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After Zurnzal's attack, 322 concentrates on the chaos and mind-warping infinity of the Beyond and focuses that on the lizard thing before him. If nothing else, this may delay the thing's assault.
Having another thought, she draws forth her wand and steps out of reach in case the half-orc needs to be healed once more.
Rataji takes a step back and surveys the combat, confident in the current tide.
The remaining chameleon attempts to bite Marnarius...
...but is way off-target.
Zurnzal fires off a huge punch, contacting the stone-like skin of the lizard, but still manages to apply some damage in the process.
322 turns her inner-eye toward the lizard...
...but it seems to stave off the effects.
The lizard repeats its assault on Zurnzal...
...and hits him with a tailslap.
Shohiraj slinks off while the creatures are occupied.
Marnarius launches another damaging salvo...
...and finds his second hit does not meet with the usual stony resistance.
Joliryn assists Marnarius in the assault...
...but fails to connect.
Jorilyn continues to pound on the reptile.
Even though Marnarius is cognizant of the fact that if he were to use the force of both of his hands to grip the club, the damage done to the Chameleon-like lizard will be a bit more greater but the desire not to get bitten again overrides the need to put aside his shield to accomplish such a task.
What Marnarius does end up doing is to move a 5' step directly south, then goes and makes his full round power attack after restudying the creature.
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Worried that the fight is taking too long, the Experiment speaks the language of the beyond again and makes her hand a living conduit of the negative energies of the Dark Tapestry. She steps forward to deliver a terrible blow, but misses.
Her hand, however, remains charged with the fell energies of the Void.
Shohiraj moves from the shadow again, trying to get the frilled creature in a flank.
Rataji continues to survey the area.
The chameleon continues to defend itself from Marnarius...
...finally getting flesh.
Zurnzal attempts to lay waste to the creature...
...landing three sickening blows.
322 has trouble touching the lizard after it reels from Zurnzal's barrage, though the dark energy remains in her hands.
The lizard makes a desperate attempt at Zurnzal...
...biting him on his exposed arm.
Shohiraj moves into position...
...but notices her slinking! The lizard attempts to bite her...
...but cannot connect. Shohiraj slides into position, bashes the creature in the side of the head with her sap, knocking it unconscious.
Marnarius fires another pair of club-swings at the remaining chameleon, the second sending it packing to its original plane.
A half-minute of conflict results in a few fresh wounds, two unconscious planar beasts breathing shallowly on the floor, and likely a cacophony of noise which will no-doubt attract local patrols.
Immediately visible is a staff of caustic fury.
After some hurried searching, you find viable notes concerning the Hao Jin Tapestry. While the rite is described in precise detail, performing it could tear a permanent rift into the Hao Jin Tapestry, allowing uninterrupted traffic between the planes — but always to the same site within the demiplane.
He was heaving a bit. His target landed a few hits. But he was happy that his own hits landed more. He was pleased
"That was a good fight. Right lets get going. We mayy have attracted attention to ourselves by now"
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Right, got what we came for? Good. Everybody still with us? Better. Let's roll. Next steps, leader? Tear a hole in that tapestry?
The chameleon continues to defend itself from Marnarius...finally getting flesh.
Marnarius fires another pair of club-swings at the remaining chameleon, the second sending it packing to its original plane.
Having gotten himself bitten again, Marnarius lets out with another steady stream of curses and invectives but in the end, the grizzled old cuss gets the last laugh as he literally bashes the second Chameleon creature out of existence.
A half-minute of conflict results in a few fresh wounds, two unconscious planar beasts breathing shallowly on the floor, and likely a cacophony of noise which will no-doubt attract local patrols.
You see your ancestral weapon among three on showpiece display in the room. Please let me know which of these it is... The first is an obsidian-bladed scythe with a mahogany handle. The second is a heavy flail made of magically hardened gold and whose head is molded like a roaring tiger skull. The third is a serrated, single-edged longsword made of green-tinged metal.
Once the din of battle is over and having taken back his sap from atop the lowest westernmost bookshelf , that's when Marnarius spies his ancestral weapon on display in a nearby weapons display.
"Well I'll be...! This was where them low-down dirty Paaathfinders was keeping it all along...". Reaching over, Marnarius takes the serrated, single-edged long-sword of greenish tint from where it was resting among it's fellow weaponry.
His hand gripping the weapon, Marnarius will stride purposefully over to one of the unconscious Frilled Lizards and asks aloud, "Any reason to be keeping these dumb animals alive and breathing?". Regardless of the answer given, the grizzled old cuss will coupe de gras it with a test swing of his newfound sword.
