Kulan: Knightfall's Crisis in Bluffside Game [IC]

[Neurotic]

"We can give you 24 hours instead of 12 and all the items back, but we get the spear too. Items, Khagrons shield and weapon plus wizards staff for one spear. And Maggs with her equipment intact. If she's willing. You're asking 6 hours for his life after you ignored my initial offer. I'll give you time, you give us him as he is, equipment included." Akos counters.

After the response
"Go, Maggs, if you're willing back to your group. The Spear, del'Cannitha. You get items of your minions, we get this knights items."

OOC: Only after Maggs passes Rockhorn will Akos remove the charm. And only after he receives the answer about the spear. I'm not really thrilled to leave something that is potentially artifact or legendary level item to be corrupted, and even if it's not, it is out of time and maybe useful against these eonic guys.

"Custodio, have the items prepared, but don't drop them yet."
He leads Maggs to directly behind Rockhorn, kicking rangers lance aside (not quite incidentally out of sight of the other side). He whispers to her as they go "I know you will see things differently after you return, but remember what I said. They are tools, keep your life as long as you can."

OOC: Is there a way to implant this strongly enough she thinks about this even after she hates me again?

"I think you can let go of the door for the moment, Rockhorn. And maybe, return the staff, depending...but don't let the wight touch you."

 

[TaranTheWanderer]

Spoiler: Vitus - Mini-sheet

Race: Human HP: 35/52 SD: AC: 22; FF:19 T:14	Spot:+5 Listen:+5 Search+2	Spoiler: Cantrips []Cure Minor; [X] Detect Magic; []Detect Poison; [] Amanuensis []Create Water ; [] Mending
Fort:+9 Will: +12 Refl: +6	Initiative: +3 Range:+9/+4 Melee: +7/+2 (+1)	Spoiler: Spells lvl 1-4 1st [6+1](DC16) [X]Bless; [X] Entropic Shield[ ]Comprehend Languages; [ ]Endure Elements [ ] Divine Favor; [X]Lesser Vigor 2nd[4+1](DC17) [X]Avoid Planar effects; [X] Benediction; [X] Status [X] Lesser Restoration 3rd[4+1](DC18) [ X] Stone Shape [X]; Invisibility Purge; [X ] [X]Speak with Dead 4th: [3+1](DC19) [X ] Attune Form(extended) [X] Sustain; [X] Mass, Lesser Vigor (extended)
Spoiler: Stats STR:13+1 DEX: 16+ 3 CON: 14 + 2 INT: 14 +2 WIS: 20 +5 CHA:15 +2	XP: 28,000/36000	Spoiler: Domain Spells Level Studied Used Spell.................................................................................. 1 Longstrider 1 X X Sanctuary 2 X Locate Object 2 Shield Other 3 x X Protection from Energy 3 Fly 4 Spell Immunity 4 X X Dim Door

Buffs: Courage (+1vs fear), Avoid Planar Effects, Entropic Shield, Invisibility Purge 40 foot radius,

---

Vitus moves to the hatch and whispers loudly down so Akos can hear. He chooses his words because he assumes the enemy will overhear,

“Akos, 24 hours? They NEED 24 hours BUT ACT as if we are the ones who need the time. THEY ARE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING IN THE LABYRINTH and want us to stop pushing. We don’t need 24 hours and you know weight of Bluffside is on its way as we speak and they need a deal before time is up. The head cleric will tear those undead apart.

12 hours for one prisoner, Maggs for the other. All exchangees get to keep their stuff unless they want us to keep all of Maggs’ equipment too. That part is Non-negotiable.

They can add 3 hours to the twelve for each item they relinquish. The Staff, the Shield and the Mace. “

Spoiler: OOC ROLLS

Vitus passes info. Will use aid another to help Akos negotiate.

Diplomacy : 1D20+6 = [18]+6 = 24

 

[Knightfall]

Meanwhile...
High in the air of Old City, Spritewing quickly wings his way back towards the Gate of Scales with the old hedge healer on hi back. The old human woman is light in the saddle compared to Rockhorn. It takes almost no time for the dungeonbred pegasus to fly the distance from the Park of Angels to the Gate House.

