Zeljka was never one for long discussions. "We're losing daylight with all this talk."
Turning back to the blue creature she asked, "How close is the Temple and your friend?"
tag creature
Turning back to the others she uttered, "If the Temple is close, even four hours out of the way will be unnecessary. But if we're doing this regardless of how close the Temple is, we should get going."
tag all
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
PS: I've recapped but not really moved the game forward. Decisions need to be made...
"No, Kanjo I have not met. Is he a friend of Magdi's?"
"He claims to be," Min replied, wondering how many other people might have been misrepreseting themselves. "He said Magdi was his mentor, that he traveled here to Garund with him when your friend joined the expedition to find the temple. Did you travel with him as well?"
"And, pardon me for asking, but do you have a name? I'm Minercuria, but you can call me Min, and these are Evalina, Nsizi, and Zeljka."
Min sighed heavily. "We can't leave him to die of exposure, and if he were to come to on his own, I wouldn't trust him not to come after us again. If we can't immediately return them to the proper authorities in Pridon's Hearth, I believe a temporary detention by the Song'o may be our best option ... if they're willing to accept the responsibility. That may give me some time to look through these journals and see if there's any information that may be helpful to us before approaching the temple."
Nsize agreed, "looking at the journals is a good idea. Perhaps we should go to the Song'o, and ask for their help with the prisoners. We can eat and spend the night there, and prepare as best we can. Then we can leave in the morning."
He moved to Blackwell and asked Zeljka, "Can you bind him as well? Then I shall wake him up, so he can walk himself to our destination." Quietly, he added, "while you do that, I shall see if I can find our mjusi friend, and find his thoughts."
The Bas'o then headed back the way they'd come, to collect the horses and Achahut.
"I'll tie him but there's no need to wake him. Then we'll just have his mouth running as well as hers. I can carry him to the horses and then I'll walk if the horses can't handle two."
The half-orc then stooped to tie up Blackwell, rather roughly at that. She was really past caring about the well-being of their prisoners. The only thing she was concerned about was stopping the storm that threatened the colony.
"Nice to meet you, Argil." Evalina bowed slightly. "As we have discussed, we'll bring these two prisoners to a friendly tribe before we can rescue Magdi. I'd like to invite you come along with us, so we can protect you from any harm... meanwhile, you can tell us more about yourself, Magdi, and this mission he undertook."
Before leaving the Song'o, Evalina thanked them once more. "Your help in this matter won't be forgotten, my friends. I'd advise you against listening to any of these two... snakes they are, used to lie and deceive, willing to put your whole tribe in peril simply to difficult our trail in following their greedy plans."
Evalina looked in awe at the old temple, lost in her thoughts. "Back in Ilsurian and in Varisia, I've heard about the old and lost cities of old Thassilon, but this is something entirely different... I can understand the Aspis's desire to delve inside it, for I can only imagine the riches hidden inside... understand, not approve, of course." Evalina thought it was important to make the difference clear.
"So, any ideas? I know you are generally averse with me scouting ahead, but perhaps it would be wise to at least scout around the main structure."
+7 hp (+6 class, +1 FCB)
+1 Fort, +1 Ref
+1 BAB, +1 CMB, +1 CMD
+1 Dex
+ Hunter's Bond (companions)
+ Vicious Aim
+ 8 skill points (+6 class, +2 background)
.+1 Craft (bows)
.+1 Disable Device
.+1 Heal
.+1 Knowledge (geography)
.+1 Knowledge (nature)
.+1 Perception
.+1 Stealth
.+1 Survival
Action 1
Nsizi studied their strange new companion as they walked. It's manner of movement was very interesting. "You said that you are not from here, Argil," Nsizi began, speaking aloud so the others could also hear. "Where do you come from? How did you meet Magdi, and why do you call him Master? Are you his slave?" He wondered if perhaps Magdi had summoned this creature to help him.
Action 2
Nsizi was happy to spend some time again amongst the Song'o, and he spent hours chatting with Muhdzuzi and some of the other halflings that evening. If not for the constant rain and wind outside their tent, it could have been almost possible to forget the urgency of their mission.
As they left the next morning, Nsizi implored the elder, "Please, do take care with these two - they are dangerous, and not to be trusted. Their greed for gold outweighs all sense of decency and compassion, and they will happily endanger our quest if they get the possibility to do so. We will return for them soon - if we do not return by tomorrow, you may choose to return them to the colony, or not."
"So, any ideas? I know you are generally averse with me scouting ahead, but perhaps it would be wise to at least scout around the main structure."
Nsizi nodded, "Yes, we should be sure there are no threats outside before trying to get inside. But there is no reason for us not to go together, I believe."
Sorry, all; trying to catch up from one last busy holiday weekend. Promise I'll post tomorrow.
