(IC) Festival of Heroes - Fenris Howls - Main

[STDM Grizzly Ad]

Gorrun kept Prit from falling, when the doorway was indicated he gave Umbear a nod. He pulled his goggles up to his forehead and placed a thin crystal lense over his right eye and began searching over the area for a minute.

[EdgeGrinder]

Geiravor went to Viridessa's desk to see if she was around. "Viridessa, do you know if Unwin is in? I need to see you and him in the den. You know, the one with the bugbear mounted head." The Princess said.

[Wolfykins]

Viridessa smiled warmly at the Princess. "Oh, honey, it's nice to see you, even when it's official!" she said with motherly affection and familiarity.
"Unwin?" the corners of her wide mouth turned down slightly. "No, honey, I don't know where he is. But I can send Cheddar to find him and tell him you want to see him and where to go. I can't guarantee he'll believe the message coming from me, but that will be on him, won't it honey?" her smile a little bit sly as she spoke.
She looked over at the green and yellow parrot and flicked a finger. The bird launched from its perch and landed on the gnomish woman's hand.
"Alright, Cheddar, listen up. You need to go find Unwin and tell him, 'Princess Geiravor wishes to meet with you in the bugbear trophy den,' alright?"
"Yawp!" the bird replied, fluffing out the feathers around his neck and bobbing his head.
"And Cheddar? No embellishments. Tell him only exactly what I told you to say to him!" Viridessa said sternly.
The bird's feathers flattened as he deflated. "Fine," the parrot replied shortly. He spread his wings and flapped them a few times before taking off, sending a puff of air out that fluffed Viridessa's green bob and sent a stack of papers on her desk fluttering into disarray. The parrot flew out the window to find Unwin.
"Agh! Dammit Cheddar, you spiteful brat!" Viridessa shouted after her familiar as she hastened to pick up the scattered documents. She quickly resorted them and tapped the stack straight with impressive ease and efficiency.
"Are you going straight there, honey? Or do you have other stops to make first?"

[STDM Grizzly Ad]

Gorrun searches the area before putting his goggles back on.
Umbear, did you see Genevieve anywhere nearby as we were coming in?

[EdgeGrinder]

Geiravor and Viridessa entered the warded den together. "Hopefully, Unwin will be here. Viridessa's familiar went to find him. Lets give him a few minutes."

After a few minutes, the broad, short form of Unwin came in following Cheddar. "Good day, Your Highness, Champion... Viridessa. So, what did you need?" He gave Viridessa side eye.

[Andrew Markham]

Torilee sits on the floor with her new spellbooks spread out around her. Aurix, inside the warded area, sees Geiravor and Viridessa come in. Thinking quickly, he calls, "Can you wait out there a few minutes? I'm still working in here." Aurix keeps concentrating his energy on the spike, hoping it will accept him soon.

After Unwin arrives, Aurix finally manages to attune to the spike. He feels a massive flow of energy leave his body and infuse the spike, which merges into the wall!

[EdgeGrinder]

Geiravor, Viridessa, Chedder, and Unwin stood outside of the door. As Aurix activated the spike, a surge of energy shot throughout the walls of the entire castle. Viridessa and Unwin stood unaffected, however, demonic hisses and screams echoed through the stone walls. The three very different humanoids looked around in concern.

Once the commotion was settled, Unwin stepped into the warded den. "Champion, what is the meaning of this?" He asked calmly.

[Andrew Markham]

Aurix smiles as the spike activates. "I apologize for the subterfuge. The Princess and I have just activated magic within the castle that will purge it of any demons in disguise, and prevent them from entering the castle and its passageways in the future." Aurix observes Viridessa as he mentions the passageways, then continues, "We couldn't warn anyone, lest we give them time to escape. No one can be above reproach at this time, so I wished to observe whether the magic affected you two personally. You're both key to the running of this castle; your security is more important now than it's ever been. You should both check with your staff to see who was affected. From the sounds of it, we had more infiltrators than we thought."

Spoiler: Sense Motive

Show

How did Unwin and Viridessa react to this explanation? Do they show excessive concern?

Boosted by Moment of Prescience (1d20+59)[73]
If botch, activate Second Chance: (1d20+59)[63]

[FalkatheMage]

Prit shuffled around the alley, sniffing the air anxiously. He rubbed his whiskers and whimpered, as if terrified the creature may reappear at any moment. "oh dear oh dear oh dear" he muttered under his breath. Finally he looked up at his wouldbe saviors, "Im sorry sirs, all this has got me in knots. I've got to relieve myself, if you dont mind."

He scampered around the corner into a side alley for some privacy as he took care of his business. Once he was positioned behind some barrels, he checked for onlookers, then lifted his hands and swirled them around each other, performing a quick series of movements, before vanishing completely. ((Greater Invisibility - Ki -3 ))


Thoroughly invisible, Prit took off, scampering through the alley as fast as his little legs would take him. ((Fast Stealth)) His mission complete, for now, he was ready to lay low for a bit.

