Figwidget takes the infusion he's created, and pours half of it into an empty vial. Handing it over to Major Luke Rand, he says, "After we drink these, each of us will be able to breathe water for the next 14 hours. That should hopefully be enough time!"
"If it is not, I suspect your lack of ability to breath water will be the lesser of many problems." Nike says with a snort.
Luke drinks the proffered potion and begins pacing, looking at his map, making changes, and then pacing some more.
"Bottoms up!" Figwidget says as he drinks his half of the infusion.
"And, while I'm at it..." He pulls out another extract and drinks that as well.
Tychi will sneak along the shadows, as he's stealthy, unlike the other two, letting them swim up the river using the water breathing infusion.
Nike will listen for the sounds of combat, and will run in when she hears them.
Under the cover of darkness, you move towards the fortifications embedded into the side of the mountain - the rutted dustfield in front of the walls doesn't afford a generous amount of cover for Tychi to hide behind...but the Tengu is naturally stealthy. Meanwhile, Major Luke Rand and Figwidget swim along the shallow river...the water is noticeably polluted; oils and other solid materials float past the pair as they get closer to the wall...
Scattered light from within the fortress illuminates the shape within the tower - it clanks backwards and forwards on some predetermined route and schedule. A lumbering metal construct some fifteen feet high looks through the broken wall - it's head swivelling around as it surveys the area under it's watch.
Figwidget tries to "swim casual"...
...and in the process makes quite a splash about it. "Hmm," he muses quietly. "Probably should have tried an invisibility extract or some such...."
Figwidget and Major Luke Rand swim, or at the very least walk along the bottom of the riverbed, all the way to the grille embedded within the fortress wall. The murky water, hardly illuminated by the lights dotted along the ramparts of the wall, keeps the pair hidden from the hulking machine in the tumble down tower.
Tychi meanwhile approaches the walls, on land, as far as he can before the lack of rubble stops any chance of cover...
Tychi picks up a stone large enough to make noise, but not so large he can't fling it a good distance. He waits for the hulking figure to be looking away from his position, as best he can tell, and then flings it near the wall on the other side of the creature.
If the thing looks in the direction of the noise, Tychi will move along the indicated line.
The stone makes a sharp cracking noise as it smacks against another boulder...and instantly, the construct within the tower moves forward - it's head turned towards the origin of the sound. The collection of jagged metal stands in an approximation of a humanoid form; an enormous cannon in place of an arm...
Hmm, I am beginning to wish I'd taken lessons in smithing, rather than listening to the elements. Tychi says, even as he pats the rock he was hiding behind, to thank Earth for again assisting him. He moves toward the cover nimbly.
Figwidget takes a look at the grille. Does he think he'll be able to get it open and off without a show of brute force? He pulls his Goggles of Minute Seeing over his eyes, and looks around the edges of the grate for screws to undo, weak parts to break through, and so forth.
Figwidget - the grate doesn't appear to have any screws or bolts...as far as you can see, it is a single cast iron piece built directly into the wall...it would probably succumb to an explosive force of enough power but the prospects of simply being able to dismantle it seem poor.
Giving Figwidget a look to see if he has a way to deal with this issue and seeing that the answer is no, Luke will move to the base of the grate and begin breaking it with his adamantine arm.
When science can provide no answer or way forward, Major Luke Rand moves to the grate and smashes against it...again and again...a dull thud rings beneath the water with each consecutive strike until, with a groaning of shearing metal, the grate falls inwardly...with the grate remove, the water flows at a slightly faster speed - like water released from a dam - but both Figwidget and Major Luke Rand remain on their feet.
Once the flow has subsided, both swimmers - still fully submerged - move through the wall and into the fortified building. Raising their heads slightly above the surface of the polluted water, they see that they are in a large courtyard - the fortified walls make up the north and west sides of the open area whilst, to the south and east, the near vertical rockface looms high above you. A waterfall cascades the water into a pool that dominates one end of the yard - some form of conveyor belt runs above the crest of the tumbling water.
