'Or maybe you are disconnected with your ooohhhh so great lord because of the evil thing we removed from your body!' Khessa thinks 'Good to know'.
(OOC: Question 3)
"Continue to answer me, and I will mention to our great lord that, at least in death, you have tried to correct yourself. Perhaps he will no longer feel as disgusted as now by the soul of a miserable and useless failure like you, and will deign to make you feel again his closeness" the blonde arcane warrior's tone betrays no compassion for the unfortunate monk. She is showing her dark side. She likes to show her sunny, optimistic, loving side, usually... But she is also the same woman who sowed death and destruction in the Underdark together with Lord Akkron. She firmly believes in the free will of individuals. This means that, if on the one hand she always tries to offer a possibility of redemption, when it is possible... on the other hand, she does not feel excessively pitying when this is not possible - because the other is still responsible for the choices that he did.
That monk was helping Azash in his crazy conquest plots. Plots that would have caused rivers of blood and death. Perhaps even the end of life as it is now known. No, she doesn't take pity on the monk. This is why she is finding it so easy, to show him all the contempt that a true Zemoch Matriarch would reserve for someone who has disappointed her.
"Tell me about those here who support our great lord, those who did provide you a place to stay and avoid detection prior to your arrival. They are probably the closest allies I can get in touch with" the false Zemoch Matriarch reasons. "How can I meet them?"
The shade responds. "In the Academy of Arcane History, Professor Hisirdoux Casperan is one of ours, here to teach and corrupt wizards in training. He teaches our dark magic and has his students perform the rights to become one of us. He was my contact, and was where I stayed and observed. Our mission here progressing, and he has kept the great lord informed of our progress."
'Oh, what a good person, this Professor Hisirdoux Casperan...' thinks Khessa 'We'll make sure to neutralize him... I think I wouldn't have any big regrets about burning him alive to warm myself in the winter! And with this, the information on the network of spies and contacts was also revealed... What could I ask him again? Ah, yes, of course...'
(OOC: Question 4)
"It's good to know that at least some of us are faithfully adhering to the infallible plans of our dark overlord!" the Zemoch Matriarch directs yet another sharp look of disapproval at the deceased monk "I have also heard of the raids of a dragon, in this land of our pathetic future slaves... I suppose it is another force that our brilliant ruler managed to bring to his side! Do you know anything about this ally?"
The shade responds. "I am afraid mistress I do not, I am not worthy to such information." The dark outline of the shade begins to thicken, to grow into a swirl around the shade into it completely envelopes it. A pair of red eyes appear in the face, a feeling of heavy dread falls across room. Your disguise is removed by an energy that sweeps through the room.
"I see thee and thy companions foolish mortals," a voice comes from the shade. "Do thou think you can thwart my plans, and those of my faithful? You are but worms that I will crush under foot. You will fail, and I shall return once more and gather all into my dominion. Abandon thy quest, run to your homes from where thou came, for I too will soon cast mine eyes upon thy land, and consume it!"
You feel a dark force of energy building, then suddenly a bright white light envelops the shade, and shatter it into nothing. The heavy feeling of dread disappears, the only thing you hear is the soft playing of pipes in the background before it disappears. The heavy feeling leaves you stunned, a feeling that you were for a moment in the grip of something very powerful.
"Second meeting with Azash, for me..." Khessa grunts, recovering from the magical interference "How rude, interrupt us like that!" she jokes "Did he not know that the spell granted us 5 questions, not only 4?"
"Anyway, even if he managed to prevent us from asking the last question," the blonde arcane warrior smiles, satisfied "I dare say that our attempt was a great success! We know that the enemy has now had confirmation that we came here to investigate - and will probably believe that we will stay here. We have discovered that among Azash's allies there are the Ashen Riders - of which our dear Amanises also came to inform us" she nods with a smile at her clestial friend. "We also know that the Trollocs, and their masters are ready to return, and their clans have sworn their fealty once more to Azash. We have discovered that we can denounce and neutralize this old good Professor Hisirdoux Casperan, thus preventing him from continuing to make proselytes (and damage ). Finally, we have the mention of this name 'Ghnomb', which might be important. Not bad! Not bad at all".
