"Two humans, two elves, and a dwarf are chasing a demon horde... I am certain there is a good joke in here somewhere," ponders Paritosh.
"So, Arcessantes, Lirrathan, and of course Sir Bastion, but I'm still a bit vague as to your name Sir dwarf," as he gives an inquiring stare. "Additionally, am I to interpret by general body language and take charge attitude, that you, Sir Bastion, are the leader of this band?"
"No that falls to Arcessantes or Lirrathan. Jokum and I stumbled upon their group just yesterday, and we joined our resources together. I just ask a lot of questions. he says with a smile.
Nemris listens to the conversation intently, hoping to understand more of the current threat.
"Very good then," and looking to the two elves, "so what's the plan?"
The wizard listens to the answer to his question and likes what he hears, complementing with a rare smile of understanding.
What's the plan? We have been given a mission. Sir Bastion and I have both agreed to accept it and I believe the others will come along as well. With limited resources the captain needs good intel to act. We are off to the Tower of Estrod. It was a research laboratory for decades. We have heard that the founder died under mysterious circumstances a couple of years ago. We will search out this place and see what we may find. We leave at first light. Prepare as best you can.
Paritosh looks around and beats some dust out of his pants with his hat and considers something. "Seems simple enough. Can I ask where this tower is? Do we know anything about the area? Defenses? What sort of intel are we hoping to get there?" He appraises his new traveling companions and queries, "so I have told you what skills I have, and what of you? What are your strengths and weaknesses?"
Out in the stabling area, Rocinian eats an astounding amount of food, despite his diminutive size. He has learned the same lesson that soldiers have learned on campaign since the dawn of time: "eat and sleep when you can, let everything else work itself out."
Lirrathan holds up his hands to stop when Bastion mentions his name as being the leader, "Whoa there big guy, leadership is way more responsibility than I want to deal with. I'm just the much needed voice of reason for this little bunch of overly nice people. If you want to think that anyone is in charge of me though, I think you're sorely mistaken. Who says there even needs to be a leader? It's not like we're some rigid military unit."
As Arc mentions that he and Bastion have accepted the mission, Lirrathan looks almost hurt, "Hey, I said I was going too." to Paritosh's question he offers, "I'm a scout. I quietly look for the enemy, and then the fun starts." his eyes light up, "Oooh, I love a good fight. Nothing really gets the blood-pumping and the energy flowing like a rousing tussle."
Sir Bastion lowers is head slightly after hearing Lirrathan's words, as he thinks to himself, Another missed opportunity for the potential I see in him.
"While I do not consider my vision as a weakness, but more a means of Iomedae keeping me focused on the immediate concerns of the day and not the chaotic and ever changing possibilities future. As such do rely on Jokum to warn me of approaching dangers. he says as he pats his dog on the head.
"Gentlemen," interjects Paritosh. "While I do not fully understand the details or history of the disagreement between you, might I suggest the following as a dispassionate observer. When two sides have a disagreement, it is rare that one side or the other is entirely in the right, and that the "correct" course of action is usually somewhere in the middle. This is likely true of my own situation, which maybe represents a microcosm of your current discussion. I found that I did not fit well within the rigid framework of a large miitary organization, and thus I left it. Afterwards, I have recently concluded that being a solitary figure fighitng back the darkness is not exactly my cup of tea either. I am hoping that perhaps the middle route, possibly offered as membership on your small band, is the happy medium for myself, and possibly the answer to the discussion you two are having. He pauses for a moment, and continues, "still, it has been my experience that in a crisis, it is best if there exists some pre-agreed decisionmaker, as forming committees in the middle of a battle, or other disaster, is not the best course of action for the timely resolution of the problem. Perhaps it would be best if we agree that no one is the boss of anyone else, but that should the need arise, perhaps a lone voice could decide our course of action to solve near term problems? Thus satisified with his suggestion, Paritosh crosses his arms and rubs his goatees, "what say you all?"
Arcessentes looks confused at Paritosh for a moment, then speaks up. When leadership is called for, I lead. This only makes sense as I both understand the personalities in play and their imposed limits, and I usually have a good understanding of what we face and what is needed to overcome it.
Paritosh snaps to attention, "Duly noted Sir Arcessentes!"
I am no knight Paritosh, and have no aspirations to be one. I am a young elven wizard, new to power. I am organized and a careful planner. I am well schooled and knowledgable of demons and other threats. And this is my town that has been raised, so I have a passion to fight back. I try to be brave and to do the right thing. These things qualify me to lead.
Sir Bastion cocks his head with a confused expression, and says, "Huh?? I think you read more into our comments then what is intended, Paritosh."
Addionally, I don't believe anyone of the group is wounded still, so Sir Bastion will use his remaining alotment of Channels, Lay-on-Hands and curative spells on the various individuals in need. Any new people that he encounters will get a Detect Evil look from him.