Off to the east, on a large flattened area, six snail-like constructs sit silently as if on parade. The torso of these constructed gastropod is elongated and eerily humanoid. Smog puffs gently from the shell-like posterior of the machine, whilst green ooze courses through its translucent pipes.
Tychi continues to wait around the corner of the wall, hidden from the construct, awaiting the signal to attack.
Nike continues to wait around the bend, for the signal to attack.
Looking at the 6 snail things, Luke will look at Figwidget and point down into the water. Once in the water, Luke will hold up 6 fingers and the mimic someone playing a bugle. He will then shake his finger in the universal "No" symbol, and then cover his ears. Finally, he will point at Figwidget and then mimic drinking a potion.
As Major Luke Rand plays out his overly dramatic charade to Figwidget, there is a suddenly rumbling…the flow of the water seems to increase slightly before, preceded by a wide spray of mist, a huge surge of water erupts over the crest of the waterfall. The swimmers are knocked from their feet and pushed back through the wall of the fortification; when they finally cling on to a solid object to arrest their unexpected travels they find themselves some fifty feet south of the walls again… The large construct in the bailey tower still present but seemingly disinterested in the sudden bore of water that just poured through the walls…
Figwidget bobs up to the surface, and looks over at Major Luke Rand. He can breathe underwater, but talking is another matter.
"Looks like they use this for some sort of runoff," he comments. "Anyway, we've had a look inside. Let's go back down to the bottom and sneak back up, and revert to our original plan...."
Tychi, on Nike, suddenly stops in the middle of the street. When Figwidget's mechanical horse almost runs into Nike, the tengu gives an amused whistle. "Sorry, friend Figwidget, but the wind is speaking. Major Luke Rand, Retired, may not go with us. His death is certain, the dust in the wind speaks truth." He gives a sad shake of his head. "You must stay here, friend Major Luke Rand, Retired. The flames of the torches whisper to me that others will take your place. We must wait on them."
Nike gives an equine sigh, and shuffles sideways to avoid blocking the street.
Figwidget says, "Hmm. Our investigations aren't complete. I'll be with you-- you two won't be going back yourself! But, we'd be better off if we could recruit another hardy soul or two to go with us...."
As Major Luke Rand saunters down the street whistling, for the very first time heeding the warning of Tychi, the remaining pair (and Nike) start to size up the gravity of the situation - if Megator Facient is guarded to the same level that the mines were, it is a fool's errand to attack with the party so diminished.
A nearby tavern, bar open to the street and customers sat enjoying the sun, offers the remaining adventurers a place to gather their thoughts and, as is necessary in the heat of the late morning sun, an opportunity for refreshment.
Tychi and Nike patiently wait for nearly an hour in the square. And then a sudden gust of wind stirs, and the sign of a nearby tavern, The Broken Sprocket, and Tychi nods. "Ah, I see." He nods. "Ah, I see. Yes. Nike, the Wind speaks, we will find new companions within the tavern. I don't think you will fit inside, unfortunately." The unicorn snorts but nods her head, causing people to clear out of the way of her wicked horn. "Come, Figwidget, we will sit and wait for the elements to talk to us about who our new companions should be."
Nike clops over to the tavern, and Tychi dismounts lightly. Tychi then ushers Figwidget into the tavern, and gets them a table. He orders a bottle of whiskey for the two to share as they wait.
Not soon after, a fairly large fellow walks in, wearing country style clothing with a dark brown duster and a cowboy hat that's pulled down so low in front that's it hard to tell if he even has eyes. But amongst the large mustache and the beard, you do notice a toothpick moving side to side that he appears to be chewing on.
The big fella then glances around a moment as if looking for something. Don't know why I've decided to come back to this town. It's sure been a while. Let's hope things go a bit smoother this time. Maybe I'll get to stay longer than a day or two. He makes his way to the bar, tapping it to get the attention of the bartender. "Shot of whiskey, bartender," he orders as he glances from his left to his right.
