Re: Chapter Four And A Half

Custer Thickett Mon Feb 22, 2016 4:39 pm

Alarmed by Gimble, Cuss looks up at the glowing lights and back down at Maurei. He growls in frustration as he rises to dash for his hand-crossbows. "Arragh, doan move."

He bites on the dagger to hold it between his teeth to free his hands, then picks up Olc and Maith to head back inside before whatever this orb was going to do sent him falling over the side. Already his friends were captivated by the swirling lights as the colors danced between the shadows of the chamber.

He squatted underneath the balcony end of the long table beside Maurei, quietly loading his bows and trying to keep a sideways eye on her face to make sure she did not speak out for help.

[Stealth]
29 Cloaking device activated

[Perception focused on Maurei]
13

DiceMaster Mon Feb 22, 2016 4:39 pm

The member 'Custer Thickett' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 20

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#2 'D20' : 12

Valeria Thaemor Mon Feb 22, 2016 5:09 pm

“What did you do?!” Val hisses at Gimble as they scramble out of the way of the dimensional door the old gnome seems to have somehow activated. She watches in horror as more and more hideous creatures come out of the portal before an eight foot tall vaguely humanoid steps forward and joins them on the balcony. Just behind him is a demon holding a cage with a dirty little gnome locked inside.

As the taller one speaks, Val turns to Gimble in barely concealed anger. “You accidentally summoned demons?!” She speaks directly into the gnome’s ear so that no one else can hear what she’s saying. “I have celestial blood and you summon demons!”
Kellar nudges her in the ribs and nods towards the captive gnome before she can add anything more to Gimble. He moves forward with an air of confidence, past Artimus, to stand in front of the cage. Reluctantly Valeria follows him, her eyes downcast at the ground lest one of the creatures can see her celestial heritage reflected in her eyes. She’s perfectly content to let Kellar do the talking while she stands there as backup.

“You should save your tears for while we’re torturing you.” Val adds in as rough a voice as she can muster after Kellar punches the poor gnome. Her anxiety causes her voice to falter a little towards the end of her sentence. She glances back at mr. eight foot and his friends to see if they’re buying it.

Gimble Nabisco Raulnor Mon Feb 22, 2016 5:39 pm

Gimble wanders through the library of his mind, propelled forwards by a soft, red and gold carpet. It turns the corner and barrels down an aisle, past years of books and pages, before it rises to middle of a tall shelf. His fingers wrap around an elegant tome bound with sky blue leather. Aeofel's Compendium of Interdimensional Travel. The cover gently opens up, flipping over dozen of leaflets before stopping at the start of a chapter: "Keystones: Convenient or Deadly?

Back at the balcony of Keisan's tower, the gnome lets out a quiet, curious sigh. "Ah, a keystone." Unexpectedly, the shimmering orb activates, preparing to draw a portal in the fabric of space to connect another point to itself. "Step back, lads! We'll be expecting some company in a moment!" Gimble stumbles back a bit, his hand firmly attached to a plate of Val's armor, tugging her back with him. "Back, you silly girl. I don't want to have to save your pretty little head again. I didn't summon anything, so don't go blaming old Gimble."

As the portal comes into being and a the body of a small, dirty gnome is carried out in a cage, Gimble takes a few moments to examine the boy. "Poor fellow. I can't imagine what one would see and experience in a place that spawned those things. The little blobs are curious little creatures, though." He watches intently as Kellar bargains for the gnome, eyes hidden under his bushy, white brows and fingers running through his beard.

Dwan Bolduum Mon Feb 22, 2016 6:55 pm

Dwan takes a few moments to look out from the balcony. He breathes in, the smell of burning wood fills his nostrils reminding him of the the many camp fires he has sat around in merriment after a sound victory. Well, another victory for the light... doesn't really feel like it, but there are worse ways to go than as a sacrifice for the greater good. Despite the justification Dwan's spirits still aren't lifted.

With a deep sigh Dwan suddenly feels pulsing of energy deep in his core, as if from a touch from a higher being. He feels a powerful connection to the land and winds blowing about him, he knew that if needed he could beg a boon from the world around him once more. He smiles to himself, I'm where I'm needed right now, despite the losses this is where I can be the most help.

He looks down and sees the manticores pulling apart some poor orc. I don't think we'll be flying out of here. They have a taste for blood now, it would be safer to sneak out. He says to Artimus.

A loud cry from the gnome pulls Dwan's attention into the room. A sickly green portal starts to form and creatures pour from it. These beings are not from this world. He thinks to himself as he grabs his scepter.

Before he is able to start channeling, Artimus steps up and addresses the armor clad demon.

Lets pray that your silver tongue can get us out of this Artimus.

---------------------------------------

Dwan lvls up and lets the group know that manticores are out.

Dwan then turns to see the interaction with the demon occur. He stays on the ledge and is holding his scepter, he has not started channeling anything but stays at the ready should this interaction take a turn for the worse.

Ao Mon Feb 22, 2016 9:57 pm

The sounds of the balcony deaden as Artimus takes the lead, his voice clear and convincing in the night air.

The demon and his unearthly procession stand in the balance, ethereal wafts of green mist sheeting across the stone floor and wrapping its tendrils around your feet. High in the cage, Pimli swings back and forth, soft sobs echoing forward from the seemingly forsaken gnome.

Artimus finishes speaking, silence following. The hideous homunculi pile atop one another, daring to skitter out from under the feet of their master. A few wriggle out into the bushes and plants, disappearing from sight on some unknown quest.

The demon looks down at the fellowship, no expression evident beneath his darkened, cowled helm.

*Jingle Jingle*

The moss-like creature shakes the cage violently, bringing the pole down in a careless SMACK that sends Pimli flying within its iron bars. The gnome can hear a horrific crunch as his nose catches on a cross-section, snapping the bones and opening the flow of blood. It soaks him and his robes, his vision blurred.

Kellar crosses the expanse quickly, opening the cage and lifting Pimli out. He quickly roughs up the captive, pulling him towards Valyria.

