Vinny has been mostly quiet, and the use of shapechangers and shape-changing monsters like the chair monster that tried to eat Akos is starting to make him edgy. He needs every one to back down and regroup. fast.
"Excuse me, everyone. If I may have the floor here? I would like to move the motion to have the two sides adjourn for a day or so so we can discuss our newly presented options. Yes?" He uses his free hand to waive his two other friends out of the room.
"Tim, will you help the other two out of the room so we can meet elsewhere and talk?"
Falen:
Falen has been listening to the exchange, but he stays relatively obscure until the statuesque beauty mentions him.
He says nothing to her taunt. She’s making a point, and it appears wholly lost on all of them: Phelix appears to know pretty well everything about them. He surmises that it must be magical. They are being scryed, either individually or as a group. He is unwilling to provide any color commentary nor confirmation to his comrades nor these people. These enemies appear outnumber them and are in possession of too much information.
Aside from his assessment of their advisaries, he is exceedingly curious of the portal, this woman, and her wizard comrade. The fellow and the chair/creature are threats, but the woman speaking to them has most of his attention. Does he recognize her? Or the Wizard?
"They expect a swordsman, soooo..." Breva readies his bow and moves forward so that he can fire into the room with but a step. "As my companion already noted, Paladin's don't take such deals," he responds confidently.
Tuck is considering coming into the room when he hears his name, because somehow they already know he's here. But he quickly changes his mind when Vincenzo calls out.
Vinny expects the iron door to open, but, instead, a section of the wall near Big Tim slides down into the floor to reveal a reinforced wooden door. It opens inward and Tim can see two more ex-guards standing in a small room with a wooden floor. He can see two beds against the far wall with two wooden chests next to them, as well as large table with two small stools that don't look very comfortable.
As he watches the two ex-guards move into the larger room, Tuck realizes they have not closed the door behind them. And he is pretty sure they have not noticed him, either. So despite the fact that Lowenan says he knows the kobold is there, Tuck guesses that they don't know exactly where he is.
They will need a place to fall back to, probably, when the situation inevitably escalates into violence.
Slowly he moves forward, then quickly enters the barracks that the two soldiers just came out of. Once he is sure they cannot see him from across the hall, Tuck starts checking the room for hostilities and defensive tools. If he gets the chance, he'll also checks the chests and any other containers he might find.
"Ah, that's how it will be. You actually start from position of treachery and think everyone just wants money? After this attack on my person, I withdraw my limitation on influencing anyone.
Sir Valencia already refused. I have no doubts paladins will too, although I will not speak for them. Maybe I would entertain the idea, but this is my adopted city now, you did nothing but attack, terrorize, cheat and lie. Wven if I accept, you would simply send someone afrer me or at least use the opportunity if I return.
I am a scholar and instead of offering me knowledge you offer me money? The renegade is as pathetic negotiator as he is a mentor. He is at least good as a master since good dogs obey force."
Akos is livid even if he controls his voice and behaviour as a trained orator should, he is out for blood now. He moves back toward his companions and keeps the rhythm of the speech.
Tuck is considering coming into the room when he hears his name, because somehow they already know he's here. But he quickly changes his mind when Vincenzo calls out.
The kobold tenses. He knew it! And the man called Lowenan does not even deny it.
The ex-commander shakes his head. "While I'm not surprised at your reaction, I would think you'd see the idea of preparing for anything on the field of battle. What you call treachery, I call good battle tactics," Lowenan says calmly. He sighs. "It seems you've spent too many years cloistered in a dusty room and not enough time standing toe to toe against foes. I guess with your upbringing, it isn't surprising, but if I can give you some advice Loremaster." He pauses. "You must learn to see three steps ahead of your enemies if you are to survive in this world. Keeping Arnona and Silagord out of sight to attack from rear if violence erupts was a sound battlefield tactic, but they would not have attacked you from behind unless you used your magic or Sir Tim swung the first strike."
Lowenan looks at Tim. "You are a knight of your people. You have fought on the field of battle, yes? So, you understand that good tactics are the key to victory and that when fighting against magical foes you have to be doubly prepared. Yes, we are enemies, but as a good soldier, you know how to prepare for war."
