in mindlink: hmm, I think perhaps we go about this the wrong way; I am thinking of the cats and cat games. I think perhaps we should dangle a few morsels of information in front of this Axinos; he is very full of himself; consider this; I smell elf on him; wood or wild, that is interesting; use what we know and what you can glean; polish it up like a bauble and present it like a jewel.
The three guys in front of you are about your size; they are wearing full robes from head to foot; the robes are very richly adorned; behind you is what looks like a lot of beer swilling humanoid things that are sorta giantish, about 12; they are all about 7 ft tall and each probably weight 3 or 4 hundred pounds of muscle and not to much wit. They slap each other and punch each other and you have gotten jossled a few times but really they dont seem to notice you; just obnoxious guys standing in line; you doubt there gonna move for anyone and the other guys in the robes just give off a very creepy hair on edge kinda feel. They all seem very self involved and dont see the two coming groups.
The group in front of the group in front of you; looks like necropolitan shop keepers; about 6 of them are playing the "one up on ya" game of betting on things likely to happen.
:)
Kalona, the uncle doesn't like me. He is sizing me up. He is sizing all of us up. He pulls a web and see's where it will lead. The other guy sitting next to him is taking notes. They are toying with us. We talk out of turn which shows we are disorganized and lack discipline. Erkholt saying, "Hey I wasn't with these guys". Shows lack of solidarity. This Axinous is just letting me know there is a bullseye on my back. I am a threat to him.As far as the group. I will not beg or plead for myself or any of us. What was done was wrong. I tried to protect the Oracles Niece. I failed. Astinos, and that jerk monk did her harm. Stopping Grymbols blade doesn't matter. I failed. So if punishment is decided for me. I will accept it. Because of party actions it broke my word to the Oracle. I continue to travel with you all after what happened. That makes me just as guilty.
As I mentioned, the Uncle is irrelevant in relation to the parties actions regarding Aahz's sister...hmm, this is a niece to this Oracle that is also related to Aahz...something seems a bit amis here?
Aahz's feelings are genuine, he is not toying with anyone, at least as far as this situation goes, and it is to him that this item must be dealt with. The one with the raven may take as many notes as he likes, but again its irrelevant to this situation. My point is that Aahz feels poorly treated by members of this group, he is not being childish or manipulative. He simply has seen the actions of various people from this group as aggressive and unfriendly. In his experience this is dealt with by punishing those until he is sure they will not do that to him or his family again. He is a power, so his punishment is much more severe than others, but it is nothing more than what anyone else would do, in similar circumstances. As you could tell, he was willing to discuss the matter and accept an option he had never thought of or even known existed. That is reasonable, I think. He is in his formative stage and this is an opportunity for this group to make a positive impression that can have many, many long ranging consequences. It is however, up to this group and each individual in it to do that. Including yourself.
As for this web you speak of, the Uncle is hardly a spider, as you should well know. While Jewel says he is powerful, that is a relative term. While he may be able to overcome many if not all of us, I have seen many who simply wouldnt even notice he existed...merely a flee that at best can be picked out and gobbled up as a minor irritation. In any case, our group I believe offered an exchange of information, Jewel has given some, if there is more a fair exchange is required. I do not know that the information he has given is as valuable as the information Jewel gave though. Hers seems to imply his existance is at stake, I did not see that in anything he mentioned. Though already many things have been spoken and much has been learned...out of turn and in a disorganized fashion...with Aahz.
Kalona also sends a request to include Erkhold into the mind link if not already there.
Kemnebi frowns, being jostled yet again by the giantish creatures behind him. Then he furrows his brow, his tongue sticking out from between his teeth just a bit. Then he smiles.
"Well!" says Kemnebi, just a little too loudly, and obviously talking to the group discussing the odds of things happening in front of him. "I'll bet Copper Pins to Gold Eagles that those two groups heading our way are about to make everyone in this line take a new number!" he says, pointing to the two groups in question now getting too close too ignore.
"What I Don;t know is how to bet who in line is gonna take out more, first. Personally I'm betting on the guys behind me. What do you think? Whose gonna take out more? Tiny and his friends, or someone else in line?" He asks the 'odds makers'.
One of the big guys takes notice of you; leans down in your face; his breath is disgusting, "whachu say little furball; who take what number?"
