Dragon-Quest: The Necronomicon

[BlueWizard]

Evil has been busy in these mountains. Many were blaming the drow, others the overlords, known by some as the ogre-mages.

Either way, unknown numbers of metal constructs had been raiding the countryside and killing innocents. Imperial enforcement in the county of Dafe' had gone lax in the Kingdom of Gateskeep. Evil priesthoods or nobles ruled the land, and were bent on carving their place in the world. No adventurer in their right mind would ever consider coming to this place unprepared. So when the archivist Lydia, put a call for the Museum of Arcane History, few answered it in the wilderness of Dafe'

Dafe' was a large city in the great island kingdom of Gateskeep. It was still remote enough that imperial magic sensors weren't a constant problem, and people could meet in private. Lydia was a representative of the museum and gathered you all in an old tower outside the city walls. It was nearly ruined and abandoned, when you got there a few men in chain mail greeted you outside before letting you in. You were told to go up the stairs to a room on the second floor with no roof. The rest of the tower looks to have been blasted off. You meet around a rotted table with makeshift chairs for the first time.

The museum curator who put Lydia up to this mission didn't want you to be seen leaving the city gates together. One warning the curator sent with his potential for the reward was to not rule out dragon alliances in this part of the world. Gateskeep was under a lot of chaotic rule and he wanted to consider the single most powerful race on the planet.

Along with Lydia is a team of people.

By the way, for the specialists that arrived, the reward for the return of the papers was 8000 gold each in trade...


The PCs:
Lydia- the archivist
Lockhart- a mighty orc
Nerissis- the changeling
Belsambor- an illusionist


OOC- Describe yourselves as you gather about this ruined tower's room. Lydia, you will have a map to a village, that is on the other side of the Kingdom of Gateskeep.

[Virgo]

Nerissis

There is a look characteristic to people who find themselves in a vaguely unpleasant situation. A slight narrowing of the eyes, a distinctive set to the jaw, and a tilt to the chin that suggests that, for whatever reason, the person in question is not amused.

As the dark-haired and handsome human male enters the little meeting room silently and gracefully, he decides that, perhaps, surveying his soon-to-be companions will yield better results than surveying this gods-forsaken tower. He remains standing, not trusting the chairs, and lays a casual hand on the rotting table, sweeping his acidic green eyes around the room and drinking in what he saw, absorbing the light and almost seeming to cast it back out as his own radiance.

His clothing is unsuited for the rough and crumbling environment; it's aristocratic clothing, an expensive-looking and impeccably tailored ensemble. Looking at the handsome young man, in fact, one's mind could get stuck on those words. It seems to be a perfect description for his cold beauty: Expensive-looking and impeccably tailored.

Nerissis examines the others in the room as they arrive, the chagrined look on his face abating, and rolls a gold ring between his fingers as he waits for somebody to say something in a manner that suggests he's waiting with interest to see who it will be.


Because your characters will probably be looking closely at Nerissis, you probably get a Spot check vs. his Disguise ([roll0]) to recognize an odd sort of muscular tension just beneath his flawless skin that suggests a certain changeling-ness.

[Lochar]

Belsambor enters the tower, and looks around interested, before heading up.

The short man looks to be of an eastern descent with darker, unblemished skin. Brown hair is closely cropped, but looks very well kept. Blue eyes meet the green of Nerissis, and he nods.

He is clothed in simple clothing. Brown leather breeches and overshirt, and a cotton undershirt is seen from the edges of the overshirt.

Smiling slightly, Belsambor addresses Nerissis. "I am Belsambor. You?" While speaking Common, his voice holds a fair accent of the eastern lands.

[Virgo]

Nerissis takes in the man's appearance neutrally, nodding gracefully in acknowledgment and smiling politely.

"Nerissis. It's a pleasure."

Pausing for a moment to run his fingers through his hair idly, he returns to fiddling with his ring.

"So tell me, Belsambor, what brings your attentions to this little task of ours? The promise of riches? Knowledge? Excitement?"

[Lochar]

"Duty." Belsambor smiles. "It is my most recent assignment, and I was specifically asked for. However, the chance for a bit of excitement is always fair game."

A moment later, a man, dressed in heavy armor comes up behind Belsambor. He salutes Belsambor. "Nothing strange in the general area."

Belsambor looks back at the man, nodding. "And this is supposed to be my bodyguard."

Hope you don't mind me abusing the NPC you gave me a bit, Blue.

[Virgo]

Nerissis looks blankly at the bodyguard, then back at Belsambor, eyes widening in what might either be genuine surprise or vague amusement.

"Oh, were we supposed to bring people? Well, I'll have to borrow a few from somewhere."

There's a flippancy to the phrase that might be troublesome, should Bel be a person who supports, say, the universal dignity of sentient life, or somesuch absurdity.

Nerissis returns to the point casually. "Bodyguard. So you're not exactly a juggernaut in melee combat yourself, then." He tempers the comment with a thin, joking smile.

[Lochar]

Belsambor ignores the tone of Nerissis' comment as he answers him. "He was assigned to me, I didn't request or bring him myself." Belsambor says, ignoring the affronted look on the man's face. "And no, while I am not a major melee combatant, I think it is a failure if I am in the thick of combat anyways."

[Virgo]

Nerissis smiles widely and wags a finger. "Aah. I quite agree with you on that front. Close combat is not my forte. Messy."

The man lapses into silence, staring up at the sky through the non-existant roof.

[sonofzeal]

Lockhart

You here him almost before you see him, a loud booming voice sweeping into the room directly in front of a loud booming orc. "What ho, fellow adventurers! I hope I haven't missed the fun yet!"

Rather on the sinuous end of the spectrum for an orc (which is, admittedly, not saying much), the fur-clad figure (http://www.thecinemasource.com/moviesdb/images/Dwayne_Johnson-9.jpg) bristles with a broad assortment of weapons culminating in a vicious looking spiked chain. His stance is broad and his smile is quick, suggesting a natural exuberance seen in few. A valknutr (the holy symbol of Odin, three triangles woven together in a single line) hangs from his neck, and raven feathers are braided into his surprisingly well-groomed hair.

"The name's Lockhart my friends, and I will be the one to keep you safe from the jaws that bite, the claws that catch! I know the wilds, and the beasts, and the sword. I know the use of fury and of cunning, and how the two may be used together. But enough about me! Let me know the form of your own might!"

[Virgo]

Nerissis winces slightly at Lockhart's enthusiasm, but smiles indulgently at his persistent cheerfulness. He's happy to see someone who can take a sold hit or two.

"I am Nerissis, and although cunning is the weapon that mostly drives my enchantments and powers, you mention the form of my might..."

With smooth shivering motion that travels from the crown of his head to his feet, Nerissis abruptly transforms into a beautiful, dark-haired and tanned woman, maintaining the acidic eyes of her male form. Her clothing obligingly shifts along with her shapely body, transforming itself into an adventuring-impractical but stunning black ballgown. She smiles.

"... And that is most variable."

[sonofzeal]

Lockhart

The orc chortles, great belly laughs shaking the room. "I see I have a most talented compatriot today! Yes, I too know the value of confusing the enemy, though I do it through noise and I suspect you do it through silence. Perhaps we will make a good team after all!"

[Lochar]

Belsambor immediately becomes more interested in Nerissis. "Illusion or Transmutation?" He asks.

To the loud one, he shakes his head. "I am an illusionist. I command the powers of occluding the senses."

[Virgo]

Nerissis smiles at Belsambor. She has a sinking feeling that he's suddenly more interested in her because she just changed shape and not because she's now a beautiful woman, but she'll take the attention she can get.

She quirks an eyebrow at him.
"Neither. I've a unique talent for borrowing faces." She holds out a graceful hand to him and turns it over to illustrate her point, looking amused. "There's no illusion here, just very careful muscle control. I'm quite real."

She turns slightly towards Lockhart. "Perhaps we will indeed, Lockhart." The way she says his name is deliberate and calculating, almost as if she's testing the shape and quality of the word, to see if it will hold up to some careful standard.

[BlueWizard]

The Ruined Tower of Dafe' County:

Lydia seems to be checking paperwork.

Belsambor's bodyguard sizes up the changeling. He definitely wants to impress her. "I'm a volunteer. Honored to work for Master Belsambor, he saved our grand university. My name's Arnett Longiron." He is of mixed Yuanese/imperial descent. {Asian/Mediterranean}



OOC- Hoping Mangy posts soon, but never fear the adventure shall continue regardless.
Lochar: As for roleplaying the bodyguard not a problem. :smallcool:

[Virgo]

Nerissis casts a casual glance at the bodyguard, and gives him a charming half smile. "Arnett," she says, exploring the name the say way she did Lockhart's, experimenting with the cadence. "It's a pleasure, Arnett."

She leans against the edge of the table and casually adjusts her hair, slipping easily into the attitude of a noblewoman discussing idle gossip over lunch.

"Saved your university? Well. And with illusions, no less. Our Belsambor must indeed be formidable." She opens her eyes wide and dramatically, not particularly malevolent, but gently needling the bodyguard and the illusionist, testing their mettle.

[sonofzeal]

Lockhart

Another vibrant laugh echoes in the room. Such amusing characters! The blue-eyed man seemed uncomplicated but professed to subtlety, an intriguing combination. And the green-eyed one... ah, there was one to watch! He would enjoy betting with the bodyguard on the little rivalries between the two subtle ones. Would the man bet against his own ward? Lockhart's eyes dance between the three of them, watching for the subtle signs of swinging dominance that his kind excelled in over all other social arts.

[BlueWizard]

"Master Belsambor can do a lot more than illusionary spells." Arnett says proudly about the illusionist. Arnett is impressed with the Nerissis as his eyes light up just looking at her. He does look carefully at Nerissis trying to figure her out. "So, what are you? Man or woman? Cause... I like your shape right now." He gives her a little bit of the raised eyebrow.

When Lockhart sizes this man up he can tell that Arnett is a confident warrior by the way he struts, but doubts that the fighter could match Lockhart for strength.

[Mangy Mathan]

Lady Lydia Cross

"This." The elegant, vaguely oriental woman interrupts. She places a piece of ragged parchment on the table, rotates it around, and slides it towards you. On it is a rough sketch of what appears to be an elaborate leather tome with strangely shaped clasps and corners. The paper's margins are covered with strange sigils and incomprehensible writing. "This is why I brought you here."

"This tome, called the Necronomicon, is a tome of unspeakable evil. Know that by calling it such, I am underemphasizing. This book may very well be crafted from evil in its solidified form and scrawled across its ancient pages are the musings of Evil itself." She glances at a silent and stoic orc to her side, dressed in a polished chainmail shirt with pants, gauntlets, and a hood all crafted from brown leather. He gazes back, saying nothing. She turns back to you. "We are of the mind that the only reason this grimoire has continued to exist is because the gods themselves are afraid to touch it."

The ancient wooden chair creaks as she leans back, her chest rising and falling beneath her scholastic purple robe as she takes in the cool air of the tower, staring at the sky. "It was stolen." She sighs painfully. "By who, I do not know. I need you all to help me get it back. This sudden uprising of... shall we call it... unpalatable creatures is no mere chance. I believe darkness has stirred because of the book's presence. Unfortunately, if it were simply the Necronomicon's presence, the evil would be random and unordered, which does not seem to be the case."

"Someunn's yoozin it." Her companion growls.

Lydia nods in solemn agreement, her long black hair falling around her face. "Things are going to get worse if we don't stop it, and they'll do it fast."

I like how no one even tried to roll a spot after that epic disguise check.

Also, I hope I didn't say something that was stupid or didn't fit.

[sonofzeal]

Lockhart

The towering orc takes the moment of silence to peer over at the sketch. "Heh. Doesn't look so bad." He looks up at Lydia. "I suppose next you will tell us that it cannot be destroyed. Would make the job a lot easier, to destroy the thing when we find it. And I suppose whoever is using it expects angry people to come and try to stop them. It is much more fun to befuddle those who do not know what to expect, than those who already expect the worst. Still," and here he flexes dramatically, "I suppose with all the monsters loose that there will be more than enough to keep me entertained. And with any luck I will have subtle Belsambor and pretty Nerissis to lighten the mood should the going get rough. I for one am in!"

[Virgo]

Nerissis

The sides of Nerissis' eyes crinkle slightly, and she quirks the side of her mouth slightly at Arnett. "Well, thank you, Arnett, that's very kind of you to say. I am what I wish to be." She pauses, and adjusts her body in an almost imperceptible way, a tilt to the chin, a narrowing of eyes, that should send excited shivers down Arnett's spine as she looks at him. "Or, of course, what others wish me to be."

She drops whatever exactly it was she was implying to Arnett almost disconcertingly fast as Lydia speaks and becomes practical and businesslike. Taking the sketch, she looks at it idly before holding it out to Belsambor. She addresses the group.

"Well, chasing after a lost library book is hardly the most sensible occupation in the world, but I suppose that's what we do. I'm in, of course." She looks at Lockhart. "Please keep the book intact if you're the first one to find it?"

[Lochar]

I swear to god that I had posted to this. Stupid forum ate my post.

"A book such as that should not exist. Such an evil should not have a physical form." Belsambor shakes his head. "I will help to recover this book, but not to put it back under guard. Such a thing should be destroyed, or separated and cast to the four winds."

[Virgo]

Nerissis

The woman looks briefly at Lydia for support, then focuses on Belsambor.

"I was under the impression that we were being paid to retrieve it, not to destroy it. Who knows what powerful magic is bound up in there? It's an ill thing to run around heedlessly destroying priceless artifacts of ineffable evil. Once we return it to the museum, they can examine it and determine if there is indeed a safe way to do away with it, if that's what you want."

[Mangy Mathan]

Lady Lydia Cross

The scholar shakes her head. "It hasn't been destroyed because we are unaware as to how it can be done. Do you really believe no holy knight, no priest of all that is good, has tried? The best we can do for now is keep it under lock and key." She rises, and begins pacing around the ruined furniture. "Obviously, that's not a perfect plan, as we now have seen. So I must ask you, are you certain you wish to help? This book and anyone who would desire it are far more dangerous than I can stress. Though, you have already shown great courage just by meeting me here." She stops, and suddenly her fair face contorts into a look of deep thought, followed by a smile and a shake of the head. She giggles. "My name is Lydia Cross. I work for the Museum of Arcane History, specializing in divine texts and tomes of black magic. I apologize for not introducing myself properly earlier, I... I guess I got a little ahead of myself."

She points to the silent orc in the corner. "This is my friend Killian." He nods crudely, seemingly unfond of the sudden attention.

"These fellows," She says, turning her attention to a small group of who appear to be simple tradesmen and scholars, "Are my associates from the Museum. They have been charged by our employers to see to the more mundane aspects of this mission, such as weapon maintenance, animal grooming, and supply acquisition, allowing us to focus completely on the Necronomicon."

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Nerissis pokes Belsambor in the arm with a delicate finger and leans over to him, whispering "I think she just called you stupid."

She surveys the Museum crew, including Lydia and Killian, noting with a quick glance their mannerisms and comfort levels. She smiles jokingly at Lydia and throws her arms in the air in mock exasperation. "Well, in the name of the Empire, did everyone but me bring people? Really."

Extending a graceful arm, she holds out her pack to Arnett. "Would you mind carrying this, my dear?"

[sonofzeal]

Lockhart

"Well now! We have a missing book to find, but do not know who took it or where they are? I say we head where the trouble is and start hurting things until one talks. Perhaps our subtle friend could illude some formidable beast, or our pretty friend could work her charms. Perhaps, if the foes prove recalcitrant, we could take turns each within our own idioms. I would enjoy watching Nerissis at her sport!"

[BlueWizard]

The Ruined Tower:
Arnett gladly takes Nerissis' pack, and slings it over his shoulder, next to his. "A little awkward. If we get into a tiff, I might drop it." He says politely. Nerissis can tell one thing is on his mind right now, and it isn't guarding Belsambor.

One last person will step from the shadows, actually lowering herself down from the wall as if she were spider-man. {Whoever that is... :smallbiggrin:} A shapely, lithe young woman dressed in all black leather. Currently she wears a black leather ninja-type mask with black gloves to match. Not even Lydia has realized the rogue had shown up. Lydia knows the woman by name, Nerissis will recognize a voice from her past. "What Nerissis? Don't tell me you don't recognize me?"

