Kyren Tosscobble |
"I've expected you - did you talk to your friends?"
"Splendid! Splendid!" Kyren replies with a hearty handshake. "Indeed I have talked to my friends and there are plans afoot of challenging this cult and freeing the children. I do not believe they like my idea of posing as chefs, but I thought I would just talk to you about the Pyramid, the structure and what needs to be done to free all of the young ladies. Can you tell me where they can all be found?"
Zyren DM |
Laion returns the friendly handshake and gets some refreshments from his little kitchen
Well, that is not easy to say. During the day, the girls in their pyramids are carried around through the various districts, but at night time, they all sleep together in one dormitory on the second level of the pyramid's interior.
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The front gate is a large opening also made of brass which will become nearly invisible when closed. At least half a dozen guards always vigilantly watch the square from here.
The back door is much smaller, about the size of a normal double-door. Only two guards are here.
Alcheringa |
"Lets just tear through the back door when the others hit the front. We can take some cloaks off the watch and appear to be the city guard coming to the rescue, only to turn on them and butcher the lot when their guard goes down. Take advantage of the confusion. As the assault occurs at the front we appear as city guards and officials, and let them know we are there to restore order and seek admittance to the gate to help strengthen against a horde 'soon to arrive' at the back door... then once inside we reveal the true colours and set to work. If the deception fails, I will simple glide into the earth and come up again inside the walls and kill the guards and let you all in. They might have a brass wall, but they wont have a brass floor."
"We could also follow the wave of undead I suppose"
Kyren Tosscobble |
Laion returns the friendly handshake and gets some refreshments from his little kitchen
Well, that is not easy to say. During the day, the girls in their pyramids are carried around through the various districts, but at night time, they all sleep together in one dormitory on the second level of the pyramid's interior.
"Kazam! This sound convenient! Can you tell me everything you know about this dormitory? Is it guarded or locked? Can it be found easy? How exactly do we get there? Can you show me a map of the first and second levels? Do you like oriental food? How many girls are we talking about?"
Vaughn Elliot |
Vaughn is dinig easy rounds at the Revive, assisting in getting the place back together and nursing a drink. He stops, and looks at Tal'Zaneb and Berry.
...we forgot about something. We're going to rescue a bunch of kids, which is great...but what do we DO with them once we HAVE them??Bringing one girl out of town to a home is one thing, but how many are we talking here? Damn, we need to think about this!!
Kyren Tosscobble |
"I..uh...oriental food?...well, the number is fifteen...no, not oriental food number 15, I mean fifteen girls are in the dormitory. I can draw you a quick sketch of the second level...it looks like this...the lower right room is the dormitory."
"Hehe! Well, don't worry about the oriental food question, but your other answers sound very useful. I just hope the girls don't scream when a handsome young halfling such as myself enters their room! Do you think they will all be willing and eager to come with me if I assure them that I can help them escape their destiny in that pyramid forever?! Once we get them out, we are going to have to help them find a new home to live."
Zyren DM |
Laion thinks for a moment and then replies
Oh, you could...uh the girl you rescued...Albright? write a letter to the other girls that would surely persuade them to trust you!
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Al and Kenta return to the Revive after their scouting trip. Here Bobo, Vaughn and Berry seem to rethink some elements of the plan.
Vaughn Elliot |
After hearing the report from Al and Kenta, and their conclusions, Vaughn sums up.
So, to sum up--you're suggesting we simply attack the rear while the front is occupied. Hmmm, I do like the simplicity. It's the one part of the "posing as kitchen staff" that I don't like: the fact that if we're caught, it's going to make everything a lot harder. If we can time it correctly, we shoudl be able to hit the rear guards quick and quiet-like while the zombies are making a ruckass out front. With most of the attention on the undead horde, we shoudl be able to slip in almost unnoticed, even with violence.
.
Yeah, I think I like it. I'm on board--unless Kyren can convince me otherwise.
.
but we also need to think one step ahead. Once we free these kids, what are we going to do with them??
Kyren Tosscobble |
"Oh, you could...uh the girl you rescued...Albright? write a letter to the other girls that would surely persuade them to trust you!"
"Well, certainly Albright trusted us implicitly and now has found a much better life as a result. Certainly a letter from her would go a long ways. However, I am not sure that we have time for such measures. I think the easiest will be to treat them with simple human dignity and share with them some of my charm. Perhaps if we tell them stories of Albright and even suggest that we try to bring them to the same orphanage, then they may become very cooperative. I mean look at their alternatives! I cannot imagine that living in a tiny enclosed pyramid has a great deal of appeal!"
Alcheringa |
"Tthere will be a bloodbath, disfigured and mauled bodies like broken ragdolls will litter the halls and we will be covered with blood and stink. Best the children are simply gathered up and moved away calmly, most likely by Kyren like because he is most likely to be able to distract them and with as little fuss as possible. There will be time to talk with them afterwards, but we need to keep them in line because once we have them it is likely the Cult will target them directly instead of us, as the children are much easier targets and if slain will render our invasion fruitless."
