for the night. He returns the bow with slightly less sarcasm than the demon and turns to Ursa. Thank you for your assistance. Perhaps our paths will cross again.

[ocato]

Grishak
A few moments pass after knocking on the doors. You stand idly by, awkwardly waiting for an answer when you suddenly hear the chiming of some distant clock striking 6am. Exactly at the same instant, you hear the door unlock by some internal mechanism. You enter into a large lobby with an information desk and a number of seats. There is a large spiral staircase on the far end and a few scholars seem to be passing by. The woman at the desk speaks to you in a clear, polite tone. Hello Sir, can I help you?

Ka Yahn
You race from the tavern faster than most would assume possible. As you run, you notice that the Jasite Procession is taking their new prisoner in the direction of the temple. However, your path leads you towards the docks. You move as quickly as you can, seeing the hobbled halfling speaking to someone of equal height. You can hear the whistle of a ship in the distance suggesting urgency.

Harkaitz
After a small amount of time finding your way through the twisting corridors of the dormitory, you find yourself back outside. The campus morning air is crisp and the botanical decorations lively. You make your way towards Mantra's tower, having recalled there being a rather respectable library on one of the floors in between the lobby and Mantra's floor. You enter the lobby and notice a small blue gobinoid speaking with the receptionist. The spiral staircase is just ahead, and the library is on the second floor.

Slade
Gurb looks at you a moment, then over your shoulder a moment. If that's how you feel kid, I gotta boat to catch... He quickly begins to hobble towards the ship, apparently trying to avoid something.

[Proven_Paradox]

Slade slowly follows Gurb into the barge. "If I follow you onto this ship, will my allegiance to your masters be assumed or expected? False impressions in these situations can turn deadly rather fast..."

Should the answer be yes, Slade will promptly get off the boat. Otherwise, he will remain.

[The_Snark]

Barham

"I'd prefer to walk, actually," Barham says, annoyed. He's being perfectly polite, and they didn't even ask if he'd go with them, much less if he needed to be carried. "Easier for everybody. Less people gawking," he adds pointedly, surmising that the Knight-Captain does not really care what he, Barham, would prefer.

[Darius]

Ursa

After those that threatened her leave as does the uncommon 'commoner', Ursa listens to Meovai. As she speaks in his mind, a startling transformation takes place and the words in his head become words from her mouth, "I thank you, brave warrior. I am unfamiliar with this land, and ask if I may join you. I was told to find a place called Aninn to stay the night. Do you reside in such a place? If so, may I join you?" The bear shifts and shrinks in the blink of an eye. Before Meovai stands what appears to be an attractive halfling female wearing all sorts of trinkets and talismen, buckskins, and body paint. Still lingers the large claws and bear-like snout, but all else seems in place.

Regardless of the answer, Ursa continues, "The one who spoke to us before said he would wish payment for his services. I have nothing to pay with that seems customary to this place. Perhaps these dead have such things to trade for lodging?"

[Ascension]

Harkaitz

"Good morning," Harkaitz says in Goblin to the Blue as he passes.

He adds a Common "Good morning" for the receptionist, and then makes a beeline for the stairs.

[ocato]

Slade
Gurb looks at you a bit and speaks hurriedly. Well, if y'dun wanna work with them, I somehow doubt they'll want you on their boats. If you're looking to negotiate, I hope you can swim. This boat goes someplace you ain't gettin back from easily.

[Meat Shield]

Grishak

The goblin takes in the entirety of the lobby, looking over the whole place before shuffling over to the desk, his cloak drawn down low over his forehead, revealing only the lower half of his face, little else besides the three-fingered glove grasping his staff visible.

I do not like dealing with mages. They think they know everything and that no one is worthy unless they join their oh so precious club.

Patience. We will find what we need and go.

He begins in a rough, somewhat highly pitched, scratchy voice, and not smoothly either, as if he is not using his natural language. <common>"Ne- and is interrupted but the elderly elf who had just arrived.

Bah! Damned intolerable people!

Patience....

Resuming one more time, he addresses the receptionist. <common>"Need research. Book on properties of rare gems. Where find?"

Attempting to memorize the lobby via Authypnosis [roll0] for use in future teleports if need be

[playswithfire]

Ursa
I was told to find a place called Aninn to stay the night. Do you reside in such a place? If so, may I join you?"

Chuckling slightly and realizing, as he should have earlier, that his new friend? is unaccustomed to city living, he answers It's two words: 'an' 'inn', but, yes I'm staying at one and they most likely still have rooms you can rent.


Ursa continues, "The one who spoke to us before said he would wish payment for his services. I have nothing to pay with that seems customary to this place. Perhaps these dead have such things to trade for lodging?"

They may, though it's generally considered to be in poor taste to take possessions from those who have recently been killed in cold blood, that is, when not engaged in a battle. I won't stop you from looking, as it is good to have currency when in a city, but I have enough to take care of myself for a while. I can loan you some money to secure lodging tonight, if you don't have any right now, though.

If Ursa goes to take money from the corpses

Looking over at the fallen bodies, something occurs to him. As I think of it though, I am interested in finding out who these men were than what they're carrying, since this event seemed to be about them. He searches the bodies for any forms of identification.
Search check [roll0]

otherwise, he shows her how to get to the inn he's staying at and gets her a room.

[ocato]

Barham
Your words fall on deaf ears as the Jasite procession carries you quickly up the slight hill that leads to the King's Castle and, slightly down the road, the Temple of Wee Jas. You notice two things: As the procession moves, they appears to be encircling the older woman with whom you spoke, and that any and everyone moves out of their way without any fuss or a moment's consideration. Guards, merchants, wealthy-looking nobles, all of them move without a pause to avoid the trampling march of the Jasites. The take you up the incline and into their temple, a large Ziggurat-like building made out of thick black stones. The pathway into the entrance is lined with magical torches that do not go out. You enter into the temple through huge oaken doors, into a grand hall with expensive carpets and tapestries, with stone column that support the pyramid shape of the building. Inside there is a large Altar to the Ruby Witch and several doors and passageways that lead in different directions. The Jasites take you behind the altar and into another large wooden door that leads into a smaller chamber that appears to be some sort of book depository. The small room's four walls are covered in shelves full of thick, musty tomes. You notice that a large portion of the procession does not follow you anymore, and that the small room is inhabited only by the Woman and her Knight-Captain (and you, of course). Once the door is sealed behind you, the woman nods at the captain, who tosses you in a heap against the wall and stands over you solemnly. There is a momentary pause as neither speak and you cannot help but feel incredibly threatened.

Ursa and Meovai
As you begin to check the bodies of the Merchant Lords, a loud crack of thunder catches your attention. At the door, a small patrol of city guards (late as usual) stand, bashing thunderstones against the door frame in an attempt to scare you off. Filthy scavengers! We better get'em out of here before the Cap'n arrives or he'll have our heads. The guards advance on you, waving their arms and calling out. All right then folks, show's over, nuffin t'see here! Get on outta here b'fore we have to charge you with a crime 'r somethin!

Harkaitz
You walk up the rickety spiral staircase and disembark at the second floor. You find a rather large collection of shelves and books, although not exactly as grand as you were hoping for. Blocking your way into the library is a wooden desk with an old woman sitting behind it. On the front of her desk is a placard denoting this as "Archmage Mantra's Personal Library-- Selective Admittance only." She smiles and greets you warmly. Good Morning Sir, could I have your name please?

Grishak
The woman behind the desk looks at you sideways a moment, appearing to reach under her desk but producing nothing. She speaks slowly and deliberately. May. I. See. Your. Proof. Of. Guild. Registration. Please? She seems somewhat wary.

[Darius]

Ursa

Shrugging she says, "They are dead." She then looks for things of trade worth including those like the metal disc she recalls the warriors coveting.

[playswithfire]

Meovai

Putting a hand on Ursa's shoulder and pulling her away from the bodies, Meovai says quietly Yes, they are dead, but the things they have belong to their relatives now. These men are here to make sure that they get there. Turning to the guards and speaking at a normal volume. We're leaving now. Just trying to find out who these men were. They were all attacked before they could speak and I never learned who they were. We're leaving; no problems from us. Meovai begins moving towards the nearest exit and hopes Ursa walks with him.

[The_Snark]

Barham

Barham is both thoroughly irritated at the handling and worried that this may not be as benign as he thought. It wouldn't be the first time someone had tried to kidnap him and keep him captive, and he had an inkling that servants of the goddess of death might not approve of him, if they knew. Even without any of that, it smelled like trouble. He considers teleporting away, and decides against it. Firstly, it might annoy them if it didn't work, and secondly, he'd have to leave the city quick after that, given how influential they seemed to be.

Third, and probably most important, he still wanted to know what they were doing, and why they wanted him in particular. So he stands, dusting himself off and doing his best to keep calm. "You could have asked, you know," he says, with a note of what he would consider reproach in his voice, and which an uncharitable person would call complaint. "Mind telling me what this is all about?"

[Ascension]

Harkaitz

"Aquilon," Harkaitz answers smoothly, "Harkaitz Aquilon."

He can't stop his foot from tapping on the floor. He can't wait to see what sort of new knowledge may be found in the library of such a large Mage's Guild.

[ocato]

Meovai, Ursa
Meovai steps back from the guards, who approach slowly with weapons drawn. They speak again in clear tones to both of you. If Captain Hobart catches you robbing the dead, we'll have to hang you. You scavengers better run or else you're in for a big hunk of trouble.

Barham
The Knight-Captain stares down at you, his hand on his sword. He seems unsettled slightly. The High Priestess, however, is smiling warmly and appears rather pleased. I am Harpilla Groenig, perhaps you've heard of me. You have just been granted a rather important position. I'd like to congratulate you. You'll be sleeping here in the temple tonight... and tomorrow we'll see if we can't put your talents to use. She pauses a moment, then rests her hand on the Knight-Captain's shoulder. Of course, Harlowe doesn't trust you. He thinks we ought to kill you now and avoid the whole mess all together. I've told him you aren't going to be a mess. You aren't going to make a Liar out of an old woman like me, are you?