Lector walks into town, a towering figure of steel and ice. He is wearing intricate light blue fullplate with a huge dark blue greatsword on his back. He wears a blue cape and cloak that compliments the color of his gear. Strait bone-white hair falls down to his shoulder blades, flapping gently in the breeze. His eyebrows are a stark white as well, although no other features of old age show on his tanned and slightly-scarred face. What's most striking are his dark yellow eyes that appear unworldly. He cleans an elegantly curved dagger in his hands as he makes his way through town.
Today his mood is sour due to the last job he had. It's a shame the conflict ended so quickly. I was promised a war was going on, but that paltry scuffle was pathetic. He spits in disgust at the thought. Two-hundred gold for me traveling all the way here just to kill a dozen men before the rest run in fear. It's a disgrace to the Lord in Iron. He wraps a scarred hand around the holy symbol hanging from his neck. I am sorry that I could not have done more, they had horses and I could not pursue them on foot. I assure you, I will bring great destruction and glory in my next pursuit.
But still, things were as they were, and there was no sense gnawing one's mind raw worrying about the past. It is time to look forward, to the next job, the next fight, the next slaughter. But one cannot fight without eating and sleeping, for without proper care of one's own body one would not be able to fight at their full ability. And so the Furious Demon grabs the shoulder of a young boy running past in the streets. "Excuse me son, can you tell a traveler where the best inn in the city is?" After being given an answer he nods and sets off to The Broken Spocket. Perhaps he would discover new chaos to be sown there, for people are always in need of somebody to fight for them.
Heavy steps thud up to the inn, and Lector opens the door. His yellow eyes sweep the room once, then he steps in and makes his way to the bar. He takes note of several of the patrons, including the large burly man and the odd bird fellow. He sits carefully at the bar, unconsciously pushing his blue greatsword to the side so that it doesn't drag against the floor or the adjacent chairs. "Bartender, a large meal and something stiff to drink."
Tychi watches as people enter, and notes when the torch next to the door sputters in a sudden wind. When the second sputter accompanies the man in the blue armor, he nods. "Please wait here Mr. Figwidget, I believe both fire and wind have spoken."
Tychi walks up to Casey and Lector, who are a table or two apart. "Pardon me gentlemen, but the elements have drawn me to you. Very appropriate, for one who smells of fire and thunder, and one who smells of earth and ice." He nods from Casey to Lecter. "The elements say that you will be joining me and my companion shortly. I therefore humbly invite you to dinner with us, if you are so inclined. If not, then obviously we'll simply get to know you when the elements get us together on their own. No doubt each of you has a reason for being here, and for us to meet. Be it gold, adventure, or some more esoteric reason. The elements aren't very big on detail, I'm afraid." The tengu hoots in amusement. "My companion and I will be at the table over against the wall, sould you choose to join us tonight. If not, we will see you on the road in the morning."
Tychi then returns to his table, wondering if the two men of mixed elements will choose to fight the fate decreed for them, or accept the will of the elements.
Lector looks up and listens quietly to the strange bird-man. Earth and ice? I can understand ice, Frost Brand practically reeks of it. His eyes shift to the man of "fire and thunder", landing on his firearm. Hmph. A weapon for those too cowardly to join a melee. Still, you can't argue with the results. Metal flying at that speed is devastating. Still, the bird-man is compelling. If this is some kind of odd recruitment than it has succeeded as his attention is caught. Gold is always good, adventure is a nice perk, and of course he had his own reasons to fight. That was his home. Only when he is a hair's breadth, a misstep, a slip from death can he be at peace. Only when his very life is on the razor's edge is he calm.
So taking the risk is an obvious choice.
Lector stands and moves to the bird-man's table, slowly and deliberately. He unconsciously grips the haft of his greatsword again as he adjusts it to sit down. "So, what shall I call you bird-man? How do the elements speak to you, and what do they tell you of me?"
