Haha, I like your spirit, little one! Unfortunately my son is not here. They took him and they told me they'd give him back once I made the delivery. The Giant looks you in the eyes. I'm no fool. I'm pretty sure they have no intention of keeping their word. That's why I've been massing his own small army in secret. If I can't get my son back, at least I can get revenge.
Blagothkus pauses. But now you are here. Maybe we can give those Cultists a taste of their own medicine? If we can get rid of the Cultists, I can pick up my army and surprise them at the Well of Dragons.
So here's my proposal: You take care of that Red Wizard fellow in my guest chamber and then you make your way down to the lower courtyard where Rezmir's room is. Take them both out and my Ogres will take of the other Cultists. I'll handle the Dragon personally. The Giant says with a confident look in his eyes.
"The strategy you propose seems riskier than mine, Blagothkus..." Khessa muses aloud "If your son isn't here, simply crashing the castle would kill everyone without danger. But considering that you have an army at your disposal and that it is therefore conceivable to conquer the castle, it is certainly worth trying. It would be a shame, to destroy this flying marvel if it is not absolutely necessary. We will do as you say".
"I only have two favors to ask, for when we have reconquered the castle..." the blonde arcane warrior smiles "The first: the treasure that the Dragon is guarding was probably stolen by the Cult from innocent people. Could we take it, with the castle, to the nearest Harpers or Knights of the Gauntlet base, so that it can be distributed among the victims? I am perfectly willing to help you kill the Dragon, in exchange, if that seems right to you - compared to you I may be 'little', but you can rest assured that I am not squishy".
"The second:" and the blue eyes of the 'little' adventuress become dreamy "can you teach me how to drive the castle? I'd like to learn... Maybe I could drive it myself, on the way back... pretty please?"
I agree that my plan is pretty bold, but there's more going on than you know. The Giant answers. First: crashing the castle would also kill my Ogres, that won't do at all. Secondly, if the castle doesn't arrive on time my son is as good as dead. And lastly my wife's spirit is bound to this castle. I'm not ready to part with her.
The Giant is ponders your requests. Like I said: we're on a timetable here. We don't have time to thaw the entire hoard... but! I have 4 bars of solid gold and 40 bars of solid silver. I can give them to you to help the Cult's victims. I'll even throw in a Bag of Holding!
As for our second request. It simply isn't possible for a Human, at least not that I know. Also, once you've done your part, you will "save yourselves with magic" and leave this castle. I won't bring you in any further danger. And that way I am sure some of my gold reaches the victims.
Calvin pipes up: I can agree to the avoiding danger part! Even less danger would be better, but I'm starting to think that isn't an option.
Blagothkus: I'm afraid not, little one. Come back here when you're done. I'll show you an easy way out.
Eric bounds gently "We'll be more than glade to make our part as you have requested, but this dwarf could be not willing to flee while his comrades are still fighting."
"I understand, Blagothkus" Khessa agrees. "If what I asked is not possible, just forget it. Give us directions to the Red Wizard first, and Rezmir second, if you can. Otherwise, we will ask for information. One way or another, we will rid you of both of them soon".
Zale glances back and forth between Khessa and the giant as they talk. She personally didn't see any issue with either plan, but she won't argue with Khessa. Khessa does have a far larger heart than this dragonborn rogue, Zale understands this though she doubts she'd ever be as kind as her comrade. However, she does speak up, "Don't completely disregard this potential ally's aid. His proposal may change as circumstances change ye know?"
Eric bounds gently "We'll be more than glade to make our part as you have requested, but this dwarf could be not willing to flee while his comrades are still fighting."
Far be it from me to force a warrior to flee, master Dwarf. You can stay if you want, but we could really use someone to rally the armies of those Harpers and Gauntlet fellows when I make my first strike at the Dragons.
"I understand, Blagothkus" Khessa agrees. "If what I asked is not possible, just forget it. Give us directions to the Red Wizard first, and Rezmir second, if you can. Otherwise, we will ask for information. One way or another, we will rid you of both of them soon".