Captain Irabeth will have to fill us in on the location of the tower, and what all she knows about it. I think I can recall some of its history though.
Lirrathan shrugs and nods, "Sure, let Arc be the leader if he wants. No skin off my back. It's not like I HAVE to do what he says, more often than not I just don't disagree with his suggestions."
"May I provide my profuse apologies Sir Arces...," he catches himself, "I mean Mister Arcessentes. It's just that one becomes so used to everyone around being called Sir, that it is a difficult thing to turn off when appropriate."
Irabeth starts to laugh near the end of these conversations. "It seems you fit in already with this merry little band of arrested development!"
Quednys looks fidgety and finally thumps his wrapped package down on the table, making various plates and silverware jump slightly.
Irabeth sighs and holds up her hand. "Quednys, I understand that time is of the essence. But these folk have survived an amazing ordeal. As you did. As you helped others to do. As they helped some of Blackwing's librarian to do."
Quednys' scowl fades into a look of chastisement.
Irabeth continues, "As horrific as recent events have been, we’ve come to realize that they are, in fact, merely a prelude. The razing of the Kite, the destruction of our wardstone, Terendelev’s murder, and the assault on the city were nothing more than opening gambits. The Worldwound is on the march in a more concentrated assault than we’ve seen since the fall of Drezen. It’s fair to say the Lord of the Locust Host is finally making his move. The end of this hundred-year-war is upon us, and it falls to us to ensure victory."
"While the Templars of the Ivory Labyrinth were scattered, those who serve the Lord of the Locust Host himself remain concentrated in Old Kenabres. What we’ve heard from within the barricade they’ve erected is ominous. The cultists are waiting for something, and based on our own information and what you’ve managed to recover so far, it sounds like the vile witch Areelu Vorlesh will soon be coming to Kenabres. And it appears that we’ve determined what she intends to do."
"When the wardstone was destroyed by the Storm King, it exploded and destroyed the Kite. The network along the border failed, but did not fade completely. I believe this is because a significant portion of our wardstone still exists, and that the cultists have taken it to the old garrison in Old Kenabres. From what we’ve learned, they’re hoping to engineer a way to somehow reverse the field generated by the wardstones—essentially, to use our own greatest defense as a devastating weapon."
"The attack on Kenabres had a predictable result: causing the crusade to gather at the border to defend it. Some wonder why the demons haven’t attacked in stronger numbers. I believe that Areelu was counting on us massing along the border, and that if she can corrupt the wardstone field, she can strike a devastating blow against us all. In effect, we’ve lined up for the slaughter."
"Vorlesh is surely seeking some object of great Abyssal power and with it she intends to turn the source of our hope into an unimaginable nightmare. We cannot hope to evacuate everyone from the border—I doubt they would give up the defensive line even if they knew what the enemy planned. But we can still stop this from happening—we just need to have someone infiltrate the Gray Garrison, locate the wardstone fragment, and destroy it."
Quednys cuts in, "And that is where this comes in. It is known as a rod of cancellation." He nods to Arcessentes Assume you know what it is, Arc. "This will drain the wardstone of its power and leave Vorlesh unable to complete her plan."
The wizard listened intently, understanding what he hear. When the rod is produces he shies away from it like a modern might from dynamite. But what of the Tower of Estrod? Are we do do both missions?
Nearly hopeless situations are my specialty, count me in!
"Excellent!" Nemris hollers, raising his glass.
Irabeth nods at Arcessentes. "Yes, the Tower and the other locations you mentioned are worth exploring. I do not want to be in the dark to an enemy in our midst. At the best, Areelu Vorlesh is two days out. The Mendevian Army led by the Queen is five days out. I pray that Vorlesh is further than I suspect. You have time before it becomes absolutely necessary to tackle the garrison."
"My friends, might I suggest that in most nearly, or seemingly, hopeless situations that one of two courses of actions is best. Sometimes, I find that waiting for the worst to pass, and then stepping into the newly developed situation to turn the balance at the appropriate time works quite well. However, I believe that to not be the optimal solution for this situation. For this, I recommend rapid and decisive action, the sort that gives a playground bully a bloody nose before he gets to start the fight on his own terms. Might I suggest we enact such a posture rapidly? Rocinian and I can be ready to leave in under an hour if I can find a bag of horse feed for him and some jerked meat for my own stores."
We leave at first light. The tower of Estrod is our first goal. I need some time to copy spells and to prepare.
"Plan B it is then!"
"I will be prepared to go in the morning.
Lirrathan offers, "You know Pari, normally I would agree to go right away. Kick things off right. But it's after dinner, we've been out most of the day just trying to get here, and could all probably use a good night's rest. And I guess Arc needs to do his boring book stuff to get ready. So as long as you wake up with the same urgency, we'll all be good to go in the morning."
