"...I tell you this because you seem a gentleman sir, and I hope that you will be as outraged by the fact that these lizards are stealing peoples beauty as we are." Justin gives a little bow at the end, and takes another appreciative sip of the fizzy yellow liqueur.
Tiac looks scandalized
"That is inDEED horrific, noble Master Case. I had no idea! "
Tiac looks thoughtful
'Well, in light of that, perhaps if I could have some of the existing elixir for experimentation, perhaps I can produce a less-horrificly procured analog. I would be more than happy to assist you in putting down these 'beauty-theives' as it was."
He looks at Justin
'Do you know, Wise Master Case, just how they are stealing these essences from the unsuspecting?"
During introductions:
"My name is Isaac. Thanks for your hospitality."
Isaac mostly holds back during the conversation, looking around intently.
Perception: 1d20+14
"Noble Master Issac a pleasure to invite you to my humble abode!"
Issac:
Uncomfortable in such surroundings, and more used to being the server rather than the served, Nari tries to fade into the background.
Tiac looks thoughtful
'Well, in light of that, perhaps if I could have some of the existing elixir for experimentation, perhaps I can produce a less-horrificly procured analog. I would be more than happy to assist you in putting down these 'beauty-theives' as it was."
"Such experimentation may prove very necessary. For those whose essence has been stolen it seems to reverse the effects permanently if they imbibe one of the potions, but it may become irreversible over time. And the number of potions that have been sold means that there are more victims than there are means to restore them. If you could figure out how the process works, then we might be able to help them." She speaks quietly, keeping her eyes on the ground. She startles only now realizing that she spoke aloud and had not used very good manners.
She bowed. "Please forgive me. I did not mean to be rude. I have forgotten to introduce myself. I am Naridre Ro'Arisahshe, of no particular consequence whatsoever. I will not interrupt again."
"...I tell you this because you seem a gentleman sir, and I hope that you will be as outraged by the fact that these lizards are stealing peoples beauty as we are." Justin gives a little bow at the end, and takes another appreciative sip of the fizzy yellow liqueur.Tiac looks scandalized
"That is inDEED horrific, noble Master Case. I had no idea! "
Tiac looks thoughtful
'Well, in light of that, perhaps if I could have some of the existing elixir for experimentation, perhaps I can produce a less-horrificly procured analog. I would be more than happy to assist you in putting down these 'beauty-theives' as it was."
He looks at Justin
'Do you know, Wise Master Case, just how they are stealing these essences from the unsuspecting?"
Ekuur listens intently to the mage, and tries to see just how sincere he is.
Sense motive
She bowed. "Please forgive me. I did not mean to be rude. I have forgotten to introduce myself. I am Naridre Ro'Arisahshe, of no particular consequence whatsoever. I will not interrupt again."
Tiac bows towards Nari
"Nonsense, Mistress Ro'Arisahshe! You were not rude, you are among friends! I am sure you are quite important, to your friends at the very least. And you travel with wise fakirs and royalty from the skies!"
Tiac pauses and claps his hands. The monkeys begin serving out curried lamb and warm naan bread. Several bowls of hummus and tabouli are placed nearby. A dish of baked green chilies stuffed with cheese also appear
"And your points are quite cogent! If I can find a way to reproduce this elixir I could fix anyone who has had it stolen!"
Tiac pauses to accept a plate piled high with delicacies
"But please! Eat my new-found friends! We can track down these scoundrel lizards at our leisure eating baklava and marzipan on my observation deck! My castle can travel quite fast when needed. Where shall I tell it to travel towards?"
Ekuur listens intently to the mage, and tries to see just how sincere he is.
Sense motive 1d20+9
DM SPOILER( Nothing to see here. Move along):
Ekuur:
Merle immediately tucks in
"Supposing we find these lizards and maybe this artifact that's creating all these dangerous potions, perhaps we could find a way to use it for good?" Karrin says as she licks one of her plates clean, "I mean there are lots of dangerous demons and devils that could be a lot less dangerous if they were drained of all their guile and charm. Potions like that could be used for good with no moral quandaries I'd think."
