If Thoughts Could Kill

[GruTheWanderer]

The temple elder apologizes that no other questing priests are currently available. Pelor informed him that help for your quest will come from another quarter.

Not long after Darian's return, one of the acolytes brings Verra a message. It appeared in the entryway of the temple. Inside is a note from a Zelestine Thurass, who identifies herself as an elder of the Colorless Lodge. She invites Verra and companions to visit the Lodge headquarters. She promises, "Much will be explained."

 

[Victim]

After thanking the elder for the honor of recieving for one of the most powerful divine spells, Darian moves to join the others. He seems lost in thought, until Verra's comment.

"Not only do they believe you dead, their attack pointed out a number of other deficiencies in their knowledge. They obviously aren't from the area, otherwise they would have known of this nearby temple. Also, they don't appear to have been aware of our capabilities and contacts, otherwise they would probably attempted to prevent ressurection. Umm, since I wasn't in the best position to observe the battle, perhaps you could enlighten me as to the conclusion, and to the abilities of our attackers.

It's convienent that we now have an invitation to Colorless Ledge. I still have the spells ready that would allow us to travel there quickly." He seems sad and downcast as he concludes, "It appears as if we'll have little need for the weight reducing spells.

OOC: Sorry for the delay. I had a hard time figuring out what to say.

 

[Keia]

Verra will explain to Darian what happened in the battle and what he saw of the abilities of his foes.

"Welcome back, Darian. I think we could use those spells as soon as everyone else is ready to go! Although with our group smaller, I'm not certain we could defeat them again. Perhaps we should take the cleric's advice and look for help.

Regardless, Verra would feel more comfortable if he were on the move (moving target much more difficult to hit). This is readily apparent from his body language though he doesn't mention it.

 

[Victim]

OOC: Since these Wilder people seem to be arcane casters, does Darian know anything about their group (+19 knowledge arcana)

"I'm not so certain that we couldn't defeat them - at least that strike team. If she is only capable of four missiles, then I believe that I could dispatch her in magical combat. She must have used the scroll because she hasn't yet mastered enough magic to teleport. I've gone to great lengths to aquire unusual attack spells, and I'm a specialist in defensive magic. Without the advantage of her treacherous surprise attack, I should be able to defeat her. The gnome's magic seems to be that of cowardice and deceit. If Phantasmal Killer and Invisibility - even the if it is the improved version - are his best spells, then he can be discounted. (Darian despises illusion magic)

Dealing the illithid and dwarf might be the most problematic. However, the Colorless Lodge might be able to provide assistance, in addition to information.

Still, the note worries me. Any group with mind flayers at their disposal must be backed by great power. Illithids usually dominate other races, not become thralls themselves."

 

[Uriel]

Bellus listened closely, upset at the death of Rex, and wondering who might replace him, since the group neede bolstering.

 

[GruTheWanderer]

When everyone is ready, Darian safely teleports the group to a familiar place in Uriel (a clearing in a seldom-used park).

It takes an hour or so to track down the location of the Lodge's headquarters, but before long you find yourself looking down the street at a smoothly polished white marble dome. Some fifty feet in diameter, the dome is strangely enigmatic, quiet, and completely ignored by casual passers-by. Crystalline skylights high up on the dome apparently let in the light. Obsidian double doors provide the single entry.

 

[Keia]

Verra will head toward the crystalline structure, keeping his eyes peeled for danger, but anxious to get some questions answered.

 

[Uriel]

Bellus moves forward, no weapons drawn, but his eyes scanning for trouble.

 

[Victim]

"Excellent, it looks like this Colorless Lodge might be somewhat respectable afterall. It certainly took long enough to find."
Darian boldy strides toward the building, while chanting a simple spell. One hand traces circle in the air, and then points at the door. [Cast Open, with any luck the doors will open dramaticly as he walks through].

 

[GruTheWanderer]

Two large creatures stand on either end of this thirty feet wide, ten feet deep space tiled in white marble. The creatures, each nine feet tall and flanking another set of obsidian doors, seem pale to the point of partial translucency - they have the aspect of shapes carved from some particularly yielding substance. Both sport unicornlike horns as well as a sense of reserved power.

One of the creatures addresses Darian and his companions telepathically, "Greetings, strangers. To what purpose is your visit?"