"Ah, they speak in various subtle ways, and their voices are rarely as clear and purposeful as ours. I am called Tychi, at least by those being polite. Bird-brain, idiot, numbskull, moron, those are also things I am called, by those who do or do not know me." He gives a hoot of amusement as he walks back to the table. "Of you, they simply tell me that you will be required to perform some rather violent actions in order to keep some nastyness from bothering the fine citizens of the city. I find it truly fitting that one of earth..." He rings a heavy fingernail off Lector's armor. "...and ice..." He raps the same finger off the frozen edge of Lector's sword. "...is paired with one of thunder and fire, by the elements. It offers a nice balance."
Lector grunts and shakes his head. "Only idiots would insult a person before understanding them. I called you bird-man because that is what you are, to call you bird brains would be great stupidity on my part." His eyes carefully follow Tychi as he touches his equipment. Not jumpy, not nervous, but observant. "Ah, and here I thought earth spoke of me because of all the gifts I have buried in it." He scans the other people at the table. "So than, who are the rest of you, and what sort of violence do you have in mind?"
The bird hoots. "Ah, but I never said that calling me anything other than Tychi was not a mistake. I only answered your question on what I am called." The bird takes a seat at the table next to a gnome. "This is Mr. Figwidget. At least, he assures me he is Mr. Figwidget today. Sometimes he is Mr. Not Figwidget. Fortunately the one time he's been killed, he was Mr. Not Figwidget, else he would not be here with us today. He is a specialist in mechanical things. Our other companion is not easily able to enjoy the ambiance of the tavern, given her bulk. She is waiting outside. I would not make comment on her bulk, however, were I you. She's rather grouchy about her weight on occasion."
The Tengu takes a sip of whiskey, and offers Lector some. "As to the type of violence, I suspect the usual type for one who carries such weapons and armor. Decapitations, guttings, dismemberments, guts and blood. Also likely smashing of mechanical objects before they do violence unto you. I would rather wait to see if Fire and Thunder joins us, Earth and Cold, before I go into details."
Figwidget waves. "Hey! I'm always myself, actually, I just happen to be in my regular body right now too."
He shrugs. "It's a bit complicated."
Figwidget is an average-height male gnome approaching (but not yet at) middle age. His russet red hair is in a shock on his head, and his face is adorned with a bushy mustache. He's got a pair of goggles pushed up over his forehead, and is dressed like a cross between an adventurer and a mechanic. His vest has numerous shiny buttons, and is bulging with several evidently-full pockets. He also has numerous small vials tucked into his belt and into small pockets on his vest. He wears a brown cloak, thrown back, and a reddish ioun stone is orbiting is head.
"I'm an alchemist and a clockwork engineer. I'm a resident here in this fine city right now, and Tychi and I have been looking into the troubles that the city's clockwork guardians have been having. But, as my companion says, we should see if, er, Fire and Thunder joins us before going into details."
Casey turns to the tengu and listens to the back and forth between him and the 'earth and ice' fellow. Downing the shot in a quick gulp, he places it back on the bar with his payment and rises. Moving over to their table, "You folks say the citizens of this town are in trouble? Alright, I'm listening. What sorta trouble are we talkin' about?" he asks, the toothpick within his mouth moving feverishly from one side to the other.
Tychi leans forward, so that his voice will not carry. "This is on strictest quiet, please. Someone has been sabotaging the Guardian creatures the city uses, adulterating them with a strange green metal that causes them to go berserk and attack innocent people. We have cleared out the mines, and determined where the adulterated parts originate from, but we have lost two of our companions. Not through death, although one did try his best to kill himself repeatedly. They are no longer able to continue, however. I am sure that both of you wish some reward, and the city have hired us, but I suspect the pay will be less than what you can scavenge from the people behind this."