Ekuur smiles broadly after taking another long drink from his mug. "Forgive me, Master Tiac. I am but a simple priest, and do not fully understand the ways of these planes. I am hoping you can enlighten such an ignorant soul as myself - I still do not understand what is so marvelous about these elixirs. There are many enchantments that can force people to follow your every whim, something a mage of your obvious skill and power I'm sure is aware of and knows. Why would you spend so much of your valuable time trying to recreate these potions?"
Justin winces, just a little, at Karrin's statement. He had been glad of Naridre's timely statement, as it gave Justin a reason not to answer the fakir's question. He drains his lemony concoction, enjoying the warm, fuzzy feeling it gave him, and smiles at his host.
He was on the verge of opening his mouth when Ekuur spoke up. Justin raised an eyebrow at the flame priest. The bald warrior -priest was many things, passionate about his faith, fierce as the element he worshiped, fearless in battle, even charming when barking for new worshipers,... but subtle was not usually on the list. Justin realized that Ekuur must have seen or figured out something that he had missed. The mage lifted an appetizing-looking pastry from a platter and turned an innocent gaze upon their host, waiting for the answer to Ekuur's question,...
"Supposing we find these lizards and maybe this artifact that's creating all these dangerous potions, perhaps we could find a way to use it for good?" Karrin says as she licks one of her plates clean, "I mean there are lots of dangerous demons and devils that could be a lot less dangerous if they were drained of all their guile and charm. Potions like that could be used for good with no moral quandaries I'd think."
Tiac brightens, spooning curry into his mouth with a corner of naan bread
"So an artifact is causing all of this? How interesting! I agree, noble Karrin that such an item, assuming you could approach the fiends could be a potent weapon!"
Ekuur smiles broadly after taking another long drink from his mug. "Forgive me, Master Tiac. I am but a simple priest, and do not fully understand the ways of these planes. I am hoping you can enlighten such an ignorant soul as myself - I still do not understand what is so marvelous about these elixirs. There are many enchantments that can force people to follow your every whim, something a mage of your obvious skill and power I'm sure is aware of and knows. Why would you spend so much of your valuable time trying to recreate these potions?"
Tiac looks at Ekuur, his almond-shaped eyes narrowing just a whit
"My noble imam, as a student of the arcane I am interested in all magical processes. I certainly can cast an enchantment that would mimic the effects, but I have never seen an elixir like this. I desire to know its secrets. I have dedicated my sunset years to the advancement of arcane knowledge"
Tiac brightens, spooning curry into his mouth with a corner of naan bread"So an artifact is causing all of this? How interesting! I agree, noble Karrin that such an item, assuming you could approach the fiends could be a potent weapon!"
"Well isn't that how all potions are made?" Karrin asks, suddenly playing the dumb fighter again, "I mean apart from witches cauldrons and that sort of thing. I mean I'm no layman, I know about witches cauldrons and stuff like that."
Deception:
"Well isn't that how all potions are made?" Karrin asks, suddenly playing the dumb fighter again, "I mean apart from witches cauldrons and that sort of thing. I mean I'm no layman, I know about witches cauldrons and stuff like that."Deception: 1d20+10
DM Spoiler (Nothing to see here):
Tiac looks a bit crestfallen
"Ah well, I had hoped there was a mechanism to create these potions. Usually Mistress Kind, they are created by using various plants and animal parts. Sometimes mineral as well. But this elixir is quite unique. I shall ask you to please leave the ... khaasta did you say? The khaasta alive until I can ask them how they procure this elixir."
Isaac sets down his fork. He speaks slowly and deliberately, carefully scrubbing Cager cant from each phrase.
"Forgive me if I'm being rude or inconsiderate, but am I the only person bothered by the idea of even using this artifact? In our line of work, we hurt people and often kill them; I understand that it's difficult to speak from a moral high ground. But only when no other option presents itself, right? And even if we hurt someone and they survive- wounds heal. A being is still themselves once that damage has been restored. But this... this thing and the vials of beauty it produces. That's an essential part of a sentient being. A part that, when it goes missing, is dearly lamented. I didn't see the victims you ran into when you all first met Tiandra, but I can only imagine how that must feel. I've had things stolen from me- transitory things, of course, but how would it feel to lose a part of yourself like that? Something permanent, that you have always had."