Harkaitz
The receptionist runs through some files for a moment and then stops abruptly, looking up at you with a warm smile. Ah, a new member I see... and with full access to the Archmage's library already? You must be quite the man of importance. Please, by all means sir. With that she gestures to the large library. It would seem you have a full run of the place.

[Ascension]

Harkaitz

"Thank you so very much, ma'am!"

Harkaitz is practically salivating as he sets foot in the library for the first time. He allows himself a moment just to breathe in the smell of the old books, to bask in the feeling of being there.

[AmberVael]

Ka Yahn

The demon infested man stalks forwards to Gurb and Slade, watching them closely as he makes his presence known, speaking in a way that he hopes Gurb will understand, but will leave Slade mostly in the dark if he's ignorant.
"I saw the action of your friends after you left. I have to say that the... weight... of their influence intrigued me. It seems I have been unaware of the authority that some in Kas'arrata wield.
"I was wondering if I might offer my services to your little group. I assure you, you'd find my abilities comparable to what I saw earlier."
One might find that hard to believe no matter if they knew what he was talking about or not. Haru seems predominately present, making Ka Yahn look at best like a common laborer, and at worst a beggar. Gurb might doubt that he could equal the assassin they sent earlier, but Ka Yahn's earlier influence on him did hint at something very strange about the man.
Slade is more likely to think he's just boasting.

[The_Snark]

Barham

"Reckon I'm not, ma'am," he says slowly, rubbing the back of his head where he'd been dumped against the wall, "but I have to say, dragging me through the streets is not the best way to begin our association. A bit of a blow to the dignity, you understand. Why'd you do it?" His voice is mild. He knows why he would have done it, if he'd done it at all, but he wants to see what her reasons were, or at least what she told him they were. Barham Leight had concluded a long time ago that you could learn a lot more about a person from what they didn't say than what they did say. There was always so much more of that, after all.

[playswithfire]

Meovai

Oh, this is just what I don't need. Curiosity killed the dumb goliath. Or at least his chances of guarding the king. Raising and opening his hands to show they're empty and backing away faster, Meovai says I know what this looks like, but it's not. Someone gets killed in front of you, you're curious who they are. Just some bad timing here. At this point, Meovai stops paying attention to whether or not Ursa's moving with him and just gets out of there and heads for the inn.

if she does stay with him:
He'll explain why what happened happened on the walk to the inn and then rents her a room for the night.

[Meat Shield]

Grishak

<common>"Name Kanris. Am great sorceror. Greatest of my tribe. Not member. Asking for niceness to show me book, please."

He makes no threatening moves, and calmly stands there, his hidden eyes glancing around the place.


Autohypnosis to memorize the room at the top of the stairs as well, I want all the details I can get to teleport in later.
[roll0]

[Meat Shield]

Grishak

Don't want to screw up the awful roll in the previous post so I will double post

Activate Touchsight with no display - using it to also 'get a good look around'
[roll0] (against DC 18)
Pump it a little bit to 80 feet for 9 pp - want to get as much as I can

[Proven_Paradox]

Slade

As Gurb speaks, the gnome quickly steps off the ship. "Then good day to you, Gurb." He then turns and begins walking back to where he'd been sleeping for his time in the city. This day had been frustratingly fruitless, and he will be glad to be done with it.

[ocato]

Harkaitz
You find a wide variety of books on just about every subject and a wonderfully quiet atmosphere in which to enjoy it. Other than the commotion starting downstairs, that is.

Meovai, Ursa
The two of you decide a few coins and a mystery isn't worth dying (or killing) for, and make your way back to the Inn Meovai is staying at. The old woman who runs this is seems to like Meovai and offers Ursa's room for free, so long as Meovai is still staying there. She smiles warmly and makes up the beds. In the morning, you rise early and she has prepared a large breakfast for all of the patrons of the inn, which is delicious. You have a few hours before the meeting with Hobart.

Grishak
The woman stares at you funnily and points out the door. There's a nonguild member library down the way boy, other than that I can't help you. She looks very uneasy until a rather large man wearing armor and carrying a spear arrives with a much smaller and thinner man wearing only a robe. The smaller man asks in a plain voice, Is everything all right here?

Ka Yahn and Slade
Slade steps off the ramp that leads to the boat and begins to walk away. As he does so, a simple looking man rushes past him and begins speaking with Gurb. It would seem the plucky halfling extended his offer to more than other person! Gurb sighs a bit and nods, then speaks plainly. You just r'member when an' if stuff goes wrong, it was yer old pal Gurb who got you off this rock. I'm consid'rin' you in debt fer a favor. With that he hands you one of the heavy bags he's carrying and heads up the plank towards the ship.

Barham
The woman kneels down to eye level and smiles warmly. I couldn't quite make sense of it at the tavern, but you're some sort of seer, aren't you. Yes, one who can tell things that most cannot-- even my diviners cannot keep their eye fixed on that man..."Chorus" you called him. If you can see that which they cannot, you are of value to me. If what you've told me is true, he very well could be a threat to every leader in the city-- myself included. She pauses and looks up to Harlowe. You wouldn't want my death on poor Captain Harlowe's conscience, would you?

[Meat Shield]

Grishak

<common>"Only want look at books. Need research. She say no," gesturing to the receptionist. "Me not from here, why me no look at books." The goblin truly looks like a poor, confused, no-so-bright simpleton, with his simple staff and robe.

"Me just want to learn," wandering over to the foot of the stairs, gesturing upwards.


Extend Touchsight to full range upstairs, take a good look around
Autohypnosis (c'mon baby, gimme a good roll!) [roll0]

[AmberVael]

Ka Yahn

The demon suppresses a scowl, but does not disagree. He'd have to give something to get something, after all- it was the way of the universe. He'd just have to use this link to his advantage as well. Ka Yahn picks up the bag offered to him with a single hand, barely thinking about it as he contemplates picking up Gurb as well, just to get them moving faster.
After all, the demon was strong, and had nothing of his own to carry. Still, he senses Gurb might just take offense to that, so he just walks along beside him.

[The_Snark]

Barham Leight

"I wouldn't, ma'am," Barham says, still mild. "But I always preferred to think of myself as an asker of questions rather than a seer, and as an experienced question-asker, I can't help but notice you ain't exactly answering mine. I can guess you want help tracking down a killer easy enough, specially if he might be after you. What I actually asked was why you didn't just ask me to come with you, seein' as I was being accommodating at the time. So let's try again. Why'd you do it that way?"

Just thought I'd note that Barham is standing now, unless someone kept him from getting up.

[Proven_Paradox]

Slade

The gnome pays the newcomer no mind--even though he clearly understands the man's round-about words to refer to the events at the inn; enough people were there that it doesn't strike him as odd. He continues onwards to his place of rest.

Slade would prefer either a small, quiet inn with keepers who don't ask too many questions, or a secluded place that's difficult to get to where he could squat for free. Since he's been in town for a bit now, I'd imagine he'd already have access to such accommodations.

[ocato]

Grishak
The two men look down on you with simple smiles of pity. Come along then, we'll take you to the campus library. You can look at all the pretty books you want there. These books, however, belong to big chief wizard man. He only lets members of his tribe look at them. Come along then?

Ka Yahn
Gurb leads you to a moderately sized ship, which departs a mere moment after you board. He speaks to a few of the men on the ship, almost all of which seem to know him. You note that he keeps referring to you as his 'servant' in explaining who you are. He leads you down beneath the deck and into a small bunking area, where he quickly slips into a hammock. Get some sleep, pal. It's a long trip to the fleet.

Barham
The woman smiles at you and turns, speaking over her shoulder. I have found that negotiations often go much more smoothly when the person you are negotiating with is more worried about saving his skin then making a little coin.

Slade
You find a quiet inn and sleep peacefully and unbothered.

[Darius]

Ursa and Brun

Letting Meovai take the lead, Ursa leaves the inn. She looks over at a large brown bear that is waiting patiently outside, and the bear begins following the pair. She says, "That is Brun...he is my friend."

[Meat Shield]

Grishak

<common>"You help me see books? Oh thank you!" 'Kanris' gleefully follows the men out the door, and accompanies them to the common campus library.

As soon as the men leave his side and are out of sight and earshot, he spits upon the ground. To debase myself so. Only for the most important tasks....

All necessary though. We now know the interior layout of the private library.

I do hate playing to stereotypes, but people are easy to manipulate when they see what they expect to see. Mages even moreso; the more 'intelligent' they are, the easier it is.

All true. But we must play it out to the end.

True, let us finish this charade.

'Kanris' finishes his work at the campus library, reviewing the tomes available for the uses of rare gems in ceremonies, and leaves by foot in time to get to the meeting with General Hogart. Passing by the Guild Library on his way, he sneers I will be back. I gave you a chance, now prepare to pay the price.


Continue autohypnosis to study the interior of the Guild library with Touchsight to 80' [roll0] - just looking for any last details I haven't already gotten
Also, I will research the blood opal in the other library, I just don't anticipate actually finding anything. Will look for all sorts of gems also, don't want to give anything away (just in case :smallwink:)

[AmberVael]

Ka Yahn

Ka Yahn frowns.
"If being your servant is a ruse to get me here, I'll tolerate it for now... but if you expect me to act as your servant, you'd best count your favor used."
He looks for a place to sleep, mostly wanting to get settled as opposed to actually sleeping just yet.

[Ascension]

Harkaitz

*There's no time to search this whole library myself,* Harkaitz thinks, *although I'd certainly love to...*

He summons his Prying Eyes again.

"Eyes, disperse and search the library for books on local history, military history, tactics, and/or strategy."

Yes, there's probably a card catalogue or something, but isn't this more fun?

There are [roll0] eyes.