Lockhart will know this woman as she slips off her mask from his days in the guild, but not that well. It is Greta. She is fairly attractive, but what makes her sexy is her smooth, limber movement as she strides in to greet you all. "I just want to make sure I know who I'm gonna hang with before I let them see me. We do need to start with trust here..." She has long brown hair in a pony tail, she shakes out, and dark piercing brown eyes.

To the rest and Arnett she speaks, "I am Greta Honor. Pleased to meet you. And Arnett, watch out for this one..." Turning she gives Nerissis a mysterious, but playful look. :smallamused:
She'll look to Lydia the team leader. "Good to finally meet you. Ready to roll when you are."


OOC- All speeches look good to me Mangy. :smallcool:

[Lochar]

Belsambor is used to having to prove others wrong, so just shakes his head at Nerissis, before chuckling slightly at the sight of Arnett.

[Virgo]

Nerissis

She smiles at Arnett with vague amusement. "Duly noted."

Nerissis displays no surprise at Greta disentangles herself from the shadows, not because she isn't surprised, but because she was trained to take everything in stride. Nonetheless, she smiles back with genuine pleasure at the ninja-like figure.

"Well, Greta, it's been a while!" She looks her old acquaintance up and down, and smiles confidentially and wryly. "It looks as if I should re-examine including leather catsuits in my wardrobe. It works for you. Well done."

When the rogue speaks to Arnett, Nerissis rolls her eyes good-naturedly. "Oh, shush."

She appears ready to go as well.

[BlueWizard]

The crew of Lydia is ready, and everything is packed. They even have some extra iron rations, in case things got serious. The distinct taste of the preserved food, may have to be considered.

The museum presumes the journey will be on foot and none of the crew has horses, unless pack animals are needed. The museum will consider sending a couple if needed, but thus far it shall be at a walking pace all that feed could get heavy. {Besides horses get attacked and can die...}

Greta pulls close to Nerissis and eyeballs Lockhart. Then says, so the both of them can hear. "Look out for this lot. He's a wild one alright." She gives Lockhart a once over, and personal nod. "Lockhart. I'm glad the jungle didn't swallow you up."
She being a smart-alec.

When the group is ready, the crew will lead the rest down the stairs, and out of the tower. The two soldiers outside will stay when the group leaves, nodding silent good-byes when you go. These men are from the museum as guards of the ruined tower, Lydia knows them.

When you are set, Lydia's map quite easy to follow.

[sonofzeal]

Lockhart

The jolly orc laughs again. "The jungle, swallow me up? It would be better to bet on the reverse!" With that, he quickly double-checks his gear and heads out ready to leave.

[BlueWizard]

You will be headed away from the eastern coastal city of Dafe', and to the farside of Gateskeep to the West.
With steadfast duty, the crew of Lydia gets things moving slowly, but surely. Such a large group caused things to take a lot longer to move along.

[Mangy Mathan]

Lady Lydia Cross

"So nice of you to join us." Lydia chides when she notices Greta emerge from the darkness. She smiles as the others joke and prod each other, somewhat envious. If only they knew what she knew.

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

Lydia keeps herself focused on the task at hand, constantly peeking into her grimoire as the group sets out. Sticking out from the pages at odd angles are maps, diagrams, and other loose sheets that she stuck in haphazardly. As you pass under the shadows of trees, you notice that her crooked staff has a lantern hanging from it that appears to be lit with a pale blue light.

After a time, she turns around, and walks backwards for a moment. "Thank you all for coming with me. If you need anything, such as food, water, or rest, please speak up." She says. She takes a good look at each of her new allies, smiles, and turns back around, saying nothing else.

"Wish I had prepared Divination this morning." She mutters to herself.

Lydia's team is currently in possession of three mules and accompanying carts, should anyone wish to deposit their unneeded gear.

Not to mention a whole host of other useful items I bought for them, including masterwork tools for whatever crafts they have. Lydia is a benevolent goddess queen team leader.

[BlueWizard]

It is mid-Spring when you set out. A fairly cool day, and you can still feel the ocean breeze at your backs as you walk toward the hills in the west.
The map says journey may take a week or more depending on your journey.

[Virgo]

Nerissis

The changeling's ballgown shifts to a slightly more wilderness-appropriate, but still courtly, silky dress as the group begins their duty. After a short while of walking, Nerissis walks up to the front of their procession and walks next to Lydia, smiling quietly.

"You seem rather sober, Lydia. Isn't this what you've trained for and anticipated for some time?"

[BlueWizard]

OOC- I reward roleplay with XP bonuses, but I also try to keep the story rolling.
Since I'll be gone for two days, feel free to roleplay conversations along the way.

The 1st Day:
Much of the day was gone by the time everyone was ready to go. Luckily, Lydia's crew was all set by the time you guys arrived. Some made a basic walk from the city of Dafe', other straight portal jumped, and some in other mysterious methods of travel. Either way it wasn't until late morning before you were on your way. {OOC- I'd allow expenses to be paid for your arrival here, but regardless you are at your PC's current wealth.:smallwink:}

You encounter few people out this way. Mostly grape farmers, and some apple orchards. The farmer folk are probably free peasants, though they still own slaves. A sign of the times that the 'evil' Empire still reigns supreme in this kingdom. A large minotaur with a silver neckbrace sees you pass as he digs in a field. He pauses for a moment to look, and gives a snort and a nod of respect to you as you pass.

Most of the land is mixed Yuan-Imperial people, who steer clear of you all.

Night comes quickly, and Lydia's map has a convenient location marked for a woods to camp. It is surrounded by farmer cottages, and rumored to have wolves. Lydia's large dangerous looking group will likely even cause the wolves to avoid them.

OOC- Mangy contact me about the followers.

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Nerissis was borrrrrred.

For all her flippancy, she wasn't a naturally flighty person; rather, once she set her mind on something she'd have it done no matter the obstacles in the way. But she wasn't a person who tended to appreciate pastoral beauty in person. The landscape they were passing would be something she'd much rather be seeing in a painting, securely ensconced by a civilized city.

After she got tired of walking, she perched on the side of one of the wagons for a while, surveying the group. A fun bunch, but quiet. Well, Lockhart wasn't quiet, of course, but whatever. She amuses herself by flirting with Arnett and making little illusory scenes in the palm of her hand, manipulating them absently as the group travels.

[Lochar]

Belsambor

Walking down the roads, Belsambor watches the people, not saying a word. When the minotaur nods, Belsambor raises a hand back in acknowledgment.

Seeing Nerissis playing with an illusion though, he moved to her. "Interesting." He says in regards to her scene. "Have you seen the larger varieties of that spell?"

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Nerissis looks up. "Hm? Oh, yes. I've not invested much study in illusions, of course, but I'm certainly proficient with Major Image and the like." She looks levelly at the master illusionist, shrugging gracefully.

"There's something so temporary about illusions that I don't like. Ephemeral and fleeting little things that they are, I find it hard to put any stock in most of them."

[Mangy Mathan]

Lady Lydia Cross

Lydia stops suddenly when the minotaur gazes at her. She stares into its eyes with a look of sadness and pity, then suddenly breaks away and continues on as if she didn't notice it.

"You seem rather sober, Lydia. Isn't this what you've trained for and anticipated for some time?"

"No, actually, it's not." Lydia responds. "I spent most of my life with my face stuck in a book. The only times I've ever been outside of the walls of a city were at an excavation site. I never expected that I would be the one out here if the worst case scenario happened. Unfortunately, it did, and they picked me. I guess it's because I'm the most knowledgeable about the thing. I read the tomes no one else would read, cast the spells my colleagues shied away from. I even considered deciphering the Necronomicon myself. But learning about the undead and evil spirits is a lot different than experiencing them." Suddenly realizing she's rambling to a perfect stranger, she grins and sighs. "I just want to get this over with as quickly and as smoothly as possible."

"I could ask similarly of you." She yaps with an inquisitive raise of the brow. "Why are you so chipper when one of the most evil artifacts known is loose?"

[Lochar]

Nerissis

Nerissis looks up. "Hm? Oh, yes. I've not invested much study in illusions, of course, but I'm certainly proficient with Major Image and the like." She looks levelly at the master illusionist, shrugging gracefully.

"There's something so temporary about illusions that I don't like. Ephemeral and fleeting little things that they are, I find it hard to put any stock in most of them."

Belsambor

"Illusions may be temporary, but they can create a lasting effect in people. If I were to create an illusion of a wall over a door, and someone who had never been past that wall before saw it, he would expect a wall. I drop the illusion later on, and he passes by it once more. Does he believe the door, or the wall he saw the first time?"

Belsambor grins. "But beyond that, I have been researching ways to permanently place an illusion, one that you need not continue concentrating on to maintain it's life. Something beyond what is known as the Permanent Image. Something that cannot be dispelled, and draws upon your belief to strengthen itself."

He shrugs. "I touched upon it once. And now I continue to search for it."

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Nerissis looks down from her seat on the cart at Belsambor. "The Permanent Image, hmmm? Something that feeds back on your pre-existing ideas to strengthen itself? That sounds to me, Bel - may I call you Bel? It sounds to me, Bel, as if you're describing the psyche itself." She taps her temple with a flawless finger. "A mind is the most powerful source of rationalization, deceit, lies, trickery, uncertainty, and conviction in the multiverse. I find it much simpler to bypass the illusory trickery and get down to business with a creature's thoughts." She crosses her legs. "Through magical or mundane means."

She turns to Lydia and look amused. "So you're the intellectual loner, hm? The girl at the Museum who was always in the backroom reading the tomes bound in the skin of sentient creatures?" She laughs merrily. "It's no wonder they sent you, Lydia; the best case scenario is that you actually return the book to them, and the worst case is that you stop creeping them all out because you never return at all!"

She chuckles for a few moments, then returns to smiling merrily. "I'm 'so chipper,' as you put it, because that thought doesn't particularly faze me. As I told Bel, I find people at least casually interesting, and there's no better place to find interesting people than out on crazy, crazy missions." She shrugs and smiles brilliantly at Lydia, giving the woman an appraising (and, if Lydia is a modest person, perhaps slightly invasive) up-and-down look. "Naturally, I have other reasons, but I'm sure I'm hardly alone in that."

[Lochar]

Belsambor

Nodding, Belsambor agrees a bit. "Yes, but enchantments can be stripped from the mind, or even stopped before they touch the mind with other spells. An external illusion, something you must find out for yourself is false, does not intrude upon the mind."

[Virgo]

Nerissis

The woman wags a gentle finger at Beslambor from on high.

"Well, now, that's why we have things like 'love' and 'trust,' isn't it? Far more permanent."

[BlueWizard]

Evening comes too quickly for Lydia's tastes. She knew she had many more days of field work, and this was to be her first night out on this gig.


{OOC- I just have a moment at my hotel. I think a watch should be set, feel free to use the followers, but they will want an adventurer to watch with them. Extra eyes are always good though. As well as a watch, we should set a party marching order.... I'll be back Tuesday!}

[Virgo]

Nerissis

As they make camp, Nerissis looks around blandly. "Well. I suppose in lieu of civilization, we must arrange our own security."

She crosses her arms, not volunteering, and looks to Lydia.

OOC- Just assign Nerissis to some watch. As long as she gets 8 hours' rest to take care of her spells, we're golden. :smallbiggrin:

[sonofzeal]

Lockhart

The raven-haired orc returns to the group from a jog, sweat beading on his chest, and unfurls his bedroll on the open ground. He's been silent through the day's travels, but now speaks to Lydia, catching her while the others are out of earshot. "This book we seek, the Necronomicon. It seems that, for such a powerful artifact, you have told us little of its powers or the manner in which it was stolen. If you wish not to panic the others, then that is your choice. But by Hugin and Munin, tell me now if you know any more than what you have already said!"

He looks around him, dark eyes piercing the dusk. "I follow the Allfather, he who gave his left eye for wisdom, and who hung from world tree for nine days to gain knowledge. Fury, served by Thought and Memory. As a dealer in runes, you must see the incantation contained herein. And by this incantation, I tell you - speak now, and I will sound my horn when the time comes. But if I find that you knew and did not tell, I make no such promises."

If Lydia is as well-read as I think she is, she'll catch some of the allusions in the second paragraph. Specifically, in Norse Myth, Odin (whose name mean "fury") is served by two ravens, Hugin ("thought") and Munin ("memory"), who fly through the world and whisper its secrets in his ears. Lockhart is alluding to a paradigm in which true rage is a product of wisdom and knowledge (rather than the conventional paradigm of mindless, illiterate barbarians), suggesting that he cannot or will not fight at full strength, without the best information available.

Also, the entire Norse myth cycle is thoroughly tied up with the prophesy of Ragnarök, a climactic battle against evil in which all combatants die, and which is signaled by the "gjallarhorn". Lydia would hopefully realize then that, to Lockhart, "sounding his horn" signals a willingness to fight even a suicidal battle if the cause is just, and is a convoluted way of saying that even dire news on their odds would not deter him... if she earns his trust.

[BlueWizard]

Five of the large crew had yet to be introduced officially, but through the evening you had a better chance to acquaint yourself with them.
Laucil, was a man that was part elf. Though he clearly lost any connection with his elven culture, he had retained some of their grace in his smooth movements. He seemed to deal with the mules and gear.
Portia looked like a little girl, but was truly a halfling. Not many hobbits were around, most of the tribes had been slain. At least now the hobbits were allowed to live in some human lands.
Floki was sturdy fellow, who seemed to do much of Laucil's lifting, along with an armed dwarf, named Nogar, who seemed to be more of a guard for the mules than anything.
Thorgerd, was not an attractive assistant of Lydia, and dealt with the paper work and the extra books{and scrolls} they had brought along. As the camp is set up, Thorgerd insists upon telling the worst jokes possible, so bad they aren't funny and even offensive. "So, these two orcs walk into a bar, and the bartender says, 'Use the door!' Bwah! Hahahhahaha!!" She laughs very loudly at herself.
The hobbit seems to have a thing for Laucil, and dances for him as he sings to entertain their group at supper.

The night will pass in peace. Though those on watch would've heard wolves snooping around in the woods.

OOC-
10 hours is common for parties to rest. If this is cool, it is now morning.
{Cue- bird songs of the valley...}

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Nerissis mostly sits around while other take care of the camp, idly enjoying the morning sun and moving gracefully through different forms and outfits as if deciding on clothing for the day. He settled on a handsome, golden-eyed male grey elf form, and casually waits for the others to finish up their morning tasks.

At the point that he gets tired of sitting, he wanders over to Arnott and flirts with him out of equal parts boredom and curiosity to see if he's attractive enough even as a male to sway the swarthy fighter.

[Mangy Mathan]

Lady Lydia Cross

The archivist is busy setting up a perimeter around the camp with what appears to be common sticks with a cool, blue flame on one end. She sticks one in the ground, fire up, as Lockhart approaches. She listens as he speaks, her eyes glittering with tiny blue lights. "I wish I could tell you more, friend, but I can't tell you what I don't know. Much of what is believed about the Necronomicon is hearsay and rumors, and I would hate to fill your head with lies and fabrications. I'll prepare some divinations in the morning, and we can know more."

She places a reassuring hand on Lockhart's shoulder. "Try not to let it worry you too much." She removes her hand, looks at it, and wipes it on her robe. She chuckles. "That must have been quite a run you took."

Sweaty orc is sweaty. Also, nice references. :smallsmile:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lydia takes the morning watch, relaxing for her spells as she watches the sun rise. When she's done preparing, she sets up a picnic area near the fire, mumbling gibberish that is quite obviously a spell. With bags and pitchers placed neatly around the cloth, she says her final words, and with a flick of her wrist, the bags inflate, as if something appeared inside. "Breakfast is ready!" She calls to everyone in a cheerful, motherly tone.

Cast Create Food and Water. Everyone's got enough food and water to last for the day, now. Also, I updated my prepared spells for the day. Now all I have to do is figure out what to ask for the Divination.

[BlueWizard]

Arnett actually smiles when Nerissis comes on to him as an elf.
{OOC- Good roll!} "So.. uh... you can be anything?" A big smirk comes over his face. Belsambor can tell he's lost the attention of his bodyguard.

Thorgerd tries to make fun of Lydia, with a chant. "So, who's the boss that feeds us crap. Feeds up crap? Who's the boss who feeds us tack? Feeds us tack? Come on guys. Seriously, it has no flavor." She sprinkles salt on it.

