Muchorak "Windstriker" |
As the two return Muchorak stays just behind and to the side of Inikai, "Secrets do not keep when we must trust each other." Is all the ranger says leaving Inikai to explain the statement...
Inikai |
Inikai's slumped posture straightens with indignation at Muchorak's statement and he glares at him momentarily. "Muchorak, you speak as though you were my father not my friend. In truth, you mean more to me that that cold-hearted bastard ever did but..." Here Inikai leaves his sentence unfinished and momentarily looks away from the group and exhales. His look is one of anger and frustration. He then inhales, looks at his assembled fiends and begins again.
"I have kept a secret from all of you. It is not something that I wanted to keep from you forever but I did not know how to go about telling anyone because it is something I have kept secret since I was a boy. I don't mean to insult any of you by assuming how you would see me if you learned of it but you will probably understand my reasons."
Again Inikai hesitates and seems unsure how to proceed. After a moment he starts again. "My brand of magic is not shamanism as you have thought, Marak. Nor is it properly sorcerous like yours, Naria. And it is not drawn from the natural world like your, Ali." Inikai looks at each of them in turn as he speaks. "I call on...entities...beings, that are not of the mortal world, or are not any longer. They are called spirits by some but most sources refer to them as 'vestiges', as though they are the remains of being that no longer exist but somehow still do. Their existence...non-existence or..." and here he hesitates again as if searching for words "whatever their nature is it is not greatly understood. Some scholars claim that they are beyond any power to affect, others say they have been condemned for various crimes. But others may well have become what they are though self-sacrifice."
"My craft is called binding. That makes me a binder or 'pact-maker' or, in some writings a 'soul-whore'. This is completely unlike the infernal-binders of the school in Egorian. It is just an unfortunate conincidence that the same word is used." clearly Inikai is speaking without preparation and his usual focus.
"Many churches condemn binders and some have been executed. They say that making pacts with vestiges is to defy the gods because vestiges exist beyond divine powers to affect them. If I believed this I would never have taken up this path. I spurn the idea that something mortals can do is beyond the power of the gods. Instead, I believe that the ones who say such things feel that something that is beyond their own mortal control is a threat to their temporal positions. Because of this I, and fear of my father's disapproval, I have hidden my art."
"I wanted to tell you all, but not now when we are threatened. I wanted to tell you when we are safe, when all this...this affair with Norgorber's followers and the other evils behind us. I thought it would be better to tell you as friends talk of mundane things in comfort. But now I think you were right, Muchorak. Secrets could be used against us or can undermine out trust for eachother. I would sooner risk my blood than risk losing the respect and friendship of all of you."
"If you deem me a heretic and would see me in irons, I won't try to stop you. Even if I could stand against any of you with steel or magic I would not. If you decide not to do so and not to cast me out I" a long pause interrupts Inikai's speech here "...I am sorry. And I ask you to forgive me for keeping this from you, for not having enough faith in you to ....I am sorry."
Esteriande d'Litran |
Knowledge (arcana) 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Knowledge (religion) 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Esteriande thinks carefully on the binder's words.
"If it was binding of devils, I would feel ze evil from you, my friend, and I do not. I 'ave seen you smite as I do, and no ill power could do zat," she shrugs. "So you invoke razzer zan evoke. It is not ze blessing of ze gods, but zen neizer is ze magic of wizards or sorcerers. You are my friend and companion, I will not condemn you for your choice of magic, and I will vouch for you before any zat do. As for 'eresy, zer are many ways to ze gods. Zey are ze ones 'oo decide which paths are right, not we mortals."
Esteriande smile and embraces Inikai and steps aside.
"Zank you for your honesty. Your confidence is safe wiz me, if you desire I should not share it."
Romon |
Romon watches the excited little druid plunge toward them against the background of greenery and blossoms. "What's all this? Where's the burnt house? Are we in the right spot?"
Her excitement is infectious and he leaps off his horse and holds out his hand for her to lead him through the new garden. He is very complimentary, especially at spots where she's used the brightest, showiest flowers.
The money I could make with her landscaping for the hoi polloi in Magnimar. He shivers with pleasure at the thought.
