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NOW LIVE! Into the Woods--new character species, eerie monsters, and haunting villains to populate the woodlands of your D&D games.
(IC) PLANESCAPE: Intrigue
- Thread starter Nordom
- Start date
Nordom
Explorer
Jach seemed to prefer Dimension Door, and absently followed Orris down from the elevation to the ground. He kept looking around distractedly, and Orris could have sworn he saw him muttering, an incantation or two, as he followed a short distance behind. Maybe he was just saying the incantation for Dimension Door, though it seemed as if the spell was silenced and quickened in the encounter with the thugs. Perhaps it was something else.
TaranTheWanderer
Legend
| Name: Orris Hariri Race: Air Genasai HP: 44/44 AC: 16 (18 shield) | Pass Perc: 10 Pass Inv: 10 Pass Ins: 13 Initiative: +2 |
Size: Medium | |
| Lay on hands: 25/25 Divine Senses 3/5 | Rapier To Hit: +5 Damage: 1d8+2 | Spell Save DC: 15 | |
|
STR: 10 +0
DEX: 14 +2 CON: 14 +2 INT: 10 +0 WIS: 10 +1 (+4) CHA:18 +4 (+7) |
Deception: 10*
Intimidate +7 Insight +3 History: +3 Persuasion: 7 *expertise |
Slots
1st: [] [] [] [] 2nd: [] [] 1/Long Rest: []Feather Fall; [X} Levitate; Prepared spells Cantrip: Shocking Grasp; Toll the Dead; Decompose 1st Heroism; Shield of Faith; compelled duel; Charm Person*; Exped retreat* 2nd Locate Object, Invisibility*,Aid; Mirror Image* |
Walking casually up to Grim and Izek, Orris calls out,
"I see you found friends. And they haven't even tried to evicerate you. Excellent."
He points to Jach who is following,
"This is Lord Sensbane. He has found himself in the same predicament as us. He stepped through a portal and ended up here."
Necropolitan
Hero
"I completely agree with you that it should be purged. I simply see no reason to do it myself when others are happy to do it for free. And if the Abyss consumed all of reality every time some berk claimed it would it'd have happened thousands of times over. This too will pass."
Well, so much for hoping for an easy way out.
"No, not much sense in murder right now. Especially if it's uncompensated."
Even though Izek shared the madman's irritation he saw no reason to eliminate a potential ally.
"I'd say this was an unlikely coincidence, but this is the Abyss. There's equal chance it's a string of misfortunes or some malign plot."
Well, at the very least Lord Sensbane looked like he had the means to hire Izek's services. Maybe some profit could be found in this venture.
Nordom
Explorer
"We are not in the Abyss.. .not yet at least. Plague Mort has been known to slide down there, and we are not too far away from having it happen again given the chaos around us." The voice of reason responded, but then stopped as Orris began to speak, and looked suspiciously at the blue-robed newcomer.
"Please... call me Jach," he interjected casually just as Orris was finishing up, his gaze shifting across the gathered individuals with an air of mild disinterest. His attention was drawn to the unstable man who had wielded a makeshift weapon earlier, the very same man who now stood in their way, agitated and ready to snap.
"HOLD! Do not come any further unless you----" The unstable man's voice carried a hint of desperate authority, an attempt to exert control over a situation he clearly felt he was losing grasp of.
However, Jach's response was a masterclass in casual nonchalance, a stark contrast to the man's heightened state. His words cut through the tension like a knife through butter. "I do not care in the least about your local flavor... or neuroses, I am looking to get out of here, and you are in the way. Also you can do better than that 'outfit.' Please tell me that's a disguise."
The rebuke, delivered with an understated, matter-of-fact tone, was nothing short of a verbal slap. Jach's words held an air of superiority that could not be ignored, his disregard for the man's outburst palpable. The insult was layered with the disdainful observation about the man's clothing, a jab that seemed almost unnecessary but was evidently meant to reinforce his point.
