Gaelin will look down at the man and unshackle him and cast Lesser restoration to try to ease his suffering. Gaelin will exit the cell, somewhat pale and still in a bit of shock looking back at the man then to Herbert. "Yes, this needs to be taken care of today." Then he'll turn to Aryn, smile and mouth, "I'm good." and follow Herbert into the other cell.
Herbert and Gaelin enter in the second cell and the bandit lies down and has his arms and legs shackled. Gaelin places his hands on the head and chest and a familiar white glow emanates from his hands. A jolt of white energy flows through the bandit's body as the twisting dark energy begins to be pulled out from the man's body. The bandit's eyes close as a smile comes across his face and the swirling black energy is sucked back into his body. His body begins to contort and his imps flail around violently. Various features of his body begin to morph into furry beastial appendages and his face begins to shift into that of a wolf. You hear terrible snarls and moans as the man and curse fight the energy of the divine spell. Herbert grasps Gaelin and pulls him away from the body just as the shackles of one arm break. The now free clawed arm swipes wildly tearing away at the cot sending feathers and linen into the air. The convulsing continues as the battle between the curse and the spell rages on. The man's body suddenly goes stiff as his flesh erupts in a spray of blood and divine energy. Left behind shackled to the cot lies an emaciated werewolf corpse. Herbert rests his hand on Gaelin's shoulder and says, "He embraced the curse and its hold was too strong on him. Neither of us posses the power of changing the will of another. There's nothing we could've done to prevent this. We are fortunate we were able to at least save one life this day. Come, let us dispose of the body and leave the other man to rest."
"Damn, she must be studying. I will go get her." Jinara says. You hear (in celestial) "Tower Laboratory" as he disappears from the room (casting Dimension Door). As he blinks out of view, he reappears in the tower where Iris normally resides. "Iris?! Where are you?" He waits a moment for response. If no response, he casts Message (1 SP for distant spell doubling its range) "Iris?! Where are you? We need your brilliant intellect!"
Jinara appears suddenly about 10 feet away from Iris who's sitting in her workshop atop the tower. She stands from her chair and answers, "I'm right here. What warrants this rapid mode of transport?"
(Arcanist workshop in the tower is roughly 350 feet from the dining hall.)
"I haven't stretched my arcanist wings in a few days and felt the desire to tap into the arcane. The griffons needed some in-depth training, but enough about that. We have lycanthropes! Quick let's go. Tell me what you know about them as we walk. They have cured one, but the other was resisting Gaelin's magic. If the magic doesn't work, Aryn will kill it. I am not so concerned about that, but if he does not survive I would like to know how we can understand this curse and if we can utilize it, and our understanding of it, to our advantage in some way." Jinara says as he begins to walk back towards the prisons expecting Iris to follow. He continues to talk as he exits the door "From their recent venture into the neighboring town, they said their was a group of bandits (yada yada yada) and these 2 were mixed in. I know Aryn will want to address the Moonshapers guild and try and stop them from negatively impacting the communities. Do you think we can devise a way to control wolf lycanthropy? Provide the cursed with that ability? Maybe potion? Maybe manacle or necklace? Maybe we can harvest something to go enchant a weapon or armor?..." Jinara continues to ramble. Ever since he began learning to enchant object, with the help of Iris of course, Jinara wants to continue creating new things; tinkering with the combination of object and arcana.
After Herbert and Gaelin exit the second cell she would walk in and pull out her silvered dagger and stab the werewolf body through the eye to ensure it was dead. Then clean the blade and return it to her hip along with the others. If she saw any disapproving looks she would simply respond with, "Better safe than sorry. I hope none of you have been bitten or I might have to pull out my bigger sword."