Laucil blushes, and tries to cover for the offensive Thorgerd. "Don't be silly. This stuff is mana from heaven. We love you, Lyd!" He tries his best to charm Lydia, to not take offense at Laucil.
Her excellent book work, barely matching her annoying presence.

The group heads onward into the hills. By noon the farms are more spread out, and the people you pass are few.

[sonofzeal]

Lockhart

Lockhart guffaws at Thorgerd's comments. "This was much more funny than your last joke! Though perhaps not as you intended, my funny friend!"

He turns to the others to explain. "Orcish tribes understand humour differently than humans do. Among humans, a joke is a sudden and unexpected revelation of information - that the 'bar' was a metal bar, not a place for drinks. Among Orcs, a joke is a sudden and unexpected revelation of weakness - that our bawdy friend here has a poor tolerance for the simpler foods. A good joke indeed!" With that, he takes a healthy spoonful of gruel and winks at Lydia.

[BlueWizard]

Nogar the dwarf rolls his eyes at the orc. "Listen here, my friend. If you hadn't spent the last two weeks in her bunk room, you can't speak of knowing her humor. This lady thinks farting is a way to start a joke."
Thorgerd guffaws at this.

In the early afternoon you will pass a trading caravan. Several wagoners look sullen as they drive their train of 5 wagons by. The passengers and contents unknowns, as they are covered and closed up. It looks like a lot of money had gone into their expedition.

[Mangy Mathan]

Lady Lydia Cross

"Really?" She asks, ignoring the jokes aimed at her and instead turning her attention to Lockhart. "I did not know that about orcs. Truth be told, I never even wondered if perhaps orcs had a different kind of humor." She shrugs. "Different cultures, different views."

[sonofzeal]

Lockhart

"Indeed! Each race will see things perhaps a little differently, though many would seek to deny it. For my people, we see a group like this as a tribe of sorts, and in a tribe one must support the chieftain unless one wishes to become the chieftain themself. Humans, it seems, relish the chance to undermine eachother at every opportunity, but among the orcs such behaviour would not be tolerated! Though, I suppose the orcish custom of publically challenging the leader to a contest is equally distasteful among humans. I myself have been long enough in mixed lands that I may see it both ways, though I always remember in which direction my true nature lies!"

[Virgo]

Nerissis

The elf grins at Arnett. "Any humanoid you can imagine." He shoots a self-satisfied glance at Belsambor, as well; if the illusionist is paying attention, it translates roughly to 'Just try and dispel this.'

Nerissis takes an interest in the mercantile caravan, watching it approach and then recede into the distance. As if he needed a reminder that they were only getting farther from civilized lands.

[BlueWizard]

The caravan of wagons fears your group, and hurries along as it passes. They take no interest in even looking at you.

The day passed quickly as you traveled West into the Hills. The sun is low on the horizon before you know it. You are still in lands populated by humans, but the road had become a smaller dirt trail.

Portia, the hobbit, is a little more perturbed than normal this evening. Laucil will be seen trying to comfort her with his soft singing voice. Nogar, Floki, and Thorgerd perhaps drink a bit too much ale that Nogar had stashed. Floki and Nogar will actually laugh at Thorgerd's loud obnoxious jokes this evening.

[Virgo]

Nerissis

As they make camp for the evening, Nerissis makes certain he remains tauntingly in Arnett's thoughts by giving him a little goodnight kiss on the cheek.

He wanders over to Laucil and Portia, noting the halfling's distress, and sits down next to her, smiling compassionatly. "Portia, isn't it? What's the matter, my dear?"

[Lochar]

Belsambor

Shaking his head at Nerissis, Bel just grins. "Don't addle his mind too much. I'd like for at least three quarters of his mind to be on his duties." Bel then grins at Arnett. "And you, give her hell."

He chuckles before helping to set up camp for the evening.

[BlueWizard]

Portia, the halfling, seems comforted by Nerissis presence much to Laucil's disappointment. He does stay seated near her. She whispers softly, there is fear in her eyes. "I had a dream last night... I saw the deaths of the hobbits who once lived in these lands... they want me to strike revenge... but... the danger is beyond my power..."

Laucil adds more to get Nerissis' attention, "She moaned all last night."

Floki laughs with Thorgerd who adds, "Don't be braggin' now Lauce." Even Nogar smirks.

Greta and Arnett will wander over following Nerissis. He/She does draw a lot of attention, however Lydia definitely feels no threat to her leadership of the followers.

The night is already here again, and you barely know everyone.

Greta will cozy up with Nerissis if she can. She hopes in male form, but will take either. Many of the crew may become jealous.

Arnett will dejectedly sit next to Belsambor, but will try to get a good look at whatever Greta and Nerissis may or may not get into.

OOC- I had a thought on Thorgerd's -2 in comedy-perform. For some added fun, if you ever feel like inserting something not funny, and an attempt at humor, feel free to speak for Thorgerd. She is quite chaotic, I think.

[Virgo]

Nerissis

The changeling lifts Portia's chin up with a finger and looks reassuringly into her eyes. "Strength, my dear." He gives Laucil a gentle, reassuring pat on the shoulder and moves away again, not dignifying Thorgerd's joke with a response.

With Greta and Arnett trailing him, he finds Lydia and relates the story. "I hardly feel the need to express that this should confirm much of your speculation about the book." He quirks her lips into something like a wry, sarcastic smile. "My deepest congratulations."

Nerissis shrugs at Arnett and motions towards Belsambor. "Maybe another time, then." In almost the same smooth motion, he nods to Greta and they retire. Nerissis casually and gracefully yields to the rogue's advances.

[OOC- If people (PC or NPC) want to chat more with Nerissis, we can simply play it as happening before the last paragraph. I've no problem with it. :smalltongue:]

[BlueWizard]

Portia is relieved by Nerissis attentions, and then shocked as Greta and Nerissis get down to business in the middle of camp. Floki leans into the hobbit, "Reminds me... you ever got with a human?"
Portia nearly slaps him and moves her bedding closer to Laucil. This makes the half-elf relax and he snuggles up with her... he continues to sing softly in her ear as they fall to sleep.

Greta would love to dominate Nerissis, and makes no qualms about being on splay display for Arnett or who ever else wanted to watch.

The second night is colder, and more wolves can be heard howling.

[Virgo]

Nerissis

The handsome elf grins lopsidedly once things reach a certain point and stops Greta. "I think we should perhaps take this to a more private venue." He tilts his head towards the woods and, if Greta doesn't object, moves them both to the shadowy periphery of camp, to a place with a little more cover; Arnett would still be able to see them if he wanted, but he'd have to leave Belsambor's side rather obviously.

Nerissis seems to be rather enjoying himself, but won't submit to Greta. One gets the sense that regardless of form or gender, that's never his (or her) style.

[Mangy Mathan]

Lady Lydia Cross

"Don't worry, Portia. Dreams are the playgrounds of shadows, in which our target deals deeply. Remember that for in the morning."

Lydia snags Nerissis by the arm as she heads away with Greta, and locks eyes with an unusual seriousness. "What you do is your business, but I must ask you. Do not let your dealings disrupt the mission, or there will be hell to pay." She glares for a moment, then returns to her more chipper self. "Otherwise, enjoy." She smiles, and begins to walk away.

[Virgo]

Nerissis is snagged by Lydia.

"I wouldn't dream of letting business get in the way of my pleasure. Or pleasure getting in the way of my business." He pauses. "The line's gotten rather thin, really. But rest assured, Lady Lydia, we share a common purpose. This may seem like a pleasant diversion to you, but it is my medium. People," he says, smiling, "are my books, and my spells, and my weapons."

He inclines his head to her. "Good evening."

[BlueWizard]

Greta will be disappointed, but goes with Nerissis into the woods. There will be noises coming from this region for some time, so the watch is difficult for the first hour. Luckily, nothing marched in from the dark woods.

OOC- If the group is ready another night can pass.

Nerissis will feel particularly limber this morning from his morning warm-up behind the rocks with Greta. {OOC- No bonus though, since Nerissis was actually overwhelmed by Greta. She's uber-talented.}

Those of you setting up for morning hike will hear horses approaching from the East. {From whence you came.} It will be 8 imperial riders, armed soldiers with green coat of arms with red dragon on the chest. Not the colors of the kingdom. They will stop and address the party when and if they are seen. They ride reddish brown mares.

[Virgo]

Nerissis

The changeling is suitably impressed with Greta, and looks at her with a modicum of new respect. For the day, Nerissis has settled on the form of the black haired woman she used in the crumbling tower.

As the imperial riders approach, Nerissis watches them and, squinting, searches her memory for the heraldry they wear. She crosses her hands in front of her, left over right, briefly eclipsing the gold ring she wears.


Know (Nobility): [roll0]

[BlueWizard]

The green with red colors are that of the empire, they have their forces spread into many kingdoms. Gateskeep forces usually had other colors depending on the county. Nerissis knows a lot more than this simple knowledge. In fact she could tell what rank these men were. The highest ranking soldier here is a sergeant. Ethnically they look to be from the center of the empire with tan skin and dark hair. The men are all impressed at seeing Nerissis.
"Hello." says the sergeant, pleased to be gazing at Nerissis. "What brings you out this way?" The other riders warily look over the group.

[Mangy Mathan]

Lady Lydia Cross

As the soldiers approach, Lydia motions to her company to stay quiet. Killian flips up his hood and tries to avoid letting his ethnicity ruin relations. He glances at Lockhart expectantly.

"Oh, not much." Lydia says dismissively. "You know us traveling types; always looking for ancient relics of untold power. What about you, if you don't mind me asking? What brings such strapping men out here to the woods?"

[roll0] (If necessary).

[BlueWizard]

The sergeant is a swarthy, hairy fellow, with a bushy mustache. He takes off his helmet and gives the best smile he can to Lydia, he can sense her leadership qualities. "You an Artifact Hunter are you? Well, we like your type... if you serve the Empress!" He looks carefully at her.
"Do you seek the Horn of Heimdall or something...? As for our business, THIS is it. We ride around and ask the questions. YOU answer them. I go home and get paid."

[Mangy Mathan]

Lady Lydia Cross

"Well, it's nice to see the Empire cares about its people. Not many countries have patrols like this." Lydia lazily fidgets with her crooked staff. "We're actually looking for magic scrolls and tomes, you know... ancient library stuff." She points towards one of the wagons. "Are you boys hungry or thirsty? We just finished breakfast and we have leftovers. Might as well not let them go to waste."

[BlueWizard]

The Sergeant is convinced, and seems dismayed by Lydia's answer. "Books! Hmf!? Sounds boring."
When offered food, he nearly accepts when he notices that the food is priest holy rations, he declines. "Nope. I only eat meat."

After this he seems eager to continue, and readies his men. He does pause to look at the hobbit as they prepare to ride off. "How much you want for the halfling whore? I'll give you 20 gold for a go at her right now."

[Mangy Mathan]

Lady Lydia Cross

Lydia glares with a sudden seriousness. "My companions are NOT for sale."

[BlueWizard]

The Sergeant reveals what little affection he had for Lydia has left, "Foreigners! Come on men! H-yah!" With an angry sniff they ride off.

Portia thanks Lydia quietly.

Laucil is louder about it, "You know Lydia. You are a great, great person. Odes will be written to your deeds, and the gods..."

"Alright!" Nogar the dwarf groans, "She's great, but you don't have to clambor all over her ass to kiss it. You'll get your nose all brown!"

The group can continue packing to go, and head off in short time.

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Nerissis nonchalantly uncrosses her hands and returns to packing her few things, giving her bag again to Arnett. She is absorbed quietly in reviewing what Lydia said, teasing out the reasoning and the inflections.

"We shall hope they don't include our presence in their report. A clever reader would easily guess our purpose and heading, should they want to intercept us. Or stop us entirely."

As Laucil talks of odes, Nerissis waves a hand, interrupting him almost as Nogar does, but with infinitely more authority and infinitely less effort. "Sing for us, Laucil. The dullness of this journey would be greatly reduced by a pretty voice."

[BlueWizard]

Before Laucil begins singing, the weird scholar girl, Thorgerd says to Nerissis, "Let us hope no-one who gets this report even has a clue what we might be after. We'd be in big trouble." Laucil is disappointed in her somber tone.

Laucil begins to sing a cheerful song, trying to lighten the mood, and to take your mind off the scary objective. Portia tries to forget her woes, and dances a cute little hobbit jig as she skips along with the group.

OOC- Mangy if you don't mind, I am thinking I might evolve some of the NPC expert classes into actual adventuring classes.

[Lochar]

Belsambor provides a silent dancing troupe for Portia to dance with, grinning as she danced in and out of the silent merry makers.

Silent Image used.

[BlueWizard]

The illusion troupe with Portia's dance, delights the crew, but makes Nogar a little uncomfortable. "It's like dancing with ghosts!" This makes Portia uneasy and Laucil can only roll his eyes in response to the dwarf.

[Lochar]

Belsambor sighs. "I was trying to be nice, without wasting a more major spell for the day. If you'd like, I'll provide a more talkative group tonight, if time permits."

[Mangy Mathan]

Lady Lydia Cross

"So what?" Lydia says in response to her dwarven companion. "If the ghosts are good dancers, I say go with it!" She then starts to do her own dance that makes her baggy robe sway and twirl.

[BlueWizard]

Belsambor will notice that it is more Nogar bringing ghosts up that got Portia thinking about it. Portia has more fun when Lydia joins the dance, even Laucil gets in on the action of the dancing.

Greta, the ninja girl, who disappeared into the shadows during the whole encounter with the soldiers. You all will now realize this as she emerges from the shadows, and groans at all the merry-making. "Get a room."

The group moves on into the hills.

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Nerissis continues to walk, and doesn't join the dancing, but quirks an eyebrow at Greta's last comment. "Irony ill befits you, Greta."

[BlueWizard]

Greta playfully rolls her eyes at Nerissis, but says nothing. She does seem a little annoyed, in particular with the hobbit, but nothing that will stop her from enjoying Nerissis' presence.

This day is rough, as walking is slowed by the steep, and washed-out roads.

[sonofzeal]

Lockhart

After amusing himself with the illusions, and making a great show out of trying not to step on the feet of the petite illusions, Lockhart retires to the hills. The encounter with the troops had been unsetting; humans tended to have a strange inability to understand the limits of their authority, and seemed to take offense when it was pointed out to them. No matter though, they're gone now. But he'll keep a careful ear out for those hooves in the future.

In the mean time, he walks beside Belsambor. "A pretty spell you cast there, subtle one. It must be difficult to control so many figures at the same time!"

[BlueWizard]

Late in the afternoon, the birds in the trees get eerily quiet and you see few signs of wildlife or people as the day passes. It won't take an expert in nature to notice something wasn't right in this part of the hills.

At some point in the strange silence, you will come across a small guard station by the dirt road. There are blue and white garbed soldiers, who salute you as you approach. They are polite and submissive to you.
The leader is a Yuanese man with a long black mustache. "Hello, citizens. We welcome you, but are here to warn you, once you go beyond this point, you're beyond the realm of Dafe' County's protection. We can't offer the same protection out there, so be wary. Imperial taxes has cut our patrol funds. You got bandits, and other wild animals... plus a few crazy peasants trying to rough it on their own. Best be careful. We have a stream near here if you need to refill your waterskins." He seems very kind, and friendly. There are 4 other guards in blue and white that eye you warily. These men are dressed more like soldiers of Gateskeep.

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Nerissis smiles brilliantly and again eclipses her ring unobtrusively. "Thank you."

[BlueWizard]

As usual when Nerissis steps to the front, the reactions of people change a little. The wary looks now shift to interest as they gaze at Nerissis' current female form. "My pleasure." says the 50 year old guard leader with a big smile.

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Giving Lydia a look to suggest that she could jump in whenever she wanted, Nerissis tilts her head charmingly. The men probably think her charmingly naive, and, hopefully, want to impress her. {OOC- I don't know if that's disguise or bluff or what}

"Tell me, gentlemen, I've been hearing that some strange things about the area beyond recently. Any truth to those, if I might ask?"

[Mangy Mathan]

Lady Lydia Cross

Lydia bows gracefully. "Thank you for the warning, we will be sure to keep a thorough watch. Though, as my companion has stated, some further information would be wonderful."