He folds up his napkin and sets it aside.
"The idea of siphoning off something like that and selling it or drinking it... it seems like a crime against the Source itself. And forcing a sentient being, no matter how evil, to live on without such an important part of themselves.... it seems like torture, if you ask me."
The half-elf looks casually up to the stone gargoyles clustered in the ceiling's corners behind the silks.
"Those sculptures are quite interesting, Master Tiac. Have you owned them for a long time?"
it seems like torture, if you ask me."
Tiandra, who has been very quiet during the discussion speaks up:
"I would say you have a good grasp of my feelings on the matter when I was a victim, Issac."
Tiac looks at the two
"Ah yes, of course, you are right. And if there is an artifact capable of stealing someone's beauty, then of course, it can be used for evil ends."
Tiac pauses
"However, is the artifact evil in and of itself, or is it just a tool used unwisely in evil hands? That large sword you carry, Master Issac, or the smaller one at your hip, Mistress Tiandra, are naught but long kitchen knives until swung at a sentient. They can be used to kill an innocent or a murderer. It is the hand that guides them that chooses. I would like a chance to study the artifact, for the advancement of arcane knowledge. I could swear any oath you would like that I will not use it on any sentient against their will."
The half-elf looks casually up to the stone gargoyles clustered in the ceiling's corners behind the silks.
"Those sculptures are quite interesting, Master Tiac. Have you owned them for a long time?"
Tiac looks up
"Ah yes, the Haraas al-Makzaan. In Souteery it is customary to have household spirit guardian statues. A silly old custom, but one I indulge as an hommage to my ancestral land."
After an almost-impolite amount of time, Swire sits down to eat.
"Of course you will." Swire smirks slightly as he cuts into his meat.
Justin listens as the conversation flows, remaining unusually silent for one so usually outspoken.
He looks particularly thoughtful during Isaac's speech.
Tiac looks up
"Ah yes, the Haraas al-Makzaan. In Souteery it is customary to have household spirit guardian statues. A silly old custom, but one I indulge as an hommage to my ancestral land."
Justin looks up to see what Tiac is referring to.
1d20+8
After an almost-impolite amount of time, Swire sits down to eat.
"Of course you will." Swire smirks slightly as he cuts into his meat.
** spoiler omitted **
Not Important:
As far as Swire can tell, the mage is telling the truth on his oath. He sounds sincere, if a little barmy.
Swire (and Merle):
"Well,..." Justin finally speaks up, drawing the word out slowly as he looks for the statues Isaac mentioned.
"Master Tiac, as a fellow studier of the arcane, I confess that my interest is peaked as well. Any process, be it alchemical, artifact, or spell, that can steal an essence of a sentient and transfer it into a potion,... the very process itself is fascinating and worthy of study. But you must confess that Isaac has a good point as well. To continue your own brilliant metaphor, a sword is merely a tool true, but even a holy avenger can be taken away from a paladin and used to harm innocents. You must admit, the world would sometimes be a safer place if NO one carried a sword!" Justin smiles.
"Not going to happen of course, swords will always be around, to be used for good or ill. Just like Magic. The same enchantment that can cauterize a wound can fireball a village. Like Isaac said, I don't pretend to be on a moral high-horse, and I'm certainly no city guardsman, but as a practitioner I feel a certain,... responsibility, to ensure that others do not suffer because of the misuse of magic on the part of a misguided few." Justin blinks, then gives an almost sheepish half-smile.
"So sorry master Tiac. Musr be that excellent beverage. I don't usually wax so philosophical." He says, popping another morsel into his mouth.
Good to see I have some company on my late night =D
Justin:
So sorry master Tiac. Musr be that excellent beverage. I don't usually wax so philosophical." He says, popping another morsel into his mouth.