Zale glances back and forth between Khessa and the giant as they talk. She personally didn't see any issue with either plan, but she won't argue with Khessa. Khessa does have a far larger heart than this dragonborn rogue, Zale understands this though she doubts she'd ever be as kind as her comrade. However, she does speak up, "Don't completely disregard this potential ally's aid. His proposal may change as circumstances change ye know?"
Indeed. I can take care of a Dragon or 2. But just in case, you should know that they are entirely serious about making Dragons a power along the coast again. Can you imagine? The nerve.
"I know as well as you how dangerous these enemies can be, Blagothkus" Khessa nods. "I will try to use this magical disguise to surprise them".
After that, the blonde arcane warrior is ready to take action... "I say we deal with the Red Wizard first. He will be Azbara Jos, I assume - but he will not recognize me, since I have drastically changed appearance. If he is with others, perhaps we can convince him to follow us alone by telling him that Rezmir needs him. And we can attack him suddenly in the middle of the upper courtyard".
"Considering he is a wizard," the tall adventuress muses aloud "if I manage to grapple him and Eric silences him, then he should be practically helpless - and you all (Zale, Calvin... and Etic too, after he casts the spell) should be able to quickly kill him".
And if no one has any particular objections, Khessa leads the party to knock at the Red Wizard's door...
As you get closer to the Red Wizard's room your Mark of the Dragon starts to tingle. When you are in front of the door it almost seems to burn. Do you still knock?
Edit! Hold on! I screwed up the maps. The RW room also on the lower floor.
(it should change much though, uploading new map asap)
"Yes" Eric replies to his lover "Silencing should be our first move, it both prevent him to use his magic and the clash of the fight to spread through the tower, avoiding unwanted attention"
[[ OOC: Yes, this changes a lot... With Azbara so close to Rezmir, the idea of pretending that Rezmir sent for him is no longer applicable. We need to kill him in his room. Seeing as Cultists, he shouldn't be suspicious... So attacking him suddenly should catch him off guard, with Eric casting Silence (which thankfully covers a decent area... 20' radius) and us all trying to kill him. ]]
Khessa warns: "My Mark of the Dragon started to tingle... and now it almost seems to burn. I fear we may have surprises - if you see me acting 'strange' do not obey me and continue what we are doing. Unfortunately, I do not see what else we can do but proceed with the plan".
Unless someone wants to take further precautions, the magically disguised blonde arcane warrior knocks.
You hear hear some murmuring inside followed by an unknown voice: Welcome Khessa, we weren't expecting you. Please come in, you have some serious explaining to do!
'An unknown voice...' Khessa is surprised 'So he is not Azbara Jos? But whatever he is... how does he know already who I am?'
The blonde arcane warrior, however, opens and, trusting in her magical disguise, says: "Sorry to disappoint you, as you can see I am not the one you were waiting for. I'm here for an urgent matter".
Hundreds of horse skulls are nailed to the ceiling and cover it entirely. Thick carpets cover the icy floor, and desks, chairs, and lecterns are everywhere, some covered with books and scrolls, others with potion vials, bits of meat and fur, and other things. Four hulking gargoyles stand frozen in the room.
The seems that the voice you heard earlier comes from a Red Wizard who appears to be holding a kind of staff: Drop the charade! Even if my "friend"hadn't told me, I still am an expert at seeing through illusions and deceptions.
At the other side of the room Azbara Jos adds: Indeed, Rath Modar is also known for having a healthy suspicion of strangers.
Rath Modar: So, please explain your betrayal and maybe your death will be painless.
Khessa approaches without flinching, heading unhurriedly and naturally towards Rath Modar (also to allow her friends to enter and take their positions in turn - once everyone has entered, she closes the door).
"This is the first time we've met, Rath," the blonde arcane warrior doesn't lose her cool "so I agree with Azbara that it's 'healthy' for you to be 'suspicious'. But since you opened my channel of communication with Tiamat, our mother and strength, I've done nothing but listen to her words..."
"If anyone has been 'betrayed' here, it's me" the tall adventuress raises an eyebrow. "Azbara knows how great my thirst for power was and is, but if it had been up to him, I would still be rotting in Baldur's Gate, waiting for a call that never arrived. So I followed my mother's call... At times I even acted while possessed by her, eliminating the elements she found unworthy".