Action 2:
Zeljka rechecked all of Hamsa and Blackwell's bonds before heading out. The last thing she wanted was for them to get free and cause the Song'o any grief. She tightened any bindings that may have worked looser and this time she also bound their legs. As far as the half-orc was concerned, they would be staying put.
Action 3:
Zeljka agreed with her companions. "We should walk the perimeter and look for any possible guards, removing them as quietly as we can. The stealthier of the group should probably go first so that our position isn't given away immediately."
Does Min learn anything new and/or helpful if she spends the evening poring through the exploration journals?
No new info from the journals other than a closer look at the greedy, scheming mind of Hamsa.
Achahut???
I think he will stay away from the temple for the time being since he was exiled and would be killed on sight thus hindering any diplomatic efforts. Remember that he was wants you to overthrow the Swamp Speaker and not kill his entire tribe.
I intend to move things along later today.
"Well," Min remarked, pursing her lips with distaste as she closed the confiscated journals, "these ought to depress any lingering affection Count Narsus might have for Ms. Gadd. We should keep these in a safe place for delivery to him, should she attempt to pull the wool over his eyes once more."
I agree; I was would stay away from poison use.
Sorry, but things came up and I did not get a chance to update tonight...
+7 hp
+1 will
+1 BAB, +1 CMB, +1 CMD
+1 Wis
+ 7 skill points (+5 class, +2 background)
diplomacy
(b)handle animal
(b) lore weaponry
survival
spellcraft
heal
knowledge religion
spells
*Mending
*Gust of wind (mystery)
*Bull's Strength
I'll take the +1 studded leather, and we can sell my MW studded leather.
I'll take the headband
Zeljka can have the +1 protection ring
+9 HP
+1 BAB
+1 Fort, +1 Ref
Slayer Talent: Ranger Combat stype = Two-handed weapon (Power Attack feat)
Ability increase to Dexterity
Skills:
+1 disable device
+1 intimidate
+1 perception
+1 stealth
+1 survival
added 1 rank into Sense Motive
+1 background Profession, trapper
Zeljka will gladly take the +1 ring of protection :)
"Ought we to check those huts first?" Min asked in a low voice. "I'd hate to go into the temple and have someone come in behind us and cut off our retreat."
Evalina sighed, not liking the look of things. "It is quite a dilema we have in front of us... going in right now could leave some lizardfolk behind us, thus endangering the mission; on the other hand, checking the huts first might attract their attention, thus making us to attack them and kill Achahut's tribe..."
"Do you think we'd be able to sneak inside, finish the shaman and his closest supporters, without killing unnecessary lizards? Or would this put the mission in jeopardy?" She looked for the others opinions.
Nsizi frowned - he wished Achahut had come with them, to ask his advice. "We did promise not to kill his whole tribe. And we might not be able to fight them all. I think if we are able to get into the temple quietly now, we might have no trouble from the other mjusi - they would not even know we were inside, and might not be allowed inside at all."
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Min grimaced. "So we're betting our success on the twin pillars of being sneaky and lizardfolk not attacking us as a matter of principle? Even Achahut's companions, who should have been our allies, attacked us, and Achahut would have as well, if it hadn't been for the intervening dinosaur. Oh, I won't say no to avoiding unnecessary combat," she clarified. "Better to give the hornet nest a wide berth rather than use it as a target for stone-throwing, as my brother Dex learned from experience. But I fear our odds of success are low."
so still looking for a course of action...
FYI, we haven't yet hit stride as far pace this year so I'll let this turn run another day but I'm looking to get back to the 'regular' pace here soon...
Zeljka offered her opinion, "I think we avoid the huts for now and try to get inside the Temple. With the weather like it is, I have a feeling that everyone is either holed up inside the Temple or trying to get whatever cover they can by staying inside their huts."
She took a look at the doors, trying to see any locks from where they were positioned. But the door was too far away for her to make out any specifics.
If Evalina covers me with her bow, I'll move up quietly to the doors and see if I can get them open."
"Judging by the looks of those doors," Min put in, letting her eyes travel up the stone slabs fifteen feet to their tops, "I'll not think less of you if you need our help to get them open. I'm stronger than I look." She points up at the stone storm clouds at the lintel. "I hope those are just decorative, but it's possible there might be some kind of magical trap waiting to rain something nasty down on us."
Guys,
I'm assuming everyone's gear is up to date.
I seem to have some consumables allotted to you that are not on your respective sheets.
I will remove them and leave only what's in your sheets unless I hear otherwise...
Guys,
I'm assuming everyone's gear is up to date.
I seem to have some consumables allotted to you that are not on your respective sheets.
I will remove them and leave only what's in your sheets unless I hear otherwise...
But you make it so handy by keeping up with it yourself. :P
Min intended to offer Zeljka the brooch of shielding, if she wants it.