Jinara- "I'm familiar with the two corpses that were brought in last night. I didn't know they were attempting to remove the curse. The reaction to such things varies wildly depending on the time cursed, the strain of lycanthrope and the individual among other things. I'm not aware of a single case where any lycanthropes were able to be controlled through magical means from an item rather than tradition spells that control the mind temporarily." Iris responds as she follows. "It's the beastial nature of the curse that causes lycanthropes to lose their personalities and memory of their past selves. Various reports and studies have stated the loss in personality is dependent on the individual's acceptance of the curse. Some cases report a complete shift within days of the first turn and others that last years. Only the bear strain of lycanthrope is able to fully control their lycanthropy and retain their memories in a kind of homeostasis. Theodore is a great example of this. You would never know he was a lycanthrope in his human form due to his calm nature." Iris says as you make your way into the dungeon to find the now dead corpse of the werewolf lying on the cot with a stab wound in its eye.
Aryn- Some of the guards nod at your display and agree with your sentiment. Even Herbert understands and accepts your cautiousness.
All- The group exits the dungeon and returns to the dining hall where Herbert stop the group and says, "One last order of business. Some of the guards are uneasy about the bandits. They feel as though they will resort to their old ways again and become a liability. I believe no one is beyond saving but the decision rests with you."
Gaelin shrugs at his sister with a smile and whispers, “I would’ve done the same if Herbert wasn’t next to me the whole time.”
Once they reach the dining hall Gaelin would only say, “I have no problem with the bandits staying here as long as they fall in line. If we need them to be escorted for a while I don’t think they’d care. If they get out of line I’m sure Aryn will take care of them.”
"If they are willing to fall in line, the soldiers will need to get on board as well. I see the easiest path to this outcome is have a head soldier on guard duty. Since they are going to be in the cells, a head soldier on guard with their Enhance Ability daggers can monitor the bandit's intent." Jinara says. "Once Iris is finished with her projects, she can visit as well since she has a similar ability. I am wary of their presence here as well. Maybe we we offer enlistment in the guard under the tutelage of the head guard after their intent has been determined?"
"I'm not concerned with them disrupting our situation as long as they are supervised. I like the idea of having the head soldiers and Iris monitor them. How about we give them 2 weeks on a 3 strike system by individual. Have them spend a full day with each of the artisan's before they train with the guard and maybe one or more will show promise as an apprentice. I'd much rather train them to build a wall than how to kill first. If they reach 3 strikes, attempt to kill or kill someone they are executed for the safety of the castle, its inhabitants and those in the surrounding area." Aryn adds.
The day passes by mostly uneventful as you discuss rules and plans for the bandits. The sun sets and you find your way to your quarters as the night passes peacefully. You awake and gather your things preparing for battle. You eat a light breakfast in the dining hall where Inara enters about 10 minutes after you begin eating. "Blessings friends. I trust you've been well. Herbert has kept me up to date on all your work during the last few days. I hope you are prepared for what is about to happen. This orphanage is wrought with evil. It is surrounded by cultists and hell hounds and we've seen multiple mages and fanatics pass through. We were unable to get inside but here is an outline of the exterior." she says as a bead of light floats from her hand to the ground where it expands into the image of a large structure guarded by multiple creatures.
(OoC: @Xtra. would Iris have any knowledge/background on anything presented by Inara? I am thinking she can cast Telepathic Bond when we depart and all of us can communicate what we see and she could provide research, ideas, etc. that could give us a leg up. At the least, we all can communicate telepathically.)
"Is there only one entrance and exit on the southern end?" Aryn asks. "If there is anther entry point we could split into two groups and each take an entrance once the patrols are taken care of." she adds.
"There is only the southern entrance. The windows on the building are quite small and high on the walls so children can't escape." Inara responds. "If there are no further questions you have 30 minutes to make your final preparations before we go."
(She would have some knowledge of the creatures but in order to give a significant advantage she would need 1-3 days to study. 1 day would provide advantage for one round of combat, 3 days would provide advantage against a specific creature. She can still cast the spell and we'll see how the dice roll and if any advantages can be gained. )
(Typically everyone has more questions once they see the map for the first time so I wanted to allow everyone time to post. If everyone is ready we will continue.)
