Khessa finally, under the patient guidance of Elias, who already knows the arcane arts, manages to gain enough understanding of the contents of the spellbook to, at the end of the exciting night, be able to cast a real spell!
"Elias, you try it too, it works!" the blonde arcane warrior excitedly beats against the invisible (but unbreakable) surface of the Shield that she was finally able to create out of thin air! "I did it! I can finally cast spells too! We did it!" she quickly corrects herself, her blue eyes shining with euphoria "All thanks to you!" before even realizing what she is doing, she hugs the young wizard - and instructor - and kisses him impulsively.
"Now we must rest!" the tall adventuress is beaming, as she retrieves the no longer entirely mysterious tome "Tomorrow I want to have a fresh mind to memorize the spells well with that procedure that you explained to me so well. I... I don't know how to thank you Elias..." those blue eyes look at him grateful and adoring "You are unique!"
After being given the information about the Bathhouse and the routine (and toughness) of the Cultists of the Dead Three, Khessa, still very excited, tells that she has finally learned to master magic, as she has been trying to do for a long time, and suggests: "If they are such tough customers, perhaps we could try to surprise them. Percy could spy on them without arousing suspicion, while they act at night. We could follow one of them, one of high rank, possibly, and, when he is alone, set a trap for him, attack him by surprise and overwhelm him. After that, I, among the spells that I have 'inherited', have one that could allow me to take on the appearance of our victim... I could pretend to be him and, entering their base, present you as new allies. Then perhaps we could surprise them all again. Eliminate them more easily, perhaps one by one. Isn't that better, rather than simply storming their base? What do you think, friends?"
Khessa asleep on the bed,Percy perched on the window seal and Elias in the floor next to. The bed, his spell book open before him papers with arcane notes laying haphazardly around him. Something is blocking him from the task at hand, in frustration he leans back against the and sighs. Then he notices Khessa's shadow on the wall. He watches, taking in the delicate features, watching as her chest rises and falls with every breath. With no effort, she breathes in and out on instinct. That's it, he realizes. I've been trying too hard. Watching her breath he matches her breathing, in, out...in, out...closing his eyes he lets his emotions reach out, mixing with the arcane force that surrounds everything living being the focuses it on his spell book. Literally pouring his emotions, now racing with the events of the night, and the arcane energy swirling like a monsoon around him, all focused on his spell book. He can see it in his minds eye as the spell book opens of it's own accord, hoovering above his lap. Exhausted, Elias drifts off to sleep, as he does, he a voice in his head, that of his spell book, good night master Elias...
Day two
Not quite sure how Khessa got out of his room without awakening him, Elias grabs his spell book and heads down stairs for a bite and to catch up with his friends. That's an excellent idea. In the mean time, I could actually use a bath, and maybe some scouting around while I'm there. Might actually be best if we went as a group. Or, since we are deputies of the flaming fist, might be time for the flaming fist to preform an inspection of the place?
When ELIAS leaves his room, he will see that the Baldur's Bones tables are still busy. The games have likely been going on all night.
When he goes downstairs, he will find the Elfsong Tavern less busy. The Bartender Alan is not behind the bar. Instead, it is a testy looking human that looks directly at the young Wizard when he approaches the bar, "We have our bread pudding and black wine for breakfast. If you want it, that'll be a silver." (OOC - The Black Wine is known in other realms as Coffee.)
A stout yet attractive Halfling appears to be running around handling the serving needs.
(I will continue with idle matters until the party is fully ready to take whatever action desired at the Bathhouse.)
At some point in time during day one, KAZZ will approach ELIAS with the ring he found on the pirate captain.
”Not sure if there’s anything more to this but I was wondering if it might have an enchantment of some sort on it? Didn’t really seem to be Dead-Dye’s style”
KAZZ had kept to himself for the remainder of the day. He felt luck had a fair bit to do with their success to date and hoped a plan would be formulated before the next actions are taken.