He turns to look at Akos again. "Yes, I have this blade, but I also have my orders. I am here to keep the peace, if possible. My mentor has ordered me not to be the aggressor. We haven't taken any hostile action, but I will not hold back if you strike first. Yes, it puts me at a disadvantage, which is why I kept Arnona and Silagord out of sight." He sighs again and takes another swig of wine. "I should have warned you about the mimic up front, but I never thought that you'd go and try to sit on it. It's a mistake I don't often make and I apologize." He looks at Akos. "But, ask yourself this, if the throne wasn't an unknown factor in this room, then why wouldn't I have been sitting there? It would be a position of strength. This place wasn't built by Phelix, and I think you know that already, so there could be dangers here that even my mentor hasn't deciphered yet."
He walks over to the table and places his rapier on it. He takes a chunk of meat from one of the plates and dabs it into something in a bowl before eating it. Then he walks back to the chair and sits down. He leaves the rapier on the table. "I hope that will prove to you that I will not attack first. If I was to do so, Phelix would be very upset with me. He knows that eventually you'll come for him, and he would like to broker some sort of agreement to prevent it." He takes a deep breath. "Yet, it may not be possible to avoid more bloodshed. He has his plans and he isn't going to change them without some sort of incentive from your masters, and it is doubtful The Five will agree to anything that Musummaar can offer on Phelix's behalf. But, he wants to try to keep you from invading the enclave."
He motions to the portal. "There are things contained in that place that you should not disturb. Creatures he's brought in from the Far Realms and monsters trapped in magical circles that were placed there long before Phelix discovered its existence. Some of those ancient circles were close to failing before he arrived. Yet, he will not give up the demiplane without a fight an he knows the Wizard Council will take it from him, if they can. But, also ask yourself... would they destroy it or would they do what Phelix has done and use its power, study it? Hmm? Don't be so sure you know the answer Loremaster."
Neurotic said:
Motioning toward the trapped creature to get the attention of the guard, he motions toward the elite traitor and very clearly and slowly mimes the word TRAITORS
"You use this poor creature somehow. Sentients should never be reduced to a gear drive. Can we speed up this talks to the logical conclusion where you betray your word, your obviously noble and sensible companion and everything you once stood for for a short ego-power trip before you end up in hell?"
Lowenan fumes but keeps his temper in check. "Yes, I admit that we use him as a guardian, but he wouldn't have left this place without fighting to the death. Phelix found it more useful to convince him that we meant him and his charge no harm." He shakes his head. "It unfortunate that the power of the portal drains the genie's life force, but Phelix refuses to give up this room or the power it has that connects it to the Ancients. We do not always agree, but I have accepted his choice and will not question him. It is not my place.
"You think me a traitor to my oath and my city, and if you look at it from the point of view of the city's unyielding laws over its citizens, then you are right," Lowenan says bitterly. He lowers his head and stares at the floor. "I am no longer loyal to a bunch of preening merchant lords who rule over Bluffside like it is their personal property, and who push out anyone who challenges their power. The Wizard Council is just as bad, but at least they contain their most of their machinations to the Wizard District. Still, it was the council that convinced The Five that sorcerers like my mentor have no place in Bluffside. They care not about his ethics or his interest in the Far Realms. They only see a sorcerer who threatens the status quo. If he was a wizard, they would accept him into their circle. He would have a position of importance and not be trying to live off scraps." He looks up at Akos. "They will come for you at some point, Loremaster Akos. Be prepared for their treachery if you become too powerful, feykin. Be glad that the people of Old City have come to admire you, but be careful how popular you become. It could be a death sentence."
He stands and points at Vinccenzo. "That is what they did to my mother and when they discovered her powers did not come from texts but was innate in her soul, they used it as an excuse to execute her as a renegade! She was a good woman, but they did not care!" he rages. "Nonwizards live in fear in this city," he snaps. "I know this because I am a sorcerer in addition to being a soldier! I have had to hide my abilities or risk being branded a traitor and a renegade! I have watched good men die because I could not use my magic to save them! So, you'll forgive me if I care not what you think of me!"
Neurotic, I can't quite remember which House you choose for Akos. I think you went with the House of Enchantment, but I know we also talked about the House of Evocation. I think that was my suggestion, but you chose Enchantment instead.
Lowenan revealing that he is a sorcerer is major risk to his life. Both Akos and vinny know this without any sort of check. Sorcerers are forbidden in Bluffside. While there is a law that allows foreign countries and city-sates to post sorcerers at embassies as ambassadors or attendants, it is rarely done due to the risk to the sorcerer's life. Such an character is only protected as long as he or she remains in the embassy. if they leave it, for any reason, they can be arrested and either kicked out of Bluffside or executed depending on the magistrates they get when brought to the tribunal.