<obviously your going to have to talk slow with these guys>
as for the group in front; they stop their straight ahead look; look to each side; and then put their heads together very closely nearly forehead to forehead.
Kemnebi frowns, being jostled yet again by the giantish creatures behind him. Then he furrows his brow, his tongue sticking out from between his teeth just a bit. Then he smiles.
"Well!" says Kemnebi, just a little too loudly, and obviously talking to the group discussing the odds of things happening in front of him. "I'll bet Copper Pins to Gold Eagles that those two groups heading our way are about to make everyone in this line take a new number!" he says, pointing to the two groups in question now getting too close too ignore.
"What I Don;t know is how to bet who in line is gonna take out more, first. Personally I'm betting on the guys behind me. What do you think? Whose gonna take out more? Tiny and his friends, or someone else in line?" He asks the 'odds makers'.
I am thinking like three to five minutes tops
no, but you did believe he was acting very strangly suddenly; but you have no proof ie; nobody noticed any casting or magic or psi powers; he just ran out there. Typically elves of all kinds are fairly immune to sleep and charm so this would argue agaisnt he being charmed; but if she is a power of diefic level like a demigod or some such; she could overcome his resistance, hard to prove other then circumstantially
I sit watching and listening as the conversation spirals in directions I had never dreamed it would go. Some talk of our mission had gotten underway, only to be dragged back to the probelm of the doomed catfolk and the "atonment" of these folk ThoronHen had gotten invloved with.
I had the distinct impression I was missing vital information here, something that dind't sit well with me. My isolation in the tunnels below the world had left me in a far less enviable position than I had first realised. With luck, one of these people would be able to bring this conversation back on track and we could all get down to the business of planning the rescue of this goddess and recovering the parts of the green man.
One thing I was sure of, if we were to succed in this venture, we'd have to start acting more as a unified group rather than this piecemeal appraoch we seemd to have taken so far. I looked to Astinos, encouraging him to speak for the party before I could add my part in the tale.
One of the big guys takes notice of you; leans down in your face; his breath is disgusting, "whachu say little furball; who take what number?"
<obviously your going to have to talk slow with these guys>
as for the group in front; they stop their straight ahead look; look to each side; and then put their heads together very closely nearly forehead to forehead.
Kemnebi frowns, being jostled yet again by the giantish creatures behind him. Then he furrows his brow, his tongue sticking out from between his teeth just a bit. Then he smiles.
"Well!" says Kemnebi, just a little too loudly, and obviously talking to the group discussing the odds of things happening in front of him. "I'll bet Copper Pins to Gold Eagles that those two groups heading our way are about to make everyone in this line take a new number!" he says, pointing to the two groups in question now getting too close too ignore.
"What I Don;t know is how to bet who in line is gonna take out more, first. Personally I'm betting on the guys behind me. What do you think? Whose gonna take out more? Tiny and his friends, or someone else in line?" He asks the 'odds makers'.
Nebibit somehow manages to avoid gagging at the man's breath she begins to talk slowly. "What my friend here means is that those gentlmen" She points at the group approaching "and those ones" she points at the other approaching group "Are heading this way and if they start a Ruckus It's going to be very hard for us all to keep our places in the line."
I am thinking like three to five minutes tops
"You wish information, perhaps the Heart of Darkness changing hands interests you. The Star of Corruption now being in it's company? Or perhaps not."
"You wish information, perhaps the Heart of Darkness changing hands interests you. The Star of Corruption now being in it's company? Or perhaps not."
In accordance with the parley. I have given valuable information. Yet Sir Astinos, I have received none in return. The intricacies of negotiation don't sit well with you. It is best you speak plainly. Whatever knowledge you are trying to glean from me you will not have; unless you start answering my questions. Remember you asked me here. There is something you require from me. I don't need you. So think carefully.
[gm to players]
you certainly could say you recount your journey to date and divulge; but that would be full divulgence; most peoples are not comfortable with such things considering the various alignments involved. The roleplay part is so that you can tell what you want and keep back what you want as each player has more or different information from other characters.
A summary would not be easy; as I would need to do it for each person. I could certainly answer information from a character about specific knowledge; like right now; not everyone knows about the "star of corruption" only those who made the perception roll and were in the room when the ghost ghoul was speaking have that knowledge; so right off we know that Kalona hasnt heard of it as it wasnt mentioned or talked about in the mind link. Other people have knowledge of snakes and the snakemen they have not shared; some have knowledge of things in the etheral region not shared; and on and on; then there is stuff from peoples background that factors in; such as Namaste having set foot on the southern continent in her travels and feeling a very powerful pychic force. All this stuff should be shared or kept to the characters as desired.
keep in mind that you also have Ronin here; and can ask him questions; he is a vast resource of general knowlege.