Sprite lands in front of the doors to the gate house and The Willow Lady wastes no time slipping down to the ground from the saddle. The doors are still closed and the two guard who had been guarding it are no where in sight. The door that Spritewing rushed out of remains open and old human woman strides right inside.

"Let's see what we can do to help," she says.

Inside, the Gate House is surprisingly calmer than Spritewing had left it. The first thing he sees is Falen gulping down a potion and Tuck standing next to the flying half-hobgoblin. Twenty feet beyond them, Big Tim stands atthe ready in front of the opening leading to the Labyrinth down below. Vincenzo stands next to the Tall Knight.

As the old healer walks with her cane past an open door, one of the Elites confronts her. "Halt! This is a dangerous area."

"That's why I'm here, youngster," she retorts. "There are heroes here who are in need of healing, are there not? Eh? Eh?"

The guard had stepped in from of her, but then he sees Spritewing come through the open doorway.

"My apologies, ma'am," the guard replies as he steps to one side. "Yes, they are known as The Exemplars and have been fighting against the Loyalist of the Renegade Sorcerer."

'Tsk. Tsk.' She shakes her head. "That damn menace has been such trouble." She continues on towards Falen and Tuck and Spritewing is soon walking next to her. Seeing a flying half-hobgoblin and a kobold doesn't phase her at all. She glances to her left and notes Eeldai and the young knight protecting her. There is a moment of surprise upon seeing the noble djinni but she just smiles at Eeldai before turning back to both Falen and Tuck.

She notes the empty potion bottle in Falen's hand and inspects his wounds as he floats in the air above her. "Hmm, this will not do at all. Please fly down here, so I can heal those wounds."

She taps her cane on the floor and beckons Falen to land. "Quickly, now, so I can tend to the others as well."

OOC: @Aust Thale, would Falen still be flying?

 

[TaranTheWanderer]

Spoiler: Vitus - Mini-sheet

Race: Human HP: 35/52 SD: AC: 22; FF:19 T:14	Spot:+5 Listen:+5 Search+2	Spoiler: Cantrips []Cure Minor; [X] Detect Magic; []Detect Poison; [] Amanuensis []Create Water ; [] Mending
Fort:+9 Will: +12 Refl: +6	Initiative: +3 Range:+9/+4 Melee: +7/+2 (+1)	Spoiler: Spells lvl 1-4 1st [6+1](DC16) [X]Bless; [X] Entropic Shield[ ]Comprehend Languages; [ ]Endure Elements [ ] Divine Favor; [X]Lesser Vigor 2nd[4+1](DC17) [X]Avoid Planar effects; [X] Benediction; [X] Status [X] Lesser Restoration 3rd[4+1](DC18) [ X] Stone Shape [X]; Invisibility Purge; [X ] [X]Speak with Dead 4th: [3+1](DC19) [X ] Attune Form(extended) [X] Sustain; [X] Mass, Lesser Vigor (extended)
Spoiler: Stats STR:13+1 DEX: 16+ 3 CON: 14 + 2 INT: 14 +2 WIS: 20 +5 CHA:15 +2	XP: 28,000/36000	Spoiler: Domain Spells Level Studied Used Spell.................................................................................. 1 Longstrider 1 X X Sanctuary 2 X Locate Object 2 Shield Other 3 x X Protection from Energy 3 Fly 4 Spell Immunity 4 X X Dim Door

Buffs: Courage (+1vs fear), Avoid Planar Effects, Entropic Shield, Invisibility Purge 40 foot radius,

---

As she moves towards Vitus who is hanging over the edge of the trap-door, he says to the small woman whom he knows from her reputation. He stands up to move out of her way,

"Pardon me, Lady Willow, there is a powerful vampire and wight down there. As well as a man who has a soul stone that he's struggling to use to control them. Please be careful...the Exemplar's are negotiating with them to exchange prisoners."