"Seems like it works just fine. Got two more fancy weapons in that there display, in case any of you all be needing something else to use aside from what you got.", Marnarius will say, motioning to where the scythe and flail are still on display at. "Might even fetch a pretty penny if nothing else- and we get to make sure them Paaathfinders don't get to keep any of them either."
He was heaving a bit. His target landed a few hits. But he was happy that his own hits landed more. He was pleased "That was a good fight. Right lets get going. We mayy have attracted attention to ourselves by now"
Right, got what we came for? Good. Everybody still with us? Better. Let's roll. Next steps, leader? Tear a hole in that tapestry?
Noting that Zurnzal is still sporting injuries from the fight, Marnarius feels a bit more mollified that he wasn't the only one in getting bitten by those damnable lizards. "Come to think of it, whose handling the healing here? There's two of us here that got bit by them dumb disappearing lizards."
"Give me that." Rataji grabs the notes and eyes them, paying little attention to Marnarius. "These are the ones. Hm, you can tell the level of detail here is more than sufficient..." he mutters to himself. "Well, all the better for us."
Rataji raises his head and voice while putting the notes on his pocket. "Next goal is getting to the tapestry chamber. Joliryn, I hope your inside knowledge proves as useful as earlier."
"I hope it does as well." mutters the Halfling as he pulls out her notes. Before leaving she turns to the group and says "Take whatever weapons you want, the illusion scroll in the back is mine. I'm curious as to what spell is so powerful that it's worth noting."
Once she's procured the illusion scroll noted by the informant, she'll pull out the map of lower Skyreach to see which way to go next.
Marnarius, his ancestral arm in hand, ends the remaining creatures' time on this plane; they evaporate, in turn, as the serrated blade enters the back of each of their necks.
The next leg of the trip, the chamber in which the Tapestry is housed, is a bit of a hike; as long as some haste and care is used leaving the Antarnicus Wing, the notes Joliryn received should be sufficient for a professional group.
The hike to the Hao Jin Tapestry chamber is an involved one: five flights of steps, numerous detours, and one tense moment avoiding a guard patrol that was a little behind schedule. About twenty minutes after leaving the Antarnicus Wing, you arrive at an entrance to the chamber. It does not take much effort to hear the heated discussion occurring on the other side of the doors.
"Why is it so hard just to stay out of it? Not everything needs your own personal interjection." The man speaks with the authority of a commander.
"My people are unduly criminalized, and I won't stand for that type..." A feminine voice; deep, emotional.
"And while I understand and empathize with your plight, making it your own personal crusade to punish racists during a sensitive mission at the expense of lives and destruction of property is unacceptable." The first voice cuts her off, never raising his voice -- a collected fellow.
"The countryfolk in Isger needed a little excitement in their lives anyway. Little fire to help dispose of the refuse, if you catch my meaning?" A third voice -- male, learned, a touch of condescension.
"Shut it, Ralirio." The deep feminine voice.
"Shush," Rataji gestures the others to not move.
Ralirio... that...
Well, well. They seem to get along fine. Shohiraj whispers any plans on how we can use that to our advantage?
"You could do with a bit more discipline in your life. Not everything is feelings and emotions." The commanding voice.
"And not everything can be solved with old methodologies! Non-progressive thinking is why..." The deep feminine voice is cut off.
"Non-progressive thinking agitates the locals. You must make a good first impression. These things take patience."
"They require action!" The feminine voice retorts.
"Fiery genocide is an action." The aloof voice.
Jorilyn stifles a giggle as she listens to the pathfinders fighting."Fiery genocide, now there's an idea. So, shall we bum-rush them of would someone like to toss in a spell first?" she asks through a whisper.
Shohiraj converts herself into an evil version of Sheila Heidmarch.
Giving the rest of the group a nod to get ready and get out of sight, she opens the door and steps in
At ease, Pathfinders! she says with a commanding voice. I have a matter of the utmost urgence. A group of goblins was seen prowling around the Blakros museum. I need you to find Nigel Aldain and find out was he is up to. Don't hesitate to deal with the most fiery resolve if you encounter resistance. Expect heavy resistance, so bring all your weapons with you. Hurry!
...that person was a prophet of Kalistrade, armed with a firearm. Hm.
If possible, I'd like to avoid combat with high-ranking Pathfinders. We could wait until they have finished talking and then enter unnoticed, but who knows how long that might take? We have a tight schedule. We have to speed things up.
"...We're going to enter sooner or later," Rataji whispers back to Joliryn and then turns to Shojiraj.
"Shohiraj, how quickly do you think you can disguise yourself as Zarta Dralneen? You have 10 minutes, anything longer than that and their conversation might have ended at that time. Your guise must be flawless."
