Uncoiled Ambition (Inactive)

Game Master Mowque


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Male Nagaji Ex-Druid (Naga Aspirant) 6 | HP 45/45 | AC:18 T:13 Fl:16 | CMB: +7 CMD: 19 | F +8 R +5 W +10 | Init +2 | Perc: +15 Sense Motive +13 | Wild Shape 2/2
Spells:
2nd Aggressive Thundercloud, Bull's Strength, Barkskin, Animal Trance (D) | 3rd Dispel Magic, Resist Energy Communal, Greater Magic Fang (D)
Current Effects:
Mage Armor

Sevak sighs and sits on the ground. "I am sorry, my friends," he whispers. "This is my fault. I do not know why I became so angry..."

A sudden thought chills his heart. What if the naga's arrogance was seeping over into him? But... the naga would not care for an innocent... but had he not, in a way, been believing himself better, wiser than others? Thinking to force them to bend to his will?

He shudders slightly. What could he do if this were the case? Was there more he could do than guard his thoughts, watch for the arrogance creeping into him and fight against it?

Lost in thought, he falls silent.


Sevak hears Fen Lain stumble into one of the cots, nearly knocking over. Soon the nagaji can hear his soft sounds of sleep, regular breaths.

Paq shifts int he blackness and says, "Do you want the cot or the floor?" A pause that must have held a grin, 'I'll race you for it."


Male Nagaji Ex-Druid (Naga Aspirant) 6 | HP 45/45 | AC:18 T:13 Fl:16 | CMB: +7 CMD: 19 | F +8 R +5 W +10 | Init +2 | Perc: +15 Sense Motive +13 | Wild Shape 2/2
Spells:
2nd Aggressive Thundercloud, Bull's Strength, Barkskin, Animal Trance (D) | 3rd Dispel Magic, Resist Energy Communal, Greater Magic Fang (D)
Current Effects:
Mage Armor

Sevak starts a bit, shaken from his reverie, then shakes his head slightly. "It is yours, Paq. It is my fault that we are here, so it is only right I take the floor. And I have much to think about. I am not certain I could sleep just yet."


Paq shrugs, the tiny furry sound quiet in the hidden room. 'Wake me if someone kills us."
The ratfolk climbs onto a cot and is soon asleep as well.

No sleep for you?


Male Nagaji Ex-Druid (Naga Aspirant) 6 | HP 45/45 | AC:18 T:13 Fl:16 | CMB: +7 CMD: 19 | F +8 R +5 W +10 | Init +2 | Perc: +15 Sense Motive +13 | Wild Shape 2/2
Spells:
2nd Aggressive Thundercloud, Bull's Strength, Barkskin, Animal Trance (D) | 3rd Dispel Magic, Resist Energy Communal, Greater Magic Fang (D)
Current Effects:
Mage Armor

Sevak quietly unrolled his bedroll, but instead of laying on it he sat on it in his meditative pose. His mind was racing, his spirit disquiet, and he needed some measure of peace before he could sleep.

Why was he such a fool? Even when he sought to do good, he only did harm. The ratfolk in Iskassar had likely suffered from his quest for sight, Immonhiel's sacred spring had probably been defiled, and who knew what had happened to the poor fishing village he had rested in when he had swum to shore? And now he had likely brought retribution upon Kona by his attack on the Wild Fish, and caught Fen Lain up in the trouble as well.

Was it a curse of the Spirit Naga? Was his every good intention now tainted by his one act of surrender to evil?

No... even before that, his efforts had been similar. Had not the Floating Tulip burned for him, his lifesaving not even rescuing all from the flames? And was not Paq here now because of his efforts to show the Red House's guilt in that matter? Only his efforts in the Temple of Nalinavati seemed untainted, but given that it had been nagaji lives he had saved, he was not certain that was an unalloyed good.

Was it not because he had never learned wisdom? He had been taught all his life to look down on the unscaled, to revere the naga, to view only other nagaji as equals. With such education, how could he be anything but a fool?

But that was unsatisfying. It was not as if anyone had told him they were wrong. He had seen it for himself. The wrongness had been plain even to a fool like himself once he'd opened his eyes. Perhaps if he'd done so sooner he would have had time to learn wisdom.

