Mina watches all this go on about a stupid order to teleport to the farm. We have much bigger issues to worry about than that. She isn't thrilled about losing her weapons, especially now with the turmoil within the group. What if this is a trap? What if they just capture us all on the other side and that's it? There are so many unanswered questions... Thamior??
When she hears her name, it pulls her out of her thoughts and she glares at Lyndaran. "No offense? How can I not take offense to you just saying I can't hold my ground. The one who just runs off and does whatever the hell they want." She puts her hands on her hips and looks at both Lyndaran and Kyrsa, and just to be difficult.. honestly she just hopes Duncan grabs them as he sees fit and gets this whole debacle over with, states, "I'm going last."
Tamryn feels reasonably confident that Duncan is sincere.
Jhaartael's spell detects no magical items that were previously unknown to the party, and no magical auras or apparent effects surrounding any party members.
(I am going to assume that everyone agrees to transport and to the terms outlined, unless you tell me different, either here or via PM)
As the time draws near, the dwarves gather together with you.
In answer to Lyndaran's semi-accusation, Spar replies, "Nyblond was not part of Team One. He was part of Aldara's own team, and was killed by Team One. Or so we thought. I won't apologize that some information is classified, and above your level, though. For this very reason, that even the very best of us can be corrupted, some things are only need-to-know. Think now, son. If you had known this information, your path last night might have gone very differently, and today your spirit would probably have been in the halls of your ancestors. But you are free to pass on your complaints to Aldara, whom you will be seeing very shortly now."
"I am not saying that!"lashes Lyndaran to Mina " I am just saying that he is just more... "he puts his hands in front of him and looking to Mina, palm to palm and a few inches apart, like covering her body width and then turns to Akyan and put his hands a little more afar.. realizing that, they being elves, not as much as he would have wanted to show his point.
"...more... bulky! No offense" he says quickly to Aykan " I know you can hold your ground "he seems really frustrated " I am just trying to protect you!!" To those more used to read others it seems that he has emphasized that last word a little too much.
"Wait what? Me? "he takes a step towards Mina "One... just tell me ONE time when I've run off and did anything we haven't agreed or planned before. When I've let my emotions or feelings or past get in the way with the mission and the protection both of our team or the whole Circle. Tell me.. JUST ONE! "
"You want to go last now? Fine! but who are the ones who question everything and aren't capable of following just a simple order here?! "
It is pretty obvious that he has used the word order, instead of suggestion.
He then replies to Spar
" I will blame on the interruption of our formal training and we miss some historical information, but rest assured that I will talk to Aldara. I understand the need of some secrecy but too much risks to endanger the whole thing. What would we've done last night if we should have known that we were dealing with someone dead, and probably an impostor? We could have ended dead yes, or we could have notify you, or acted with more precaution. What's sure is that we walked directly into a trap. If we are alive is not because of us not knowing but because he apparently decided to wipe our memories instead of cut our throats. Once again, too much secrecy allows traitors to infiltrate the organization as this one did last night. Now look at us... arguing, having to let our weapons down and being threatened with torture... torture!! I tell you Spar. Any of you lay a finger on any of them and you'll wish to had been a victim of the team one..."
He stands in front of the veteran dwarf, his fists closed in rage and frustration.
Jhaartael:
In case he is reading his thoughts.
During exchange with Mina. "Oh come on... I didn't mean that... its just... aaagh... wait.. what? Me running off? and she says that??! "
Speaking with Spar "This is bad all this is bad. They are my pack and I can't protect them. I must lead them so I can be sure that they will be safe! It cannot happen again. Are this people to harm them? No... I won't allow that. My team are good people, risking their lives for the good and freedom of others. They will not harm them. Not them, not anyone. "
((Jhaartael is no longer detecting thoughts... It was just a quick pass on the team to see how people were taking things))
Having detected no new signatures of the Weave intertwining himself or his comrades, Jhaartael packs back up is equipment, leaving side his physical weapons to hand over upon request.
The tumult among his comrades however worries him. He finds it very unbecoming of his fellow elves. He sighs and rises. "Come now." He begins firmly but with calm emotion, "We have performed fairly well till now as a team. It would be a very hasty thing to toss aside such blossoming strength at the first gale or drought. I do not even trust my own memories. I could just as easily have been duped by an enchanter more powerful than myself. What I want, what we all want is to help to get to the bottom of this and to bring those deserving to justice." Then, more gently he turns to Mina, "Mina, you have been thrust into uncomfortable situations in most of our missions so far, and you have risen to the challenge every time. I have come to trust, to rely on you, on all of you. As you all taught me, despite my own experiences, our leaders have chosen us wisely, and we do good work when we trust each other. Each of you has valuable pieces of the puzzle that will be important for our leaders to hear." Then offering genuinely, "Mina, would you like to go before me?".
Mina watches in suppressed amusement as Lyndaran tries to make her understand the bulkiness difference between her and Akyan, but does not show it as the situation feels so tense. As he takes a step towards her, she holds her ground, not knowing why she felt so accusatory towards the elf that has never really shown a reason for it. But as he yells at her, she feels more defiant than ever. "Really? Did you just have to run off to the Nightmare on your own? Is that where you really went? My memory is so hazy, I just don't understand or get what is going on. But there you go. There's your ONE!" The blue skin on her face starts to have a pink hue as the anger and frustration comes to a point.
She is about to continue, but the wood elf starts engaging Spar, so she takes the moment to catch her breath and try and stop her spinning head. She listens to a few of the words he says, the last of which really rings in her as she feels the same way.
When Jhaartael starts talking to them, she welcomes his soft, calm voice and tries to let it wash over her. As he focuses on her, she is surprised. "I...I will always be here for this group. Do what I can to help us all accomplish our goals and make it back in one piece." She gives Jhaartael a warm, rare smile at this last part, "Yes, I would. Let's get through all of this and be whole again once we come out on the other side." She looks at Lyndaran as she says this last part, not trusting herself to apologize, but hope he knows she doesn't like this wedge, not at all.
Kyrsa lets out a long sigh, covering her face with one hand for a moment as Lyndaran and Mina begin to argue. "This is ridiculous," she says under her breath, and almost speaks up before Jhaarteal puts in his own two cents. As he speaks, she nods in agreement, this isn't the time to be arguing.
"Jhaarteal is right," she says, looking to Mina and Lyndaran. "Now isn't the time to start arguing." She looks to Lyndaran, "I understand why you want to go last. Your reasons are similar to my own, and perhaps it is selfish of me to try and take that away from you. I've lost far to many companions already, and I don't know what I would do if I loose all of you. So believe me, I understand." She looks down, and some of the blue returns to her hair. Looking up again, she crosses her arms, "Still, you cannot simply assume command and expect everyone to follow along, especially considering these circumstances. All of us are on edge, and after what Spar said... well our trust in each other has been shaken. Still, it is a little foolish to argue over our order now. So I will surrender my own preference for the sake of moving on." She shakes her head, looking to Mina, "I understand why you took offense, and to your point," she glances at Lyndaran, "You, Lyndaran have taken action before we planned, when you killed that half orc at the first warehouse. You were driven by your own desires, and thought you could handle it on your own instead of waiting for someone else to help you. However, to be fair, you are not the only one who has taken action without consulting with the team first--but those actions are in the past. The last mission we took...regardless of our dilemma now, went almost as well as I could have hoped. We are growing as a team, so let's not throw it away just as we are getting started."