Brilliant bit Khaladon.
Romon watches Ali take flight. He can't help but smile in friendly jealousy. She's doing just what he'd like to and she's flying while doing it. He thinks back to how much fun levitation was. I wonder what a flying potion would cost.
Current events:Romon watches and listens as Muchorak tips the pot and forces Inikai to spill the beans. He can't help smiling. It seems almost ludicrous that Inikai should be so worried and concerned and embarrassed about such a little thing.
Another instant and the rogue is thinking again. What in sweet Azmo's hell kind of game was Muchorak playing? Romon can't decide which vexes him more, the Shoanti throwing away an edge like that, or ratting out his friend.
In any event, Randi's not bothered by it and Romon sees no reason why he should be either.
What Inikai needs right now is a little breathing space.
"What is that all? You talk to spirits? I knew this old Varisian lady, she had a spirit game. Sweet setup. A little chat, some eyes rolled back in the forehead, the shake and lurch. Rolled in the coin. Of course she couldn't actually talk to spirits, but she could pick the table up with her knees and float it around and had the sweetest song, like a nightingale she could sing. Told the wrong fortune and ended up face down in the Yondabakari, but that's life."
Bluff, secret message 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13 Shoot. But Muchorak can probably parse it himself.
Inikai |
"What is that all? You talk to spirits? I knew this old Varisian lady, she had a spirit game. Sweet setup. A little chat, some eyes rolled back in the forehead, the shake and lurch. Rolled in the coin. Of course she couldn't actually talk to spirits, but she could pick the table up with her knees and float it around and had the sweetest song, like a nightingale she could sing. Told the wrong fortune and ended up face down in the Yondabakari, but that's life."
"She was near the Gulf Docks wasn't she, not far from that place that sold bad crab soup? I watched her rook some rubes as they got off the boats. It's a bit of a shame she ended up that way. In truth, I did not think you would take issue with this."
"Esteriende, that you as well. Some of the the beings I commune with are of dreadful appearance and some of dubious reputation, at best. Of course, some say that the beings are not who they purport themselves to be. But, on my word I harbor no evil in my soul."
He then waits expectantly for the others, especially Marak.
Marak Quan |
Marak seems intrigued by Inikai's confession, and not at all concerned. As Inikai looks up to the reactions of his companions, he waits for a pause before speaking, "Nethys respects all forms of magic, even those that are reviled by some other gods, and I have found over the years that, by definition, nothing that exists can be unnatural. If the gods, as a whole, took offense at your practices, they would not work."
"I would know more of these 'vestiges,' if you are comfortable discussing them in a less..." he pauses for a moment, searching for a word, "inquisitorial forum. Would Aroden or Curchanos, for example, count among these vestiges, the fading memories of gods who are no longer with us?""
Naria Yamyra |
"......." Within seconds Naria is on her feet proding Inikai a veritable tidal wave of questions coming from her lips such as "How many of these Vestiges are there? Do any of them have names? Any of them of historical or politcal significnance? If so would she be able to chat with one of them?" and so on
Inikai |
"Marak, I am very glad for your understanding. I must confess that I was worried about how you would react in light of your doctrine and this makes me feel guilty for having had such concerns in the first place."
Naria's barrage of questions takes Inikai off guard and he struggles to keep up with her. The questions on magical theory go over his head as she can tell from his clumsy attempts to answer them.
"I don't know how many vestiges there are but I know of more than thirty-two. It is said that there is at least one for every tooth that a man has, but I think that is apocryphal. They all have names and some claim or are said to have been historical and some political figures."
"I have only once called a vestige in the presence of another person and neither seemed to react to Muchorak. I can't call them again today but, if you wish, you can witness it when I next summon one. Perhaps they will talk with you." Inikai pauses again and catches his breath, clearly he is reeling from the sorceress's inquiries.
"Again, I ask you all to forgive me for my secretiveness. It comes from a life-long habit before I had friends such as you."
GROUP HUG!
Esteriande d'Litran |
"I know about ze need for secrets, and ze persecution of ze mob. Zere is no limit to the foolishness people will indulge in, given encouragement. You 'ave nothing to apologise for."
