Mum initially halts in her step, but quickly relaxes when she realizes she can actually "talk" in telepathy, as she has not verbally spoken in what might be a very long time. (+2 circ)
"Not Jealous. Duly fearful. Propagated are vermin that flees the boot, aged say. Everyeach greatness is chaos, crushes the weak. Something is moving here -- and I sense we goblins must get out of the way, and that it may already be too late." -- her voice is particularly less goblin-esque, not that her pantomiming translated by Gorfeen would indicate this level of articulation...
She pauses for a moment.
"Now you, I am guessing you are one of two thing... Deceiver, or Deal-maker. Eederway, do your fing. No way my ears could hold any bigger lies after today... ear FULL of lies! And if you make deal, I at least can hear it... meester "dees-em-boodied voice."
If you speak further you should indicate if you are using diplomacy, bluff or Intimidate, and roll.
Using Diplomacy:
Itzal chuckled, letting her hear it. "Then let us assist each other. Let me help ease your fears."
I have largely cowed these beings. Keep an eye on Mum. She suspects. I may also call on someone of us to retrieve the Red Cathesis when the time comes, to assure the absence of betrayal.
Using Diplomacy:
Itzal chuckled, letting her hear it. "Then let us assist each other. Let me help ease your fears."
[dice=Diplomacy]1d20+10
Mum continued to linger just within the thresh-hold of Gorfeen's chamber...
(You may make a perception roll against Tsao's stealth to see if you detect him creeping up on Mum, until he makes the stealth roll this will not be processed.)
"Your thoughts lend confidence, but bear nothing in gifts... If you have trade in mind, I hear your give-offer and ask your take-wanting. Be clear, head-song -- my ears are big enough."
Your hubris ALMOST gets the better of you (Dog rolls 19 and JUST fails opposed perception check) -- you slip into a dark recess in the archway of Gorfeen's quarters, a 5-foot-step will easily close the distance. You see her standing there, as if lost in thought, one hand resting on her temple.
It will be interesting to see whether it is Tsao or Itzal who will act first. (Itzal cannot stay Tsao's hand even if he wants to without making a perception check against DC 19 to spot him)
Because Mum is distracted by the telepathic link, I will give a +2 circ. bonus to an attack roll made against mum -- I might also have required another stealth check to see if you can keep the attack quiet, but since it's established there are no (real) sentries and you've slipped past the dogs this won't be necessary.
"Protection from destruction for you and your fellow goblins, in exchange for your aid with your abilities."
"destruction from who!? If you not a complete liar as well, You should already know my 'fellow goblins', my own blood - are to be cats paws, fodder for a shaman of false medicine... Offer me a way out of that, and I helpses -- no choice or reason not to!"
"So explain... what you going to do to help? You kill Mustadook, weirdsey one?"
Tsao can hear that Mum is obviously deep in conspiratorial conversation with...someone... so he will wait, patiently, in the shadows. I've waited centuries to reach this plane...a few more moments won't hurt.
Preet is lost with the conversation happening but decides he knows better than to interrupt Mum. He feels a strange urge to look around at the weapons and lifeforms around the cave.
Given that Tsao can't actually hear Mum speaking, he makes the assumption that she's deep in thought but alone.
Does leaving my host make a sound? Do you need another stealth check?
Given that Tsao can't actually hear Mum speaking, he makes the assumption that she's deep in thought but alone.
Does leaving my host make a sound? Do you need another stealth check?
In this case it will make only the sound of the goblin's body crumpling to the floor, dead. If you'd occupied him for a long time, he might "Spill" or "Splash" as you exited which could be more noise.
You do however need to make a second stealth check when you change form.
[dice=Perception] 1d20-1
Soooo many small creatures -- bugs, rodents, lizards, Sooo many broken and old weapons -- picks, hammers, clubs, maces, spears... so many fragments... overwhelming!!!
'I help you survive this storm.'
After wandering about and gathering intel, The Abrasax makes bis way up to the old crucible in the ceiling and examines it in detail. Specifically, if it can be made to fall from range?
Tsao stares hatred at Mum's back. Better not try when she's awake. I'll come back when she's sleeping.
'I help you survive this storm.'
[dice=Diplomacy]1d20+10
[dice=Perception]1d20+8
"Your help is the help I do not need, like you are words in air, your help is words in air."
"I think you part of this, and once expose mustadook, then we goblins be come for you, voicey!"
'So be it. I have made my offer.'