She puts a hand on each of their shoulders for a moment before glancing at Spar. Sighing and then clasping her hands behind her back she adds, "And Lyndaran, I understand your argument about the secrecy of this organization. I will admit that it frustrates me as well, especially since one or more of us may be subject to... who knows what, thanks to Team 1. However, there is a reason for their secrets. Trust me, I've dealt with this frustration more times than I can count. Unless you reach the top of the command chain, it is something you are going to have to live with." She turns her eyes back to Spar, "Secrets can protect lives, though they can also result in deaths. I trust that Aldara knows what she is doing, even if I would appreciate more information." Her eyes narrow, "As for torture... I've seen my share of it. I understand it's purposes. Even if I don't agree that could ever be necessary for this team. If we are under some sort of enchantment, I doubt torture would be enough to drag any information out of us. Though I will admit that I am rather ignorant when it comes to enchantments."
She looks at Lyndaran again, "Please let this go. These actions may seem extreme to you, but they came as no surprise to me. He has already said that, so long as we all comply, torture will not be used. Right now, we need to focus on fighting the real enemy."
Akyan nods slowly to Lyndaran's response. He doesn't particularly care who goes first, he simply wanted to know the logic behind the order...and Lyndaran's motive. He doesn't understand this 'pack' thing that the wood elf keeps talking about, but he thinks he remembers him saying something about that before.
He doesn't give much of a reaction to the wood elf's claim that he can hold his ground better than Mina. He won't agree or deny those words, however his eyes stray to the sea elf. He had guessed she wouldn't take to kindly to that claim even before she lashed out. He watches the exchange in silence and raises an eyebrow at Lyndaran explained that he's bulky compared to Mina. Why would he take offense to that? He is a man, and she a woman...though he can't say that by itself makes him more capable. Even a small child could hold his ground if put through the right experiences or training. Is that really all Lyndaran is going off of? He has seen Akyan's combat skills more than Mina's. Perhaps that was it? Whatever it doesn't matter.
When Mina accuses Lyndaran of running off, Akyan scowls. She's accusing him of running off? He's heard enough to believe that Lyndaran isn't the one who is compromised. The wood elf sounds just as frustrated as himself, maybe giving orders is just his way of coping with stress. Stepping up next to Lyndaran he crosses his arms and addresses Mina. "You think Lyndaran is the one who runs off and does whatever? Really? The only one of us who's run off by himself with minimal explanation is Tam--." His words are cut off as Lyndaran continues speaking.
The drow does understand Lyndaran's argument about secrecy, but he also disagrees with it...to a certain extent. He would like to have a bit more context concerning team one, right now his team only really know enough about them to have a reason to fear them. The circle could at least give them some information about how to recognize them or their handiwork. He also understands why the ranger might be put off about the possibility of torture, he can't disagree with that, though he also knows that it won't be necessary given that all of them seem willing to comply with the circle.
Then Jhaartael speaks up. The high elf is acting so different than he did when they first met. He had been so distrustful towards Akyan then, has the drow really done anything to gain that trust? Maybe, most people are quicker to offer trust than Akyan after all. Jhaartael also hasn't done anything to make Akyan particularly not trust him either. The high elf hadn't liked him to begin with, and after Tamryn....Tamryn, had spoken to him, the high elf seemed to have dropped his personal dislike for drow. If his little speech is an act, then it is a good one, and though he can't say it isn't, all that matters right now is that it seems to be bringing order back to the team.
He doesn't try to say anything when Kyrsa speaks up. She did a far better job at explaining the need for secrecy than he would have anyway. Once she's done talking he glances at Lyndaran and Mina waiting to see their response.
Lyndaran calms down when Jarthaael talks to them. When he replies to Mina he seems to be much in control and doesn't really have arguments for her "I... I didn't ran off... I actually asked you all if you thought it was a good idea... I... never meant to... " he just let Jarthaael and Mina finish "Of course I can let this go, it's pointless... I didn't meant to yell at you Mina" he says looking at the sea elf.
But when Kyrsa speaks, and she keeps talking, he seems to resume his former posture. He doesn't interrupt her but just replies to her. "That was a mistake and a misjudgment...not my desires. Do you really think I desire to kill? "For a moment his face shows how deep that has hurt him. He raises his hands "You know what? forget it, ok that's my one. "
As she speaks of it seems that he is about to interrupt her here and there, but he only mutters when she says "As for torture... I've seen my share of it"
"Of course she has seen all and knows all... "
"Oh I am ready to let it go. He just informed us of what could happen, even when we were already complying with his instructions "he talks as if Spar wasn't standing right there " Forgive me for losing trust in those who call themselves allies and friends and suddenly threaten the ones I care about with torture. Least I could do is... just inform them of the consequences of such actions. Now... should we go? The... we don't want to make our kind... tortures wait, do we?"
Kyrsa hesitates thinking to herself, Perhaps I shouldn't have said that but... She remembers the look in Lyndaran's eyes, the utter hatred for the slavers. She'd felt it too, and she had understood his desire to get rid of that scum. She'd pretty much said so while they were there debating on whether or not to kill or spare the Dragonborn. She lets out a breath, "That is not what I meant, Lyndaran. I don't think you are bloodthirsty. However, it seemed to me that you were driven by your hatred for the slavers, and those feelings pushed you towards that miscalculation. It is a mistake I understood, and one that I can't blame you for. I was simply trying to see things from your side as well as Mina's."
More blue returns to her hair as she turns away, listening as Lyndaran continued his angry speech about the Circle. She recognizes those feelings, and as much as she tries not to show it, it does bother her that she can compare their superiors in the Circle to those she once served in the military. However, she also realizes that strategies are strategies, she's seen them over and over again, so secrets come as no surprise. "I understand you, Lyndaran," her voice is quiet, and holds a measure of regret. "But we all chose to join this organization. We don't have a choice but to trust them, otherwise..." She shakes her head, then turns to walk away. She moves towards the teleportation circle, a cold breeze following in her wake.
When Lyndaran becomes even more confrontational to Spar, Rigel comes over, but the senior dwarf holds out his hand and waves the barbarian off. "They're in shock, and their minds are wounded, Rigel. Leave them be. They won't harm me." He listens to all that the team has to say, but has nothing more to add.
One by one, in whichever order you choose, You allow Duncan to place a hood over your head while holding your weapons in bundle in front of you. Duncan warns you, and a second later you feel a now-familiar falling sensation, a moment of nausea, and then your skin registers a cooler ambient temperature than you were just experiencing. Calm, not unkind voices and hands relieve you of your burdens (anything carried) and guide you, still blindfolded for approximately 50 yards, where you are seated in a chair, and the blindfold is taken away.
A gold dragonbornis seated across a table from you, and asks if you will consent to open your mind to him. If you agree, he uses a swinging pendulum to relax your mind, and then you have the sensation of dreaming, seeing your recent memories flit before your eyes, but in a detached, third-person sort of way, as if they were happening to someone else. Your are unsure how long this takes, but there is no pain, unless you resist, and after a while, you are released and awakened, and the dragonbornthanks you. (Akyan, when he experiences this, notes that this dragonborn is far more skilled at exploring memories than Duncan was, and the experience is far less traumatic.)
