Duwamilly certainly worries about Godrick's condition... and, unless visiting him convinces her that being isolated is better for him, she invites him to get some fresh air with her on the deck.
Furthermore, when the gnome cleric gets a feeling that the spy knows something... something terrible... but he could not speak it to you even if he wanted to... she tries to think of something and to bring together all the Accursed to talk about it: "Kids! Have you also had the impression that the spy is aware of some terrible secret? If you agree, I would like to try to Have him reveal it to me!"
"With a spell, I can take on the appearance of Firion - almost" the ex-Preceptor explains. "I can't get tall enough, unfortunately. But if I only show myself by looking out the door, so that the spy only sees my face, maybe it could work. Especially if someone holds me momentarily on their shoulder, so that my head is at the right height. The spy won't be able to talk about Firion's plans with others... but obviously he can with him, right? So, if I can make him believe I'm Firion... What do you think? Let's try? Even if it doesn't work, we wouldn't be in a worse situation than now..."
"...The spy won't be able to talk about Firion's plans with others... but obviously he can with him, right? So, if I can make him believe I'm Firion... What do you think? Let's try? Even if it doesn't work, we wouldn't be in a worse situation than now..."
"That's not a terrible plan, but it's not harmless either. If we try and fail, we may sour them on the idea of helping us if and when they are free to do so. Also, I'm no expert on magic but does it matter wether or not they believe they're breaking the geas? We may trick the spy but is that all it takes to trick the spell?"
"You're right Delvindra, we may sour them on the idea of helping us..." Duwamilly admits "Thank you for pointing this out, I hadn't thought about it. On the other hand, I always remembered it in my classes... it's from sharing and confrontation that the best ideas come out. So, yes, we have that possible disadvantage. But what if there really is a grave danger awaiting us? In that case, knowing more could be an advantage... maybe a life-saving advantage".
"Whether Geas can intervene in this case, I don't know..." the ex-Preceptor shrugs "I taught general knowledge, with a slight personal preference for History, not Magic... It depends on whether it is a spell that influences the mind... in which case, I would say that if the victim's mind is deceived, then the spell should not intervene... or if it is a spell capable of detecting objective conditions... in which case, detecting that I am not Firion, the spell could still prevent the spy from revealing anything".
"Despite your well founded observation, Delvindra, honey," concludes the gnome cleric "I personally would still propose to try, because the impression the spy gives me is really bad... so I think the advantage of being able to know more is more important than the disadvantage of sour the spy - to which we could try to justify our deception at a later time. But all of you also have your say, please; that's what we're here for".
[[ OOC: If someone makes checks to try to understand whether the proposed expedient can bypass Geas or not, Planerunner tries to help them think (giving Advantage) and guide them (+1d4 to the roll). ]]
(Didi is in no way qualified to attempt this check. She's voiced her concerns but is willing to go along with the majority opinion without much further protest.)
Yasmina would reluctantly attend the meeting called by the ex-preceptor, not being aware that their prisoner would hold some terrible secret, but then again she would assume he has meny terrible secrets. "Are you saying you think the prisoner has a terrible secret that is so terrible that we need to find out about it now, before we seek the lich's help with making him speak freely?"She asks the gnome, trying to understand why the urgency. "I suppose he could be aware that Firion plans to sink the ship before it reaches the Shaded Isle but if that is the case we can maybe suggest to Captain Fox to take another route there. About the plan I can't see why the agent however stupid he might be will believe that Firion will come here in person but just stick his head through the door." She says shaking her head at the plan. "And even if he for some reason believed he spoke with Firion, what would Firion say to make him divulge the secret?"She continues, leaning back by a wall with her arms crossed over her chest, seeming very skeptical to the whole thing.
"It's difficult to make hypotheses based on such vague clues..." admits Duwamilly "It's one thing to have the impression that the victim has a terrible secret, it's another to make precise hypotheses about what that secret is. I suspect it could be knowledge of a move by Firion against us... but I admit that I have no idea what move it could be".