He needed a teacher. He thought back on the old ratfolk, on Immonhiel, and longed to have spoken longer with them. Even Bo had his own simple wisdom, but always Sevak had been running, fleeing his past when he met each of them. Was he cursed forever to run, never to have time to stop and learn what was right, because of his past folly?

Sevak was surprised to find bitter tears of frustration and guilt flowing from his closed eyes. He wept silently for a time, and somehow letting the tears flow eased him a little. After a few minutes they slowed, then stopped.

He didn't have time to feel sorry for himself. His life and that of Paq and Fen Lain depended on his ability to get them all out of this. Well, Paq would probably be fine regardless. But he would need to be sharp tomorrow, which meant sleep. But in spite of his tears, he did not think his mind settled enough to sleep.

Meditation. That would settle him. But it felt odd to meditate on nature in this underground place. Except... earth and stone were part of nature as well.

Quietly he felt his way over to a wall and sat with his back to it. He thought of stone, how it withstood the ravages of ages all but unchanged. If only he were more patient, like stone, perhaps he would not have foolishly attacked the Wild Fish. Sometimes you had to watch the lesser evils quietly to have a chance against the greater evils, it seemed. A lesson for him, from this...

He realized he was drifting away from his meditation, and pulled his thoughts back to stone. Stone was firm and quiet, impassive in the face of difficulty. It was the foundation of all things. But when it moved, little could stop it.

Assuming nothing happens in the couple of hours it takes for him to fall asleep Slowly, his thoughts grew more disordered, more dreamlike, until he slipped from meditation to sleep.


The silence of the room is a comfort, if a slight one. It is quiet here, with only the gentle sounds of Fen Lain and Paq sleeping. He can feel, truly feel, the passage of time, the slow ages that pass in the dark. The stone wall is warm, firm, strong. It reminds him of all he is not, but can aspire to.

Sevak slips into an uneasy sleep, still plagued by his many thoughts. He seems the jungle, the sea, the overgrown places of the nag, all swim in front of him, like weeds in a pond. Then all grows dark, as if a black shadow covered his eyes and a thrill of horror as he realizes he is blind again.

Out of that endless darkness he hears a voice, all too familiar.

"You are weak, servant." Two red eyes form out of the pitch, the eyes of the spirit naga. 'It is pathetic.'


Male Nagaji Ex-Druid (Naga Aspirant) 6 | HP 45/45 | AC:18 T:13 Fl:16 | CMB: +7 CMD: 19 | F +8 R +5 W +10 | Init +2 | Perc: +15 Sense Motive +13 | Wild Shape 2/2
Spells:
2nd Aggressive Thundercloud, Bull's Strength, Barkskin, Animal Trance (D) | 3rd Dispel Magic, Resist Energy Communal, Greater Magic Fang (D)
Current Effects:
Mage Armor

Sevak shivers in the presence of the spirit naga. Desperately he grasps at the idea of stone to stiffen his resolve.

It helps, but only a little.

"Yes," he agrees. "With my spirit in turmoil, I am no longer connected to the spirits of the jungle, to call upon their power. But what would I do with power?" His voice turns bitter. "Even if I had it, I would simply make a worse mess of things. I am too much a fool to be trusted with power."


Male Nagaji Ex-Druid (Naga Aspirant) 6 | HP 45/45 | AC:18 T:13 Fl:16 | CMB: +7 CMD: 19 | F +8 R +5 W +10 | Init +2 | Perc: +15 Sense Motive +13 | Wild Shape 2/2
Spells:
2nd Aggressive Thundercloud, Bull's Strength, Barkskin, Animal Trance (D) | 3rd Dispel Magic, Resist Energy Communal, Greater Magic Fang (D)
Current Effects:
Mage Armor

To be clear, he's agreeing he's weak, but he's (partially) blaming his turmoil of spirit on listening to her. He's just not going to say that to her face.


A hiss sounds in the darkness of Sevak's mind, one of irritation.

"You disappoint me." The spirit naga says, "You awaken to how you are used as a pawn, you make yourself free. And what do you do with your hard won freedom, that you paid so much for?"