After this examination, each of you is taken individually to an interview with both Aldara and Percy. They ask you to recount everything that occurred in the last 24 hours, and focus in on any perceived gaps in your memory, and the events just prior and just after these gaps. If you try to ask any questions, they refuse to answer, and say that you will all be debriefed later, when the interviews are completed.
When your interviews are over, you are guided to another room (all of this has been indoors since your hood was removed), where you discover your teammates standing or sitting on chairs or bunks in what appears to be a barracks room. The door is locked, and a guard is stationed outside.
Lyndaran let out a sigh when he sees the others and that they are fine. He start to walk up and down the room.
"I am happy to see that you all are well. I guess that you too were with the golden dragonborn? that was... something, wasn't it? I do not know how many times Aldara and Percy asked me about the things I can't remember. "He stops in front of the door in one of his goings "I do hope they end this soon I need fresh air.." and he resumes his walking.
After answering his investigator's questions and probings, Jhaartael will offer one query for them to consider. "It is pretty hard to enchant multiple people at once. If this Nyblond is false, could it have been myself whose memories had been modified instead? I would be willing to encode my memories of Nyblond for you to inspect as things rather than as mere memories. Perhaps a detect magic or identify magic on them would help determine if my memories are indeed accurate. But I would need to take time to prepare that cantrip. Let me know if I can be of further assistance."
Mina takes a seat in the barracks and watches Lyndaran pace as they sit and await what is to happen next to them. She hopes the fact that she held back the information about her brother and now they found it in her memories doesn't make her look bad. She had meant to bring that part up as well, but that got all buried when things went sideways.
She sighs, what was happening to them? Not only were they becoming a good team, something many of them had never been part of before, but friends. Something she didn't have many of.. and after what happened... she cherished any friend she could find and hang on to.
She almost apologizes, but that nagging part of her mind... that new paranoid invasion as it feels, won't let her. So she stays quiet as she waits for what is to come.
(The paranoid thoughts seems somewhat lessened in each of you now, but not altogether gone.)
(You arrived at the Farm no later than 11 AM due to everything being moved up. You estimate 3 hours have passed since your teleport. Feel free to converse, rest, practice, etc.)
Finally, your team is summoned, all together, and allowed to leave this building without hoods. You are escorted across a courtyard, the overall layout being similar to the previous Farm, although beyond the wooden palisade that surrounds this large courtyard, you now see snow-capped mountains in all directions. In addition, the south wall of the palisade is directly adjacent to a steep cliff face, with a cave opening. Large stone and iron doors to either side of the mountain entrance look like they could be closed quickly, and seal out all but the most powerful attacks. Stonemasons are at work erecting walls of granite block outside the wooden palisade, but this is a an arduous process, speeded somewhat by helpful druids and their magic.
You are taken to a building with a few offices and a conference room, and released into a room with a large table at which sit Aldara, Percy, and Breezy. Aldara stands as you walk in, and comes over to greet you in Elvish with a handshake or an embrace in the case of Kyrsa and Mina. "Please be seated, all of you. I apologize for the necessity of our coldness earlier, but we had to be sure of you. You will be relieved to know that each of you have been cleared of any wrongdoing. While several of you had certain... details of which you neglected to inform the Circle, none of these were deemed to rise to the level of treachery or betrayal, and I don't wish you to obsess over them. Your companions may have chosen to divulge these things in time, or not, but no one here present showed any evidence of having anything but the best interests of the team at heart, even as you all have your own styles of approaching these situations...
"Before we proceed, I must inform you of some further disturbing news. After you arrived, Team 2 from Athkatla began their evacuation as well, coming through one by one. Millie, Mollie, Rigel and Annika all came through, but Duncan and Spar did not. We do not know why. Agents sent to their location have found no trace of either of them, but there was no sign of violence in the safehouse. We have teams combing through the city. We will keep you updated.
"Now, you deserve some explanations. Team One, of which you have heard previously, reappeared in their changed, fallen form almost 3 years ago. The Team consisted of 5 Aasimar, 3 paladins, a cleric, and a wizard. They were formidable before their fall, and since their corruption by Mammon are almost demonic in their might now. If you encounter any of them directly, I strongly encourage you to flee.
'Two years ago, my own team of which I was the leader was stationed in Baldur's Gate. There were also five of us, the rogue Lilith, the fighter Argelis, the cleric Nyblond, the sorceror Paloma, and myself. We were on a mission to investigate the kidnapping of the family of a reformer elected to the town council, and we were ambushed by Team One. My companions were slaughtered before my eyes, and I was wounded to unconsciousness. Percival was able to infiltrate and revive me, but could not reach the bodies of the others. We escaped miraculously, and dragged ourselves back to the Circle. Until today, to my knowledge, every other member of my team was dead. Now, it is less clear. Jhaartael, your memories confirm having conversed with an individual who has the appearance of my friend, and his voice. The rest of you have memories that have been removed or blurred enough that we do not have the skill to retrieve them. While they do not corroborate Nyblond's continued existence, neither do they prove it to be false. Therefore, for the moment the working theory is that he is somehow still alive, whether through resurrection or reanimation. The fact that he has made no effort to re-establish contact with the Circle in two years would indicate that if alive, he is no longer friendly to us. And then there is the matter of the erased memories. Either he did this, or was in league with someone who did this, which would again point to his hostility toward the Circle. We must assume that he too is now turned against us, and in league with those fallen Aasimar. Another thing you should know, we try to include at least one psionic adept with each team. Nyblond was that adept on my team, as Duncan was on Spar's, and as Akyan may become on yours. This allows us to communicate and conduct certain other operations that are not bound by restrictions on magic.
"We do not know many things. Why didn't he kill you? Why didn't he erase Jhaartael's memories? How did he know, if he did, that you would be at the Serpent Tower? What was his purpose in having you retrieve documents for him, as it appears you did, if your wizard's mind represents the truth. All of this remains to be discovered. Is Nyblond connected to the disappearance of Spar and Duncan? it seems likely, but also unknown. Our investigative teams are digging into all of this. I know you want to find the answers as well, and you will be permitted to return, if you wish, but we feel that you deserve a break of at least a few days, and the opportunity to get in a little more training before we send you back out into danger, especially without Spar for backup.
"Now... I'm sure there are more questions. I will answer what I can. As I said, there is much we do not know. Please, try to empty your minds of all self-judgment and anxiety, and simply prepare yourselves to get back out in the field and further the cause of good. If you have too many bad memories of Athkatla, I will understand if you prefer a different assignment from now on. Perhaps that would be for the best, actually. But I will leave that up to your team to decide. When you have finished your questions, you have free reign of the premises and training facilities. Replenish your supplies, your equipment, study with the instructors, read some of Cephas' writings that we were able to salvage, seek communion with your gods, do as you wish. You are safe here. We are preparing new passphrases to compensate for Nyblond obviously having access to all the old ones. We will inform you when the new codeset is complete."