Remembering the ring from Jazz I'll move to a table. Setting up to cast detect magic as a ritual, mage hand hold my spell book which flips open to correct page at a thought, magical quill appears in my hand has I cast the spell.
RAHIMA wakes up on the Lower Deck with a massive hangover. Her perfume has worn off. Thicket is snoring nearby. It is time for this exotic Cleric to leave and quickly. She asked for a little guidance from above and is able to depart the ship without anyone noticing or caring. She makes her way to the Elfsong Tavern as the first rays of light shine over the Dusthawk Hill. When she reaches the Tavern, she takes a deep breath as though she had been underwater for far too long.
(@ the Elfsong Tavern – Taking a little liberty here with the timing of things.)
The man behind the bar ask ELIAS to show his room key. When the young Wizard produces it, he says, “No. That doesn’t come with breakfast. Do you want breakfast or not?” (The man doesn’t have Alan’s grace.)
ELIAS moves to a table with only one other Patron. He simply nods at the young Wizard. TAZZAVUR joins ELIAS as the young Wizard begins his Ritual.
RAHIMA, looking a little worse for wear, enters the Tavern. She sees the Dragonborn Fighter and Wizard and takes a seat at the table.
The Halfling comes to the table and looks at RAHIMA, “You’re early today. Breakfast? Bread Pudding OK?”
“Yes please,” the exotic Cleric responds. “The pudding has maple syrup and salted almonds on top. Delicious!”
When ELIAS completes the Ritual he will determine that the ring does not have any magical qualities.
yes and thank to the breakfast question. Sorry Kazz, just a regular old ring, looks to worth a copper or two, give him a sly smile and hand the ring back. Ah sister Rahima, come have a seat. my spell book will close up and the mage hand will stow it in my back.
Not quite sure how Khessa got out of his room without awakening him, Elias grabs his spell book and heads down stairs for a bite and to catch up with his friends. That's an excellent idea. In the mean time, I could actually use a bath, and maybe some scouting around while I'm there. Might actually be best if we went as a group. Or, since we are deputies of the flaming fist, might be time for the flaming fist to preform an inspection of the place?
Khessa is beaming at seeing Elias again: "Good morning! I woke up early, as often happens to me... you know, habit... work in the fields... So I came here to train and study without disturbing you, you were sleeping so well..."
"If we could get reinforcements from the Flaming Fist," the blonde arcane warrior ponders the young mage's words "I wouldn't use them in an inspection, which could make the Dead Three Cultists more suspicious or put them on the defensive. I would rather bring the reinforcements with us - obviously inconspicuously, incognito - at the moment of action, when we will set the trap for the high-level Cultist and when I will assume his appearance and lead us all into their base".
"However, if I understand Captain Zodge's situation correctly," the tall adventuress sighs "he has delegated us to deal with the Dead Three Cultists because he is short of men... So I'm afraid it will be difficult to get reinforcements from him".
Khessa turns her blue eyes to the other companions she's learned to trust (assuming they are still all with her, at this time) - after all, together they've defeated an overall fearsome band of pirates: "Raynoir? Tazzavur? Atlas? What do you think of the whole idea? Spy on the cultists (thanks to Percy), set a trap for a high-ranking cultist as he goes out to commit his crimes, eliminate him, take his place and use his appearance (with my recently mastered Disguise Self spell) to enter the base, hoping to surprise, a few at a time, the other cultists we encounter? Would that work for you? Or do you see any problems? Do you have any improvements to suggest? Or an alternative strategy?"
Khessa turns her blue eyes to the other companions she's learned to trust (assuming they are still all with her, at this time) - after all, together they've defeated an overall fearsome band of pirates: "Raynoir? Tazzavur? Atlas? What do you think of the whole idea? Spy on the cultists (thanks to Percy), set a trap for a high-ranking cultist as he goes out to commit his crimes, eliminate him, take his place and use his appearance (with my recently mastered Disguise Self spell) to enter the base, hoping to surprise, a few at a time, the other cultists we encounter? Would that work for you? Or do you see any problems? Do you have any improvements to suggest? Or an alternative strategy?"