"I see. Well then, I say we take out the patrols and head through the front and split once inside depending on how tight the hallways are. If we do separate we need to split the healers. Gaelin and I can go together and Jinara, Mucor and Zinamer can be the other group." Aryn responds.
(If we have telepathic bond up we can tell each other to bounce if things get too hot. I'm also ready)
Mucor would nod and head to the grove. He would ask the trees where the bears where located and one he knew where to find them, he would stop and speak with them. "We have another mission.. I was wondering if the two of you would like to tag along.." Mucor would say with a snort. "I plan to ask Button as well. We will be attempting to rescue a number of children and so we may need a few extra bodies to help evacuate the kids if the rest of us are tied up in combat". The minotaur would mention while scratching this thick hair under his chin. "Otherwise if you want to keep an eye on the bandits we captured.. maybe have them work in the farms or mines for a while under your close supervision until they prove they can be trusted..."
After speaking with the bears (Crash and Thrash? Not sure I remember there names... I need to write them down lol) Mucor would stop by and visit Button. "Hello friend, were you wanting to come with me on an important mission? We leave in just a few minutes so if you arn't ready to leave your family, I understand..." The minotaurs eyes would move from the mushroom man to the floor as he waits for an answer.
"I think we definitely need to do try and take out the patrol quickly and get in while we have our chance. I can lead the charge and then we'll split if it makes sense. We are strong as a group so I'm worried that if we split up we could leave ourselves vulnerable. I'm ready to lay waste to the evil that resides here... Where will we be approaching the orphanage? Zinmaer would say with a look of unbreakable focus.
(I'll be on vacation this Saturday through next Saturday, so I may not be able to post on the 29th until late in the evening due to travel and getting settled in at the beach. I'm bringing the laptop so I'll be good to post for the rest of the days I'm there!)
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(*slow clap*)
Gaelin will look down at the man and unshackle him and cast Lesser restoration to try to ease his suffering. Gaelin will exit the cell, somewhat pale and still in a bit of shock looking back at the man then to Herbert. "Yes, this needs to be taken care of today." Then he'll turn to Aryn, smile and mouth, "I'm good." and follow Herbert into the other cell.
Herbert and Gaelin enter in the second cell and the bandit lies down and has his arms and legs shackled. Gaelin places his hands on the head and chest and a familiar white glow emanates from his hands. A jolt of white energy flows through the bandit's body as the twisting dark energy begins to be pulled out from the man's body. The bandit's eyes close as a smile comes across his face and the swirling black energy is sucked back into his body. His body begins to contort and his imps flail around violently. Various features of his body begin to morph into furry beastial appendages and his face begins to shift into that of a wolf. You hear terrible snarls and moans as the man and curse fight the energy of the divine spell. Herbert grasps Gaelin and pulls him away from the body just as the shackles of one arm break. The now free clawed arm swipes wildly tearing away at the cot sending feathers and linen into the air. The convulsing continues as the battle between the curse and the spell rages on. The man's body suddenly goes stiff as his flesh erupts in a spray of blood and divine energy. Left behind shackled to the cot lies an emaciated werewolf corpse. Herbert rests his hand on Gaelin's shoulder and says, "He embraced the curse and its hold was too strong on him. Neither of us posses the power of changing the will of another. There's nothing we could've done to prevent this. We are fortunate we were able to at least save one life this day. Come, let us dispose of the body and leave the other man to rest."
"Damn, she must be studying. I will go get her." Jinara says. You hear (in celestial) "Tower Laboratory" as he disappears from the room (casting Dimension Door). As he blinks out of view, he reappears in the tower where Iris normally resides. "Iris?! Where are you?" He waits a moment for response. If no response, he casts Message (1 SP for distant spell doubling its range) "Iris?! Where are you? We need your brilliant intellect!"
Jinara appears suddenly about 10 feet away from Iris who's sitting in her workshop atop the tower. She stands from her chair and answers, "I'm right here. What warrants this rapid mode of transport?"