Learning that Lowenan is a sorcerer puts Vinny in a very bad situation. It is a standing order among the Sectarian Guards to report any known sorcerers to their commanders and the Wizard Council. If Vinny doesn't do so, he could lose his place among the Sectarians and could be banned from ever entering the Wizard District again, at the very least. It's unlikely he'd be executed, but he could end up in prison or be ostracized from the city.
At this point, his superiors would expect him to take Lowenan into custody, if possible, but since the PCs are in serious danger if they attack, his commanders will not hold it against him if he retreats.
Neurotic said:
He bows shortly to the lady as he speaks of her, but keeps moving.
"Now we talk with someone with deeper understanding of the goal and not with a lapdog with illusions of grandeur."
Arnona is surprised by Akos's words. It's clear as a bright summer day. She gives him a sly smile before glancing at Lowenan. "Sir, what do what to do?"
"If he feels he must converse with you instead of me, so be it. But don't promise him anything that Phelix would not offer. Neither you or I can them any such guarantee," Lowenan says more calmly. He sits down in the chair and crosses his feet. "This could be interesting, but remember what I told you about his abilities. If you sense any sort of magical guile on his part, don't hesitate."
Arnona nods and takes a step away from Tim, so she can see Akos better. "While I have some diplomatic training, I'm the youngest in my family and was not given the same opportunities as my older sister and brother. She will inherit my father's holdings and my brother is now a cleric of one of the Twelve Gods. If I hadn't joined the Regulars, I would have been forced to marry a decrepit old nobleman from Pertan. No, I wasn't going to let that happen, so I became and guard and a soldier but soon came to realize I had traded a bastard of a husband for an uncaring group of dictators."
She sheathes her blade and then crosses her arms. "Commander Wearne has taught me how to survive and that rulers and leaders don't always have the peoples best interest at heart. I realize that Phelix is not a moral man, but he is more accepting of who I, no, we are as people. Yes, he does not like betrayal, but who does." She pauses. "And I will not tell you my family name. I will not have the Sectarian," she points at Vinny. "Disgrace my family because I stand with my commander and Phelix, despite the arcane power in their soul and the horrible restrictions on sorcerers. It is archaic."
She looks solemnly at Tim. "I respect your abilities knight, but you are not on the right side. Mirella has nothing against sorcerers, but the Five do. The World Goddess is simply dispassionate about the lives of mortals."
Neurotic said:
Ooc:
ready action Sanctuary spell or anklet teleport (need to check spells prepared)
Akos is very aware that cold iron fey bane weapon could end him in a single strike he wants to make some distance from the wearer, but at the same time he wants to provoke rush action that may upstage whatever careful plan they have.
If Lowenan responds with violence, great, if not, he adds "Good dog, sit now" and turns to the lady
EDIT: missed the last response, hopefully you can work this into the narrative. And I'm rolling planar and dungeoneering to see if Akos knows something about the gesture. In addition, if he can cobble together the sentence "we are allies of the ancients" using their terms/language he will say that toward the DMK Dungeoneering; Planar lore: 1D20+8 = [11]+8 = 19 1D20+11 = [3]+11 = 14
still useless
Also, ancient language on the list for next level assuming we survive
The Dungeoneering roll isn't useless. Once the mimic begins to move and its mouth becomes visible, Akos knows that it is a mimic. While he doesn't know all its abilities, he knows it can be dangerous but it doesn't move very fast. Being able to surprise its prey is its biggest advantage and that is gone now. It is an aberration and can crush foes that it grabs, but its reach is limited to 10 feet around its body.
That is the second roll you've made for The Planes (the first one was a 13), unless it is a special ability to the Loremaster prestige class. I'll look at your PC sheet to refresh my memory regarding Akos extensive knowledge-based abilities.
If it is another Knowledge (The Planes) roll, Akos doesn't know anything else about the genie besides what I've posted in OOC thread. If you want that roll to be for the creature on the other side of the portal, then Akos is certain that it is alien being from the Far Realm. That means it will be extremely dangerous and could overpower the group.
Akos suspects that if the creature comes through and the spells trapping the genie are dispelled afterwards (as part of your Arcana roll of 30), then the alien creature will likely be forced back to the Far Realm. Removing the portal from the equation, by freeing the genie is the group's best option if they're going to stand and fight. It would likely save their lives, the genie's life, and the Deaf Mute Knight's life.