The unstable man, caught between anger and disbelief, found himself momentarily silenced by the audacity of Jach's response. The exchange hung in the air.
"Please... call me Jach," he interjected casually just as Orris was finishing up, his gaze shifting across the gathered individuals with an air of mild disinterest. His attention was drawn to the unstable man who had wielded a makeshift weapon earlier, the very same man who now stood in their way, agitated and ready to snap.
"HOLD! Do not come any further unless you----" The unstable man's voice carried a hint of desperate authority, an attempt to exert control over a situation he clearly felt he was losing grasp of.
However, Jach's response was a masterclass in casual nonchalance, a stark contrast to the man's heightened state. His words cut through the tension like a knife through butter. "I do not care in the least about your local flavor... or neuroses, I am looking to get out of here, and you are in the way. Also you can do better than that 'outfit.' Please tell me that's a disguise."
The rebuke, delivered with an understated, matter-of-fact tone, was nothing short of a verbal slap. Jach's words held an air of superiority that could not be ignored, his disregard for the man's outburst palpable. The insult was layered with the disdainful observation about the man's clothing, a jab that seemed almost unnecessary but was evidently meant to reinforce his point.
The unstable man, caught between anger and disbelief, found himself momentarily silenced by the audacity of Jach's response. The exchange hung in the air.
TaranTheWanderer
Legend
| Name: Orris Hariri Race: Air Genasai HP: 44/44 AC: 16 (18 shield) | Pass Perc: 10 Pass Inv: 10 Pass Ins: 13 Initiative: +2 |
Size: Medium | |
| Lay on hands: 25/25 Divine Senses 3/5 | Rapier To Hit: +5 Damage: 1d8+2 | Spell Save DC: 15 | |
|
STR: 10 +0
DEX: 14 +2 CON: 14 +2 INT: 10 +0 WIS: 10 +1 (+4) CHA:18 +4 (+7) |
Deception: 10*
Intimidate +7 Insight +3 History: +3 Persuasion: 7 *expertise |
Slots
1st: [] [] [] [] 2nd: [] [] 1/Long Rest: []Feather Fall; [X} Levitate; Prepared spells Cantrip: Shocking Grasp; Toll the Dead; Decompose 1st Heroism; Shield of Faith; compelled duel; Charm Person*; Exped retreat* 2nd Locate Object, Invisibility*,Aid; Mirror Image* |
"Indeed." Orris concurs with Jach's statement. He then turned his attention to the other man, raised his eyebrows in a friendly way and approached holding the man's gaze as he flashed the man a smile,
"You've certainly maintained calm during this stressful situation. I'm sure your expertise, local knowledge and leadership is a boon to your community. Is that your mansion, yonder?"
Orris sometimes found it easier to let people show off their abilities and let them feel they were in control, rather than to engage in a power struggle.
Cutting to the chase here. I want to recruit this guy as a guide.
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Li Shenron
Legend
Grim looks at the newcomer in blue robes with half-distaste, "Ah, an arrogant prick... just what we were missing to round up the gathering." (<- this is her thoughts, NOT saying that out loud). Observing Jach's attire and manners, she gets the unmistakable feel that he might be a mage of sort, and probably one that just recently and quickly progressed into the arts of magic, and consequently gained an inflated ego. Despite her initial distrust of the guy, she can't help but also feel a sort of immediate respect for whoever dabbles in the arcane as she is aware of its challenges. She casually glances at Jach for an instant, before turning back her attention to the "voice of reason": "I'd concur that getting out of here doesn't sound like a half-bad idea, or do the two of you had other plans? I think you've taken a look at us by now and concluded we're not affected by this plague. We'd pretty much like to stay unaffected. Is there something you can tell us about protecting yourself from it, other than putting a good distance between us and this place?"
Kachilk'cha has worked plagues before. So much experience, so many opportunities. She begins examining the plague doctor's patients eagerly-- but not so eagerly as to forget her prophylactic training.
OOC: Medicine?
OOC: Medicine?
