(5.24 PBP) Vault of the Dracolich (IC) Redux

[Leatherhead]

"Er, right, sorry." Copper corrects himself before stopping for the sudden lights and sound show.

The Goliath turns to quickly size up the old orc, noting his above-average physical condition, which was more impressive given his age. "Sure, I got no objections to him."

 

[Kobold Stew]

Urgan is caught unexpectedly by Merrick's words, and he blushes. For someone with green skin, the flush comes across as a forest green, an embarrassing colour for any orcflesh. He clears his throat. "That's... that's very kind of you Merrick. I can offer what service I can. I'm no warrior like so many of you, but what guidance I may offer, I will happily provide" He looks around the room. Many have brought their packs with them. Scamp appears to bre asleep, drooling on the carpet.

"I see no need in waiting. Would all be ready to leave within the hour?" He looks to the wizard for confirmation. "If so, then say your farewells. If You've not spoken up, please let us hear your names. We enter this challenge as comrades, not as strangers."

 

[Hriston]

Back to Terrin: "It seems all kinds have been drawn by the call. The lure of adventure, or the promise of reward. Do one of those bring you?"

“For me," Terrin replies, "any true reward I receive will come from my Lady of Rest who heals all hurts, if I prove myself worthy. As for adventure..." he trails off, lost in thought.

After Imani has finished speaking, Terrin nods and says, "This is why I have come. I was apprenticed to him. He trained me, in part, to take up this mantle, forseeing the coming of this day, but I was called to a different path."

Terrin's voice rises above the murmuring of the crowd as he says, "I join this adventure with two goals. The first, to repay my debt to the Wizard Imani for his kindness and hospitality. And the second, to embody the truth of my chosen path in amending the harms caused by this cult and its dreaded dracolich. May the Lady smile on our efforts!"

 

[Snarf Zagyg]

Shamal observed the greed overwhelm the faint hint of bravery in the departing cowards with mirth, and with a laughing lilt in his voice, addressed the remaining adventurers.

It would appear that the exit is big enough for a camel to pass through!

Seeing that the others might mistake his levity and good-nature for a lack of purpose, he continued. What use are the riches of all paradise if we allow evil to destroy our world?

As the sense of righteousness in Shamal's voice mounts, the dust in the room begins to levitate with his rising words and swirls around him. Let those who have left spend their time in brothels and souqs knowing not if they they are fated to die without ever drawing their blades against those who would ruin them. Shamal offers the shamshirs of the great Dao al-Raml and his brothers as is foretold by providence.

Noticing his zeal, hardened by too many seasons in Empty Quarter, has overcome him, Shamal lets the dust drop down and smiles again, letting the warmth spread to his eyes. And if my weapons are unworthy of the task, I will perforce defeat these dragons and cults with a beguiling dance to show them the error of their ways! Shamal laughs at this and joins the others, seeking the blushing orc, Urgan.

I once asked a donkey who his father was. The donkey replied ... Shamal, my uncle is a horse. I am pleased that you are my comrade on this journey, as I am pleased that all of you are. Shamal stops for a second, his smile lessening somewhat. Although, my word to Rabb al-Raml's ears, I am mystified by the poetry of that one. He looks quizzically at Shade-9.

OOC: Shamal is ready to party, by sword or by interpretative sword dance. Whatever works! Also, elementalism cantrip for sand effects. Because it's cool.

 

[FitzTheRuke]

Without further questions, Imani went back up the stairs to finish preparing his teleportation ritual. Corrah waved to those who remained to grab whatever food they wished, and to follow her up to the Wizard's Study.

Loklafd strapped on his prosthetic leg and turned to Urgan, saying, "I hope that you will like what I have built for you, but I will take no insult if you choose another way."

It was cryptic, but meant kindly, and Loklafd rose, taking his turn on the spiral staircase, slowly but steadily.

In a room crowded with bookshelves and magical bric-a-brac, Imani chanted and moved his staff in circles, over a pattern of runes inscribed on the floor. A soft hum emerged and the runes glowed. Corrah beckoned the others to follow her, and hopped into the runic circle and disappeared.

GM: I assume everyone follows.

 

[Kobold Stew]

Urgan acknowledges Laklafd, and says, "It seems we are leaving sooner than I had expected. When we return..." (he did not allow for other possibilities) "...I shall find you and see if I can help with that leg. Until then, I am grateful for whatever it may be."

The orc clicks out of the side of his cheek, and Scamp lazily rises and walks to his side, looking longingly at the table. To the others, he says, "I'll see you on the other side." He steps through the portal, Scamp at his heels.

 

[Lidgar]

Bjorn nodded to himself while giving Bill a self-conscious pat on the head.

"Right. I guess we're going now Bill. Earth and Stone protect us."

He then strode purposefully into the teleportation circle and disappeared.

 

[Neurotic]

Lorent waited for those who were greedy or afraid to leave and re-evaluated those who stayed.
Quietly he followed into the circle

 

[Leatherhead]

Copper stuffs his pack before heading up and stepping into the glowing circle. "More for me, I suppose."

 

[Tonguez]

Shade-9 noted the dimming of the lights, disturbance of dust motes and other atmospheric enhancements on display as the assembly accepted Imani of Hap's invitation. It was clear that there was wide arcane capability amongst them.

Merrick responded quickly, speaking with confidence as he iterated his prior engagement with the Cult of the Dragon and his linguistic and psychological familiarity. However, he did not seek leadership for himself, instead giving endorsement to the Orc Urgan Magall, who had already demonstrated a high level of emotional stability and prosocial behaviours ideal for building group consensus alignment.

"Your endorsement of Urgan Magall is acknowledged" Shade-9 spoke, not so much in reply but as a statement of fact "Recommendation meets operational criteria for field command. Operational compatibility aligns with both mission objectives and psychological profile of the unit.

No further recommendations: I will await Operational Phase Shift"

With that he disengaged, quietly fading back into the shadows., waiting as the others moved forward and the wizard opened the teleport gate at the top of the stairs. Shade-9 would be the last to approach the portal, spending the time updating the profiles he had developed on each Subject as they went through.