"I am ready when you are"
Zyren DM |
Bobo gives Al a concerned look
You really think they will rather kill the girls than let them flee? Disgusting I say...by the way, where do you want me to be during the assault?
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Laion neither objects nor questions Kyren's plan and just nods
Ok...one question remains though...what will I do once the fighting has started?
Alcheringa |
"Command some undead cohorts? Maybe make a nice snack for Blaze and I when we confuse you for the enemy. I never heard of you being a good fighter either. So it's best if you stay out of our way, we have enough people to rescue already... just get the food ready for when we return. The Children might want sweets."
Kyren Tosscobble |
Ok...one question remains though...what will I do once the fighting has started?
"Well, tell me my friend, how big a role do you want in the rescue of these lasses? The fighting is apt to be intense and if you are obviously one of the cultists, you could easy come to harm. If you felt a cold coming on, this might be a good day to call in sick and tell them that you won't be making it in. I suppose the decision is yours, but you've already done so much to help us, I see no reason why you should put yourself in further harm's way. Tell me, Laion, would they even notice if you didn't come in to work? I mean, I'm sure you're a good worker, but how close do they keep tabs on the inferiors?"
Zyren DM |
Laion scratches his chin and takes a sip from his tea glass
You're right, I guess they wouldn't notice it...but...should the attack fail or cult members survive, I guess they would remember that I wasn't there on that fateful day...
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Bobo crosses his arms in front of his chest and glares at Al
The fact that you didn't hear that I'm a good fighter does not mean that I cannot be a good fighter - here, ask Kenta how I managed the necromancer's council!
Alcheringa |
Alcheringa looks at the halfling, no humour evident at the challenge, "So... you've moved past your stalled apprenticeship with the Necromancers and seek to resume your association with their ways like Worsh before you?" Al raises an eye curiously.
Kyren Tosscobble |
Laion scratches his chin and takes a sip from his tea glass.
You're right, I guess they wouldn't notice it...but...should the attack fail or cult members survive, I guess they would remember that I wasn't there on that fateful day...
"Once the craziness of battle begins there will be so much confusion, I doubt they are going to wonder where one little inferior was." Kyren ponders a moment longer and then declares, "Kazam! I got it! You go in to the temple that morning and make your presence known, and then tell them that you must depart on an errand down town. You know, tell them a tale like you have to go pick up an extra pyramid repair kit, or that you need to go and purchase a few new collection boxes. Do you ever need to go bring the linens to the cleaners? Well, these may not be the best reasons, but even if you simply disappeared, I doubt they would keep track of your whereabouts. Would they? Don't you inferiors just go into a chamber and pray sometimes? I guess I just want to see you safe my friend. You have done so much to help us, and I don't want to see you get hurt."
Kenta Gushiken |
Kenta lets mirth fade from his face and countenance at Bobo's continued intransigence. Setting aside his helm, he holds a hand up to Alcheringa for pause before challenging the jumped up cook "Kenta remember different... but give you chance. You really want come, show Kenta you can fight. Try hit me... but think first. You try, I try back..." baring pointed teeth within his mouth and hissing.
"There be much worse wait for us in pyramid... you want in, show me you ready... hit me" Kenta's hands lie idle, but any trained eyes will see that his naginata could be drawn and brought to bear in an instant...
Vaughn Elliot |
Vaughn smirks a bit at this exchange between the newly emboldened Bobo and the two seasoned warriors. He lets the tension hang for a bit (assuming Bobo hesitates at Kenta's challenge--heck, even Vaughn would hesitate!) then steps up and puts an arm across Bobo's shoulders. Time for the "good cop"...
Bobo, no one doubts you're brave, and tough in your own way. We all have parts to play, and they're all important. Your part is here. We need to know we have someplace safe for the chit'lins to come back to, to get a warm meal in their bellies. If we don't know that's ready for them, we'll be distracted and our attack might fail. Here he looks up at Kenta and Al. Right guys??
I'm sure you were impressive with the Council. Just don't get too big for your britches, OK? Do what needs to be done. We need you here.
Zyren DM |
Bobo is at the brink of really punching Kenta - but his instinct of self preservation succeeds in the end and he seems only to happy that Vaughn helps him out of the situation
Yes Daggers, you're absolutely right. Even though I could take on several of these cultists all on my own, I don't want to steal your fame, heh! I will rather prepare a big feast for your return, yes that I will do!
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Laion smiles and gives Kyren a pat on the shoulder
A very good idea, so they won't know that I'm helping you! We will do it just like you said.
Time for final preparations I think.