I sit watching and listening as the conversation spirals in directions I had never dreamed it would go. Some talk of our mission had gotten underway, only to be dragged back to the probelm of the doomed catfolk and the "atonment" of these folk ThoronHen had gotten invloved with.
I had the distinct impression I was missing vital information here, something that dind't sit well with me. My isolation in the tunnels below the world had left me in a far less enviable position than I had first realised. With luck, one of these people would be able to bring this conversation back on track and we could all get down to the business of planning the rescue of this goddess and recovering the parts of the green man.
One thing I was sure of, if we were to succed in this venture, we'd have to start acting more as a unified group rather than this piecemeal appraoch we seemd to have taken so far. I looked to Astinos, encouraging him to speak for the party before I could add my part in the tale.
The old man stops chatting with the air around him and stands and leans over the table toward Astinos.
"ah Sir Knight, there you have it; a tasty morsel; The WELL of Darkness be not far from here; and those things are noted many times in history. Profane is the Star of Corruption; one of many shards of the Ultimax Deathstone; yet not one to create reavers like the Bane of Giants or the Shard of Tears. Pure force of evil chaos they are each and every one; older than the gods they are; built into the foundations of creation during the BIG MISTAKE"
he throws his head back and cackles wildly for a few minutes.
One of the big guys notices Namaste pointing; they look back and forth; look at you two; look back and forth; "yep, I agree; you's guys might loose the line"
it doesnt seem to occur to him that he and his buddies might be involved.
"if I may, says Decidio, What have you told us other than your people suposedly saved the world, your party snuck into a snakemen city and saw a excavation that might be some un named artifact and has a pychic hum to it, though not how you verified that. So, we have told you we know some things about the snakemen and two artifacts that are going to be used to kill a goddess and put out the sun. Worse yet; forces of chaos are seeking to break the seals holding back vast choas evil that even the Demon Princes fear.
So we ask you straight Sir Axedous and company, upon death of this very spere of existance; what know you of:
The Green Man?
The two artifacts we mentioned?
Any prophesies of the snakemen,
Why the snakes are on this continent working with Illithids
Why ghouls are in such prime enemies on both our continents and how that happened,
And how might we hide from the snakemen and their gods that we might, like you did, infilitrate their plans here and rescue the goddess and save the world.
How do you answer? Answer thus and plan open as you may; and I will answer this thing for you. "how might Aexidous strike a bargain with the dwarves and not be thus crushed under the might of paladin god slayers.
Answer thus Sir Bueregard and I will answer you thus " what is the source of the snakemen's magic"
as for the dark; well, no one knows more about the dark than Mighty Balfic Graa, our benefactor; thus Namaste could query anything of Him for your benefit Sir Axidous and party.
<privately in mind link to Astinos, "maybe that will shake thier calm demeanor, I think they know as little as we, but the secret of thier ability to hide from magic is paramount; seek this of all things>
"if I may, says Decidio, What have you told us other than your people suposedly saved the world, your party snuck into a snakemen city and saw a excavation that might be some un named artifact and has a pychic hum to it, though not how you verified that. So, we have told you we know some things about the snakemen and two artifacts that are going to be used to kill a goddess and put out the sun. Worse yet; forces of chaos are seeking to break the seals holding back vast choas evil that even the Demon Princes fear.
So we ask you straight Sir Axedous and company, upon death of this very spere of existance; what know you of:
The Green Man?
The two artifacts we mentioned?
Any prophesies of the snakemen,
Why the snakes are on this continent working with Illithids
Why ghouls are in such prime enemies on both our continents and how that happened,
And how might we hide from the snakemen and their gods that we might, like you did, infilitrate their plans here and rescue the goddess and save the world.
as for the dark; well, no one knows more about the dark than Mighty Balfic Graa, our benefactor; thus Namaste could query anything of Him for your benefit Sir Axidous and party.