RAYNOIR (Brother?) Ponders all that Khessa says. For me the most attractive component is it's a passive strategy that is playing to our collective skills. I could dress up as a high cleric and be rather obstinate, maybe?
While I am no strategist, I'd suggest we do this first and if all else fails rush in and cause havoc?
And with that Brother Ray ponders much and quietly contemplates.
Khessa, pulls his wand out from his sleeve pocket, do you yet have a spell focus? If not then please take this one. I know it's not much, I carved it from an elm limb I use to play with as a child. It was my sword of dragon slaying. I took it with me when I left home to study under master Orbos. It seems kinda fitting, a simple elm wand with the heart of a dragon slaying sword for a warrior wizard. It has no magic within it's self, but will allow you to cast spells without all those pesky components.
As for the bath house, I wasn't thinking of reinforcements, I was thinking of us, in our duties as flaming fist deputies, paying a visit and an inspection. Would give us a heads up on the lay out, allowing us to have a look around without having to worry about the cult members being present yet. We could even be all rough and tumble like and close the place down during our inspection so we won't have the general population in any danger should a cultist pop up.
After sneaking around the ship all night Atlas starts to feel like he is becoming a natural at hiding on the fly. After a night full of dodging bottles and slamming drinks on the upper deck, Atlas will find that hammock he was promised on the Uncivil Serpent and claim it for the night.
Day Two
Waking up on the ship a little later in the morning Atlas will assume that everyone has reconvened at the Elfsong. On his way there Atlas will make his way to the Bathhouse and enter the establishment as a patron and indulge in a lovely bath.
The blonde arcane warrior pats Ryanoir on the shoulder: "I believe you will be a perfect high cleric, whether obstinate or not!"
Then the young mage presents her with his gift and Khessa reverently accepts the wand: "I already had this" she shows a rod with some mysterious runes engraved "but it belonged to a person infinitely less pleasant than you, Elias... I will be honored to channel the magic of the Weave thanks to a wand with which you have lived fantastic adventures (although only in your games) and that you finally decided to give me!"
"Oh, ok, so you meant that we proceed to an inspection, as Flaming Fist members" the tall adventuress better understands what the proposal was. "Let's consider this option; there certainly aren't many who would refuse to open the door to the Flaming Fist! But my fear is that in this way we might alarm the 'tough customers'. Tarina called the Dead Three Cultists that... and Tarina knew Dead-Eye, as a term of comparison. If we are to expect their most ferocious Cultists to be beasts like Dead-Eye, taking them by surprise instead of alarming them seems to me to be a major advantage..."
"And you, Tazzavur, Atlas?" the blue eyed woman insists "You give me the impression of being rather experienced in battle or subterfuge... What is your opinion?"
"Indeed!" Khessa approves. "We will always try to be all against one (or at least against a few at a time). Both when setting a trap for the first victim and once inside the base. Once I have assumed the victim's appearance, those who know 'me' should not refuse if I ask them to go aside with us so that I can introduce 'the new allies' (that is, you). I hope that with this trick we will almost always be able to face them one or a few at a time and take them by surprise".
(Going to make the assumption that Tarina would have told Atlas the directions to the Bathhouse aboard the Uncivil Serpent. And since Atlas is going alone, I will send you what he sees in a PM since the other players will not yet know about it.)
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[OOC: Due to time zones etc Ray will follow suit for the next 6 hours or so, as in tag along to the bath house :-)]
DAY ONE
Khessa finally, under the patient guidance of Elias, who already knows the arcane arts, manages to gain enough understanding of the contents of the spellbook to, at the end of the exciting night, be able to cast a real spell!
"Elias, you try it too, it works!" the blonde arcane warrior excitedly beats against the invisible (but unbreakable) surface of the Shield that she was finally able to create out of thin air! "I did it! I can finally cast spells too! We did it!" she quickly corrects herself, her blue eyes shining with euphoria "All thanks to you!" before even realizing what she is doing, she hugs the young wizard - and instructor - and kisses him impulsively.