Alisebett |
Ali watches the exchange between Icky and the rest of her friends. She has little to no understanding of the majority of the words used, but she can clearly feel the emotions involved.
After almost everyone has spoken she walks up to Inikai, hugs him tightly around the waist and then stands up on tippy toe to kiss him on the cheek. With a warm, caring and slightly teasing smile she says "Silly Icky, tricks are for.. Sorry, just joking, couldn't resist
She says "Silly Icky! Ali no know what all you say, but Ali do know that you be good good good! You be friend Icky, and part of Pack! We know you no can do bad by us! You should know that too! Silly Icky." and she pats his back fondly a few times before moving away and looking to Big Bear, the only one yet to speak.
Romon |
Marak's the closest of us all. How'd Macho know Nethys wouldn't have a hair across his butt about this binder thing?"
Romon kind of shudders. [b]"Secrets. You got to keep them if you want to keep your friends."
[ooc]Probably true, but also Romon probably would have had fun with a little harmless blackmail. Getting Inikai to do camp chores for him and the like.
Esteriande d'Litran |
She turns her gaze to Romon and grins.
"Just as I do not need to know zat you are a rogue, a scoundrel, and a very bad man when you 'ave need to be; because I do know zat you are a good man under zat, and one I care for a great deal."
Inikai |
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
Romon
Romon |
Romon looks around carefully then spins his second best dagger into a tree trunk.
"Anyway. It worked out, although you were eyeballing Marak to beat the griffon. Were you expecting trouble from him?"
Inikai |
Romon:[spolier]Yes, I was worried about how he would react. I feel ashamed for it now, though. Marak is a true friend and is no hide-bound ordered priest who values his position over the truth. It does not seem as though he picked up on my fear, or if he did, he brushed it aside.
I am still a bit concerned about Muchorak. I certainly don't want to lose his friendship.
And I did not mean to imply that the Countess runs your life, far from it. I just can't think of a good reason any man would want to be away from her unless she was chasing him with that meat-cleaver of hers.[/spoiler]
Alisebett |
Earlier with Roman (and anyone else who showed interest in her garden):
Ali is delighted by her Sneaky Friend's interest in her Garden, and runs to grab his hand and gleefully show him all of her creation.
As they wind through the maze, going deeper and deeper into it's shaded intricacies, Ali eventually stops at a place near the center and sits Roman down at a bench of stone that she had made. Standing in front of him, and thus able to stare directly into his eyes this way, she gets a look in them that the experienced rogue instantly recognizes.
Without preamble she says "Snea...Roman, Ali know everyone think Ali be little girl. But Ali is not little girl! Ali is woman!" and as she says this, she subtly moves in several ways that, in her tight leathers, makes Roman very aware that this statement is, indeed, a fact.
Smiling in a way that makes the Half-elf's temperature increase several degrees, she continues "Ali see and hear many things Ali's friends no know that she do. Like..." and at this point she begins to make some very accurate representations of various sounds and words that have been wont to emit from the rooms or areas where Roman and Esteriande have spent some private time. "Ali know what sounds these be! They sound different when Ali's four legs brothers make them, but sounds have almost same smell. Ali know what mating is!" and now the small Gnome puts on a genuine pout, one of longing and sadness that the rogue cannot help but find extremely appealing. "Ali know what mating is, but she no know what mating is! And Ali be ready to know! Very ready! Ali knows that Big Bear be pack leader, or, hmmm, well maybe one of pack's leaders? And Ali would mate with him, yes yes she would! But Ali think that maybe he think of Ali like, ummm, like maybe Lunas does. Ali and Lunas be pack-mates, yes yes, but also they be den-brothers, and it is not often that den brothers and sisters mate." and at this statement Ali points over to her left, where Roman looks to see Lunas, lying on ground. The big wolf glances back at the rogue, then returns to gnawing on his toenails, completely unconcerned with what his den-sister and the two-legs are speaking about. "So, Ali think now that she mate with you, Sneaky Roman friend! Yes yes? For Ali hear many times happy sounds that friend Roman make friend Esteriande make and Ali want to make those sounds too, yes yes she does! So, you help Ali make them, now, yes yes?" and she begins to slowly take off her clothes, staring with innocent, but wanton, longing into his eyes the entire time.