[Artimus, bluff was a success]
[Pimli, 8 damage from before, 10 damage from right now]

The demon stands just as still as before, his head tilting towards Kellar. A beard of thorns brushes against the top of his breastplate, and the light catches his chin just enough to reveal a pair of bluish lips, twisted into a tightened grimace.

“A sssssumons, for the prissssssoner?” intones the demon finally, stepping out towards the fellowship. He looks back and forth, as if sniffing the air for deceit.

“Yesssss. I ssssssseeeeeee.”

His cloak settles into place, the wicked curvature of that great sword seemingly begin for blood…

[…]

Custer sits, unseen, beneath the table. He can scarcely see the interaction happening out on the balcony.

A strange sound catches his ear, and he turns round just in time to witness four disgusting creatures emerging from a stack of splintered furniture. They are filthy, squishy things. And upon seeing Maurei, they creep towards her interestedly.

Their pink hands creep across her body, resting upon her blistered and bubbling face. Intrigued, the horrible creatures poke and prod at her, causing a stream of tears to fall from her latent eyes.

Custer barely breathes, absorbed in the shadows.

And then, the beasts wrap their hands around her clothing. They struggle to hoist her, moving the paralyzed woman in jerky fits across the floor towards the door…

[…]

“Your masssssster playsss a dangerousss game. Ssummoning the king’s sservantsss for ssuch trivial affairss. Thisss will not sstand for long.”

The towering demon looks towards Kellar one last time, freezing upon the dragoon’s position as he reprimands the gnome.

Turning slowly, he begins to walk back towards the portal…

=============================

Ok guys.

The homunculus’ are dragging Maurei out across the balcony, towards the portal where the demon is stepping through. He is suspicious of the situation, that much is certain.

Custer, because of your superior hiding skills Ill allow you to act on the homunculus before they can get out on the balcony, if you’d like to try. Otherwise, the fellowship can try and intervene, if desired.

Be careful…

MVP: Artimus, for certain. A well roleplayed round, and I appreciate you tying in your backstory. We won’t say the plan went off without a hitch yet, though...

Pimli Prixus Tue Feb 23, 2016 11:40 am

His world shift rocking the gnome back and forth as the Moss demon shakes the cage before slamming it into the ground. For a split second Pimli is airborne before he connects nose first with the cage, braking his nose and letting out a torrent of blood.

Vision blurred from tears and pain, he sees the blue shimmer walking towards him. He feels the familiar gauntleted hands grasp as his lifted up not to gently.

Kellar, he saved me once, he can't have been corrupted, he can't have

"Quit crying, maggot," the man shaped shimmer said with a gravel-like voice. Pimli opens his mouth to speak, to tell Kellar that it's him, that they're friends, as he does the guantleted fist slams into his tiny stomach knocking the wind out of him.

Kellar said something else but the Gnome didn't hear it, the sound of his pulse in his ears is deafening, and the thought We were friends races through his mind.

“You should save your tears for while we’re torturing you.” The voice of a woman chimes in, but there's is something in the tone of her voice at the end. [Insight check d20+4: 13 = success?]

Fear? is she afraid?

The Gnome looks towards the sound of the female voice grinning through his bloodied teeth, and winks at her.

If she's afraid of my former friends, perhaps she can be an ally to assist with escape Pimli hopes as he's being pulled away by his former friend.

Emelious would help, what did they do to you my friend

DiceMaster Tue Feb 23, 2016 11:40 am

The member 'Pimli Prixus' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 9

Custer Thickett Tue Feb 23, 2016 2:41 pm

'Slime with eyes, the blue dragon, Old Joe, a beholder, and now these little horrors?' Cuss wonders to himself as he watches the homunculi prod Maurei with hands that looked half the size of their disgusting bodies.

When they lift and start dragging her, his mind starts to race thoughts. 'No, no, no, she's still in there. She will tell them who I am, yeah?' He raises Olc, the black hand-crossbow, but before he can squeeze the trigger, he hears Agata's memory whisper, 'No.'

He paused, and thought of where he was. At the top of a Tower with an army camped at the base. An army dedicated to the God of lies and murder. They near the balcony door as he thinks on what the thing out there hissed, '“Your masssssster playsss a dangerousss game. Ssummoning the king’s sservantsss for ssuch trivial affairss. Thisss will not sstand for long.'

His feet pump into action as he lets Olc fall from his right hand to clatter softly on the ground under the table. He uses the hand to slip his symbol of Waukeen beneath Brhamn's smock that he was wearing, then leaped atop Maurei.

He uses the open hand to pull the dagger from his mouth, and then point at the demon's back as he says, "He didn't bring ya here just for that gnome, no?"

The demon's feet pause as Cuss continues, "This attack came from inside the camp below. Before he rode away, he asked us to tell ya he wanted them punished, yeah? Look, if ya will, it still burns."

Then he points down at Maurei, "We can care for her condition without ya help."

[Persuasion +8]
15

He uses the motion to turn his eyes away from the demon to look down at her. They flair when he considers what he was just looking at while he thinks, 'Oiy, that's an scary looking pair, yeah?'

DiceMaster Tue Feb 23, 2016 2:41 pm

The member 'Custer Thickett' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 7

Kellar Tue Feb 23, 2016 5:59 pm

Kellar moved toward the paralyzed woman being scooted across the floor by the tiny chubby demons. He looked back at Valeria. "Pinch his nose until he tells you something useful." He stopped in the little demon's path and grabbed Maurei by the collar to her armor and lifted her up. "She needs the infirmary." Persuasion Roll= 18+4= 22; Success! He crouched and laid her over his right shoulder and stood up.

DiceMaster Tue Feb 23, 2016 5:59 pm

The member 'Kellar' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 18

Valeria Thaemor Tue Feb 23, 2016 8:07 pm

Valeria regains her composure as she nods and grabs Pimli's collar from Kellar, thankful for the less violent task that he orders for her. She closes her fingers around his nostrils, grimacing as his slick blood coats her hand. Val wears a look of disgust on her face rather than just a pure menacing mask. She keeps the gnome held far enough back that he couldn't grab at her hair or face. Pimli in hand, she begins to walk inside, bringing the poor gnome away from his demon captors.