Necropolitan
Hero
On the one hand at least they were in a Gatetown rather than the actual Abyss, that increased their chances of survival. On the other hand the fact that the Gatetown had gotten this bad was-scratch that. Izek knew the Abyss and thus he you couldn't count on anything with the Abyss other than the fact that it was at the very least going to hurt you and most likely do way worse.
"So we lack magic to get us out of here, lack portals to leave, and have no idea how to stop whatever is causing this. At the very least does anyone know the correct direction. That is, whatever is the opposite direction from the Abyss portal?"
Izek mentally sent a prayer to his chosen deity for a sign. Or at least some bit of information he could use to gain an advantage. It was always worse not to know, to feel the pain of ignorance even as there was obviously an answer that could solve your problems.
Nordom
Explorer
Kachilk'cha felt a sense of utter dread to temper her natural curiosity as she examined the plague's gruesome handiwork. The cloying stench of rot assaulted her senses.
She noted how the bodies seemed almost fused with the cracked cobblestones, black ichor staining their rigid flesh like vile tattoos. Expressions of anguish were frozen on swollen faces, mouths gaping in silent screams of agony. It was clear these poor souls had endured immense suffering. This was no mundane plague - she sensed an almost sentient malevolence lurking within the ichor, an otherworldly essence that saturated both bodies and air. The mystical energy defied categorization, operating outside the normal bounds of either divine or arcane magic. According to her evaluation, it wasn't magic of the Weave nor the Shadoweave that had wrought this terrible transformation. And yet, there was an unmistakable aura of magic surrounding the plague, an otherworldly energy that seemed to infuse the very essence of the black ichor. It was as if the plague itself was imbued with a malevolent sentience, a dark force that defied easy categorization.
It would be risky- both in attempt as well as in principle - but if she wanted, she could try saving some of the ichor in a vial or flask and returning it back to Sigil for further study.
====
The ragged man listened as Orris spoke, his paranoid eyes darting between the genasi and the arrogant mage. He seemed torn, not trusting these strange newcomers but also swayed by the genasi's friendly words.
When Orris gestured to his crumbling family manor, a glimmer of pride broke through the mania in the man's eyes. "Not mine, but the Arch-Lector's... I'm one of his Hounds" he declared, standing a bit taller. The man slowly lowered his makeshift weapon. His shoulders lost some of their tension as he mulled over the appraisal. After a moment, he met Orris' gaze and gave a single nod.
"Give me 1000 jink, and I'll guide you lot out the quickest way I know," he offered. "But I'll be watching, make sure you don't try anything clever." The man pointed a grimy finger at Orris. "My home and these streets are under my protection. You'll abide by my rules." Despite his stern words, the set of his shoulders and the look in his eyes suggested Orris had managed to gain a tentative trust. The man seemed bolstered by the genasi's show of respect, willing to be their guide if it meant retaining some control. There was still a gleam of instability in his expression, but for now he appeared pacified.
Shortly thereafter, Jach let out an exaggerated sigh as the half-orc glanced his way as if her disdain were a trivial annoyance he could scarcely be bothered to acknowledge. "By all means, do continue staring in misguided awe."
He then turned to the other human, the calculating one who had positioned himself as the voice of reason. "As for leaving this dreary locale, I fully agree. This place holds no appeal for me beyond mild academic curiosity." Jach gestured lazily at the corpses. "I've no desire to join the poor wretches in their fate."
The voice of reason gave a slight nod as he considered Grim and Izek's words.
"A fair assessment of our predicament," he conceded. "Unfortunately, I know little more of this strange affliction than any of you."
He gestured towards the Arch Lector's Palace "The portal you mentioned lies in that direction, so at the very least we know which way not to go." He trails off warily... "... assuming it didn't start shifting into the Abyss.."
Jach let out an exaggerated yawn, waving a hand dismissively. "Yes yes, we're all woefully ignorant, lost children wandering the streets of this dreary town." Clasping his hands behind his back, Jach met the reasoning man's gaze. "So yes, lead us out posthaste. I'm sure between your sound logic and my vastly superior intellect, we'll sort the details." Jach smirked as he noted the others' doubtful expressions. "You needn't understand the intricacies of my magic to benefit from its protection. So let's be on our way, no sense lingering in this dismal alley."