Ali is being completely genuine and, somehow, still innocent in her offer, actions and words. While she is most certainly exuding a powerful and sensual womanly aura, it is clear that she does not really know as much as what she is speaking about as she thinks she does. Or, another way to look at it is that she perhaps does know what she is speaking about, but in an entirely different way than Roman does.
As well, it is quite obvious that she is not thinking of Esteriande at all at this moment and at the same time, seems to have no concept or idea of why she perhaps should be.
Esteriande d'Litran |
"Now, where did I put zat flogger? I am sure I 'ave a very bad man to punish..."
...and fade out of that conversation.
Get's popcorn to watch how Romon reacts to Alli. I won't spoil things by letting you know how Esteriande would react. This could be fun!
Alisebett |
Boy, Romon's popular lately! And no, no, not offended at all! Was supposed to elicit a smile or chuckle. And yes, yes, I know it's PG13, I think that post was well within the lines. It's not like I mentioned a flogger or anything after all.
Romon |
What can I say? Chicks dig scoundrels.
Earlier with Roman (and anyone else who showed interest in her garden):
Ali is delighted by her Sneaky Friend's interest in her Garden, and runs to grab his hand and gleefully show him all of her creation.
As they wind through the maze, going deeper and deeper into it's shaded intricacies, Ali eventually stops at a place near the center and sits Roman down at a bench of stone that she had made. Standing in front of him, and thus able to stare directly into his eyes this way, she gets a look in them that the experienced rogue instantly recognizes.
Without preamble she says "Snea...Roman, Ali know everyone think Ali be little girl. But Ali is not little girl! Ali is woman!" and as she says this, she subtly moves in several ways that, in her tight leathers, makes Roman very aware that this statement is, indeed, a fact.
A slow appreciative grin spreads across Romon's face. He brushes a lock of hair back from his forehead. As a gnome, Ali's not only smaller, her proportions are different from a human's, or an elf's. Still she's put together in a very toight little package.
Smiling in a way that makes the Half-elf's temperature increase several degrees, she continues "Ali see and hear many things Ali's friends no know that she do. Like..." and at this point she begins to make some very accurate representations of various sounds and words that have been wont to emit from the rooms or areas where Roman and Esteriande have spent some private time. "Ali know what sounds these be! They sound different when Ali's four legs brothers make them, but sounds have almost same smell. Ali know what mating is!" and now the small Gnome puts on a genuine pout, one of longing and sadness that the rogue cannot help but find extremely appealing. "Ali know what mating is, but she no know what mating is! And Ali be ready to know! Very ready!"
The half-elf tucks his left ankle under his right leg and uses his calf as a fulcrum to shift to toward Ali in a kneeling position. One hand starts to reach out.
"Ali knows that Big Bear be pack leader, or, hmmm, well maybe one of pack's leaders? And Ali would mate with him, yes yes she would! But Ali think that maybe he think of Ali like, ummm, like maybe Lunas does. Ali and Lunas be pack-mates, yes yes, but also they be den-brothers...
And the stiletto slips through the warm silken glow surrounding the rogue. It's followed quickly by a body blow of a different nature.
"... and it is not often that den brothers and sisters mate." and at this statement Ali points over to her left, where Roman looks to see Lunas, lying on ground. The big wolf glances back at the rogue, then returns to gnawing on his toenails, completely unconcerned with what his den-sister and the two-legs are speaking about.
Something about Lunas being there. It's like her family is watching. And that is just not right. And oheavens what would Randi think?
"So, Ali think now that she mate with you, Sneaky Roman friend! Yes yes? For Ali hear many times happy sounds that friend Roman make friend Esteriande make and Ali want to make those sounds too, yes yes she does! So, you help Ali make them, now, yes yes?" and she begins to slowly take off her clothes, staring with innocent, but wanton, longing into his eyes the entire time.
Ego deflated, weirded out, Romon still can't help looking and smiling as the clothes start to come off, and a lifetime tells him to just look and enjoy the show. But another voice tells him, he can't take time to enjoy this. He glances at Lunas again, catches the wolf's eye for an instant.
