"I don' trust wizards - no offense to Vark - or their pets. Nothin' natural to them." Bründir draws his sword and shield, "Leavin' it to you, since yer th' sneaky one. I just know th' place like th' back of me 'and is all."
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Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
Dorno whispers "shhhhhh funny talker." "Oak Father only make you quiet and hidden when near Dorno. Why all friends keep wanting to run away? Dorno is scared too, but now Dorno and Oak Father cannot hide wizard friend. Shhhhhh" The firbolg holds up one thick finger in front of his lips.
"I don't trust wizards either, especially those that consort with goblins. This one is likely bad news, but he wants to find us, which means he may not raise an alarm immediately. We can capture him, make him talk, get more information. I could enter from above, try to get the drop on him, if he is surrounded he may surrender."
Vark freezes as soon as he hears the voices. If the figures are hobgoblin warriors like the ones they faced in the canyon, they could easily cut down Vark in a moment's notice. He might fare better if one or both of them are goblins, but there was no telling. For the moment, Vark waits nearby, hoping they'll walk the other way. In his pocket he anxiously fiddles with the red gem, thinking there might be a good chance he'll need to call on Matthew again.
Slick, oil-like shadows cling to the party as they slip across the road. Thanks to Dorno's spell, they are ghosts to the oblivious goblins, blending into the background as they huddle close to the walls on the veranda of the Quenlan Arms. Through the gaps between the boards nailed across the windows the blue-cloaked figure can be seen, still pacing in a circle on the spot.
Jex takes an alternate path, down the side of the building and up the dark, wooden wall studs, until he finds a window on the upper level. The colours of his cloak swirl and he's all but invisible in the unlit interior. Slowly, the assassin creeps towards the man, step by step, spreading his weight so as to avoid any creaking floorboards. However, as he sets his foot down, just a short distance from striking range, a golden circle of arcane sigils lights up beneath it. The ward arcs around the half-elf's target in a full circle, extending twenty feet from him in all directions, and the wizard's head twists abruptly, his eyes glowing with the same golden light as he fixes Jex with a sidelong glance.
Below ground, the voices Vark hears don't sound goblin. In fact, if anything, they sound human. Their muffled conversation is soon over and the footsteps recede, although Vark can still distantly hear what sounds like a deep, vaguely melodic vibration from around that corner.
Humans? Maybe they were residents of Sheercleft! But the way they were talking... his thoughts begin to race, but at the command of his invisible friend Vark nods a silent response and continues to creep along down the tunnel.
Seid paces for a while, waiting impatiently for Ignatius to return from his mission, wishing that he'd kept the bird closer so he could look through his eyes; however, that time had passed and if he missed anything... he would be blind to his own surroundings... As he fights the urges to call back Ignatius the soft tinkling sounds of crystals alerts him that someone was in the building with him! Almost immediately after, the wards of his spell flash with their golden sigils and he spins around to spot a blurred half-elf figure armored in leathers and holding a dagger in his hands. His eyes widen and he takes a step away, momentarily forgetting the barrier which now stood between them. He then holds his empty hands out in front of the half-elf to show him that he was unarmed. "Hold there friend! I am not one of your enemies! I beseech a parley with you and your companions." He looks around, seeking the others out, but seeing nothing for the moment. "You are the ones coming from the West, yes? From the elven lands? I believe you seek to liberate this town. If so, lower your weapon and speak with me. I wish to help you."
Now that Jex is closer, he can see the figure is a younger human male with tanned complexion that holds a slight jaundiced look to it with long, golden brown hair, and as the golden lights fade from his eyes... Jex notices they hold an uncanny intelligence and are a strange color of honey. He wears simple robes and carries no weapon beyond a well-made dagger on his belt alongside several leather pouches that bulge with unknown contents. His youthful face has the beginnings of several days of growth, the same light color of his hair. He carries an air of confidence about him, but Jex can tell being caught flat-footed in this manner seems to have off-put him significantly.
As Vark peers around the corner, he sees that the tunnel continues a short distance to what looks like the remains of a thick stone door that has been dug through. Beyond it, the passage opens up into a much larger chamber. Now that he's closer, he can tell that what he first took for a vibration is in fact chanting. Inside the enormous cave, a group of blue-robed and hooded figures stand in an arc around a huge, smooth wall, recessed into one end of the area. The distant surface glitters dully in the illumination of the dancing lights that float above the heads of the group. He sees only their backs, as they are all facing the unusual alcove.