(Arcanist workshop in the tower is roughly 350 feet from the dining hall.)
"I haven't stretched my arcanist wings in a few days and felt the desire to tap into the arcane. The griffons needed some in-depth training, but enough about that. We have lycanthropes! Quick let's go. Tell me what you know about them as we walk. They have cured one, but the other was resisting Gaelin's magic. If the magic doesn't work, Aryn will kill it. I am not so concerned about that, but if he does not survive I would like to know how we can understand this curse and if we can utilize it, and our understanding of it, to our advantage in some way." Jinara says as he begins to walk back towards the prisons expecting Iris to follow. He continues to talk as he exits the door "From their recent venture into the neighboring town, they said their was a group of bandits (yada yada yada) and these 2 were mixed in. I know Aryn will want to address the Moonshapers guild and try and stop them from negatively impacting the communities. Do you think we can devise a way to control wolf lycanthropy? Provide the cursed with that ability? Maybe potion? Maybe manacle or necklace? Maybe we can harvest something to go enchant a weapon or armor?..." Jinara continues to ramble. Ever since he began learning to enchant object, with the help of Iris of course, Jinara wants to continue creating new things; tinkering with the combination of object and arcana.
After Herbert and Gaelin exit the second cell she would walk in and pull out her silvered dagger and stab the werewolf body through the eye to ensure it was dead. Then clean the blade and return it to her hip along with the others. If she saw any disapproving looks she would simply respond with, "Better safe than sorry. I hope none of you have been bitten or I might have to pull out my bigger sword."
Jinara- "I'm familiar with the two corpses that were brought in last night. I didn't know they were attempting to remove the curse. The reaction to such things varies wildly depending on the time cursed, the strain of lycanthrope and the individual among other things. I'm not aware of a single case where any lycanthropes were able to be controlled through magical means from an item rather than tradition spells that control the mind temporarily." Iris responds as she follows. "It's the beastial nature of the curse that causes lycanthropes to lose their personalities and memory of their past selves. Various reports and studies have stated the loss in personality is dependent on the individual's acceptance of the curse. Some cases report a complete shift within days of the first turn and others that last years. Only the bear strain of lycanthrope is able to fully control their lycanthropy and retain their memories in a kind of homeostasis. Theodore is a great example of this. You would never know he was a lycanthrope in his human form due to his calm nature." Iris says as you make your way into the dungeon to find the now dead corpse of the werewolf lying on the cot with a stab wound in its eye.
Aryn- Some of the guards nod at your display and agree with your sentiment. Even Herbert understands and accepts your cautiousness.
All- The group exits the dungeon and returns to the dining hall where Herbert stop the group and says, "One last order of business. Some of the guards are uneasy about the bandits. They feel as though they will resort to their old ways again and become a liability. I believe no one is beyond saving but the decision rests with you."
Gaelin shrugs at his sister with a smile and whispers, “I would’ve done the same if Herbert wasn’t next to me the whole time.”
Once they reach the dining hall Gaelin would only say, “I have no problem with the bandits staying here as long as they fall in line. If we need them to be escorted for a while I don’t think they’d care. If they get out of line I’m sure Aryn will take care of them.”
"If they are willing to fall in line, the soldiers will need to get on board as well. I see the easiest path to this outcome is have a head soldier on guard duty. Since they are going to be in the cells, a head soldier on guard with their Enhance Ability daggers can monitor the bandit's intent." Jinara says. "Once Iris is finished with her projects, she can visit as well since she has a similar ability. I am wary of their presence here as well. Maybe we we offer enlistment in the guard under the tutelage of the head guard after their intent has been determined?"
"I'm not concerned with them disrupting our situation as long as they are supervised. I like the idea of having the head soldiers and Iris monitor them. How about we give them 2 weeks on a 3 strike system by individual. Have them spend a full day with each of the artisan's before they train with the guard and maybe one or more will show promise as an apprentice. I'd much rather train them to build a wall than how to kill first. If they reach 3 strikes, attempt to kill or kill someone they are executed for the safety of the castle, its inhabitants and those in the surrounding area." Aryn adds.
