Malum will move out of the way to make room for Felrin.
"Get Felrin, stab it, claw it, whatever! Just make it stop!"
Felrin fumbles his crossbow for a moment, then reaches for the club at his belt, and finally just curls his fingers up like he's holding an invisible ball. When the invisible ball appears in his hand, dripping a yellow goo, he hurls it at the bat-wraith-thing.
Izabelle moves back and forth, trying to get an angle past the two in front of her, but cannot. She lets out a low growl, balling her fists as she gathers magic into them.
She reaches forward, infusing Grumblejack with an additional iota of primal ferocity.
Watching the scene unfold Gil felt the faintest whisper of recognition when the bolts seemed to sail straight through the thing. Given pause, he was stood sorting through his head, looking for the elusive memory.
However as swiftly as the memory had appeared, it was gone, the creature remaining an enigma.
Realizing that the darkness might have been a factor, he weaved the pattern and mumbled the words to chase the darkness away.
Realizing at last what he was faced with, Gil backed out of the open door, making sure he was first out before warning the others "Its a Wraith!"
"A wraith? Here? In the prison? That doesn't make any sense, there wouldn't be any guards then."
Numair holds his hands up, and repeats the following in both Common and Infernal, "Stop! Please! What do you want? We can help you, we can work together! You can kill me at your leisure, so it won't hurt you to talk!"
Used a little bit of both here, so
bluff
diplomacy
At Malum's exhortations, Felrin curls his fingers up and hurls a ball of acid at the bat-wraith-thing. Izabelle moves back and forth, trying to get an angle past the two in front of her, but cannot. She lets out a low growl and reaches forward, infusing Grumblejack with an additional iota of primal ferocity.
'jack smash dark-light thing! rumbles the ogre raising both fists up in the air and bringing them down on the shadowy mass.
The two handed smash leaves Grumblejack rather exposed but the thing seems to either not notice or not care, concentrating instead of its current victim.
Giltharon realizes the darkness is severely hindering the group and mumbles a few quick words. Four small balls of light spread about the room pushing the darkness back. In the new light, the dark roiling dark mass of the thing stands as an abnormal contrast in the room - a shadow where there ought to be none. Looking at the creature, Giltharon's panicked mind connects some rather hasty dots and decides upon the first thought it arrives at - wraith! It's a wraith! he alerts the group, backing out of the open door.
Malum and Numair try negotiating with the thing, half-pleading, half-bargaining in an effort to get it to stop. The thing makes a sound like the sighing wind and for a moment, it pauses - almost as if it understood what the two were saying - before resuming it's relentless assault.
His strength sapped by the nasty shadow-thing, Numair's unconscious body crumples to the ground. The dark roiling mass rises up into the air and flits about the room about 15 feet above the group, as if searching for its next victim.
Twigs, flailing in a panic as the creature approaches, manages to clip it with his elbow.
As Numair's knees buckle, Twigs will grab him and try to make for the door.
"We can't fight this thing with salvaged scrap..." Izabelle looks towards the others, keeping the thing in the corner of her vision."Chasing the wizard was a fool's errand - Let's get out before we end up in chains again."
Izabelle makes towards the door. She grabs Blackerly's shoulder as she passes by him, turning him around towards the door. "Time to get out before they get us both killed."
2:50 am
The group follows Giltharon's lead and stumbles over each other trying to hustle out the door they came in. Twigs grabs the unconscious Numair by the shoulders and drags him a good 15 feet beyond the door.
Izabelle growls in frustration as she manhandles a still-gibbering Tomas out the door...
...noticing something that landed them in their current predicament in the first place - a pressure plate that one was almost bound to step on as they entered the door. Easy enough to avoid if one knew it was there but stepping on it is likely what triggered the guardian shadow's assault.
Once outside Blackerly collapses on the ground, shaking with genuine fright, eyes wide open in terror. s-sweet Mitra! d-d-did you all see th-that thing? That m-mathias has gone insane!
Grumblejack on the other hand is still jumping up in the air trying to catch the hovering shadow. 'ey where you all going now? We not going to catch dark-light thing? Shaking his shaggy head, he finally turns to the door and heads out to join the group.
The lights created by Giltharon's spell make it easy to see into the interior of the tower. The shadow thing swoops down as the last of the group (Felrin) make their quick exit and pauses at the door... then slowly backs off. Making another quick circle of the room, it comes to the center near the base of the stairs leading up and slowly sinks down into the floor leaving no trace it was ever there in the first place.