Mal instantly responds when the red eyes emerge and grabs her crossbow off her back and brings it up to fire, unfortunately her arms seem to feel heavier than normal and she can not bring the crossbow to bare and fire until after the thing disappears, a bolt slamming into the wall behind where the creature just was.
"Well that went pretty well in my opinion and yes we do have some marching orders, I suggest we take care of this professor now while Maynard and Sparhawk do some research on this Ghnomb thing. If possible I guess we could take this professor," Mal spits out the word as an insult, "alive but that will depend on it."Gesturing for the door with a smirk on her lips, "Shall we, after you my Mistress."
"But I'm not... oh, never mind," Akkron says as the dark god's presence fades. "Anyway, I agree with the consensus... let's start by dealing with that professor. As a teacher who is corrupting students, he's incredibly dangerous and must be eliminated quickly. Ideally, I think we should take him alive so that we can force him to reveal more of his contacts... and as both a professor and an infiltrator, he likely knows more than mere assassins."
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Khessa once again channels the power of the Hat of Disguise that was lent to her... and assumes the form of the deceased monk: "So, even if the professor should see us coming, he should suspect nothing... knowing that I am one of his , if he sees you with me he will conclude that you are allies too".
"Maynard..." the blonde arcane warrior inquires "Do you know this 'Professor Hisirdoux Casperan'? Or do you know at least how we could find him? You know this place much better than us..."
"And now the dead is once again dead," Tyekanik says, adding, "Though it is good that you got some information. Though it is too bad that the trolls have already been brought to his side. It seems like negotiation will have to be done with the axe instead." Clearly not as disappointed as his words would tend to mean. "I'll follow for this professor, though will he really believe we are all on 'his side'?"
Khessa once again channels the power of the Hat of Disguise that was lent to her... and assumes the form of the deceased monk: "So, even if the professor should see us coming, he should suspect nothing... knowing that I am one of his , if he sees you with me he will conclude that you are allies too".
"Maynard..." the blonde arcane warrior inquires "Do you know this 'Professor Hisirdoux Casperan'? Or do you know at least how we could find him? You know this place much better than us..."
Brother Maynard shakes his head. "I don't spend that much time here to know all of the professors, but the shade did mention the department of ancient arcana, perhaps we should go there."
"I hope so, Tyekanik..." the monk into whom Khessa has transformed smiles "First of all, I trust that he is busy with his activities, so he doesn't notice that we are looking for him, until when we are in front of him. But also if he happens to see us from the distance... seeing me, the monk who he himself infiltrated, walking calmly with others, I really hope he doesn't have suspicions about others".
"And as for the trolls, we'll see..." the woman is still hopeful "I still hope that there are ways to change their minds - not excluding that perhaps the axe of the 'Angry Giant' could also be one of those ways".
"Fine then!" she finally accepts Maynard's suggestion "Let's go to the department of ancient arcana and try to ask for him".
As they walk from the room Mal's armor shimmers and changes shape again, to more reflect the trappings worn by monks and the color matches that of Khessa's assumed disguise.
Brother Maynard states, "It wouldn't be prudent if I was seen walking with the dark monk, I'll go see what I can dig up on Gnomb." He leaves and heads off in a different direction. Sparhawk will travel with you to see the professor.
After getting some directions, you make your way to the academy that specializes in magic, and to the department of ancient arcana. When you arrive, the professor is holding class and you find your way to some benches in the back. As you observe and listen, you detect that what he teaches, though subtle, is not aligned with either good or neutral, but have dark undertones.
His lecture is in fact about the ancient forebearers of the Zemochs, the Vigridians and their practice of magic and religion as a combined effort. Recalling what Sparhawk and Sephrenia explained, the ancient Gods required followers to live, and granted powers through it. Not like today's study of sorcery, wizardry, or even necromancy. Sparhawk leans over and whispers, "He is speaking about the worship of Azash, and these block heads have no idea."
As you look around the room, a small group appear in rapture of the lecture, a third appear attentive like good students, and the other third appear bored. Once the lecture is over, the students file out of the room. You catch some of the conversations, between what will they do tonight, or what tavern will they visit. It is a few of the members who seemed more attentive to the lecture pass by that you catch a conversation about a meeting tonight at the usual place.