The arrogance in Jach's tone was palpable. But beneath it lay an undeniable brilliance - and a thinly veiled boredom with the entire situation. To him, this was merely an annoying diversion on the way to some greater purpose only he was aware of. He set off in the direction of the palace, not bothering to see if the others followed, or even to double check with the voice of reason whether there was any more specifics beyond approaching the Palace.
As the blue-robed mage strode confidently away, the calculating man turned to the rest of the group, his expression earnest. "I implore you, do not abandon our town in its hour of need," he pleaded. "With so many lost, we will spiral into chaos without help restoring order... the portal to Sigil has been known to shift with the whims of the town, and I guarantee you that the town is shifting once more."
He gestured around the bleak town, an impatient and more desperate undertone creeping into his otherwise calm demeanor. "This place may seem dreary now, but it was once a thriving community. Our people deserve a chance to rebuild, to reclaim what was lost. Just help with restoring a bit of order to the madness, so at least there will be better chance of the portal being where it's supposed to be." The man focused his gaze on each of them in turn. "That piker may promise escape, but I reckon he's bluffing. Forget him."
The man's plea gave them pause, but as they considered his words, doubts emerged. This was Plague-Mort after all, a place where chaos and cruelty typically reigned. Its citizens tended towards selfishness, not altruism. The unstable ragged man fit the town's cruel reputation, as did his demand of jink. But the voice of reason seemed oddly out of place with his talk of restoring order and championing the people. His words rang with sincerity, yet the notion of this dreary town uniting together for the common good seemed unbelievable. Perhaps the man truly wished to make a change, but could such optimism survive in a place so mired in suffering and corruption?
The man fell silent, awaiting their decision. The weight of his request was evident in his eyes. Around them, the flames continued to spread as Jach's form grew smaller in the distance. Three choices presented themselves- the pragmatic path offered by the arrogant mage who had already departed but promised protection through unknown magic; The voice of reason who oddly plead with them to stay and restore order; and the ragged opportunist, offering escape for a hefty fee - the same man who was threatening to kill them moments ago. Around them, the alleyway flames grew hotter, engulfing nearby buildings. Time was running short for a decision, and it did NOT seem like a good idea to split up.
She noted how the bodies seemed almost fused with the cracked cobblestones, black ichor staining their rigid flesh like vile tattoos. Expressions of anguish were frozen on swollen faces, mouths gaping in silent screams of agony. It was clear these poor souls had endured immense suffering. This was no mundane plague - she sensed an almost sentient malevolence lurking within the ichor, an otherworldly essence that saturated both bodies and air. The mystical energy defied categorization, operating outside the normal bounds of either divine or arcane magic. According to her evaluation, it wasn't magic of the Weave nor the Shadoweave that had wrought this terrible transformation. And yet, there was an unmistakable aura of magic surrounding the plague, an otherworldly energy that seemed to infuse the very essence of the black ichor. It was as if the plague itself was imbued with a malevolent sentience, a dark force that defied easy categorization.
It would be risky- both in attempt as well as in principle - but if she wanted, she could try saving some of the ichor in a vial or flask and returning it back to Sigil for further study.
====
The ragged man listened as Orris spoke, his paranoid eyes darting between the genasi and the arrogant mage. He seemed torn, not trusting these strange newcomers but also swayed by the genasi's friendly words.
When Orris gestured to his crumbling family manor, a glimmer of pride broke through the mania in the man's eyes. "Not mine, but the Arch-Lector's... I'm one of his Hounds" he declared, standing a bit taller. The man slowly lowered his makeshift weapon. His shoulders lost some of their tension as he mulled over the appraisal. After a moment, he met Orris' gaze and gave a single nod.