Thank you Lady Decidio for finally gifting me with real information. So in turn I will gift thee. Remember this symbol well. This symbol is a symbol of neutral ground. No snakekin will break the neutrality of ground concecrated with this symbol. As for why I can hide from the snakemen in plain sight. I am not willing to trade that morsel just yet. If you can afford that price.
The Artifact in the south. Its easy for you to confirm. Anyone who is on that continent with the powers of the mind can feel it. The closer you are the greater the humm. You just have to have the mind to do so.
The two artifacts are from the Blood War. I have already told you much about the Star. Until my question is answered I will tell you nothing more about them.
You should know well about the Ghuls already. Balfic Graa is your benefactor after all... They are conquerers. Devourers, from across the Plane of Shadows.
The Green Man still walks, though he is no man.
The snakes and there prophecies... They are as ancient as time itself. So are there alliances. Pacts made long before Elf, Dragon, Titan and God came to wrestle this world away from them. I know well about the Symbols, and there purpose. I believe the majority of this assemblage is to weak for me to tell such a story. It would give you nightmares. Nightmares feed the enemy. I will say this though. Beware the depths of the earth forgotten by elf, dwarf, and man. Unless you know, trust not what lurks behind the fire. Beware what lies beneath Oceans depths. Beware what you speak for it carrys in the wind. Ward your Dreams.
Now Lady Decidio, I believe I have given you enough to wet your lips. What do you offer me?
OOps; my bad; make that Nebebit pointing; sorry
One of the big guys notices Namaste pointing; they look back and forth; look at you two; look back and forth; "yep, I agree; you's guys might loose the line"
it doesnt seem to occur to him that he and his buddies might be involved.
I offer this symbol in return and raise you name and history knowing both lineage and progeny. Many are his human followers who serve with snakes.
Decidio draws a symbol next to yours. (symbol emailed out)
This is the symbol of the elder snake god who did not sleep and infiltrated the human pantheon and who orchastrated the death and dismemberment of the Green Man; in the elder tounge he is called Sutekh.
I raise you yet again and again another piece of the puzzle; it seems the paladins who will soon plague you and bring war the to ghul of the south; are known to have killed the Demon Lord of Gnolls and Ghul, and thus the gnoll priest here sought to raise a new diety or the old using the power of the dying goddess, the star of corruption and the other thus again changing the face of power among the ghul.
I added this last part from Decidio because all of our Egyptian players have left and I dont think Thoronhen remembers or knew much of it though it was relavant. Consider your religious and arcane backgrounds for other information.
I offer this symbol in return and raise you name and history knowing both lineage and progeny. Many are his human followers who serve with snakes.
Decidio draws a symbol next to yours.
This is the symbol of the elder snake god who did not sleep and infiltrated the human pantheon and who orchastrated the death and dismemberment of the Green Man; in the elder tounge he is called Sutekh.
And I raise you name and history of another tribe of man who has been tricked into worshipping the Snakes. The people are dark of skin, and call themselves the Ind. They call the snakes, Naga.
I raise you again in forgotten knowledge. I know well the Demon Lord of Gnolls and Ghuls. For he is an ancient enemy. Know none of your assemblage can touch the Star of Corruption. It will burn your mind and soul. It is a needed Icon of Law in these chaotic times. The Heart of Darkness will eat at you like a wasting disease. A more rotten chaos than most suspect.
yet some among the Naga serve good; does not a Naga and to raise you another good snake; the Coatl guard the Well of Life? Know you not the Well of Life, for the that is the conquest goal of both the ghul and the snake gods, and more I raise thee; the armies of Egypt; Elf, Dwarf; and Greece lay surrounding the Well of Life.
Kalona: you definately know of the Coatle though I probably spelled it wrong.
yet some among the Naga serve good; does not a Naga and to raise you another good snake; the Coatl guard the Well of Life? Know you not the Well of Life, for the that is the conquest goal of both the ghul and the snake gods, and more I raise thee; the armies of Egypt; Elf, Dwarf; and Greece lay surrounding the Well of Life.
Kalona: you definately know of the Coatle though I probably spelled it wrong.
That is no raise. For my people are part of the Empire. We know well of the armies of the Eygptians, the combined Elfin Peoples, The New Dwarves, and the Pyramid of Ice that should not be. The Greeks who have no homeland yet made the Well there home. I know well the cost of what would happen to the world if the Snakes control the Well of Life. There ancient spawning ground.