Artimus DeLonde Wed Feb 24, 2016 10:22 am

Wide eyed pain and paniced confusion painted the face of the formerly caged Gnome. It was clear that Pimili had not relized the roose, his pliable mind, capable of conceptulaizing the impossibilites of magic had peformed the needed acrobatics to believe his former allies had turned vile and cruel.

Artimus gritted teeth as he tried to move his body, but it was for not, the thrall of the demon has left him weak and helpless in his body- it was all he could do to retain the implication of confidance the facade of strength- to not show the monicom of control he possessed.

He was helpless to signal to Pimili. Unable to communicate to the wisened Gnome that they were still themselves- still kin.

Wis check fail.
Con check fail

DiceMaster Wed Feb 24, 2016 10:22 am

The member 'Artimus DeLonde' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 8, 9

Dwan Bolduum Wed Feb 24, 2016 8:33 pm

Dwan watches the events take place before his eyes. his beard mostly obscuring his grimace at the way his friends treated Pimli.

His reaction seems so genuine, I pray he knows this is all to save his from a horrible fate.

He has to grit his teeth together behind his lips to prevent him from letting the gnome know about his friend. Dwan holds his position despite thinking about using the Kraken's fist to bring Pimli into the loop.

Hold on friend all will be made clear soon.

------------------------------------------------
Dwan waits and prays that this doesn't become a demon fight.

Gimble Nabisco Raulnor Wed Feb 24, 2016 9:13 pm

Gimble watches as Kellar hands Pimli over to Val, still grimacing a bit at their treated of the poor fellow. He eyes the bulbous creatures as they carry Maurei towards the portal, but returns his attention to Val. He follows her inside as she carries Pimli to torture and pain. The old, hearty gnome keeps up with the broken, bloodied young one, his eyes trained on him to make sure that Pimli is still there.

Ao Wed Feb 24, 2016 10:47 pm

The demon’s cowl flutters as he turns round, his darkened visage peering at Kellar and Custer, who stand defiant.

The homunculi skitter around the woman’s paralyzed body, clicking and clacking in their strange tongue. They seem perturbed at the interruption, waving their hands about in frustration.

“What have you found, little handssssss?” says the demon, his procession halting at his about-face. Behind him, the shambling moss demon makes a noise that sounds a little like a moan.

The armoured fiend straightens up, looking at the halfling and the dragoon.

Behind them, the fellowship slowly falls into formation around Pimli.

He walks slowly towards them, the Homunculi chittering away in the sloshy, horrible intoning noises.

And then - you can hear what seems to be a laugh. A hollow, soulless cacaphony uttered from beneath the canine helm of the greater demon.

“Thisssss mortal belongssss to the lord of liessss now. Come, little handssssss. Pull her into the portal. She will ssssssserve at hisssss feet.”

He turns around once again, ignoring your pleas and intentions to help. Maurei’s paralyzed face seems to whiten, as the awful little creatures drag her towards the shimmering portal…

======================

Ok guys,

It’s clear that this demon is dragging the woman towards the portal. He’s obviously a little chapped at giving up his gnome captive, and it doesn’t look like he’s planning on leaving Maurei behind.

They are all leaving through the portal, and the Homunculi will exit first with the woman, followed by the demon and then the shambling moss monster.

If you want to interfere, I’ll need some appropriate checks vs. the Homunculi to pull her away. As well, anyone participating in grabbing at Maurei will grant advantage to all adjacent melee attacks from enemies.

Showdown?

MVP: Pimli! Welcome back friend. A fine re-introduction.

Kellar Thu Feb 25, 2016 2:10 pm

Kellar lowered Maurei back to the ground and let her arm fall to the floor. The soft sound it made blended with the shuffle of chubby little feet. Her eyes stared at Kellar's visor, the green glowing dots on his helm stared back, unblinking. "It's less than you deserve," he said to her. Kellar walked back to where Pimli and Valeria were. He crouched by the gnome while slowly lowering the head of Anna's axe to the floor with a sharp CLANK.

Kellar strong armed Pimli a little bit, mostly shaking him hither and yon, muttering idle threats until the demon and his procession left for the other plane with Maurei.

Custer Thickett Thu Feb 25, 2016 3:04 pm

Cuss steps off Maurei as Kellar squats to heft her. After the fiend had made it's demand, Cuss stepped back to make space for Kellar to put her back down. He leaned over her as Kellar said his piece, "It's less than you deserve."

He asked her where his father was. That, and she could probably piece together the assault and its gains. When she could speak for an interrogation...

He couldn't allow that. He whispers in her ear, "I'm sorry," and in his mind he finishes the sentence, 'Agata. Turn ya eyes, yeah?'

He could feel them avert as he very delicately, very subtly, laid open the side of her neck with the dagger in his hand.

[Sleight of Hand +5]
12

As the blood begins to build on her skin, Cuss turns away and makes for the inside of the chamber, looking back over his shoulder...

[If they see it, cunning action disengage and move.]

[If they don't, cunning action dash once in the room to get back under the table thinking, oh shit oh shit.]

DiceMaster Thu Feb 25, 2016 3:04 pm

The member 'Custer Thickett' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 7

Ao Thu Feb 25, 2016 10:33 pm

[Nightal 20th]
[Master’s Suite, Twin Towers of the Eternal Eclipse]

The blood trail leading to the portal glistens in the moonlight, the night’s chill breeze sweeping across the balcony and infiltrating the cracks and crevices of your armour. The soft green glow had dissipated moments ago, as the demon and his retinue dragged Maurei’s fading corpse through into the realm beyond.

Custer watches as the thick, arterial bounty congeals upon the polished stone, firelight highlighting the ruby red tones that could have been spilled wine.

Maurei didn’t make it. That much was for certain.

A snowflake catches the wind, landing in the halfling’s hair. The sound of his fellows ransacking the room behind him reach his ears, while the compass sits comfortably in his hands. It was a strange triumph, this night. And at a steep cost.