Spoiler: OOC ROLLS

Leaving this OOC here from my previous post

((Vitus passes info. Will use aid another to help Akos negotiate.

Diplomacy : 1D20+6 = [18]+6 = 24))

 

[Knightfall]

"We can give you 24 hours instead of 12 and all the items back, but we get the spear too. Items, Khagron's shield and weapon plus wizards staff for one spear. And Maggs with her equipment intact. If she's willing. You're asking 6 hours for his life after you ignored my initial offer. I'll give you time, you give us him as he is, equipment included." Akos counters.

Buffs: Courage (+1vs fear), Avoid Planar Effects, Entropic Shield, Invisibility Purge 40 foot radius,

---

Vitus moves to the hatch and whispers loudly down so Akos can hear. He chooses his words because he assumes the enemy will overhear,

“Akos, 24 hours? They NEED 24 hours BUT ACT as if we are the ones who need the time. THEY ARE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING IN THE LABYRINTH and want us to stop pushing. We don’t need 24 hours and you know weight of Bluffside is on its way as we speak and they need a deal before time is up. The head cleric will tear those undead apart.

12 hours for one prisoner, Maggs for the other. All exchangees get to keep their stuff unless they want us to keep all of Maggs’ equipment too. That part is Non-negotiable.

They can add 3 hours to the twelve for each item they relinquish. The Staff, the Shield and the Mace.“

Akos keeps his focus on the enemies in front of him. He doesn't hear Vitus in the Guard House above him. There is two much ambient noise from shifting armour, the eonic Son's heavy breathing, and low hiss-like laughter from Khagron. The vampire's eerie chortling immediately makes both Akos and Rockhorn tense. The vampire's face betrays that he heard Vitus' demands but is pretending that he didn't hear the young cleric of Tyche. Akos is unsure what has set the vampire off.

Kefax cocks his head. "Hmm, it seems not all of your companions agree with you Loremaster." He glances at Kellam. "The clerical pup has his own demands, it seems."

"Does he, now?" Kellam didn't hear Vitus' words. "Khagron..."

The vampire snarls and grabs Rhone around the throat and lifts the man off his feet. The man tries to grab at the vampire's clawed hand, but the manacles around his wrists impede his movements. Rockhorn notes that the manacles are tied to Rhone's belt.

"Who speaks for you, Loremaster? For Bluffside? You and your goddess or that youngster and his goddess? Perhaps we should let his goddess's luck decide fate?" He nods to Kefax.

The other commander laughs as he pulls out a silver coin and holds it up for Akos and Rockhorn to see. "Heads, and we'll agree to the pup's terms," Kefax yells loud enough for Vitus to hear. "Tails, and Khagron snaps this warrior's neck! What say you, young pup? Care to let your fickle goddess decide if you all live or die today?"

OOC: Knightfall Request: 1d20+2 Roll: [8] = 10 Reason: Akos' DC 15 Listen check to hear Vitus' loud whispering. (failed) I included a +2 circumstance bonus since @TaranTheWanderer specifically noted that Vitus whispers loudly. @MetaVoid, you can roll a DC 15 Listen check to hear Vitus' insistent whispering. You also get a +2 circumstance bonus since Vitus is trying to be heard by Akos. I'm not adjusting the DC based on distance for these checks. (I rolled a 1 on the vampire's Bluff check. So, its a total of 2 with the -10 penalty.)

 

[Neurotic]

"You're negotiating with me, fiend, and I already gave you your 24 hours for life and weapons of two men. Will you show you true colors before we even completed a single deal? Or do you actually need this day?"

He looks at Khagron and says quietly, not secretive or whispering, just the volume for someone who is close by as he leads Maggs forward
"You were once a great power in your gods arsenal, Khagron. Now you're just a tool. I pray you find a way out of that slavery. You might do some good that way."

He raises his voice again
"So, sorcerer, a day...or humans? You cannot have both!"

