WotW: A Knot of Thorns The Second Parchment

Game Master Xzaral

Went in with Detect Magic up. I'm looking for wards, and/or divination items worn by the shop keeper.

[dice=Spellcraft to Identify magic items worn/spells in effect]1d20+12[dice]

Oops. Why don't I just take 10 on that. :/

Cain instinctively sniffs the drink. Perception to detect poison (is this possible?) 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20.

If he doesn't smell anything, Cain takes a slow drink, using the few moments to think. "Of course I'm interested. They wanna kill me. I don't plan to let 'em."

"The coin shouldn't be a problem. It's a lot, but a guy can always find ways to earn some coin. The timing could be a problem, though. My boss likes to keep me on the move. Once the job's done 'round here, we'll be off to whatever's next."

He takes another slow sip as his golden-yellow eyes find their way back up to Valens, and Cain just stares at the man as he drinks. "But I can come up with a solution for that, too, really. The problem here is information. You have a lot of it 'bout me, and I ain't got sh!t about you. You didn't answer my question. Did you write this note? Are you like me?" He pauses to consider before continuing, "Was your brother one of the two that didn't make it through this wonder-cure? Knowin' yer motivations could go a long ways to makin' me feel better about this thole deal… if you don't mind me bein' blunt."

Just assume Cain is doing one big Sense Motive. Feel free to use his take 10 number (total of 20; 22 vs. humans) or roll for me when appropriate.. spoilered or no. It just seems redundant and possibly useless to roll SM check after SM check.

Valens puts his cup down and pauses a moment, seeming to find the right words. "My brother....didn't die from the cure. He was never affected. No, his death was by...violent means." He refills his cup again before speaking, "I did write the note. My motives are simple and plain." He turns to stare at you. "We are brothers, even if not the same clan. That is why I will help you. I will give back what was taken. Then I want you out of this town. I have a pack here now, one I will protect as fiercely as you would your own. I claim this town as my hunting ground for that reason. So that is the bargain I make with you. I'll give back what was stolen by the Iomedaen, and you leave these ones to be." He locks eyes with you, the animal clearly visible, barely held at bay.

Cain grins, "There it is. Aint it easier when the cards are on the table?"

He sets down the tea, leaning back and crossing his arms as his grin slips and Cain becomes sincere. "First of all, stay outta my room, outta my stuff, and outta my business. I'm bein' square when I say it's best for both of us that way. I even think someone's been sniffin' 'round what's mine while in Aldencross, I'm comin' to see you about it."

He pauses before continuing. When he continues, his voice holds no malice, but he returns Valens's hard stare with one of his own. "You know I got a score to settle with the Iomedaens… it's what brings me to this town. Now I want to do my best to respect your pack and range, especially given yer offer. From where I stand, you may use this town to hunt, but yer still forced to do it from the shadows. Hidin' like the vermin the Iomedaens say you are. You protect them, too?" He makes no effort to hide his hatred.

Knowledge Arcana to Identify Auras while using Detect Magic (DC 15+ spell level: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

That should do it for a Moderate aura. Hopefully.

Valens looks at Cain, as though considering. "It was rude to enter your room without asking, I agree. I thought it would be outweighed by keeping this between us."

He leaves his teacup and straightens. "You call it hiding. And by the hells, you're probably right. I call it surviving. Let me show you something." He reaches under the counter and pulls out a lockbox, opening it with a key retrieved from his pocket. Pulling out a cloth wrapped bundle, he opens it to reveal a blood-stained symbol of Iomedae.

"This belonged to the last Iomedaen I killed. I don't have much love for them or their goddess. Most of the people in this town I don't give a damn about. If you can't control your lust, let me know. There's a few people in town I wouldn't miss. But that doesn't change things. You want revenge on the Iomedaens, fine. But I'd recommend not trying it here. Lord Havelyn, he's not one you'd better expect to just lie down and die. That man thinks there's a killer in town, he'll lock it down in a moment. If he expects one of our kind so much the worse. He'll call in help for sure."