[playswithfire]

Ursa and Brun
"That is Brun...he is my friend."
Meovai

Unsure of the proper procedure for greeting someone's pet bear, Meovai simply waves at bear and says Pleased to meet you, Brun. before turning back to Ursa. I hope you found your stay at the inn pleasant. They're usually easy to find in most cities, though they will usually require you to pay for the stay, with something like this. He hands Ursa 4 gold pieces, 9 silver pieces and 10 copper pieces. I never got a chance to ask last night; what are you doing here in the city anyway?

[ocato]

Ka Yahn
Gurb looks at you with a bit of disgust. Such a creature you are, I can't even believe it. I get you on the best boat in town and all I ask is for you to pretend to by my boy and carry some things and you start gettin' uppity. He rolls over in his hammock and groans a bit. Do you know what it is we're headed to? I get the feelin' you think this is just a bunch of shop keeps and salts we're headed to meet.

Grishak
Your research in the library was (*rolls*) fairly fruitful. You discover mention that the blood opals you seek are actually very powerful conduits of psionic energies. More importantly, it would seem that based on hints at some unnamed ritual, whoever left the gem behind had done so carelessly, and would need to retrieve the lost stone in order to complete a secondary ritual required to cement the actions of the first. The books you find are old and in poor condition and most or all actual description of the ceremony has either been inked out or is smudged or damaged beyond reproach. However, you have gleaned enough information to know that something rather diabolical is in possession of a wealth of blood opals to rival your own-- and is now most likely hunting you vehemently to reclaim the one it lost. As you leave the library, the crisp morning air reminds you that the private library is probably its least crowded/well-guarded of the day-- and time may be of the essence.

Harkaitz
Your research was (*rolls*) very fruitful. You find a few old musty tomes on a war fought here in the city when it was called Corpus Hartus, hundreds of years ago. Much like today, a power struggle for the fate of the city occurred directly after the death of an elderly and mostly useless monarch. The city was almost destroyed when the perceived weakness of its rulers was noticed by bands of powerful and deadly giants, leading other monstrous humanoids such as bugbears, trolls, and just about anything else that is wicked in both size and temperament. In fact, the small inland lake where the Barges lie is thought to have been created during the long process of excavating the corpse of a giant who fell during the battle. Despite the havoc, this threat allowed then-leader of the Mage's guild, Jalel Maranta, to assume the throne and take control of the city, which flourished under a golden age for many generations thereafter with the help of an unnamed ally. After researching many tomes and books, you find that it is almost impossible to find any mention of the city before "Maranta's War," such as its founding or who the generous allies of Maranta could have been. You also notice a slight intriguing connection between the names Maranta (then-head of the Mage's Guild) and Mantra (Current leader). Perhaps the Archmage himself would be able to further enlighten you.

[AmberVael]

Ka Yahn

The demon pauses, then turns back towards Gurb and stands over him, looking down at him with now flaming, abyss tainted eyes. A menacing aura has grown around him, and he looks far more than the little peasant that he appeared to be a moment before. Everything about him is, well, terrifying. With a low growl he reaches out with an arm which suddenly seems encased with red light that forms an even larger arm- a clawed arm with unearthly strength that lifts the crippled halfing into the air to stare down at Ka Yahn. Haru's face is still there, but it almost seems twisted and distorted by Ka Yahn's intense presence- far more dangerous and capable than the puny peasant.
"I know how I appear to you, halfing, but I am not some pitiful little man who begs for the table scraps that others toss him. My power is strong, and far more than you could ever dream of!"
Fire flickers in Ka Yahn's eyes and he drags the halfling closer, staring down at his tiny form, unearthly energies and auras whirling around him like a cloak, or a veil ready to be torn away. It's clear that there is something about Ka Yahn that is nearly incomprehensible to mortal eyes- something lurking beneath the flesh of Haru that can rise up and twist the world further towards its purpose before subsiding again, hidden and discrete.
"These eyes peer into the future, tearing away at the shadows that hide what will be, and these hands take life as they will. I am no mere pawn to be used idly, and if you refuse to accept that, there will be trouble between us."
He drops the halfling back down onto his hammock and steps back, his demonic presence sinking beneath Haru's visage again, though it seems more like a sheathed knife now that it has been revealed once.
"There is more to both of us than meets the eye, Gurb. You have the connections and the understanding of an organization that is poised for greatness, and I have the might to carry out the plans that will get them to that place.
"Belittle me, and you lose the chance to go further and higher than you've ever gone. Work with me, and we both gain something that the other needs. You know what you're doing here, but your injury prevents you from carrying out the acts. My power is great, but I lack a direction and a purpose."
Ka Yahn turns away from Gurb, crossing arms behind his back as he looks towards a wall, thinking quietly to himself. After a moment more he speaks.
"I will give you time to consider what I have said here, if you need it."

Intimidate: (I forgot to add in his +4 relative size modifier to Gurb, so the link shoes it as +13 and 24.)
1d20+17=28 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1747662/)
Touch Attack for grapple: 1d20 18=23 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1747668/)
Grapple Check to lift him into the air:
1d20+24=41 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1747669/)

[Ascension]

Harkaitz

*Any doubts I may have had about my actions have been cleared up by this history,* Harkaitz thinks, *The Mage's Guild did rule this city once before, and it was a golden age! I'll need to speak with Mantra about this... particularly about his relationship to this 'Maranta'... but first, I need to know what brought that age to an end...*

If there are any unreturned Eyes, and if you can do this, he will repurpose them to search for records of Maranta's later reign and/or the Mage's Guild's fall from power. If not, he'll just search for them himself.

[Meat Shield]

As you leave the library, the crisp morning air reminds you that the private library is probably its least crowded/well-guarded of the day-- and time may be of the essence.I can take a hint :smallwink:

Also, in case it comes up, the new opal is in the bag with the rest of them in the glove of storing, wrapped in a piece of paper so I can tell it from the others.

Grishak

As he passes by the private library, his thoughts are interrupted. Friend, maybe we should do it now. Time may be of the essence, especially if someone is hunting for us to get the blood opal back.

As always friend, you supply good counsel. Very well, let us do this now. Prepare yourself.

Grishak rounds the corner to make sure no one sees him, and takes a moment to prepare himself. He then disappears into thin air -

And reappears deep in the racks of the private library. He concentrates on his psi-sight, looking for anyone noticing his presence. If anyone saw him appear, he has an ability already to mind on a hair trigger, waiting for any sign of someone alarmed.

He conducts his search quickly using the knowledge he gained from the other library and his expanded senses (due to the Touchsight) to find the books he needs.


All of them with no display, I should auto succeed on all of them
Touchsight 5 pp (round before I go)
Teleport 9 pp (standard)
Quickened Cloud Mind (if needed) 9 pp Will DC 20; expend Solut's psionic focus
Move action to search for the Tome I am looking for

[ocato]

Ka Yahn
Gurb looks at you uneasily. We have an understanding, it seems. Just don't think ol' Gurb is here for you to manipulate and I'll give you your due respect in return. I've a bit of standing in the Shipping Guild-- enough to send you for a swim if it tickles me to do so. Let's just make sure we understand each other. I won't rub you wrong if you don't rub me.

Harkaitz
You continue to research the history of Kas'arrata, finding a few bits of information. It would seem that the fall of the mage's guild rule came about as a function of their own comeuppance. Having established power in Corpus Hartus, the city grew far beyond its original borders thanks to the combined rule of the Maranta dynasty and their unnamed allies. However, as the Maranta family grew throughout the years, each new king of the city was more arrogant and less powerful, assuming his name as enough backing to cover his actions. In fact, as the ages progressed, the Maranta family's interest in magic became greatly diminished and their corruption became that of legends. It was once the Maranta's had finally fallen completely from grace and that the city was in a state of slow decay that their allies, still unnamed, finally grew tired and attempted to lead the people of the city in a great rebellion. The Maranta's called upon the aid of a powerful local chuch, the followers of Wee Jas and together the Maranta Ruling family and the Jasite church were able to crush the rebels. Over the years, however, the ruling family became less and less influential under the powerful influence of the church...

[Meat Shield]

Also, if the first cloud mind does not work or there is more than one person who sees me, cloud minds all around on the next round, including another quickened one if need be.

[AmberVael]

Ka Yahn

Ka Yahn grins evilly at Gurb, laying back on one of the hammocks as he gets ready to rest for the night.
"You have a deal."
The demon closes his eyes and crosses his arms over his chest, sending his spirit to the mother of Demons, Pale Night, in order to report his deeds and actions this day...

[Ascension]

Harkaitz

*And the dynasty failed when they turned away from the study of magic... a perfect argument for the necessity of the Guild's rise... no, return to power.*

Satisfied with what he has found, Harkaitz goes about the business of returning the hefty tomes to their proper places. As he does this he notices that the goblin from earlier has made it into the library.

"Oh, hello there, friend!" he calls to him in goblin, "I hope you're not having too much trouble finding what you're looking for... I could give you a hand if you'd like. I served as a librarian for well over a century, I ought to be able to find my way around here."

[ocato]

Grishak
Your research here is rather fruitful. You discover that the Blood Opal you found was used during a powerful arcane ceremony used to create a Lich. However, you are unable to discover exactly how the ceremony works or why it would cause a wave of psionic energy powerful enough to disrupt the energies of every psychic in the city. You suddenly find what you think to be the perfect answer to your question when suddenly a grey elf starts bothering you with inane questions.

Ka Yahn
Your trance seems almost entirely focused on the blood opal you discovered earlier in the day. Pale Night herself denies it as a sacrifice suggesting it was befitting. Furthermore, she demands you use such a powerful and valuable tool to bring her even greater wealth or-- if possible, the soul of a sacrifice. Upon awaking, you find yourself somewhat disoriented for a moment, and you wits feel somewhat slower than normal. While not clear as to why, you are certain something has happened to you in the night.