"Once you're done, I will cast disguise self and enter with you as a bodyguard. Tell them that Master of Swords has demanded their immediate help outside with the escaped beasts. A good lie has an ounce of truth. If they doubt you, mention a couple more big names and how much these bosses need more competent hands."
Rataji then turns to the others, ensuring that everyone can hear his whispers. "Listen. If things go well, three or more Pathfinders will step out of the chamber. Hide somewhere where they can't see you, or look like busy Pathfinders on duty. However, if things don't go as planned, you need to be ready to enter as soon as I give the order. Listen for the code word 'intelligent': that's your cue to come help us. Understood?"
The three pathfinders within stop their conversations suddenly as Sheila Heidmarch strides into the room, her personal assistant in-tow.
"Madam Heidmarch, a pleasure seeing you again. I had heard you would still be in Magnimar this year." The commanding one says, giving a polite bow.
The trio regard Sheila's words and mission. "Master Zey has us stationed here for the duration of the convocation. He'd be pretty upset if we left our post..." The female says, a dark-complected half-orc...
"Loshari, ours isn't to question the orders of a Venture Captain. Besides, it appears she brought her own cadre to relieve us. Loshari, Ralirio, let's move."
Ralirio, the prophet of Kalistrade, replies with a disgusted look. "Can I just stay here? Goblins are notoriously filthy."
"You have two minutes. Get your stuff and let's move out."
After a few moments, the trio gather their packs and leave through the door, none the wiser to your ploy.
An unremarkable tapestry bearing intricate but heavily worn geometric patterns along its length hangs on the far end of this meeting room. A rune-inscribed circle set into the floor completely contains a table at the room’s center.
Rataji watches in speechless awe as the trio leaves the room without any difficulties. "...Well... well done."
Rataji walks to the tapestry and reads the previously acquired notes one more time before performing the ritual to open the gateway.
"Give me that." Rataji grabs the notes and eyes them, paying little attention to Marnarius. "These are the ones. Hm, you can tell the level of detail here is more than sufficient..." he mutters to himself. "Well, all the better for us."
Rataji raises his head and voice while putting the notes on his pocket. "Next goal is getting to the tapestry chamber. Joliryn, I hope your inside knowledge proves as useful as earlier."
"I hope it does as well." mutters the Halfling as he pulls out her notes. Before leaving she turns to the group and says "Take whatever weapons you want, the illusion scroll in the back is mine. I'm curious as to what spell is so powerful that it's worth noting."
Marnarius, his ancestral arm in hand, ends the remaining creatures' time on this plane; they evaporate, in turn, as the serrated blade enters the back of each of their necks.
The next leg of the trip, the chamber in which the Tapestry is housed, is a bit of a hike; as long as some haste and care is used leaving the Antarnicus Wing, the notes Joliryn received should be sufficient for a professional group.
Seeing that no healing is forthcoming, Marnarius, amazingly enough, doesn't seem to make any further issue of it other than to pull out one of his Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds and downs it in one gulp. Having spent the better part of 3 years trapped in a demiplane with dwindling supplies and no guarantee of anything remotely like abundant healing has tempered the grizzled old cuss somewhat.
.
The hike to the Hao Jin Tapestry chamber is an involved one: five flights of steps, numerous detours, and one tense moment avoiding a guard patrol that was a little behind schedule. About twenty minutes after leaving the Antarnicus Wing, you arrive at an entrance to the chamber. It does not take much effort to hear the heated discussion occurring on the other side of the doors.
"Why is it so hard just to stay out of it? Not everything needs your own personal interjection." The man speaks with the authority of a commander.
"My people are unduly criminalized, and I won't stand for that type..." A feminine voice; deep, emotional.
"And while I understand and empathize with your plight, making it your own personal crusade to punish racists during a sensitive mission at the expense of lives and destruction of property is unacceptable." The first voice cuts her off, never raising his voice -- a collected fellow.
"The countryfolk in Isger needed a little excitement in their lives anyway. Little fire to help dispose of the refuse, if you catch my meaning?" A third voice -- male, learned, a touch of condescension.
"Shut it, Ralirio." The deep feminine voice.
"Shush," Rataji gestures the others to not move.
322 takes to the shadows like one born to it.
Well, well. They seem to get along fine. Shohiraj whispers any plans on how we can use that to our advantage?
"You could do with a bit more discipline in your life. Not everything is feelings and emotions." The commanding voice.
"And not everything can be solved with old methodologies! Non-progressive thinking is why..." The deep feminine voice is cut off.
"Non-progressive thinking agitates the locals. You must make a good first impression. These things take patience."
"They require action!" The feminine voice retorts.
"Fiery genocide is an action." The aloof voice.