But it was a triumph.

[…]

Militaristically, Kellar leads the teardown of the room. Soon, all of the valuables and the lieutenant’s possessions are organized into neat piles, the dragon hunter’s precision clockwork as usual.

Dwan’s company had done similar work in the Gold Army. To the dwarf, it almost feels like old times.

Through the eyes of a privateer, the efficiency was glamorous. Artimus strides past the possessions, thinking back to the many times his crew had slaughtered and raided in the name of Cormyr or whoever was paying the most. He had few men that could loot with such efficiency.

Pimli, his face bloodied and in worse wear than he was accustomed to, could only watch as his wounds were tended. Finding a proper place to sit his weary frame, however, proves a challenge.

The battle has turned this once luxurious stateroom into a splintered, smashed, bloody mess.

Grol’s head still peers up at you from the centre of the room, while Daste’s slumped corpse leaks blood from his many wounds. Even the Djinn had shed his crimson, a sizeable streak borne across the ornate rug that he and Kellar had fought upon.

The disorder and ugliness of the room strikes Valeria, as Gimble watches the door. The gnome resumes his post, listening for sounds of an approaching guard…or at this point, perhaps a militia.

But the door remains silent. At least for now.

[…]

After several long moments have passed, the valuables are divided and it comes time to organize their escape. Artimus’ map sits abandoned on the table, the broad strokes of his sketch outlining two possible routes of escape.

Through the portal room to the wagons, or down into the commons to take flight under disguise.

============================

Ok guys. I’ve taken some liberties with your characters based on what I imagined them doing in this aftermath. Feel free to retcon if it doesn’t seem fitting, and of course a little role-play with Pimli is likely in order.

This is an RP post, where you can take a moment to contemplate what has happened, and decide on the best route out of here.

I need a concrete plan of action - let me know exactly the path you’re taking, as well as the measures you’re employing to make sure you accomplish your objective. Skill checks from everyone are necessary - at the very least, a stealth check.

Missing skill checks will be rolled for by DM at disadvantage. If you can’t post for a personal reason, please let me know in chat and I’ll waive disadvantage.

Gear is up in the lair.

Well done folks.

Kellar Fri Feb 26, 2016 12:35 am

Kellar looked at Pimli's bruised and battered face and lowered his shoulders in relief. The paralyzed woman was gone, and the demon and the chubby little ones left. Kellar's visor opened with two soft clicks and he smiled at Pimli. "By hells Pimli, I was not expecting to see you again! We ran into another gnome (that one over there) and I thought it was you," he knelt and patted the battered gnome on the shoulder, "Valeria will fix you up right quick." Kellar stood up and looked around and then his eyes came back down to Pimli. "I am terribly sorry I punched you, and commanded your interrogation to be painful."

He lifted Anna's Axe and looked at it closely. "I told Grol that I would kill him with this. I suppose it is more fitting that one of his own race killed him instead." Anna, what happened to you? Kellar looked over Grol's body and found a few items. He removed the belt and set it aside, he found a set of manacles as well. Inside of Grol's shirt, he found a tattered, blood-soaked journal. "This may have answers to Anna's disappearance," he muttered. He put the journal in his pack for later reading.

"Hey Valeria, could you use these," he asked as he slid the manacles to her while she tended to Pimli. "I mean, we may end up detaining other people of interest. Can never be too sure..." he trailed off. "Dwan, this belt may be of use to you," he said as he handed the item to the dwarf.
_____________

Kellar wandered to the map laying on the table. "Artimus, which path do you prefer to get out of here?" His index finger traced the paths that the corsair had sketched out. Kellar tapped on the portal room. "I think we could double back through there and leave past where the Duergars were working? I think our chances would better via that route than trying to slip past everyone in disguise. The half-djinn will have alerted the others I imagine. What do you think?"

Kellar waited for a reply and listened to the feedback from the others.

Actions:
Kellar took a couple things, the Journal and Anna's Axe.
Kellar checked on Pimli.
Kellar opened discussion about an exit strategy (One vote for through the portal rooms).
Perception Rolls= 21
Stealth Rolls= 12

DiceMaster Fri Feb 26, 2016 12:35 am

The member 'Kellar' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 5, 17

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#2 'D20' : 6

Valeria Thaemor Fri Feb 26, 2016 1:03 am

Valeria gives Pimli a reassuring pat on the back and beams at him. “Don’t worry; we’re not going to harm you. Sorry about threatening to torture you; I’ve never tortured anybody in my life.” She bends down to studies his wounds with a small frown. Much like with Custer, she gives the gnome absolutely no warning before she grabs his nose and cracks it back into place. Humming quietly to herself, she extends her healing touch to Pimli to take the edge off of his pain. (he regains 12 hitpoints) “You uh might want to clean yourself up. You’ve got some blood stains from your nose.”

She glances at the manacles once Kellar slides them over and picks them up. “Oh I’m sure I can find a sure for them!” She mutters with a devious glint in her eyes. As she’s carefully stuffing them into her pack, she notices Gimble dragging a sword off. “Aw did you grab that for me? You’re so sweet!” She easily pries the weapon from the gnome’s hands and studies the make. It’s about the same weight as her current sword, well made, and in good condition. “Hey, Gimble, anything special about this?”

Stealth: 13

DiceMaster Fri Feb 26, 2016 1:03 am

The member 'Valeria Thaemor' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 12

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#2 'D20' : 11

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#3 'D8' : 8

Gimble Nabisco Raulnor Fri Feb 26, 2016 2:00 am

Gimble sat down next to Pimli as Val operated on him. "Don't be startled, lad. She's got a brutish touch, but she means well." He places a hand on Pimli's back to support him. After the rather painful healing and mending of bones, Gimble looks Pimli up and down to check for any other worries. He perks up at Valeria's suggestion. "Ah yes. I should get cleaned up." Gimble begins to cast prestidigitation. The spots of blood, dirt, and grim on the young gnome's robes and skin begin to shrink and fade away under his magic. As he works, Gimble keeps Pimli busy with questions. "So, your name is Pimli, yes? Where are you from? What do you do? What was behind that po- ah never mind that I can ask you at a later time. Your family isn't from the Silver Marches, is it?"