How long do you think the combined armies can last once the Snakemen capture the escarpment, and enslave all the dinosaurs to there cause? The armies assemble into regiments against the snakemen. Yet none protect beneath the surface. How deep do you think the Well goes? The snakemen make there dens deep in the earth. All things reptilian in blood fear the Snake Gods. They have no power against them. Regardless if they are of good of heart or ill.
Scoff at me will you; here me thus, it is the noble actions of the Cats; One hero named Ishka who is the bane of Snakemen; for over six years the he and his cat tribes have been fighting tooth and nail at each pass from the upper lands in the South keeping the snakemen from reaching and adding the dinosaurs from their armies. thus, as the cats save your continent; help these cats Kenembi and Nebebit, remove the doom that they may save this continent for they are bane to snakes and blood enemies who will not fail.
Scoff at me will you; here me thus, it is the noble actions of the Cats; One hero named Ishka who is the bane of Snakemen; for over six years the he and his cat tribes have been fighting tooth and nail at each pass from the upper lands in the South keeping the snakemen from reaching and adding the dinosaurs from their armies. thus, as the cats save your continent; help these cats Kenembi and Nebebit, remove the doom that they may save this continent for they are bane to snakes and blood enemies who will not fail.
Lady Decidio I do not scoff at thee. Its just the knowledge you tell me is old to my ears. High Priest Balfic Graa's servant is well known to the Lords of the South. Tell me a tale that is worthy of wetting my lips.
As for this Kemnebi, and Nebebit. I will have to see them with my own eyes to determine how thick there blood really is. If they are worthy enough for me to intervene on there behalf. Until then, that matter is tabled.
Tell you a tale you say; then I shall. Know you then of the Geseredi? Then know this and tremble and pale and shake in your mortal bones; for madness and death comes upon the steed of destiny and lo; no heroes her can stay her hand; Behold for that mad woman of magic and necormancy and sheer power of chaos comes this way; thus three mighty Solars join with he who wields the Titan's Band; High Priest Balinor, to enter into battle with her; we must be done with our task and gone before that mad Bioatch with the Bone comes forth unto this spot and senses the Seal and the weakness and captivity of the Earth Goddess; yet all you can speak of is Table this and Table that? This mortal sphere is upon the gallows and you would languish?
Behold and bestill on yon moment; the Emperor sends news....<pregnant pause> A wizard magus most potent of the Empire and a master elven bard do report that Mighty Kirin; Bringer of Prophesy has returned upon the Land of the Iron Peoples; and has chosen champions of the gods of good to thus secure yet another seal among the Goblin hordes in the lost hold of the dwarves north of here near the final battle line of chaos broke upon by Imperial Might and the Hammer of Kojan, the Paladins of the Holy Lands and the survivors of the Celts.
Those of you whom are imperial citizens, yet not mages, will get a bulletin later in the day. The world trembles as one more seal is found to be em periled as dwarven strength wanes.
Ronin looks to the mages of the left hand
<find this group and this mine and among the goblins find my servants; send all aid to this group of noble heroes that they not fail; send forth my fasted; Send that damn one armed monk and his partner and anyone else who might give aid with stealth and in secret>
They nod ascent and begin on that task.
Tell you a tale you say; then I shall. Know you then of the Geseredi? Then know this and tremble and pale and shake in your mortal bones; for madness and death comes upon the steed of destiny and lo; no heroes her can stay her hand; Behold for that mad woman of magic and necormancy and sheer power of chaos comes this way; thus three mighty Solars join with he who wields the Titan's Band; High Priest Balinor, to enter into battle with her; we must be done with our task and gone before that mad Bioatch with the Bone comes forth unto this spot and senses the Seal and the weakness and captivity of the Earth Goddess; yet all you can speak of is Table this and Table that? This mortal sphere is upon the gallows and you would languish?
Lady Decidio
A boon I will give you Decidio, and to you her companions. Listen carefully. First the old world, and the seed of the next was to be consumed by fire. The Lords of the South stopped this disaster. The second time we saved the world. A group not long ago stopped the blood tide from drowning the world. Now ask what would be gained from soiling an Earth Goddess. Follow the pattern.
Kemnebi looks at the approaching groups again, and Nebibit can tell he is getting nervous. But he looks UP to the tall,... thing behind him and grins, all feline fur and teeth.
"Yes,..." He says loudly and slowly. "SOMEOne will loose the line. The question is, WHO can take out the most of those line-crashers FIRST?!?"