The professor, looking over his notes, is now alone.
Khessa whispers discreetly to her companions: "Let's approach without haste, then as soon as we have him in melee reach, we tell him that he is under arrest, okay? Obviously ready to hit him, if he rebels... or to cast a spell of silence or paralysis on him".
Unless one of her friends stops her, the blonde arcane warrior - who for now still has the appearance of the monk faithful to Azash - approaches the professor, with a conspiratorial look, holding a piece of paper in her hand, as if she intended let him read it.
Once the tall adventurer (along with anyone who wants to approach with her) is close to the professor, she puts away the paper, takes out the Death Lance, holding it menacingly close to the individual's neck and drops the illusion, declaring: "Professor Hisirdoux Casperan, you are under arrest. As you can see from the good people around you, resistance would be futile".
If the professor actually doesn't resist, while Khessa keeps wath on him, ready to hit him in case of suspicious moves, while Alfred ties him up and gags him. Then she asks Sparhawk: "Will you guide us to a quiet place where we can have a chat like good friends?"
Mal leans in to the group and whispers, "I will be back, going to follow these students and see where they end up." Mal will then start to follow the group of students and when given the opportunity, her armor will once again shift to some garb that resembles what the students are wearing. If the students start to split up she will focus on the one that seems to be the leader of the group.
Stealth: 34
Perception: Rolled a Nat 1 so 9, but with Reliable Talent, becomes an 18.
As soon as Khessa opens her mouth, Akkron casts hold person on the professor to avoid a repeat of what happened with the monk (Wis save, DC 24). If the professor makes his save Akkron will cast silvery barbs to make him roll again, and he'll hope Khessa counterspells the professor's counterspell.
"Search him quickly," the lich says. "Make sure he isn't hiding any poisoned pills like that monk we just finished dealing with. Don't forget to check his teeth... I once saw a hollowed-out false tooth implanted in a man's jaw that would release a poisonous gas if he clenched his teeth in just the right way."
Tyekanik was doing his best to stay in the very back of the lecture room, knowing that his bulk, weapon, lack of most clothing, and tattoos, would make him stick out in a place like this; but that all said, he is good at remaining unseen ((25)) when needed. As his companions approach the professor, he moves forward a bit ready to pounce should it be needed.
As soon as Khessa opens her mouth, Akkron casts hold person on the professor to avoid a repeat of what happened with the monk (Wis save, DC 24). If the professor makes his save Akkron will cast silvery barbs to make him roll again, and he'll hope Khessa counterspells the professor's counterspell.
"Search him quickly," the lich says. "Make sure he isn't hiding any poisoned pills like that monk we just finished dealing with. Don't forget to check his teeth... I once saw a hollowed-out false tooth implanted in a man's jaw that would release a poisonous gas if he clenched his teeth in just the right way."
Yes, Khessa has Counterspell prepared, so she'll use her reaction to counterspell and eventual counterspell by the professor. Wizards have usually good Wis saves, but the DC is high and the barbs should help... If the professor get paralyzed, Khessa proceeds to check him as Akkron advised (while Alfred binds/gags him).
Khessa whispers discreetly to her companions: "Let's approach without haste, then as soon as we have him in melee reach, we tell him that he is under arrest, okay? Obviously ready to hit him, if he rebels... or to cast a spell of silence or paralysis on him".
Unless one of her friends stops her, the blonde arcane warrior - who for now still has the appearance of the monk faithful to Azash - approaches the professor, with a conspiratorial look, holding a piece of paper in her hand, as if she intended let him read it.
Once the tall adventurer (along with anyone who wants to approach with her) is close to the professor, she puts away the paper, takes out the Death Lance, holding it menacingly close to the individual's neck and drops the illusion, declaring: "Professor Hisirdoux Casperan, you are under arrest. As you can see from the good people around you, resistance would be futile".
If the professor actually doesn't resist, while Khessa keeps wath on him, ready to hit him in case of suspicious moves, while Alfred ties him up and gags him. Then she asks Sparhawk: "Will you guide us to a quiet place where we can have a chat like good friends?"