(up to three days' downtime now for the party, and Congrats you are level 5! RP as desired, if you have any personal requests etc let me know. Pretty much anything in the down time guidelines is fair game. (also here and here) Also, psi training is available if desired.)
Like Mina, Akyan remains silent through the time spent locked in the room. He barely notices Lyndaran enter or the elf's pacing. There are to many thoughts racing though his head. That dragonborn had clearly been far more adept with his psychic abilities than Duncan, and that revelation shows him just how immature he is in his own abilities. Perhaps if he had more training, he could have kept this whole ordeal from happening....
The drow is still deep in thought as his group heads out to meet Aldara, Percy and Breezy, however, once Aldara starts speaking, he does his best to focus on her words. He feels a pang of guilt when Aldara announces that each of them had been cleared, though the feeling is numbed a bit by relief. None of them were traitors, that is what matters. However, as Aldara continues, he feels his gut sink at the news of Spar and Duncan's disappearance. If Akyan wasn't focused before, he is now. He had wanted to speak with Duncan, and now the dwarf is missing--why? The missing dwarves, Jhaartael's memories, and the apparent return of a dead elf. This is all so convoluted. He clenches his fist under the table. If he is going to become this team's psychic adept, then he has to hone his skills. Before joining the circle, he'd thought of his abilities simply as an easy way to communicate, and an eternal source of untraceable weapons. Turns out he was very, very wrong.
Turning his focus back to Aldara, he listens to the rest of what she has to say. She thinks it would be best to put them on a different assignment? He can't argue with that, and some part of him does actually want that, however the rest of him wants to return to Athkatla.
Once the meeting is concluded and his companions disperse, Akyan stands up, "I would like to train under another psychic adept, do you know of anyone here who would be willing to train me? If that is to be my role on this team, then I need to be able to do a better job at it. I need to at least be able to shield my mind from...anything like what Nyblond did to us, if not shield the minds of my whole team. I need to at least be able to recognize another who wields psychic abilities."
((As an Enchantment Wizard, would Jhaartael be able to notice from behavior, language, etc of his comrades' paranoia enchantment? If so, he would probably observe and take notes as such would be valuable information for his own studies and could help the team later.))
((Do we get our weapons and equipment back, or are we meant to restock from zero? If so, when? Before or after Aldara speaks to us?))
((Also, during downtime, do we have access to merchants? - I am thinking spell scrolls and spell casting supplies))
Kyrsa sat silently in a chair at the far end of the locked room. Her eyes are distant, and she looks worn mentally if not physically. She'd endured the memory examination in silence, refraining from asking anything. During her interview, she only spoke to answer questions, in spite of her desire to apologize for...well everything. She couldn't help but feel somehow responsible for everything that had happened, taking the blame was just what she was used to doing. She sits there silently until they are summoned. At that, she seems to snap back to the present, ready to leap to action for whatever given reason.
Her stiff demeanor doesn't change until Aldara greets and embraces her, as if the gesture finally brushes away her soldier's persona--at least part of it anyways. Once they all are seated, she lets out a long breath in attempt to refocus herself. Gods, its been a long day.
She feels a pang of guilt when Aldara mentions that some of them were hiding details... she can only assume those details were about Mina's brother. Quickly, she pushes that feeling away, reminding herself that she had every intention of bringing it up to Aldara privately. So she listens silently as Aldara explains further what had happened. Such a horrible incident. It reminded her of the past, of her own loses. She'd known that Aldara had suffered the loss of her team, and that it had something to do with Team 1, but hearing the story this way...
Then came the revelation of Duncan and Spar's disappearance. Kyrsa felt her gut clench, and she fought the urge to rise from her seat. Still she forced herself to stay silent, swallowing the words she'd nearly said. There would be time for questions later. Once Aldara was finished speaking, Kyrsa stayed quiet for a long moment.
Finally she says, "I am assuming that Jhaarteal knows where it was that we met this... Nyblond. Did anyone search that location? For Duncan and Spar?" She pauses for a moment before continuing, "Thank you for sharing this with us. There are still many things that I don't understand, but at least this helps." She lets out a long breath, "It is a relief to know that none of us were affected aside from our apparent memory loss which..." She looks to Jhaarteal, "Perhaps we can supplement by having you recount your interactions with Nyblond so that we can get a better idea of what it is we are missing. I know you're probably tired of telling the story, but it could help us with trying to piece this together." She pauses, several thoughts rushing through her head as she runs through all this new information again and again. Why would Nyblond leave Jhaarteal with his memories intact? What if they were altered in some way? Or, what if Nyblond really wasn't completely won over by Team 1? Perhaps this was his attempt at helping them. Though it was also possible that it was some twisted trick Team 1 threw together to try and get under their skin...or Aldara's skin for that matter.
"I agree that we could all use a break," she says. "We can all benefit from training." She offers a small smile when Akyan asks for help honing his psychic skills, "Our team is getting better, but I think this is a good opportunity to make mistakes before going back into the field."
She pauses again, "I have... questions concerning Team 1... Of course, I hope we will not have to deal with any of them face to face anytime soon, but I must ask. Is it clear how much their abilities have changed since their corruption? You mention that they have increased in power, but I am talking more about their strategies and fighting styles--and their behavior. What I'm trying to ask is... what were their greatest strengths and weaknesses prior to their corruption, and are any of those traits still evident?" She hesitates, hoping that these questions are making sense, "Are they really completely different people then they were before? Or are there pieces of their old selves, habits they've developed that still come through? If not, then are they just puppets, dancing about as Mammon sees fit?"
((As an Enchantment Wizard, would Jhaartael be able to notice from behavior, language, etc of his comrades' paranoia enchantment? If so, he would probably observe and take notes as such would be valuable information for his own studies and could help the team later.))
He may not have pieced it all together in the moment, but reflecting upon it more over the next few days, I think it would be reasonable to conclude that some outside influence was at work, and then he could research how that might be accomplished.
Mina is surprised when Aldara embraces her. For the most part she never felt worth anything in Aldara's eyes and this takes her aback. As she debriefs them, Mina is honestly surprised by all the information that they receive. All the secrets that were kept from them before never really mattered or shocked her, she figured that was part of the job. But now.. well, it was nice being included in so much with this group.
She visibly relaxes when she is told that there was no reason to doubt anyone on their team. She looks over at Kyrsa and Lyndaran, feeling bad for antagonizing them and questioning motives. As for holding information back, she assumes she means Thamior, but does wonder if others have things as well. But honestly, they are entitled to it and Mina knows she will be there for any of them at any time.
At that last thought, she stands up, smiles at Aldara, "Thank you. For everything. I am sorry that we have now opened new wounds for you by finding Nyblond. Hopefully that mystery will be solved. And the one involving Spar and Duncan and that I do hope they are alright and still on our side."
Once they have been dismissed, she asks, "I would like to try to find out more about my brother if possible. Do you have any recommendations on where I should start? I think it would benefit us all for this to not plague my thoughts once we are back on a mission. Another thing I would like training on is how to pick locks... who can I see for this?" She then turns to Akyan and Tamryn, "unless one of you wants to show me?"
