Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="Lazybones" data-source="post: 7480042" data-attributes="member: 143">Chapter 193They continued the briefing in another meeting room one level up from the Darkfall Gate.  Ambassador Konstantin rejoined them, along with Akhenon Loremaster, Dergan Steelhammer, and a handful of senior dwarven officers clad in suits of heavy armor.“It would take months to hack through enough solid rock to bypass the Gate,” one of the officers was saying.“Do not underestimate the raw strength of the formorians,” Darik warned.  “Or the intensity of the trolls.”“I do not think any of us will forget that, not after yesterday’s adventure,” Koron Deepdelver said.  It wasn’t clear why the warrior was there; he did not appear to have any particular rank or special standing, but none of the senior dwarves had objected when he’d filed in with the rest of them.“I appreciate you including us in this discussion,” Konstantin said.  “What is it you intend to do, and how can we assist?”“We need intelligence,” Dergan said.  “We must know what they are planning, and whether our assessment of their ability is accurate.”“The sensors have given us a good idea of where they are focusing their efforts,” another of the officers said.  “We’ll know how quickly they are progressing before they get anywhere close to a breakthrough.”“Unless they have a surprise planned,” Bredan pointed out.  Every eye turned to him, but he did not falter under that scrutiny.  “They’ve already proven that they can do the unexpected.”“We’ve beaten them once, we’ll beat them again whatever they try,” the officer said.“Still, it cannot hurt to be wary,” Dergan said.  “A scout is called for.”“The tunnels will be crawling with trolls,” another of the officers said.“It’s too bad Glori isn’t here,” Bredan said quietly.  When a few of the dwarves looked his way, he added, “She can make people invisible.”“This is a magic that is known to us,” Akhenon said wryly.  “But it would be of little use here.  Trolls have an exceptional sense of smell.”“There are ways of stinkin’ like a troll,” Koron pointed out.“Especially if you’re already halfway there,” Xeeta added under her breath.“Sounds like you would need a way to fit in enough that you could escape casual notice,” Bredan said.  He turned to Xeeta, who looked alarmed for a moment before she finally sighed and nodded.“What did you have in mind?” Dergan asked.Xeeta stood.  She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, and then extended her arms and called upon her power, her Demon.Her body began to shift and swell.  Her arms thickened and lengthened, the skin taking on a coarse, stony texture.  Her torso expanded, her shoulders sliding forward as her back took on a slight hunch.  Finally her head transformed, her mouth spreading wider as her horns twisted back into a protruding ridge that extended over eyes that had shifted into a pale yellow.Several of the dwarves had drawn back in alarm as the tiefling completed her spell.  She leaned forward, clicking hands that now ended in sharp claws upon the table.Koron barked a laugh into the sudden tension.  “That’s a pretty trick!” he said.  “Can ye do it for a couple of us?”“I can only use alter self on myself,” Xeeta said.  The transformation had thickened and deepened her voice, but it was still recognizably hers.  “But my amulet can give the seeming of such to one other person.”“That would be me,” Bredan said.“It would be dangerous,” Konstantin said before any of the dwarves could respond.“If she goes, I go,” Bredan said.“It looks good,” one of the officers said.  “But you don’t know the tunnels.  And what if one of the real trolls decides to stop for a chat?”“Some of us would have to go with you,” Dergan said simply.“I know the tunnels as well as anyone,” Darik said.  “I volunteer.”“And I,” Koron said.  “I won’t let anyone do something this batshit crazy without tagging along.”“To clarify, this would just be a reconnaissance mission,” Konstantin said.“Indeed,” Dergan said.  “Bredan, Xeeta, you have already proven yourselves on the field of battle, and we are grateful for your further offer of aid.  There is risk, significant risk, but the need justifies it in my view.  It is not a perfect plan, but I believe it has the greatest chance for success.”“How would we get down there?” Xeeta asked.  She undid her casting even as she spoke, and her form shifted back to normal.  “Surely they must be watching the Gate closely.”“Leave that to us,” Dergan said.“When?” Bredan asked.Dergan shared a meaningful look with the other dwarves around the table.  “It will take a little time to get everything ready,” he said.  “We will send for you when it is time.”</blockquote>

Verification