He wraps the symbol back up, replacing it in it's box. "So if you want this cure, leave my pack alone and don't draw attention to yourself. Whatever your revenge is, I'd suggest waiting until after the full moon. If you can't, you best think which is more important to you."

[dice=Knowledge Arcana to Identify Auras while using Detect Magic (DC 15+ spell level]1d20+12

That should do it for a Moderate aura. Hopefully.

Great. I was specifically looking for anything that might protect against enchantments on him, or active in the shop. Looks like this will work.

Father Locke nods and smiles. "I surely hope so. I have been tasked with a delicate situation regarding Talengard and it's defenses. As part of this task I am researching the effects of necromancy and how they might be countered. As most practitioners of such magics are not known for being cooperative, I find myself without resources in terms of finding information on the more, ah, unpleasant spells of that school. I understand that you are quite a reputable businessman, but I had hoped you may have come across such things and would be willing to turn them over to the church. You would be compensated, or course."

Notice that everything Xanos said is completely accurate and true, in case that matters.

I'd like to wait for an opportunity where the shopkeeper is distracted or otherwise less likely to notice before casting the spell. With luck, he's actually not very scrupulous and will just take the opportunity for a sale.

Sorry, busy weekend. Working on a post... will try to have it up sometime sooner rather than later today.

"I will think on it. I'd be an idiot not to consider your offer, and I do appreciate it,"

Cain picks back up the tea, sipping it as he watches the other man. When he speaks again, his tone is different… more musing. "I will do everything I can to leave your pack alone. Be much easier if I knew who they were… even in general. Don't wanna cross a line by accident, if ya know what i mean. Plus, don't this just kinda kill ya?" The look he gives the other man is ernest. "You said it yourself… yer a survivor… just like me. They do this to us 'cause they fear us. Don't you wanna live yer life the way you were born to? In the open? They hunt and kill us for what we are… how is that right? They call what they do 'right' and 'good', but how's it different than any other murder? Worse… it's murder of a whole people. Our people." There is genuine passion in his eyes.

Great. I was specifically looking for anything that might protect against enchantments on him, or active in the shop. Looks like this will work.

Father Locke nods and smiles. "I surely hope so. I have been tasked with a delicate situation regarding Talengard and it's defenses. As part of this task I am researching the effects of necromancy and how they might be countered. As most practitioners of such magics are not known for being cooperative, I find myself without resources in terms of finding information on the more, ah, unpleasant spells of that school. I understand that you are quite a reputable businessman, but I had hoped you may have come across such things and would be willing to turn them over to the church. You would be compensated, or course."

Notice that everything Xanos said is completely accurate and true, in case that matters.

I'd like to wait for an opportunity where the shopkeeper is distracted or otherwise less likely to notice before casting the spell. With luck, he's actually not very scrupulous and will just take the opportunity for a sale.

Regis looks you up and down for a moment, listening to the words you speak and straightening his robe. "Well now, unpleasant can mean many different things, mind you. Why I know a few Ice Elves who would call a typical spell to warm your toes unpleasantly hot. Not that I commonly deal with Ice Elves mind you. Of course, if you're more concerned about how to defend against them for the church, I might have just the things you're looking for. Sarine, my special products if you will."

A few minutes later Regis's assistant comes bearing a rather large chest, struggling to lift it. Placing it upon the counter, Regis quickly shoos her to lock the door while he pulls out a key to unlock it. His fingers moving deftly across the box, it's hard to follow his movements and the muttered words as he unlocks the box. Obviously, it has some form of protection on it.

The box opened, it's clearly lead lining inside, he retrieves several scroll tubes from within. "Now what might you be looking for specifically, my friend?" A quick glance indicates the scroll tubes are written in some cipher.