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Mina watches all this go on about a stupid order to teleport to the farm. We have much bigger issues to worry about than that. She isn't thrilled about losing her weapons, especially now with the turmoil within the group. What if this is a trap? What if they just capture us all on the other side and that's it? There are so many unanswered questions... Thamior??
When she hears her name, it pulls her out of her thoughts and she glares at Lyndaran. "No offense? How can I not take offense to you just saying I can't hold my ground. The one who just runs off and does whatever the hell they want." She puts her hands on her hips and looks at both Lyndaran and Kyrsa, and just to be difficult.. honestly she just hopes Duncan grabs them as he sees fit and gets this whole debacle over with, states, "I'm going last."
Tamryn feels reasonably confident that Duncan is sincere.
Jhaartael's spell detects no magical items that were previously unknown to the party, and no magical auras or apparent effects surrounding any party members.
(I am going to assume that everyone agrees to transport and to the terms outlined, unless you tell me different, either here or via PM)
As the time draws near, the dwarves gather together with you.
In answer to Lyndaran's semi-accusation, Spar replies, "Nyblond was not part of Team One. He was part of Aldara's own team, and was killed by Team One. Or so we thought. I won't apologize that some information is classified, and above your level, though. For this very reason, that even the very best of us can be corrupted, some things are only need-to-know. Think now, son. If you had known this information, your path last night might have gone very differently, and today your spirit would probably have been in the halls of your ancestors. But you are free to pass on your complaints to Aldara, whom you will be seeing very shortly now."
"I am not saying that!" lashes Lyndaran to Mina " I am just saying that he is just more... " he puts his hands in front of him and looking to Mina, palm to palm and a few inches apart, like covering her body width and then turns to Akyan and put his hands a little more afar.. realizing that, they being elves, not as much as he would have wanted to show his point.
"...more... bulky! No offense" he says quickly to Aykan " I know you can hold your ground " he seems really frustrated " I am just trying to protect you!!" To those more used to read others it seems that he has emphasized that last word a little too much.
"Wait what? Me? " he takes a step towards Mina "One... just tell me ONE time when I've run off and did anything we haven't agreed or planned before. When I've let my emotions or feelings or past get in the way with the mission and the protection both of our team or the whole Circle. Tell me.. JUST ONE! "
"You want to go last now? Fine! but who are the ones who question everything and aren't capable of following just a simple order here?! "
It is pretty obvious that he has used the word order, instead of suggestion.
He then replies to Spar
" I will blame on the interruption of our formal training and we miss some historical information, but rest assured that I will talk to Aldara. I understand the need of some secrecy but too much risks to endanger the whole thing. What would we've done last night if we should have known that we were dealing with someone dead, and probably an impostor? We could have ended dead yes, or we could have notify you, or acted with more precaution. What's sure is that we walked directly into a trap. If we are alive is not because of us not knowing but because he apparently decided to wipe our memories instead of cut our throats. Once again, too much secrecy allows traitors to infiltrate the organization as this one did last night. Now look at us... arguing, having to let our weapons down and being threatened with torture... torture!! I tell you Spar. Any of you lay a finger on any of them and you'll wish to had been a victim of the team one..."
He stands in front of the veteran dwarf, his fists closed in rage and frustration.
Jhaartael:
In case he is reading his thoughts.
During exchange with Mina. "Oh come on... I didn't mean that... its just... aaagh... wait.. what? Me running off? and she says that??! "
Speaking with Spar "This is bad all this is bad. They are my pack and I can't protect them. I must lead them so I can be sure that they will be safe! It cannot happen again. Are this people to harm them? No... I won't allow that. My team are good people, risking their lives for the good and freedom of others. They will not harm them. Not them, not anyone. "
PbP Character: A few ;)
((Jhaartael is no longer detecting thoughts... It was just a quick pass on the team to see how people were taking things))
Having detected no new signatures of the Weave intertwining himself or his comrades, Jhaartael packs back up is equipment, leaving side his physical weapons to hand over upon request.
The tumult among his comrades however worries him. He finds it very unbecoming of his fellow elves. He sighs and rises. "Come now." He begins firmly but with calm emotion, "We have performed fairly well till now as a team. It would be a very hasty thing to toss aside such blossoming strength at the first gale or drought. I do not even trust my own memories. I could just as easily have been duped by an enchanter more powerful than myself. What I want, what we all want is to help to get to the bottom of this and to bring those deserving to justice." Then, more gently he turns to Mina, "Mina, you have been thrust into uncomfortable situations in most of our missions so far, and you have risen to the challenge every time. I have come to trust, to rely on you, on all of you. As you all taught me, despite my own experiences, our leaders have chosen us wisely, and we do good work when we trust each other. Each of you has valuable pieces of the puzzle that will be important for our leaders to hear." Then offering genuinely, "Mina, would you like to go before me?".
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
Mina watches in suppressed amusement as Lyndaran tries to make her understand the bulkiness difference between her and Akyan, but does not show it as the situation feels so tense. As he takes a step towards her, she holds her ground, not knowing why she felt so accusatory towards the elf that has never really shown a reason for it. But as he yells at her, she feels more defiant than ever. "Really? Did you just have to run off to the Nightmare on your own? Is that where you really went? My memory is so hazy, I just don't understand or get what is going on. But there you go. There's your ONE!" The blue skin on her face starts to have a pink hue as the anger and frustration comes to a point.
She is about to continue, but the wood elf starts engaging Spar, so she takes the moment to catch her breath and try and stop her spinning head. She listens to a few of the words he says, the last of which really rings in her as she feels the same way.
When Jhaartael starts talking to them, she welcomes his soft, calm voice and tries to let it wash over her. As he focuses on her, she is surprised. "I...I will always be here for this group. Do what I can to help us all accomplish our goals and make it back in one piece." She gives Jhaartael a warm, rare smile at this last part, "Yes, I would. Let's get through all of this and be whole again once we come out on the other side." She looks at Lyndaran as she says this last part, not trusting herself to apologize, but hope he knows she doesn't like this wedge, not at all.
Kyrsa lets out a long sigh, covering her face with one hand for a moment as Lyndaran and Mina begin to argue. "This is ridiculous," she says under her breath, and almost speaks up before Jhaarteal puts in his own two cents. As he speaks, she nods in agreement, this isn't the time to be arguing.
"Jhaarteal is right," she says, looking to Mina and Lyndaran. "Now isn't the time to start arguing." She looks to Lyndaran, "I understand why you want to go last. Your reasons are similar to my own, and perhaps it is selfish of me to try and take that away from you. I've lost far to many companions already, and I don't know what I would do if I loose all of you. So believe me, I understand." She looks down, and some of the blue returns to her hair. Looking up again, she crosses her arms, "Still, you cannot simply assume command and expect everyone to follow along, especially considering these circumstances. All of us are on edge, and after what Spar said... well our trust in each other has been shaken. Still, it is a little foolish to argue over our order now. So I will surrender my own preference for the sake of moving on." She shakes her head, looking to Mina, "I understand why you took offense, and to your point," she glances at Lyndaran, "You, Lyndaran have taken action before we planned, when you killed that half orc at the first warehouse. You were driven by your own desires, and thought you could handle it on your own instead of waiting for someone else to help you. However, to be fair, you are not the only one who has taken action without consulting with the team first--but those actions are in the past. The last mission we took...regardless of our dilemma now, went almost as well as I could have hoped. We are growing as a team, so let's not throw it away just as we are getting started."