Another hiss then, "You snivel and grovel! Instead you should be seeking power, to set the course of events, not be moved by them. Only through power, through strength can you get what you want."

A sneering voice, 'Even if you wish to help others, you need power to do so, yes?" Softer, sweeter, "I can give you that. I can give you your magic back, the powers you need to right your wrongs, whatever you perceive them to be."


Male Nagaji Ex-Druid (Naga Aspirant) 6 | HP 45/45 | AC:18 T:13 Fl:16 | CMB: +7 CMD: 19 | F +8 R +5 W +10 | Init +2 | Perc: +15 Sense Motive +13 | Wild Shape 2/2
Spells:
2nd Aggressive Thundercloud, Bull's Strength, Barkskin, Animal Trance (D) | 3rd Dispel Magic, Resist Energy Communal, Greater Magic Fang (D)
Current Effects:
Mage Armor

Somehow, Sevak feels a bit better about himself knowing that he's disappointed the spirit naga. Though there is some truth to what she says, there is a problem, also.

"But without the wisdom to use power correctly, I am as likely, if not more, to cause harm rather than do good," Sevak replies. "And so, before I seek power, I would wish to learn wisdom. Then I shall seek to change events. That I do otherwise here is only because I am here, and may not have the opportunity again. If I even have it now."


"Wisdom." The naga says, spitting the word, "A wraith you short-lived creature search for, a mystical state of mind that eludes you. Do you think you have so much time?"

The naga then swells in his vision, vast and strong, black against darker blackness, "You must act, Sevak. You must strive, you must seize. I will not have my newest tool go to rust."

A longer silence then in a quieter voice, 'Will you take my aid? With my help, you can smash these petty bandits, sweep them aside. Prove to them, to your allies that you are useful, powerful, strong.."


Male Nagaji Ex-Druid (Naga Aspirant) 6 | HP 45/45 | AC:18 T:13 Fl:16 | CMB: +7 CMD: 19 | F +8 R +5 W +10 | Init +2 | Perc: +15 Sense Motive +13 | Wild Shape 2/2
Spells:
2nd Aggressive Thundercloud, Bull's Strength, Barkskin, Animal Trance (D) | 3rd Dispel Magic, Resist Energy Communal, Greater Magic Fang (D)
Current Effects:
Mage Armor

Sevak cannot help but mentally draw back from the naga. "At what cost? Already I dare not use the naga shape, for fear of what it does to me. Would I not lose more of myself were I to use more of your aid?"


'Lose what? Your self-doubt? The past you loath? Or perhaps just your weakness? Much of what makes you the thing you are,you despise, or should." The naga's tongue, bright red against the black, flashes once, 'Still you deny....soon a time will come where you wished you were strong..."

The figure fades and Sevak awakes, a feeling of foreboding filling his body.


Male Nagaji Ex-Druid (Naga Aspirant) 6 | HP 45/45 | AC:18 T:13 Fl:16 | CMB: +7 CMD: 19 | F +8 R +5 W +10 | Init +2 | Perc: +15 Sense Motive +13 | Wild Shape 2/2
Spells:
2nd Aggressive Thundercloud, Bull's Strength, Barkskin, Animal Trance (D) | 3rd Dispel Magic, Resist Energy Communal, Greater Magic Fang (D)
Current Effects:
Mage Armor

Sevak does not open his eyes, though he is awake. Why open them to see only darkness?

Instead he thinks over his dream. He is glad to know the naga has to tempt him, rather than ordering him. Still... while he will not accept the spirit naga's power, it is true that, if he is to make a positive difference in the world, he will need power. But he will not seek it from such a corrupting source. The power of the jungle comes from harmony with nature...

...a harmony which he had maintained poorly even before. Had he not simply used the power for Iskassala, without thought to the well-being of the jungle? True, he had not harmed it, but still...

And truth be told, he cared at least as much for people as the jungle. Though he cared for nature, too... perhaps... what he wished was to help them live in harmony?

A thought to mull over, but for now, he carefully stood, bowed in the rough direction he thought the spring was, and murmured, "I thank Immonhiel for the gift of sight."