A hand clasps Vark's mouth, restraining the scream which threatens his hidden position. The half-orc whips back around the corner, pressing himself against the stone wall. "W-what the-the f...f-****. Matthew?!" he hisses sharply, pulling out the gem and looking into it with desperation. "D-did you see that? Is... is there anything you can do about... whatever it is they're doing? How am I even supposed to get past them?" he steals another peak at the gathering, then retreats again. "**** **** **** ****." he mutters under his breath.
Vark feels a wave of cool energy emanate from the bloodstone and wash over him. It calms, but does not overwhelm him, leaving the half-orc feeling more centred and confident.
We must return here, Matthew observes, thoughtfully, but for now you must find your friends. Go left.
Vark’s grip around the stone relaxes as the tension washes out of his body. Determined once again he nods and places the gem back in it’s pocket. With a deep breath, he turns around the corner and begins picking his way through the shadows, keeping left and crouching low.
Vark skirts the edge of the vast cavern, eventually arriving at a tall, thin split in the rock wall, through which water flows into the chamber. The group by the alcove do not appear to have noticed him. Although the space is tight, it looks like it would be possible to follow the water up-stream.
Jex paces up and down a few paces along the edge of the circle. He says nothing for a moment.
"No lies, no tricks. I see you reach for a pouch or utter a word I don't understand, we will see how well this ward holds back my blade. Now give me a reason to trust you."
As soon as the sigils flare up Val starts to move into the building, not quite sure why Jex did not cross the threshold. She rushes up and stops just short as she moves into the room with her Maul low and ready. She crouches low and ready to pounce like a mountain cat. She watches this strange young man intently as she waits for Jex to make his move...
The young man watches Jex as he tests the borders of the spell, a confident smile growing as he does. He keeps his hands out and away as requested and nods. “Veracity you shall have as long as you do the same for me. And I assure you, this ward will protect me from anything you can throw at it, my friend. As for trusting me... I already haven’t alerted the hobgoblins to your presence or handiwork by the gate. I’m assuming that was you based on how easily you snuck up on me. Those creatures stood no chance I imagine. I told you already, I want only to help you and the people of this village. What happened here is a travesty; one I cannot abide. My name is Seid.”
Thurston moves inside the room and with his hammer ready to strike.
"You call yourself friend, and yet you wear our enemies colors and walk free among those that had enslaved these city. Speak now or no magic barrier will save you..."
Jex spins on his heels as he walks. Waiting for Thurston to get his answer, he kicks some dust towards the circle to test the effects further. Seeing them unable to pass he takes a different approach. Studying the features of the man, he watches as he answers, looking beyond the exterior confidence for the uncontrolled twitching and voice patterns of nervousness or lies.
The young man said Seid looks from Jex, to Valaith, to Thurston for a moment. "I learned of the plans to unleash this army upon Sheercleft and made the decision that I cannot standby to allow innocents to be harmed. I am doing much of what you are, but without the support of stalwart companions such as yourselves. I am alone in my venture, unless you would stand alongside me. I understand your reluctance, but short of offering you all up right here and right now. Nor rushing off to report the dead guards I witnessed from these very windows, I cannot offer you nothing beyond my words. Agree to help and you will see by my actions what I wish to do. I cannot move against them alone. So, I say again, will you work with me? If not, then let us mince no more words. If you will not help me, then begone and continue on your merry murderous rampage through the town. I'll not stand in your way."
"You dind't answer my question litlle man" says the paladin " you want to come with us? tell us. Who are those wizards? What are they looking for? How did you ended in their ranks? "
Jex nods, "Some information on the workings here would do much to gain our trust. We know some from what we have seen and heard, if what you tell us matches what we know already, and gives us more to act on, it would help to prove your loyalty does not lie with those who took the town."
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"I don' trust wizards - no offense to Vark - or their pets. Nothin' natural to them." Bründir draws his sword and shield, "Leavin' it to you, since yer th' sneaky one. I just know th' place like th' back of me 'and is all."
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser
Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale
Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
Dorno whispers "shhhhhh funny talker." "Oak Father only make you quiet and hidden when near Dorno. Why all friends keep wanting to run away? Dorno is scared too, but now Dorno and Oak Father cannot hide wizard friend. Shhhhhh" The firbolg holds up one thick finger in front of his lips.