"But it is easier if we speak clearly, Rath," Khessa's blue eyes lock with those of the Red Wizard "so tell me: in what, in your opinion, have I 'betrayed'? And above all... betrayed 'who'? Do you consider yourself superior to (or even just wiser than) Tiamat herself, who visits me in dreams and speaks in my mind?"
Zale grins at the giant before they head out. "Heh, I like ye. I may be lookin like a dragon, but I don't have to like em. I've got one in particular that I want to die a miserable death. I'm sure I'll be seein ye around." She gives the giant a casual salute as she follows Khessa and Eric out of the room.
Zale nods to Khessa's plan, and braces herself for a fight. However, her look of confidence turns to concern when Khessa is invited into the room. Rath Modar's comment causes her to scowl. She'd had a bad feeling when Khessa had first mentioned her mark of the dragon, and now that feeling has returned. Accepting that mark was the same as playing with fire, and now they are about to get burned. She just hopes they can keep the damage to the minimum...and maybe turn the flames in their favor.
She remains silent as Khessa maintains her charade, she knows that even a single out of line comment could cause the entire thing to crumble. So she best watch her tounge, hopefully Eric and Calvin do the same.
The dragonborn remains tense, ready to spring into action should things start to go south.
Azbara Jos: So wresting control of Castle Naerytar and killing a Wearer of Purple was all part of Tiamat's plan? Why you...
Rath Modar: Don't forget letting poor Rezmir and Azbara running for their lives.
Azbara's face turns red at that last remark. Modar continues: Anyway, I have come to a decision. Death by fire sounds appropriate. Time to send you to your "mother".
As one of the Gargoyles comes to life: ROLL INITIATIVE!
'So Tiamat has given them a full account of everything I've done,' the tall adventuress notes with displeasure. 'What a gossipy 'mother'... No way I can deceive them anymore, then... it's time to fight'
"I've noticed that 'my mother' tends to want toadies around her more than rebellious daughters like me..." Khessa's look darkens "Let's see who she wants to call to keep her company in Avernus".
[[ OOC: Khessa tried to get close to the two wizards. So I say we put her here
Haha, I like your spirit, little one! Unfortunately my son is not here. They took him and they told me they'd give him back once I made the delivery. The Giant looks you in the eyes. I'm no fool. I'm pretty sure they have no intention of keeping their word. That's why I've been massing his own small army in secret. If I can't get my son back, at least I can get revenge.
Blagothkus pauses. But now you are here. Maybe we can give those Cultists a taste of their own medicine? If we can get rid of the Cultists, I can pick up my army and surprise them at the Well of Dragons.
So here's my proposal: You take care of that Red Wizard fellow in my guest chamber and then you make your way down to the lower courtyard where Rezmir's room is. Take them both out and my Ogres will take of the other Cultists. I'll handle the Dragon personally. The Giant says with a confident look in his eyes.
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
"The strategy you propose seems riskier than mine, Blagothkus..." Khessa muses aloud "If your son isn't here, simply crashing the castle would kill everyone without danger. But considering that you have an army at your disposal and that it is therefore conceivable to conquer the castle, it is certainly worth trying. It would be a shame, to destroy this flying marvel if it is not absolutely necessary. We will do as you say".
"I only have two favors to ask, for when we have reconquered the castle..." the blonde arcane warrior smiles "The first: the treasure that the Dragon is guarding was probably stolen by the Cult from innocent people. Could we take it, with the castle, to the nearest Harpers or Knights of the Gauntlet base, so that it can be distributed among the victims? I am perfectly willing to help you kill the Dragon, in exchange, if that seems right to you - compared to you I may be 'little', but you can rest assured that I am not squishy".
"The second:" and the blue eyes of the 'little' adventuress become dreamy "can you teach me how to drive the castle? I'd like to learn... Maybe I could drive it myself, on the way back... pretty please?"