Immonhiel... likely she would have been disappointed had he given in to the spirit naga's temptations. He would have to seek to learn more of her.


Male Nagaji Ex-Druid (Naga Aspirant) 6 | HP 45/45 | AC:18 T:13 Fl:16 | CMB: +7 CMD: 19 | F +8 R +5 W +10 | Init +2 | Perc: +15 Sense Motive +13 | Wild Shape 2/2
Spells:
2nd Aggressive Thundercloud, Bull's Strength, Barkskin, Animal Trance (D) | 3rd Dispel Magic, Resist Energy Communal, Greater Magic Fang (D)
Current Effects:
Mage Armor

I guess that didn't really give you anything to work off of.

Generally Sevak would now begin his morning meditation, but... it felt a bit forced, after the last night. Still, he should keep in the habit.

He sat back down and focused on stone again, until a thought occurred to him. When was the last time he'd even tried to renew his bond with nature? He'd been meditating every day, but not once had he reached for the bond he'd once had.

Hesitantly, he inwardly reaches for that mental 'place' where once he had connected with the power of the jungle.


Sevak breathes in the musty air, calming himself, trying to find his place in nature. Locked here, in the bosom of the earth helps center him. A worm struggling across the ceiling, distant roots pushing through hardpacked earth, the slow grinding of stone, all connect with him.

But there is no magic there, not the deep connection he had before. He can feel it, just barely touch it, as if with his fingertips, then it is gone again. Frustrated he keeps at it, but it never gets closer, and the connection is not quite lost, but dim, distorted, faint.

Then he feels something else, some other source of power, of magic. Something..within not without? Something strong...

Suddenly light dazzles the room as Kona opens the trapdoor. Sevak's meandering's are broken instantly.

'Hello down there, how was the night?" The inkeeper says, looking down into the secert room.

Paq rolls over, grumbling. Then Kona says, 'Who wants breakfast?" and that gets the ratfolk moving.


Male Nagaji Ex-Druid (Naga Aspirant) 6 | HP 45/45 | AC:18 T:13 Fl:16 | CMB: +7 CMD: 19 | F +8 R +5 W +10 | Init +2 | Perc: +15 Sense Motive +13 | Wild Shape 2/2
Spells:
2nd Aggressive Thundercloud, Bull's Strength, Barkskin, Animal Trance (D) | 3rd Dispel Magic, Resist Energy Communal, Greater Magic Fang (D)
Current Effects:
Mage Armor

Sevak chuckles softly at Paq's reaction while carefully making his way towards the entrance.

"Thank you, Kona," he says. "I... hope you have not been further disturbed?"


The innkeeper shakes his head as the three of them leave the musty basement. "Had a few visitors, but they all accepted you fled. It would have been the smart thing to do after all. Well, except one."

Kona turns to the bar and hands Sevak a thin bit of paper. "A message, from Hudai, the second in command to the Mayor himself. I don't know what it says, never learned to read, myself."

The handwriting is simple but well-written. Dear nagaji, I hope you are as brave as my underlings say. I found your ideas interesting. If this letter reaches you, meet me at noon behind the [i]Old Rice House. Come alone.[/i]


Male Nagaji Ex-Druid (Naga Aspirant) 6 | HP 45/45 | AC:18 T:13 Fl:16 | CMB: +7 CMD: 19 | F +8 R +5 W +10 | Init +2 | Perc: +15 Sense Motive +13 | Wild Shape 2/2
Spells:
2nd Aggressive Thundercloud, Bull's Strength, Barkskin, Animal Trance (D) | 3rd Dispel Magic, Resist Energy Communal, Greater Magic Fang (D)
Current Effects:
Mage Armor

The message crowds out all thoughts of Sevak's brief experience earlier this morning.

"It is either an opportunity or a trap," he declares after he finishes reading. "Or perhaps both."

He looks back up at Kona. "This Hudai... what do you know of him? And where is the Old Rice House?"


Sorry, messed up the brackets...

Kona purses his lips, saying, "Don't know much her. Oh yes, it is a woman. A rarity among the bandits but I hear she isn't one to cross."