OOC: Does he know they have support of another caster now? They weren't quiet about that, he just didn't hear Vitus whispering? I apologize for hogging a spotlight some, and Tarran, sorry for not acting on this - I already posted that I accepted the terms...I was shortening the time before. But we might need Rhones spear if he's such legendary hero, he might have legendary weapon. Which we don't want corrupted. We go forward knowing that there will be trouble. I say we go directly to the rogues and try to make them see reason - Viscardi might or might not help with that, but hopefully we get a respite from them.

 

[TaranTheWanderer]

Spoiler: Vitus - Mini-sheet

Race: Human HP: 35/52 SD: AC: 22; FF:19 T:14	Spot:+5 Listen:+5 Search+2	Spoiler: Cantrips []Cure Minor; [X] Detect Magic; []Detect Poison; [] Amanuensis []Create Water ; [] Mending
Fort:+9 Will: +12 Refl: +6	Initiative: +3 Range:+9/+4 Melee: +7/+2 (+1)	Spoiler: Spells lvl 1-4 1st [6+1](DC16) [X]Bless; [X] Entropic Shield[ ]Comprehend Languages; [ ]Endure Elements [ ] Divine Favor; [X]Lesser Vigor 2nd[4+1](DC17) [X]Avoid Planar effects; [X] Benediction; [X] Status [X] Lesser Restoration 3rd[4+1](DC18) [ X] Stone Shape [X]; Invisibility Purge; [X ] [X]Speak with Dead 4th: [3+1](DC19) [X ] Attune Form(extended) [X] Sustain; [X] Mass, Lesser Vigor (extended)
Spoiler: Stats STR:13+1 DEX: 16+ 3 CON: 14 + 2 INT: 14 +2 WIS: 20 +5 CHA:15 +2	XP: 28,000/36000	Spoiler: Domain Spells Level Studied Used Spell.................................................................................. 1 Longstrider 1 X X Sanctuary 2 X Locate Object 2 Shield Other 3 x X Protection from Energy 3 Fly 4 Spell Immunity 4 X X Dim Door

Buffs: Courage (+1vs fear), Avoid Planar Effects, Entropic Shield, Invisibility Purge 40 foot radius,

---

Vitus loudly repeats what he just said and directs it to Akos as a way to pass information.

Vitus seems unconcerned about the coin flip. He knows it is foolish to invoke the Lady’s name in such a way and he would never tempt her in such a way. He feels they are being foolish. He also knows he cannot influence the behaviour of these evil beings. He prays that if they decide the man’s fate in such a way, that She would look favourably on her follower.

Spoiler: OOC ROLLS

yeah, he just repeats it.

He will say a prayer, under his breath to Tych. He won’t provoke them because it’s not good to insult Tych by forcing her to do your bidding.

 

[Knightfall]

"You're negotiating with me, fiend, and I already gave you your 24 hours for life and weapons of two men. Will you show you true colors before we even completed a single deal? Or do you actually need this day?"

Kellam looks like he is about to order Khagron to snap Rhone's neck, then, he gasps and shudders. The magical green energy around the man dims slightly and there is a flash of red in the man's eyes and around his neck. Then, Kellam's visage seems to fade to almost featureless. Kefax steps away from Rhone and looks at the floor. He drops the coin on the floor.

"It seems I must be more... present, for this negotiation," Phelix's voice resounds around Kellam but the man just stands still, motionless. "Vampire... Khagron, release the warrior. You will not break my will or my word."

The bugbear cleric's powerful undead will seems to resist for a moment, then, red energy flashes in Kellam's eyes again and its shoulder's slump down as Phelix's mind seems to lash out at the vampire. Khagron releases Rhone and steps back from the man and Kellam-Phelix.

"As you wish," Khragon says meekly.

Kellam-Phelix glances towards the wight reaching out at Rockhorn and the undead enchanter stops immediately and drops to its knees. He then turns to stare at Kefax. "You will return the warrior's spear and make sure he makes his way to the Loremaster and that Lady Maggs is returned to us. I care not about any trinkets they have captured. Do as I say and do not play the Loremaster for a fool!"