Even though he is occupied with interrogating the gnome, just as planned, Gimble still spots Valeria's grubby, plated fingers reaching for the sword. "Uh uh. Keep your darn hands off, Thaemor." Gimble grabs his cane and smack her arm away with a sharp thunk. "You should learn to keep your hands off of other people's belongings one of these days. If I find you oggling one of my trinkets again, I'll turn you into a crimson fish and fry you for lunch! You shouldn't touch that thing anyways. Your mother wouldn't appreciate you using a weapon like that. Wicked edge it's got. Infused with dark energies that'll suck the life out of your foes! It's certainly a weapon better wielded by old Gimble." The old gnome holds the weapon up with both of his hands and shakes it about while he's telling Valeria about it, rattling the blade around in its scabbard. He flashes Val a bright, toothy smile and sets it down next to him.

Gimble Nabisco Raulnor Fri Feb 26, 2016 2:01 am

1d20+3 Stealth = 19
1d20+1 Perception = 12

DiceMaster Fri Feb 26, 2016 2:01 am

The member 'Gimble Nabisco Raulnor' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 16

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#2 'D20' : 11

Custer Thickett Fri Feb 26, 2016 2:58 am

What to do with it? Hide it? Destroy it? Cuss thinks, turning the compass over in his hand. The questions return no answer, and his eyes glance back to the wisps of cloud moving briskly across the jagged peaks. The star beyond dancing in colors that seem distant memories of that cast by Gimble's 'Keystone' and its demons within.

He could smell her blood.

So to could the Manticores. Two circled above him, looking to him for the source.

"What of it to ya, yeah?" He asked. "I doan need ya approval, much less ya forgiveness."

He had already failed to bring down Kesian. A demon knowing his family name? That'd be too much.

Then he remember the voice that seemed to crawl out to him through the outcast hand of the Cyricist acolyte inside the chamber behind him. He turned toward where the man stood.

'It had to be a trick, no? It tried to hold me, but it couldn't.'

Only the shuffling of supplies clattering out of the chamber answered his questions.

It had to be the thoughts of the man.

He walked over to the corpse, and poked at it with his foot. He knelt and wiped his bloody dagger on its torn robe. Sheathing the blade, he turned his attention to his hand-crossbows. Folding and stowing both.

He turned to the room. "It was the man."

A puzzled look here and there, but most were focused on the treasures gathered on the table. Cuss shrugged and joined them.

The pile of black leather and linens beside two slender dirks drew his attention. "This from the one ya took down, eh, Captain?" Cuss asked as he picked up the black bandanna.

He whistled seeing the dirks were clean, but the armor was a soggy mess of crimson.

"Looks like he didn't put up much a fight, yeah? Me thinks this might fit me, though. Not as nice as me own, but we run into some more Orcs, they woan know me from... uh, what was his name?"

[Rolling Disguise +5, advantage from assistance?]
20

Once changed and fitted, Cuss bundles his other suit of armor and finds Dwan looking over a book. The belt around his waist jingled as he shuffled his weight from one foot to another. Cuss smiled and clasped the dwarf on a shoulder. "Thank ya for saving me life out there, Dwan. Might be luck will let me return the favor someday soon, yeah?"

"Have we told ya of our grove at the Mountain's Root in the Soulwood?"

...

Turning to Kellar, Cuss points to the map with the dirk he is polishing, "Be that as it may, Blue Man, we need go back through the armory to get the kid. He's still in the trunk with me pack."

Looking to Gimble and Pimli, "Can we destroy the Keystone-ball-thing? Like ya did to the portals, yeah?"

"Heh, we could put Grol's head on the pole in its place" Seeing frowns, he adds, "He do worse to us."

After sheathing the dirks, Cuss stifles a yawn. "Oiy, if only Luck could have seen it fit to find a pile of Khat leaves in a bowl, no? Much more of this, an me feet are goan to revolt against me noggin. Might be best I lead the way."

[Stealth +9]
15

Cuss takes point, as Daste.

DiceMaster Fri Feb 26, 2016 2:58 am

The member 'Custer Thickett' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 15, 15

--------------------------------

#2 'D20' : 6

Pimli Prixus Fri Feb 26, 2016 12:09 pm

"By hells Pimli, I was not expecting to see you again! We ran into another gnome (that one over there) and I thought it was you, Valeria will fix you up right quick. I am terribly sorry I punched you, and commanded your interrogation to be painful." The dragoon kneels before Pimli patting him on the shoulder while smiling. The Gnome looks up at the blue dragoon It was all a trick? How didn't I see it? He smiles wide blood streaming from his nose down into his mouth.

He kicks Kellar in the shin "I...I 'ew i' 'as a 'luff 'll a'ong" [Bluff Check to hide that he didn't know the fellowship was bluffing d20+0 19 = Success? ]

He limps over to a comfortable looking spot on the floor and unceremoniously collapses into a sitting position. Right arm held close to his body looking misshapen and out of place.

“Don’t worry; we’re not going to harm you. Sorry about threatening to torture you; I’ve never tortured anybody in my life.” The woman he believed to be his savior says out loud as she studies his broken face. With no warning, she quickly reaches out grabbing his nose and snaps it back into place. He Yowls in pain, the world seeming to darken, when he feels to coolness, soothing feel of the divine was over his body.

Master back? Master Hurt? Where Master? Skurr Help! He smiles as his familiar barges its way into the back of his mind, he's close enough to regain his telepathic link. Near the top of the tower Skurr, come join me our friends are all here. He feels the bond shift as his familiar flies closer to his present location.

The woman takes her hands off of him and says “You uh might want to clean yourself up. You’ve got some blood stains from your nose.”

Pimli looks down at his once fine robes now tattered and blood stained. Shes right good thing I have just the trick to take care of this He reaches out to the pool of the arcane to clean himself up.