He pauses, obviously thing, "I think she is from Nagajor, like you. Not sure what her history is however. As for the Old Rice House it used to be a tavern, by the city wall, but it is old and falling down these days. Little call for taverns in a land ruled by bandits."


Male Nagaji Ex-Druid (Naga Aspirant) 6 | HP 45/45 | AC:18 T:13 Fl:16 | CMB: +7 CMD: 19 | F +8 R +5 W +10 | Init +2 | Perc: +15 Sense Motive +13 | Wild Shape 2/2
Spells:
2nd Aggressive Thundercloud, Bull's Strength, Barkskin, Animal Trance (D) | 3rd Dispel Magic, Resist Energy Communal, Greater Magic Fang (D)
Current Effects:
Mage Armor

Sevak nods. "She has invited me to meet her at the Old Rice House at noon... alone."

He glances at Paq, then back to Kona. "Which indicates that she believes I am still here. Whatever her true intentions, I suspect that it would be best if I go. How difficult will it be for me to get there unseen?"


Before Kona can answer Paq breaks in, 'I have been thinking on this, Sevak. Being a nagaji makes it hard for you to get around. Maybe it is time to solve that. Give me some time to go buy or steal a potion of Alter Self or something. Might be of use?"

Fen Lain then says, 'And get me out of the city." the young man looks less then impressed at spending the night in a dirty hole.


Male Nagaji Ex-Druid (Naga Aspirant) 6 | HP 45/45 | AC:18 T:13 Fl:16 | CMB: +7 CMD: 19 | F +8 R +5 W +10 | Init +2 | Perc: +15 Sense Motive +13 | Wild Shape 2/2
Spells:
2nd Aggressive Thundercloud, Bull's Strength, Barkskin, Animal Trance (D) | 3rd Dispel Magic, Resist Energy Communal, Greater Magic Fang (D)
Current Effects:
Mage Armor

Sevak nods at both of his companions. "If Paq can get something to disguise my race, then we should be able to get you out of the town, Fen Lain. I am just not certain if there would be somewhere here such magic could be purchased." He looks over at Kona questioningly.


Paq grins at the word 'purchase' but Kona thinks. "I've never known much about magic and this is a small town. The Mayor may have such items on hand, in his own storehouse, but I don't think any can be bought in the market."

The ratfolk looks a trifle disappointed and asks Sevak, "Is raiding Zai's private store off limits?"


Male Nagaji Ex-Druid (Naga Aspirant) 6 | HP 45/45 | AC:18 T:13 Fl:16 | CMB: +7 CMD: 19 | F +8 R +5 W +10 | Init +2 | Perc: +15 Sense Motive +13 | Wild Shape 2/2
Spells:
2nd Aggressive Thundercloud, Bull's Strength, Barkskin, Animal Trance (D) | 3rd Dispel Magic, Resist Energy Communal, Greater Magic Fang (D)
Current Effects:
Mage Armor

Sevak hesitates. "This Zai... how many of the problems of the town is he involved in?" He asks Kona.


The old man shrugs, "He is the Boss, as well as the Mayor. He runs the gangs, and takes a cut of all the loot. His main advantage is he owns all the boats in town, so he controls everything coming in or out. Unless someone managed to forge an alliance with the farmers..."

Kona shrugs again, "He controls all the food and loot coming in from outside. Puts him in a very strong position."


Male Nagaji Ex-Druid (Naga Aspirant) 6 | HP 45/45 | AC:18 T:13 Fl:16 | CMB: +7 CMD: 19 | F +8 R +5 W +10 | Init +2 | Perc: +15 Sense Motive +13 | Wild Shape 2/2
Spells:
2nd Aggressive Thundercloud, Bull's Strength, Barkskin, Animal Trance (D) | 3rd Dispel Magic, Resist Energy Communal, Greater Magic Fang (D)
Current Effects:
Mage Armor

Sevak nods at Kona. "I see."

He looks over at Paq. "Do what you think best," he says, cautiously, "Just be careful. I would rather not incite further pursuit at present."


