"I don't care who you are, asking me when the food is going to be ready isn't going to make it ready any faster! give me half an hour and it will be ready. now get out of my kitchen!
the creature is a Spriggan
When the gnomes first traveled to the mortal realm from the distant land of the fey, some found the Material Plane so strange and terrifying that they lost their sense of joy. Seeing only the threats of the new world but none of its wonders, they grimly resolved to survive no matter the cost. Their innate magic responded to this twisted goal by reshaping them in mind and body over the course of many generations, transforming them into the creatures known as spriggans. Love, happiness, and beauty have no meaning for these poor souls, so they lead lives of violence and malice.
they are known to have the ability to rapidly increase in size when they fight
Porablum finally recognized the creature as a Spriggan, and her near panic immediately faded into pity. The poor spriggans had been so scared of the Material Plane that they'd lost their joy and color. How sad it must have been for them, to be not only perpetually Bleached, but also angry and violent. She looked at the others, waiting to see what they would do.
Hjorleaf laughs out loud.
...as you wish. We will let you to your task but first we should secure the path that you will take. How will you deliver the food to the apprentice?
Why waste my time with such foolish questions?! you're standing in a dining room! where do you think I would serve Radhosek? now get out of my kitchen. I won't warn you again!
Brominate closes the door politely.
"Well that went smoother than I thought." Easlis said shrugging and trying the door at the other end of the dining room.
As the Magus walks away from the group, Hjorleaf turns to the others. He lowers his voice so that the others can hear but not the cook.
Think we should seek out this...Radhosek?...and end him?
Porablum says, "I think that's where this is headed, anyway. He's probably at the top of the tower, and he's either in charge or the second-in-command."
Easlis turns around to give his two coppers before opening the door: "He's the apprentice of the witch that made the portal and likely the one that keeps it open while she's not around. Second in command or not, he is the one that needs to be stopped."
The large human looks down at the others.
Brom...little Nisse...are you ready for this? We do this, there will be no talking. Whomever this person is...they will not be talked out of this.
"Oh, I doubt he'll be interested in talking - from what I've seen, the witches are pretty bad, and he won't be any good. I just worry that some of the people working for them might not be doing so of their own free will."
Brominate pulls out his daggers, with a bit of a flourish, and looks toward the tall human, "Don' really matter if we're ready or not, do it? Regardless the outcome, let's finish this."
Looking to Easlis, "So, which way you think is up?"
Brominate's knowledge check confirms what Easlis said. Radhosek is the name of the apprentice of the master of this tower.
Brominate goes and listens at the door to the south, and if he hears nothing, will check for any traps, and try to silently open the door.
Hjorleaf follows to give support to Brominate.
Porablum follows, as well.
the door opens into another long curved hallway that opens into the same large chamber (the one with the teleporter and red carpet) at the far end, and has 2 more small doors to the south.
listening at the first door (closest to you) there is no sound to be heard. at the second doorway you can hear a faint female voice speaking, but only one voice. maybe someone speaking to themselves?
Easlis opens the first door nonchalantly and if he doesn't see any person will move further down the corridor.
Before bursting the second door open the magus places his ear against the door hoping to get part of the discussion from inside.
Hjorleaf watches but does not stop the magus from opening up the door.
the first room looks empty. from the very cursory glance you give it, it looks like a living quarters. nothing too fancy but comfortable enough. a bed takes up most of the small room.
the second room is similar in size and function, but is occupied. Easlis is surprised to see a familiar face! it is the Lady Argantea, the very same woman you rescued from the bandits in the High Sentinel Lodge
she looks up quickly as you open her door "hello? what are you doing bursting into my room without so much as a knock?!
Porablum has no idea who this woman is, but clearly she didn't appreciate Easlis opening the door. She wondered how the elf would handle it.
The magus looked perplexed at the woman and seemed unable to speak for once. A mix of feelings could be read on his face: from surprise to confusion and finally to anger. Easlis exploded in rage not willing to accept who or what was before him:
"What witchery is this? You cannot be her! It would make no logical and temporal sense. Who are you?!"
Well, that was rude. Then again, Easlis appeared to know who this appeared to be - maybe the person he thought had a twin sister? Regardless, Porablum was quite confused as to what was going on. Things didn't seem violent, though, so she just patiently waited to see what happened.
"Ah, so this is the plan..."
Brominate held both his daggers up, and with a devilish smirk and a smooth voice he says,
"You were meant to replace Lady Argantea, weren't you? Hmph, the queen is clever. But you'll never Heldren, so I suggest you answer his question. Who are you, really?"
Seeing the confused look on porablum's face, Hjorleaf laughs quietly...He leans down to the gnome and whispers.
Maybe she took his dresses...
"I beg your pardon, but who are you? breaking into my room and accusing me of not being who I clearly am? you, man who looks to be a lowly adventurer, what knowledge do you have of the members of Andoran nobility?"
at Brominate's words, her face grows dark. "well well, aren't you clever? yes, the other me should be here any day now, and then there will be only one of us. but who would believe your word, against that of a Lady?"
"I beg your pardon, but who are you? breaking into my room and accusing me of not being who I clearly am? you, man who looks to be a lowly adventurer, what knowledge do you have of the members of Andoran nobility?"
A little chuckle comes out of his mouth as he smiles.
He looks down at the little gnome.A like her, shes got spunk...