Tiac smiles widely, revealing a set of very nicely-kept white bonebox bones
"Nothing to apologize for, Master Case! I quite enjoy discussing these matters with one who understands the ramifications. And I understand that perhaps you or your companions feel as though perhaps this supposed artifact or elixir recipe Should Not Be Used. But, I think as a fellow arcane practicioner, you must see that it is the study of it that is the real prize. Imagine, if you will, if we could parse this knowledge and have the magic draw something else from a person? Mayhap a disease? Or a curse? How does it drain something as ineffable as beauty? What are its properties? Can it be done in a less evil manner? THESE are the questions that I wish to solve."
The spider monkey server refills Justin's glass with the sparkling lemon liqueur
Justin peers at the mostly hidden statues above for another few moments, then turns his attention fully back to the conversation.
"Interesting craftsmanship." He mutters politely, nodding at the statues, and mutters a thanks to the serving-monkey. He takes another drink of his newly refilled glass.
"Yess,..." Justin drawls, obviously at least partially agreeing with Tiac. "Drawing out diseases, or curses, or poison, that would be useful,..." He says softly, then shakes his head slightly. He eyes his glass, then takes another drink.
"Still, the 'Big Question' I have, and I suspect my comrades as well, is how to test and research such a process without becoming like these Khasstaa? Certainly one such as you or I would only research such a process with the best of intentions for it's future use, and not for mere profit as the lizards,... But if the process itself is rooted in taking away a portion of a person's self,... How can we justify studying it even for such a noble goal as removing diseases, if the testing involves harming others?"
Justin throws a glance at Isaac and the others. At least a few of whom now know Justin well enough to know that studying how the artifact worked was exactly what he had been thinking!
"It's quite the 'fireball-the-monster-and-you-in-a small-room' dilemma isn't it Master Tiac? The goal may applaudable, noble even, but sometimes getting there,... Well. Let's just say that if the locals were to discover one of us testing such a theory on the local poplace,... I doubt that history would remember us benignly."
"Interesting craftsmanship." He mutters politely, nodding at the statues.
Tiac smiles and nods
"I must admit, my days at the pasha's court were quite renumerative. I am blessed in my dotage to be surrounded by wonderful things and able to indulge my curiosity for arcane study. Considering some of the alternatives, I could be much worse off."
He sips some more limoncello.
"But come! I hope that we can come to an agreement! If you tell me where the khaasta are headed I am sure we can overtake them rapidly. Remember that every minute we wait, they have a chance to enter a portal and slip away to another plane! This place is riddled with gates to the realms of Paradise and Perdition!"
"But come! I hope that we can come to an agreement! If you tell me where the khaasta are headed I am sure we can overtake them rapidly. Remember that every minute we wait, they have a chance to enter a portal and slip away to another plane! This place is riddled with gates to the realms of Paradise and Perdition!"
Justin nods.
"On this good Master Tiac, I think we ALL agree!" He says with grin.
"An agreement between gentlemen then Master Tiac?, and ladies of course!" Justin adds with an eyebrow waggle at the ladies of the group.
"In return for the direction of the Khaastaa, you grant us a ride in your magnificent abode so that we may ALL intercept them before they leave this plane? Of course we shall abide by the rules of good guests. And I must confess, I have many questions regarding your magnificent castle that I would love to discuss with you as we travel. If you are willing, of course!" Justin adds with an almost sheepish smile.
"An agreement between gentlemen then Master Tiac?, and ladies of course!" Justin adds with an eyebrow waggle at the ladies of the group.
Merle just looks up and nods still busy enjoying the food.
"In return for the direction of the Khaastaa, you grant us a ride in your magnificent abode so that we may ALL intercept them before they leave this plane? Of course we shall abide by the rules of good guests. And I must confess, I have many questions regarding your magnificent castle that I would love to discuss with you as we travel. If you are willing, of course!" Justin adds with an almost sheepish smile.