"Yes, Master Phelix," Kefax nods and raises his head. He steps up to Rhone and puts the spear in the man's hands but keeps a firm hold on the ancient Ticin warrior until he moves past Khagron. He and Rhone are soon standing in front of double doors with Rockhorn on the opposite side and Akos and Maggs right behind him.

He looks at Khagron and says quietly, not secretive or whispering, just the volume for someone who is close by as he leads Maggs forward
"You were once a great power in your gods arsenal, Khagron. Now you're just a tool. I pray you find a way out of that slavery. You might do some good that way."

"He is mine, now," Kellam-Phelix replies. The voice seems to be whispering to Akos right near the Loremaster's left ear.

The Loremaster is now sure the Renegade can see and hear everything near Kellam, and maybe even near the other Loyalists.

As she moves towards Vitus who is hanging over the edge of the trap-door, he says to the small woman whom he knows from her reputation. He stands up to move out of her way,

"Pardon me, Lady Willow, there is a powerful vampire and wight down there. As well as a man who has a soul stone that he's struggling to use to control them. Please be careful...the Exemplar's are negotiating with them to exchange prisoners."

Lady Willow had kept her focus on Falen who is still flying in front of her. The half-hobgoblin has stayed quiet as he focuses on what he can sense with his Mindsight. The elderly woman gets irritated with the Mindbender and taps him on the shin firmly but carefully.

She glances at Spritewing as if to say 'is he okay?', then Vitus calls out to her. She glances around Falen's torso towards the young cleric of Tyche with a strangely curious look. "A wight and a vampire?" She glances at Spritewing again. "You said powerful undead, but a vampire! I hope you're not hoping I can defeat a vampire. I can heal, yes, and remove curses and restore some of the damage done by such creatures, but I'm not a cleric of the Purifier."

She moves past Falen towards Vitus. She checks him for wounds and bite marks and then notes Big Tim's presence. "The Tall Knight... an apt nickname the people have given you." She moves up to the Tymbeck and notes his wounds. She quickly calls upon her divine skills and touches Tim on the wrist. All of his remaining wounds close.

"There, that should help," she says to Tim with a smile. She pats his large hand and looks at the open trap-door.

OOC: Knightfall Request: 3d8+15 Roll: [6, 4, 3] = 28 Reason: The Willow Lady casts Cure Serious Wounds on Big Tim That heals all of Tim's remaining wounds. @Tellerian Hawke

OOC: Does he know they have support of another caster now? They weren't quiet about that, he just didn't hear Vitus whispering?

OOC: Yes, you would have heard Vitus speaking to Lady Willow.

He raises his voice again
"So, sorcerer, a day...or humans? You cannot have both!"

Phelix's voice resounds in the corridor. "My apologies, Loremaster, for my Loyalists misplaced attempt at intimidations. Their great zeal for their final reward sometimes gets the better of them. Death isn't the end of their service to the Unseen Abyss." He pauses. "I will take your offer of 24 hours and you may keep the weapons and armour. They are meaningless. Plus, my followers need a reminder not to test my will. Take the Ticin warrior and the traitors. There is nothing they can tell you that I've not already foreseen in my present or planned for in your future."

 

[Neurotic]

"A man of culture, after all." Akos nods "You shouldn't surround yourself with weak-willed bullies, there will be a time when you need to count on them to do the right thing for the cause, not because you're everywhere. We'll see you tomorrow."

Akos nods to Maggs when Rhone comes forward.
"Go, if it is your will, rejoin the Loyalists."

OOC: Sorry, Tarran, the post with "don't give them more time" came after I already posted extension. I shortened the initial time to 12 hours, but we wanted both Rhone and his weapons so...I had to give something. Maybe not the best strategy, but we need to hear everything from the genie, Rhone, organize the purifiers, research this Eon thing - and how the lance can help with the killing of Eonics and can we replicate the effect...lots to do in 24h...and casters need rest too