"I will think on it. I'd be an idiot not to consider your offer, and I do appreciate it,"

Cain picks back up the tea, sipping it as he watches the other man. When he speaks again, his tone is different… more musing. "I will do everything I can to leave your pack alone. Be much easier if I knew who they were… even in general. Don't wanna cross a line by accident, if ya know what i mean. Plus, don't this just kinda kill ya?" The look he gives the other man is ernest. "You said it yourself… yer a survivor… just like me. They do this to us 'cause they fear us. Don't you wanna live yer life the way you were born to? In the open? They hunt and kill us for what we are… how is that right? They call what they do 'right' and 'good', but how's it different than any other murder? Worse… it's murder of a whole people. Our people." There is genuine passion in his eyes.

Valens begins to feed off your passion, the wolf in him reaching out, "Your damn straight I want to live it in the open. Running under the moon, the feel of the hunt, tearing into fresh meat. I want better for me and my kin, that I do. I want them to fear us again, to run at the sight, to sink my teeth into the throats of the one who twisted my brother and make them pay."

Valens grunts loudly, calming down and staring into his empty teacup. "But those days are gone. Don't know how your pack bought it, but mine's gone. I should've been too, and if I had my choice I would have went down fighting."

He turns back to you, "If it avoids a fight, I'll tell you their names. But I want an oath upon the moon that you won't lay a finger on them. And I swear if you break it, the hate I have for the Talireans will be wrought ten-fold on you. We aren't kin, but we are still brothers of a different sort. That agreeable to you?"

While he's fiddling with the box, that's when I'll go for the spell. If he succeeds, will he know I've attempted to charm him?

"Thank you friend. I am in need of Necromancy of the most well known sort, I suppose. Creation of the undead. In order for the church to better destroy monsters, the monsters must first be created. An unfortunate necessity, to be sure."

Yes. Regardless of success or failure, he will a spell was cast on him. If he fails, he will still regard you as a friend during the course of the spell. If he succeeds, he'll know that someone attempted to cast a spell on him (though not necessarily what the effect was or who did it). Do you still want to follow through with it?

No, he seems receptive. Let's deal in good faith for now.

Bis'marek, his business interrupted, takes it in good grace. He exchanges meaningless pleasantries with Father Locke and waits patiently for Regis to deal with him.

Without preamble, Cain removes his circlet, hoping to break any connection it may give Thorne to this moment. He holds up a single finger, silently asking for patience as he walks to the door, waves Alaric over, and covertly hands him the circlet.

He then returns to Valens, locking his now-yellow-gold eyes on the man.

"Just because a thing's gone don't mean it can't come again, Valens. The Iomedaens" the word drips with invective, "hunted and killed my pack. The crown and every one of its blind followers cheered as they systematically murdered my parents, my brothers and sisters… but they failed to kill me."

He rolled up his sleeve, revealing the puckered brand-scar of the prison and holding it up for Valens.

Cain rode the passion of the moment, he was the hunting wolf with the scent of his prey in his nostrils, "There is a natural order to this world, alright… and its not the hypocritical preachings of the Iomedaens or their sheep. The reality is this… the strong survive, and the winds of change never stop blowing."

"That wind is blowing. Hard and fast and soon." His forefinger drives each of the words into the wooden counter-top. "The wind'll bring violence and bloodshed. You asked me to respect your pack and range. I'll do you one better. You'll get a warning from me, but you will have to act fast. My warning's gonna come only hours before this hungry wind blows through Aldencross and up to that sheep-filled killin' bucket they call a fort. And if you got anyone wearin' white in that tower, they're as good as dead 'less you can get 'em out before all this. When you get that warning – or if you see Aldencross aflame – you and yer pack get outta town. Head away from the border with the bugbears. You said yer a survivor, take yer brothers and sisters and run. When the wind blows through here, tough times will linger for everyone unprepared."

He rolls his sleeve back down, "But tough times are an opportunity fer the strong… the resourceful… the survivors. And in the times to come, even survivors are gonna want friends… brothers… to call on fer help. In the days to come, I'll tell ya my real name. Fer now it's only a curse for ya to know. Fer now, and one week before the next full moon, ask around at shadier watering holes closer to the capital fer Abell and his gold-haired wench. You do that, and I'll find a way to find you. And when I do, I'll have whatever you need to take this damn poison from me."