"Now we must rest!" the tall adventuress is beaming, as she retrieves the no longer entirely mysterious tome "Tomorrow I want to have a fresh mind to memorize the spells well with that procedure that you explained to me so well. I... I don't know how to thank you Elias..." those blue eyes look at him grateful and adoring "You are unique!"
[[ OOC: Oh, if Elias has the money to copy spells and is interested, since he read Khessa's spellbook with her, he is welcome to. The spells in her spellbook are: Disguise Self, Expeditious Retreat, Feather Fall, Magic Missile, Protection from Evil and Good, Shield - all strictly PHB spells, as required. ]]
DAY TWO
After being given the information about the Bathhouse and the routine (and toughness) of the Cultists of the Dead Three, Khessa, still very excited, tells that she has finally learned to master magic, as she has been trying to do for a long time, and suggests: "If they are such tough customers, perhaps we could try to surprise them. Percy could spy on them without arousing suspicion, while they act at night. We could follow one of them, one of high rank, possibly, and, when he is alone, set a trap for him, attack him by surprise and overwhelm him. After that, I, among the spells that I have 'inherited', have one that could allow me to take on the appearance of our victim... I could pretend to be him and, entering their base, present you as new allies. Then perhaps we could surprise them all again. Eliminate them more easily, perhaps one by one. Isn't that better, rather than simply storming their base? What do you think, friends?"
Day one
Khessa asleep on the bed,Percy perched on the window seal and Elias in the floor next to. The bed, his spell book open before him papers with arcane notes laying haphazardly around him. Something is blocking him from the task at hand, in frustration he leans back against the and sighs. Then he notices Khessa's shadow on the wall. He watches, taking in the delicate features, watching as her chest rises and falls with every breath. With no effort, she breathes in and out on instinct. That's it, he realizes. I've been trying too hard. Watching her breath he matches her breathing, in, out...in, out...closing his eyes he lets his emotions reach out, mixing with the arcane force that surrounds everything living being the focuses it on his spell book. Literally pouring his emotions, now racing with the events of the night, and the arcane energy swirling like a monsoon around him, all focused on his spell book. He can see it in his minds eye as the spell book opens of it's own accord, hoovering above his lap. Exhausted, Elias drifts off to sleep, as he does, he a voice in his head, that of his spell book, good night master Elias...
Day two
Not quite sure how Khessa got out of his room without awakening him, Elias grabs his spell book and heads down stairs for a bite and to catch up with his friends. That's an excellent idea. In the mean time, I could actually use a bath, and maybe some scouting around while I'm there. Might actually be best if we went as a group. Or, since we are deputies of the flaming fist, might be time for the flaming fist to preform an inspection of the place?
DAY TWO (Elfsong Tavern Map Updated)
When ELIAS leaves his room, he will see that the Baldur's Bones tables are still busy. The games have likely been going on all night.
When he goes downstairs, he will find the Elfsong Tavern less busy. The Bartender Alan is not behind the bar. Instead, it is a testy looking human that looks directly at the young Wizard when he approaches the bar, "We have our bread pudding and black wine for breakfast. If you want it, that'll be a silver." (OOC - The Black Wine is known in other realms as Coffee.)
A stout yet attractive Halfling appears to be running around handling the serving needs.
(I will continue with idle matters until the party is fully ready to take whatever action desired at the Bathhouse.)
yes and that sounds wonderful, ah, does it come with the room? looks around for his friends, if he doesn't see them he'll take a seat at the bar.
At some point in time during day one, KAZZ will approach ELIAS with the ring he found on the pirate captain.
”Not sure if there’s anything more to this but I was wondering if it might have an enchantment of some sort on it? Didn’t really seem to be Dead-Dye’s style”
KAZZ had kept to himself for the remainder of the day. He felt luck had a fair bit to do with their success to date and hoped a plan would be formulated before the next actions are taken.