The archvist slides out her spellbook and flips it open. "Would you boys happen to need anything while we're here? Healing, perhaps?"

[sonofzeal]

Lockhart

Lockhart laughs. "Sounds like my kind of place out there! Do not worry mates, I will be here to stop the nasty ones before they cause too much trouble!"

[BlueWizard]

The guard-leader looks a little odd at Nerissis when she mentions the area beyond. "Not sure what you mean miss? But, there's plenty out there to cause problems. Trade's been pretty bad on that side... so the empire doesn't patrol for pirates like they used to on the West Coast."
When the guard-leader hears Lydia offer aid, he looks from her to Nerissis. "Well, its been a long time... if any of your associates are temple-'companions', my men would pay an affordable price. We have a private nook by the stream." His men perk up when the guard-leader proposes this.

Thorgerd whispers to Lydia, "Whatya think? Its been a while for me. I could fake a temple-companion real good for some extra gold."
When Thorgerd steps forward the men all visible react to her appearance, but politely say nothing. She's what most people consider incredibly ugly.

The guard-leader nods to Lockhart, but seems skeptical, "I'm sure you would."

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Nerissis smiles at the men politely, pointedly making eye contact with each in turn. She sees little benefit to be gained from humoring their timorous advances, particularly if they're offering an 'affordable' price. What nonsense.

None of this shows beyond her smile, of course. Instead, she simply turns mutely to Lydia, interested to see how the archivist will respond.

[Mangy Mathan]

Lady Lydia Cross

Lydia raises an eyebrow at Thorgerd, but then shrugs her slender shoulders. "I am your leader, not your master. If you would like to spend some time with these defenders of the realm, that is your own business." She gesticulates with her hands while reminding the party, "It just can't be a long time."

While she is willing to let her companions indulge, for morale reasons and such, Lydia is secretly itching to get out into the wild. She knows the guards are just doing their job, and that it's a very important job, but all they're doing now is slowing her down. She would hate to have the world come to an end because of an overly inquisitive soldier.

[BlueWizard]

The soldiers are repulsed by Thorgerd, and one comments on her mustache. Now that you look you will see she's had one growing. Normally at the library she probably was able to maintain it in a mirror, but it was getting quite bristly now.
The guard-leader seems disappointed, "No thank you... I don't think my men would pay more than a silver for you." He is more blunt, than trying to be rude.

Floki and Nogar try to pick up the pace of the caravan pushing the animals, as both notice that Thorgerd's feelings just got hurt. "Let's get out of here!" Nogar grumbles.

The group can continue on passed the guard-post. The Guard-Leader will almost sound pleading when you are about to pass by. "Are you sure you don't need water. It is quite fresh."
The men agree and point into the woods.

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Nerissis has little comment on the small drama with Thorgerd, aside from noting that, indeed, she would have to be lent Nerissis' silvered mirror. Some backwater town cavalry, though sort of cute in their pitiful insistence, weren't her type.

"I'm sorry, gentlemen. As my companion said, we're on a schedule."

On the other hand, she thought, what if they actually did need water? Arnett had her pack. Shoot.


{OOC- I'm fine with continuing or detouring.}

[BlueWizard]

Nogar and Floki are already trying to move the group passed the guard post.
The guard-leader nods as it appears you'll be moving on, "Well, pass through again on your way back. Most refreshing spring in the hills." They will wave to you as you head up higher into the hills.

The area still barren of apparent wildlife.

[sonofzeal]

Lockhart

Lockhart feels the increasingly rocky ground under his sandaled feet. The odd behavior of the soldiers, and the guards, was disconcerting. But then, the universe was a fundamentally strange and unpredictable place, where the Allfather could have a cow for a mother and a horse for a nephew. "Bah!" He busies himself by jogging a little way in front of the group, looking for signs of wildlife. If they're hiding that likely means a disturbance nearby; if they're gone that likely means widespread depredation. Knowing the difference might separate life from death...

[Mangy Mathan]

Lady Lydia Cross

Once the group is out of earshot of the guards, Lydia thumbs over her shoulder. "Did anyone else think they were acting a little... odd? It was a little disturbing how insistent they were that we drink some of the spring water. I'm actually somewhat curious...." Her voice becomes more grave as she comes to a realization. "What if they needed help but couldn't tell us?"

[BlueWizard]

Thorgerd agrees with Lydia, "I think there was something funny about them." she is still hurt from before.

As the group moves away from the guard post, and into the woods, Lockhart and Laucil will hear strange growls. "Did you hear that?"

Floki shakes his head, "Nope, not a thing."

[Virgo]

Nerissis

"If that's the case," Nerissis says, walking casually and looking at Lydia, "then our brusqueness may have gotten them killed." There's a certain emphasis on the word our that points out that Lydia was the one who was impatient with the potential delay.

Nerissis shrugs gracefully. "If you'd like, we could turn back and check. 'Change our minds,' as it were."

[Mangy Mathan]

Lady Lydia Cross

Lydia glares at Nerissis's bladed words. "We'll check it out." She turns to her companions. "You guys, pull off to the side and stay out of the guard's sight." She points to the woods. "Lock, Bel, Ner, Greta, Killian, you're with me. Nogar, if anything happens, blow the whistle." Lydia began walking towards the woods. Her curiosity was just too great, and the possibility that help was needed made it that much harder to resist.

I think Lydia's alignment is shifting towards Neutral Good. Would it be okay if I changed her alignment, as well as Killians? I suffer a penalty if his alignment is different, and I haven't roleplayed him enough to know what his alignment really is. If you want me to change Lydia's but not Killians, I lose followers because my leadership score drops.

[Virgo]

Nerissis

The beguiler smirks slightly and nods to Lydia's commands, noting a certain compulsive curiosity and benevolence. "We're not in the library anymore, are we?"

As they walk, Nerissis' hands trace out elaborate pattens in the air and magical energy shimmers around her body as she whispers arcane syllables in case they find anything unexpected. In this case, 'unexpected' meaning 'lethal.'


Nerissis casts Mage Armor, See Invisibility, and Freedom of Movement. Preparation-tastic!

[Lochar]

Belsambor pulls out a small wand from his pack, smiling lightly.

[sonofzeal]

Lockhart

Lockhart looks up from his examination of the local fauna (or lack thereof), and grins. A strike force! He unslings his spiked chain, as the little bit of magical energy he'd finagled out in the morning played through his head. He'd seen plenty of mages and priests use magic to make themselves and others larger, and now he thinks he knows how it goes... or, at least, close enough to get the result. He hopes. Either way should be plenty of fun, as long as there's call for his brawn.

[BlueWizard]

The moment Nerissis casts her first spell, and Lydia begins to move the group away, the sounds of something large lumbering fast through the woods is heard by all!

OOC- Nerissis can choose which s/he cast first. But, after that you all are on your own initiative!

Initiatives:
Lockhart 17+6
Belsambor 19+2
Nerissis 13+4
Greta
Lydia 12+2
Killian
Something in the woods
Allied NPCs {Arnett, Nogar, Laucil, Portia, Floki, Thorgerd}

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Pre-combat:
Nerissis casts Mage Armor first, before the thing starts approaching.

{OOC- Will this first round be taken while the creature is still in the woods, meaning we can't actually see anything about it?}

EDIT: Combat action posted below.

[Mangy Mathan]

Lady Lydia Cross
Initiative: 14
HP: 40 / 40 [♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥]
AC: 19 (12 Touch)

Lydia hurries back onto the road, waving her companions back and arming herself. "Flagrum!" She shouts, causing her crossbow to burst into flames.

Move Action - To a location away from the forest and within easiest reach of all other party members. [Within 1 move action is preferable]
Standard Action - Activate the Eye of Flame's flaming property.

Killian Brukhard
Initiative: ?
HP: 52 / 52 [♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ ♥♥]
AC: 18 (13 Touch)

Killian quickly draws and knocks his bow, grumbling "Kormok," setting his bow alight with crackling blue energy.

Move Action - Draw Bolt.
Standard Action - Activate Bolt's shocking property.

[sonofzeal]

Lockhart

Lockhart roars in excitement, "Excellent" The bit of magic in his mind whirls faster and faster, and with a surge of effort it comes forth, doubling his size in all directions! With a savage grin, he'll move between the group and the sound, his spiked chain already whirring in his hands.

That's one point of Inspiration spent getting Enlarge Person up, so he has two left for the rest of the fight, if one actually breaks out. He also can't use Inspiration to do any magic for the rest of the day.

He's also big and using a reach weapon, so anything approaching could take up to three hits as it close. Well, two since his dex is down. Still not bad for a 1st level spell!


Init: 23
hp: 75
AC: 20 (-1 Dex, -1 size compared to normal)
Attack: +14 (+1 Str, -1 size compared to normal)
Damage: 2d6+10 (higher weapon die and higher Str compared to normal)
Trip: +18 opposed strength (+1 Str, +4 size compared to normal)
Enlarge Person duration left: 30 rounds

[Virgo]

Nerissis

As the thing comes crashing towards them, Nerissis is distracted from buffing herself, and looks unamused at the world in general. She maintains a safe distance from the tree line, happily letting Lockhart by and lingering behind. After all, her magic becomes no less potent with distance.

Unable to guess what type of opponent they face, she errs on the side of caution, waving a hand an evoking a glittering light that seems to suffuse the bodies of the party members, granting them unnatural speed.


Casting Haste (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/Haste.htm) on Lockhart, Arnett, Killian, Lydia, Bel, Greta, and herself. It will last for 8 rounds.


HP: 51/51
AC: 16
Move action: retreat to give melee fighters room
Standard action: cast

[BlueWizard]

Lockhart can't see anything, but can hear noises from all around him. He will hold and hope the noises attack him.

Belsambor {DM action} will put a simple illusion around the non-combative group members. It will be of the surrounding forest to hopefully disguise them a little. He focuses on it until he can figure out what is approaching.

Nerissis has her Mage Armor on, and casts Haste. Nerissis will begin to suspect the creatures are invisible... Nerissis has Hasted: Lockhart, Arnett, Killian, Lydia, Bel, Greta, and herself

Greta can't see what is happening either, and decides to disappear into the shadows.

Lydia moves to her followers, still seeing them a bit through Belsambor's shady illusion. She flames-up her crossbow, and readies herself for whatever is attacking. Killian electrifies his bow, and readies himself.

The creatures became apparent to all as they leap from the woods from all around. {Knowledge of Nerissis and Lydia: They are horrified to see what is approaching. It at first appears that they are lumbering apes leaping through the woods, but they have heard of what they truly are. They look like intelligent orangutans, but have massive forearms, a mouth full of razor sharp teeth, move with frightening speed through the trees! These were demons, and both experts had heard of things like this. They were called the Bar-lgura and loved to pounce on their prey, and teleport away with them to devour their bodies and soul. The Bar-lgura also had the ability to alter their form to humanoid shapes. These demons have metal bands on their arms or forehead, depending on their particular style.are aware of demon traits, including the immunity to electricity... though Killian won't. They are resistant to most energies.}The demons become visible to all when they attack! Lockhart who was holding will be quite upset that they didn't go for him, so he has to step toward them. The closest one has decided to leap onto Nerissis. {Lockhart attack: 1+14, miss, but not a fumble} Lockhart nearly trips as he steps over a root as he moves to aid his ally.
{OOC- Knowledge: planes allowed for others if trained; but these two know a lot.}

Nerissis is tackled and taken down. She is currently pinned, the demon was too quick and over-powered her/him!

One leaping at Thorgerd falls as the branch it leaped from broke. The minor illusion of Belsambor's seems not to deter them very much.
Portia somehow avoids her attacker, as it too tripped on the way in.
{OOC- Two confirmed fumbles! :smallyuk: Lots of 1s on this die.}
Greta is spotted in the shadows, and you will know this as she yelps in pain, as one grapples her!
Lydia is also attacked, but she manages to avoid getting grappled.
Four Bar-lgura's attacked this round and became visible, Lockhart knows there are a few more lurking, he can hear them.

Arnett leaps into action rushing to Nerissis' aid, leaving Belsambor's side. Arnett hacks into the demon, and causes it a little pain. "Come on, Lockhart. Let's kill this ape!"
He will flank it as it pins Nerissis to the ground.

Nogar and Floki sees the ladies were in danger, and drop the mules to try and get Portia and Thorgerd to safety. They make no move to attack, and merely get between the two demons near them and the lady followers. Laucil will pull out his bow and cover them with a shot. His arrow bounces off the ape-demon's thick furry hide.

End Round 1------------------------------------>

Initiatives:
Belsambor 19+2
Nerissis 13+4 - Mage Armor
Greta- in the shadows
Lydia 12+2
Killian
Lockhart- Enlarged
Bar-lgura
Allied NPCs {Arnett, Nogar, Laucil, Portia, Floki, Thorgerd}

[Virgo]

Nerissis

{Wow. Nerissis' planned buffs were perfect for this encounter... I should look into the lottery. :smallcool:}

Nerissis would smile at Arnett in exchange for his chivalrous defense. As it stands, though, she's busy being pinned under a giant demon-ape. With a hiss, her eyes sparkle as she casts Suggestion, speaking in flawless Abyssal to the creature pinning her. "I'm a weak female; no threat at all. You should release me and attack the giant orc." Lockhart would understand; it's what he wanted, after all, and he'll no doubt make short work of the creature.


Because the demon is deprived of its Dex bonus while pinning, the spell DC is 23, and Nerissis gains +2 to overcome spell resistance. Because this is a lie, the DC is a regular old 22. Wheeee!

EDIT- Durrr. Regardless of the success or failure of the save, the demon take a -2 penalty on attack and AC for one round.


If the demon releases her, the slightest motion of her hand causes her form to blossom kaleidoscopically as [roll0] mirror images appear as she gets to her feet.

Casting Greater Mirror Image, which is identical to the normal spell except that another image will appear or regenerate each round, to a maximum of eight. Also, the casting is an immediate action, so it can happen on another's turn. It will last for 8 minutes.


HP: 51/51
AC: 16+1 (haste)
Standard: cast
Move: Stand up
Immediate: cast

[Mangy Mathan]

Lady Lydia Cross
Initiative: 14
HP: 40 / 40 [♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥]
AC: 20 (13 Touch)

"Get back! Help Nerissis and Greta!" Lydia shouts, knowing that whoever the beasts have grappled are in immense danger. She draws upon her knowledge of the Black, hoping to remember a tidbit of information to exploit. She then turns her attention to try to save Greta from the beast's claws.


Move Action - Dark Knowledge (Foe) [roll0] :smallannoyed: Naturally, I roll a 5. Anyways, I guess that means everyone gets 1d6 bonus damage against these gorrilla monsters, unless the DC is different. Lasts for 1 minute.
Standard Action - Move away and toward Greta!

[Mangy Mathan]

Killian Brukhard
Initiative: ?
HP: 52 / 52 [♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ ♥♥♥♥♥ ♥♥]
AC: 19 (14 Touch)

"Get outta here!" The orc shouts, firing arrow after arrow into the beast's hide.


Full Attack Action - Attack the monster harassing the caravan.
[roll0] > [roll1]
[roll2] > [roll3]
[roll4] > [roll5]

[Mangy Mathan]

Rerolls because your archivist is freakin' retarded. :smallannoyed:

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

So that's 15, 10, 12, though I doubt any but the first actually hit.

[Lochar]

Bel lets go of the illusion around the non combatants, his hands moving an creating a nightmarish illusion around the demons that appears in a burst of flashing light.

Nightmare Terrain, Will save DC 24 or entangled. Also, all enemies within 30' of the illusion appearing are dazzled for 1 round.

I have up to 13 10' cubes to build with, so I'm spacing them all around the demons as best I can.

I would have liked to do this as they came barrelling out of the woods, which is why I hadn't posted, but meh.

[sonofzeal]

Lockhart

Piercing orcish eyes rapidly take stock of the situation. Nerissis down with Arnett on the assist; Greta down with nobody to help. But first things first, best to take care of this one quickly. He maneuvers to assist there as soon as he can.

Lockhart takes the first step in Odin's grand battle-dance. Emotion surged through him, passion fueling his blows raining down on the demon. Defilers! Abominations! The necessity of their extinction lent grater force to his blows.

((atk: [roll0] dam [roll1]
atk: [roll2] dam [roll3]))

[sonofzeal]

(( extra damage: [roll0] on the first and [roll1] on the second. Oh, and it occurs to me that we're flanking for +2 on the attack rolls, possibly on top of the +2 from Nerissis's spiffy Unsettling Enchantment thing. Mwahahahaaa!))