Paq nods and vanishes out the door, a little moving shadow. Kona soon excuses himself, going upstairs to make the beds and other tasks required. This leaves Fen Lain and Sevak alone downstairs (I assume int he kitchen or something, out of sight).

The young man looks around then says, 'I'm not a coward...I just don't see the point of fighting these bandits."


Male Nagaji Ex-Druid (Naga Aspirant) 6 | HP 45/45 | AC:18 T:13 Fl:16 | CMB: +7 CMD: 19 | F +8 R +5 W +10 | Init +2 | Perc: +15 Sense Motive +13 | Wild Shape 2/2
Spells:
2nd Aggressive Thundercloud, Bull's Strength, Barkskin, Animal Trance (D) | 3rd Dispel Magic, Resist Energy Communal, Greater Magic Fang (D)
Current Effects:
Mage Armor

Sevak nods. "Simply attacking them is pointless."

He grins a little. "In spite of what my actions yesterday might indicate, I recognize that. I am just... new to... this." He waves a hand vaguely.

"That is why I hope this meeting will lead somewhere. What will change things is if enough of those with power see that turning from banditry to being legitimate authorities would be of benefit to everyone, themselves included."


Fen Lain shrugs, 'Why not simply get leave? What concern is it of yours? Seems like you are taking many risks for people who don't even like you. What responsibility do you have?"


Male Nagaji Ex-Druid (Naga Aspirant) 6 | HP 45/45 | AC:18 T:13 Fl:16 | CMB: +7 CMD: 19 | F +8 R +5 W +10 | Init +2 | Perc: +15 Sense Motive +13 | Wild Shape 2/2
Spells:
2nd Aggressive Thundercloud, Bull's Strength, Barkskin, Animal Trance (D) | 3rd Dispel Magic, Resist Energy Communal, Greater Magic Fang (D)
Current Effects:
Mage Armor

Sevak is silent for a long time, eyes downcast. Why, indeed? How certain is he that he is making the situation better? Or more to the point... why does he care?

...

Because he spent so long not caring. Because these are people just as he is. Because...

"I have the responsibility to leave the world better than I found it," he murmurs. "I have spent so long serving one who mainly cared for her own profit, how can I turn my back on those who so much need a change for the better?"

He looks up at Fen Lain. "It is my concern because... because I had some small part in making this situation. Because I did nothing to help all of the slaves of Nagajor."

He frowns. "That is... not quite it..."

Sevak lapses into silence. At last he simply shakes his head slightly. "I care because... the way things are now is not right," he quietly says. [b]"And perhaps that is enough reason to need to change it."


The farmer eyes the nagaji for a long moment. 'Well, it isn't worth dying for, at least not for me." He seems to doubt his own words a she says it though and adds nothing else.

A few hours later Paq returns, sliding through an open window. He throws a small vial at Sevak, "One potion of Alter Self." He shakes his head before pouring some sake, "What a miserable little town. Took forever to even find where to steal that."


Male Nagaji Ex-Druid (Naga Aspirant) 6 | HP 45/45 | AC:18 T:13 Fl:16 | CMB: +7 CMD: 19 | F +8 R +5 W +10 | Init +2 | Perc: +15 Sense Motive +13 | Wild Shape 2/2
Spells:
2nd Aggressive Thundercloud, Bull's Strength, Barkskin, Animal Trance (D) | 3rd Dispel Magic, Resist Energy Communal, Greater Magic Fang (D)
Current Effects:
Mage Armor

"Perhaps not for you. But for me... better to die trying to do good for once in my life than continue being a blight on the world," Sevak replies to Fen Lain.

***************

Sevak catches the potion vial smoothly. "Let us hope we can improve things here," he replies.

How close to noon is it?


About an hour or so


Male Nagaji Ex-Druid (Naga Aspirant) 6 | HP 45/45 | AC:18 T:13 Fl:16 | CMB: +7 CMD: 19 | F +8 R +5 W +10 | Init +2 | Perc: +15 Sense Motive +13 | Wild Shape 2/2
Spells:
2nd Aggressive Thundercloud, Bull's Strength, Barkskin, Animal Trance (D) | 3rd Dispel Magic, Resist Energy Communal, Greater Magic Fang (D)
Current Effects:
Mage Armor

Sevak glances outside, guessing at the height of the sun.