Remembering the ring from Jazz I'll move to a table. Setting up to cast detect magic as a ritual, mage hand hold my spell book which flips open to correct page at a thought, magical quill appears in my hand has I cast the spell.
(Remember that everyone can take a Long Rest.)
DAY TWO (on the Uncivil Serpent)
RAHIMA wakes up on the Lower Deck with a massive hangover. Her perfume has worn off. Thicket is snoring nearby. It is time for this exotic Cleric to leave and quickly. She asked for a little guidance from above and is able to depart the ship without anyone noticing or caring. She makes her way to the Elfsong Tavern as the first rays of light shine over the Dusthawk Hill. When she reaches the Tavern, she takes a deep breath as though she had been underwater for far too long.
(@ the Elfsong Tavern – Taking a little liberty here with the timing of things.)
The man behind the bar ask ELIAS to show his room key. When the young Wizard produces it, he says, “No. That doesn’t come with breakfast. Do you want breakfast or not?” (The man doesn’t have Alan’s grace.)
ELIAS moves to a table with only one other Patron. He simply nods at the young Wizard. TAZZAVUR joins ELIAS as the young Wizard begins his Ritual.
RAHIMA, looking a little worse for wear, enters the Tavern. She sees the Dragonborn Fighter and Wizard and takes a seat at the table.
The Halfling comes to the table and looks at RAHIMA, “You’re early today. Breakfast? Bread Pudding OK?”
“Yes please,” the exotic Cleric responds. “The pudding has maple syrup and salted almonds on top. Delicious!”
When ELIAS completes the Ritual he will determine that the ring does not have any magical qualities.
yes and thank to the breakfast question. Sorry Kazz, just a regular old ring, looks to worth a copper or two, give him a sly smile and hand the ring back. Ah sister Rahima, come have a seat. my spell book will close up and the mage hand will stow it in my back.
Khessa is beaming at seeing Elias again: "Good morning! I woke up early, as often happens to me... you know, habit... work in the fields... So I came here to train and study without disturbing you, you were sleeping so well..."
"If we could get reinforcements from the Flaming Fist," the blonde arcane warrior ponders the young mage's words "I wouldn't use them in an inspection, which could make the Dead Three Cultists more suspicious or put them on the defensive. I would rather bring the reinforcements with us - obviously inconspicuously, incognito - at the moment of action, when we will set the trap for the high-level Cultist and when I will assume his appearance and lead us all into their base".
"However, if I understand Captain Zodge's situation correctly," the tall adventuress sighs "he has delegated us to deal with the Dead Three Cultists because he is short of men... So I'm afraid it will be difficult to get reinforcements from him".
Khessa turns her blue eyes to the other companions she's learned to trust (assuming they are still all with her, at this time) - after all, together they've defeated an overall fearsome band of pirates: "Raynoir? Tazzavur? Atlas? What do you think of the whole idea? Spy on the cultists (thanks to Percy), set a trap for a high-ranking cultist as he goes out to commit his crimes, eliminate him, take his place and use his appearance (with my recently mastered Disguise Self spell) to enter the base, hoping to surprise, a few at a time, the other cultists we encounter? Would that work for you? Or do you see any problems? Do you have any improvements to suggest? Or an alternative strategy?"
Khessa turns her blue eyes to the other companions she's learned to trust (assuming they are still all with her, at this time) - after all, together they've defeated an overall fearsome band of pirates: "Raynoir? Tazzavur? Atlas? What do you think of the whole idea? Spy on the cultists (thanks to Percy), set a trap for a high-ranking cultist as he goes out to commit his crimes, eliminate him, take his place and use his appearance (with my recently mastered Disguise Self spell) to enter the base, hoping to surprise, a few at a time, the other cultists we encounter? Would that work for you? Or do you see any problems? Do you have any improvements to suggest? Or an alternative strategy?"