3rd—heroism, magic circle against evil, summon monster III
2nd—acid arrow, levitate, resist energy, summon monster II
1st—mage armor, shield, sleep(DC 15), summon monster I, true strike
0 (at will)—acid splash, arcane mark, detect magic, flare(DC 14)
I will admit to not being a morning person, perhaps you could be sure and wake me shortly before it is time to sally forth?
Awaking from nightmares of being attacked by animated farm implements, Paritosh glances through the flaps of the tent he bedded down in and sees the faint light of the morning. He wonders what he should do today. "Terribly few widows trying to save their farms, or bandits threatening small villages in these parts," he ponders. "S&$~," he cries leaping from his cot! as he remembers he actually has plans today. Plans to travel with the folks he met last evening: the human, the elf, and the dwarf with no name.
He grabs his few belongings, and rushes out of the tent. To the stables he goes, where Rocinian is still snoring. "Awaken my friend, we have a quest today!" He saddles his companion and loads up supplies. The two walk side by side out of the stables and into the dawn to find their their new travelling companions.
Sir Bastion wakes before sunrise, equips his gear and goes outside to perform his daily obedience.
Kneeling, he hangs his silver holy symbol on his longsword, holds the weapon in front of him at arms length, as the morning sun rises behind it. You can hear his prayers for guidance and protection from the Inheritor, followed by his reaffirmation of his vows to Iomedae.
He spends 15 minutes in silent reflection of his past actions, followed by 15 minutes honing his sword on an old whetstone preparing himself for todays challenges and trials of faith.
Still awake, the fatigued wizards greets the sun by reluctantly closing the borrowed spell book and going out to seek a cleric that can remove the condition he has subjected himself to. After which he goes to get breakfast and return the spell book, promising to borrow it again in the near future.
Lirrathan wakes up late, gets dressed slow, and eats whatever he can grab while he walks. He meets up with the others still munching on a biscuit hanging from his mouth, stifling a yawn, stretching one arm while he rubs sleep from his eyes with the other hand. "Sorry, I'm not all sunshine in the morning. I would have gotten more sleep if someone would have just left me alone to do so." He delivers a pointed look at Jokum.
About half an hour of walking through the ruined city, signs of life almost non-existent, brings you to the Tower of Estrod. This sixty-foot-diameter gray stone tower is missing the bulk of its upper floors—some terrific force smashed its upper sections away, creating huge mound of rubble north of the building and leaving the tower now a mere stump with a jagged top.
There is a door at the front of the building, and you can hear a hushed voice every so often. There doesn't appear to be anyone around outside the building in the area.
Paritosh turns to Nemris and muses, "well, now there's something you don't see every day eh? What do you say mystery dwarf?"
The wizard, hearing the hushed voices casts his Mage Armor spell. Let us enter cautiously. he says.
Paritosh instructs Rocinian to, "look after the other horses will you?"
Sir Bastion reaches out a hand to touch Paritosh Jumbal, "Iomedae protect you."
"Come Jokum, and be quiet." Sir Bastion whispers as he begins to walk forward carefully.
---------------------------------------
On Going Effects: Life Link (Paritosh)
Paritosh responds to Sir Bastion, "She has done so for yours, and your blessings are more than appreciated."
Lirrathan assumes his regular scouting posture of a low crouch, and draws his two swords. He creeps toward the building, looking for any signs of danger.
Paritosh looks at the tower and at his friends, particularly Lirrathan who appears to have taken up a stealthy demeanor, "so what is the plan? If I might suggest, either the tower is inhabited, or it is not. If it is inhabited by n'er-do-wells, then it seems unlikely," motiong to the various symbols of Iomedae displayed by the group, [b]"that we should be able to brass our way through by posing as being on their side. Thus, might I offer up Plan A, the frontal assault?" Pausing a moment, Paritosh continues, "additionally, should the tower prove to be unoccupied, Plan A seems even more likely to achieve success."
Arc looks to Paritosh and shushes him. Voices. he says pointing to the entrance and begins to follow Lirrathan, who is already up near the door.
Paritosh thinks to himself, "Plan B again?"
He crouches down in his best John Belushi imitation, and tries to stealth alongside his companions.
Lirrathan once again decides that now would be a decent time to use his scale. He puts away his blades, reaches into his pouch, and activates the effect to make him look like the witch, Hosilla, they faced on the way to the surface. He smiles a wicked smile and knocks on the door with a purpose, while waving Bastion specifically off to the side out of sight in case the door opens. As soon as the door is answered, either by calling out for the password, or opened directly he gives the phrase "I’ve new material for the archives."
"What the?"
Not sure what's going on, Paritosh attempts to obfuscate his holy trappings and stay out of sight. He asks himself, "plan D?"
Sir Bastion stays off to the side of the door and out of sight, understanding the shapechanger's intent with the disguise.
---------------------------------------
On Going Effects: Life Link (Paritosh)
Paritosh readies himself to support Lirrathan's play, whatever it may be.