Tiac smiles
"Done and done noble friends! We shall retire to my observation deck and hunt the lizards down. I shall expound on my humble keep, Master Case. It is never a problem to discuss my greatest creation!"
"It's quite the 'fireball-the-monster-and-you-in-a small-room' dilemma isn't it Master Tiac? The goal may applaudable, noble even, but sometimes getting there,... Well. Let's just say that if the locals were to discover one of us testing such a theory on the local poplace,... I doubt that history would remember us benignly."
"Indeed Master Case. But as with any knowledge, it can be put to good and evil ends. I cannot vouch for the morals of any who will come in my footsteps, I can only give you my solemn oath that I will not use this process, whatever the process might be, on some unsuspecting peasants somewhere. As a practicioner of the arcane arts, I am sure you realize there are many ways to study a dangerous artifact without actually triggering it."
"Indeed Master Case. But as with any knowledge, it can be put to good and evil ends. I cannot vouch for the morals of any who will come in my footsteps, I can only give you my solemn oath that I will not use this process, whatever the process might be, on some unsuspecting peasants somewhere. As a practicioner of the arcane arts, I am sure you realize there are many ways to study a dangerous artifact without actually triggering it."
"Indeed Master Tiac, I agree that magic is no more or less dangerous than say, a crossbow. And like any other weapon, it can be used to defend or enslave an unsuspecting populace. But since magic is usually more,... flamboyant, than a simple crossbow, it is arcane-wielders that usually end up getting a bad reputation!" Justin grins, then shrugs. "Hey. Not every building that bursts into flames is my fault!"
"And yes, I know of several methods that can be used to study arcane devices without triggering them. However, if it IS a device of some sort, I think my companions and I might feel that we have a, prior claim, on such an item." Justin politely points out, smiling to ensure that Tiac doesn't take the statement the wrong way.
"However, I'm certain that it's nothing that cannot be worked out among gentlemen in the interest of mutual Arcane Understanding!" Justin adds with a smile.
Tiac smiles"Done and done noble friends! We shall retire to my observation deck and hunt the lizards down. I shall expound on my humble keep, Master Case. It is never a problem to discuss my greatest creation!"
Justin returns Tiac's smile.
"Done indeed most gracious host! I was hoping you'd feel that way. I feel that my own meager talents lie more towards destroying things rather than creating them. But that doesn't mean that I can't admire the handiwork of those more talented than myself!" He grins
Bethany is pleased with the way that Tiac addresses her and sits on the edge of the group with Drazek. She tries some of the Limoncello, screwing her nose up and leaving the almost full glass resting beside where she sits.
When their attention is drawn to the statues above, her eyes narrow. She wonders whether Tiac is really a Dwarf in disguise or whether he is in league with Dwarves, thinking that the statues are in fact Gargoyles.
She only half follows the conversation, a little weary from their long journey and the restfulness of their surroundings. She does however decide to keep her eyes out for any Dwarves that might be hiding on board.
"And yes, I know of several methods that can be used to study arcane devices without triggering them. However, if it IS a device of some sort, I think my companions and I might feel that we have a, prior claim, on such an item." Justin politely points out, smiling to ensure that Tiac doesn't take the statement the wrong way.
Tiac frowns a bit, sipping his fizzy dring before replying
"Well, let us be frank, my friends. You all look to be fine adventuring youths. What will you do with such an item? Stow it in your satchel? I have an entire laboratory dedicated to arcane exploration, a library of magical tomes from around the multiverse, and the time and expertise to study this artifact at leisure. If you wish, I can send any information I obtain to any place you desire. I would in fact be more than happy to."
"Done indeed most gracious host! I was hoping you'd feel that way. I feel that my own meager talents lie more towards destroying things rather than creating them. But that doesn't mean that I can't admire the handiwork of those more talented than myself!" He grins
Tiac laughs
"Once again, the power of arcane energy can be used to create and destroy. I'm sure you could bend your energies to creation well, noble Master Case."
Tiac, during dinner, seems most solicitous of Bethany and Drazek. He obviously comes from a culture that puts proper deference on the superiority of nobility. The servitor monkeys bring her and Drazek anything they desire by way of food or drink.