Sparhawk nods. "Back at the Inn is a deep storage cellar that is very stout, and has rooms which muffle sounds, if needed." Sparkhawk shows a cudgel hidden in his cloak. :"I can rap him on the head with this, stop him from using any magic."
As soon as Khessa opens her mouth, Akkron casts hold person on the professor to avoid a repeat of what happened with the monk (Wis save, DC 24). If the professor makes his save Akkron will cast silvery barbs to make him roll again, and he'll hope Khessa counterspells the professor's counterspell.
"Search him quickly," the lich says. "Make sure he isn't hiding any poisoned pills like that monk we just finished dealing with. Don't forget to check his teeth... I once saw a hollowed-out false tooth implanted in a man's jaw that would release a poisonous gas if he clenched his teeth in just the right way."
You approach the professor, who looks up who begins to say, "What are you doing..." as if he was speaking to the dark monk before Akkron's hold spell catches him off guard. Sparhawk walks up and clubs him over the head, knocking him out cold.
"See what you can find here," Sparhawk states, "I'll go fetch us a horse to carry him back to the Inn and down into the basement." Sparhawk takes off in a trot, his cloak billowing out behind him.
What do you do?
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'Or maybe you are disconnected with your ooohhhh so great lord because of the evil thing we removed from your body!' Khessa thinks 'Good to know'.
(OOC: Question 3)
"Continue to answer me, and I will mention to our great lord that, at least in death, you have tried to correct yourself. Perhaps he will no longer feel as disgusted as now by the soul of a miserable and useless failure like you, and will deign to make you feel again his closeness" the blonde arcane warrior's tone betrays no compassion for the unfortunate monk. She is showing her dark side. She likes to show her sunny, optimistic, loving side, usually... But she is also the same woman who sowed death and destruction in the Underdark together with Lord Akkron. She firmly believes in the free will of individuals. This means that, if on the one hand she always tries to offer a possibility of redemption, when it is possible... on the other hand, she does not feel excessively pitying when this is not possible - because the other is still responsible for the choices that he did.
That monk was helping Azash in his crazy conquest plots. Plots that would have caused rivers of blood and death. Perhaps even the end of life as it is now known. No, she doesn't take pity on the monk. This is why she is finding it so easy, to show him all the contempt that a true Zemoch Matriarch would reserve for someone who has disappointed her.
"Tell me about those here who support our great lord, those who did provide you a place to stay and avoid detection prior to your arrival. They are probably the closest allies I can get in touch with" the false Zemoch Matriarch reasons. "How can I meet them?"
The shade responds. "In the Academy of Arcane History, Professor Hisirdoux Casperan is one of ours, here to teach and corrupt wizards in training. He teaches our dark magic and has his students perform the rights to become one of us. He was my contact, and was where I stayed and observed. Our mission here progressing, and he has kept the great lord informed of our progress."
The shade goes quiet.
'Oh, what a good person, this Professor Hisirdoux Casperan...' thinks Khessa 'We'll make sure to neutralize him... I think I wouldn't have any big regrets about burning him alive to warm myself in the winter! And with this, the information on the network of spies and contacts was also revealed... What could I ask him again? Ah, yes, of course...'
(OOC: Question 4)
"It's good to know that at least some of us are faithfully adhering to the infallible plans of our dark overlord!" the Zemoch Matriarch directs yet another sharp look of disapproval at the deceased monk "I have also heard of the raids of a dragon, in this land of our pathetic future slaves... I suppose it is another force that our brilliant ruler managed to bring to his side! Do you know anything about this ally?"
The shade responds. "I am afraid mistress I do not, I am not worthy to such information." The dark outline of the shade begins to thicken, to grow into a swirl around the shade into it completely envelopes it. A pair of red eyes appear in the face, a feeling of heavy dread falls across room. Your disguise is removed by an energy that sweeps through the room.
"I see thee and thy companions foolish mortals," a voice comes from the shade. "Do thou think you can thwart my plans, and those of my faithful? You are but worms that I will crush under foot. You will fail, and I shall return once more and gather all into my dominion. Abandon thy quest, run to your homes from where thou came, for I too will soon cast mine eyes upon thy land, and consume it!"