He lurches to his feet. "Ali, stop!"
Seeing the look on her face, he regroups. What would Randi say? "Look, it's not that I don't want to. Mating, " the word is oddly heavy on his tongue. [b]"is good. But people, two legs, are supposed to mate for life. At least some people think so. I think Randi thinks so. "
Esteriande d'Litran |
Esteriande leads the way from our encampment.
"Well, my friends, zis is ze last chance for any furzer intelligence," she looks to Alli, Muchorak and Romon. "I am no stranger to stealth, but you are better zan I."
Alisebett |
Nodding her understanding, Ali orders Lunas to remain with Big Bear, and then flows to hawk and wings off up into the air, flying high enough to be well safe of any ranged or projectile weapons but low enough to still get a good view of the overrun fort.
Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22
Marak Quan |
"I would need to be within about 240 yards to scry within the structures, so I'll wait until we are closer. I can do so only for short intervals of time, so it might be best to identify specific buildings or areas you wish me to peer within, as we approach."
Knowledge Domain gives Marak 8 rounds of clairvoyance/clairaudience per day (CL 8, so 720 ft. range), which can be used in 1 round intervals, so he can 'peek' into one location after another.
DM Wellard |
Ali
Crumbling, fifteen-foot-high walls ring the citadel, the stone pitted and cratered from hurled boulders and ogre hooks. Like the face of a veteran with decades of winters under his belt, the fort’s craters, cracks, and scars are testament to its battle-weary history.
A stone keep, a stubborn shadow against the mountainside, rises from behind the worn walls, a single tower jutting up from its ramparts like an ugly broken tooth. Nearby, a rushing curtain of white water cascades
down the mountainside into a large pool of water just outside the fort’s walls.
You see little sign off life..a single grossly fat Ogre working over a cook pit above which roast some obviously human bodies, a second ogre atop a tall tower obviously suppossed to keep watch but just as obviously unconcerned with that task
One set off gates has been ripped off it's hinges and a crude barricade of furniture now blocks the gap..the other the main gate seems to have been crudely repaired but still hangs a little drunkenly
Alisebett |
Spending some more time to make sure she sees all there is to see, and even risking flying a little closer, once satisfied, Alihawk makes her way pack to her packmates and, landing and flowing to Gnome, careful describes all she has seen, drawing a map in the dirt as she does.
Esteriande d'Litran |
"Ze ozzers may 'ave more information to add to zis," Esteriande considers the issues carefully. "Alli, I know you do not like fire, but would you consider 'elping us set alight some of ze buildings inside ze wall? I am zinking of ze wooden ones 'ere and 'ere," she points them out on the dirt map.
Alisebett |
K nature (for determining how much of a forest fire risk lighting some of the buildings in the fort might be): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Assuming she can at least tell and doesn't feel the risk is too big...
Hesitating for some time and clearly thinking hard about it before she answers, Ali finally speaks, looking deep into Esteriande's eyes as she does "Well, yes, it be true, Ali no like fire very much...but, Ali no like Wolf-killers very much either, so..yes, Ali will do as you ask. How you want her to put fire on the small wood dens...build-ings?"
Inikai |
"Ali, I have some small globes that you could drop from onto the buildings. I think you could carry them when you are a bird and drop them when you fly over the building. This way you could be far away when the fire starts." Inikai then holds out some small golden spheres on a string for Ali to examine. It is a necklace of fire missiles.
Alisebett |
Nodding Ali replies "Ok, you show Ali what to drop on where and she do when you say."
[ooc]I'm assuming that Ali dropping the globes will be the start of the engagement? And so are we still going with the plan to have some or all of us sneak in the back way at the time? For Ali can join either side, as our pack-leaders think best. She'll be wanting to do some casting though just before we begin. Also, how many Black Arrows or other participants do we have with us?"[/b]
Alisebett |
Ali frowns, clearly not agreeing with her pack-leader She "They no leave just because Pretty Friend Esteriande ask them. Ali will be in sky, and maybe Esteriande can...how say this? Can speak to Ali from ground to air? Maybe do something Ali can see? So Ali know when to drop balls that make fire."