[Wolfykins]

Viridessa's expression shifted to one of great concern as the inhuman wails echoed through the castle.
"There were actually demons in the castle?" she shuddered and shook her head. "I'm grateful then to know you've been here to protect the Princess, honey," the gnome said, looking at Aurix.
She pointedly ignored Unwin and looked at the Princess.
"Honey, do you want me to call for roll of the castle servants now, or will you be having Jeffray do that?"

[STDM Grizzly Ad]

As soon as Prit says he has to relieve himself Gorrun speaks up.
I'm sorry, but privacy is not a luxury that can be afforded you right now. There is plenty of wall here if you have need. I'm going to require that you stay right with me for the time being.

If Prit still attempts to step away, Gorrun will pronounce him under arrest and pursue. (Ini roll:20 for Gorrun, 35 for Malaika)

[EdgeGrinder]

Unwin nodded throughout Aurix's explanation. "I see. Good that you and the Princess thought to do that. Sounds like the plan was a success." He grinned. He moved closer to Aurix. "I heard what happened with Jaysen. You were right to make this move." He said quietly.

[Andrew Markham]

Aurix nods to Unwin. "Yes, that was part of the timing, Lord Unwin." He looks to see how Geiravor will answer Viridessa's question.

Spoiler: Geiravor

Show

Aurix thinks to Geiravor, "Take a look at Unwin. He's hiding it, but he's angry at me...and I think it's because of what we've done. We need to watch him. I need a piece of him, for scrying. Think you can manage to get one?"

[FalkatheMage]

Prit laid his ears back against his head, eyes wide, "oh, oh, okay...sir"

Shuffling quietly to the wall, he but his back to Gorrun and closed his eyes, moving his hands rapidly together until he vanished suddenly. (Greater invisibility, ki -3)
Taking off up the wall, he scampered as fast as he could until he was could reach the rooftops and run.

[EdgeGrinder]

"Go ahead with a roll call. Geoffray will be busy helping clean up ash." The Princess replied.

Spoiler: Aurix

Show

"I'm not great with sleight of hand tricks and Unwin is pretty much hard to get things by. Umbear is ridiculously deft for his size. Maybe he could get something off him."

[Andrew Markham]

Spoiler: Geiravor

Show

"Later then."

Aurix nods to Unwin and Viridessa. "Thank you both for your efforts. We will need a thorough accounting of any missing or, possibly, transformed staff. I suggest that anyone of interest have their quarters searched- do you approve, Princess?" Aurix asks Geiravor.

[EdgeGrinder]

"I can have Geoffray and Bertram check the rooms." Geiravor replied.

Unwin headed back for the door. By the way, Unwin, I know you are busy with the cult investigation, but do you have the paperwork on those items that might be behind the portals?" The Princess asked.

Unwin paused for a moment. "I'm sorry, Your Highness, but I haven't yet."

"Very well. Carry on then." She dismissed him.

Unwin left the room.

Geiravor looked to Aurix. "I can leave orders with Geoffray before we head out to the temple."

[Andrew Markham]

Aurix nods. "It wouldn't hurt to walk around the castle a bit while looking very confident. I imagine there are a few people panicking right now." Aurix offers his arm. "Shall we?"

[EdgeGrinder]

Geiravor giggled lightly. "We should have these serious expressions and walk with chests out." She sat Tricey on her shoulder. "Alright, let's go."

[Andrew Markham]

Aurix and Geiravor travel through the castle, looking into the incidents from the spike's activation. Aurix does his best to seem confident and assure frightened staff that everything will be okay.

Diplomacy: (1d20+51)[59]

[EdgeGrinder]

The staff looked impressed with the Champion and Princess. There were whispers of monsters in the castle destroyed by them in some way. Geiravor gave her butlers orders before she and Aurix left for the Temple of Freya.

In the temple, priestesses glided through the halls with elegant grace. Each was armed. "Welcome to the Temple of Freya. I can find out where my temple guards are. I just need to talk to the sister superior."

She held her hand out to a large room with craved wooden pews and alters in the front of the room. Statues of Freya stood behind the alter.

"I'll be right back. Just take a load off. Pray. Chat up a priestess." She said.

[Andrew Markham]

Aurix nods as Geiravor leaves him. Aurix knows that now is the time to act.

He approaches a priestess and says, "Excuse me. I need a space to wait while the Princess attends to her business. I'm escorting her, you see. Do you have a library in your temple? I would love to read for a bit."

[EdgeGrinder]

The priestess studied him briefly before her eyes light up. "AH Champion! Of course, the library. A fine place for one as studious as you. Follow me."

The priestess lead the way. "We've been hearing about the spells you've created while here in the capital. Our few arcane casters are wanting to get their hands on some scrolls of those spells." She explained.

In a few moments, they arrived. "Here you are. We have a full-time librarian on duty who can help you should you need it." She pointed to a young woman with her nose in a book. "Her name is Kára."

[Andrew Markham]

Aurix and Torilee begin browsing the shelves, attempting to figure out how the shelves are organized and whether sections about history and/or prophecy will be easily found.