He touches the scar on his chest through his clothes where he can still feel where the bolt pierced him. "You offer nothin short of freedom from what they've done to me. As payment, I offer you the same. Our day is coming, brother. I aim to hunt in the open. My rights as a born hunter protected. I plan on standin' with any brother or sister willin' to survive to stand with me."

He lets everything he said hang in the air for a few breaths before concluding, "So do we have a deal?"

Third Eye Oddities

Regis rubs his chin for a moment before digging back into the trunk and pulling out a scroll tube wrapped in cloth. It's obvious from the way he handles it that it too is made of lead. "This little gem here was obtained from a nearby cave some 10 years ago. Pretty sure it was originally a hideout for some Asmodeans going by the markings. I purchased this from the industrious soul who liberated it, so I could lock it away here."

Twisting the end back and forth, it almost seems he's entering a combination. Which as you look closer, you seem to see markings along the side of the tube. With a quiet click, he pops open the end and removes several sheets of parchment, rolling them out.

"I'm sure a goodly priest such as yourself can go about handling these with care, right?" He recites the scrolls titles for you.

Animate Dead, Protection from Good, Infernal Healing, Summon Monster II, Inflcit Serious Wounds. All at Caster Level 6.

Valen's Alchemist Shop

As Cain continues on, the man's expression hardens, a look of fatigue on his face, but excitement lairs behind his eyes. As you finish, his grim expression is broken as a smile creeps in. "I don't know what you and yours have in store, but if it's as grand as you make it sound, well it'd be damn impressive. Even if I wanted to stop you, I'd have trouble dealing with you and your rather large friend out there. So let's say deal."

Flexing his hands, the same manner as if extending his claws, he looks you in the eye. "There are two in this town I call my pack. One is my daughter, she wanders the town most of the day. She's young enough she hasn't had her first change yet, with the help of an elixir I make. I'd love a reason to stop making her drink it.

"The other is my mate, a dancer over at Donnur's named Neia. She's been looking to get away from here for awhile anyway. Guess this'll do it. You leave the two of them alone. If you're willing to trust me, let me take a vial of your blood. It takes time to prepare the needed mixture anyway, and once ready can hold potency for a year easily."

Accept or don't, he continues

"Gonna go ahead and look to head out of town. Neia has family in Farshore, I'll bring her and my daughter there to stay, then head towards the capital as you ask."

"I'm sure a goodly priest such as yourself can go about handling these with care, right?" He recites the scrolls titles for you.

Animate Dead, Protection from Good, Infernal Healing, Summon Monster II, Inflcit Serious Wounds. All at Caster Level 6.

Father Locke's eyes widen slightly. "Oh my. This is more than I had anticipated. It is good that you kept these so well guarded. In disreputable hands these could be quite dangerous. This one is exactly what I need, and unfortunately all I had prepared to purchase. If you are concerned about the dangers of keeping these others, I would be willing to to transport them for you and personally explain your good deed to the Cardinal. I cannot promise a reward, but I can recommend it."

Valen's Alchemist Shop

Cain tries to get one final read off the man before offering his arm for bloodletting.

Sense Motive (for any deception or ill intent) 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16; +2 vs. humans.

Assuming he doesn't sense any, he continues, "It's a smart choice. I'll keep an eye out for your daughter and Neia."

Also, I said the capital assuming that's fairly close to where Thorne's mansion is. If Thorne's place is far from there, please assume Cain gave a landmark closer to wherever that is. If that's a problem, let me know.
.
Also, I guess Cain's business is done. I certainly can't think of anything else to work through.

As Cain prepares to leave, he looks around for an excuse to have come into Valens's shop in the first place. If the man has any general healing elixirs or poison protection potions, Cain will purchase a few on his way to the door. He once again makes sure no one is looking, gets Alaric's attention, retrieves the circlet, restores his facade, and gives Valens a nod before heading outside and back towards the inn.