[Darius]

Unsure of the proper procedure for greeting someone's pet bear, Meovai simply waves at bear and says Pleased to meet you, Brun. before turning back to Ursa. I hope you found your stay at the inn pleasant. They're usually easy to find in most cities, though they will usually require you to pay for the stay, with something like this. He hands Ursa 4 gold pieces, 9 silver pieces and 10 copper pieces. I never got a chance to ask last night; what are you doing here in the city anyway?

Ursa and Brun

The bear makes no discernible method of communication other than sniffing Meovai. "Thank you for these pieces of metal. They are very attractive. I take it these shiny ones are worth more than these dull ones in trade." She indicates first the silver then the copper.

"I can give you little in return. Perhaps you would like these berries? They are how I keep Brun fed, but they can also heal minor wounds." Ursa offers Meovai her goodberries.

"As for why I am here, I was recently on what my people call a vision quest. In it I saw a man who wears a crown the color of this..." (she holds a gold coin given to her) "...is in great danger. I have just learned from those who wear skins of steel that this man's name is Theking. The danger presented to Theking is so great that the conflict will be like the coming winter and will reach out as far north as where my people reside. I have come to warn this Theking."

[Meat Shield]

Grishak

Miserable misbegotten no good excuse for an over-lived interloping race!!!!!!!!!

Patience, we must not blow our cover.

But I had the answer! And this bastard made me lose my train of thought!

Then use the fool to find it again.

The small goblin draws a deep breath, and throws back his hood. Beneath the hood is quite possibly the ugliest goblin to ever live. Even other goblinkind would treat him as an outcast. It is, quite literally, a face only a mother (or father) could love. He speaks in the High Draconic, used only in the most academic of settings between scholars and researchers, and his voice takes on a bit of a nasal quality but is otherwise unaccented. "Yes, as you can see I was perusing this tome on the uses of rare gems in arcane ceremonies dealing with the undead. Specifically, I am investigating for ways to stop such ceremonies once they have begun. Kind of a hobby of mine, to be sure, using the magiks to stop such unclean activities when they are found. Ah, my manners, how silly of me! Pleased to meet your acquaintance. I am Kanris, visiting academic from the Principality of Tanjours, Royal Vizier to Prince Jervain." He holds out his gloved, three-fingered right hand to the elf.

Damned tree-hugger.....

Easy....

[The_Snark]

Barham

Well, isn't that comforting. Barham sits back down again, settling in against the wall. "Fair enough. This where you're going to keep me tonight?"

[Ascension]

Harkaitz

Do I recognize the place and/or prince he mentions?

Lore: [roll0]
Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty): [roll1]
Knowledge (History): [roll2]
Knowledge (Geography): [roll3]

[ocato]

Barham
With a nod, High Priestess Groenig and the Knight-Captain leave you, presumably to sleep. You hear the door lock from the outside once they've left.

Harkaitz
I honestly don't know-- he might just be making stuff up. Err, bluffing. Obviously we're all just making stuff up. I can't comment until I know what he's up to.

[playswithfire]

Meovai

After taking a second to recall Ursa's use of the word Aninn, Meovai understands what she is saying and is pleasantly surprised their goals align. 'The' 'king'; it's not a name, it's a title that means he rules this city. I believe he may already be aware of the danger you've come to warn him about, though. One of his generals is interviewing those who wish to serve as guards for King Wedworth. Oh, you should remember to call the king 'your majesty' or 'sire' if you meet him. These are terms of respect for the title he has. As it happens, I am planning to meet with this General Hogart about offering my services to the king. He checks the position of the sun in the sky. Though that is not for a few hours. In the meantime, I believe I will head downtown and see what is known about the attack last night. You are welcome to accompany me if you wish, both in my wanderings and in the meeting with the General.

[The_Snark]

Barham

Barham Leight chuckles to himself, both annoyed and amused at their apparent belief that a lock would keep him in if he wanted to leave. Of course, the lock might not be all there is keeping him in, but seeing as he doesn't actually plan on going anywhere he doesn't worry about that.

First things first. He spreads his blankets out on the floor and unslings his backpack, taking a drink from the waterskin, and shields himself from divination. He didn't always bother, but it was a good precaution to take when people with resources were looking you over.

He takes a seat on the blankets, and lets his mind wander through the room, relaxing until he has forgotten that it is Now, not Then; and then it really was Then to his mind.

Time to start snooping! Barham will manifest Evade Detection first (lasts 11 hours), and then Sensitivity to Psychic Impressions to get a feel for what this room has been used for and anything significant that happened in it.

Does the door have any holes in it that Barham could see through, or that an arcane psionic eye could slip through? That'll probably be his next step.

[Ascension]

Harkaitz

Harkaitz shifts to High Draconian himself.

"I am sorry I underestimated you, Vizier Kanris. I beg forgiveness for any apparent insult, I just thought you might be more comfortable conversing in the language of your people. I am glad to have met you here. We highborn folk sorely need the occasional reminder that there are fine scholars such as yourself among the goblinoids."

He takes the blue goblin's hand.

"Now, you said you were looking for information on arcane rituals involving rare gems and the undead? That seems somewhat... specific. Is there any particular ceremony you might be referring to? Any particular gem? If I knew just a bit more about the situation..."

Well, I'm probably rolling too soon here, but, well...

Knowledge (Arcana): [roll0]

[Meat Shield]

Grishak

The blue takes a moment to look over the elf, as if sizing him up and judging his character. <High Draconian>"Very well, I usually work alone but perhaps you may assist me. My Prince has been beset by undead forces in the hinterland, and apparently a great blending of psionics and arcana has occurred, resulting in many living sacrifices and great disruptions among the psionically sensitive in my land. The only clue we have is the use of blood opals, and I was hoping to find the answers here as to their purpose and how to stop the ceremonies once they have begun." The earnestness in his voice is plain to anyone. "Our own research options are somewhat limited sadly, and I hoped to find more answers here."

Leaning closer to the elf, he continues, "Obviously, your discretion is appreciated in this matter. The Prince is a rather proud soul, and if word were to get out that he cannot handle matters within his borders by himself...." The horridly ugly goblin gives a big toothy grin at this, trying to appear trusting.

And if this fool can take the suspicion off of me for investigating these ceremonies, so much the better.

"You are doing well so far, just be careful, friend.

[AmberVael]

Ka Yahn

The demon awakes from his meditations and removes the blood opal from the pouch he had placed it in, looking it over curiously. Something about it... drew him. He frowns down at it, wondering what it was about the stone that intrigued him so, and what he should do about it...
Still, Pale Night seemed to think it important. He'd best keep it close for now. Ka Yahn slips it back into his pouch and rises, looking over the area around him, specifically to see if Gurb is awake.

[Ascension]

Harkaitz

"I understand completely, friend. Let's see what we can find."

Okay, so Harkaitz will search the library, aided both by his Knowledge (Arcana) check in my last post and...

Profession (Librarian): [roll0]
Search: [roll1]

[ocato]

Harkaitz and Grishak
Your combined research goes well. You discover the blood opals are naturally sensitive to psychic energies, especially those present during the death throes of a powerful psychic creature. You've established already that the ceremony was similar to that of the creation of a Lich, however no mention of how the two might be associated seems available. Then, in a damaged tome almost as thick as your arm, you find what might be the answer. In the tome, there are several markings and diagrams that depict something very similar to what Grishak saw. However, a few pages are torn and you cannot find exactly how the process works, except one word scribbled hastily in the margins. Alhoon.

Barham
You quickly find that you psychic abilities are somehow dampened in the room, most likely through some sort of anti-magic field. It would seem that, at least for the immediate time being, you are at the mercy of your captives. You realize it is very late and consider going to sleep.

Ka Yahn
You think for a moment about how the blood opal makes you feel, searching your feelings for any importance.
Knowledge (Arcana) roll: [roll0]
However you just assume it's some lingering effect of your trance or morning "grogginess."

[Ascension]

Harkaitz

Harkaitz furrows his brow in puzzlement.

"Alhoon? Who or what is Alhoon?"

Lore: [roll0]
Knowledge (Arcana): [roll1]
Knowledge (Dungeoneering): [roll2]
Knowledge (Religion): [roll3]
Knowledge (The Planes): [roll4]
Knowledge (Architecture): [roll5]
Knowledge (Geography): [roll6]
Knowledge (History): [roll7]
Knowledge (Local): [roll8]
Knowledge (Nature): [roll9]
Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty): [roll10]
Spellcraft (for the spell itself): [roll11]

[Meat Shield]

Grishak

'Kanris' also furrows his brow, trying to remember any bit of esoterica which may help.

What the hell does 'Alhoon' mean? Solut?

I am thinking...

It is alternatively infuriating and refreshing that this elf is quite knowledgeable and apparently concerned with assisting me. Perhaps it is not such a bad thing he intruded.

Do not get soft on me now, friend. We are very close to discovering something.

But he may help us in other -

GRISHAK! Stay on our appointed task!

Of course, apologies, friend.

'Kanris' pauses in his memory searching for a moment as his eyes flash open wide, then he touches his breast and continues his memory recollection. "Let me consider a moment..."


k(arcana) [roll0]
k(psionics) [roll1]
k(dungeoneering) [roll2]

[AmberVael]

Ka Yahn

Ka Yahn feels a little uneasy about the obsession the opal inspires in him, but due to Pale Night's reaction to it, he keeps it nearby. For now. He steps out of his room and begins exploring the ship, sinking deep beneath the guise of Haru in order to seem less frightening... at least for now. They'll likely react better to a common man than a demon.

[ocato]

Grishak
Your research has come to a head. The arcane ceremony you bore witness to was the perverse ritual required to transform an Illithid into a Lich, creating a creature of vast evil and power known only to legend as an Alhoon. However, there seems to be some luck. In order for the creature to complete his transformation and craft his phylactery, he must be in possession of the blood opals used in the initial ceremony. However, due to the naturally psionic powers of the blood opals, you begin to realize that it's not out of the realm of possibility that this creature has some manner of seeking out their location. It would seem that you have found a considerable source of blood opals-- you just have to wrench them from the slimy talons of an evil unseen in this world for the last thousand years.