While v.3.5 doesn't have a Linguistics skill, you can roll an Intelligence check and add a +1 bonus for each language that Akos speaks (+4) to try to learn what the gestures mean and how to interpret them. The DC is 20.
Vinny has been mostly quiet, and the use of shapechangers and shape-changing monsters like the chair monster that tried to eat Akos is starting to make him edgy. He needs every one to back down and regroup. fast.
Hearing Lowenan rant about the Wizard Council and the Sectarian Guard is troubling. But, him revealing he is a sorcerer makes him an even greater threat to the city. Vinny knows that when the council find out, Lowenan will be branded a renegade and being hunted down just like Phelix.
It's the law. It might not always be a fair law, but it is the way it is in Bluffside. Vinny knows he should try to arrest the man, but he and the others are facing too many foes and if the pseudo-natural fire creature comes through the portal, it could go very badly for them. Retreat is the best option in Vinny's mind.
ScottDeWar_jr said:
"Excuse me, everyone. If I may have the floor here? I would like to move the motion to have the two sides adjourn for a day or so so we can discuss our newly presented options. Yes?" He uses his free hand to waive his two other friends out of the room.
"Tim, will you help the other two out of the room so we can meet elsewhere and talk?"
"You can't be serious!" Custodio says. "I don't care what he says, they are not just going to let us walk out of here!"
"You are mistaken, Vanquisher," Lowenan replies. "If you feel you all must retreat and report to your masters, then so be it. We will not be the aggressors here, and we will not ambush you as you leave. You have my word and if that's not good enough, I'm sure Arnona will give you her word."
"I will... I do," She nods. "But please do not say my name to Oakfirst. He knows me and my family. If he learns what I have done, he will go to The Five, and they will strip my family of their titles and have them all either thrown in prison or ostracized from Bluffside. I now I can't keep you from telling him, but I'm begging you not to... they don't deserve to be punished for my choices."
Lowenan adds. "Phelix cares not for the mercenaries you've captured. They failed to capture the doppelganger, and they didn't do what they were told. There leader didn't even try to bluff you. Pathetic. The Rising Swords think they are good tacticians, but they tend to attack first and negotiate only when their backs are against the wall." He pauses "Phelix will want to get Solomon back, I think, but I know that Lord Commander Oakfirst won't release him under any circumstances. The man is too dangerous to let go, or live. He will probably not survive his first night in prison."
He gets up from the chair and orders his men to stand down. The three other ex-guards all move away from Akos and the others. The young wizard moves to stand against the wall next to other man on that side of the room. Arnona moves to stand next to Lowenan. There is a strong connection there but it isn't romantic. She looks at him more like a daughter would at her father.
Falen:
Falen has been listening to the exchange, but he stays relatively obscure until the statuesque beauty mentions him.
He says nothing to her taunt. She’s making a point, and it appears wholly lost on all of them: Phelix appears to know pretty well everything about them. He surmises that it must be magical. They are being scryed, either individually or as a group. He is unwilling to provide any color commentary nor confirmation to his comrades nor these people. These enemies appear outnumber them and are in possession of too much information.
Aside from his assessment of their adversaries, he is exceedingly curious of the portal, this woman, and her wizard comrade. The fellow and the chair/creature are threats, but the woman speaking to them has most of his attention. Does he recognize her? Or the Wizard?
Falen doesn't seem to know Arnona or the young wizard, at first glance. He hasn't been back in Bluffside for very long and tends to be on missions for Lord Max elsewhere in the Northwest. It could come to him in time. Maybe Lord Max will know her, if not the young wizard.
Falen notices that Castellana tenses when Lowenan reveals he's a sorcerer.
When Arnona tells of her family and her fears, Falen can understand her hesitancy to reveal her family name. The half-hobgoblin knows that she is correct. Her family would be disgraced for her actions. That's often the way of nobles and rulers, in any city with nobility. It would be tragic for them to be sent for prison for her allegiance to the Renegade, but after seeing the reward broadsheets for Phelix's capture, he can surmise that The Five will not show mercy to those who ally with the sorcerer, or their families.
"They expect a swordsman, soooo..." Breva readies his bow and moves forward so that he can fire into the room with but a step. "As my companion already noted, Paladin's don't take such deals," he responds confidently.
"Wealth can be used for many things, paladin," Arnona says to Breva politely. "But I am not surprised that none of you will take gold, although I think Musummaar has been ordered to go much higher." She looks at the portal with the gnome's face still in it. He's been listening intently and quietly all this time.