"Well, let us be frank, my friends. You all look to be fine adventuring youths. What will you do with such an item? Stow it in your satchel? "
Tiandra leans over to Issac and whispers while Tiac verbally spars with Justin
"I know what I would do with this item. Toss it in the nearest volcano"
"Well, let us be frank, my friends. You all look to be fine adventuring youths. What will you do with such an item? Stow it in your satchel?"
"Right now, I'd say we're going to break it over our knee and toss it to the winds. Of course, I'm just saying that. Ask me later, I might say something different, maybe I won't."
I strongly get the impression that once we have recovered this artifact, or even once we catch up to the khaasta, that our agendas and this man's will collide. So be it, then, we may have to combat this man, Ekuur thinks to himself. As such, he begins intently studying Tiac and the room they're in, trying to take in every detail.
Take 20 on perception = 24 (just a visual look over Tiac and the room, no physical poking-around).
Take 20 on perception = 24 (just a visual look over Tiac and the room, no physical poking-around).
Ekuur:
Merle finishes wolfing down what she was eating before entering the conversation "I think Mr Tiac is right after all even if we destroy it what's to stop someone making a new one? Someone had to make the original after all." She pauses to take a sip of her Raarewl "Least if we keep it and study it we may find other none harmful uses for it. Finally do we even know if we can destroy it without it having some sort of side affect?"
"Well, let us be frank, my friends. You all look to be fine adventuring youths. What will you do with such an item? Stow it in your satchel? "Tiandra leans over to Issac and whispers while Tiac verbally spars with Justin
"I know what I would do with this item. Toss it in the nearest volcano"
"Aye. A bunch o' sodding khaasta get it, that's menace enough. A barmy archmage gets his hands on it... "
Justin salutes Tiac with his fizzy yellow drink, and helps himself to another sweet pastry from a floating tray as their host heaps more verbose praise upon Bethany and Drazek.
'Oh yeah. THIS is gonna be fun! I hope I survive to laugh about it later!' He thinks to himself,...
"I know what I would do with this item. Toss it in the nearest volcano"
As dinner wraps up, the diminutive mage looks at the party
"So, my friends, can you tell me where shall I derect my abode so that we can deal out justice to these evil-doing khaasta?"
Knowledge (The Planes):
Knowledge (The Planes): 1d20+8
Issac seems to recall that the forest is rather large and trackless, with many boggy areas. What few paths there are are small and winding game trails. How Chickenzilla Keep will actually get INTO the forest without causing a lot of damage is a good question.
"Your hospitality and obvious good nature have put my fears to rest, Master Tiac. The treacherous khaasta have been heading for the Forest of the Norns. I'm certain your awe-inspiring home is more than equal to closing the distance."
Merle lets out a slight hmph at being ignored in the conversation ad decides to go and have a quick catnap
Merle lets out a slight hmph at being ignored in the conversation ad decides to go and have a quick catnap
Tiac brightens when Merle speaks up
"Indeed Mistress Merle! The knowledge is out there. Once something has been done it can be done once again. And destrying an object like this could drain everyone's beauty in a mile radius for all we know!"
"Your hospitality and obvious good nature have put my fears to rest, Master Tiac. The treacherous khaasta have been heading for the Forest of the Norns. I'm certain your awe-inspiring home is more than equal to closing the distance."
Tiac springs up from his silken pillow
"Indeed! I will excuse myself and will prepare my keep for travel. My servant Chee Chowk here will escort you once you are finished to my Observation Deck."
Tiac bustles out the room in a hurry. The small monkey he indictated, Chee Chowk, scrambles up on Issac's shoulder and gives him a sheepish grin.
Not two minutes later, the keep gives a lurch. The movement isn't bad, more of a well-carried palanquin motion. But the party can tell the keep is moving.
Chee Chowk chitters and points out the door Tiac exited once the party gets finished with their repast. His small turban gets knocked askew as he clutches Issac's neck for stability when the keep lurches into motion.