[BlueWizard]

Belsambor can see the demons are all around, but he can at least get two of the beasts in his Nightmare Terrain, possibly more if there are more invisible ones. It seems to effect one more than the other. {The two going after Portia and Thorgerd.}

Nerissis manages to rub her snake tongue in sweet oil in her pocket, and sweetly says herSuggestion to success!
"Bahg!!" He says suddenly throwing her down in confusion.

Greta screams loudly, as one laughs low in the woods near her, "Looks like we got a rich one there, heheheh...." This is spoken in Abyssal.

Lydia helps share her knowledge of demons. this annoys them greatly and all look at her when she gives the group aid in this dark way.
Killian does find the one on Greta and stabs it once, but his other attacks fell harmlessly upon its thick hide.
{OOC- I'll need the archivist dark knowledge info, and please post Killian with Lydia... he's still the follower. :smallcool:}

Lockhart moves violently near Killian, the two orcs could move to flank the one pinning Greta. The mighty Lockhart wails hard into the demon, and he can see he split flesh, but it didn't kill it even with Killian's hard strike.

Nerissis can see she's about to have an angry demon on her hand. She'd gotten by his spell resistance, but it was quickly looking for a reason to attack her. He is even more confused, when she bursts into a kaleidoscope of herself.
The one pinning Greta at Lockhart and Killian's feet suddenly disappears, teleporting away. The one hiding in the woods laughs most heartily. {Greta is gone!}

The other two visible ones are caught in the Nightmare Terrain, you only see shadowy shapes, but one of the demons seems quite horrified by it. The other bursts through and pounces on Floki! Floki is battered by the Bar-lgura's massive forearms, as he falls Floki is lucky the thhing didn't bite his head off as well.

Nogar screams out and begins attacking the demon mashing Floki. "Get offa him, you ugly bastard!!!" Nogar's dwarven curse is actually much worse. He swings hard and cuts the thing, however the wound seals over!
Thorgerd screams out in horror at the sight, as little Portia tries to pull her away. Laucil calls to them and fires an arrow at the demon, it deflects off the hide and into the woods. "Run you fools!"

Arnett faces up to the one on Nerisiss, and can see she did a trick on it, "Great, now what do I do..." He holds for Nerissis to act. The demon looks at Nerissis scoffs at her and runs toward Lockhart at full speed.

In the woods Lockhart spots someone in the distance, a human? It was hard for him to make them out, especially with the demons attacking.
{OOC- This will be MikelaC's PC: Zohra; hopefully she won't do anything to make you attack her. :smallbiggrin:}

End Round 2---------------------------------------->

Initiatives:
A New ARRIVAL
Belsambor 19+2
Nerissis 13+4 - Mage Armor
Greta- is gone
Lydia 12+2
Killian
Lockhart- Enlarged
Bar-lgura
Allied NPCs {Arnett, Nogar, Laucil, Portia, Floki, Thorgerd}

[Mangy Mathan]

Lady Lydia Cross
Initiative: 14
HP: 40 / 40 [♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥]
AC: 20 (13 Touch)
Dark Knowledge: ●●●●●●●●○○
Haste: ●●●●●●○○
Summon: ●●●●●●●●

Lydia is more than a little upset, knowing that Greta is alone, Gods know where, with those monsters. She's a tough girl, the archivist tells herself, she'll make it back. Right now, the only thing she could do is make sure no one else is taken.

"Advoco Frateris Natura!" Lydia calls, causing a circle of beautiful and exotic flowers and grass to form around the desperate and wounded caravan. With a burst of blue flames, a brown bear appears, roaring angrily at the demons. The circle then begins to regress to the natural vegetation.
Full Round Action - Cast Summon Nature's Ally IV (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/summonNaturesAllyIV.htm), strategically placed to provide as much protection to the followers as possible.

Killian Brukhard
Initiative: ?
HP: 52 / 52 [♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ ♥♥]
AC: 19 (14 Touch)
Dark Knowledge: ●●●●●●●●○○
Haste: ●●●●●●○○

Killian spins around when he hears Thorgerd and Nogar's screams. He then unloads his quiver at the beast in a desperate attempt to draw its attention, angry with himself and with Lockhart for letting the monster take Greta.
Full Attack Action - Attack the monster assaulting the caravan.
> [roll1] + [roll2] = 17
[roll=Critical Hit?]1d20+10
> [roll5] + [roll6] = 15
[roll=Critical Hit?]1d20+10
> [roll9] + [roll10] = 8
[roll=Critical Hit?]1d20+10
> [roll13] + [roll14] = 10
[roll=Critical Hit?]1d20+5

I see question marks don't work in labels. :smallannoyed:

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Nerissis' eyes narrow dangerously as Greta vanishes like a scream. She wasn't as optimistic as Lydia about their chances of seeing the rogue again. Nonetheless, she isn't one to indulge with emotional display. Instead, she brushes herself off, pleased that her suggestion worked. As a seventh illusory image glitters into existence, the eight Nerissis turn their combined attention on Arnett. They shift dizzingly through one another, surrounding him, and the real Nerissis gives him a peck on the cheek before being lost again in the group. "No rest for the wicked, my dear. We have demons to kill. Go, but stay close; I hate these Abyssal things."

She throws out an imperious arm at the Bar-lgura battering Floki, and an arcane current surges through the air.


Casting Daze Monster, DC 21. If the demon is denied its Dex bonus to AC, then the DC goes up by 1 and Nerissis gets +2 to overcome SR. Regardless of whether it saves or not, the demon takes -2 to attack and AC.


HP: 51/51
AC: 16+1 (haste)
Spells active: Haste, Mage Armor, Greater Mirror Image (7 images)

Standard action: cast

[Lochar]

Belsambor

"No, no, no! Shadowy underworld, heed my call, bring forth the darkness and devour these creatures!"

The darkness around Belsambor collects and moves away from him, rising in size and power, before splitting into [roll0] forms, growing to large size, before finally taking on the form of giant centipedes, with fiendish looks.

Again, as the shadows form, a bright light flashes out, dazzling the demons. "Kill the demons!" Belsambor shouts out.


Standard Action, cast Shadow Conjuration for a Summon Monster 3 effect.

DC 24 to bring them down to 1/5th the power for whoever makes the save. They cannot communicate to each other to get the +4 to make the save, due to Chains of Disbelief.

Move action, if required, to get further away from the demons.


Blue, can you roll their attacks please?

[MikelaC]

As Lockhart watches, the figure in the woods draws closer, and he sees to his astonishment that it appears to be a gypsy girl. Even more amazing is the fact that despite being only dressed in what would be described as the silks of a gypsy exotic dancer, she is rushing into the battle, not out of it. Beads, bangles and jewelry seem to drip from every part of her, however he does notice that she carries a short bow, although she is not reaching for it right now, instead she seems to be breaking into some sort of dance....

“This is what you get for attacking the gypsies” she shouts as her sinuous movements begin.

As she dances, an energy seems to surge through Lockhart, and all the members of the party that can see her. Seemingly, their hands are guided to more true strikes, and more telling blows when they connect. Why, if this strange women does not fear to battle these beasts, we should not fear them either. As she finishes her dance, she reaches back for her bow, notching an arrow to deal with the underworld fiends.

[BlueWizard]

Zohra moves closer and gets her bow ready, even Lockhart finds her attractive, and not threatening, even if she does pull the bow with some expertise.

Belsambor's control of the illusory realm amazes all of you, as he forms a giant centipede out of it. It looks pretty real, even to the demon mashing Floki. The quick conjuring of the shadow beast doesn't even clue this demon in, and it seems potentially bothered by the centipede as big as a horse!
One of the demons is still stuck in his nightmare terrain nearby.

Arnett looks at Nerissis with battle crazed eyes, "Go where?" Nerissis will spot the gypsy girl nearing with the bow, especially since she announced herself. The changeling also fails to daze the demon.

Lydia can see that some aid has come to Floki and Nogar. She will begin casting her summoning spell, which takes a little longer than Bel's. :smallwink:
All of Killian's shots ricochet off the demon's hide, as this one gets lots of attention this round.

Lockhart need only take a five foot step to be able to reach the demon that Nerissis failed to daze. With 2 mighty blows Lockhart forces this demon back to its home plane. It literally pops out of existence into an inky blue-blackness. {Lockhart destroys one demon.} Lockhart will have to move to get anywhere near another demon.

The Bar-lgura are not idle this round, the one in the Nightmare Terrain is having trouble, and is beginning to panic at what ever it is experiencing. Its howls of fright are quite annoying as it stays tangled for the moment. It does turn invisible, in the terrain; though the noise almost makes it visible right now.
The one facing the shadow centipede decides to attack it; it destroys the shadow summoned creature in a puff of smoke. The demon looks pissed, and now spots Belsambor with angry black eyes.

If there are other demons they don't make themselves known.

Arnett charges to aid Nogar who is trying to get at Floki who is at the feet of the demon. Floki's life is slipping away. Arnett's attack misses. Laucil continues cover fire for retreating Portia and Thorgerd.


End Round 2--------------------------------->


Initiatives:
Zohra- the gypsy girl
Belsambor 19+2
Nerissis 13+4 - Mage Armor
Lydia 12+2
Killian
Lockhart- Enlarged
Bar-lgura
Allied NPCs {Arnett, Nogar, Laucil, Portia, Floki, Thorgerd}

[Lochar]

Belsambor glares right back at the demon, and then grins mightily. "Skin is soft, flesh is weak. Reform and mold, become that which is mighty!"

Belsambor's skin turns brown and splintering wood is heard as his body cracks and grows, leaves sprouting from his body as he shoots up as if a sapling growing dozens of feet in a mere moment.

As the spell's effects finish, a thirty foot tall Treant has taken the place of the human Belsambor. Holding out one large limb, Belsambor grins. "Come, demon."


Standard Action: Polymorph.

If it approaches, he'll take the Attack of Opportunity granted by the 15' reach.

Attack: [roll0]
CC: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]
CD: [roll3]

AC: 20 (24 if Bracers and Ring of Force shield still count)

[MikelaC]

Having finished with her bard song of inspiration to the party (+1 to attack, damage, charm and fear saves), Zohra pulls out her bow and takes a shot at the demon attacking Floki.

[roll0] attack
[roll1] damage if hits

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Nerissis notices the gyspsy girl out of the corner of her eye, and deciding that she has better things to worry about, simply curses at the ineffectiveness of her own daze spell. "Ah, of course! We'll defeat the infinite forces of the Abyss with the power of dance! I don't know why the devils haven't thought of that before."

Irritated, the seven- no, wait, with a shimmer another image appears- the eight illusions and one real Nerissis wave their arms casually and flare their eyes, seeking out the demonic minds in the vicinity and trying to enfold and exhaust them.


Casting Mass Whelm, from PHB II. It can target up to eight creatures within a 45 foot radius of Nerissis and, if she penetrates their SR and they fail a DC 23 Will save, deals [roll0] nonlethal damage to each. Per usual, -2 attack and AC to those who are required to save, regardless of success or failure.

[BlueWizard]

The voice of Zohra fills your hearts with strength through the forest, and inspires you to greater things! Her shot however well placed into one's backside, falls out and the wound closes up. {OOC- Unless it was a magical shot, in that case, it fell out with the minor damage.}

Bel shows his power and rises to the heights of the trees around you. He actually snaps branches as he grows in size. The Bar-lgura in the Terrain panics when he sees this. {The demons will be avoiding him.:smallamused:}

There aren't many demons that Nerissis sees, but she can hit the two near the Nightmare terrain with her/his Whelm.

A brown bear appears before Lydia's target and it immediately attacks. The bear batters the demon a little, it does seems to annoy it. Lydia moves towards her female followers fleeing with Laucil. Lydia is probably a 100 feet from them, they had been moving carefully away, abandoning the pack animals.

Killian will be forced to respect the might that is Lockhart, for he is a mighty orc. This admiration will have to wait! Killian charges at the demon fighting the bear, and can only glance off its thick hide.

Lockhart moves with Killian and tries to slash one from a far. Unfortunately, Lockhart misses after moving.

Both demons that were Whelmed by Nerissis teleport away. You weren't out of the fire yet for just as these two disappeared {one from the Terrain; the other in combat with the bear and orcs}, two more appeared. Both leaping out of invisible hiding spots onto Portia and Thorgerd. Both women are unconscious immediately. They had run off away into the forest, and were at least 80 feet from the nearest ally. Laucil had been urging them to flee. "Help!!" screams Laucil as both women are taken down before him. Those not aware of these two demons now are.

Arnett makes a full sprint in their direction and will pull up about 10 feet from them. Nogar does his best to stop Floki's blood loss. Laucil backs away firing his bow into the ground, though he was aiming at the demons. He is screaming like a mad man.

OOC- I am thinking Lydia could've made a full move to be closer to Portia and Thorgerd.

End Round 3-------------------------------------->

Initiatives:
Zohra- the gypsy girl
Belsambor 19+2
Nerissis 13+4 - Mage Armor
Lydia 12+2
Killian
Lockhart- Enlarged
Bar-lgura
Allied NPCs {Arnett, Nogar, Laucil, Portia, Floki {dying}, Thorgerd}

[Lochar]

Belsambor, giant treant that he now is, lumbers towards the demons. "Come, play! I will plant you in the ground!"

Should he get close enough, he'll reach out and grab one of them.

15' reach, +21 to grapple.

[roll0]

[Virgo]

{Remember when people are approaching the demons, everyone's land speed in increased by 30 feet per round thanks to Haste}

Nerissis

Nerissis (and her 8 illusory but equally stunning counterparts) move 50 feet supernaturally quickly, covering the distance in a blur. "Laucil," she commands, authoritatively but non-magically, "silence."

Unhappy to be using such complex magic more than one in a fight, but recognizing that the situation was dire for the hirelings, she repeats her process of seeking out at sapping the mental energy of the demons in the area that she can see, making sure to catch the Bar-lgura attacking Thorgerd and Portia.


Same deal as last time. Casting Mass Whelm, from PHB II. It can target up to eight creatures within a 45 foot radius of Nerissis and, if she penetrates their SR and they fail a DC 23 Will save, deals [roll0] nonlethal damage to each. Per usual, -2 attack and AC to those who are required to save, regardless of success or failure.

If there are more demons remaining than those two, she tries to position herself such that she can catch as many of them as possible in her range.


Move: cover 50 feet (Haste)
Standard: cast

[MikelaC]

Zohra continues to fire her bow, firing again at the demon she hit before (unless that was one that teleported away, in which case she hits the one on Portia)

[roll0] to hit
[roll1] damage

[sonofzeal]

Lockhart

With a savage roar, Lockhart turns to engage the new two. They were far, far away... but not too far. Portia. Portia was the more vulnerable. With a charging leap he practically takes to the air, and sends his spiked chain whistling to wrap around the foul beast's head.

((Lockhart's land speed post Haste is ludicrous; he can charge 160', and hit things another 20' away. They're 80' away from the nearest ally, but if he's within 180' then this should work. What he's doing is trying to use "trip" to pull the guy off Portia, which by the rules should work.

atk: [roll0] against flatfooted touch AC
trip: [roll1] against 1d20 + its Str mod.
followthrough atk: [roll2]
followthrough dam: [roll3] - if we get this far, Lockhart spends another Inspiration Point to boost it from +13 to +16; there's one left

Enlarge: 27 rounds left
Rage: 5 rounds left))

[BlueWizard]

Zohra's shot is off this time, but her voice is still in your ears inspiring you.

Belsambor is finding moving about not so easy as a treant through the trees. He makes his way toward the 2 visible demons, but finds he has to bust through the tree branches to get there, and even with his reach won't be able to attack this round.

Nerissis' Whlem spell partially effects one of the demons, but not the other in the least. She can see nor sense no other Bar-lguras.

Lydia will move to Floki, and find him almost dead. Nogar is cradling the man's lifeless form. Lydia will stop the bleeding with a minor heal. Nogar gives a nod of thanks to Lydia. He gently hugs Floki. "You're still with us, buddy!" {DM action to save Floki, he was at -9}

Killian sprints closer to the two new demons ahead of Lockhart.
Lockhart could reach his opponent on level ground with no trees in the way, but this was hilly woods, so though he could move close enough to threaten them, Lockhart could not attack. He will get close enough so that if they do any movement he can take the opportunity to attack.