Harkaitz
Your assistance in the goblin's research has shown some very disturbing bits of information. It would seem that the creature he is interested in is an Alhoon, a diabolical mixture of Psychic and Arcane power forged when an Illithid, or mindflayer, completes a particularly evil and powerful ceremony to become a lich. It strikes you that such a creature would be a threat to the world at large, not just the lands of this sorcerer.

Ka Yahn
You find the ship mostly empty, and Gurb no where to be seen. You eventually wander up onto the deck and find most of the ship's mates are leaning on the rails and calling out and waving towards the sea. Should you approach to see why, you discover a vast fleet that stretches far into the horizon. Circling the fleet are hundreds of small feathered figures, though difficult to make out at first, are clearly some winged humanoids. They circle the skies over the fleet endlessly like a vast army of vultures. As you stare at this captivating scene, you barely notice Gurb hobble up next to you. He stares out at the glistening morning sea with you and speaks candidly. The Shipping Guild has got themselves an army and a navy now. It'll be a little while, but I wager a trip back to the city is someplace on the horizon.

Barham
You awaken to the sound of the door opening slowly. Before you can make any attempt to scamper out the door, you see the Knight-Captain fill the door frame with his massive body. He smiles at you with uncharacteristic warmth and offers you a hand up. I hope you slept well, Seer, it's time to prove your worth.

Slade
You awaken from your rest after an eventless night. You still have a few hours before the meeting with General Hobart is to take place and you have relatively free reign over the city.

Meovai and Ursa
(Assuming Ursa opts to come with you to the Tavern) You make your way back towards the docks, finding that the evenings events have done little to dampen the spirits and trade of the area. Surprisingly, most of the shop keeps and merchants seem somewhat happy, selling their goods at reduced price. However, you quickly realize that their faces aren't gleeful, they are frantic. Goods are being sold as quickly as possible to liquidate stock so the merchants can flee the city. It would seem a small panic has emerged from the deaths of the Merchant Lords. The tavern itself has been gone over a few times, it seems. The kitchen, the rooms, the dining hall-- everything has been scavenged clean to the point where a few blood stains and the tables themselves are all that remain (the chairs however are all gone). The tavern door hangs open and the entire building seems deathly still.

[Ascension]

Harkaitz

"This is bad," Harkaitz summarizes, "very bad. This is a problem larger than the Principality you hail from, my friend. Larger than this city as well. I thought I might be able to settle down here, help build this Mage's Guild into a great force of good... but whatever benevolence I could have accomplished here is nothing compared to the need to eliminate the threat of this 'Alhoon.' You'll need help. Let me come with you, Kanris... and maybe the Guild could spare a few more mages to help as well. We can defeat this abomination, but only by working together."

[AmberVael]

Ka Yahn

"Who commands this army? Is there some group or head leader of the shipping guild?"
Ka Yahn doesn't seem to care that he's passively admitting a great deal of ignorance. Perhaps he's just too confident in his abilities to care about a few lacks that can be quickly solved with questions.

[The_Snark]

Barham Leight

The discovery of the room's magic-dampening properties explains a great deal to Barham. It might preclude any further snooping on his hosts, but it's actually answered his question on the matter of what the room is for. Reasonably certain it could be worse—it wasn't a bare stone cell—Barham elects to go to sleep, and see what tomorrow might bring.

(morning)

Barham rises sleepily, thoughts of escape not really crossing his mind; at this point, he was committed to at least finding out a bit more about these folks. "Mornin to you, too," he responds, not quite trusting friendliness from a man who apparently wanted him dead yesterday but deciding to take it at face value for now. He waits for the Guard-Captain to lead the way to wherever they're headed now.

[Meat Shield]

Grishak

The goblin stumbles backward as the true import of what he has learned hits him.

Such....power! I thought my abilities were exceptional, but this...terrible and awesome at the same time...

Such magnificence...

...the evil this thing is capable of though, who would be safe?...

...and he must have a large store of opals...

We are in danger! He is more powerful than we, he may be able to track the gems, and I have the one he needs to complete the ceremony!

Did you not hear me? He has MORE OPALS.

But he will hunt us, kill us. We must run away!

ENOUGH! SNIVELING LITTLE GOBLIN! We will kill this 'alhoon' before the ceremony is complete, take his opals, and finish our quest. Now turn this feeble elf's mind to jelly and let us be on our way. DO IT NOW!

Leaning back against the wall, visibly shaken, 'Kanris' looks at Harkaitz, the elfin eyes piercing in their inquisitiveness. For the briefest moment, those eyes may have seen the glint of some power forming in the air around the goblin, but perhaps nothing he could consciously put his finger on as the glimmer went away before properly registering upon him.

You are right, Solut. We will stay and fight. But on my terms, and with the elf's help. Remember who is the master, Solut.

Of course, master. with nothing positively identifiable as derision, yet reeking of it regardless.

Reaching out his hand, the goblin said "Forgive my weakness, friend Harkaitz. The enormity of the threat shook me to my core. But you are right, we must fight this evil. Together, if you are willing."

"I must also apologize to you, I was necessarily circumspect in my explanation of the problem to you earlier. The ceremony was not performed in Tangours, it was performed here in Kas'arrata. I came here after a psionic theft of blood opals from the Prince and discovered the foul ceremony and the use of blood opals in them. This led to my research here. Again, my mission is a secret one, for not only does it show weakness in the Prince, but also that his royal treasury was robbed and the opals taken may have been used in this evil ceremony. If word were of this were to get to the enemies of His Highness.... as his voice trails off.

"But I must show you proof if you are to believe me. Come, let me show you what I found on a barge near the docks. Perhaps seeing the 'scene of the crime', as they say, will assist us in tracking down this evil."

[Ascension]

Harkaitz

"I fully understand the need for caution. This is an evil business we're dealing with, a powerfully evil business. The public mustn't learn of it, they'd panic. Yes, yes... We must deal with this ourselves. To the barges we will go. Lead on, Kanris."

"I'm nervous about this," Hecate whispers in Harkaitz's ear.

"Don't be," Harkaitz replies to his weaselly companion, "We'll deal with the nasty fellow and everything will turn out fine."

"I didn't mean about that, I meant I'm nervous about him. Kanris."

"Don't be! You don't become Grand Vizier of a place like Tanjours on a whim. I'm sure he's a perfectly fine fellow. He'd have to be."

"If you say so..."

[Meat Shield]

Grishak

"Excellent, thank you," shaking his hand vigorously.

Thinking about the receptionist downstairs, and possible complications should any questions arise, "If you would, please hold my hand, and I shall take us there directly."

"TRANSFERO!" as the duo disappears in a flash of light.


Teleport to just outside the doorway of the house where the ceremony occured 9 PP

[ocato]

Ka Yahn
Gurb looks up at you and smirks. Friends in high places takes on a new meaning, eh? He smirks a bit, chuckling. The Shipping Guild is just a bunch of money grubbers-- no diff'rent from the Merchant Lords they hate so much. However, when they were pushed out of the city, they happened upon the kind of treasure you only find once in a lifetime. Gurb points far to the east, leaning over the railing a bit to get his point across. Y'see, on the other side of the Trader's Sea here, there's quite the little island. Big, grassy, rocky, lots of cliffs, you know the type. A cold wind whips through it just about all the time. Been there once 'r twice I have, but that's not the point.You begin to wonder if Gurb even has a point at this point. When the Shipper's got on their boats they spread out and hit the other major ports and did their best to turn a profit without the use of Kas'arrata with mixed success. However, some of the Shippers ended up on that little rock, where they found living in the cliffs a bunch of flying guys-- Raptorians they're called. They have this big old flock of em living all over the island in their own little country I guess. Anyway, apparently they used to live in Kas'arrata some time ago and seem to think it's time they head back. So you take the Shipping Guild's money and resources and the Flock's manpower and you have enough force to come back to the city in style. Gurb seems oddly gleeful, as if the prospect of joining the fleet were something he'd been waiting for for some time. Honestly, my connections were originally through the shipping guild but... there's something respectable about those funny bird-folk. They're just... good, honest folk. I just can't work out why they'd want to get back into a slagheap like Kas'arrata. With that, Gurb grabs his crutch and starts to hobble back below deck. Be a lad and help me get my bags, we're due to meet with the Shipping Guild Leaders and I'd like to be prepared.

Barham
The Knight-Captain smirks at you and motions for you to stand, then turns and walks out. You can't help but notice that there are no guards or other attempts to stop you from escaping. Even odder, Harlowe is dressed in his armor but is not carrying his sword. He leaves the small room and turns right, headed down a narrow corridor off the main room. He stays within 5' or so of you the entire time, you notice.

Harkaitz and Grishak
In a puff of brimstone and a flash of light, you appear back at the barges, standing in front of the bloodstained door of the original building where the ritual was first observed. Much like the night before, you notice the barges seem deadly quiet and abandoned. From outside it appears very little has changed since your last visit.

[Ascension]

Harkaitz

"Umm, well, that's not quite what I meant by 'Lead on,' but I suppose it works..."

He notices the blood on the door and recoils slightly.

"My, this was a nasty affair, wasn't it? I've never actually observed a lich creation ceremony..."

[The_Snark]

Barham

Harlowe seems slightly off this morning; Barham wonders if the High Priestess is playing games, or if this is something of the Knight-Captain's own devising. "Where are we going?" he asks, ambling along at an unhurried pace. "Is it too important for us to have breakfast first?"

[AmberVael]

Ka Yahn

The demon smirks and chuckles quietly.
"If it allows me a chance to meet with the leaders, I'll be glad to act as your serving man a little longer..."
He moves off to retrieve Gurb's luggage, carrying it all over one shoulder without any trouble at all.
"If you'd prefer, I'll carry you as well. No doubt it would give you a better vantage point."
Apparently Ka Yahn isn't entirely devoid of humor, even if it is a bit sarcastic and mocking.