"Don't be startled, lad. She's got a brutish touch, but she means well." Pimli drops the power source and looks around, the wise one is speaking. Pimli struggles his way back to his feet, "Ah yes. I should get cleaned up." he feels the loving touch of the arcane was over him, cleaning his clothes and his flesh. "So, your name is Pimli, yes? Where are you from? What do you do? What was behind that po- ah never mind that I can ask you at a later time. Your family isn't from the Silver Marches, is it?" The wise one let out a stream of questions at Pimli. Finally to his feet he bows gracefully, right arm hanging limp to his side.

"Yes Wise one, I was born Pimli Ignatius Mortimer Prixus", giving his full name, "I come from the School of Higher Learning and the Arcane Arts in Imnescar, as for what do I do? I experience and catalog. I meet these fine people here because I decided I wanted to experience a wagon ride while I was on a break from my studies, of course the wagon train was attack by Orcs, and then there was a little bit of torture. But then Emelious and myself were saved! It was a grand experience!" Pimli begins looking around, worry growing on his face.

"Where is he anyways? Off calling lightening on something unsuspected I guess......right?" pleading tone in his voice.

Ready to return to the Old gnomes line of questioning, he notices that he's lost the wise ones attention as he's arguing with the chain clad medic.

Was I really in the realm of the Laughing God? Fate you are a cruel mistress, you show me the realm of a God but make it of the God we're trying to stop, you make me believe that my friends are trying to kill me when they aren't. Where is Emelious? He would get a good laugh out of the situation, I hope he's ok

He begins wandering the room looking for a staff to help him walk, just realizing that he lost his staff when the Demon's pulled him away and through him in that cage. After finding something to help with the pain of walking he walks the room and reacquaints himself with each of his friends.

Artimus, I'm I left you like that. But it looks like you all made out much better then I did. He laughs painfully, and shakes the Captains hand.

"Can we destroy the Keystone-ball-thing? Like ya did to the portals, yeah?", Custer says towards the Gnomes. "I'm drained, those portal and the demon's took a lot out of me. But I do think I have a trick up my sleeve that can help" The little gnome says with a grin on his face and a glint of mischief in his eye.

==========
Stealth: 5

DiceMaster Fri Feb 26, 2016 12:09 pm

The member 'Pimli Prixus' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 19

Dwan Bolduum Fri Feb 26, 2016 10:13 pm

Kellar wrote:Dwan, this belt may be of use to you

Dwan nearly misjudges the trajectory of the belt, because of the skulls moving in different directions. It was a hideous looking thing from afar, up close it was even worse. The leather work was very good, but the design was strange. The belt was a deep red, and looked as if it would go around the waist and also over the shoulder. Probably useful for holding a sword. He thinks as he notices a few holes in the leather where another section would be punched in.

He could sense an energy with the belt, dark and heavy. Looking at the skulls Dwan thinks on the suffering that these animals must have gone through from dark orc magic to add power to the belt. Poor things..

In the center of a moon beam that flooding in from the balcony, Dwan lays the belt on the ground and sets all of the skulls to face him. He focuses and speaks in the druidic tongue. To the creatures that are trapped in this horrid spell, you are no longer a slave to the dark magic of the orcs. The queen of the moon above grants you reprieve from your prison. Go now and be free.

While the light outside doesn't change the moon beam intensifies slightly for a few moments. Once the beam returns to its original stage, Dwan grabs the belt and inspects it once more. The leather seemed to have changed from the deep red to a rich auburn color. He places the belt around his shoulder and fastens it around his waist. He looks at his hand and test his grip a few times pleased at the way it fits him and enhances his energy.

Its just a damn shame this thing looks so ugly he thinks as he steps away, skulls rattling as he moves to inspect the rest of the treasure.

He stops Artimus as he grabs up a bag of assorted jewelry. Something catches his eye.

Hold a moment he says as he uses his finger to sort through the jewelry. A faint glimmer of recognition crosses his eyes as he picks up one piece, quite plain when compared to the other pieces of jewelry. Its a ring, thick, bulky, but pure gold. Dwan looks at it and can see the gold has been shaped into a familiar insignia. The Gold Army. I won't let this one be melted down, or used as another trophy again. He says as he slips the ring onto his hand.

Don't look disappointed Artimus, I'll make sure to share this. he says as he grabs a dark bottle from the table, a circle of white stone decorating the top and bottom of the bottle. Curbbanus gin, the alabaster gives it away. He pulls the top and takes a wiff Ah... a good vintage too.

--------------------------------

Kellar wrote:I think we could double back through there and leave past where the Duergars were working?

I'd rather not chance our escape to portals. Who knows where they are set to go. That is of course, unless either of you fine gentleman think you can control our destination. He says questioningly towards the two gnomes.

If not I suspect the confusion in the camp will help us in our escape.

----------------------------------------

As the rest of the group divides up the rest of the loot Dwan sees a lone book left from the original piles. Might as well take this, not sure if it is useful, but I'd rather they not have it. He swipes the tome and places it next to the other in his bag.

At the signal he takes off with the rest of the group, skulls rattling together every couple of steps. I got to get used to this.

=============================================

Dwan grabs his stuff.

Dwan would rather not take the portals, but wouldn't take much convincing to do so.

Stealth roll +0 6

DiceMaster Fri Feb 26, 2016 10:13 pm

The member 'Dwan Bolduum' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 6

Osvald Hale Sat Feb 27, 2016 12:53 am

The fellowship had hardly caught their breath when Custers keen ears pricked up at a sound echoing softly the hall outside the door.

Footfall approached the entrance to the demense, muffled by the heavy wood.

Kellars hand moves to his weapons, still slick with enemy blood.

Now, louder, a wet dragging sound followed by scratching at the door--The creaking pop of the lock mechanisms seemed to boom like cannon fire in the silence as a key begins to turn...

Finally, with a great groan, the door swings wide, Revealing the shadowed figure beyond. The figure tosses aside his cargo: A severed Orc arm falls heavy and limp into the chamber: landing with a metallic chime, Artimus notes it still yet manacled to a great brass key...