With only Laucil screaming the last two Bar-lgura's teleport away leaving the rest of you without Portia and Thorgerd.
Arnett sprints over to the spot they were and screams, "Nooooooo!! You bastards!!"

Nogar only bows his head in pain as he realizes the ladies are gone.

Combat Over------------------------->

As things turn to normal pace, you all see the demons are gone, and so are three of your companions. Though there was a potential new one in the woods.

[MikelaC]

Zohra rehooks her bow over her shoulder, and picks up her two used arrows.

Again, those miserable fiends kill and escape. First my family and now your companions

Now the action has subsided, you can see Zohra more clearly. Zohra looks exactly what your mind would call up when you hear the words ‘gypsy dancing girl.’
She is an exotic beauty, her dark black hair cascades to her shoulders, and her soft brown eyes are gently hypnotic. Her figure is generous, and the fact that she wears only dancing silks does nothing to hide it. Beads, bangles and jewelry adorn almost every part of her, from the rings and tiny cymbals on her fingers, to the armbands on her wrists, the necklaces and pendants from her neck, earrings, beaded skirts, gems nestled in her hair; they are everywhere. The only visible weapon she seems to have is a short bow, with a full quiver slung over her other shoulder. Her movements, even the simplest ones, carry the grace of her dancer’s talent.

She moves over to the injured Floki, taking out a wand as she does so.

This wand is one of healing, I can bring your companion back to health, if I may. You may examine it if you wish, but I am not lying. I can heal any other physical wounds you have all suffered.

If the party allows her, she will spend 3 charges out of her wand on Floki.

[roll0]

[BlueWizard]

Nogar is defensive as the stranger approaches Floki. He decides he can't do anything and allows Zohra to use her wand and heal Floki. Nogar is speechless. Lydia's armorer wakes up with a dazed look in his eyes as Nogar holds him. "Yer okay, bud." Nogar says sadly.

With Laucil no longer screaming, he can be heard weeping most pathetically over the spot the two ladies disappeared.

Zohra can tell there is something not right here, the forest is an odd silence. Belsambor is still a treant, and he towers over the sobbing Laucil. The two orcs, Killian and even Lockhart are also under Bel's shade.

[Lochar]

Belsambor looks out over the forest for a moment, hoping against hope to see the demons.



Ain't gonna happen.

[roll0]

[Virgo]

Nerissis

"Ugh. Demons." Nerissis says to nobody in particular, readjusting her hair. Her illusory copies remain. She shoots a glance at Zohra. "You've helped us at least marginally, girl, but I'm not a naturally generous person, so it's an effort to give you the benefit of the doubt." Her poison-green eyes flick over the admittedly attractive dancing girl. "Do explain yourself."

Nerissis sets about exploring the area in a businesslike fashion, looking around for any bodies of the missing party members or of previous victims of the demons. And, of course, loot.

Not entirely without the appearance of compassion, she pauses to lay a hand on Arnett's and Laucil's shoulders and comfort them gently.


Have some untrained search checks! Wheeee!
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

[BlueWizard]

Arnett doesn't sit still long and is quickly scouring the forest for any sign of the demons. Nerissis doesn't find any trace of the demons here, but does come across an old broken wagon wheel, and a raspberry bush that has overgrown the rest of a wagon.

[Virgo]

Nerissis

The changeling looks around the wagon for anything interesting, and turns and shouts up to Belsambor.

"Incidentally, the ability to turn yourself into a 30 foot tall tree invalidates your right to have a bodyguard. I'm keeping Arnett."

[Lochar]

About that time, the spell effecting Belsambor ends, and he shrinks back down to his small size. "The only problem, Nerissis, is that I can only do so for a few minutes."

[Virgo]

Nerissis prods the remains of the cart with a booted foot. "Hey, if anything threatening immediate physical harm to you is still alive and in copos mentus after a few minutes, that's your fault, not mine." She's not being particularly serious.

[Lochar]

"And I can only do so once a day. I will need my guard until such time as I can prepare the spell again." Belsambor shakes his head. "Shouldn't we be trying to look for those lost, however?"

[MikelaC]

Explain myself? Well, where to start? My name is Zohra, and all others name us gypsy. I am a bard by trade, but unlike others of my type that you may have met, I cast my spells and provide inspiration through my dances, when Im not using them for entertainment.
I was travelling with my family through this area, I was separated from them at one point, and when I returned, I came upon these foul beasts finishing off my group. I have been stalking them since then, waiting for a chance to strike, and when I saw you engaging them, I decided that gave me my best chance.

Zohra smiles at the group as she finishes her explanation, waiting for their response.

Oh, and if any of you still have injuries, I can still use this wand to cure you.

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Nerissis waits for Lydia to pass judgment on the gypsy, but tilts her head towards the woman and casts Detect Magic as she speaks to Belsambor dispassionatly and academically.

"You may think me a spoiled dilettante, Master Illusionist, but I assure you I'm well versed in the lower planes, among other things. The Bar-Igura grab their victims, teleport to a safe place, and drain them on not just their temporal but their spiritual energy. Portia and Thorgerd are almost certainly dead. Greta may have fared better, being an exceptionally talented adventurer, but we have no idea where she might be. Should she be alive, she will no doubt contact us. Should she be dead, we may have to contend with a disgruntled Guild." Nerissis pauses. "It wouldn't be a leap for them to imagine that we deliberately let her perish. That sort of manipulation is not uncommon at all in my circles."

[BlueWizard]

Zohra is there as Nerissis goes through the old wagon. There are busted crates and splinters of wood. The whole of it that remains is littered with arrows, and strange claw marks have gouged themselves into the ruined side-panel. It is hard to see it all for it is severely weather damaged, perhaps over 15 years. Most of the crates are empty and broken, except one that is full of old and mold papers, that looked to be smeared, and the paper has mushed together.

Belsambor can see Lydia is gathering her remaining crew, and has Killian gathering up all the pack animals to get them to a safe area. She definitely has a plan... {DM action so far...}

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Nerissis sifts through the sodden paper to see if she can make anything of interest out. Gods only know why a caravan was this far from civilization. She waits indifferently for the others to stop mourning and start moving. They still had a mission, after all.

[Mangy Mathan]

Lady Lydia Cross / Killian Brukhard

Lydia sits with Nogar, cradling Floki in their arms. Without saying a word, she reaches her slender arm around the dwarf's shoulder and hugs him close. "You were very brave." She says softly. "Please don't blame yourself for what happened."

The archivist takes a deep breath and turns to the gypsy. "Thank you for your help." She says sadly. She then rises, helps Floki up, and gives him another heal for good measure. She then picks up her crossbow, which she had dropped in favor of healing, and which has been burning a patch into the grass. "Nox." She grumbles, causing the flames to vanish.

Killian approaches her, stowing his bow. "I'm sor-"

"Don't." She interrupts, continuing past him to the mules, who seemed to have quite boldly stuck around despite the otherworldly horrors and arcane assaults they witnessed.

Lydia knew this kind of thing would happen. Knowing that didn't make it any easier.

Killian finds Lockhart, and salutes him, indicating Killian's southern heritage. "You're brave and strong. I'm sure the Father is proud."

[BlueWizard]

All of the paper is ruined, and has been outside so long it is almost one big mass. It might've been school paperwork, or even a wizard's notes. It was hard to tell. Likely it was riding along the nearby trail, it would be rough going, but there was at least one caravan of wagons that passed by not long before. The small trail showed marks of passing wagons, though much of the terrain would be tough in passing this way, it still had the ruts.

Beneath the muck of paperwork, Nerissis will find 2 wooden cases with gold and silver frame work. Quite valuable, and in surprisingly good condition. This lends her to believe that the boxes might be magical. The rest of this wagon was long looted.

Nogar is already recovered, and working to keep his mind busy. It is now Floki who seems devastated. Arnett will take some time to console the recovered laborer.

There is nothing, but the trail or the hilly woods around you. The trail leading onward to the West, or back toward the Dafe' border-post.

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Nerissis traces the elaborate inlay on one of the boxes with a finger, pleased wit the find. She carefully examines both boxes for any trap, then opens them.


Trapsense comes in handy, maybe. Also, Detect Magic should still be active from the last casting. Search- [roll0], [roll1].

[BlueWizard]

Nerissis gets close and can see runes written in the secret language of the wizards. The whole case glows with powerful magic. Evocation and Abjuration.
Both of them detect of magic of this kind. Nerissis can find no trap without closer examination, s/he has a strong suspicion that they are indeed trapped.

[Lochar]

Belsambor moves to the crates, looking at them closely as well. "I have a Dispel Magic available, I can try it on one of them."

Belsambor thinks for a moment.
Could he cast his Lesser globe of invulnerability and open it without harm from any 3rd level or lower effects?

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Nerissis purses her lips and, after thinking for a moment, sets one of the boxes about 100 feet away from anyone else, preferable on the road or an equally non-flammable surface.

"Fire in the hole! Maybe not fire, really. Heads up, I guess, is the main point."

Retreating back 100 feet with the other box, she points a level finger at the box and, with an elaborate twisting of her hand, casts Knock on the box.


As I understand it, knock will not only unlock the box but also open it, hopefully triggering whatever spectacular trap may be waiting therein.



OOC EDIT: Sorry, Bel, you ninja'd me. :smalltongue: I think I'll try this with one... If that proves to be a bad idea, Ner and Bel can both try dispelling the other one, although that could be equally devastating.

[MikelaC]

Zohra watches Neressia deal with the box and any potential traps that are placed on it...

Once you get that thing opened, if you like, I have spells that would reveal what powers it has. In the meantime, did anyone else take damage from those demons that they would like healed?

[sonofzeal]

Lockhart

"And the same to you, brave Killan!"

Lockhart watches the two mages bicker. The rush of combat having warn off and his breath only just returning, he'll take the second box (the one not currently being handled), rummages through his sack for something resembling a tuning fork, and begins to examine the box himself.


((Search [roll0], using my third Inspiration Point for the encounter. I now can't use any IP for five minutes, and can't use IP to boost Search for 24 hours. And I do have trapfinding, so I can find magical traps. That's what the tuning fork is for.))

[BlueWizard]

The moment Nerissis bends down to pick a case and move it the glyph is set off. A jolt of electricity zaps through Nerissis' body. One thing's for sure as she moves the still locked box, the powerful magic is gone, but it still registers as magical. {electrical d:28; hp 23/51}

Lockhart comes over to look at the other one, and definitely sees a magical trap and mechanical on the other case.

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Nerissis spasms briefly as electricity courses through her, but straightens up and maintains her dignity. She turns to the gypsy.

"The tides of fate seem hells-bent on making me like you. It seems as if I do, indeed, need some healing."

HP: 23/51

Nerissis sighs and moves the box farther off, then uses the knock spell to open it. She carefully watches Lockhart. She found the boxes, after all, and here he was absconding with one of them.

[MikelaC]

Zohra catche Nerissa as she falls from the effect of the electiricity. She helpes her back to her feet and then uses her wand to touch her. As she does so, she also turns to Lockhart and says

Be careful with that one, its likely trapped as well, I have some small skill in disabling some types of traps, if you would like me to try.

3d8+3

[MikelaC]

obviously, you cant edit in a roll, just like you cant edit out

[roll0]

[MikelaC]

triple post, yikes...3 more charges from the wand

[roll0]

[BlueWizard]

Nerissis can safely open the case with her knock spell, and sets off a puff of green gas, which dissipates quickly in the air of the hills. Inside is a stack of small diaries.

{MikelaC- For rolls like that the OOC should be used. I might make a roller thread soon, that I may use for rolls like this.}

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Nerissis gives Zohra a small, confidential smile and gracefully brush a slim hand across the gypsy's jawline before striding over to the open case, fixated on her treasures. She shoots a look at Lockhart that suggests that he should just trigger the trap and let her open it.

Narrowing her eyes, she scans the books and papers inside the chest for magic {I'm thinking specifically here for magic traps, again} and, if everything seems safe, reads sections of the books to get an idea of what they're about. If they are encoded or written in a language that Nerissis doesn't speak, although given her aptitude for linguistics this is rather unlikely, she'll use Comprehend Languages.

[Mangy Mathan]

Lady Lydia Cross

The archivist watches her companions fiddle with their newfound treasure. "Anything interesting?" She asks.

[Lochar]

BW:
Never did get an answer on if I could have used globe of invulnerability, lesser, to bypass the traps.

Whatever, since they are popped now.

[BlueWizard]

Belsambor's globe works perfectly for the case and he'll open his much safer. Inside are two tiny vials, and a wand. The wand is old and crooked with an amethyst at the tip, tied with griffon-mane. It looks quite old, and powerful. So do the tiny silver vials. {OOC- Sorry, Lochar. :smallredface:}

Beneath the velvet holder of this case, are several gems of value.

Nerissis will find 8 completed diaries, obviously the last one was not in storage, but it is the life of an old wizard, named Ringo Lavenreth, from his mid-forties until about 70 something when a book ends. Just looking at the dates will tell Nerissis this. The script is in draconic, and beneath the small diaries are three scrolls, in fine ivory scroll holders worth something in the markets of the cities.

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Nerissis remove the scrolls in their ivory cases and returns the diaries to the box for later perusal. She carries the scrolls over to Zohra and Belsambor, and looks over the latter's shoulder at the wand, vials, and gems.

"Here. If you can identify these, we can get on the road. Cosmic horrors wait for no man, after all."

[Lochar]

"I cannot identify them immediately no, but given a bit of time I most likely could."

Just in case though, Belsambor looks them over quickly, trying to see what they were, pulling his own utilitarian wand of detect magic to use against them.


Spellcraft checks to see if they have any identifying marks or anything that might suggest what they do.

+2 for Illusion, -5 for Necro, Evoc, and Conjure.

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]


Not sure how many rolls I need, use what you need.

[MikelaC]

I can do the scrolls right away with a read magic, but if they are divine, they will be beyond me. I can also do the wand and potions right away, my spell selection is more versitaile than yours

Zohra pauses a moment, and then takes a deep breath as if she has made a decision.

That presupposes that I am welcome to travel with you. My family is all dead, killed by those demons. Theres no future for me going forward, only slavery awaits me there. Heading the other way, with you seems a lot better, and perhaps my talents will be of use to you

[Mangy Mathan]

Lady Lydia Cross

Lydia eyes the scrolls, and holds out her hand. "Give them to me." She says. In her other hand, she holds a glass-like quartz.
[roll=Decipher Script=1d20+18[/roll] To try to read them. If she notices they are spell scrolls, she'll cast Read Magic. Once the scrolls are identified, Lydia hands them to whoever can use them best, keeping any divine scrolls for herself to be copied into her spellbook.
"You were quite helpful back there." Lydia states as she scans the pages. "Give me fifteen minutes to come to a decision."

Once Lydia is done with the scrolls, she sets up shop under a tree, laying down her cloak and lighting several candles. She then seats herself on the cloak, lights a stick of powerful incense, and draws a set of worn tarot cards from her spell component pouch. She begins meditating, chanting to herself, and shuffling the cards. Killian instinctively takes his place beside her, watching the surrounding forest with wary eyes.
Casting Divination (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/divination.htm). Base chance of an answer: 78%.
Query: Should we allow Zohra to travel with us for an indefinite period of time?

[BlueWizard]

Belsambor can tell the scrolls are wizard spells:
Shadow Walk
Prismatic Spray
Suggestion, Mass

He will notice how powerful the scrolls are, and would be able to decipher the arcane script, with a little help fro Lydia if needed. The Shadow Walk is one Belsambor recognized quickly from the books at school.

Lydia will know there are expenses that the museum could afford, including to hire another like Zohra. In all the gear is signing papers for a contract among the pack animals.

Lydia prepares her ritual and divines her answer about Zohra. Lydia receives a definite assurance from her god:
"The one who is Zohra will lift your spirits when times are darkest, and you need it the most."

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Assuming that Belsambor communicates what the scrolls are, Nerissis holds out her hand for the Mass Suggestion scroll. She may not be able to use it immediately, but it was the school of her expertise, after all.

Nerissis looks surprisingly un-opposed to Zohra joining them. She gives the girl a piercing look up and down with her green eyes, but, instead of making some snide remark, simply smiles appraisingly. She wanders over to Arnett to give him a little kiss on the cheek and to drape herself around him. "My knight in shining armor..."