You feel a dark force of energy building, then suddenly a bright white light envelops the shade, and shatter it into nothing. The heavy feeling of dread disappears, the only thing you hear is the soft playing of pipes in the background before it disappears. The heavy feeling leaves you stunned, a feeling that you were for a moment in the grip of something very powerful.
"Second meeting with Azash, for me..." Khessa grunts, recovering from the magical interference "How rude, interrupt us like that!" she jokes "Did he not know that the spell granted us 5 questions, not only 4?"
"Anyway, even if he managed to prevent us from asking the last question," the blonde arcane warrior smiles, satisfied "I dare say that our attempt was a great success! We know that the enemy has now had confirmation that we came here to investigate - and will probably believe that we will stay here. We have discovered that among Azash's allies there are the Ashen Riders - of which our dear Amanises also came to inform us" she nods with a smile at her clestial friend. "We also know that the Trollocs, and their masters are ready to return, and their clans have sworn their fealty once more to Azash. We have discovered that we can denounce and neutralize this old good Professor Hisirdoux Casperan, thus preventing him from continuing to make proselytes (and damage ). Finally, we have the mention of this name 'Ghnomb', which might be important. Not bad! Not bad at all".
Mal instantly responds when the red eyes emerge and grabs her crossbow off her back and brings it up to fire, unfortunately her arms seem to feel heavier than normal and she can not bring the crossbow to bare and fire until after the thing disappears, a bolt slamming into the wall behind where the creature just was.
"Well that went pretty well in my opinion and yes we do have some marching orders, I suggest we take care of this professor now while Maynard and Sparhawk do some research on this Ghnomb thing. If possible I guess we could take this professor," Mal spits out the word as an insult, "alive but that will depend on it." Gesturing for the door with a smirk on her lips, "Shall we, after you my Mistress."
"But I'm not... oh, never mind," Akkron says as the dark god's presence fades. "Anyway, I agree with the consensus... let's start by dealing with that professor. As a teacher who is corrupting students, he's incredibly dangerous and must be eliminated quickly. Ideally, I think we should take him alive so that we can force him to reveal more of his contacts... and as both a professor and an infiltrator, he likely knows more than mere assassins."
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Khessa once again channels the power of the Hat of Disguise that was lent to her... and assumes the form of the deceased monk: "So, even if the professor should see us coming, he should suspect nothing... knowing that I am one of his , if he sees you with me he will conclude that you are allies too".
"Maynard..." the blonde arcane warrior inquires "Do you know this 'Professor Hisirdoux Casperan'? Or do you know at least how we could find him? You know this place much better than us..."
"And now the dead is once again dead," Tyekanik says, adding, "Though it is good that you got some information. Though it is too bad that the trolls have already been brought to his side. It seems like negotiation will have to be done with the axe instead." Clearly not as disappointed as his words would tend to mean. "I'll follow for this professor, though will he really believe we are all on 'his side'?"
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Brother Maynard shakes his head. "I don't spend that much time here to know all of the professors, but the shade did mention the department of ancient arcana, perhaps we should go there."
"I hope so, Tyekanik..." the monk into whom Khessa has transformed smiles "First of all, I trust that he is busy with his activities, so he doesn't notice that we are looking for him, until when we are in front of him. But also if he happens to see us from the distance... seeing me, the monk who he himself infiltrated, walking calmly with others, I really hope he doesn't have suspicions about others".
"And as for the trolls, we'll see..." the woman is still hopeful "I still hope that there are ways to change their minds - not excluding that perhaps the axe of the 'Angry Giant' could also be one of those ways".
"Fine then!" she finally accepts Maynard's suggestion "Let's go to the department of ancient arcana and try to ask for him".
As they walk from the room Mal's armor shimmers and changes shape again, to more reflect the trappings worn by monks and the color matches that of Khessa's assumed disguise.
Brother Maynard states, "It wouldn't be prudent if I was seen walking with the dark monk, I'll go see what I can dig up on Gnomb." He leaves and heads off in a different direction. Sparhawk will travel with you to see the professor.