I agree that my plan is pretty bold, but there's more going on than you know. The Giant answers. First: crashing the castle would also kill my Ogres, that won't do at all. Secondly, if the castle doesn't arrive on time my son is as good as dead. And lastly my wife's spirit is bound to this castle. I'm not ready to part with her.
The Giant is ponders your requests. Like I said: we're on a timetable here. We don't have time to thaw the entire hoard... but! I have 4 bars of solid gold and 40 bars of solid silver. I can give them to you to help the Cult's victims. I'll even throw in a Bag of Holding!
As for our second request. It simply isn't possible for a Human, at least not that I know. Also, once you've done your part, you will "save yourselves with magic" and leave this castle. I won't bring you in any further danger. And that way I am sure some of my gold reaches the victims.
Calvin pipes up: I can agree to the avoiding danger part! Even less danger would be better, but I'm starting to think that isn't an option.
Blagothkus: I'm afraid not, little one. Come back here when you're done. I'll show you an easy way out.
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
Eric bounds gently "We'll be more than glade to make our part as you have requested, but this dwarf could be not willing to flee while his comrades are still fighting."
"I understand, Blagothkus" Khessa agrees. "If what I asked is not possible, just forget it. Give us directions to the Red Wizard first, and Rezmir second, if you can. Otherwise, we will ask for information. One way or another, we will rid you of both of them soon".
Zale glances back and forth between Khessa and the giant as they talk. She personally didn't see any issue with either plan, but she won't argue with Khessa. Khessa does have a far larger heart than this dragonborn rogue, Zale understands this though she doubts she'd ever be as kind as her comrade. However, she does speak up, "Don't completely disregard this potential ally's aid. His proposal may change as circumstances change ye know?"
Far be it from me to force a warrior to flee, master Dwarf. You can stay if you want, but we could really use someone to rally the armies of those Harpers and Gauntlet fellows when I make my first strike at the Dragons.
Be careful, little one. He may not be alone.
Indeed. I can take care of a Dragon or 2. But just in case, you should know that they are entirely serious about making Dragons a power along the coast again. Can you imagine? The nerve.
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
"I know as well as you how dangerous these enemies can be, Blagothkus" Khessa nods. "I will try to use this magical disguise to surprise them".
After that, the blonde arcane warrior is ready to take action... "I say we deal with the Red Wizard first. He will be Azbara Jos, I assume - but he will not recognize me, since I have drastically changed appearance. If he is with others, perhaps we can convince him to follow us alone by telling him that Rezmir needs him. And we can attack him suddenly in the middle of the upper courtyard".
"Considering he is a wizard," the tall adventuress muses aloud "if I manage to grapple him and Eric silences him, then he should be practically helpless - and you all (Zale, Calvin... and Etic too, after he casts the spell) should be able to quickly kill him".
And if no one has any particular objections, Khessa leads the party to knock at the Red Wizard's door...
As you get closer to the Red Wizard's room your Mark of the Dragon starts to tingle. When you are in front of the door it almost seems to burn. Do you still knock?
Edit! Hold on! I screwed up the maps. The RW room also on the lower floor.
(it should change much though, uploading new map asap)
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
"Yes" Eric replies to his lover "Silencing should be our first move, it both prevent him to use his magic and the clash of the fight to spread through the tower, avoiding unwanted attention"
[[ OOC: Yes, this changes a lot... With Azbara so close to Rezmir, the idea of pretending that Rezmir sent for him is no longer applicable. We need to kill him in his room. Seeing as Cultists, he shouldn't be suspicious... So attacking him suddenly should catch him off guard, with Eric casting Silence (which thankfully covers a decent area... 20' radius) and us all trying to kill him. ]]
Khessa warns: "My Mark of the Dragon started to tingle... and now it almost seems to burn. I fear we may have surprises - if you see me acting 'strange' do not obey me and continue what we are doing. Unfortunately, I do not see what else we can do but proceed with the plan".
Unless someone wants to take further precautions, the magically disguised blonde arcane warrior knocks.
You hear hear some murmuring inside followed by an unknown voice: Welcome Khessa, we weren't expecting you. Please come in, you have some serious explaining to do!
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
'An unknown voice...' Khessa is surprised 'So he is not Azbara Jos? But whatever he is... how does he know already who I am?'