"It would be best to get Fen Lain out of town before I meet with Hudai," Sevak says, looking between the young man and Paq. "With me disguised, it will be easier, but we may wish to disguise Fen Lain to some degree, and clearly I will not be able to carry my blade openly. But hopefully we shall be able to get him out without problems if we do this."


Paq says, "The sick man routine? Bundle him up and escort him out?" Then the ratfolk frowns, looking down at himself. 'I won't be able to go with you. Once you change you can move freely and Fen lain too, once he looks sick, but a ratfolk might stand out..."

He grimaces, obviously unsure weather you can handle this operation on your own.


Male Nagaji Ex-Druid (Naga Aspirant) 6 | HP 45/45 | AC:18 T:13 Fl:16 | CMB: +7 CMD: 19 | F +8 R +5 W +10 | Init +2 | Perc: +15 Sense Motive +13 | Wild Shape 2/2
Spells:
2nd Aggressive Thundercloud, Bull's Strength, Barkskin, Animal Trance (D) | 3rd Dispel Magic, Resist Energy Communal, Greater Magic Fang (D)
Current Effects:
Mage Armor

Sevak thinks quietly for a moment. "I am not certain we need anything so elaborate," he replies at last. "Fen Lain was mostly out of view during my fight, and he did not do anything to draw attention to himself as we came into town. I should think we should be able to simply walk out of town, unless they are closely examining all who leave the town for the possibility of being associated with me. They do not so restrict entering and leaving, yes? Simply charge a toll?" He looked around and realized Kona wasn't there to confirm his words.


Paq looks a bit disappointed at Sevak's simple plan probably being better. At his question the ratfolk offers, "They didn't seem to check those going out at all. More casual thugs then guards."


Male Nagaji Ex-Druid (Naga Aspirant) 6 | HP 45/45 | AC:18 T:13 Fl:16 | CMB: +7 CMD: 19 | F +8 R +5 W +10 | Init +2 | Perc: +15 Sense Motive +13 | Wild Shape 2/2
Spells:
2nd Aggressive Thundercloud, Bull's Strength, Barkskin, Animal Trance (D) | 3rd Dispel Magic, Resist Energy Communal, Greater Magic Fang (D)
Current Effects:
Mage Armor

Sevak nods, then looks over at Fen Lain. "If anyone asks, you are simply a farmer's son who came here with me on business... trading some crops, I suppose. It went poorly, so you are going home to your father while I, a family friend, remain to finish some remaining business."

He pauses a moment. "We shall want names, as well. Say I am Patre, and you are Arjun. Let us hope that will be enough."


Fen lain nods, 'Close enough to the truth." The young man lifts his high collar a bit, hiding his jaw slightly, hiding his face effectively enough. Paq nods, 'You have a talent for this."

The young man actually looks a bit insulted at the remark, but shakes the ratfolk's hand. 'One day maybe I will meet you on the streets of Goka...or maybe not." the young man's view of the outside world seems to have been tainted by the squalor and danger so far.

At the name he nods, 'Arjun."

Anything else?


Male Nagaji Ex-Druid (Naga Aspirant) 6 | HP 45/45 | AC:18 T:13 Fl:16 | CMB: +7 CMD: 19 | F +8 R +5 W +10 | Init +2 | Perc: +15 Sense Motive +13 | Wild Shape 2/2
Spells:
2nd Aggressive Thundercloud, Bull's Strength, Barkskin, Animal Trance (D) | 3rd Dispel Magic, Resist Energy Communal, Greater Magic Fang (D)
Current Effects:
Mage Armor

"I seem to recall you recanting that statement about me, Paq," Sevak says with a grin. Then he uncorks the potion vial and drinks its contents.

He waits for the change, then asks, "How do I look?"


Going for any look in particular?