And Itzal, since he didn't see Tsao, is going to let Mum go, and focus on that scroll of his. He debated taking her as a new host but at the same time, kinda likes his current hosts body.
------
After wandering about and gathering intel, The Abrasax makes bis way up to the old crucible in the ceiling and examines it in detail. Specifically, if it can be made to fall from range?
[dice=know:engineering]1d20+6
[dice=perception]1d20+6
While the actual machinery formerly used to operate the forge is long since destroyed, a search around reveals some gantries in a dark corner of the forge that lead up to the crucible. Though the gantries are rather solid, the rigging for the crucible is horribly corroded, and in the "pour" position. You figure that if you lasso the crucible and gently pull it to an upward position, you could cause it to fall from however long a rope you use to secure the lasso -- once the rope is no longer tied/pulled, the heavy pot will slide back into its previous pour, jar the rigging, and it's own inertia would bring it down...
As far as a direct impact, it could have to be considerable to actually cause the rigging to break without using the weight of the pot against itself. From close range, smashing the rigging (or sawing even a piece of it) would also cause a fall.
Thank you, shadow-brother. I had guessed this, but I greatly appreciate your warning and confirmation of the threat Mum poses. Did you notice anything that might suggest her strategy for attacking me?
While thinking the above to Itzal, he wanders about on his 2 hour information gathering tour.
Mustadook keeps an eye out for the Geneal in his informational wanderings. If found, the Fire Stone will convey the following in Zalgan:
Once his chat with Abrasax is concluded, "Kuust" goes looking for Gorfeen - hoping to catch him alone.
Once his chat with Abrasax is concluded, "Kuust" goes looking for Gorfeen - hoping to catch him alone.
You know Gorfeen is REALLY tough by the standards of the average goblin. he's got a spiffy breastplate, and uses a longsword he got off of some kind of Human Constable -- and is a wonder with a shield.
As far as replacing Mum, his disagreeing with her about the prophesy was a pretty novel event... since they are siblings AND goblins they have a propensity to squabble, but it's hard to predict how he'd react to not having her as his counsel, as it's no secret her guidance (and healing) is one of the main reasons he's still alive. Brooding and pragmatic -- Gorfeen is used to setbacks and even considerable losses. Could he lead the warband without Mum? Certainly. Would he ELECT to? There'd have to be a pretty compelling argument.
Gorfeen is easy to find, but less simple to catch alone. Gorfeen is spending all night tonight at his throne, fire-gazing -- which is a passtime and privilege for a goblin. Still, if you are patient there are times where there may only be a goblin dog skulking about, and if you luck out, a span of time now and then when he is truly alone.
Preet wanders aimlessly for a time, lost in the myriad endless minutiae that compete for the goblin's attention. Moving out into the cave, it is not preet that finds a creature, but instead a creature that finds Preet... shortly upon leaving the barracks and back out into the cave riverside, a filament of sticky fiber shoots it's way toward him!!
Zzzzzzip!!! The filament flies STRAIGHT over preet's head, landing in the riverbed nearby. The CAVE FISHER begins to descend from it's hiding place up on the rocks and hopefully make a quick meal of the goblin.
With the surprise round over, It's time to roll for initiative -- Hunger and survival clash once again in the unforgiving darkness...
"Hzzigit" wanders aimlessly about the barracks in the guise of patrolling, looking very official with his weapon - a battered dogslicer that nontheless felt very good to hold after so long without true hands. He hears the Abrasax's eldritch voice in his mind and his host's eyes narrow without him truly realizing it - a remnant, perhaps, of the instincts that originally drove the goblin. He nods in acknowledgment in "Mustadook"s direction and meanders in the direction of Itzal's carrier.
Itzal can see that Mum has begun her meditation trance -- sitting on a mat with her back to outer hallway through gorfeen's room, she is burning a bowl of mephitic fungus and quietly praying, loud inward breaths followed by seething snake-like exhalations...
directive. directive. New life form directed. Preet looks around, covering his mouth. What?
NS 3.0 exits Preet.
'Her powers could be useful. She would make a good host because of that. With her currently distracted preparing spells, now would be the time to act.'
The General only nods in assent.
*sits down without making any noise*
And finally, as soon as I'm able to, and preferably without her noticing so it's against flat-footed AC or Touch, whichever's lower...
Unit 254 will wait until dark and find a secluded spot near Gorfeen's throne. Then he'll leave his host and slither near the fire.
When Gorfeen's alone and the time seems right, he speaks quietly in formal Goblin. His tone is regal - as if a deity is speaking from the campfire flames.