"What would Firion say to make him divulge the secret?" the ex-Preceptor reflects "The first idea that comes to mind is to make Firion behave with disdain towards the spy who allowed himself to be captured, first scolding him... then asking him if at least 'he remembers what the plan is' and ordering him to repeat it 'to check that he really remembers it'. But it's just the first idea that comes to my mind - I know that you are smart, kids; young and fresh minds think well. We can reflect on it together and improve it".
"Unless," the gnome cleric shrugs "we prefer not to do the attempt and simply wait for events. As far as I am concerned, what we all decide together is fine".
The red-haired Half-Elf nods as she listens, seeming to at least mostly agree with what Milly says. "I still think we should work on the plan on how to make the agent believe it is Firion contacting him, seeing him sticking his head out from behind a door would not convince me at least. Also, what if it is not a plan that he is supposed to execute, why would Firion discuss it with him at all if it is a planned attack on the ship?" She continues, but seeming less skeptical and more in a constructive mood. "If you think it could help I can create illusions of images and sounds, perhaps that is easier, me replicating Firion's image and his voice. Also I can place a hex on him, making him more susceptible to lies."
Godrick suddenly lurches around the corner. Bags under his eyes, and looking entirely unlike himself, he walks towards you, averting everyone's gaze.
In one hand, you notice him holding Wyvern's staff, with the anti-invisibility lantern hooked on his pinky finger. In the other, you see him holding some clothes... Wyvern's clothes.
"She's gone. She's gone and it's Firion's fault. I've been in a state of semi-hibernation in my room, which happens to me after suppressing my rage. When I woke up and turned to look for Wyvern, all I found were her clothes. But she's in this staff. I can still hear her. As well as this GOD FORSAKEN WITCH!!!"
Godrick's body starts twitching violently, which Yasmina and Delvindra would recognize as his panic attack.
"The witch is telling me that I can free Wyvern if I follow her demands, to stop Firion. And right now, that's to interrogate that spy. If any of you try to stop me, I will burn this ship down. I will be going with the original plan I made with Milly..."
Godrick pauses, as if listening to someone for a moment.
"Apparently though, there is room for compromise. The witch says that I may bring one other person into the room with me, under the same pretext. I am inclined to choose Milly, but she says you must choose amongst yourselves. But I am no longer as patient as I was with Wyvern around, so I will not wait long."
You all see how dead serious he is, and the ferral look returns to his eyes, revealing how dangerous Godrick could become if not kept content. You also have a feeling that the possibility of getting Wyvern back, is the only thing driving him, and keeping him sane/going into a rage.
"Great, Yasmina!" Duwamilly approves "If you can actually create the illusion of Firion, that's even better... We could make 'Firion' appear in the prisoner's room, as if he had teleported there".
"I agree that, if it's a plan in which the spy doesn't play a role, questioning him about it may seem strange..." the ex-Preceptor observes "However, let's also remember that Firion is certainly not a tender master. I hope that the spy will be scared, to be found by his master in such an embarrassing position... captured by those he was supposed to spy on! Perhaps he will be more focused on quickly pleasing him, than on reflecting on the reasons for his requests. I count on the fact that his fear pushes him to answer first - before he can think too much".
But then Godrick arrives, with his shocking news and the gnome cleric looks at him worried: "Wyvern... in the staff?! It must be terrible, honey... But let's not lose our temper, now! Of course we will stop Firion - especially because, if we don't, he'll never stop hunting us. But speaking of stopping him... why do you think the plan we're making can't work? Do you think the spy won't believe that Firion teleported to ask him to account for his actions, when he stopped reporting to him? Yesterday's plan, to induce the spy to pass false information to Firion, had been made in the absence of better ideas... Don't you think that instead being able to trick the spy into revealing Firion's imminent plan will be even better?"
Delvindra casts a side-eye look at the ranting Dragonborn and subtly removed her ring, fully prepared to put down the deranged creature with any force necessary if he offers so much as the hint of a threat to her companions...