"Give me 1000 jink, and I'll guide you lot out the quickest way I know," he offered. "But I'll be watching, make sure you don't try anything clever." The man pointed a grimy finger at Orris. "My home and these streets are under my protection. You'll abide by my rules." Despite his stern words, the set of his shoulders and the look in his eyes suggested Orris had managed to gain a tentative trust. The man seemed bolstered by the genasi's show of respect, willing to be their guide if it meant retaining some control. There was still a gleam of instability in his expression, but for now he appeared pacified.
Shortly thereafter, Jach let out an exaggerated sigh as the half-orc glanced his way as if her disdain were a trivial annoyance he could scarcely be bothered to acknowledge. "By all means, do continue staring in misguided awe."
He then turned to the other human, the calculating one who had positioned himself as the voice of reason. "As for leaving this dreary locale, I fully agree. This place holds no appeal for me beyond mild academic curiosity." Jach gestured lazily at the corpses. "I've no desire to join the poor wretches in their fate."
The voice of reason gave a slight nod as he considered Grim and Izek's words.
"A fair assessment of our predicament," he conceded. "Unfortunately, I know little more of this strange affliction than any of you."
He gestured towards the Arch Lector's Palace "The portal you mentioned lies in that direction, so at the very least we know which way not to go." He trails off warily... "... assuming it didn't start shifting into the Abyss.."
Jach let out an exaggerated yawn, waving a hand dismissively. "Yes yes, we're all woefully ignorant, lost children wandering the streets of this dreary town." Clasping his hands behind his back, Jach met the reasoning man's gaze. "So yes, lead us out posthaste. I'm sure between your sound logic and my vastly superior intellect, we'll sort the details." Jach smirked as he noted the others' doubtful expressions. "You needn't understand the intricacies of my magic to benefit from its protection. So let's be on our way, no sense lingering in this dismal alley."
The arrogance in Jach's tone was palpable. But beneath it lay an undeniable brilliance - and a thinly veiled boredom with the entire situation. To him, this was merely an annoying diversion on the way to some greater purpose only he was aware of. He set off in the direction of the palace, not bothering to see if the others followed, or even to double check with the voice of reason whether there was any more specifics beyond approaching the Palace.
As the blue-robed mage strode confidently away, the calculating man turned to the rest of the group, his expression earnest. "I implore you, do not abandon our town in its hour of need," he pleaded. "With so many lost, we will spiral into chaos without help restoring order... the portal to Sigil has been known to shift with the whims of the town, and I guarantee you that the town is shifting once more."
He gestured around the bleak town, an impatient and more desperate undertone creeping into his otherwise calm demeanor. "This place may seem dreary now, but it was once a thriving community. Our people deserve a chance to rebuild, to reclaim what was lost. Just help with restoring a bit of order to the madness, so at least there will be better chance of the portal being where it's supposed to be." The man focused his gaze on each of them in turn. "That piker may promise escape, but I reckon he's bluffing. Forget him."
The man's plea gave them pause, but as they considered his words, doubts emerged. This was Plague-Mort after all, a place where chaos and cruelty typically reigned. Its citizens tended towards selfishness, not altruism. The unstable ragged man fit the town's cruel reputation, as did his demand of jink. But the voice of reason seemed oddly out of place with his talk of restoring order and championing the people. His words rang with sincerity, yet the notion of this dreary town uniting together for the common good seemed unbelievable. Perhaps the man truly wished to make a change, but could such optimism survive in a place so mired in suffering and corruption?
The man fell silent, awaiting their decision. The weight of his request was evident in his eyes. Around them, the flames continued to spread as Jach's form grew smaller in the distance. Three choices presented themselves- the pragmatic path offered by the arrogant mage who had already departed but promised protection through unknown magic; The voice of reason who oddly plead with them to stay and restore order; and the ragged opportunist, offering escape for a hefty fee - the same man who was threatening to kill them moments ago. Around them, the alleyway flames grew hotter, engulfing nearby buildings. Time was running short for a decision, and it did NOT seem like a good idea to split up.
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