She puts a hand on each of their shoulders for a moment before glancing at Spar. Sighing and then clasping her hands behind her back she adds, "And Lyndaran, I understand your argument about the secrecy of this organization. I will admit that it frustrates me as well, especially since one or more of us may be subject to... who knows what, thanks to Team 1. However, there is a reason for their secrets. Trust me, I've dealt with this frustration more times than I can count. Unless you reach the top of the command chain, it is something you are going to have to live with." She turns her eyes back to Spar, "Secrets can protect lives, though they can also result in deaths. I trust that Aldara knows what she is doing, even if I would appreciate more information." Her eyes narrow, "As for torture... I've seen my share of it. I understand it's purposes. Even if I don't agree that could ever be necessary for this team. If we are under some sort of enchantment, I doubt torture would be enough to drag any information out of us. Though I will admit that I am rather ignorant when it comes to enchantments."
She looks at Lyndaran again, "Please let this go. These actions may seem extreme to you, but they came as no surprise to me. He has already said that, so long as we all comply, torture will not be used. Right now, we need to focus on fighting the real enemy."
Akyan nods slowly to Lyndaran's response. He doesn't particularly care who goes first, he simply wanted to know the logic behind the order...and Lyndaran's motive. He doesn't understand this 'pack' thing that the wood elf keeps talking about, but he thinks he remembers him saying something about that before.
He doesn't give much of a reaction to the wood elf's claim that he can hold his ground better than Mina. He won't agree or deny those words, however his eyes stray to the sea elf. He had guessed she wouldn't take to kindly to that claim even before she lashed out. He watches the exchange in silence and raises an eyebrow at Lyndaran explained that he's bulky compared to Mina. Why would he take offense to that? He is a man, and she a woman...though he can't say that by itself makes him more capable. Even a small child could hold his ground if put through the right experiences or training. Is that really all Lyndaran is going off of? He has seen Akyan's combat skills more than Mina's. Perhaps that was it? Whatever it doesn't matter.
When Mina accuses Lyndaran of running off, Akyan scowls. She's accusing him of running off? He's heard enough to believe that Lyndaran isn't the one who is compromised. The wood elf sounds just as frustrated as himself, maybe giving orders is just his way of coping with stress. Stepping up next to Lyndaran he crosses his arms and addresses Mina. "You think Lyndaran is the one who runs off and does whatever? Really? The only one of us who's run off by himself with minimal explanation is Tam--." His words are cut off as Lyndaran continues speaking.
The drow does understand Lyndaran's argument about secrecy, but he also disagrees with it...to a certain extent. He would like to have a bit more context concerning team one, right now his team only really know enough about them to have a reason to fear them. The circle could at least give them some information about how to recognize them or their handiwork. He also understands why the ranger might be put off about the possibility of torture, he can't disagree with that, though he also knows that it won't be necessary given that all of them seem willing to comply with the circle.
Then Jhaartael speaks up. The high elf is acting so different than he did when they first met. He had been so distrustful towards Akyan then, has the drow really done anything to gain that trust? Maybe, most people are quicker to offer trust than Akyan after all. Jhaartael also hasn't done anything to make Akyan particularly not trust him either. The high elf hadn't liked him to begin with, and after Tamryn....Tamryn, had spoken to him, the high elf seemed to have dropped his personal dislike for drow. If his little speech is an act, then it is a good one, and though he can't say it isn't, all that matters right now is that it seems to be bringing order back to the team.
He doesn't try to say anything when Kyrsa speaks up. She did a far better job at explaining the need for secrecy than he would have anyway. Once she's done talking he glances at Lyndaran and Mina waiting to see their response.
Lyndaran calms down when Jarthaael talks to them. When he replies to Mina he seems to be much in control and doesn't really have arguments for her "I... I didn't ran off... I actually asked you all if you thought it was a good idea... I... never meant to... " he just let Jarthaael and Mina finish "Of course I can let this go, it's pointless... I didn't meant to yell at you Mina" he says looking at the sea elf.
But when Kyrsa speaks, and she keeps talking, he seems to resume his former posture. He doesn't interrupt her but just replies to her. "That was a mistake and a misjudgment...not my desires. Do you really think I desire to kill? " For a moment his face shows how deep that has hurt him. He raises his hands "You know what? forget it, ok that's my one. "
As she speaks of it seems that he is about to interrupt her here and there, but he only mutters when she says "As for torture... I've seen my share of it"
"Of course she has seen all and knows all... "
"Oh I am ready to let it go. He just informed us of what could happen, even when we were already complying with his instructions " he talks as if Spar wasn't standing right there " Forgive me for losing trust in those who call themselves allies and friends and suddenly threaten the ones I care about with torture. Least I could do is... just inform them of the consequences of such actions. Now... should we go? The... we don't want to make our kind... tortures wait, do we?"
PbP Character: A few ;)
Kyrsa hesitates thinking to herself, Perhaps I shouldn't have said that but... She remembers the look in Lyndaran's eyes, the utter hatred for the slavers. She'd felt it too, and she had understood his desire to get rid of that scum. She'd pretty much said so while they were there debating on whether or not to kill or spare the Dragonborn. She lets out a breath, "That is not what I meant, Lyndaran. I don't think you are bloodthirsty. However, it seemed to me that you were driven by your hatred for the slavers, and those feelings pushed you towards that miscalculation. It is a mistake I understood, and one that I can't blame you for. I was simply trying to see things from your side as well as Mina's."
More blue returns to her hair as she turns away, listening as Lyndaran continued his angry speech about the Circle. She recognizes those feelings, and as much as she tries not to show it, it does bother her that she can compare their superiors in the Circle to those she once served in the military. However, she also realizes that strategies are strategies, she's seen them over and over again, so secrets come as no surprise. "I understand you, Lyndaran," her voice is quiet, and holds a measure of regret. "But we all chose to join this organization. We don't have a choice but to trust them, otherwise..." She shakes her head, then turns to walk away. She moves towards the teleportation circle, a cold breeze following in her wake.
Lyndaran just nods to the last words of Kyrsa but he doesn't reply as they all walk into the teleportation circle.
PbP Character: A few ;)
When Lyndaran becomes even more confrontational to Spar, Rigel comes over, but the senior dwarf holds out his hand and waves the barbarian off. "They're in shock, and their minds are wounded, Rigel. Leave them be. They won't harm me." He listens to all that the team has to say, but has nothing more to add.
One by one, in whichever order you choose, You allow Duncan to place a hood over your head while holding your weapons in bundle in front of you. Duncan warns you, and a second later you feel a now-familiar falling sensation, a moment of nausea, and then your skin registers a cooler ambient temperature than you were just experiencing. Calm, not unkind voices and hands relieve you of your burdens (anything carried) and guide you, still blindfolded for approximately 50 yards, where you are seated in a chair, and the blindfold is taken away.