"Don't you DARE tell me to not lose my temper! Wyvern's the only family I had left who would stand up for me! And now she's gone to. Either way, the Witch thinks the same way Firion does. I quote her when I say "Why would Firion come visit some lowly peasant himself. If anything, he'd send his underlings." Anyway, I don't plan on having him send the message. I plan on convincing him that I'm on his side, and then send a message to Firion myself. He hasn't met me before, so he doesn't know who I am. I will claim to be in league with the spy, and then 'take over his mission,' as he is no longer capable of completing his task."
Delvindra Banishes the rampaging Dragonborn, only mildly interested in wether he will return to his current position in the ship or in his current position above the ocean behind them when the spell's duration wears off...
(Totally expected to get booted for PvP, and that's fair, but something had to be done about Godrick's BS. The jester irritated me but I have not interest in humoring a character that's a bully. On the plus side, Architect, it's a Charisma save DC 16. You'll probably pass.)
There is stunned silence for a few moments after one of the passengers brazenly threatened to kill everyone, and another banished the first to another plane of existence.
A minute later, you realize that Godrik isn't coming back. Perhaps he was from a different plane of existence and was simply sent back to where he came from. Or perhaps he re-appeared above the ocean where the ship was moments before. Either way... it's doubtful that you're going to see him again.
The cursed staff that his cousin once wielded lies on the deck... and it almost seems to be calling to those who remain to come and claim it as their own. Several crew members are openly staring in shock at the scene... too confused to react. But, after a few moments, the Captain appears.
"Would someone care to explain what happened this time?" he asks, his tone carefully controlled.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
At first Delvindra approaches the situation with a casual detachment. After a minute she looks confused. At ninety seconds she's clearly worried. By the two minute mark she's near catatonic as she stares intently at the spot where Godrick was, as if willing him to return.
This time Duwamilly has had enough and leaves the kids to explain the wisdom of their actions themselves (if only because, perhaps, at least they, will be able to find wisdom in their actions - and explain it). As far as the Staff is concerned, it can easily go to Nine Hells. People could have died if someone had set fire to the ship. And maybe at least one person actually died, since someone else made him disappear (in a way that the ex-Preceptor isn't too interested in understanding at the moment) and he never reappeared. It all seems so... wrong.
'But... who do I find myself traveling with?!' the gnome cleric thinks, while taking long steps across the deck of the ship ('long' for a 3'-gnome - tiny for the rest of the crew) 'Good choice I have... I can travel alone, and be killed by that exalted Firion, when he finally finds me... Or I can stay with this gang of murderers, hoping that in the meantime none of them decides to kill me... Or that they do not kill each other...'
As in all moments of difficulty, the gnome cleric gathers briefly in prayer, at the bow, while the wind that tastes like salt blows on her face. 'Grant me but a fraction of thy wit, sire. It is all one could need'. Garl Glittergold is not long in coming and soon optimism and good humor begin to flourish in her soul again. 'Probably, it's not all their fault... These kids must be really devastated by the curses they have to endure... It's the curses' fault that Wyvern was absorbed by the Staff. It's the curses' fault that Godrick had that transformation. It's the curses' fault that Delvindra was pushed to eliminate him. I can't abandon kids who are bearing a burden like this. I will continue to try to help them get rid of their curses. I'll bring them safely to Lord Akkron, so they will have some help. And maybe me too'.
Now that she's more relaxed, she even thinks of a joke:
In class, a gnome teacher asked her students what was something good that they did today.
The first kid says "I gave money to a homeless man"
The second kid says "I helped my mom with the chores"
The third kid says "I helped a lady fetch water from the well"
The teacher was very impressed and had high hopes for the fourth kid
The fourth kid then says "I prevented a murder"
The teacher amazed, asked the kid how
He replies with "Self Control"
"Yes," Planerunner is now speaking aloud, without realizing it "self control. That's what has been missing. Now, all that remains is the problem of having it acquired by a gang of reckless kids who probably intend to continue causing trouble by doing their own thing and do not listen to anyone... But that's okay, one problem at a time".
Duwamilly goes to check if Fox is done being delighted by the kids' exploits - because if the captain is done and now he has a moment, she would like to talk to him. (If not, she waits).
Duwamilly certainly worries about Godrick's condition... and, unless visiting him convinces her that being isolated is better for him, she invites him to get some fresh air with her on the deck.