Stepping forward, the battered form of a ranger enters the room. His lank hair and cloak littered in places with still-smoldering embers--curls of smoke drift lazily up into the cool night air. His armor was gouged by scores of blade-marks, the leather over his left arm burned away completely. A half dozen wounds wept red, but the figure moved with an undiminished swagger. The man whistles long and low at the destruction wrought in the room as he steps forth.

Covered head to toe in soot and the drying ichor of Orc blood, the moonlight reveals a familiar face:

Osvald Hale grins wide,

"What'd I Miss?"

=====

Note: the brass key was simply a mechanism to get Osvald back in the mix, don't get any ideas.

OOC: Whoa, feels good to be back! No rolls this round, want to go with the flow you guys have going. Missed ya! Also, I've been reading along so don't feel the need to actually explain what Oz has missed--unless you want to do some RP'ing, which case, have at ye!

Artimus DeLonde Sat Feb 27, 2016 1:04 am

DiceMaster Sat Feb 27, 2016 1:04 am

The member 'Artimus DeLonde' has done the following action : Dice Roller

'D20' : 11, 6, 16

Custer Thickett Sun Feb 28, 2016 3:14 pm

A disguised Custer looks at the pile of rubble strew about the door, then to Gimble. "Some barricade, yeah?"

He then steps toward Osvald Hale, pulling Daste's black bandanna from his face. "Oiy, Osvald. Ya look like ya plowed through the whole clan and half the hells to get up here, no?"

Cuss sniffs the air as he nears his friend. "Ya smell great, though," he says with a smile and an outstretched hand.

After exchanged greetings, Cuss asks him, "What of Olfusen?"

Ao Sun Feb 28, 2016 10:20 pm

The reunion was cut short, the distant sound of clanging armour signalling an approach of some kind. Within moments of Osvald’s return, the fellowship had departed.

[…]

Brahm was standing outside the door, the youth wide-eyed, with the Kraken’s Fist pendant dangling around his neck.

“Thought you weren’t coming-“ he shuts up, looking to the right. Shadows from torchlight down an adjacent hall betrayed the shapes of men and arms.

The youth falls into step with Kellar awkwardly, looking for Emelious as your boots echo off the stone floors of the tower…

[…]

It smells of flames and smoke. All but Osvald can smell it clearly, the huntsman’s nose so accustomed to the scent of burning that it scarcely registers.

The stables. They had caused a serious ruckus. And death.

You whip through the corridors, dark smoke pouring through some more than others. Between breaths, Brahm quips “Seems the scullery is burning. That’ll spread to the whole main level and the barracks…”

You can’t tell whether or not he is satisfied. Any smirks of triumph are disguised by his laboured breaths, the boy obviously not as athletic or tried as the rest of you.

He stays in step, serving as a guidepost down the side staircases and winding service corridors that are taking far longer to navigate than the directness of the endless staircase.

[…]

It has been nearly twenty minutes since you left the chamber, Custer skulking ahead of the fellowship and walking with the aloof, confident air of the assassin he had observed.

The leathers are large on Custer, but Daste was a blessedly slender man, so they are serviceable. The disparity in height, however, wouldn’t fool many for too long, despite the halfling’s skilled imitation and disguise.

A fountain burbles in a sitting room attached to this untravelled corridor, the door cracked open revealing two of the camp’s brigands revelling in their own private affairs. Custer leads the group down yet another flight of stairs, braziers lighting your way as the group behind him shuffles silently through the shadowy torch glow.

[Dwan, Pimli Stealth checks…]

Suddenly, a group of sellswords rounds the corner in front of you. You find yourselves in a high-vaulted, circular chamber that branches off into other passageways. An ornate carved tree springs from the centre of the room, the installation reaching high into the upper reaches of the ceiling.

Beneath the manufactured arboreal canopy, Custer slides unnoticed as they head down another passageway beyond you.

The rest of the fellowship moves to comply with the halfling’s navigation. Pimli, his legs still worn and nose still smarting, feels his foot catch on the back of Dwan’s boot…

*CRASH*

A single, loud clang is heard as the dwarf trips into Valeria’s back, his forehead smarting as it cracks off her cuirass.

“Wot the hells?”

You watch in dismay as the four brigands turn round. They have their hands on their swords, their expressions softening into looks of confusion as they spot Custer emerge from the shadows.

“L-lord Daste?” stammers one of them. He takes his hand off his sword, bowing his head slightly.

“Forgiveness my lord. We will not interfere with you and your retinue.”

The others eye the rest of you, suspicion creeping into their faces as they look at the whole lot. One of them catches their eyes on Brahm, clearly recognizing the youth as out of his place.

[Kellar, Perception]

The dragoon, however, recognizes the man as the Tethyrian that Emelious was dicing with earlier in the evening. Kellar knows that the half-elf had given them a satchel of gold in exchange for future cooperation. Despite the lack of their partner, perhaps they could be persuaded to lend assistance.

At that moment, however, Kellar notices something else. Through the twisting, false branches of the art piece in this chamber, he can see clearly down the long hallway these four brigands emerged from. Not far away, torches are burning in the hands of two orcs, who are moving with decided haste towards you. They are still half a minute away, and it looks like they are giving cursory glances to chambers that they pass, looking for something.

Undoubtedly you.

The orcs would not have given Kellar so much pause, if not for the enormous shadow hovering behind them…

Another of Keisan’s lieutenants…

Xanckang the Beholder.

==========================

Ok guys, you’re in this nexus of passageways with the four brigands. These are the men that Emelious supplied with some gold earlier for later services rendered.

The passageway that you need to reach (to get to the portal room) will require that you cross the room in front of the passage that the Beholder and his two orcs are currently emerging from.

So, if you’re trying to use these four brigands to any effect, I’ll need some convincing social checks and supporting narrative. Remember, you don’t have Emelious with you. And, you don’t have a ton of time to explain a story.

I need stealth checks from all. Unless you’re cooking up some serious rolls on Stealth, or have some other means of supporting your approach to the passageway you need to reach, you’ll likely have some orcs and a beholder on your tail.