"Gorfeen. You are troubled. Tell me what's on your mind."
directive. directive. New life form directed. Preet looks around, covering his mouth. What?
NS 3.0 exits Preet.
(I threw the dice to expedite your move in accordance with your direction.)
NS 3.0 pours from the mouth of the goblin Preet, the husk crumpling to the floor as the tiny constructs burst forth. The cave fisher pauses for only a moment, before scuttling towards the corpse -- closing distance between them with a double-move...
...Then, just as quickly as burst forth, NS 3.0 dives into it's new receptacle -- Invading it's maw, the breathing holes along it's back, and the pores at the base of it's antennae. The shift is quick, but not immediate, the power of the host rivals that of the swarm, and some milage is put on the host before it can be brought under control. The creature scuttles up to the body of preet, and consumes the lower half of the goblin before control is fully asserted.
Interestingly enough, the profile of the Cave-fisher is surprisingly similar in many respects to how the swarm moves and conducts itself. While it's vascular system will run hot, in many ways it is a very suitable host -- if NS 3.0 can rise in power to match it. (CR 1 vs. CR 2)
Equally interesting might be the shift from a goblin's psyche to one of an ambush-predator in the seething darkness of the riverbank.
...and the Hunger! The PAIN of the hunger!!
Itzal used one of his abilities to make a noise within the dogs hearing range but away from the tent to lure the dogs away from Mum. He smiled to himself. Sitting there messing with his scroll.
Itzal used one of his abilities to make a noise within the dogs hearing range but away from the tent to lure the dogs away from Mum. He smiled to himself. Sitting there messing with his scroll.
POP! enough time had passed that an entity of his intellect could master the secret of the case's lock -- Inside was a roll of papers, spun tight and tied with a cord of fibrous mushrooms.
Breaking the seal and examining it -- it seemed to be a bundle of two scrolls and a letter. The first scroll contained two castings of "Create Pit" and the second "Cure Moderate wounds." The letter is hurriedly scrawled, in what appears to be orcish.
The General only nods in assent. ** spoiler omitted **
[dice=Stealthing to the tent and inside]1d20+10
*sits down without making any noise*
[dice=Stealthing as a ghost...significantly less effective]1d20+6
And finally, as soon as I'm able to, and preferably without her noticing so it's against flat-footed AC or Touch, whichever's lower...[dice=Possession]1d20+5
[dice=Icy cold touch]1d6
At the door to Gorfeen and Mum's quarters, The General prepares to strike. As expected, a strange noise echos in the entrance hallway and the goblin dogs quickly skitter to see, barking a racket as they go. Before anyone can give the all clear, Tsao is through Gorfeen's chambers and into Mum's sanctum.
Mum's opposed perception to stealth (-2 b/c meditating) : 2
(surprise round)
She doesn't see it coming, and the icy chill of Tsao's spirit laying it's frigid hands is the first notice she has that anything is wrong. She recoils in horror as Tsao swoops upon her -- clumps of frozen skin peeling off of her body in Tsao's ghostly hands. She throws up her mental defenses to repel his attack --
D20: 19+5 = 24.
...And passes, easily. Mum however, has no voice to raise an alarm -- and the racket from the dogs is more than competition for it, if she had. Tsao might wonder if he has time to take this creature down at his leisure -- but he knows it's mind is denied to him.
Initiative: 3 - 1 = 2
Tsao can take another action before Mum can defend herself... from the looks of it she intends to prepare some kind of defense and flee to her brother's side!
Unit 254 will wait until dark and find a secluded spot near Gorfeen's throne. Then he'll leave his host and slither near the fire.
[Dice=Stealth]1d20+19
When Gorfeen's alone and the time seems right, he speaks quietly in formal Goblin. His tone is regal - as if a deity is speaking from the campfire flames.
"Gorfeen. You are troubled. Tell me what's on your mind."
[Dice=Stealth (to keep my position hidden)]1d20+19
[Dice=Bluff (to make it seem the voice comes from inside the fire)]1d20+12
Gorfeen's eyes light up, and widen almost as big as saucers when he hears the voice rising out of the fire -- it casts long shadows all around him, including where 254's former host had been cast off and hidden away. It is quickly obvious that he hoped for a vision or visitation of some kind.