Furthermore, when the gnome cleric gets a feeling that the spy knows something... something terrible... but he could not speak it to you even if he wanted to... she tries to think of something and to bring together all the Accursed to talk about it: "Kids! Have you also had the impression that the spy is aware of some terrible secret? If you agree, I would like to try to Have him reveal it to me!"
"With a spell, I can take on the appearance of Firion - almost" the ex-Preceptor explains. "I can't get tall enough, unfortunately. But if I only show myself by looking out the door, so that the spy only sees my face, maybe it could work. Especially if someone holds me momentarily on their shoulder, so that my head is at the right height. The spy won't be able to talk about Firion's plans with others... but obviously he can with him, right? So, if I can make him believe I'm Firion... What do you think? Let's try? Even if it doesn't work, we wouldn't be in a worse situation than now..."
Duwamilly's Medicine (to assess if Godrick is better left to rest or invited to deck): 21
You get the feeling that it would be very good for him to get him out of his room, but he has a reluctance to leave. He'll need some convincing.
-Archie
"That's not a terrible plan, but it's not harmless either. If we try and fail, we may sour them on the idea of helping us if and when they are free to do so. Also, I'm no expert on magic but does it matter wether or not they believe they're breaking the geas? We may trick the spy but is that all it takes to trick the spell?"
"You're right Delvindra, we may sour them on the idea of helping us..." Duwamilly admits "Thank you for pointing this out, I hadn't thought about it. On the other hand, I always remembered it in my classes... it's from sharing and confrontation that the best ideas come out. So, yes, we have that possible disadvantage. But what if there really is a grave danger awaiting us? In that case, knowing more could be an advantage... maybe a life-saving advantage".
"Whether Geas can intervene in this case, I don't know..." the ex-Preceptor shrugs "I taught general knowledge, with a slight personal preference for History, not Magic... It depends on whether it is a spell that influences the mind... in which case, I would say that if the victim's mind is deceived, then the spell should not intervene... or if it is a spell capable of detecting objective conditions... in which case, detecting that I am not Firion, the spell could still prevent the spy from revealing anything".
"Despite your well founded observation, Delvindra, honey," concludes the gnome cleric "I personally would still propose to try, because the impression the spy gives me is really bad... so I think the advantage of being able to know more is more important than the disadvantage of sour the spy - to which we could try to justify our deception at a later time. But all of you also have your say, please; that's what we're here for".
[[ OOC: If someone makes checks to try to understand whether the proposed expedient can bypass Geas or not, Planerunner tries to help them think (giving Advantage) and guide them (+1d4 to the roll). ]]
(Didi is in no way qualified to attempt this check. She's voiced her concerns but is willing to go along with the majority opinion without much further protest.)
Yasmina would reluctantly attend the meeting called by the ex-preceptor, not being aware that their prisoner would hold some terrible secret, but then again she would assume he has meny terrible secrets. "Are you saying you think the prisoner has a terrible secret that is so terrible that we need to find out about it now, before we seek the lich's help with making him speak freely?" She asks the gnome, trying to understand why the urgency. "I suppose he could be aware that Firion plans to sink the ship before it reaches the Shaded Isle but if that is the case we can maybe suggest to Captain Fox to take another route there. About the plan I can't see why the agent however stupid he might be will believe that Firion will come here in person but just stick his head through the door." She says shaking her head at the plan. "And even if he for some reason believed he spoke with Firion, what would Firion say to make him divulge the secret?" She continues, leaning back by a wall with her arms crossed over her chest, seeming very skeptical to the whole thing.
"It's difficult to make hypotheses based on such vague clues..." admits Duwamilly "It's one thing to have the impression that the victim has a terrible secret, it's another to make precise hypotheses about what that secret is. I suspect it could be knowledge of a move by Firion against us... but I admit that I have no idea what move it could be".
"What would Firion say to make him divulge the secret?" the ex-Preceptor reflects "The first idea that comes to mind is to make Firion behave with disdain towards the spy who allowed himself to be captured, first scolding him... then asking him if at least 'he remembers what the plan is' and ordering him to repeat it 'to check that he really remembers it'. But it's just the first idea that comes to my mind - I know that you are smart, kids; young and fresh minds think well. We can reflect on it together and improve it".