Kenta Gushiken |
Kenta gives a grimaced smile and mutters "Okubyōmono, Kenta wa o-guchi zentai ni naginata no hiraoki suru no ga daisukida... Shibarakunoaida, anata no yakunitatanai kuso koe o damara... Henkō no tame no heiwa o ataeru." before easing off and returning his helmet to head. Mood dimmed somewhat he seems a bit petulant... as though Vaughn had stolen something that would have given him great pleasure.
Vaughn Elliot |
Mood dimmed somewhat he seems a bit petulant... as though Vaughn had stolen something that would have given him great pleasure.
Vaughn gives Bobo a pat on the shoulder. Then he nods Kenta aside a bit.
Kenta, Bobo is harmless, if he's watched. Yeah, he can bluster and be a little bit, er, noisy--but he's got a good heart, and he keeps us well fed and housed. Don't sweat it too much, OK? Let's go get ready for battle. Vaughn gives his forearm to Kenta, inviting a clasp.
Tal'Zeneb |
From his vantage at one of the wooden tables, Kal watches the near confrontation between Bobo and Kenta with some consternation, looking visibly relieved when Vaughn soothes the situation.
"I will be able to provide support to the offensive, healing and such. Unfortunately, some of my gifts provided by Pharasma may have the effect of harming our undead allies..." Tal says with a shrug and a small smile.
Vaughn Elliot |
Well, he may be an idiot, but he's OUR idiot. :-)
To Tal'Zeneb: Oh, woldn't that just be a *#%_ing shame!!
Alcheringa |
"Bobo forgets that it was only the reassurance that he had nothing to do with Necromancy and was just a bumbling and ignorant harmless cook that swayed my decision to spare his life and not put him back to the earth like I did his master. It is never too late to find out the assurances were wrong and act accordingly. If he challenges me ever again, he will be reminded of his status in the pride."
Zyren DM |
Bobo was clever enough to sneak into the kitchen before either Kenta or Al could chop his head off...
The hours until the storm begins now seem to crawl...strangely, the whole district seems to feel that something big is going to happen...the streets of crowded Ankar-Te become more and more deserted and soon the alleys appear even gloomier than they usually do.
At last you can hear the slow and staggering steps of a worm of undead warriors pouring through the streets, advancing to the pyramid.
Somewhere in the distance a massive gong is sounded in a slow but somehow hypnotical rythm that is perfectly in line with the stomping sounds of the zombie army...and the few customers who have remained at the Revive fearfully look at you...
Kenta Gushiken |
Kenta smiles as the cherubic face that adorns his helmet melts away and is replaced by a demonic facade. He pads over to Buta, vaulting atop his beast before stringing his bow and laying it crossways atop his saddlehorn. Without speaking, he moves from the Revive and onto the street... ready and willing...
Vaughn Elliot |
Nice facade, Kenta! I like it!!
Vaughn gets up, shakes out quickly, and also goes out into the street. OK, let's get into position in the back of the place. I'm ready.
Kyren Tosscobble |
Slight Retcon
Kyren comes in with his map and says, "I've got a little map to help us find the girls dormitory. When they are not in their little pyramids, they are upstairs in this lower right room. Crazzleboks, I hope they don't scream when I enter their room to save them!"
Back to present
Kyren follows along at Vaughn's side ready for the rescue.
Zyren DM |
While the juggernaut of undead warriors tromps through the broader streets of Ankar-Te, you decide to take a route through the backyards and narrow alleys...
As you at last reach the grand square of the district of necromancers, you behold a strange sight. From all directions zombies, skeletons and worse pur onto the forecourt of the pyramid. But no defender is to be seen.
Door and gate are closed and if you didn't know that there are openings in the building you wouldn't be able to spot them...
From time to time someone opens the window shutters of one of the buildings at the square's edges and eyes the undead hordes with silent fear...tension is nearly palpable and even though the necromancers' army does not shout, boast or yell, their moaning and shuffling steps are not less impressive and unsettling.
Vaughn Elliot |
Hmm, I'm not liking this. Let's get inside quickly.
As soon as we approach the rear door, Vaughn pulls out a couple potions/oils and drinks/applies them.
Potion: Barkskin
Oil: Shield
current AC: 30
Kyren Tosscobble |
"Let me know when you are ready for a quick burst of speed. I am ready with my hasty spell when you give the word. So shall we make our way to the girl's room once we arrive, or should we be checking the little pyramids first?"
Vaughn Elliot |
we should at least check the first few. If thsoe are empty, we head up. If not...we don't.
Vaughn Elliot |
I'm with you Kenta. We'll keep the heat off Kyren. Berry, you would be very useful to us in the fight, but you could also help Kyren if he gets into a jam. You decide where you should go, OK? I'll trust you! We three... Vaughn pauses, then pats Bunta ..FOUR, I mean, will get to fightin.