[ocato]

Grishak and Harkaitz
You stand minding the door a moment when it creaks upon on it's own accord. Unlike the deathly still barge buildings, there is almost a palpable breath coming from the inside of this building. Something is in there.

Barham
The Knight-Captain stops, smirking a bit as he turns to you. Sorry Seer, we have some work to do. However, I give you my word of honor that you'll be fed quite well. It'll be much easier to get you something good to eat, however, if you come through in the task the High Priestess has set for you.... He turns and continues walking, talking over his shoulder. You know, I'm a bit of a seer myself. The Priestess doesn't believe me, but I have dreams that come true sometimes. I had an awfully interesting one about you just last night. By the way, it occurs to me I don't know your name. You can't help but feel that his disposition has gone from terse soldier to somewhat 'chummy.'

Ka Yahn
Gurb makes a bit of a squawking sound at you, apparently bemused by your offer to carry him. Yer a card kid...er... what's your name anyhow? It occurs to me we ain't quite rightly been introduced. I can't rightly tell the Shipping Lords who you are if I don't know.

[AmberVael]

Ka Yahn

The demon pauses... it would not do well to speak his name, as someone who had studied the abyss might recognize it, so the next logical solution would be...
"I have a few names, but many know me as Haru."
He smiles a little darkly, moving after Gurb.
"What will you tell them about me?"

[Ascension]

Harkaitz

Harkaitz takes a step back from the door.

"Who's there?" he shouts, "I know someone is in there! I can feel your mind!"

Casting Detect Thoughts, 60ft cone pointed in the direction of the door. I should probably lead with Shield or Mirror Image, or Greater Invisibility, but I feel obligated to at least try to put those spell focuses in Divination to good use.

[Meat Shield]

Grishak/Kanris

"There was no one alive when I left last night....perhaps he came back?"

The thoughts of destructive psionic power begin forming in his brain as he peers into the blackness. Solut. do you see anything?

I am looking... The psicrsytal peeks out of the top of 'Kanris'' shirt, probing ahead with his psychic energies.


Activate Force Screen, no display, +4 shield AC, 1 PP

[ocato]

Harkaitz and Grishak
As you slowly enter the building, you can hear the distant sound of loud humming. The voice is ghastly and almost inhuman, and seems to be coming from everywhere. Worse yet, you are unable to detect the thoughts of any nearby creatures. As you enter the building slowly, the door slams violently behind you. A cursory glance reveals that it was probably just the wind.

Ka Yahn
Gurb smirks at you, hobbling back out of the bun. Depends. I'll probably start with "potential ally of considerable power" that I'll "humbly present" to the Shipping Lords. If they turn their noses up at that, you threatened to unveil their plans and kill me, so I decided to deceive you into delivering yourself into their waiting justice... Gurb laughs loudly, to the effect that you can hardly tell if he's serious or not. He leads you back up to the top deck of the ship where you've reached the fleet. Another ship has extended planks and, despite the bowing and creaking of the wood, the halfling quickly hobbles across them and on to the other ship, which seems to be manned exclusively by the Raptorians. Upon noticing this, Gurb gives you a quick glance that suggests something is afoul.

[Darius]

Ursa and Brun

After listening to Meovai, Ursa nods in understanding. "Brother Sun has lit the way for our paths to cross, then. I would be like a doe among wolves if it not for you, warrior. My thanks. I shall take your offer and stand with you."

When the trio sees the 'sale of the century', Ursa cannot help but notice how strange this is. Even she can tell this is not normal. She says, "Perhaps we should look for those whom are not filled with fear, for they are the ones whom we should be wary of when the scent of a predator is in the air. That one that was carried off had said something about a place near water. We should look there."

[AmberVael]

Ka Yahn

Ka Yahn narrows his eyes a little, watching the ship as he wonders just what is up with it. He doesn't react to Gurb's jest. If he was serious, they'd suffer for trying to kill him. And he'd likely get away.
Ka Yahn is pretty assured in his prowess.

[playswithfire]

"Perhaps we should look for those whom are not filled with fear, for they are the ones whom we should be wary of when the scent of a predator is in the air. That one that was carried off had said something about a place near water. We should look there."

Meovai

Surprised at how much a city can change in as short a time as one night That'll teach me to pay more attention to politics, I suppose. Can't just be a simple warrior in a big city, Meovai can only nod at the clear logic of Ursa's plan. Agreed. If nothing else, we know of one who showed no fear, at least when he killed those nobles, and I thought I heard the carried off man say that he had also been seen by the water. Let's go, but I need to be sure to make it on time to the meeting with the General. With a shake of his head at the state of panic in the town, he begins heading for the docks.

[ocato]

Meovai and Ursa
You decide to head down to the barges in an effort to find the mystery assassin. You arrive at a large inland lake, just barely separated from the sea by a thin stretch of land. Within the lake, there are several large, flat barges with modest houses and buildings built on them. You see no immediate path from the shore of the lake to the barges, and the sheer number of buildings makes it clear that this will be an arduous search.

Ka Yahn
Gurb follows the flanking escort of Raptorians below deck, waving for you to follow. As soon as you step onto the ship, the Raptorians seem to surround you. The bulk of the population seems to be clothed in light armor and carrying a spear. A few of them seem to be wearing loose robes or tabards of blue that signify them as different. You are lead beneath the deck into a large open room. At the far end at a long table sit four rather uncomfortable looking humans, dressed in finery with lavish rings and silk clothing. The Raptorians surround them as well and everyone appears armed. Gurb smirks a bit and takes a seat in a chair set up all by it's lonesome in the middle of the room. You are prodded into following him into the center of the large circle of watching Raptorians. Their eyes seem to pierce you like daggers.

[AmberVael]

Ka Yahn

Now, Ka Yahn decided, isn't the time for meekness and subtlety. He places Gurb's gear next to him and strides forwards in a fashion that displays confidence- perhaps even arrogance. It swiftly becomes clear that he is no mere servant for Gurb, and was only helping him for some other reason... he lets his demonic presence press more tightly against his mortal shell, his otherworldly influence spreading out from him to make him more intimidating and harder to read.
He crosses his arms and looks down at them all, standing proudly and letting them judge him, think what they think and learn what they can... they'd learn he wasn't some common man who had come into their midst.

Putting full essentia into Brassmane and Lamia belt to give +8 to intimidate and bluff. This will remain indefinitely.

[Ascension]

Harkaitz

"I don't like this... I don't like this at all..."

Harkaitz holds his walking stick out before him.

"Rod of Extension, activate! Extended Shield!"

20 minutes of +4 Shield AC. I only prepared one Shield, so I figure I should make it last. If nothing actually comes of this I'll still have Greater Invisibility, Overland Flight, and Mirror Image for protecting myself in future encounters today.

Also, I realize now I should have bought an intelligent item. I've been watching too much Nanoha lately and I keep wanting to have my rod speak whenever I cast anything.

[ocato]

Ka Yahn
The decadent humans stare at you with fixed glazes. They appear terrified of almost everything around them. One of them speaks up in a hushed tone that slowly builds strength and volumn. A-a-and who are you? W-we were told this would be an i-interview with Gurb Greywatcher to determine the justification for s-some of his less than r-reputable actions. If you're his bodyguard or hired bully, you must realize you are outmatched and outnumbered g-greatly. The Raptorians seem more interested in the speaking noble than you at first, but as your demonic essence begins to stress at the bounds of your humanity, their interest seems to shift.

Harkaitz and Grishak
You look around, feeling the entire barge shift on the water suddenly. Your eyes dart from shadow to doorway, eager to put some image to the increasingly loud sound of humming and...singing? The wood-paneled walls of the interior of the building seem to vibrate with motion as your eyes play small tricks on you, despite your supernatural vision. The sudden crescendo of singing catches you off guard and seems to come from dead ahead, in the ritual room. A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do... So what do you gotta do? Come on by and be the man you want to be, and I'll feed you your destiny! The singing is off tune and doesn't rhyme very well, but is nonetheless clear.

[The_Snark]

Barham

"Well, our introduction was a little unconventional," Barham says. "Name's Leight."

"A dream, huh? Interesting. I don't believe I've ever seen anything while asleep, but dreaming is supposed to be a natural sort of seeing, and I'm more sort of trained. Hope it wasn't anything bad?" Barham gauges there's at least an even chance the captain is warning or threatening him, but maybe he'll get lucky; maybe not.

[Darius]

Ursa and Brun

Ursa reaches down and puts her clawed hands near Brun's nose. She looks intently into the eyes of Brun as he sniffs the areas where the singing chain-wielding killer's scent still clings to her. He then begins sniffing the air - trying to pick up a trail of some sort.

ooc

Best I can do is have Brun try and track this way.

[Meat Shield]

Grishak

The atonal singing and change in atmosphere bring Grishak's mind to full combat clarity, and thoughts of power and destruction form within his mind.

Solut? I will need your assistance again I feel.

Merely say the word.

And I need you to send a message for me....

Harkaitz finishes casting his protective spell, and is startled by a voice he hears in his mind. The voice has some qualities of 'Kanris', but is much darker, more edged. "I will attack directly. You bind or otherwise control him. If it goes badly, hang on to me and I will get us out of here."


This round: Touchsight 5 PP

Actions for first round of combat (if needed):
Quickened Mind Thrust [roll0] DC21 Will 11 PP
Empowered Mind Thrust [roll1] DC23 Will then add another 50% 11 PP
If those appear to be ineffective, or we just made him mad, then overchanneled Dimension Door (taking Harkaitz with me) as a move action 11 PP Damage [roll2] - dim door target is back to that hidden spot in the alley I used the night before

I'm not much for half measures.