"Unless," the gnome cleric shrugs "we prefer not to do the attempt and simply wait for events. As far as I am concerned, what we all decide together is fine".
The red-haired Half-Elf nods as she listens, seeming to at least mostly agree with what Milly says. "I still think we should work on the plan on how to make the agent believe it is Firion contacting him, seeing him sticking his head out from behind a door would not convince me at least. Also, what if it is not a plan that he is supposed to execute, why would Firion discuss it with him at all if it is a planned attack on the ship?" She continues, but seeming less skeptical and more in a constructive mood. "If you think it could help I can create illusions of images and sounds, perhaps that is easier, me replicating Firion's image and his voice. Also I can place a hex on him, making him more susceptible to lies."
"None of what you're saying would work."
Godrick suddenly lurches around the corner. Bags under his eyes, and looking entirely unlike himself, he walks towards you, averting everyone's gaze.
In one hand, you notice him holding Wyvern's staff, with the anti-invisibility lantern hooked on his pinky finger. In the other, you see him holding some clothes... Wyvern's clothes.
"She's gone. She's gone and it's Firion's fault. I've been in a state of semi-hibernation in my room, which happens to me after suppressing my rage. When I woke up and turned to look for Wyvern, all I found were her clothes. But she's in this staff. I can still hear her. As well as this GOD FORSAKEN WITCH!!!"
Godrick's body starts twitching violently, which Yasmina and Delvindra would recognize as his panic attack.
"The witch is telling me that I can free Wyvern if I follow her demands, to stop Firion. And right now, that's to interrogate that spy. If any of you try to stop me, I will burn this ship down. I will be going with the original plan I made with Milly..."
Godrick pauses, as if listening to someone for a moment.
"Apparently though, there is room for compromise. The witch says that I may bring one other person into the room with me, under the same pretext. I am inclined to choose Milly, but she says you must choose amongst yourselves. But I am no longer as patient as I was with Wyvern around, so I will not wait long."
You all see how dead serious he is, and the ferral look returns to his eyes, revealing how dangerous Godrick could become if not kept content. You also have a feeling that the possibility of getting Wyvern back, is the only thing driving him, and keeping him sane/going into a rage.
-Archie
"Great, Yasmina!" Duwamilly approves "If you can actually create the illusion of Firion, that's even better... We could make 'Firion' appear in the prisoner's room, as if he had teleported there".
"I agree that, if it's a plan in which the spy doesn't play a role, questioning him about it may seem strange..." the ex-Preceptor observes "However, let's also remember that Firion is certainly not a tender master. I hope that the spy will be scared, to be found by his master in such an embarrassing position... captured by those he was supposed to spy on! Perhaps he will be more focused on quickly pleasing him, than on reflecting on the reasons for his requests. I count on the fact that his fear pushes him to answer first - before he can think too much".
But then Godrick arrives, with his shocking news and the gnome cleric looks at him worried: "Wyvern... in the staff?! It must be terrible, honey... But let's not lose our temper, now! Of course we will stop Firion - especially because, if we don't, he'll never stop hunting us. But speaking of stopping him... why do you think the plan we're making can't work? Do you think the spy won't believe that Firion teleported to ask him to account for his actions, when he stopped reporting to him? Yesterday's plan, to induce the spy to pass false information to Firion, had been made in the absence of better ideas... Don't you think that instead being able to trick the spy into revealing Firion's imminent plan will be even better?"
Delvindra casts a side-eye look at the ranting Dragonborn and subtly removed her ring, fully prepared to put down the deranged creature with any force necessary if he offers so much as the hint of a threat to her companions...
"Don't you DARE tell me to not lose my temper! Wyvern's the only family I had left who would stand up for me! And now she's gone to. Either way, the Witch thinks the same way Firion does. I quote her when I say "Why would Firion come visit some lowly peasant himself. If anything, he'd send his underlings." Anyway, I don't plan on having him send the message. I plan on convincing him that I'm on his side, and then send a message to Firion myself. He hasn't met me before, so he doesn't know who I am. I will claim to be in league with the spy, and then 'take over his mission,' as he is no longer capable of completing his task."