(OoC: @Xtra: over this period, I stored a 5th level Fireball in the Ring of Spell Storing)
(Noted)
The day passes by mostly uneventful as you discuss rules and plans for the bandits. The sun sets and you find your way to your quarters as the night passes peacefully. You awake and gather your things preparing for battle. You eat a light breakfast in the dining hall where Inara enters about 10 minutes after you begin eating. "Blessings friends. I trust you've been well. Herbert has kept me up to date on all your work during the last few days. I hope you are prepared for what is about to happen. This orphanage is wrought with evil. It is surrounded by cultists and hell hounds and we've seen multiple mages and fanatics pass through. We were unable to get inside but here is an outline of the exterior." she says as a bead of light floats from her hand to the ground where it expands into the image of a large structure guarded by multiple creatures.
Map:
(OoC: @Xtra. would Iris have any knowledge/background on anything presented by Inara? I am thinking she can cast Telepathic Bond when we depart and all of us can communicate what we see and she could provide research, ideas, etc. that could give us a leg up. At the least, we all can communicate telepathically.)
"Is there only one entrance and exit on the southern end?" Aryn asks. "If there is anther entry point we could split into two groups and each take an entrance once the patrols are taken care of." she adds.
"There is only the southern entrance. The windows on the building are quite small and high on the walls so children can't escape." Inara responds. "If there are no further questions you have 30 minutes to make your final preparations before we go."
(She would have some knowledge of the creatures but in order to give a significant advantage she would need 1-3 days to study. 1 day would provide advantage for one round of combat, 3 days would provide advantage against a specific creature. She can still cast the spell and we'll see how the dice roll and if any advantages can be gained. )
(Typically everyone has more questions once they see the map for the first time so I wanted to allow everyone time to post. If everyone is ready we will continue.)
(I like the concept of being able to communicate regardless of distance for an hour. Let's make sure she's with us right before we leave. I'm ready)
Gaelin would spend 20 of his 30 minutes visiting with Valeera and assure her he would be safe and would return as soon as he can.
"I see. Well then, I say we take out the patrols and head through the front and split once inside depending on how tight the hallways are. If we do separate we need to split the healers. Gaelin and I can go together and Jinara, Mucor and Zinamer can be the other group." Aryn responds.
(If we have telepathic bond up we can tell each other to bounce if things get too hot. I'm also ready)
Mucor would nod and head to the grove. He would ask the trees where the bears where located and one he knew where to find them, he would stop and speak with them. "We have another mission.. I was wondering if the two of you would like to tag along.." Mucor would say with a snort. "I plan to ask Button as well. We will be attempting to rescue a number of children and so we may need a few extra bodies to help evacuate the kids if the rest of us are tied up in combat". The minotaur would mention while scratching this thick hair under his chin. "Otherwise if you want to keep an eye on the bandits we captured.. maybe have them work in the farms or mines for a while under your close supervision until they prove they can be trusted..."
After speaking with the bears (Crash and Thrash? Not sure I remember there names... I need to write them down lol) Mucor would stop by and visit Button. "Hello friend, were you wanting to come with me on an important mission? We leave in just a few minutes so if you arn't ready to leave your family, I understand..." The minotaurs eyes would move from the mushroom man to the floor as he waits for an answer.
"I think we definitely need to do try and take out the patrol quickly and get in while we have our chance. I can lead the charge and then we'll split if it makes sense. We are strong as a group so I'm worried that if we split up we could leave ourselves vulnerable. I'm ready to lay waste to the evil that resides here... Where will we be approaching the orphanage? Zinmaer would say with a look of unbreakable focus.
(I'll be on vacation this Saturday through next Saturday, so I may not be able to post on the 29th until late in the evening due to travel and getting settled in at the beach. I'm bringing the laptop so I'll be good to post for the rest of the days I'm there!)