"As much as 25,000 gold each," he says. "Although it will take more time to acquire such funds. Several months, at minimum. Master Phelix is not a bank, but he does have funds in foreign banks that could be brought to Bluffside." He pauses. "He'd be willing to pay each member of The Five, including the dead Lord Mayor's estate, as much as 50,000 gold to bring this conflict to an end. That will take even more time, however.
"The Five must give up the idea of sending you, or anyone else, into the demiplane, and in return he will agree to pay to keep the Rising Sword out of Bluffside, but he will not give up the room you are standing in nor any of his other arcane holdings in Old City. However, he no longer cares about the Growers' Tower, as the portal there was a failed experiment. Seal it up or tear it down if you wish. But, don't try to open the portal within the tower itself. That would end badly. Tearing down the tower most likely will not activate the portal.
"The other portal near the gardens could bring you or another force here, but please know that he knows you are coming and that he will be prepared to fight to the death if you do so. He has many Loyalists in Bluffside. You have not rooted them all out. He would prefer the rulers of the city to see reason and allow him to continue his work, so that he can return home t-"
"Quiet Musummaar!" Lowenan yells. "Do not say another word!"
The gnome snaps his mouth shut, as the ex-commander glares at him.
JustinCase said:
As he watches the two ex-guards move into the larger room, Tuck realizes they have not closed the door behind them. And he is pretty sure they have not noticed him, either. So despite the fact that Lowenan says he knows the kobold is there, Tuck guesses that they don't know exactly where he is.
They will need a place to fall back to, probably, when the situation inevitably escalates into violence.
Slowly he moves forward, then quickly enters the barracks that the two soldiers just came out of. Once he is sure they cannot see him from across the hall, Tuck starts checking the room for hostilities and defensive tools. If he gets the chance, he'll also checks the chests and any other containers he might find.
Once in the room, Tuck quickly discovers that the iron door out in the corridor doesn't open up into the room. (More than likely, it is a fake door. Hopefully, it doesn't lead to... elsewhere.) The room is laid out like a small barracks. There are two beds, more like firm cots; a circular table made from sort unknown dark wood, two stools that look like they might be sized for him more than the others; and, of course, the two wooden chests.
Both of the chests are locked but Tuck can tell the locks aren't the best. They shouldn't be too hard to open, as long as they aren't trapped. As he is inspecting the one on the left, he freezes. There is a sleeping cat on the bed! The young wizard's familiar, most likely. So far, it hasn't woken up.
Outside in the corridor, Castellana turns to Falen and motions that she's going to go back to the entrance to get help. She moves quietly back down the corridor past the golem. She hopes the sorcerer isn't scrying her. Shadows shift as she moves away from the doorway and her foot scraps the metal floor as she passes the gargoyle, but the ex-guards don't notice her leaving.
She passes back into the small damp room with the rope still dangling from above. She begins climbing up the rope to get to the guard post above in hopes of warning Sergeant Herleva and the other Regulars there of the treachery of Lowenan Wearne and the other ex-Elites.
OOC:
The two chest have simple locks on them. The DC to open them is only 20. Make a Move Silently check and two Open Lock checks to open the chests without waking the cat.
While she isn't sure who Arnona is, she immediately recognized the tower wizard, Silagord. He was in one of her classes at the Academy. He will likely face the worse punishment that the Wizard Council can inflict on a wizard who goes rogue, banishment from the Material Plane. Lowenan will be put on trial and executed as a Renegade if he is caught, but if he gives up Phelix, he might only be ostracized from Bluffside.
The laws of the city are clear, and she knows her duty. Any hardships the ex-guards might have endured in life do not matter.
The two chest have simple locks on them. The DC to open them is only 20. Make a Move Silently check and two Open Lock checks to open the chests without waking the cat.
Well, technically I'm untrained in Open Lock. Can I still try? (Although that DC is very high without skill points... Perhaps I need to do something about the cat first.)
Well, technically I'm untrained in Open Lock. Can I still try? (Although that DC is very high without skill points... Perhaps I need to do something about the cat first.)
OOC: No, you have to be trained to use Open Lock. I hadn't realized that you hadn't allocated cc-skill points to it. I keep forgetting Tuck is an urban ranger and not a rogue and that there are some roguish skills that aren't class skills for him.
Just before Tuck enters the room, he looks back to see that Castellana has disappeared from the corridor. Falen seems to be looking at something back toward the gargoyle golem, but Tuck doesn't see anything. He does manage to here her moving away from the group back towards where the group entered this underground complex.