Let me know what potions are available, and i'll pick something appropriate and purchase a few.

Anything 3rd level or lower has a 75% chance of being present, I'll pretty much give Cure potions.

Alright, Cain will grab a couple of Potions of CMW (depending on their price) and a couple of Enlarge Persons (again, price depending). Should I assume minumum caster level? Or will the be priced at Valens's crafter level?

Assume min caster level

Cool. Then I'll pick up 2 Enlarges and 1 CMW... 400g total.
Availability of Enlarges 1d100 ⇒ 54. Bingo! Gold deducted, potions added.

Father Locke's eyes widen slightly. "Oh my. This is more than I had anticipated. It is good that you kept these so well guarded. In disreputable hands these could be quite dangerous. This one is exactly what I need, and unfortunately all I had prepared to purchase. If you are concerned about the dangers of keeping these others, I would be willing to to transport them for you and personally explain your good deed to the Cardinal. I cannot promise a reward, but I can recommend it."

"Please understand, keeping these artifacts out of villainous hands has been quite taxing, not only to my good moral fiber but as well to my coffers. Considering the church has far more important concerns, I've made sure to keep them sealed away. I would be more than happy to hand them over, but please understand the expenses I've suffered on behalf of our goddess's work, not only in dealing with unscrupulous adventurer's and their torrid ways, but also in ensuring they are indeed well hidden away from those who would use them for acts of wrongdoing and evil? I'm certain you could take pity on one doing the church's work and provide some recompense?"

Feeling like he's on a roll after the discussion with Valens, Cain decides to make the most of the day. He invites Alaric along, if the towering man is up for it, and makes straight for the half-sized merchant's shop. Not feeling much like chatting up the little guy, Cain keeps the exchange short, spending just enough time to make sure it works as advertised before handing over the coin and heading back out. (I believe Cain paid 900g as a down-payment, do I just remove the remainder of the stock price of the Efficient Quiver and call it done?)

For the next few hours, Cain simply wanders around Aldencross, seemingly taking in whatever meager sights the town has to offer. He avoids getting into any idle conversations, more out of a natural dislike for chit-chat than any darker motivation, but is very thorough in his inspection of the town.

Okay, so Cain is looking for the ideal building (or buildings) to set ablaze before they assault the fort. Here are the things he's looking for:
• a place that will make a ready and roaring bonfire (construction materials as well as objects commonly stashed/found within)
• a building likely to cause as much chaos when ablaze (people inside? animals inside? fireworks/explosives inside?)
• a building that likely has a discrete path to and from it (the disguises are nice; not being seen at all is better)
• size of the building (a bigger bonfire is better for this purpose)
• importance to the town (some random hay-shed is unlikely to get as much attention as the town's temple, tavern, orphanage, or mayor's house)
• location in relation to water source and/or fire-fighting organization (let's make them work really hard to put it out, if we can)
• its proximity to other buildings (flaming domino effects are a plus)
.
Perception (taking 10): 10 + 10 = 20

Finally, a few hours later, he heads back to the Lord's Dalliance, intent on buying Alaric and Fargo a pint if they're interested, under the guise of showing off his new quiver.

"I would if I were able. I was allotted a certain amount for this venture, and were it simply for the one spell, it would be a most generous offer. I will gladly give you all I can, and you may decide what you wish to continue to safeguard, and what you would like to relinquish to my custody."

"I will soon return to the mother church to make my report and begin my task. I am afraid I cannot keep secret the things you store here, though I will be sure to strongly empart your moral fortitude and desire to help the church in any way you can."

"I may be able to convince the Cardinal, but unfortunately it will not be his knights who will be dispatched to follow up on this matter. He will likely pass it to an Inquisitor. They are not known for thier open mindedness. They will likely want to look into your sales records and speak to your friend's and family as well. I understand that they are quite tenacious and sometimes prone to jumping to the worst sorts of conclusions."