[AmberVael]

Ka Yahn

The demon glances towards the raptorians as if he had seen the for the first time, sizing them up with a fair amount of disdain. He does not look impressed by them in the least, and makes as much known with his next words.
"I do seem to be outnumbered..."
He makes a heavy pause, purposefully dropping out the part about being outmatched, just to make the man twitch and squirm before his presence. Oh, but this man was wretched- just as pitiful as the pathetic fool Haru that he possessed. He had thought to meet with leaders and schemers, not some putrid filth... perhaps he would merely push them aside...
Ka Yahn glances towards Gurb.
No doubt his companion had a very large amount of sway if this situation was so formal when he displeased them, and perhaps that would explain their nervousness as well. Ka Yahn might have trouble displacing the leaders and taking over, but if he did it for Gurb... well... they'd both profit. Smirking, he looks back towards the cowering, frightened Shipping Guild leaders.
"You mistake my purpose for being here, however. I managed to note certain shifts of power between the your guild and the merchant guild, and thought that I might lend my aid. I come here as an equal and an ally to Gurb, and am hardly his thug."
Ka Yahn says that last word with a bit of contempt, biting it in such a way that it seems he might have taken it as an insult, and that it was something they might want to atone for if they'd like to keep his interest.

[Ascension]

"Control him, eh? I'll control him alright... and stop that horrible noise while I'm at it!"

Harkaitz holds out a wrinkled hand.

"YOU ARE MINE!"

Okay, if Harkaitz can see him, I'm leading with Dominate Person (Will DC 25 negates unless I missed a bonus in there somewhere). If Harkaitz can't see him, then I'll come back and edit this so that he'll move where he can see and then use Web... but domination would be so much more satisfying.

Oh, and while we're talking about what a man's gotta do... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NN3eBvZvUXk)

[Meat Shield]

Grishak/Kanris

If there is a surprise round (for us):

Hit him with a disintegrate [roll0] Fort DC24

[ocato]

Barham
Harlowe stops suddenly and turns slowly. He pushes one of the doors that line the corridor open for you and smiles. You saved my life, actually. It was all very heroic. With that he gestures into the pitch-black room. All the way to the back, there's a wooden chair, sit and wait and we'll get this started as quickly as possible.

Ursa and Meovai
The scent on your hands is faint, but Brun thinks he can track it. The bear lazily flops into the lake, swimming towards the barges in the direction of the southeast corner buildings.

Harkaitz and Grishak
You quickly turn the corner towards the Ritual Room, ready to strike. There, amidst the wrecked (more so than when you destroy things, Grishak) remains of the ritual ruins you see a rather disgusting sight. Leaning against the far wall is the pathetic form of a tall dark man with long black hair and blackened armor. His right arm has been entirely severed and there is a rather large (two fists or so) hole that goes directly through his abdomen and out the other side. He appears to be singing in a sort of delirium and upon your entrance seems rather confused. Come on and finish it then! Damn y--- You're not the Rubies! Without hesitation you unleash your powerful mind-affecting powers, which seem to have no effect on him.

Given the surprise of his pathetic state, I'll belay the dimension door as a prepared action should he strike-- that way you can pump him for information or change your tactics a bit. If you want to use the disintegrate you rolled for a "surprise round" I'll let you lead off with it. Just figured I'd give you a chance to change your plans based on what you've found.

He coughs a bit and slowly begins to pull himself up. He is apparently unarmed and his armor is cracked and otherwise destroyed to the point of having little or no function. The bastards... they buzzed the place-- sent two or three young'ns to take me! Not even a full attempt... they...tore me up...decided not to risk retaliation and figured they'd just leave me... refused to risk me gettin ahold of one of them... I guess they know I haven't fed in a while. He looks up at you with a savage glare of a wounded, starving animal, staggering against the wall in an attempt to get balance.

Ka Yahn
The Shipping Lords look nervously at you for a moment and Gurb speaks up. Haru here bore witness to your assas-- He is cut off immediately by a sour look from the Shipping Lords and a sudden cacophonous squabbling from the surrounding Raptorians in their own tongue. Finally one of them steps forwards and stands between you and the Shipping Lords. Assassin! I've heard quite enough already. We've gathered the information we needed to make this decision. These Shipping Lords are no sort of allies for this Flock! This Raptorian has a regal appearance, tall and lean with flecked bits of blue and black dye added to some of his wing's feathers. His garb is navy blue with gold trim, and he appears unarmed and unarmored. A small metallic trinket hangs from his wrist-- which can be seen as he gestures and speaks. Corpus Hartus shall see the glory of the Hadrim Flock's return, but not at the heels of these...dogs. With that the Raptorian spits in the face of one of the Shipping nobles and then gestures to his men standing behind them. They are quickly dragged from the proceedings. He then turns towards you and Gurb and speaks past you, as if you weren't there, directly to Gurb in his native tongue. Gurb responds, showing surprising linguistic grace in the language, which sounds elven but more complicated. They speak for a moment in this odd tongue, and after a moment the Raptorian's seriousness seems to melt a bit, and he lets out a small laugh. Gable Flock-Brother has behaved honorably. This is not unexpected. This exclamation is met with small cheers from the crowd of Raptorians. What about this one, brother Gable? He seems now to focus-- and speak-- directly to you. Our plans involve the salvation of Corpus Hartus, can he be trusted to perform as honorably as you have?

[The_Snark]

Barham

"And what is it, exactly, that we're going to do here?" Barham asks, picking his way gingerly into the darkened room. "There a reason it's this dark?"

[Ascension]

Harkaitz

"Haven't... fed?" Harkaitz repeats. Then comprehension dawns.

"You're a vampire, aren't you? Vampires, liches... Egad, it's a whole undead conspiracy! Give me one good reason why we shouldn't return you to the grave in which you belong right now!"

Readying Web.

[Meat Shield]

Grishak/Kanris

"And tell me where the opals are, unclean one! Tell me, now!" This voice is heard only in the mind of the vampire and Grishak, who is aghast at both the scene and that Solut would take such initiative. But he recognizes the reason and agrees with the action, and readies himself for the answer - for good or woe.


Readied action to manifest Disintegrate, trigger if he attacks.

[AmberVael]

Ka Yahn

Ka Yahn glances at Gurb, smirking slightly as he gives a bow to the raptorian, deciding that he should at the very least feign respect to someone who commands this group of warriors.
"I am afraid I do not know your cause, nor whether I wish to ally myself with it, but I assure you- even with only a glance at those who were just cast aside- that I will prove far more respectful and tactful than they. Their nature was clearly displayed even in their appearance... on the other hand, while humble in form, I will state- and not vainly, I believe- that my spirit is far greater."
He tries not to laugh at the twisted, inner joke he wove into his last words. Oh yes, his spirit is far greater than the pathetic body he wears. He wonders if they'll catch on to that... but he doubts it. His mind and nature is well shielded...
"I would be honored to hear more of your plans. Though I may reserve my opinion and allegiance now, even the short time I have known... Gable, allows me to say that his allegiance with you and his standing in your midst is a very favorable thing."

[ocato]

Barham
Harlowe shuts the door without a word. There is an awkward moment in the dark before you hear the familiar voice of the woman priest from before. This is a sanctified room. Here your powers of seeing will be especially powerful. Our past seers insist that the darkness helps them focus. As you move through the darkness, you feel your foot hit various small items that seem like they might be bones.

Harkaitz and Grishak
The creature snarls a bit, then turns and looks at you both. Kill me then, if you have it in you-- but I shudder to think of the fate that will soon befall you. He points at Grishak and laughs, coughing a bit. I can smell the master on him, thick as the blood in his pocket. You should throw those shinies in the sea before he uses them to find you! He'll eat the brains out of your head without a second thought. You're all going to die.. die like I did....ignobly. He trails off for a moment, fingering the hole in his chest idly before returning his focus to you. You want to find him do you? If you're that eager to die you could just as easily let me eat you. It'd save you the trouble of searching for him and me the trouble of starving to death. He laughs at you again, still not moving from his place leaning on the wall. You note that the hole in his chest and the stub of his arm are slowly regrowing.

Ka Yahn
Gurb hops from his chair, tugging at Haru's shirt to catch your attention. Before whatever he intends can be said, the Raptorian begins to speak in a booming, grandiose voice. We are the Hadrim Flock, founders of the City you call Kas'arrata. We built the city in the cliffs of the great finger. We carved the mountain into a plain! And when men...and elves, and dwarves came to our city, we welcomed them! They outgrew us, outnumbered us-- but never were they our betters. They called for councils and noble houses. Their families rose and fell. They renamed our city "Corpus Hartus," forgetting the sacred name we gave it. They built their castle and their towers on the top of the city, over our nests. They traded and grew wealthy. They deceived and grew bold. Their power grew until even their king was vile and weak. There was a war-- and we served as allies to Jalel Maranta-- the wise Wizard! The name seems to spark an outcry of voices in the crowd of Raptorians. When the city stood at the precipice of disaster, it was the spear of the Hadrim that slew calamity, it was on the wings of the Hadrim that the city was carried high above the wretched fates of those who would have sought to rule it in greed and falsehood. When time began and the races of men and elves were young, the feathers of the Hadrim were the shield of that land! And when we had driven the vile ones out, the Wizard's silk tongue convinced us that men were worth trusting still-- and this man perhaps was. The city grew tall, the people were fat and happy! None starved! None drew their blades in anger! The Hadrim had peace! With this the Raptorian pounds on the table. His passion riled, but it quickly gives way to a somber tone. But humans are short-lived, and those who fought in battle with the Wise Wizard Maranta were exiled by his forbears. The Wizard's line had grown twisted and idle in its power. They called upon dark cultists who worship death and magic and against the will of the people they drove us out! The Raptorians squawk and jeer with disapproval! The flock found peace in a new cliff, on an island far from the tainted finger... there we made new allies with the little folk and lived in peace. However, it was not long before those... the Raptorian gestures after the now gone Shipping Lords, They called to the Hadrim, begging us to return as the saviors of the city. They offered treasure and power and we turned it away. The city, now called Kas'arrata, was once our home. It was once the grand nest of the Hadrim. And while the simple creatures that dwelled there under our care are now far removed from our sights, the Hadrim hears their call for justice-- they beg for our aid and the Hadrim are not deaf. Our Stormtalons will cover the city like the winds of a hurricane-- and our Skypledged will crash upon it like the waves! We are the Hadrim, we are the storm of justice, and we shall protect the simple little creatures of that city because it has become clear to us that no one else can be trusted to. His words stir the cheers of the Raptorian people. The leader then turns and fixes his eyes on you. The ways of the old will burn along with their towers and temples. Their castle will be rubble and their dark ways forgotten. The Aerie will be rebuilt-- the creatures well-kept. The City of Kas'arrata will be cleansed. That is our mission.

