Velon lumbers along towards the back, keeping an eye on Perry's new love interest.

Perry seems a bit more disheveled this morning. He has bed head that he uncharacteristically didn't bother to fix in the morning. He looks exhausted as he follows the party. When Velon asks if Perry had a good night, Perry replies in a weary voice, "It was the most difficult night of my life, boss...but I...I made it through. Don't get me wrong, I would definitely do it again. But...maybe for today I should just take it easy while we walk here."

The bard seems to have suffered some damage.

Velon's chest heaves and his armor clanks up and down as he fills the cavern with laughter at Perry's state.  He puts his hand on the tiefling's should and delivers some healing courtesy of Bahamut via Lay on Hands (5pts).  "You're a better man than I, Perry."  He walks away while continuing to laugh, eventually refocusing on paying attention to the purple dragon lady.

To Lawrence, the Deep dragon replies, "They mostly rely upon taking over the minds of their victims, but if those amulets you have do the job as described you should be prepared against that. Yes, they can read minds, but only if they get within a short distance."

"The elder brain is another matter. You should still be able to avoid being dominated, but can probably expect to have the gates of your mind battered a bit. I suspect the range of its influence varies between specimens, but I have never heard of one able to see or reach much further than the extent of their hive. Yes, that means it does have the potential to spot us well before we reach the thing, but it has to be looking in the right area. As I said, a distraction would improve our odds."

"Just as important I think are their weaknesses. The arrogance of my kind is legendary, but our hubris pales compares to them. The mere idea that 'inferior' creatures like us could kill the elder brain is almost inconceivable as far as they're concerned, and thus we will be underestimated. They are also ultimately cowards, shatter enough of their pride and preconceptions, and they will break."

As the group starts to head out, Zz'Pzora does notice the attention from Velon, and at some point she sidles up to the paladin. "Hmm, its been a while since I've gotten such steady attention. Your determination to keep this group safe is admirable. Surely I won't be able to get away with anything with you on watch." She swings her head closer, gives him a big toothy grin and states ominously, "But you won't be able to stay awake forever."

Traveling with Zz'Pzora is at times both interesting and nerve wracking. The slender creature, in spite of her overall bulk, was born to live in the shadows of this place, easily and silently passing through with all the grace and deadly intent of a panther stalking its prey. She also seems to have a sense of humor, enjoying the reactions she gets from the occasional scare. On the other hand she is a very interesting conversationalist, and freely tells stories collected over the centuries she has lived down here.

Balaena proves to be rather unpleasant company. Scowling at most of the group constantly. Its fairly clear she doesn't approve of this venture. She tries, but ultimately fails, to keep Gabble away from you, but the deep gnome, after some initial shyness, quickly starts to make friends amongst the Blaze.

"I am open to other ideas for distractions" remarks Velon, insisting that 'Jarlaxle' and the gang be left out of it, unless of course they decide they want in as a way to ensure the dragon relocates.

When she threatens him partially in jest on staying awake he simply replies "but there are many of us, and only one of you."  He casually adds "and you aren't the only dragon in our midst."  This is of course mostly a lie without Silas present, although Velon does have a little bit of that good ol' dragon blood and sorcery in him, and the blessing of Bahamut.

Poljen stalks silently along the caverns, saying little, but those who have known him long can see he is frustrated about something.

Zz'Pzora grins again at Velon, "You mean yourself? Don't be foolish. A little blood doesn't make you such a thing, any more than Perry is a fiend."

She looks to Poljen, "And you, the bigger silent one, do you normally reek of frustrated anger or is this a new thing?"

  Lia frowns at ZZ'Pzora.  " Sune guides our path and keeps us safe in the midst of the storm.  We are chosen by her to complete a great mission. Nothing and noone will stand in our way.  " 

Velon says with confidence "Bahamut is also with us."  He nods and smiles at Lia's words as well.  The paladin smirks slightly at ZZ'Pzora's question for Poljen.

Poljen glowers at the creature, opens his mouth to respond, then chooses not to say anything other than, "My thoughts are my own."

Morgaine nearby to Poljen, wonders what might be bothering him. Thinking about Perry's encounter with the Dragon lady, she whispers in Poljen's ear, that once they finish this task; some much needed alone time will occur. She then gives him a light kiss on his check and a smile. 

 Other than that, Morgaine stays silent as well throughout the trip. Only answers questions when directly addressed as she follows along as they move onward. 

Cratol walks with the others and enjoys listening to the stories and the banter amongst everyone.   He is worried about how they are going to go about the battle ahead and survive.  

The trip through the eerie underdark continues. There are a few further encounters with various threats, but between Zz'Pzora and the drow, none reach the group to cause you trouble.

A few days later, after only about four hours travel, Vadim calls for a halt. "This is the end of the line for us. Our contract didn't say anything about getting close to the brainsuckers. We will wait nearby for the return escort for three days, longer if you are somehow delayed but get a message to us. The mindflayer city is only a few hours off, you should not encounter anything other than their minions on patrol and maybe those flumphs you were talking about in the area ahead. Probably best to keep your head down regardless. I still don't know what you're trying to do down here, and while none of us would be sorry to see this city gone, I think you're nuts and frankly suspect we'll never meet again."

"Vadim, you inspire me.  You're going to miss us, aren't you?"

More seriously he adds "you WILL at least hear from us within three days, and we will see you again."

Velon pulls out his amulet.  "Lia, shall we don our protection?"  Turning to Zz'Pzora the paladin asks "do you need protection from their mental attacks?"

Knowing they are close to their goal Cratol is ready mentally as well as he can be.  He knows physically he is well prepared after spending some time each day going through his forms.   He will offer his necklace to those who are preparing them so that be can be more protected from the mind flayers.

Once the group has chosen to prepare, Lawrance happily empowered the necklaces with his Protection spell, hoping the aura provided will be enough to deflect the Elder Brain's abilities as well as the threat from the Illithid's themselves. "I recall that time on the beach when a few Harper's had their brains eaten by these beings. Prehaps we can consider our attempt a bit of revenge for their uninvited participation?"

  Lia nods and smiles at Velon.   " Yes, my love.  She dons her amulet.  Mari hands hers to Lawrance and places it around her neck when it is ready. 

Poljen dons the amulet when all preparations are finished.  He appears ready for the task ahead.

nce the spells are cast, Lawrance envelopes himself with an aura of different protection, and takes a mental rest to recover his used energies, ready for the task ahead. Spells in mind, and senses fully alert, he trusts that they will have the advantage of surprise they need to pass the majority of the defenses. "I really should have picked up that group invisibility spell, last chance we had to shop."

OOC - Arcane Recovery for up to 7 slots. Mage armor up.

  Lia walks over to Velon and places her hand on his shoulder.  Speaking softly she summons energy from Sune to protect him.  He feels a sense of calm as the protective shield is placed on him.  

OOC: She cast Death Ward on him.  It lasts for 8 hours.  Pollen has the same thing basically with his barbarian special ability.