"I do not say this to frighten you. I will ward you from reprocussion as much as i can.I merely want to be honest about the demands of my duty in regard to blasphemous relics such as these."

"Here is the coin that has been allotted for this purchase. This is the scroll I require. For it, I'm sure you will find the coin more than sufficient. The others I'm afraid you will have to do what you feel is best in your heart."

The bag Xanos puts on the table has 2,000 GP worth of gold and platinum coins in it. That's about 400ish more than the cost of a 6th level scroll. What he wants to do with the rest of the scrolls is up to him.

Actualy, all of those scrolls together at caster level 6 cost 1750. That is assuming the animate dead is a wizard scroll, not a cleric scroll which would bring the cost down. None of these are 6th level scrolls, they are scrolls of their spell level with a caster level of 6

Are you sure? That would be pretty nice. 2K is pretty much everything I have right now. Mark, can you chime in with a general cost appraisal. I'd like to retcon the amount in the bag if that's the case.

I trust you, and you're the GM, so it doesn't matter. Those are the costs. I'd like to retcon the amount in the bag from 2K to 500. That gives him a bit of a bonus for that one spell. The others, well, that's up to him.

Regis looks Xanos up and down for a moment before leafing through the scrolls and providing you the Animate Dead, Protection from Good, and Infernal Healing scrolls. "I'm sure those three should be more than sufficient for your needs, as a token of good friendship with the church. I am, of course taking a loss at this point compared to what I paid to get them out of the hands of ne'er do well adventurer's. Always happy to help out. Please, let me know if there's anything else I can provide you with."

"I certainly shall. These that you keep are of little concern to the church. Potentially dangerous like all magics bit certainly not inherently damning. You have made a wise choice. Whatever you feel you have lost today will surely be made up in the rewards of the future."

"Do have a good day Mr. Regis. The church will have you to thank for the fruits of these labors."

Father lock left the bag on the table and left the shop to return to the inn. On the way he handed the Protection From Good scroll to Bis'marek. "I have no need for this."

Which of course is Xanos for "thanks fir the backup"

Fargo finishes the days business with Regis and heads back to the inn. When he receives Xanos gift, he is a little touched.
Thank you. I am sure I can put this to good use during the coming days.

Xanos nodded and retired to his room to continue his work.

At the funeral, Milla appropriately veiled and saddened, looks over the dignitaries with a little awe... and scans any she hasn't seen previously with Det Alignment. Just hoping to avoid any surprises when we assault the castle.

Rather than find all of them in thread and fill in the blanks, I'll just post all alignments.

Anyone not on this list is either neutral, or has no detectable aura.

• Lord Thomas Havelyn - Strong Law, Strong Good
• Captain Samuel Barhold - Faint Law, Faint Good
• Father Althus Donnagin - Strong Law, Strong Good
• Tacitus of Morimun - Faint Law
• Mad Martin Rayard - Faint Good
• Mother Ryanne - Moderate Good
• Acolytes (5) - Faint Law, Faint Good

For three weeks, our villains have lived in the town of Aldencross, have gotten to know it's people, have infiltrated Balentyne. Three insufferable weeks dealing with the masses, ignorant of the fate that was to befall them. That is, the fate that will befall them if our villains are successful this evening.

Captain Varning was dead, slain by our villains beyond the Watch Wall. A scouting party was to be dispatched, but has been delayed. Delayed due to another death, the death of Captain Eddarly at the hands of Captain Mott. A betrayal of trust and station, Captain Mott could not allow the stain to his honor, slaying him in Balentyne's courtyard. Lord Havelyn had no choice but to send him away to Branderscar, former prison of our very own villains. A prison that since their escape has regained it's former glory.

With three of the Captain's dead, aid is to become a precious thing. Soldiers have not been dispatched to search for the missing Captain Varning, awaiting help from the Capital. Help that may take weeks to arrive.