[BlueWizard]

Arnett rolls his eyes as Nerissis throws his arms about him, he says loud enough for Zohra to hear, but to Nerissis. "Now SHE I could marry. That one is gorgeous... and besides she's human, and fully female. You... Well, I'm thinking we can still have some fun times." Nerissis can tell he is very attracted to Zohra, mostly because she is human. There indeed may be some competition for team's hottest person now.

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Nerissis laughs delicately at Arnett's comment. "Marry? If I wanted to marry someone, my dear, I'd have other options beside a handsome bodyguard." He lips twist into a little smirk. "Fun will do for now."

She looks at the gypsy girl. "Maybe we'll compete for her, hmmm?"

[sonofzeal]

Lockhart

The burly orc looks th gypsy girl up and down. "You dance well, and you know the way of the Wyrd. I have no objection at the moment."

[MikelaC]

I thank you for your trust. I can promise you that you will never have cause to regret it

Zohra pauses for a moment

Of course, people always say the words of a gypsy mean nothing. Thats not true, its just that we are careful with what we say, and people dont always listen. And even with that, a gypsy never lies to those she names companions. And I name you companions

She begins to stretch and limber, graceful and sinuous.

Do you want me to deal with that wand and the potions now?

[Lochar]

"The wand has a moderate aura of Evocation on it. Most likely a wand of an attack spell of third circle or so, or a more powerful first or second circle spell." He waves it off. "I have forsworn evocation spells, so someone else will need to use it."

[BlueWizard]

Killian has gathered the pack animals and remaining crew and wait for Lydia's orders. Laucil is heartbroken and looks pathetic as he gazes hopeless into the woods. Nogar and Floki are a little miffed right now, and stoically silent.

OOC- By the way, I decided that Nogar is a first level fighter. He will have most everything the same, but with added figther stuff.:smallwink: Besides he's a dwarf, what self-respecting dwarf isn't a full fighter at least.
I am thinking Floki could go this way too, or continue as a commoner.

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Nerissis disentangles herself from Arnett and leans against a tree near Laucil, comforting him quietly and waiting for the group to head out.

[BlueWizard]

Nerissis can feel Arnett's attention is being drawn to the gypsy girl more and more. More because she's fully human. Arnett does give Nerissis a playful wink before letting his eyes wander over this shapely dancer.

Nogar looks at Lydia, "So we continuing on, boss?"

[BlueWizard]

With a heavy heart the group moves onward toward the west, and deeper into the hills leaving this scene of death and carnage behind them.

The next step along the way will lead you through the central hills, in a pass south of the Gateskeep Mountain Range.

[sonofzeal]

Lockhart

Lockhart walks alongside the newcomer gypsy for a while. "From what you said earlier, I believe my people and yours are perhaps more similar than they would appear to others. We, too, draw a strong line between the Tribe and the Not-Tribe. This is something that too few humans seem to comprehend. You may have heard that we are savage. Well, we may break our word or treaty with the others - pah, what are they to us? - but we are true to our Tribe. Though, perhaps we have grown more careful about choosing who to call our Tribe than you."

He walks a while longer. "You may also have heard that we have no sense of art or beauty. This may be more true than the other, we hold little stock by human notions of art or beauty, and instead praise strength and dominance. Yet there are singers and dancers among us, whose skill with rhyme and story help us all remember the grand epics of the past. Skill with song and step are just another form of strength after all, and ones that may profit the Tribe as a whole. Perhaps we differ in this." He raises an eyebrow at her and grins. "Well, no matter. We do not need to be the same to understand eachother. And I do expect we will understand eachother perhaps better than these others we are with."

[BlueWizard]

Tales of Lockhart's orc tribe are one of the many tales you hear on the long and sad journey onward.

The whole way to the Central Hills is somber and silent, Laucil will look back over his shoulder in hopes that he sees one of his close friends.

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Nerissis walk alongside the rst of the group, listening quietly to Lockhart. She fiddles with her ring and raises an amused eyebrow.

"I'd hardly call it a 'tribe,' but you mustn't discount my own familial obligations... Even lacking your much vaunted orc honor, I find myself quite loyal to my own faction, after all."

[Mangy Mathan]

Lady Lydia Cross

Lydia nods in response to Nogar. "It's all we can do."

She listens quietly to Lockhart's talk about family and 'The Tribe.' She slides in and mentions, "You know, most murder victims are usually killed by people they know."

[MikelaC]

ZOHRA

"Gypsies would never kill other gypsies....there are too many others in the world who want to, for us to be doing that. And much of the murder in the world arises from jealousy or envy. Gypsies are not jealous, nor are they envious of others. But thats because we do not have the same standards about what is mine and what is yours. What you call stealing, we call borrowing.
And as for being harlots and other worse names we are called, what can I say?"

Zohra shrugs.

"We entertain, we dance, we show others a good time. Should we not earn something for helping people forget their cares and be happy, even for a short time? Others morals are not gypsy morals. We dont force people to come to our camps, they come of free will, they join in of free will."

[Virgo]

Nerissis


The well-dressed woman looks at Zohra and loops an arm through hers, casually promenading. "Oh, I do think my family would like you. We could work on getting you a little more properly paranoid of assassination attempts and you'd be good to go. You've got the philosophy down already."

[BlueWizard]

Leaving the pain behind the group moves west. The mood is somber now, and none of Lydia's crew talk. Lydia can feel morale is extremely low. Nogar is a bit surly to the mules, and hits them a little hard from time to time, but no one says much.

Even Arnett feels bummed for his new friends. "I liked the way that like hobbit moved. I'd sure do her."

Laucil flashes Arnett a bit of hate through his eyes, when Arnett realizes he too needs to keep his mouth shut.

Progress through the hills is rough, and there is little trail for which to follow.

Floki is relieved night comes and quickly readies camp, with a grumpy Nogar's help.

{OOC- Watches can settle in.}

[MikelaC]

Zohra quietly helps set up camp, noting the low spirits of the group. She has a thoughtful look on her face as she sets up tents and helps with the cooking of meals, as if she is considering something.

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Mildly amused that Laucil put Arnett in his place, Nerissis nonetheless returns to the fighter and leans down to him. "I still owe you for saving me. I'll let you choose your poison." With a smooth motion, her face goes from her usual, dark-haired imperial to a blonde elf to a redheaded human and, for a jarring and lingering moment, to Zohra's face. She looks at the gyspy and smirks a little before returning to her own form.

[BlueWizard]

Arnett leans in to whisper to Nerissis, mostly to smell her pheromones. "Perhaps you can be a blondie, and we can get the gypsy girl and you to do a little double ham sandwich for me." He has little tact or charisma, but does have a lot of confidence and swagger. He is quite an intelligent, physical specimen, probably why the wizard university hired him.

When Zohra helps the expeditioners she finds that she does help some with the morale, but losing the bad comedian and the cute hobbit dancer was tough.

[Mangy Mathan]

Lady Lydia Cross

Lydia makes sure to go around and make small talk with the group, hoping to cheer them up. She chats with them about their hopes, their dreams, and the future. If they need to talk about something less cheerful, she listens.

Killian paces around the camp, setting up the glowing blue sticks. He eyes Zohra with suspicion, but she notes a bit of respect as well. He acknowledges her as a groupmate, but he seems to find the sudden change in the roster confusing and unsettling.

FYI, those glowing blue sticks are a set of everburning torches I made myself. Lydia's Wanderer's Staff is also similarly enchanted, but just for flavor it's a continual flame on a candle inside a lantern attached to the end of the crook, because I thought that seemed cooler.

Yes, Lydia is, ironically, afraid of the dark.

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Nerissis somehow makes a snort of laughter look graceful and pats Arnett on the head as if he were a child who had just said something stupid because he really didn't know better. It may be that she was just compared to a deli product in what was maybe supposed to be a somehow sensual metaphor. "We could see, my dear."

I don't 'do' anything for you, she silently adds to herself. People 'do' things for ME. Even if they don't realize it.

She quirks an eyebrow at Zohra. "What do you think, gypsy?"

The woman appears widely disinterested in discussing her own private history with Lydia or the group, but will listen with interest to what the others say. She will share her own if prodded.

[MikelaC]

After supper, Zohra sits quietly by herself; she seems engrossed in arranging her beads and baubles, along with her silks and cymbals. She watches the fire as well, seemingly waiting for something, only she knows what.
Finally, she seems to think the flames are just perfect, and she stands, moving gracefully over to it. She poses for a moment, with her arms raised over her head, and then two sets of her cymbals cling lightly together. With that, her dancing begins, even though there is no music other than the light ringing of her cymbals, she seems perfectly in rhythm with something only she can hear. And, as you watch her, you would swear you hear music as well, so in tune is she with her routine.
Her jewels sparkle and catch the light of the flames, creating a dazzling display at times. Her veils seem to float about her, with the constant flashes of tanned skin that you see, you would swear she is removing them as she dances, however when you manage to tear your gaze away from her and look to the ground, there are none there.
Her supple dancer’s body moves lithely through a routine that you would not think possible and you sit mesmerized, unaware of the passage of more than an hour, until she finally finishes with a sinuous flourish.

[BlueWizard]

Lydia will find her attention is greatly needed, especially on emotional Laucil. He will need a shoulder to cry upon, and Lydia will be distracted with him through much of supper. Nogar and Floki break into one of Nogar's bottle of brandy. {DM- I like the homemade light sticks, and Lydia's reason. :smallcool:}

When Zohra begins to dance Arnett is entranced, and his attention from Nerissis is drawn temporarily. At least until Zohra is done. Even Floki and Nogar are impressed, but Nogar stays as grumpy as he can. At the flourish, most of the men are feeling a little 'wooden'. Even Laucil looked up from Lydia's shoulder to watch the sexy dancer.

Floki walks up to Zohra, adjusting his codpiece. He bows to her, "That was beautiful, mam. I'm glad Portia wasn't here, because... well, you'd even put her to shame. But, I mean I think she could learn from you. She is good." He adds in Portia's absent defense. He looks at Zohra sincerely."You ever find where those things come from? Or what they did with your family?"

Arnett blushes when he realizes he was gawking at Zohra. He leans in close to Nerissis. "How about I just watch you two? That'd be just fine for me."

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Nerissis watches the dance with appreciation, though not the same type of appreciation as the men. She appreciates the dance for the poise, and for the command that it entails, the precise and mesmerizing movements that the gypsy employs so artfully. She claps politely when it's over.

To Arnett, Nerissis folds her arms across her chest with a grin. "I tell you what, hotshot, if you can convince her then it's a plan. But she gets to choose the form."

Nerissis doubts that Zohra will take much convincing.

[BlueWizard]

Arnett will try to sidle his way between Floki and Zohra, "So, where you sleeping tonight? Because, I sure hope its with me."

[sonofzeal]

Lockhart

"Oho! A splendid performance, traveler! Your skill surpasses any I have seen in some time! Come, share a drink from my glass in honour of your dance!" Lockhart takes a hearty swig, then holds forth a cup of whatever they've been drinking (presumably something alcoholic, to kill off unwanted germs with the meal) to Zohra.

[MikelaC]

ZOHRA

Zohra accepts the applause with graciousness, and then takes a big drink from the cup that Lockhart offers her. You wonder how a slight woman like Zohra can hold her wine, but gypsies are like that. She turns to Floki first..

I wish I could have met Portia as well, we could have compared notes. The dancer who says she has nothing left to learn has at least one very important thing to learn.
As to what those beasts did to my family, I have no idea. Ate them, perhaps? Im not familiar with what fiends do.

She looks to Arnett, and then sends a questioning look to Nerissis.

[BlueWizard]

Night will pass uneventfully... however you want it to.

[Mangy Mathan]

Lady Lydia Cross

"They may have supernatural powers, but at their hearts they are nothing more than the physical manifestations of hatred, sorrow, fear, rage, and other such base unpleasantries. The beasts will attempt to eat them, and most likely have already done it." She stands and dusts herself off. "If we work together, we may still be able to retrieve them."

She smiles, her face a bit sinister in the light of the campfire. "That was a beautiful performance, Zohra. The gods were right about you."

When he manages to get her somewhat away from the rest of the group, Killian whispers to Lydia. As is typical for an orc, his idea of whispering leaves much to be desired. "How're we gonna get 'em if 'ere dead?"

Lydia runs her hand along his jawline, and scratches the hair on his chin. "Has that stopped me before?"

[BlueWizard]

The night passes peacefully.

In the morning, Floki already has much of everything packed. He is ready to move, still a pall had cast itself over the group. Arnett hoped something happened with him and the two hotties, and will sneak a peek if he isn't invited.

Laucil is silent, but does cook up some scrambled eggs and potatoes that he scrounged up during the dawn.

OOC- Anything that needed to happen at night can be retro'd.

[Virgo]

Evening retro:

Nerissis

Nerissis catches Zohra's eye and nods, sidling over and putting one arm around her and one arm around Arnett. She remains focused, though, on the gypsy. "Very well then, my dears. Tell me, Zohra, what would you prefer?"

She shrugs gracefully, and the two humans can feel the flesh of her arms shiver as she transforms eerily from one form to the next, becoming first the blonde elf female that Arnett seemed to like, then a wild-haired wild elf male, then a Yuanese woman dressed in flame-red silk and then, abruptly, into a body that a passing person could have taken for Arnett, were the eyes not so bright, the bone structure not so flawless, the hair not so sleek, and the chin not so regal.

The Nerissis-Arnett looks at the real Arnett on his arm and gives him a cool look, examining one of his own changeling hands. "Hardly bad at all... I've made some minor modifications of my own, of course, so that it better suits by own natural attractiveness... One can't expect me to 'dress down,' really."

He (she, rather, because she returns to her Imperial form) returns her attentions to Zohra. "But it's whatever you'd like, my sweet."

Once Zohra selects a form, she will pull the two slightly beyond the light and they'll occupy themselves.

[Mangy Mathan]

Lady Lydia Cross

Lydia again performs her daily ritual, providing food and nourishment for her crew. She hopes for more appetizing fair than last time, but knows it's up to the gods to decide what she ends up with. She's gotten everything from lemon chicken to gruel to severed limbs. She's still wondering which deity gave her that last one.

While her companions eat, she prepares her spells and checks the map, meticulously planning the route. She looks for any potential hot spots of monster activity, and prepares her spells accordingly. Things had gone downhill disturbingly fast, and she knew that this meant she had underestimated the Necronomicon and those who desired its power.

If there's anything the party needs identified, she will do that now.

[MikelaC]

Evening Retro

ZOHRA

Zohra indicates that the Imperial form is the one she most likes Nerissis in, and allows her to draw the two of them aside. As they move off, she whispers to her....

First we tire him out to exhaustion, he wont be able to keep pace with us. When he finally tires out, then we have our fun together.

When the 'festivities' begin, Nerissis and Arnett discover that Zohra is not only talented with dance skills...

[BlueWizard]

Arnett is exhausted in the morning, and pretty much slept through his guard shift with Lockhart. Though it was hard to sleep when Lockhart was on watch, even not talking he was loud when not thinking about it.

Arnett's snores will wake the rest of you late sleepers in the morning. A low fog clings to the hills this morning, and gives the area a haunting chilly feeling.

Floki already doesn't like Arnett, but is mostly jealous at all the action he heard and missed last night. Nerissis and Zohra are glowing from their refreshing exercise.

Nogar goes back to his grumpy self to join Floki in moodiness, "Alright, let's move out!!"

Arnett waves them off, trying to get any extra sleep in.
Belsambor might be cringing at his bodyguard's lack of pep this morning.

[MikelaC]

ZOHRA

As the party loads and gets ready to travel, Zohra takes a moment to pray. None of you are familiar with the forms she uses, however you do hear a mumbled reference to "the great spirit of the Central Hills".

After her prayers are done, Zohra will take note of Floki's appearant jealousy and spend all of her time flirting outrageously with him, both to cheer him and distract him. At one point, she will come very close to him, point to the almost comatose Arnett, and whisper...

You see him there?...Thats going to be you, tomorrow

and give him a quick kiss before dancing away in swirl of veils

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Nerissis thoroughly enjoyed her night with Zohra, and is appropraitly impressed with her skill. The changeling may have taught the gyspy a thing or to as well...