After getting some directions, you make your way to the academy that specializes in magic, and to the department of ancient arcana. When you arrive, the professor is holding class and you find your way to some benches in the back. As you observe and listen, you detect that what he teaches, though subtle, is not aligned with either good or neutral, but have dark undertones.
His lecture is in fact about the ancient forebearers of the Zemochs, the Vigridians and their practice of magic and religion as a combined effort. Recalling what Sparhawk and Sephrenia explained, the ancient Gods required followers to live, and granted powers through it. Not like today's study of sorcery, wizardry, or even necromancy. Sparhawk leans over and whispers, "He is speaking about the worship of Azash, and these block heads have no idea."
As you look around the room, a small group appear in rapture of the lecture, a third appear attentive like good students, and the other third appear bored. Once the lecture is over, the students file out of the room. You catch some of the conversations, between what will they do tonight, or what tavern will they visit. It is a few of the members who seemed more attentive to the lecture pass by that you catch a conversation about a meeting tonight at the usual place.
The professor, looking over his notes, is now alone.
Khessa whispers discreetly to her companions: "Let's approach without haste, then as soon as we have him in melee reach, we tell him that he is under arrest, okay? Obviously ready to hit him, if he rebels... or to cast a spell of silence or paralysis on him".
Unless one of her friends stops her, the blonde arcane warrior - who for now still has the appearance of the monk faithful to Azash - approaches the professor, with a conspiratorial look, holding a piece of paper in her hand, as if she intended let him read it.
Once the tall adventurer (along with anyone who wants to approach with her) is close to the professor, she puts away the paper, takes out the Death Lance, holding it menacingly close to the individual's neck and drops the illusion, declaring: "Professor Hisirdoux Casperan, you are under arrest. As you can see from the good people around you, resistance would be futile".
If the professor actually doesn't resist, while Khessa keeps wath on him, ready to hit him in case of suspicious moves, while Alfred ties him up and gags him. Then she asks Sparhawk: "Will you guide us to a quiet place where we can have a chat like good friends?"
Mal leans in to the group and whispers, "I will be back, going to follow these students and see where they end up." Mal will then start to follow the group of students and when given the opportunity, her armor will once again shift to some garb that resembles what the students are wearing. If the students start to split up she will focus on the one that seems to be the leader of the group.
Stealth: 34
Perception: Rolled a Nat 1 so 9, but with Reliable Talent, becomes an 18.
As soon as Khessa opens her mouth, Akkron casts hold person on the professor to avoid a repeat of what happened with the monk (Wis save, DC 24). If the professor makes his save Akkron will cast silvery barbs to make him roll again, and he'll hope Khessa counterspells the professor's counterspell.
"Search him quickly," the lich says. "Make sure he isn't hiding any poisoned pills like that monk we just finished dealing with. Don't forget to check his teeth... I once saw a hollowed-out false tooth implanted in a man's jaw that would release a poisonous gas if he clenched his teeth in just the right way."
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Tyekanik was doing his best to stay in the very back of the lecture room, knowing that his bulk, weapon, lack of most clothing, and tattoos, would make him stick out in a place like this; but that all said, he is good at remaining unseen ((25)) when needed. As his companions approach the professor, he moves forward a bit ready to pounce should it be needed.
PbP 🎲: Tyekanik; Moneo Noree; Korba Muris; & occasional DM:
Yes, Khessa has Counterspell prepared, so she'll use her reaction to counterspell and eventual counterspell by the professor. Wizards have usually good Wis saves, but the DC is high and the barbs should help... If the professor get paralyzed, Khessa proceeds to check him as Akkron advised (while Alfred binds/gags him).
Sparhawk nods. "Back at the Inn is a deep storage cellar that is very stout, and has rooms which muffle sounds, if needed." Sparkhawk shows a cudgel hidden in his cloak. :"I can rap him on the head with this, stop him from using any magic."
You approach the professor, who looks up who begins to say, "What are you doing..." as if he was speaking to the dark monk before Akkron's hold spell catches him off guard. Sparhawk walks up and clubs him over the head, knocking him out cold.
"See what you can find here," Sparhawk states, "I'll go fetch us a horse to carry him back to the Inn and down into the basement." Sparhawk takes off in a trot, his cloak billowing out behind him.