Once he's done giving details, Tychi sits up and talks in a normal voice. "I am somewhat good at taking down enemies, and my companion Nike is somewhat good at healing, as well as killing enemies. Mr. Figwidget is a specialist in both mechanical and chemical means. Even if he is not always himself." The bird hoots in humor.
"And now, if I might ask what you wish to be called? And what your specialties are?" The tengu seems to assume they will have specialties, given the fact his elements pointed them out to him.
Casey looks to the bird man with a raised eyebrow, finding his speech a little strange. "Well, the name's Jayne. Casey Jayne. Not to sure what you mean by 'specialties' but if you're meanin' what am I good at, I'm pretty good with this." He pulls out his musket and lays it on the table, keeping a hand on it. "She spits out fire and she rumbles like thunder when she does. I can always count on her when I need her. Is that what you were wantin' to know?"
The tengu nods. "I see, you are an alchemist then." He nods, and hoots. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Jayne Casey Jayne."
As his eyebrow kicks back up, he shakes his head. "No, no I don't think you understand correctly, pardner. I shoot guns. Well, this gun. Most folks 'round here call us 'gunslingers'." He removes the gun from the table, placing it back within his bandolier. Looking at the tengu a moment, "So what's your 'specialty', pardner?"
"I read the elements, to know what is coming. I also make things that are one many more than one." He reaches into his pouch, and pulls out a candle. With the other hand, he removes something form his belt. And then the candle is tossed into the air, and his other hand moves in a blur. The candle lands in a few dozen pieces, each sliced like a razor had sliced them. He carefully returns his odd wire weapon to his belt. "In my experience, any problem is easier to deal with if you break it down into many smaller problems." He says softly, with an amused lilt to his voice.
With a look of intrigue about him, "Hm. Impressive. Can't say that I could argue with that." He glances over at the pieces of scattered candle, "Looks like you're gonna need a new candle, friend."
Tychi hoots. "A problem I seem to have frequently." He gathers up the pieces and returns them to his pouch. Wax is useful in many places.
Lector listens carefully while the others explain their ability. Knowledge is power, and giving up his own information would put him at a disadvantage. But an equal exchange...is acceptable. He exhales slowly at the whip-sword. "That will cut an unarmed man pretty well, but it doesn't seem that it could clash against metal, either blade or armor, very well." He lets it roll off his back; he had seen far odder weapons.
He reaches under his chin and pulls out an iron holy symbol of Gorum. "I'm a cleric of the Lord in Iron, and I spread his will. I am Lector Enteap, although many enemies know me as The Furious Demon. I use both steel and magic to to spread his glory."
Casey just stares at the fellow blankly for a moment before, "The Furious Demon, huh? Can't say that I've ever heard of a healer man with such a name. Guess that's good though, seeing how it's your enemies that are known to be callin' you that."
"I am a cleric, not a healer. I choose to use positive energy instead of negative energy because it suits my purposes. It is simply a means to an end. Calling me a healer is as accurate as him calling you an alchemist." He sips at his drink. "I find the best protection of allies is to eliminate the threat. Without enemies there will be no damage to heal."
Nodding, "Fair enough."
Tychi tilts his head and blinks at Lector. "A pleasure to meet you Lector Enteap Furious Demon to Enemies. One should not make assumptions, however." The tengu smiles. "One is often surprised in a negative way by them." The tengu comments, hotting softly in amusement.
Tychi stands up, and begins paying the bill as everyone finishes eating. "Alright folks, we have some mechanical horses for those that don't have better transportation, and nobody but me does." He hoots in amusement. "Figwidget, let us be going..."
He hustles the newcomers out of the tavern and down to the stables where the mechanical horses are waiting.
The newcomers may be shocked at the mountain of flesh and horn that joins them outside the tavern. The huge black unicorn eyes them both with one giant blue eye as it tilts it's head to get a good look at them. Then it snorts, apparently not impressed, and allows Tychi to lightly leap into the saddle on it's back.