So they don't know the real Lady Argantea has been rescued... good.
"Good point..." and he immediately attacked!
As the imposter mocks him, Easlis's face turns all red and starts to feel his veins throbbing. Pointing the scimitar at the woman he demands answers threateningly: "Tell us about the master of the tower. You know, the one who orchestrated the replacement!"
Before he could get an answer out of the woman he sees Brominate whizzing by and the magus lets out a swear as he charges after him.
Porablum didn't know who this "Lady Argentea" was, so she just looked at Hjorleaf and asked, "Who's Lady Argentea? Why was she being kidnapped and apparently replaced?"
As combat breaks out, the little gnome sighs as she realizes she'll have to wait to hear who Lady Argentea was, and unlimbers her crossbow.
She reaches out to Hjorleaf and casts a spell, calling on Desna to guide his strikes.
Hjorleaf looks surprised and is as the two southern boys run off and attack the women.
...and here it was wrong attacking Mierul but it is OK to attack some women of title.
Nodding a thanks to Porablum
should we go and save those two from getting themselves hurt or just sit back and watch the fun unravel.
Grim also recognizes that this cannot be the real LAdy Argantea. before the other two even make it into the room, Grim fires 2 quicks hots at the woman
the woman drops what she is holding and is clearly ready for the two running at her.
suddenly claws appear on her fingers and she slashes at brominate as he comes at her
her claws cut deep, badly wounding Brom.
brom and easlis both manage to hit her in return, however. between Grim's arrow and 3 hits from the two of them, lady Argantea falls dead. as she falls, her skin ripples and changes, and in her place is a lanky humaniod with dull grey skin and a noseless face
Global Condition: None |
Global Condition:
Grimgisli HP: 28/28 - AC: 16/14/12 Status:
Porablum HP: 21/24 - AC: 17/13/15 Status:
Easlis: HP: 23/23 - AC: 16/11/15 Status:
Brominate HP: 6/26 - AC: 17/14/13 Status:
Hjorleaf HP: 26/31 - AC: 15/11/14 Status:NPCS:
Porablum walks into the room. "Was that creature pretending to be someone you know? They must look real funny if that's what they look like. What kind of creature is it, anyway?"
Easlis looks a bit worried at Brominate's wounds still astonished by the fast reflexes of the creature. "Are you alright?"
He then turns to Porablum and tries to explain himself: "That woman... that creature, looked identical to the lady that governs the settlement on the other side of the portal.
In fact, lady Argentea was the one that sent us in this dangerous mission after seeing how well we handled her rescue. We hadn't quite understood how the pieces of this witch fey puzzle fitted together at that point, not sure we do know now."
Realization dawns on Porablum's face. "Ooohhhh...so the witches planned to replace the ruler of Heldren with a fake. Why are they spreading winter into Taldor, though?"
Well she ..or it did have spunk...
Perhaps it had something of importance. Look around this place and see what we can find.
"Okay. This whole thing seems really weird, though."
Has anyone found anything of interest?
"I'm looking!" Easlis said as he rummages through the creature's belongings trying to avoid as much as he can seeing its face.
"These northerners, acting all bossy, even the bloody shapeshifter."
Turning to Porablum:
"What's weird? Now that she's back to her original form it all starts to make sense again."
there is not much of note in the room in terms of equipment or supplies. you do find some books and notes that confirm what you supposed: this creature was training itself to take the place of the Lady back in Taldor. there are fairly extensive notes on Lady Argantea's personal habits and mannerisms, along with books on nobility and court customs.
"These northerners, acting all bossy, even the bloody shapeshifter."
Hjorleaf laughs at the magus.
Do not like being bossed around...stop being passive aggressive and do something about it. Show us northerners just what you are made of.He continues to laugh.
All dress and no bite. Maybe we will see the real you one day...maybe...
He turns towards Brom.
Brom would you care to finish this level before we move on. Is there anything left for us to inspect?
"...Yeah, let's **Ahaghg** ...ooh, she really got me good."
He winces as he stands, revealing the deep cuts the impostor had gauged across his shoulder, chest, and stomach. The lines in the armor and cloth becoming a richer red with each second.
Looking around the room, and seeing yet another overly large mirror, he turns his face aside and with humility asks Hjorleaf, "Could ya help me into the hallway, where there ain't any of these confounded mirrors. If any of y'all can heal me a bit, I'd greatly appreciate it, but if not, there ain't no point delaying the inevitable. Let's push forward."
Come Brom, lean on me. I got you.
Helping the southerner outside the room, Hjorleaf looks down at the rogue.
Your wounds just might leave a scar or two. Well earned I might add.
Pulling out a small vial and pushing it into the young man's hands.
Drink this. It will help ease the pain and also mend your wounds.
The large man turns to Porablum.
Little nisse...are you able to help?
"Sure thing. I didn't even realize he was that badly hurt. Hold on."
Porablum pulls out the wand and goes to use it on Brom.
Brom drink up.
How are you feeling now?
The magus follows the others outside of the room looking concerned at Brom who was wincing in pain.
"Once you are feeling a little better we should head up, who knows what else we might find on this floor."
"Thank you. Both of you."
He has a few cuts still, and several bruises, but he looks much stronger.
"Okay, how d'you suppose we continue moving up?"
no thanks needed...you have earned this.
Looking upwards towards the ceiling, hjorleaf smiles.
if you think this floor is cleared...then we shall.