MVP: Kellar. Thank you for narrating the doling out of loot, great fun to read.

Kellar Mon Feb 29, 2016 3:09 pm

Kellar kept pace with Custer as they traversed the halls. Orbaugh kept watch on his shoulder. The four brigands looked at Kellar and the group with suspicion. He called out to Daste... Custer? Aha! "We need your services now, Emelious said to look for you as we left. He left this place via the balcony to meet us in the valley below. Run a distraction and help us with our leave and you can come with, you will be paid again, twice what he paid. What say you? We are running out of time," said Kellar as he looked down the hallway to the orcs and the beholder. Persuasion Roll= 13+4= 17; success?

Kellar called forth shimmering scales and covered his armor. (Blade Ward used). "We have a moment to make this work, worst case is we end up fighting our way past the beholder and the orcs. Not terrible, but it would slow us considerably," he continued. "Anyone else have anything? Be ready to drop hells on the orcs and the beholder and run." Orbaugh, look out for more guards or people that want to hurt us. Anything you think could help, you let me know, guard the rear." Orbaugh fluttered with excitement and curled about and faced the direction they came from, with the occasional peek to see what his master saw. Perception Roll= 18+4= 22; Success!

"Let's do this."

Actions:
Kellar tried persuading the sellswords to run a distraction.
Kellar used Blade Ward.
Orbaugh is looking for any other threats or alternative path.
Kellar is on point or second up front in terms of order.
Stealth roll= 16; success?

DiceMaster Mon Feb 29, 2016 3:09 pm

The member 'Kellar' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 13

--------------------------------

#2 'D20' : 18

--------------------------------

#3 'D20' : 10

Custer Thickett Mon Feb 29, 2016 3:43 pm

Custer nods to the four and gauges their reaction as Kellar takes the initiative on greeting and the following conversation. With his friend's lead, Cuss moves forward to cross through the newcomers and take position along the wall near the entrance to the hall from which Xanckang came. Along the way, he explained a plan, assuming Daste would take command. He hoped haste would carry his disguise long enough for this to work.

"You four will wait and cross last with me. If he sees us crossing, you four move into the hallway to intercept him on my orders to tell him Kesian fled the chamber when Grol's own turned against them."

"The rest of you will cross in groups of three on my signal. Keep low, quick, and quiet, yeah?"

[Cuss will assist the stealth roll of others, then cross last.]

[Stealth +9]
23

[Provisional Deception for Emelious' pals. +5, advantage from disguise?]
13

Cuss raises a hand, holding up two fingers. Each time the Orcs and beholder motion to glance in a room, Cuss will wave to point the fingers forward, signaling a trio to cross.

DiceMaster Mon Feb 29, 2016 3:43 pm

The member 'Custer Thickett' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 14

--------------------------------

#2 'D20' : 8, 6

Osvald Hale Mon Feb 29, 2016 9:23 pm

Osvald smiles as Cuss pulls up his disguise. "Nay, the staff have been very helpful." Nodding to the severed Orc arm on the floor. "Best we get moving though, Horse shit isn't the only thing burning down there. Olufsen's gone, leading the greenskins away--if he's still alive... The old Bears' distraction won't last long though, Let's go."

...

Osvald follows close to his companions down the labyrinthine tower. Time had only been spared for the briefest of introductions with their newfound members--formalities could wait until death loomed a fair measure more distant the ranger decided... The fate of the world did, after all, hang in the balance.

...

At the shadowed junction, Osvald knew far better than to open his mouth as Cuss outlined a plan. Militantly following his friends lead, Osvald crosses at the signal in the first group, quietly taking up his bow--watching over the others as they shuttle hushedly in the echoing halls.

=====

Following Cuss' lead, once moved to the next position Osvald will take up his bow and watch over the crossing of the others, watching for any new threats.

Stealth: 3+7=10

Perception: 7+5=12

DiceMaster Mon Feb 29, 2016 9:23 pm

The member 'Osvald Hale' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 3

--------------------------------

#2 'D20' : 7

Valeria Thaemor Mon Feb 29, 2016 10:46 pm

“Hey! Watch it!” Valeria hisses as a small figure falls against her back with an ominously loud noise. Of course, with their luck, the sound is heard. She listens as Kellar and Cus talk to the four, visibly relaxing when they don’t immediately attack and Kellar mentions them having been paid.

Glancing nervously down the hall at the others likely looking for them, she pulls Gimble alongside her and nods to Custer. “I’ll take the gnomes across the hall.” She reaches back and grabs Pimli by the collar, setting him down next to Gimble, “And for the love of Sune don’t trip again.”

Actions:

running when Cus gives the signal

Val stealth: 10
Pimli stealth: 10

DiceMaster Mon Feb 29, 2016 10:46 pm

The member 'Valeria Thaemor' has done the following action : Dice Roller

#1 'D20' : 8

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#2 'D20' : 2

Gimble Nabisco Raulnor Mon Feb 29, 2016 10:49 pm

Gimble remains rather quiet as the party descends down the tower. His head swivels on his shoulders in constant motion, remarking at the architecture and stonework of the structure in certain hallways or rooms. In the back of his mind, he adds to the mental map of the building in case they'll ever need to traverse these halls again.

"A beholder? I had not laid my eyes upon on of those stalky creatures in a very long while. Keisan seems to be pulling all the stops to make sure this place is fortified.. Take your hands off of me Valeria Thaemor or I'll make sure to throw you to the demons when I find the next keystone!" Gimble positions himself next to Valeria and awaits Custer's command to cross. Before the first group goes, he sets up an illusion in front of the hallway to make it harder for Xanckang and the orcs to notice them. It mimics the view of the room they are in had it been empty.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actions:
Gimble casts minor illusion to camouflage the area.
He readies himself to cross with Pimli and Val.

1d20+3 Stealth

1d20+1 Perception

Gimble Nabisco Raulnor Mon Feb 29, 2016 10:51 pm

Roll, you piece of shit dice roller.

Edit: That's right, you cunt.

1d20+3 Stealth = 16

1d20+1 Perception = 7

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