A few minutes pass as the group watches to ensure it really is gone. The lights in the interior blink out leaving almost total darkness once again with another audible *click* as the pressure plate resets itself.
"uhhhhh....."
"The warden deals in dark magic." Izabelle says, her brow furrowed.
She informs the others of the pressure plate trigger, leaning against the wall.
"That was just a taste of what he has to offer." she says. "Clearly he's no pushover - perhaps we should respect that and let sleeping dogs lie."
2:55 am
Tomas, still cowering on the ground, seems to be getting over his terror a bit. He looks up at the druid as she makes her announcement to the group. ma'am, you *must* believe me that I had n-no idea about him or that-that thing! He points to Numair's prone form laying on the ground. I tried to warn him Mathias is a strange one but I had no idea he was this far gone. Th-this wasn't my fault. He looks from Izabelle to each of the others in the group in turn looking for reassurance that he isn't being blamed for Numair's condition.
The warden's tower is still dark. No lights peeking out from any of the 3 levels.
Satisfied to see the creature wasn't going to leave the confines of the tower, Gil moved back to the doorway. He wasn't one to accept the superiority of others if he could help it, and running away now was far from his mind, wraith or no wraith.
"Seems they have the exit guarded well. Hmmm, let me check a theory."
Casting his spell again, the four torches returning to bathe the hallway in light, he edged inside. He took care to avoid the traps trigger.
Moving past the trap, he slowly moved up the stairs, pausing every few steps to check for more traps and listening for sign that the creature had returned.
Felrin watches Gil carefully step past the threshold of the door - where he now recalls a distinctive 'click' as he stepped on it previously. He follows the haughty half-elf into the hall and touches him briefly on the back, a reddish spark passing harmlessly from his hand to Giltharon. As Gil moves up the stairs, Felrin keeps several paces behind in case Gil accidentally discovers another trap.
Malum follows along behind Gil and Felrin, carefully avoiding the spot that goes 'click'.
2:55 am
Izabelle refreshes her guidance and Virtue spells.
She drags Numair off to one side, and moves to a spot where she can keep Blackerly in her vision.
"I don't doubt it." Izabelle says, addressing the man. "The warden probably wouldn't be warden for very long if people knew about him dabbling in the dark arts."
Izabelle smiles playfully, a myriad of ideas running through her mind.
Seeing the group choosing to accompany him, Gil stopped his advance, moving back to Jack outside. "Jack, would you mind carrying Numair until he wakes up? Hes too heavy for a little one like me."
Moving back inside, taking care to lead the ogre around the trap, Gil proceeded back up the stairs.
Reaching the top of the stairs, Gil looked the door over for more surprises. satisfied that nothing nefarious was attached to it, he slowly pulled the handle to check if it was locked.
3:00 am
This tight fit for big me, pointy ears grumbles the ogre. Why we go up 'stead of out? Sure enough, the ogre's massive girth seems to fill the width of the staircase as he squeezes his way behind the group.
The group arrives at the landing on the second level of the tower with the spiral stone staircase continuing past this level further upwards. Malum immediately flinches as he steps on to the landing, followed by Felrin and Giltharon, as they all hear the familiar buzzing whine fill the air disrupting their concentration - it's the anti-magic field and it seems *stronger* than ever here. Looking out a small window to the north, the group's suspicions are confirmed. This level is around the same height as the prison wing they started from (which lies slightly to the north of the tower).
The room itself appears to be a library of sorts. To the north is a small window which looks out to the prison building. Beside the window to the west is a tapestry hanging from the ceiling with Branderscar's sigil (similar to the one visible in the dining area) and the words “His Judgment Cometh and that Right Soon” underneath it in fancy script. To the east is an oversized wardrobe with a notice on it that reads "Wardrobe doors to remain closed when AM field in operation under strict orders of Mathias Richter." A myriad of shelves line the octagonal room - shelves filled with books, upon books, upon books - thousands of them.
As the rest of the group heads inside the tower, Tomas watches them head in with wide eyes and mutters something about fools and death under his breath. Looking up at the duo, he speaks At least the two of you appear to have more sense than those others. You *have* to listen to me... Please untie me so I can tell others of Mathias. Those idiots are likely done for in there. At the very least, they're going to alert the entire place and it will be through no fault of mine. You can take the carriage and go before they rouse the entire prison. I will personally talk to Gregor in the kitchen and tell him to accompany you if you wish!