As they walk along in the morning light, Nerissis watches Zohra dance around and observes her quietly. This girl seemed so free in some ways and so constrained in other; she had lost her family, after all. Her mouth quirks sideways at the girl's interaction with Floki; whether she was flirting out of kindness or some buried motive, the striking woman could not tell, but it hardly mattered. She was intrigued by this new arrival and her apparent carefree ways.

She holds an arm out for Zohra to take as they walk.

[MikelaC]

ZOHRA

Zohra blows one last kiss to Floki and then links arms with Nerissis as they walk. A smirk comes to her, and she turns to whisper to Nerissis....

Just play along

She then turns to look at Floki for a moment, then leans in to whisper again to Nerissis, followed by a round of giggles. She then looks appraisingly at Arnett, and whispers to Nerissis again, giggling once more.

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Nerissis leans in to Zohra, her eyes fixed on Arnett as if the gypsy is saying something about him, and smiles indulgently. She brushes back a lock of Zohra's dark hair and sibilantly whispers back to the girl.

"As you like. But tell me, why? Surely you don't do this for the purposeless fun of it?"

[MikelaC]

ZOHRA

Of course its for fun, you get their heads so screwed up they cant think straight, and then you can do anything you want with them

Looks at Arnett and giggles again...

Plus, its good practice, keeps you sharp for when you really need it, like tricking a guard

Points at Floki, with another giggle...

And its always a good idea to have them ready to protect you in battle. I really, really dislike sharp, pointy things aimed my way

[BlueWizard]

Floki is intrigued by this new girl, Nogar does try to keep him focused as the group continues West. It is definitely keeping him from thinking about the missing ladies at least.

Laucil found Nerissis and Zohra annoyingly nauseating, and was cold and distant to them on the journey. Lydia will notice that Laucil has become very close to him this day and stays close to her in the travels.

[Virgo]

Nerissis

The corner of Nerissis' lips tweak upwards.

"You cannot imagine my pleasure at your lack of naivete." She raises an eyebrow. "You and I are rather similar creatures, I think, disregarding our obviously different upbringings. I'll be eager to watch you work." The skin around her eyes wrinkles in the shadow of a smile. "Just leave some for me, yes?"

[MikelaC]

ZOHRA

Zohra waits until both Arnett and Floki are looking at her and Nerissis, and then gives her big kiss. She laughs and then dances over to whoever is still holding the wand.

Did we ever figure out exactly what that wand does? If you havent figured out how to operate it as well, then I have certain talents, as a bard, that allow me to figure it out.

[BlueWizard]

Lydia will spend some time Identifying the wand and will discover it is a wand of lightning bolt. {5d6 with 27 charges}

[Mangy Mathan]

Lady Lydia Cross

Lydia finishes her trance, quietly standing and holding the wand in her hands. She hands it out towards the arcanely inclined companions and asks, "Anyone interested in a dowel that can create arches of powerful electricity?"

[BlueWizard]

Laucil looks up, "Me!"
But, shushes quick when he realize he wasn't being spoken to.

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Nerissis looks at the wand. "If nobody else can use it, I'll keep it. I've been training with magical devices, and after a little more practice I should be able to work it dependably."



{OOC- Putting some skill ranks in UMD next level, so I'll have a shot at using the wand then.}

[Mangy Mathan]

Lady Lydia Cross

Lydia beams. "Sorry Laucil, but you have to be well versed in the arcane for this kind of wand to even acknowledge you as a user. Not even I can use it." She nods to Nerissis, but continues to hold it out to Zohra and Bel in case they want it. A currently reliable user is preferable to a future reliable user, after all.

[MikelaC]

ZOHRA

I could use it fairly consistently right now, but training you in the art of using 'foreign' items to your talents would be better in the long run. We could get started with the wand.

[BlueWizard]

Lydia would know that this wand is extremely valuable. She could sell it and get a lot of books.

[MikelaC]

Lydia would know that this wand is extremely valuable. She could sell it and get a lot of books.

(OOC: Like books on Tantric positions and techniques, Zohra and Nerissis would approve)

[sonofzeal]

Lockhart

Lockhart chuckes. "A Gandrmellt! I have seen such a thing before. Good for scaring away greentusks and wild animals, excellent when you wish for fried pigeon meat, but little help against a real warrior! I say sell it and split the shares equally."

[Lochar]

Somehow, my subscription dropped. *sigh*

Belsambor

The illusionist shakes his head. "I cannot use wands such as that, my training forbids me from doing so. Another can hold onto it."

[BlueWizard]

Nogar is bored with talk of the wand and groans, "Can we get on with it yet? All this talk of magic is making my stomach sick."

Floki is ready and even spent extra time with Laucil cleaning up the mules and making them spotless and massaged.

[Mangy Mathan]

Lady Lydia Cross

Seeing as how no one can really use it well, she hands it out to Nerissis. She was pretty sure she was going to request they sell it, but wanted to see it in action first. With it sold, she would be able to hire a few more assistants and better equip the ones she had, ideally with something that generates walls of force and antimagic fields, but she would settle for better weapons and armor. She suddenly considered putting Protection from Evil on a cloak. Next project she tells herself.

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Nerissis takes the wand and tucks it away, nodding. She looks around idly. At least they were moving forward on this little quest of theirs.

[BlueWizard]

Journey this day is rough as you have long left the cleared paths of the Dafe' behind. Now the roads are partially grown over, seldom traveled, and at many times broken up. It is a wonder how wagons got through, but you can see ancient ruts from many years of trading.

{OOC/RL- We can still see the Old West wagon trails, and even some Roman ruts!}

Laucil seems happy to be on the move, and often you will hear him humming one of Portia's favorite dancing tunes to himself.

This day moves slowly through the hills. With the woods blocking it you will miss most of the majestic views of the Central Mountains to your North. Though you can glimpse it through the trees if you try.

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Nerissis walks along, quietly reciting poetry to herself in a number of languages at once and quietly surveying the scenery. After a while, she perches herself delicately on the mule cart.

[BlueWizard]

Two nights will pass in these rough, steep hills. Progress is slow, Lydia's map seemed to be a little dated on the condition of these trade paths. Your nights were relatively peaceful with packs of curious wolves checking you out, but they keep respectful distances.

Late on this particular morning you will spot smoke columns of a village ahead.
A hill village on Lydia's map called Hubei.

[sonofzeal]

Lockhart

"Ahah! I will lay a wager, ten silver pieces, that they are already dead or that we will see blood spilled in the coming village!"

Then, whether anyone takes him up on the bet or not - "Come, I do not wish to wait on this revelation. I will run ahead for a ways, and if I do not return in ten minutes, then follow the sounds of riotous battle that I will surely be making! Ahaha!" And with that he heads off, circling towards the village clockwise.

((Double-moving for 100' a turn; he'll try to get close enough that he can shimmy up a tree for a good view, without breaking cover of whatever brush is around))

[BlueWizard]

Lockhart will begin to shimmy up a tree when he will spot the top of a tower peeking out of the woods. There are sounds of people, and Lockhart thinks he sees many torches gathered outside this remote tower. You are still on the outskirts of this community, and there is the sound of a river ahead. A likely place for people.

[sonofzeal]

Lockhart

Lockhart will peer over the view for a minute, shielding his eyes from the (to him) harsh glare of the sun, before returning to the others. "It looks like I may be wrong, there is life and movement! Though, it seems that most of it is not in the town but by a tower along the river. I say we join that party before it ends without us!"

[MikelaC]

ZOHRA

Retroactive actions
On the second night of travel, Zohra will seduce Floki, as she promised.
On the third night, she will spend the evening quietly by herself, unless Nerissis wants to get together

Current actions

Lets not go barreling in looking for fight, for all we know, it could be some sort of local celebration or ceremony. Move in cautiously, with weapons ready but not drawn. We dont want to provoke a fight by looking like savages

[Mangy Mathan]

Lady Lydia Cross

"I agree with Zohra. No need to make enemies unless absolutely necessary." With that, she begins to lead the group towards the tower. She looks down at the page in her hand, wondering if this tower is somehow special and, if so, is named on the map.

Killian stalks ahead, his bow readied but not electrified. He makes his way through the bushes on the side of the road, making sure that he has line of sight to his group.

[BlueWizard]

Floki is exhausted from his activities last night, and has a stupid grin on his face the whole day. Arnett is jealous, and was noticed trying to sneak off and peek at their activity last night.

Lockhart may or may not have heard Zohra, and is now part of the vanguard making their way to the old tower. As you get closer you will hear shouts and see burning effigies among the torch bearers. It is a crowd of about 250 peasants. Men and women were marching on the tower by the river attached to a large mill.
The tower was about 6 stories high, and only had windows on the third floor and up. The windows were all boarded up. The entrance was a stone door, that almost looked a part of the tower walls.

The mob was gathered outside the tower door. They seem quite angry, as if they wanted to lynch the resident.

"BURN!! BURN THE ABOMINATION!!!"


{OOC- Sorry about skipping days. I rolled for random encounters, found none, and thought I didn't need to drag out every detail of the days. Feel free to retro stuff, like MikelaC. And if you'd like we can roleplay this stuff, but since PbP is slower than table-top, I do skip some of the 'mundane' stuff. Like shoppe visits and travel time, though I will roleplay if need be. As a live DM I get in to all my many NPCs, including the baker and stable-hands of the world.}

[sonofzeal]

Lockhart

Lockhart taps Arnett on the shoulder. "Fellow warrior, care to wager on how long it will take them to remember that stone does not burn?"

To the others: "This gathering seems well in hand already. I say we observe and do not intrude upon their neighborly sport unless we find that we must."

[BlueWizard]

The tower begins to pound on the tower door, and call for the Professor. Some people are throwing their torches at the wooden shutters. After some time of this a man with wild gray hair and beard pokes his head out of the high shutters and shouts to you all, "Calm yourself people!! There is no need for this madness!!"

"There he is!!! Kill him!!" a voice cries and several men in the woods fire arrows at the man. None hit, but do stick in the shutters near him. This does startle the man.

"Damn it!!" He pokes his head back inside and slams the wooden shutters. After this the crowd begins to get really ornery and begin to make human pyramids to get at the 3rd story wooden shutters.

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Nerissis won't turn down Zohra.

She watches the angry crowd with something akin to amusement.

[MikelaC]

Zohra turns to Lydia, seeing as she is the leader of the group...

Do we ask the peasants why they want to lynch this person? Do we help? Or do we just pass by, seeing as it is none of our business?

[BlueWizard]

On the road: Laucil would have explained to Zohra that they seek evil papers, and must find a way to remove them from these evil people's possession. The half-elf would assure Zohra that they could use someone of her talents, and is sure the museum fund would be able to give her a healthy share of pay. Especially since already so many have been lost.

One clever peasant began to bring tables, and other broken pieces of structures, to form a great stack. The peasants clambered up it, a few falling and began to pound on the nearest shuttered window. They wanted in this place bad.

[Mangy Mathan]

Lady Lydia Cross

Lydia responds to Zohra, while keeping her eyes fixed on the tower. "The endangerment of a potentially innocent individual is always our business." She approaches the tower's crowd, but then stops. She turns to Zohra and Nerissis. "Ladies, I may need your help in calming this crowd down. I am... uh... admittedly bad with people. We need to calm them down before they hurt someone..." She watches a man slip and fall from the improvised scaffold, landing with a painful thud. "Or themselves."

[BlueWizard]

The largest and strongest men begin to batter down the wooden window shutters, and will be inside soon!

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Nerissis nods to Lydia and steps forward, into clear visibility of the mob. She raises a hand commandingly, and her voice is smooth with a comforting authority.

"Gentlemen! What's going on here?"

[BlueWizard]

The buff men easily burst through the wooden shutter, and are about to toss torches inside, but with Nerissis' force of will she gets the sudden and surprised attention of the whole gathering of hill-folk. {There are men and women here, but it is indeed men climbing up to the 3rd story window.}

One of the men who just busted the window open yells down to Nerissis, "Who're you?"

[MikelaC]

Zohra moves to stand beside Nerissis, she doesnt say anything to distract the men from her authority, but she stands as "eye candy" to further try and calm the crowd.

[BlueWizard]

"And who is she?" says one tall old man that is staggeringly drunk and carrying around a jug of brandy. "Hello, Wenschal Veldergasderrhof, but you my dears may call me Winner. All my friends do." The man is actually well dressed for a hill-folk, and has a large top hat, as well as a black tailored suit, which looks odd among these peasants. "I'm the mayor. Would you care to join us for a lynching."

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Nerissis snakes her arm around Zohra's waist smoothly; it wouldn't be at all hard to conclude that the gypsy girl is her consort.

"Wenschal," she smiles silkily. She tilts her head. "Well, a lynching. Tell us a little more before we decide..." She shoots a look up at the burst shutter. "And do call your men off? I so hate it when things... end prematurely."

She gives the mayor a look that suggests that last sentence might not have only alluded to lynchings...

The hand not wrapped around Zohra reaches up to adjust Nerissis' hair, but makes the tiniest of movements on the way.


Nerissis is casting a silent Charm Person on the mayor, and using Sleight of Hand to disguise the somatic component. Spot check against [roll0] to notice anything unusual, although unless the reandom pesants have ranks in spellcraft it won't help them much. :smalltongue: {EDIT_ Subtract 10 from that... The mod is +13, not +23. Silly typos.}

Save against the spell is DC 20, or 21 if the man is flat-footed

[BlueWizard]

The mayor has no intention of listening to Nerissis until her suggestion sounds like a good idea. "Well, hold on boys. Let's hear why we can't avenge the death of this little girl? If you got a reason pretty lady, why then have at ya."

No one seems to have noticed the spell. And the men on the teetering platform hesitate.

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Nerissis widens her eyes. "Look, whoever you've got in there isn't going anywhere. You can afford some time to explain what's going on to us, can't you? After all, maybe we can help, one way," she gestures to the (probably obviously powerful) group, then, narrowing her eyes and rubbing her hands together, returns her attention to the tower. "or the other."

{EDIT- Erm. That's not a threat against the townspeople... That's saying that maybe the group can either do something for the girl or her family, or do some very interesting and unpleasant things to the person in the tower. Man, it's been a long day. :smallsigh:}

[BlueWizard]

The tall mayor sizes up the group, looking nervously at the two orcs when he sees you all.

Note: Nogar, Laucil, and Floki stayed with the gear. Arnett decided he'd stay and guard as well.

"Well, let's see... this here professor created a monster." the tall mayor points at the tower. He moves in close and wants to get real friendly with Nerissis and Zohra now. He'll be touchy-feely if they let him. "Well, we were going to give the professor's servant a chance, but then one day by this river here, we found a little girl beaten and bludgeoned. Many witnesses say they saw his monster do it. The old kook thinks he can fool us, but we know better."

There is a sudden roar in the open window are great arms reach out and grab one of the men, and begins to crush his throat. Something suddenly got pissed. The men on the makeshift tower panic and the whole thing is starting to come down.

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Nerissis would let the mayor get touchy-feely, but is distracted by the necessity of trying to keep things from deteriorating further. She flares her eyes and those between her and the tower may feel a brief rush of power through their minds.

"Stop that this instant." she commands. "You're hardly helping your cause."

If Common doesn't work, she runs through each of her languages in turn quickly.


Suggestion, DC 22 or 23 (if flat-footed). If it's a construct or undead... It makes things more interesting. :smallannoyed:

[BlueWizard]

The mighty hands in the window don't respond as Nerissis intends. Once the man is limp, he is indeed released, and thrown down the side of the poorly designed structure; which will be coming down soon as some are leaping from it, as some men are charging up madly toward the window.

{OOC- It is up to you guys if we should start initiatives. There will be too many people to maintain complete control, and the construct is not helping its cause at all.}

[Virgo]

Nerissis

Nerissis mutters something in Draconic that translates roughly to "Valueless!" Of course, in Draconic, that's a pretty foul curse. She continues on in Draconic, blithely assuming that Lydia speaks it.

"I can't get into that thing's mind, so it's either a construct or undead. I'm going to try to get to whoever might be able to calm it down, but I'm not sure how I can do that without getting through that window." She makes a face. "And possibly strangled. Crowd control should be a priority. Worse comes to worse, I can keep everyone from moving very fast with a Solid Fog."

{OOC- Initiative might not be a bad choice, but I'll leave it up to others. How tall is the tower, and are there other entrances besides that window?}