A gold dragonborn is seated across a table from you, and asks if you will consent to open your mind to him. If you agree, he uses a swinging pendulum to relax your mind, and then you have the sensation of dreaming, seeing your recent memories flit before your eyes, but in a detached, third-person sort of way, as if they were happening to someone else. Your are unsure how long this takes, but there is no pain, unless you resist, and after a while, you are released and awakened, and the dragonborn thanks you. (Akyan, when he experiences this, notes that this dragonborn is far more skilled at exploring memories than Duncan was, and the experience is far less traumatic.)
After this examination, each of you is taken individually to an interview with both Aldara and Percy. They ask you to recount everything that occurred in the last 24 hours, and focus in on any perceived gaps in your memory, and the events just prior and just after these gaps. If you try to ask any questions, they refuse to answer, and say that you will all be debriefed later, when the interviews are completed.
When your interviews are over, you are guided to another room (all of this has been indoors since your hood was removed), where you discover your teammates standing or sitting on chairs or bunks in what appears to be a barracks room. The door is locked, and a guard is stationed outside.
Lyndaran let out a sigh when he sees the others and that they are fine. He start to walk up and down the room.
"I am happy to see that you all are well. I guess that you too were with the golden dragonborn? that was... something, wasn't it? I do not know how many times Aldara and Percy asked me about the things I can't remember. " He stops in front of the door in one of his goings "I do hope they end this soon I need fresh air.." and he resumes his walking.
PbP Character: A few ;)
After answering his investigator's questions and probings, Jhaartael will offer one query for them to consider. "It is pretty hard to enchant multiple people at once. If this Nyblond is false, could it have been myself whose memories had been modified instead? I would be willing to encode my memories of Nyblond for you to inspect as things rather than as mere memories. Perhaps a detect magic or identify magic on them would help determine if my memories are indeed accurate. But I would need to take time to prepare that cantrip. Let me know if I can be of further assistance."
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
Mina takes a seat in the barracks and watches Lyndaran pace as they sit and await what is to happen next to them. She hopes the fact that she held back the information about her brother and now they found it in her memories doesn't make her look bad. She had meant to bring that part up as well, but that got all buried when things went sideways.
She sighs, what was happening to them? Not only were they becoming a good team, something many of them had never been part of before, but friends. Something she didn't have many of.. and after what happened... she cherished any friend she could find and hang on to.
She almost apologizes, but that nagging part of her mind... that new paranoid invasion as it feels, won't let her. So she stays quiet as she waits for what is to come.
(The paranoid thoughts seems somewhat lessened in each of you now, but not altogether gone.)
(You arrived at the Farm no later than 11 AM due to everything being moved up. You estimate 3 hours have passed since your teleport. Feel free to converse, rest, practice, etc.)
Finally, your team is summoned, all together, and allowed to leave this building without hoods. You are escorted across a courtyard, the overall layout being similar to the previous Farm, although beyond the wooden palisade that surrounds this large courtyard, you now see snow-capped mountains in all directions. In addition, the south wall of the palisade is directly adjacent to a steep cliff face, with a cave opening. Large stone and iron doors to either side of the mountain entrance look like they could be closed quickly, and seal out all but the most powerful attacks. Stonemasons are at work erecting walls of granite block outside the wooden palisade, but this is a an arduous process, speeded somewhat by helpful druids and their magic.
You are taken to a building with a few offices and a conference room, and released into a room with a large table at which sit Aldara, Percy, and Breezy. Aldara stands as you walk in, and comes over to greet you in Elvish with a handshake or an embrace in the case of Kyrsa and Mina. "Please be seated, all of you. I apologize for the necessity of our coldness earlier, but we had to be sure of you. You will be relieved to know that each of you have been cleared of any wrongdoing. While several of you had certain... details of which you neglected to inform the Circle, none of these were deemed to rise to the level of treachery or betrayal, and I don't wish you to obsess over them. Your companions may have chosen to divulge these things in time, or not, but no one here present showed any evidence of having anything but the best interests of the team at heart, even as you all have your own styles of approaching these situations...
"Before we proceed, I must inform you of some further disturbing news. After you arrived, Team 2 from Athkatla began their evacuation as well, coming through one by one. Millie, Mollie, Rigel and Annika all came through, but Duncan and Spar did not. We do not know why. Agents sent to their location have found no trace of either of them, but there was no sign of violence in the safehouse. We have teams combing through the city. We will keep you updated.
"Now, you deserve some explanations. Team One, of which you have heard previously, reappeared in their changed, fallen form almost 3 years ago. The Team consisted of 5 Aasimar, 3 paladins, a cleric, and a wizard. They were formidable before their fall, and since their corruption by Mammon are almost demonic in their might now. If you encounter any of them directly, I strongly encourage you to flee.
'Two years ago, my own team of which I was the leader was stationed in Baldur's Gate. There were also five of us, the rogue Lilith, the fighter Argelis, the cleric Nyblond, the sorceror Paloma, and myself. We were on a mission to investigate the kidnapping of the family of a reformer elected to the town council, and we were ambushed by Team One. My companions were slaughtered before my eyes, and I was wounded to unconsciousness. Percival was able to infiltrate and revive me, but could not reach the bodies of the others. We escaped miraculously, and dragged ourselves back to the Circle. Until today, to my knowledge, every other member of my team was dead. Now, it is less clear. Jhaartael, your memories confirm having conversed with an individual who has the appearance of my friend, and his voice. The rest of you have memories that have been removed or blurred enough that we do not have the skill to retrieve them. While they do not corroborate Nyblond's continued existence, neither do they prove it to be false. Therefore, for the moment the working theory is that he is somehow still alive, whether through resurrection or reanimation. The fact that he has made no effort to re-establish contact with the Circle in two years would indicate that if alive, he is no longer friendly to us. And then there is the matter of the erased memories. Either he did this, or was in league with someone who did this, which would again point to his hostility toward the Circle. We must assume that he too is now turned against us, and in league with those fallen Aasimar. Another thing you should know, we try to include at least one psionic adept with each team. Nyblond was that adept on my team, as Duncan was on Spar's, and as Akyan may become on yours. This allows us to communicate and conduct certain other operations that are not bound by restrictions on magic.
"We do not know many things. Why didn't he kill you? Why didn't he erase Jhaartael's memories? How did he know, if he did, that you would be at the Serpent Tower? What was his purpose in having you retrieve documents for him, as it appears you did, if your wizard's mind represents the truth. All of this remains to be discovered. Is Nyblond connected to the disappearance of Spar and Duncan? it seems likely, but also unknown. Our investigative teams are digging into all of this. I know you want to find the answers as well, and you will be permitted to return, if you wish, but we feel that you deserve a break of at least a few days, and the opportunity to get in a little more training before we send you back out into danger, especially without Spar for backup.
"Now... I'm sure there are more questions. I will answer what I can. As I said, there is much we do not know. Please, try to empty your minds of all self-judgment and anxiety, and simply prepare yourselves to get back out in the field and further the cause of good. If you have too many bad memories of Athkatla, I will understand if you prefer a different assignment from now on. Perhaps that would be for the best, actually. But I will leave that up to your team to decide. When you have finished your questions, you have free reign of the premises and training facilities. Replenish your supplies, your equipment, study with the instructors, read some of Cephas' writings that we were able to salvage, seek communion with your gods, do as you wish. You are safe here. We are preparing new passphrases to compensate for Nyblond obviously having access to all the old ones. We will inform you when the new codeset is complete."