Aurix Perception: (1d20+42)[58]
Aurix Linguistics: (1d20+33)[42]
Torilee Perception: (1d20+23)[27]
Torilee Linguistics: (1d20+12)[15]

Aurix and Torilee find the history and prophecy sections quickly. Aurix finds tomes on the history of the royal family, noting them for later reading. He moves to the prophecy section. Although he can't locate specifically relating to the royal family, he notices a tome is missing- the third of a three volume set. The paladin begins looking through the first two volumes to get an idea of what the third one might be about.

His spindle glistens as it translates the unknown language into something Aurix can comprehend. After several minutes, Torilee hisses, "What is it, hey?" Aurix whispers back, still engrossed in his reading, "A clue. A huge one. We'll talk about it when we're out of here." Aurix finishes his examination of the book, then moves back to the history section, where he found a tome on the history of the royal family.

[EdgeGrinder]

After about 30 minutes, Princess Geiravor came looking for Aurix with Freyan guards, Mist and Hrist, in tow.

"There you are, my Champion! Sorry for the delay, the High Priestess wanted to know exactly want happened today so Mist and Hrist could be better equipped." She explained.

Mist, the brunette guard, nodded to Aurix. "Afternoon Champion. Thank you for guarding our Princess and priestess."

Hrist, the red-headed guard, nodded as well. "Yes, thank you. We hope our added presence will give you both a sense of security."

"One of my mentees have mentored this women. So I know they are strong and well-disciplined." Geiravor added.

[Andrew Markham]

Aurix looks up and smiles at the sound of Geiravor's call. He nods to Mist and Hrist. "Good afternoon. Thank you for your diligence." Aurix points to the shelf and says, "I've just found a most interesting tome about the history of the royal family! Do you suppose there's a copy of this at the castle, or they might let me borrow it for a time?"

[EdgeGrinder]

Geiravor looked at the tomes Aurix was referring to. "Ah yes, The Annuals of Juvelnordic Royal Bloodline, 5th edition. We have several copies in the castle library and the private den as well. A good read. The royal biographer was very thorough. That edition is good up until Dustin Magnusson's birth." The Princess explained.

"So where to next, Your Highness, Champion?" Hrist inquired.

[Andrew Markham]

Aurix looks to Geiravor. "I've done everything I need to do here," he says, hoping Geiravor picks up on his meaning. "Think you could arrange that meeting with the magic cab companies?" he asks the Princess.

[EdgeGrinder]

"Sure! The business headquarters and the stables of the urban cab company are both in the business district. We can take a cab there." Geiravor snickered.

The party left the temple and hailed a cab. The guards were silent but alert along the ride. After a while, the cab stopped in front of Horse Magic Cab Services offices.

The four exited the cab in front of the main office. It was a stone two-story building sharing the block with a fortune teller. The stable was behind the office and took up a lot more space, but the area lacked the smell of a stable. The four marched up the stairs and entered the reception hall.

A mustached, human man, sitting at a desk, looked up from some papers. "Welcome to Horse Magic Ser- Your Majesty?!" He started. He stood up almost immediately upon recognizing Geiravor and bowed his head. "Your Majesty, how may I serve you?" He asked.

The Princess scanned thw desk for a name plate. "Ah, Mister George Williamsson, can we have a meeting with the business owner if they are in? We are willing to wait."

George nodded. "Yes, of course, Your Majesty, Misses Buttercup is in. I will inform her immediately."

"Yes, thank you!" She replied.

George rushed upstairs. After a few moments, George returned followed by a radiantly beautiful elf woman whose beauty rivaled Geiravor's. She glided down the stairs, her fiery red hair bounced as she stepped. Her wide, bright green eyes scanned the awaiting guests below. Her purple bodice was tied tightly as it hugged her waist and held up her ample breasts. She wore a fitting white blouse with a knee-length white petticoat and purple knee length stockings under a pair of black leather loafers. Three pairs of platinum earring hung from her ears.

She bowed before for the Princess as she stepped to the floor. "Your Majesty, Champion, to what do I owe the honor of your presence?"

[Andrew Markham]

Aurix hangs half a step back from the Princess as she enters the building, making sure she takes the lead. When Misses Buttercup arrives, Aurix blinks, taken aback by her beauty. Then he resets his facial expression, not wanting Geiravor to see.

Aurix looks to the Princess and says humbly, "May I?" After receiving her assent, he steps up to her side and bows to the elven woman. "I asked for this meeting. I've been noticing how much the heroes and I have relied on magic cabs to get around lately. With teleportation unavailable, your services have become a lifeline for not just us, but the entire city. I think you and the drivers you employ are heroes for being willing to stay in this time of crisis. With that said, I'd like to make an investment in your company from my adventuring...hoard, I guess?" Aurix rubs the back of his neck awkwardly. "I'd like to see that the drivers receive hazard pay so long as they remain, and possibly invest in an expansion of the number of available cabs. I was thinking I could invest, say, 5000 platinum pieces? Would that be enough to start?"

To be continued...Next thread