Gil looked at the room of the first landing, answering the ogre without looking at him "Yes Jack, it doesn't look like this is the way out. But we better check, just to be sure. Don't want to go looking elsewhere only to find out the door was up there all along."
Casting his Dancing Lights spell again, this time in the shape of a ghostly figure which barely shed any light, he slowly entered the room.
As he went, he took care to keep looking for any more unpleasant surprises.
Nearing the wardrobe, he looked the others with a blank stare "Hmm, what do you make of this then? Best idea that springs to mind is that something inside would be destroyed if exposed to the anti-magic field." He pondered silently for a moment, his eyes wandering around the room "It would seem he possesses the means to disable the field. Maybe we should wait to open this wardrobe until we have dealt with him. Whatever is inside could be valuable."
"Or the control for the anti-magic field is in there. However I think we may want to have a 'word' with the Warden about it."
The Dancing Lights spell fizzles out as Giltharon tries to cast it leaving the half-elf with a mild headache and a rather unpleasant aftertaste in his mouth - similar to having chewed on a piece of metal. Looking about the floor and walls of the second level, the half-elf doesn't detect anything unusual.
Numair remains in a crumpled heap as the others have all the fun ... :-)
"Yup, I think you're both right," says Felrin. "We should get up these stairs and pay a visit to Mathias, then get ourselves out of here. Let's go."
Felrin, club in hand, moves up the stairs toward the upper level, gesturing for his companions to follow quietly.
"You may want to keep an eye out for more traps." Gil remarked, his voice giving no indication that the warning was out of concern for his companion. As he followed Felrin, he took care to follow his own advice.
Malum will follow his compatriots up to the next level.
"Well, well... I was just thinking of something along those lines." Izabelle gives Blackerly a shark-like smile. "No need to be impatient, though. Whether by their clubs or by inquisition, the warden is done for, leaving his position up for the taking."
She runs her tongue along her teeth, letting out a low chuckle. "And if those fools happen to die in the process, well, it'd be easy enough to forget about those other two who disappeared in the chaos. No need to send out alerts and worry the poor, poor citizens of Talingarde, hmm?"
"Still, let's linger a moment longer. Say they do succeed. They return from the hunt, weary, injured... I'd wager enough so for one brave sergeant to apprehend, and stop their rampage. To succeed where the previous warden had failed."
Izabelle stops there, letting her words hang in the air. She looks over at Twigs from the corner of her eye, twirling the club between her fingers, but says nothing.
He rocks about on his feet, clearly eager to hurry on with the escape plan. He returns to gingerly picking at his nails, and next his teeth with dagger-point, pointing the knife at Blackerly. "Yew never did tell me what yew did with my gold teeth. They in dis locker o' yours, guv?" he says, as he begins to rifle once more through its contents.
3:00 am
Tomas squints at the druid as she speaks and squirms a bit as if adjusting himself to find a more suitable position on the ground. He shakes his head at the mention of the warden I don't think they will be returning milady. And even if they do, the prison will be on high alert.
I'm no fool and I have no doubts who will be the first to die if you folks are threatened by my guards. I wish to make it through this night so it's in my best interests... and yours... to get you away from me before the alarm is raised.
Gregor makes his nightly trip in to Varyston right around this time of the night - about 3 am. If you wish to get out undetected, you need to leave *now*. You have the password if needed, you're dressed as guards and I can convince him to let you hide in the back.
He nods over to Numair's prone form The keys to my manacles are with him. Please milady, unchain me. I'm unarmed and no threat to you. We can both benefit out of this bad situation - you get your freedom and I get to show the world the truth about Mathias. You must listen to me!
As Twigs rummages through the box, the sergeant looks a bit sheepish. Yes, they're in there. That was a... misunderstanding. But I would say you came out ahead in the bargain since you have my retirement fund he finishes, scowling a bit.
"Hrm. You're right. Why risk it?" Izabelle nods thoughtfully. "On your feet, then. Twigs, get the key of our smarmy friend over there. We'll be leaving now."
She turns her head back to Tomas. "You're a survivor, Tomas. I can respect that. You'll be out of those manacles soon enough, but not just yet."
Tomas stands up somewhat ungraciously, leaning to the left, then to the right to try and maintain his balance with his manacled hands behind his back. Nodding gratefully to Izabelle, he casts a fearful glance at a darkened window at the top of the tower. Yes m'lady - and not a moment too soon.