(He is referring to Vark at the end.)
"I don't trust wizards either, especially those that consort with goblins. This one is likely bad news, but he wants to find us, which means he may not raise an alarm immediately. We can capture him, make him talk, get more information. I could enter from above, try to get the drop on him, if he is surrounded he may surrender."
"I can go with you but I do not dare to move without the protection of Father Oak.." he says looking to Dorno
PbP Character: A few ;)
Vark freezes as soon as he hears the voices. If the figures are hobgoblin warriors like the ones they faced in the canyon, they could easily cut down Vark in a moment's notice. He might fare better if one or both of them are goblins, but there was no telling. For the moment, Vark waits nearby, hoping they'll walk the other way. In his pocket he anxiously fiddles with the red gem, thinking there might be a good chance he'll need to call on Matthew again.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Slick, oil-like shadows cling to the party as they slip across the road. Thanks to Dorno's spell, they are ghosts to the oblivious goblins, blending into the background as they huddle close to the walls on the veranda of the Quenlan Arms. Through the gaps between the boards nailed across the windows the blue-cloaked figure can be seen, still pacing in a circle on the spot.
Jex takes an alternate path, down the side of the building and up the dark, wooden wall studs, until he finds a window on the upper level. The colours of his cloak swirl and he's all but invisible in the unlit interior. Slowly, the assassin creeps towards the man, step by step, spreading his weight so as to avoid any creaking floorboards. However, as he sets his foot down, just a short distance from striking range, a golden circle of arcane sigils lights up beneath it. The ward arcs around the half-elf's target in a full circle, extending twenty feet from him in all directions, and the wizard's head twists abruptly, his eyes glowing with the same golden light as he fixes Jex with a sidelong glance.
Below ground, the voices Vark hears don't sound goblin. In fact, if anything, they sound human. Their muffled conversation is soon over and the footsteps recede, although Vark can still distantly hear what sounds like a deep, vaguely melodic vibration from around that corner.
Go, boy! Matthew whispers in his mind.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Humans? Maybe they were residents of Sheercleft! But the way they were talking... his thoughts begin to race, but at the command of his invisible friend Vark nods a silent response and continues to creep along down the tunnel.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Seid paces for a while, waiting impatiently for Ignatius to return from his mission, wishing that he'd kept the bird closer so he could look through his eyes; however, that time had passed and if he missed anything... he would be blind to his own surroundings... As he fights the urges to call back Ignatius the soft tinkling sounds of crystals alerts him that someone was in the building with him! Almost immediately after, the wards of his spell flash with their golden sigils and he spins around to spot a blurred half-elf figure armored in leathers and holding a dagger in his hands. His eyes widen and he takes a step away, momentarily forgetting the barrier which now stood between them. He then holds his empty hands out in front of the half-elf to show him that he was unarmed. "Hold there friend! I am not one of your enemies! I beseech a parley with you and your companions." He looks around, seeking the others out, but seeing nothing for the moment. "You are the ones coming from the West, yes? From the elven lands? I believe you seek to liberate this town. If so, lower your weapon and speak with me. I wish to help you."
Now that Jex is closer, he can see the figure is a younger human male with tanned complexion that holds a slight jaundiced look to it with long, golden brown hair, and as the golden lights fade from his eyes... Jex notices they hold an uncanny intelligence and are a strange color of honey. He wears simple robes and carries no weapon beyond a well-made dagger on his belt alongside several leather pouches that bulge with unknown contents. His youthful face has the beginnings of several days of growth, the same light color of his hair. He carries an air of confidence about him, but Jex can tell being caught flat-footed in this manner seems to have off-put him significantly.