[Ascension]

Harkaitz

"You've said enough, monster!" Harkaitz yells, "We'll kill you, then we'll kill your thrice-damned master! There is no place in this world for those who would thwart death itself!"

Harkaitz gestures menacingly with his rod.

"Now, are we doing this the easy way or the hard way?

[Meat Shield]

Grishak/Kanris

"The easy way."

A ray of sickly green arcs from the goblin's fingers, striking the undead in what was his chest.


Disintegrate [roll0]
Fort DC 24
If things ever get dire, I will let you bamf us out of here with the Dim Door as a move action

[playswithfire]

Meovai

After checking the sun in the sky to make sure he still has time, Meovai shrugs and says to Ursa Unless you've got a better way to follow Brun, I guess we're swimming. He then proceeds to follow in Brun's wake.


If I can take 10 on a swim check, I get 17, if not [roll0]

[The_Snark]

Barham Leight

"Did it work?" Barham asks, feeling his way towards the chair cautiously. He tries not to be judgmental about the bones. It was a death goddess's temple, after all; it made sense that their places of power were strewn with the things of death.

Still, between the bones and the annoyance of trying to find a chair in pitch blackness... Barham sharpens his vision, letting himself see through the darkness.

True Seeing.

[ocato]

Grishak and Harkaitz
The vampire laughs and lunges. Grishak's spell strikes him directly in the face, turning into into a cloud of dust. For a few moments after his apparent death, you hear the echos of singing rattle through the small cabin.

Meovai and Ursa
You swim across the lake rather easily. Upon reaching the barge you pull yourselves from the water and take a moment to rest/dry off (the swim was fairly long and arduous, the coming autumn means the water was quite cold). While you take a moment, you see Brun sniffing about the barge, not necessarily in any direction. However after a few moments of rest, Meovai can't help but notice blood smeared on one of the doors of one of the buildings.

Barham
Your seeing illuminates both the chair and the runes carved into the floor and the wall behind the chair. There appears to be enough bones to make an army littering the floor in the room. Once you sit down, you feel your true seeing immediately fade. There is a pregnant pause where your mind feels attuned to the universe, and you feel like you can travel anywhere within the confines of your mind. The croaking voice of the high Priest shatters your focus: Find the Leaders of the Shipping Guild: Tomas Ubrencht, Garson Ulrend, Paris Jarvat, and Mikel Hartov. Tell me where they are or-- gods willing, how they died.

[Ascension]

Harkaitz

Harkaitz nods to Kanris in gratitude.

"Thank you, friend. I tried to sound intimidating, of course, but I'm really not very well equipped to deal with the undead... I need to see about perusing the Master's spellbook... perhaps he'd let me copy a few passages..."

[The_Snark]

Barham Leight

He nods, although the priestess cannot see it, and concentrates, using his oldest and most reliable line to the future: himself. It was not the way of seeing that most used, he knew, and perhaps it would not work in this place: but at least it would be fast, and he could move on if it failed.

Anachragnosis again. Question 1: Where are the leaders of the Shipping Guild?

[ocato]

Question 1: I think they died. But I don't know for sure-- I sure haven't seen em.

[The_Snark]

Barham

That isn't promising for that line of questioning. He doesn't give it up quite yet, though; he had some more personal questions for himself even if he couldn't tell him anything about the Shipping Guild. He asks his next mental question, just to make sure. So you couldn't tell me what they're up to, then.

[playswithfire]

Meovai

Well, that woke me up. But the way the bear's just sniffing around, I doubt we'll ... find ... that's blood over there. Getting slowly back to his feet, Meovai signals to Ursa to not make any noise and informs her quietly Blood, on that door over there. Could be another attack. Meovai moves quietly up to the door and attempts to hear what is happening on the other side.


Move Silently [roll0]
Listen [roll1]
If he hears a fight, he's kicking in the door and attempting to help.
Otherwise, he's opening the door quietly and will try to figure out what's going on.

[Meat Shield]

Grishak/Kanris

'Kanris' grunts his acknowledgment of Harkaitz's thanks, and hurries over to investigate the remains of the vampire.

"Check the room, he did not put those holes in his chest by himself. Maybe there is a clue as to who else is involved here."

The goblin digs into the ruined armor and clothing of the vampire, looking for anything useful.


Or, more specifically, any blood opals. Not expecting any, but that is the main goal. (Disintegrate specifically says only the creature is turned to dust, not his stuff, so any items should still be there)


After searching the remains, 'Kanris' eases over to the wall, leaning heavily against it with eyes closed, attempting to recover from the exertions against the vampire.


Full round action to recover psionic focus. If I have two rounds, I will recover both. Let me know how many I get.

Trying to keep track - since arriving on the barge, I have used touchsight, the two mind thrusts, and disintegrate right?

[Ascension]

Unless someone or something interrupts him, Harkaitz takes his sweet time combing the room for clues.

Taking 20 on Search for a result of 32.

[AmberVael]

Ka Yahn

Ka Yahn inclines his head respectfully, holding up a finger to signal a moment's pause as he leans down to listen to Gurb, as if wishing for council and advice. Ka Yahn smiles darkly at him.
"There was something you wanted to say?"

[ocato]

Barham
Question 2: They never came back to town. I can't say why f'sure.

Meovai and Ursa
Meovai listens closely, hearing faint movements but no signs of battle. As he opens the door slowly, the thick dusty air from within the building whisks out violently, then tries to shut the door again. The faint sound of movement can be heard.

Harkaitz and Grishak
Your search turns up nothing particularly interesting, except the vague signs of battle. You can't make out a timeline based on what you see or anything like that, but it's clear that only two or three people were involved-- other than the vampire. They drove him to the wall and struck at him with blades and magics, then left rather abruptly. This couldn't have happened more than an hour ago. Your search is interrupted by the faint sound of someone trying to open the door to the building.

Ka Yahn
Gurb looks at you and smirks. He whispers to you, Try to avoid appearing opportunistic, quick to anger, or otherwise diabolical. They're an upright lot with pretty big investments in honor and respectability. Also, if they probably won't hesitate to leave your body in the sea if you trigger their suspicion of non-flockmembers.

[AmberVael]

Ka Yahn

The demon nods his understanding. Idiot creatures then, blinded by fetters that they drape across themselves and display proudly. He'd guessed as much by their words already, but at least they have more to them than the whimpering cowards that had headed the Shipping Guild. Still, they were very much lesser beings...
He calculates and schemes, while smiling at the Raptorians.
"Your cause sounds worthwhile, but as you know, the best measure of a man lies in his actions and not his words. You have gained my interest, but I will withhold my support and stand as an observer beside Brother Gable until I truly understand how you work towards your cause and the full implications of it. I hope this will be understandable and acceptable for you?"
He takes a pose that is offering and yet submissive to their judgment- forwards, but not demanding.

[Meat Shield]

Grishak/Kanris

The hooded goblin turns sharply at the noises coming from the door. He grabs Harkaitz hears in his mind "Make ready, you control, I hammer, we run if the heat is too much."

At least I got a partial focus back, hopefully one will be enough. Ready, Solut?

As ever. This city has certainly not been dull.

True enough.

The elf and the goblin retreat into the shadows, waiting to see who else is interested in this dark place.


Touchsight still active
Energy Retort (Fire) active
Force Screen active
Assuming I have one psionic focus back

[Ascension]

Harkaitz

"I'm hardly even here..." Harkaitz whispers, right before he disappears from sight.

Greater Invisibility up.
Shield still active.

[Darius]

ooc: Editing post since I didn't read the entire thread yet.

Ursa and Brun

Ursa welcomes the swim. She had not the opportunity to wash off the road dust. Swimming in the chill water does not affect her in the least, for she is accustomed to such temperatures and her endure elements saves her from feeling the cold.

When warned by Meovai to be quiet, she nods in understanding and answers him using her preferred method of communication...mental speech, "I understand. I shall ask Brun to watch our escape."

Ursa looks at Brun and enters his mind as well. The bear takes up a position near the doorway.

Ursa then will follow after Meovai, her blindsense and blindsight affording her awareness of dangers in the darkness.


Stat Block

Ursa:
AC 33 (touch 26,flat 31)
HP 124
Fort: +16
Ref: +8
Will: +17 (+2 vs. fear; +4 vs. Fey)
30' move
Turn Undead Uses remaining (7)
30' blindsense
15' blindsight
+27 Listen
+21 Spot

Spells/Abilities in Effect
woodland stride
trackless step
venom immunity (poisons)

20th level Gr. Magic Fang (+5 bite)
20th level Gr. Magic Fang (+5 claws)

11th level longstrider
11th level endure elements
11th level listening lorecall
11th level greater resistance (extended to 48 hours)
11th level sirine's grace
11th level bite of the werebear

Brun - bear companion
AC 26 (touch 12, flat 23)
HP 108
Fort: +18
Ref: +12
Will: +9
50' move
Evasion
Low-light vision
Scent
+5 Listen
+8 Spot

Spells/Abilities in Effect
20th level Gr. Magic Fang (claws)

11th level longstrider
11th level greater resistance (extended to 48 hours)
11th level bite of the werebear

[The_Snark]

Barham

Barham marks that line of questioning off, but he has at least one more silent question for himself. It may not receive an answer; whatever the power of the room, it hasn't boosted the distance of the future-self he was speaking to. And what does the priestess intend to do with me in the long term?