A spy within the walls, the one calling herself Milla infiltrated the fortress, but has managed to avoid detection of her true nature. A messenger sent to foil her false background, slain by a newcomer to the group. While inside, events have been learned, the nature's of the remaining leaders. And even more, on the eve of their attack, a poison introduced into the food. Arsenic sent into the food, an outbreak of Cholera blamed. In the first day, 7 soldiers fall dead while 18 more are sickened. Milla worries it works too well, for Father Donnagin begins an investigation the same day, but Lord Havelyn hears nothing of it. A waste of manpower that cold be better used to defend the keep in the absence of three of it's strongest.

That night, a fire is lit in the tannery near the edge of Aldencross. A powerful blaze, it quickly draws much help from the town to it. Help that may have been sent to reinforce the watchtower during an attack. A blaze spreading quickly. A sign of the burning that is to come.

Finally our villains make their way through the tunnel underneath the Lord's Dalliance, to the fortress Balentyne, to what awaits them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arriving in the tower, you begin in the sub level beneath the forge. Making your way up, you quickly enter the armory. Numerous suits of armor, weapons and shields sit along the walls.

Before you are two paths, a rounded staircase up the tower or a door to the west leading first to the Captain's quarters, then to the main causeway beneath Balentyne.

Most of the group had not seen much of Xanos in the last few weeks. He hadn't left his room save for a brief outing to the Third Eye magic shop. He occasionally delivered satchels of alchemical and magical equipment to the rest, but what he had been doing with all the rest of his time was a mystery.

When it was announced that they were ready to make their way into the secret tunnel, he simply stood up and picked up his large trunk...

...with his left hand, which while gloved, was apparently back and working fine.

Is Price with us? I'm assumign so, but she's been on her own all week, and I wanted to make sure.

I assumed so unless you wall wanted to plan differently.

I figure it would have been easy enough for us to coordinate for her to sneak down into the Daliance's basement at the appropriate time for us to head through the tunnel as a group.

Cain stands in the dark room for the second time, Thorne's magic crown making his appearance and clothes look like one of the keep's low-ranking soldiers. The only things that break the disguise are his new quiver and his backpack hanging from one shoulder… soldiers need backpacks and quivers, right?

As his eyes dart between the door and the stairs, he growls, "Ya just had ta fix the hand, didn't ya, Too Tall?" He shoots Xanos his usual feral grin in the dark, "Yer ruinin' all my jokes."

Just as quickly, he's back to business, "So, we hitting the birds, securin' the gatehouse, or firin' the barracks first?"

As he waits for an answer, he heads to the door, pressing his ear against it before running his fingers along the doors seams and edges for any nasty surprises.
Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20; +2 vs. traps

"If I get a vote? Birds."

The stocky man transforms handily into a Talirean soldier, neat and tucked away in the right places. The shield he's carrying becomes a Talirean guard's shield, and the sword, well... out of place is the whole of it. He leaves it be, hoping no one will notice.

Looking to the others, he glances to the upward stairs, then to the door.

"The endeavor was successful, though I am sure you will find other inspiration for your humor before the day is up." Xanos replies to Cain.

"I agree with our new companion." He continues as he quietly opens his trunk. "Strategically, should any mistakes be made while attempting our other goals, if the birds are still in play they will be released. Thus, they should be our first priority."

Xanos' slave unfolds itself with a series of pops as its bones settled back into position. Xanos gestures and it begins dressing itself in the armament of a guard.

Xanos settles the iron circlet Thorn had given him on slave's head and carefully instructs slave to operate it in a way that copied Alaric and Cain's general appearance.

Moments later a vacant-eyed guardsman stood with the rest armed with sword and shield.

What kind of armor do the guardsmen wear?

The air rippled as Xanos reworked his guise as Father Locke going from his subdued robes to more impressive priestly garb.

Now wearing Authoritative Vestments (just found out that my Channel ability, even though it doesn't deal damage, can still be used to activate special religious items. Xanos will be wearing them from now on, but the illusion makes them look like they are of Mitra.