"Ancestor Goblin -- Arms heavy. future uncertain. Omens seem to point the way. Gorfeen always do the obvious and the obvious work, but this time sister counsel otherwise. This time, we trapped underground, and you ancestor tell mustadook we are to found cave-tribe. Seem obvious thing to do when trapped underground... but I need hear voice of best gobbos dead, to tell me the way. Gorfeen tired. Gorfeen on fools errand that look like death, hunting kobolds after they finally decide to leave goblin tribe alone. Gorfeen not thinker. Gorfeen survivor. Tell Gorfeen what to do, and Gorfeen do it. This once, ancestor -- Gorfeen always have counsel, and on night of biggest decision has none. Guide him."
Perception (opposed to 19 stealth) 14+4 = 18.
In the distance, the dogs barked -- and something nearer to him, for a brief second... seemed amiss. But He could brook it no attention -- he waited with baited breath for what the fire had to say...
At the end of his investigative wanderings, The Abrasax hears the dogs suddenly raise a great noise. He smiles inwardly and walks casually toward the noise, passing both Gorfeen's/Mum's chambers and the great hall.
Noticing nothing unusual, he goes out near the entrance to see what set the dogs off.
Abrasax walks down the main hall to see one of the other goblins run out of a side forge to quiet down the dogs... "In the stone's name, Hush dogs!" the goblin snaps, then slouches to attention when he sees Mustadook coming. "The dogs are restless, prophet. What do you make of it?"
The dogs calm -- there seems to be nothing but the gloom, the distant sound of the rushing river, the pillars in the great hall, and the cryptic drama depicted in the frescoes...
The dogs be happy. They be announce new tribe to the Dark. When Gorfeen orders, we find Red Rock. Then Proof will be clear.
The voice from the fire speaks calmly but is filled with power. "Fear not Gorfeen. You are one of my most faithful servants and have always tried to do what is best for those under your care. Now your steadfastness is being rewarded. I will counsel you in your time of need."
As he continues speaking, Unit 254 slithers into a patch of light. "Your ancestors have granted me all the wisdom of their generations. I am to be your advisor during this time of trouble. Hide me behind your ear, and when you need me, I will whisper words of wisdom to you."
The voice from the fire speaks calmly but is filled with power. "Fear not Gorfeen. You are one of my most faithful servants and have always tried to do what is best for those under your care. Now your steadfastness is being rewarded. I will counsel you in your time of need."
As he continues speaking, Unit 254 slithers into a patch of light. "Your ancestors have granted me all the wisdom of their generations. I am to be your advisor during this time of trouble. Hide me behind your ear, and when you need me, I will whisper words of wisdom to you."
[dice=Bluff]1d20+12
"A totem animal? A familiar? And such a strange one -- but from the fire..."
He cannot hope to resist your wiles. He unsheaths his longsword, and leaning forward from his throne, bids you scale that metal ramp to his arm...
Unit 254 wiggles its way up the sword and nestles itself behind Gorfeen's ear. Hearing the racket of the dogs, it simply waits - for now.
"You have done well, Gorfeen. Follow my counsel, and all your troubles will disappear."
The voice comes back in Mum's head. 'Looks like you've encountered a situation.' Itzal had decided to mess with Mum while Tsao was attempting to possess her. He stowed away his new scrolls, making note to work on finding a way to translate the letter. Watching, prepared to act if needed, but for now, staying out of combat.
Hungry.. Need food.. Hide close... The cave fisher looks around for its next meal, just finishing up the goblin formally known as prince--ahh I mean Preet.
Directive, food, places, hungry, find food, find shelter, find things...
Hungry.. Need food.. Hide close... The cave fisher looks around for its next meal, just finishing up the goblin formally known as prince--ahh I mean Preet.
Directive, food, places, hungry, find food, find shelter, find things...
This host knows another hunting spot -- Cross river, Climb wall to cracks near the ceiling -- some kind of duct. If no food in duct, travel north in it to adjoining cavern -- angular rocks. So many humanoids. Alternatively, what you know of the Cistern, where you first entered this plane -- might make an excellent potential ambush spot... hiding above and snaring creatures that come to, or through, the pool...
Tsao will immediately hammer the old goblin's mind again. "Yes.....please resist...it makes the conquest all the sweeter," he whispers as he envelops her body in his chilling ghost form.
Mum's copious sweat is practically sleeting on her body as she reels from the sudden and relentless assault. Muttering a Litany, she wrests herself free and creates a single mirror image of herself. Grinning, she makes her gambit to Escape her would-be assassin -- Figuring she can make it out into the hallway and get help!
Tsao: Take an attack of opportunity, but roll a D6 first, to see if you attack the mirror image, or Mum Herself. If you miss, or she survives the attack, she will be in the hall at the start of the next round!