Male Nagaji Ex-Druid (Naga Aspirant) 6 | HP 45/45 | AC:18 T:13 Fl:16 | CMB: +7 CMD: 19 | F +8 R +5 W +10 | Init +2 | Perc: +15 Sense Motive +13 | Wild Shape 2/2
Spells:
2nd Aggressive Thundercloud, Bull's Strength, Barkskin, Animal Trance (D) | 3rd Dispel Magic, Resist Energy Communal, Greater Magic Fang (D)
Current Effects:
Mage Armor

Nondescript farmer. :D


Sevak's skin warp and changes, hair sprouts from his head, eyes become small and liquid. Soon the nagaji is a farmer, of medium height, light brown hair and sunburned skin. Just like many others.

Paq approves and Fen Lain nods, 'You look somewhat like an uncle of mine."


Male Nagaji Ex-Druid (Naga Aspirant) 6 | HP 45/45 | AC:18 T:13 Fl:16 | CMB: +7 CMD: 19 | F +8 R +5 W +10 | Init +2 | Perc: +15 Sense Motive +13 | Wild Shape 2/2
Spells:
2nd Aggressive Thundercloud, Bull's Strength, Barkskin, Animal Trance (D) | 3rd Dispel Magic, Resist Energy Communal, Greater Magic Fang (D)
Current Effects:
Mage Armor

Sevak nods. "Now we need only to leave without being seen leaving from this particular inn. Were any watching when you came in, Paq?"


The ratfolk shakes his head, 'No many people about, sleepy town. I imagine most of the thugs are still sleeping off the carousing from the night before. And the honest townsfolk seem too cowed to look up from the streets." he shrugs, "Easy pickings but a little disheartening."


Male Nagaji Ex-Druid (Naga Aspirant) 6 | HP 45/45 | AC:18 T:13 Fl:16 | CMB: +7 CMD: 19 | F +8 R +5 W +10 | Init +2 | Perc: +15 Sense Motive +13 | Wild Shape 2/2
Spells:
2nd Aggressive Thundercloud, Bull's Strength, Barkskin, Animal Trance (D) | 3rd Dispel Magic, Resist Energy Communal, Greater Magic Fang (D)
Current Effects:
Mage Armor

"Let us hope we can improve that," Sevak replies. "Very well, then. Arjun and I shall be on our way, and later I will go to the Old Rice House. I trust, Paq, that you will be well?"


The ratfolk shrugs, unhappy at missing out but understanding why.

Soon 'Argun' and 'Patre' are heading toward one of the ramshackle city gates. As Paq said the town seems very quiet, with few people on the streets. here and there on a porch or step, Sevak can see a young man glowering or leering at the few passerbyes. The nagaji gets the feeling this worsens as the day goes on.

Still, passing a marketplace they encounter some signs of life, women shopping, shopkeepers haggling, a man preaching from atop a dirty crate.
The crowd even grows enough they have to push past a little bit to reach the empty roads leading out.

??: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
?: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24

Sevak can feel a hand slide into his pocket and then out, as a young kid rushes past, head down. Feeling down Sevak can tell the child took something...

?: 1d10 ⇒ 9

Nice.

Sevak's snapleaf is missing!


Male Nagaji Ex-Druid (Naga Aspirant) 6 | HP 45/45 | AC:18 T:13 Fl:16 | CMB: +7 CMD: 19 | F +8 R +5 W +10 | Init +2 | Perc: +15 Sense Motive +13 | Wild Shape 2/2
Spells:
2nd Aggressive Thundercloud, Bull's Strength, Barkskin, Animal Trance (D) | 3rd Dispel Magic, Resist Energy Communal, Greater Magic Fang (D)
Current Effects:
Mage Armor

Sevak pauses for a moment. It was a valuable item, which he might well need in times to come... but making a scene about it now would endanger Fen Lain. He tells himself that the child clearly needs it worse than he as he walks on as if nothing happened... while staying wary of any other pickpockets.


All right then

There are no other pickpockets, the crowd being small. Soon they are in nearly empty streets again, only moving around a few heavily laden wagons.

Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25

Behind them, Sevak notes the scruffy looking priest is following them. he has a dirty brown beard, wild eyes, and mud-stained clothes. The nagaji would say he is mad, but seems intent on following them.

Ahead of them is a small dirt square then the outer gates. Sevak notes two heavily hungover thugs near the gate, nearly asleep.

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