He points at some random group about 10 feet away. "SHE thinks THEY can take out at least 3 or 4 each. BUT I think that YOU can take at least 6 each, and toss them farther." He smiles.
'If this doesn't work, I'm gonna haveta try something desperate. If you think BAst is listening, NOW would be a good time for a prayer!'
AFter a moment he adds,
'I'd ask, but you know, prayer and I don't get along so well,...'
I stir at the mention of the dwarven strength failing and watch in growing anger as these two seemingly barter information while the time of peril draws nearer. I nearly spew forth a retort in anger but manage to regain my composure before speaking. My father taught me not to speak unless your mind was focused and controlled, somthing that had kept me alive so far.
[to Axinous and Decidio]"If I may add to this line of thought. You say the Well runs deep and that the snakemen shall strike there. Let it be known that Moradin and Durmathoin themselves have taken an interest in this region. Their Avatars stand at the well, and arrayed with them is the might of the Dwarves. Two powerful clerics of my nation did I meet there, A scion of Durmathoins linage and the lord of the Ice Pyramid of which you speak. I fear not so much for the Well given the strength of those that stand there, and know well that my people will defend the depths with their last strnegth, their gods fighting beside them. It is for the Earth goddess and the green man that I fear, and we are here now to act on that front"
As I speak, it is clear that the religious zeal is growing within me. Again I work hard to control the influx of emotion.
I speak again "It is true that the strength of the dwarves is waning here in the north, and it is for this as much as anything that I quest. To return to my clan their lost hold, and help the Dwarves recover some of that which they have lost. You mention the green man is not destroyed but changed, I would ask you to elaborate My Lord, that my quest should be furthered, though I appologise for interrupting your flow of words. My heart tells me this link of the elements is key to preventing a great disaster, and the Earth is my domain. Allow me to serve as its protector."
in a normal voice: "yes, Frieda"
Tell you a tale you say; then I shall. Know you then of the Geseredi? Then know this and tremble and pale and shake in your mortal bones; for madness and death comes upon the steed of destiny and lo; no heroes her can stay her hand; Behold for that mad woman of magic and necormancy and sheer power of chaos comes this way; thus three mighty Solars join with he who wields the Titan's Band; High Priest Balinor, to enter into battle with her; we must be done with our task and gone before that mad Bioatch with the Bone comes forth unto this spot and senses the Seal and the weakness and captivity of the Earth Goddess; yet all you can speak of is Table this and Table that? This mortal sphere is upon the gallows and you would languish?Lady Decidio
** spoiler omitted **A boon I will give you Decidio, and to you her companions. Listen carefully. First the old world, and the seed of the next was to be consumed by fire. The Lords of the South stopped this disaster. The second time we saved the world. A group not long ago stopped the blood tide from drowning the world. Now ask what would be gained from soiling an Earth Goddess. Follow the pattern.
Please roll Bluff; thks.
Kemnebi looks at the approaching groups again, and Nebibit can tell he is getting nervous. But he looks UP to the tall,... thing behind him and grins, all feline fur and teeth.
"Yes,..." He says loudly and slowly. "SOMEOne will loose the line. The question is, WHO can take out the most of those line-crashers FIRST?!?"
He points at some random group about 10 feet away. "SHE thinks THEY can take out at least 3 or 4 each. BUT I think that YOU can take at least 6 each, and toss them farther." He smiles.
'If this doesn't work, I'm gonna haveta try something desperate. If you think BAst is listening, NOW would be a good time for a prayer!'AFter a moment he adds,
'I'd ask, but you know, prayer and I don't get along so well,...'
"Dear Erkholt; those august and esteemed dwarves; Kojan, big brother of our own Kosan; and Belinor Stormwall, High Priest of Holy Donblas
<at the mention of his most powerful god of light and justice, a momentary vision of Illithid, Snakemen, and undead in shrouded ceremonial robes unviels for about 4 seconds; a great evil star is used to smash the dark seal upon the brow of the goddess who is suspended high in the air by ropes and chains; this is the future; how far; only the god knows. As the momentary vision fades, you each feel judged unworthy in heart; but worthy in deed to struggle>
Decidio falters a second then recoveres "are now right above us fighting a battle agaisnt the forces of undeath that we might enter without the eyes of the lords of death in this place; they distract them while we enter the back door."