(up to three days' downtime now for the party, and Congrats you are level 5! RP as desired, if you have any personal requests etc let me know. Pretty much anything in the down time guidelines is fair game. (also here and here) Also, psi training is available if desired.)
Like Mina, Akyan remains silent through the time spent locked in the room. He barely notices Lyndaran enter or the elf's pacing. There are to many thoughts racing though his head. That dragonborn had clearly been far more adept with his psychic abilities than Duncan, and that revelation shows him just how immature he is in his own abilities. Perhaps if he had more training, he could have kept this whole ordeal from happening....
The drow is still deep in thought as his group heads out to meet Aldara, Percy and Breezy, however, once Aldara starts speaking, he does his best to focus on her words. He feels a pang of guilt when Aldara announces that each of them had been cleared, though the feeling is numbed a bit by relief. None of them were traitors, that is what matters. However, as Aldara continues, he feels his gut sink at the news of Spar and Duncan's disappearance. If Akyan wasn't focused before, he is now. He had wanted to speak with Duncan, and now the dwarf is missing--why? The missing dwarves, Jhaartael's memories, and the apparent return of a dead elf. This is all so convoluted. He clenches his fist under the table. If he is going to become this team's psychic adept, then he has to hone his skills. Before joining the circle, he'd thought of his abilities simply as an easy way to communicate, and an eternal source of untraceable weapons. Turns out he was very, very wrong.
Turning his focus back to Aldara, he listens to the rest of what she has to say. She thinks it would be best to put them on a different assignment? He can't argue with that, and some part of him does actually want that, however the rest of him wants to return to Athkatla.
Once the meeting is concluded and his companions disperse, Akyan stands up, "I would like to train under another psychic adept, do you know of anyone here who would be willing to train me? If that is to be my role on this team, then I need to be able to do a better job at it. I need to at least be able to shield my mind from...anything like what Nyblond did to us, if not shield the minds of my whole team. I need to at least be able to recognize another who wields psychic abilities."
Questions for DM:
((As an Enchantment Wizard, would Jhaartael be able to notice from behavior, language, etc of his comrades' paranoia enchantment? If so, he would probably observe and take notes as such would be valuable information for his own studies and could help the team later.))
((Do we get our weapons and equipment back, or are we meant to restock from zero? If so, when? Before or after Aldara speaks to us?))
((Also, during downtime, do we have access to merchants? - I am thinking spell scrolls and spell casting supplies))
Eryndor - Red Dead Annihilation | GM - Volo's Trade Franchise - PF2e Adventures set in the Forgotten Realms
Kyrsa sat silently in a chair at the far end of the locked room. Her eyes are distant, and she looks worn mentally if not physically. She'd endured the memory examination in silence, refraining from asking anything. During her interview, she only spoke to answer questions, in spite of her desire to apologize for...well everything. She couldn't help but feel somehow responsible for everything that had happened, taking the blame was just what she was used to doing. She sits there silently until they are summoned. At that, she seems to snap back to the present, ready to leap to action for whatever given reason.
Her stiff demeanor doesn't change until Aldara greets and embraces her, as if the gesture finally brushes away her soldier's persona--at least part of it anyways. Once they all are seated, she lets out a long breath in attempt to refocus herself. Gods, its been a long day.
She feels a pang of guilt when Aldara mentions that some of them were hiding details... she can only assume those details were about Mina's brother. Quickly, she pushes that feeling away, reminding herself that she had every intention of bringing it up to Aldara privately. So she listens silently as Aldara explains further what had happened. Such a horrible incident. It reminded her of the past, of her own loses. She'd known that Aldara had suffered the loss of her team, and that it had something to do with Team 1, but hearing the story this way...
Then came the revelation of Duncan and Spar's disappearance. Kyrsa felt her gut clench, and she fought the urge to rise from her seat. Still she forced herself to stay silent, swallowing the words she'd nearly said. There would be time for questions later. Once Aldara was finished speaking, Kyrsa stayed quiet for a long moment.
Finally she says, "I am assuming that Jhaarteal knows where it was that we met this... Nyblond. Did anyone search that location? For Duncan and Spar?" She pauses for a moment before continuing, "Thank you for sharing this with us. There are still many things that I don't understand, but at least this helps." She lets out a long breath, "It is a relief to know that none of us were affected aside from our apparent memory loss which..." She looks to Jhaarteal, "Perhaps we can supplement by having you recount your interactions with Nyblond so that we can get a better idea of what it is we are missing. I know you're probably tired of telling the story, but it could help us with trying to piece this together." She pauses, several thoughts rushing through her head as she runs through all this new information again and again. Why would Nyblond leave Jhaarteal with his memories intact? What if they were altered in some way? Or, what if Nyblond really wasn't completely won over by Team 1? Perhaps this was his attempt at helping them. Though it was also possible that it was some twisted trick Team 1 threw together to try and get under their skin...or Aldara's skin for that matter.
"I agree that we could all use a break," she says. "We can all benefit from training." She offers a small smile when Akyan asks for help honing his psychic skills, "Our team is getting better, but I think this is a good opportunity to make mistakes before going back into the field."
She pauses again, "I have... questions concerning Team 1... Of course, I hope we will not have to deal with any of them face to face anytime soon, but I must ask. Is it clear how much their abilities have changed since their corruption? You mention that they have increased in power, but I am talking more about their strategies and fighting styles--and their behavior. What I'm trying to ask is... what were their greatest strengths and weaknesses prior to their corruption, and are any of those traits still evident?" She hesitates, hoping that these questions are making sense, "Are they really completely different people then they were before? Or are there pieces of their old selves, habits they've developed that still come through? If not, then are they just puppets, dancing about as Mammon sees fit?"
He may not have pieced it all together in the moment, but reflecting upon it more over the next few days, I think it would be reasonable to conclude that some outside influence was at work, and then he could research how that might be accomplished.
Yes and yes. Gotta use that gold for something!
Mina is surprised when Aldara embraces her. For the most part she never felt worth anything in Aldara's eyes and this takes her aback. As she debriefs them, Mina is honestly surprised by all the information that they receive. All the secrets that were kept from them before never really mattered or shocked her, she figured that was part of the job. But now.. well, it was nice being included in so much with this group.
She visibly relaxes when she is told that there was no reason to doubt anyone on their team. She looks over at Kyrsa and Lyndaran, feeling bad for antagonizing them and questioning motives. As for holding information back, she assumes she means Thamior, but does wonder if others have things as well. But honestly, they are entitled to it and Mina knows she will be there for any of them at any time.
At that last thought, she stands up, smiles at Aldara, "Thank you. For everything. I am sorry that we have now opened new wounds for you by finding Nyblond. Hopefully that mystery will be solved. And the one involving Spar and Duncan and that I do hope they are alright and still on our side."
Once they have been dismissed, she asks, "I would like to try to find out more about my brother if possible. Do you have any recommendations on where I should start? I think it would benefit us all for this to not plague my thoughts once we are back on a mission. Another thing I would like training on is how to pick locks... who can I see for this?" She then turns to Akyan and Tamryn, "unless one of you wants to show me?"