-Archie
Delvindra Banishes the rampaging Dragonborn, only mildly interested in wether he will return to his current position in the ship or in his current position above the ocean behind them when the spell's duration wears off...
(Totally expected to get booted for PvP, and that's fair, but something had to be done about Godrick's BS. The jester irritated me but I have not interest in humoring a character that's a bully. On the plus side, Architect, it's a Charisma save DC 16. You'll probably pass.)
15
XD that's hilarious
-Archie
Without warning, the Dragonborn disappears. And not in the normal way he disappears... he actually vanishes from existence.
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"We should probably have a plan to restrain him when he gets back, before he gets himself hurt."
There is stunned silence for a few moments after one of the passengers brazenly threatened to kill everyone, and another banished the first to another plane of existence.
A minute later, you realize that Godrik isn't coming back. Perhaps he was from a different plane of existence and was simply sent back to where he came from. Or perhaps he re-appeared above the ocean where the ship was moments before. Either way... it's doubtful that you're going to see him again.
The cursed staff that his cousin once wielded lies on the deck... and it almost seems to be calling to those who remain to come and claim it as their own. Several crew members are openly staring in shock at the scene... too confused to react. But, after a few moments, the Captain appears.
"Would someone care to explain what happened this time?" he asks, his tone carefully controlled.
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At first Delvindra approaches the situation with a casual detachment. After a minute she looks confused. At ninety seconds she's clearly worried. By the two minute mark she's near catatonic as she stares intently at the spot where Godrick was, as if willing him to return.
This time Duwamilly has had enough and leaves the kids to explain the wisdom of their actions themselves (if only because, perhaps, at least they, will be able to find wisdom in their actions - and explain it). As far as the Staff is concerned, it can easily go to Nine Hells. People could have died if someone had set fire to the ship. And maybe at least one person actually died, since someone else made him disappear (in a way that the ex-Preceptor isn't too interested in understanding at the moment) and he never reappeared. It all seems so... wrong.
'But... who do I find myself traveling with?!' the gnome cleric thinks, while taking long steps across the deck of the ship ('long' for a 3'-gnome - tiny for the rest of the crew) 'Good choice I have... I can travel alone, and be killed by that exalted Firion, when he finally finds me... Or I can stay with this gang of murderers, hoping that in the meantime none of them decides to kill me... Or that they do not kill each other...'
As in all moments of difficulty, the gnome cleric gathers briefly in prayer, at the bow, while the wind that tastes like salt blows on her face. 'Grant me but a fraction of thy wit, sire. It is all one could need'. Garl Glittergold is not long in coming and soon optimism and good humor begin to flourish in her soul again. 'Probably, it's not all their fault... These kids must be really devastated by the curses they have to endure... It's the curses' fault that Wyvern was absorbed by the Staff. It's the curses' fault that Godrick had that transformation. It's the curses' fault that Delvindra was pushed to eliminate him. I can't abandon kids who are bearing a burden like this. I will continue to try to help them get rid of their curses. I'll bring them safely to Lord Akkron, so they will have some help. And maybe me too'.
Now that she's more relaxed, she even thinks of a joke:
In class, a gnome teacher asked her students what was something good that they did today.
The first kid says "I gave money to a homeless man"
The second kid says "I helped my mom with the chores"
The third kid says "I helped a lady fetch water from the well"
The teacher was very impressed and had high hopes for the fourth kid
The fourth kid then says "I prevented a murder"
The teacher amazed, asked the kid how
He replies with "Self Control"
"Yes," Planerunner is now speaking aloud, without realizing it "self control. That's what has been missing. Now, all that remains is the problem of having it acquired by a gang of reckless kids who probably intend to continue causing trouble by doing their own thing and do not listen to anyone... But that's okay, one problem at a time".
Duwamilly goes to check if Fox is done being delighted by the kids' exploits - because if the captain is done and now he has a moment, she would like to talk to him. (If not, she waits).