He nudges Numair's prone unconscious body with a foot. I can carry this one if you wish ma'am - but I'd need my hands free for that. He shrugs ...or leave him here. It matters not to me.
He'll scoop up Numair and make his way back to the kitchens, with stumbling a little under the weight. He'll find Gregor and menace him at knifepoint. "Evenin' guvna. Yew'll be takin' us for a little ride."
@The folks in the tower - any special instructions for Jack or you just want him to follow behind the rest of you?
When they hit the 3rd floor which should be out of the AM field, Malum will cast Virtue on his two companions. Quietly. :)
"Go with the grace of Dispater. Go with the grace of Dispater."
3:05 am
The trio proceeds cautiously up the spiral staircase with Felrin in the lead followed by a somewhat confused ogre squeezing his massive bulk through the width of the stairs and Giltharon close behind. Malum cheerfully brings up the rear glancing back every now and then to ensure there are no surprises lurking behind the group.
The going is slower than normal as the tiefling checks to ensure there are no other booby traps in their way as the group proceeds to the top of the tower.
Halfway up, the trio sighs a breath of relief as the incessant whine in their ears fades away. Malum quickly mumbles some arcane words under his breath giving his companions a boost of health. Grumblejack tries to shy out of the way as the infernal energy flows from Malum to Felrin but unfortunately there isn't much room for the ogre to move. Don' do dat funny-tail! 'jack not like magic. he rumbles softly.
The stairs finally end as the group arrives at the top of the tower. The landing at the top is smaller than the others. Instead of having an open floor, the stairs end in a narrow hallway facing west. There are two doors in the hallway - one to the north and one to the south.
The door to the north bears a sign that reads Office. Hours 10 am - 6 pm. No admittance outside office hours. The door to the south is simply marked Private.
As the group gets close, they notice a figure moving about the door and the carriage. It's one of the servants the group had encountered in the kitchen. Twigs marches on ahead and unceremoniously drops Numair's unconscious form beside the carriage. Realizing he is being watched, he menaces the confused-looking Gregor at knifepoint. "Evenin' guvna. Yew'll be takin' us for a little ride."
Gregor's eyes go wide at the sight of the knife as he moves his gazes from the knife to Twigs' grinning face to Numair on the ground and back to the knife, unsure of the situation.
Tomas stands up a bit straighter beside Izabelle, his hands behind his back and addresses Gregor from about 10 feet away with a forced chuckle. Hehe - he's just kidding around with the knife Gregor. Just a little joke.
Gregor's confused eyes land on Tomas and show a bit of relief Oh! Sergeant! You wunna believ' dis str'nge nigh. Irenna an' I 'ad the same dream an' there wus dis str'nge wumman an'
Yes yes... that's all very good Gregor cuts him off. But I need you to pay attention Gregor. You are headed to Varyston yes?
Gregor nods weakly, submitting to the sergeant's authority.
These folks will be accompanying you. You were right when you said this is a strange night Gregor. I have uncovered some rather disturbing facts. Mathias is not the man we all thought he was.... in fact - he lowers his voice conspiratorially I have proof for him to be charged with sedition. Consorting with dark powers!
Gregor looks at Tomas speechless, his mouth slightly agape, unsure what to say.
Tomas leans slightly towards Izabelle and whispers to the druid, low enough to make it exclusive to her ears.
Gregor looks down at Numair's prone form, his eyes still wide, sweating a little bit T-the warden did this?
Yes! Bela here, indicating Izabelle is under my direct command. You are to treat her orders as if they were mine. Now make haste and get going before this poor man dies. And don't forget the password for the main gate this week - it's 'Ramshorn'.
Gregor nods weakly R-ramshorn - yes sergeant. I remember.
3:05 am
Oh yeah - the door is locked... :D
With the not so surprising realization that the door was locked, Gil turned to Jack, motioning for the ogre to lean closer so he could talk directly into his ear. "Jack, do you think you can knock that door down quickly, maybe as quickly as this?" he slowly counted out five fingers to indicate how quickly he meant. "Just nod your head if you think you can, your voice is so deep you might wake up the Warden...and we don't want that, we want him real surprised when big old Jack tears down his door." at his last words Gil mustered up a wink and a fake smile.
Felrin hears Gil's request to Jack, and steps out of the way of the door. As he does so, he crosses his arms and squeezes, looking as if he's bracing himself for an impact. A tinge of red light suffuses him very quickly and fades, and he turns his attention back to the door.