Esteriande d'Litran |
Wellard posted their equipment lists in the discussion thread (or here, can't recall, but he posted them).
"If we follow ze plan we 'ad earlier, you will see me turn and race from ze gates wiz ze ogres shooting or running after me."
Inikai |
Ali frowns, clearly not agreeing with her pack-leader She "They no leave just because Pretty Friend Esteriande ask them. Ali will be in sky, and maybe Esteriande can...how say this? Can speak to Ali from ground to air? Maybe do something Ali can see? So Ali know when to drop balls that make fire."
"We can take off our cloaks and wave them around our heads. Would that work?"
Naria Yamyra |
Alisebett |
Wellard posted their equipment lists in the discussion thread (or here, can't recall, but he posted them).
"If we follow ze plan we 'ad earlier, you will see me turn and race from ze gates wiz ze ogres shooting or running after me."
"Yes, ok, Ali drop balls of fire when she see you run. But you run Fast,yes yes?"
Sbe then turns again to Inikai and, somewhat nervously, holds out her hands to receive two of the balls. When she has them, she very carefully places them in two of her pockets.
Assuming we're all ready to begin...
As the others make their final preparations, Ali begins making hers as well. Calling Lunas and Little Bear over to her, she first grabs them tightly around the necks, burying her face in their fur and murmuring words of love and affection and cautioning them to fight well and stay safe in the battle ahead. She then begins casting a series of spells on them to help improve their prowess and protection.
Finally, as Esteriande begins to walk towards the fort, Ali calls upon the power of the Land once more, this time to summon even more allies for the fight. As the three canines appear, Ali quickly gathers them together and gives them instructions, ordering one of them each to follow, fight alongside and protect Roman, Naria and Marak. As they wolves move to stand behind their assigned two-legs, Ali tells Lunas to follow and protect Esteriande. Giving him a last hug and kiss the wolf then lopes out to catch up with the Paladin. Ali waves to her friends, and wishes them all a safe battle. She then carefully takes out the globes and places them on the ground, flows to hawk, picks up the globes in her claws and swiftly wings up to over the fort, locating the first of the buildings she was instructed to drop the balls on top of.
Casts:
-Barkskin on Little Bear, Lunas
-Bears Endurance on Little Bear and Lunas
-Greater Magic Fang on Lunas
-Summon Nature's Ally II calling 1 wolf
-Summon Nature's Ally III calling 1d3 ⇒ 1 wolves Damn it!
-Summon Nature's Ally III calling 1d3 ⇒ 1 wolves ^%#&@%!
So the way I'm picturing this is Ali is casting all these at the last possible moment, saving the summonings until the last second. So Romon, Naria and Marak, you can all consider yourselves as having a Wolf Companion and as long as its ok with Wellard, and you wish to, I'll let you control them for the 9 rounds they'll be here. I'll still control Lunas.
Wolf CR 1
XP 400
N Medium animal
Init +2; Senses low-light vision, scent; Perception +8
DEFENSE
AC 14, touch 12, flat-footed 12 (+2 Dex, +2 natural)
hp 13 (2d8+4)
Fort +5, Ref +5, Will +1
OFFENSE
Speed 50 ft.
Melee bite +2 (1d6+1 plus trip)
STATISTICS
Str 13, Dex 15, Con 15, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6
Base Atk +1; CMB +2; CMD 14 (18 vs. trip)
Feats Skill Focus (Perception)
Skills Perception +8, Stealth +6, Survival +1 (+5 scent tracking); Racial Modifiers +4 Survival when tracking by scent
Esteriande d'Litran |
"I will be swift, I will be on Greyfog 'ere," she pats the horse's flanks affectionately.
Esteriande will don the gloves of arrow-snaring and wait for the other scouts to return, and distribute her +1 giant bane arrows among the archers, so that they can lay an ambush if the ogres pursue Esteriande.
Alisebett |
Ok, well, I guess Ali doesn't have to actually be in the air until Esteriande is running back from the fort, as in hawk form she can fly there in seconds. Lunas still goes with the Paladin and all the rest of the spells are still cast as late as possible.