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
As Vark peers around the corner, he sees that the tunnel continues a short distance to what looks like the remains of a thick stone door that has been dug through. Beyond it, the passage opens up into a much larger chamber. Now that he's closer, he can tell that what he first took for a vibration is in fact chanting. Inside the enormous cave, a group of blue-robed and hooded figures stand in an arc around a huge, smooth wall, recessed into one end of the area. The distant surface glitters dully in the illumination of the dancing lights that float above the heads of the group. He sees only their backs, as they are all facing the unusual alcove.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
A hand clasps Vark's mouth, restraining the scream which threatens his hidden position. The half-orc whips back around the corner, pressing himself against the stone wall. "W-what the-the f...f-****. Matthew?!" he hisses sharply, pulling out the gem and looking into it with desperation. "D-did you see that? Is... is there anything you can do about... whatever it is they're doing? How am I even supposed to get past them?" he steals another peak at the gathering, then retreats again. "**** **** **** ****." he mutters under his breath.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Vark feels a wave of cool energy emanate from the bloodstone and wash over him. It calms, but does not overwhelm him, leaving the half-orc feeling more centred and confident.
We must return here, Matthew observes, thoughtfully, but for now you must find your friends. Go left.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Vark’s grip around the stone relaxes as the tension washes out of his body. Determined once again he nods and places the gem back in it’s pocket. With a deep breath, he turns around the corner and begins picking his way through the shadows, keeping left and crouching low.
Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - Vark Galestone | Half-Orc | Storm Sorcerer
Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - Caio Cypherien | Shadar-Kai | Inquisitor Ranger
Vark skirts the edge of the vast cavern, eventually arriving at a tall, thin split in the rock wall, through which water flows into the chamber. The group by the alcove do not appear to have noticed him. Although the space is tight, it looks like it would be possible to follow the water up-stream.
The Chronicles of Arden: Sheercleft - DM for Aiden, Bründir, Jex, Thurston, Valaith and Vark
The Chronicles of Arden: Hunters - DM for Alaris, Astrid, Caio and Shiva
Jex paces up and down a few paces along the edge of the circle. He says nothing for a moment.
"No lies, no tricks. I see you reach for a pouch or utter a word I don't understand, we will see how well this ward holds back my blade. Now give me a reason to trust you."
As soon as the sigils flare up Val starts to move into the building, not quite sure why Jex did not cross the threshold. She rushes up and stops just short as she moves into the room with her Maul low and ready. She crouches low and ready to pounce like a mountain cat. She watches this strange young man intently as she waits for Jex to make his move...
The young man watches Jex as he tests the borders of the spell, a confident smile growing as he does. He keeps his hands out and away as requested and nods. “Veracity you shall have as long as you do the same for me. And I assure you, this ward will protect me from anything you can throw at it, my friend. As for trusting me... I already haven’t alerted the hobgoblins to your presence or handiwork by the gate. I’m assuming that was you based on how easily you snuck up on me. Those creatures stood no chance I imagine. I told you already, I want only to help you and the people of this village. What happened here is a travesty; one I cannot abide. My name is Seid.”
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
Thurston moves inside the room and with his hammer ready to strike.
"You call yourself friend, and yet you wear our enemies colors and walk free among those that had enslaved these city. Speak now or no magic barrier will save you..."
Both his look and tone are stern.
PbP Character: A few ;)
Jex spins on his heels as he walks. Waiting for Thurston to get his answer, he kicks some dust towards the circle to test the effects further. Seeing them unable to pass he takes a different approach. Studying the features of the man, he watches as he answers, looking beyond the exterior confidence for the uncontrolled twitching and voice patterns of nervousness or lies.
The young man said Seid looks from Jex, to Valaith, to Thurston for a moment. "I learned of the plans to unleash this army upon Sheercleft and made the decision that I cannot standby to allow innocents to be harmed. I am doing much of what you are, but without the support of stalwart companions such as yourselves. I am alone in my venture, unless you would stand alongside me. I understand your reluctance, but short of offering you all up right here and right now. Nor rushing off to report the dead guards I witnessed from these very windows, I cannot offer you nothing beyond my words. Agree to help and you will see by my actions what I wish to do. I cannot move against them alone. So, I say again, will you work with me? If not, then let us mince no more words. If you will not help me, then begone and continue on your merry murderous rampage through the town. I'll not stand in your way."
Valaith "Rimehand" Kalukavi - Chronicles of Arden
"You dind't answer my question litlle man" says the paladin " you want to come with us? tell us. Who are those wizards? What are they looking for? How did you ended in their ranks? "
PbP Character: A few ;)
Jex nods, "Some information on the workings here would do much to gain our trust. We know some from what we have seen and heard, if what you tell us matches what we know already, and gives us more to act on, it would help to prove your loyalty does not lie with those who took the town."