RAYNOIR (Brother?) Ponders all that Khessa says. For me the most attractive component is it's a passive strategy that is playing to our collective skills. I could dress up as a high cleric and be rather obstinate, maybe?
While I am no strategist, I'd suggest we do this first and if all else fails rush in and cause havoc?
And with that Brother Ray ponders much and quietly contemplates.
Khessa, pulls his wand out from his sleeve pocket, do you yet have a spell focus? If not then please take this one. I know it's not much, I carved it from an elm limb I use to play with as a child. It was my sword of dragon slaying. I took it with me when I left home to study under master Orbos. It seems kinda fitting, a simple elm wand with the heart of a dragon slaying sword for a warrior wizard. It has no magic within it's self, but will allow you to cast spells without all those pesky components.
As for the bath house, I wasn't thinking of reinforcements, I was thinking of us, in our duties as flaming fist deputies, paying a visit and an inspection. Would give us a heads up on the lay out, allowing us to have a look around without having to worry about the cult members being present yet. We could even be all rough and tumble like and close the place down during our inspection so we won't have the general population in any danger should a cultist pop up.
Day One
After sneaking around the ship all night Atlas starts to feel like he is becoming a natural at hiding on the fly. After a night full of dodging bottles and slamming drinks on the upper deck, Atlas will find that hammock he was promised on the Uncivil Serpent and claim it for the night.
Day Two
Waking up on the ship a little later in the morning Atlas will assume that everyone has reconvened at the Elfsong. On his way there Atlas will make his way to the Bathhouse and enter the establishment as a patron and indulge in a lovely bath.
The blonde arcane warrior pats Ryanoir on the shoulder: "I believe you will be a perfect high cleric, whether obstinate or not!"
Then the young mage presents her with his gift and Khessa reverently accepts the wand: "I already had this" she shows a rod with some mysterious runes engraved "but it belonged to a person infinitely less pleasant than you, Elias... I will be honored to channel the magic of the Weave thanks to a wand with which you have lived fantastic adventures (although only in your games) and that you finally decided to give me!"
"Oh, ok, so you meant that we proceed to an inspection, as Flaming Fist members" the tall adventuress better understands what the proposal was. "Let's consider this option; there certainly aren't many who would refuse to open the door to the Flaming Fist! But my fear is that in this way we might alarm the 'tough customers'. Tarina called the Dead Three Cultists that... and Tarina knew Dead-Eye, as a term of comparison. If we are to expect their most ferocious Cultists to be beasts like Dead-Eye, taking them by surprise instead of alarming them seems to me to be a major advantage..."
"And you, Tazzavur, Atlas?" the blue eyed woman insists "You give me the impression of being rather experienced in battle or subterfuge... What is your opinion?"
(@Atlas - Do you go to the Tavern first, as it is first along the way.)
[I don't believe Atlas would go to the tavern first. I feel like he would go to gather information beforehand, lone wolf style.]
Brother Ray is sitting quietly in the Tavern watching and pondering.
"I might consider something nice to eat ...."
TAZZAVUR nods in agreement.
”There is much to be gained from a stealthy approach. I would be happy to join the fray when the time comes but…”
He gestures to his significant frame
“…I’m not exactly the subtle type.”
He scratches his chin in thought.
”The murders appear to be pretty gruesome, not much more than some offal and a smudge of blood remains in most instances.”
“If these cultists are in fact responsible for the carnage, I would hesitate to put any one of us alone with them.“
"Indeed!" Khessa approves. "We will always try to be all against one (or at least against a few at a time). Both when setting a trap for the first victim and once inside the base. Once I have assumed the victim's appearance, those who know 'me' should not refuse if I ask them to go aside with us so that I can introduce 'the new allies' (that is, you). I hope that with this trick we will almost always be able to face them one or a few at a time and take them by surprise".
(Going to make the assumption that Tarina would have told Atlas the directions to the Bathhouse aboard the Uncivil Serpent. And since Atlas is going alone, I will send you what he sees in a PM since the other players will not yet know about it.)