The blonde arcane warrior, however, opens and, trusting in her magical disguise, says: "Sorry to disappoint you, as you can see I am not the one you were waiting for. I'm here for an urgent matter".
Who (and what) is in the room?
[Do the others wait outside? Do they come in?]
Hundreds of horse skulls are nailed to the ceiling and cover it entirely. Thick carpets cover the icy floor, and desks, chairs, and lecterns are everywhere, some covered with books and scrolls, others with potion vials, bits of meat and fur, and other things. Four hulking gargoyles stand frozen in the room.
The seems that the voice you heard earlier comes from a Red Wizard who appears to be holding a kind of staff: Drop the charade! Even if my "friend"hadn't told me, I still am an expert at seeing through illusions and deceptions.
At the other side of the room Azbara Jos adds: Indeed, Rath Modar is also known for having a healthy suspicion of strangers.
Rath Modar: So, please explain your betrayal and maybe your death will be painless.
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
Khessa approaches without flinching, heading unhurriedly and naturally towards Rath Modar (also to allow her friends to enter and take their positions in turn - once everyone has entered, she closes the door).
"This is the first time we've met, Rath," the blonde arcane warrior doesn't lose her cool "so I agree with Azbara that it's 'healthy' for you to be 'suspicious'. But since you opened my channel of communication with Tiamat, our mother and strength, I've done nothing but listen to her words..."
"If anyone has been 'betrayed' here, it's me" the tall adventuress raises an eyebrow. "Azbara knows how great my thirst for power was and is, but if it had been up to him, I would still be rotting in Baldur's Gate, waiting for a call that never arrived. So I followed my mother's call... At times I even acted while possessed by her, eliminating the elements she found unworthy".
"But it is easier if we speak clearly, Rath," Khessa's blue eyes lock with those of the Red Wizard "so tell me: in what, in your opinion, have I 'betrayed'? And above all... betrayed 'who'? Do you consider yourself superior to (or even just wiser than) Tiamat herself, who visits me in dreams and speaks in my mind?"
Zale grins at the giant before they head out. "Heh, I like ye. I may be lookin like a dragon, but I don't have to like em. I've got one in particular that I want to die a miserable death. I'm sure I'll be seein ye around." She gives the giant a casual salute as she follows Khessa and Eric out of the room.
Zale nods to Khessa's plan, and braces herself for a fight. However, her look of confidence turns to concern when Khessa is invited into the room. Rath Modar's comment causes her to scowl. She'd had a bad feeling when Khessa had first mentioned her mark of the dragon, and now that feeling has returned. Accepting that mark was the same as playing with fire, and now they are about to get burned. She just hopes they can keep the damage to the minimum...and maybe turn the flames in their favor.
She remains silent as Khessa maintains her charade, she knows that even a single out of line comment could cause the entire thing to crumble. So she best watch her tounge, hopefully Eric and Calvin do the same.
The dragonborn remains tense, ready to spring into action should things start to go south.
Azbara Jos: So wresting control of Castle Naerytar and killing a Wearer of Purple was all part of Tiamat's plan? Why you...
Rath Modar: Don't forget letting poor Rezmir and Azbara running for their lives.
Azbara's face turns red at that last remark. Modar continues: Anyway, I have come to a decision. Death by fire sounds appropriate. Time to send you to your "mother".
As one of the Gargoyles comes to life: ROLL INITIATIVE!
Also, tell me where you want to ben on the map!
Enemy initiatives: Rath Modar 12 + 3 = 15, Azbara Jos 16 + 3 = 19 and Gargoyle 5 + 0 = 5
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
'So Tiamat has given them a full account of everything I've done,' the tall adventuress notes with displeasure. 'What a gossipy 'mother'... No way I can deceive them anymore, then... it's time to fight'
"I've noticed that 'my mother' tends to want toadies around her more than rebellious daughters like me..." Khessa's look darkens "Let's see who she wants to call to keep her company in Avernus".
[[ OOC: Khessa tried to get close to the two wizards. So I say we put her here
]]
Khessa's Initiative: 18
Eric's one: 12