<Decidio frowns and looks into Astinos' eyes; a tear dribbles down her cheek to her jaw, then she gets up and leaves the table and moves toward the hall>
the kid says:
"Great Zounds; what was that! I feel strange; like bubbles of laughter and health; yet dirty and soiled like when I was a babe; yet dirt that wont wash off. This sucks."
he points up in the air toward the cieling; "one of those great 12' tall flying men in the air on the surface who are not men are looking right at me/us."
Sonny, the old naked man, totally freaks out; AAAAAHHHH!, FLEE, THE BIOTCH IS COMING; SOLARS ON THE WAY; FLEE the burning death, AAAAAAH!
he starts flail about waving his arms; great gouts of magic power tear through the room; a hole is rippin in reality and he and the visiting party is snatched back through the vortex; Axinous and Boureagard have a moment for a parting few words as the fury of magic unbound rips through the room.
Strangely; the kid and kalona are not buffetted or affected at all; everything else is flying about and is generally terrifing though the paladin is of course not afraid.
Kemnebi stares UP at the large,... person, waiting for his words to sink in. But he realizes that sweet talking strangers isn't his strong suite.
'WHY didn't I stick to the library!?!? Or at least memorize a Charm Person???' he worries to Hathor through their link as a single drop of sweat sneaks through his fur and to his nose.
'I'm coming June. possibly in pieces, or as a pancake, but I'm coming,...' He thinks to himself, still fingering his roll of scrolls.
'At least I can get Neb to safety if this doesn't work,...'
The dull witted large humanoids look at you; at the gang; at you; at the guards; at you; taps his buddies, points at the groups.
Dem gonna take cuts, bust up our line; I sez we bust dem heads ifn dey do.
Yeah!
Sho Nuff!
Lez gettem Hank!
one puts his fingers in his mouth and whistles really loud; and they start hooping and hallering; more hoots and hollers a bit back answer.
De boyz iz comming up.
Kemnebi looks to Nebibit with a look of undisguised relief on his face, if a bit wide-eyed. He looks like a man who knows he escaping the frying pan, but isn't sure about the fire yet.
Erkholt Grugn, priest and questor of Moradin. I will give you this boon. An analogy about the Well. You pollute the source waters of a river, then the river in kind will be polluted. You have to protect the source, not where it comes out.
As for your Green Man, your right. As certain as you are of your faith. Be equally as certain he is of daemonic blood.
Sonny. I said for you to sit. This parley is not yet over!
I rise from the table and stride towards Decidio. As Axinous yells at the old man I pause to lock eyes with him, shaking my head in a combined guesture of disappointment and disgust.
"Parley? What I see is an execise in ego and pride, I see a man who came here to indulge his own self importance, who's ego and pride matter more than the fate of all living things. "
I turn and continue walking, then pause for another moment, glancing over one shoulder at my allies.
"With people like this in the world, there are daysI wonder why we even bother."
I walk out of the room catching up to Decidio in the hall.
ok; the room is strangely quiet with the others gone; things fall and settle as the magic maniacle wind stops; who knows where they went; but they went in a flurry.
What does everyone do now?
The boy reaches over to Kalona and points up into the sky; "see what I mean (Kalona begins to see the group of Solars and other creatures in the sky as the boy points and wills him to see) That guy is looking at us; curious, with a frown to boot; but the others all look that other direction. Hmm; something wierd is happening; I feel funny....
Hmm, Axinous is playing the High Game. The stakes are frightingly high, but the rewards are unimaginable.
"You wish information, perhaps the Heart of Darkness changing hands interests you. The Star of Corruption now being in it's company? Or perhaps not."In accordance with the parley. I have given valuable information. Yet Sir Astinos, I have received none in return. The intricacies of negotiation don't sit well with you. It is best you speak plainly. Whatever knowledge you are trying to glean from me you will not have; unless you start answering my questions. Remember you asked me here. There is something you require from me. I don't need you. So think carefully.
I am going after the Cat people, I will bring back.
it is pretty obvious which way they went; not back the way you came; the road leads only one way; in the distance you see a large building; as you get closer you see thousands around it; all kinds of riding animals and carts; chariots; wagons; buggies; ect.
unless you use the mindlink for a location; it will be nigh impossible to find them in this mass amount of peoples of all types.
Since the other party has left. I will take my leave.