Nsizi eyed the structure, which seemed to have no roof. "What about going over the walls? Or at least looking? I do not imagine those doors will open quietly, even if they are not having any traps. Do any of you have rope? Or can you," he turned to the hovering blue amphibian, "can you float up and see what's on the other side?"
Evalina nodded to Zeljka while drawing her longbow. "I could also help to open the door, be it in a subtle way, or in a brute one... nevertheless, we should move. Staying here outside is making me twitchy."
While following Zeljka, Evalina took care to properly look around and walk as silently as she could, even if she hoped the heavy sound of the rain would muffle any sound.
I rolled your perception (+8) and reflex save (+6) as it is shown in your PC sheet.
If that's what it is then she failed to find the trap (triggered it) and failed her reflex save to lessen the damage. :(
I added everything but the brooch of shielding to Min's sheet, waiting to see if Zeljka wanted it. My thought was that she's likely to be seen as the biggest threat and thus might be a likely target of any wizards. OTOH, magic missile is an autohit and thus a go-to spell to target a wizard to disrupt full-round casting like Min summoning.
If Zeljka doesn't want it, I'll add it to Min's sheet.
Min winced as her foreboding proved prescient. "Probably some hidden trigger to pass safely," she murmured apologetically. "I wonder how long it takes to reset. I'd hate to set it off again on our way out."
"Whatever's in that basin doesn't look very wholesome," she remarked, eyeing the muddy-looking contents. "With all this rain, you'd think that would have washed out and been clearer by this point."
Action 1:
Zeljka grimaced as she attempted to shake off the after effects of having lightning course through her body. I'm definitely going to feel that in the morning.
Action 2:
The half-orc moved into the Temple along with the others, taking in everything on the walls. Her opinion was that it was just a lot of useless pictures.
Zeljka looked at the stone door while Min checked out the basin.
Despite having avoided much of the effect, Evalina's fingers were still kind of paralyzed as she tried to flex them. When she regained her motion and the blood was once more running through them, she passed her hand alongside her hair, putting a couple strands of hair back into their place, and not pointing at all directions. "Well... if I was a bit sleepy, now I'm definitely not."
Grabbing one of her potions, she drank it before entering the temple. "Perhaps it would be wise for you to recover yourself, Zeljka. We don't know what lays ahead of us..."
Evalina looked around, following Zeljka's example, while keeping her distance from the water basin. She agreed with Min, but she had no idea about whatever it was. "Do you believe it is magical? If it is, can you say if it's dangerous?"
Action 1:
"Perhaps it would be wise for you to recover yourself, Zeljka. We don't know what lays ahead of us..."
The half-orc shrugged, "Suppose you're right." Quickly following suit, Zeljka drank a potion of her own.
As they moved through the hallway, Nsizi's eye was drawn by the frescos. The violent images of raging storms, forked lightning, and rising waters made him shiver. One figure was repeated several times - he recognized it from his discussions with Akosua. "Look here - this is Gozreh, and here again. Akosua was looking into problems with a cult around here. It is too bad that she did not continue with us."
He then noticed another, smaller symbol, in one corner. Frowning, he said, "And this one - I am sure this is Hshurha, we call her the Upepo Malkia. Queen of Winds, I think in your tongue. She is very bad, very evil. It is bad luck to see her sigil here."
Curious about the strange basin, Nsizi moved towards it. It certainly looked muddier than it should, considering the downpour. Out of curiosity, he called upon the spirits, "Purify this water, oh spirits."
He then took a few steps down the east hall, looking to see where it led to.
Evalina looked around, following Zeljka's example, while keeping her distance from the water basin. She agreed with Min, but she had no idea about whatever it was. "Do you believe it is magical? If it is, can you say if it's dangerous?"
"I can look for magical auras," Min replied. "If it is dangerous, I expect it will let us know sooner rather than later." Without approaching the muddy pool too closely, she positioned herself where she had a clear view of the contents and then drew her fingers across her eyes, intoning arcane syllables.
The pool/fountain does not detect as magic.
I intend to move things along later today.
"I don't see any arcane auras," Min shrugged.
Action 1:
Queen of Winds, I think in your tongue. She is very bad, very evil. It is bad luck to see her sigil here.”
Zeljka muttered, "Isn't this whole Temple evil and bad luck? Whether there's a picture to tell us that or not, makes no matter."
Action 2:
As the spirit's voice manifests the half-orc mumbles under her breath, "See? Bad luck."
Seeing that no one was eager to speak up and judging that failing to respond to the spirit might be ruder than saying the wrong thing, Min volunteered, "Ummm, Minercuria Cicensis, under the authority of Count Lothar Narsus of Pridon's Hearth. Only we had no intention of waking you. One of our people was brought into this temple against his will, and we came to rescue him. Are you aware of lizardfolk inhabiting this temple? Have they not awakened you?"