Jorilyn stifles a giggle as she listens to the pathfinders fighting."Fiery genocide, now there's an idea. So, shall we bum-rush them of would someone like to toss in a spell first?" she asks through a whisper.
"...We're going to enter sooner or later," Rataji whispers back to Joliryn and then turns to Shojiraj.
"Shohiraj, how quickly do you think you can disguise yourself as Zarta Dralneen? You have 10 minutes, anything longer than that and their conversation might have ended at that time. Your guise must be flawless."
"Once you're done, I will cast disguise self and enter with you as a bodyguard. Tell them that Master of Swords has demanded their immediate help outside with the escaped beasts. A good lie has an ounce of truth. If they doubt you, mention a couple more big names and how much these bosses need more competent hands."
Rataji then turns to the others, ensuring that everyone can hear his whispers. "Listen. If things go well, three or more Pathfinders will step out of the chamber. Hide somewhere where they can't see you, or look like busy Pathfinders on duty. However, if things don't go as planned, you need to be ready to enter as soon as I give the order. Listen for the code word 'intelligent': that's your cue to come help us. Understood?"
Shohiraj converts herself into an evil version of Sheila Heidmarch.
Giving the rest of the group a nod to get ready and get out of sight, she opens the door and steps in
At ease, Pathfinders! she says with a commanding voice. I have a matter of the utmost urgence. A group of goblins was seen prowling around the Blakros museum. I need you to find Nigel Aldain and find out was he is up to. Don't hesitate to deal with the most fiery resolve if you encounter resistance. Expect heavy resistance, so bring all your weapons with you. Hurry!
The three pathfinders within stop their conversations suddenly as Sheila Heidmarch strides into the room, her personal assistant in-tow.
"Madam Heidmarch, a pleasure seeing you again. I had heard you would still be in Magnimar this year." The commanding one says, giving a polite bow.
The trio regard Sheila's words and mission. "Master Zey has us stationed here for the duration of the convocation. He'd be pretty upset if we left our post..." The female says, a dark-complected half-orc...
"Loshari, ours isn't to question the orders of a Venture Captain. Besides, it appears she brought her own cadre to relieve us. Loshari, Ralirio, let's move."
Ralirio, the prophet of Kalistrade, replies with a disgusted look. "Can I just stay here? Goblins are notoriously filthy."
"You have two minutes. Get your stuff and let's move out."
After a few moments, the trio gather their packs and leave through the door, none the wiser to your ploy.
Rataji watches in speechless awe as the trio leaves the room without any difficulties. "...Well... well done."
Arriving at the outside of the Tapestry Room (plus the discovery of the three actual Paaathfinder guards posted within) does little but to put Marnarius in a heighten state of tension and combat readiness but Shohiraj's bold deception (posing as Lady Heidmarch, no less) manages to let the Aspis group within reach of their goal- the Hao Jin Tapestry.
An unremarkable tapestry bearing intricate but heavily worn geometric patterns along its length hangs on the far end of this meeting room. A rune-inscribed circle set into the floor completely contains a table at the room’s center.
Rataji walks to the tapestry and reads the previously acquired notes one more time before performing the ritual to open the gateway.
Peering intently at the Tapestry, Marnarius stays at a respectful distance away from it while Rataji does his thing. First time seeing this damned Tapestry up close and personal, even though I was stuck in there for three long years! If'n our Leader can get this thing opened up and soon.... The grizzled cuss finds himself holding his breath in anticipation.
A rather smug look comes over the face of Lady Heidmarch as she finally breaks from her role Some black eyeshade and a stern look, and -presto- the cold b**** of Magnimar is in the room.
Ironic, isn't it, that very same 'lady' who worked so hard to cut off consortium from the tapestry ends up granting access.
So, did I understand correctly that a complete army is waiting for us on the other side of that rag? she adds, then adds with a dead-pan tone That may prove useful at some point.
Shoheila patiently waits for the destruction of the Society's greatest treasure.
A rather smug look comes over the face of Lady Heidmarch as she finally breaks from her role Some black eyeshade and a stern look, and -presto- the cold b**** of Magnimar is in the room.
Ironic, isn't it, that very same 'lady' who worked so hard to cut off consortium from the tapestry ends up granting access.
So, did I understand correctly that a complete army is waiting for us on the other side of that rag? she adds, then adds with a dead-pan tone That may prove useful at some point.
Shoheila patiently waits for the destruction of the Society's greatest treasure.
Marnarius looks over to the still disguised Shohiraj/Shoheila and says, "Well, it may not be an army, but there's still enough of our folks in there to give them blasted, no-good Paaathfinders something to be worrying about when they get out; I should know, 'cause I was stuck in there with them before the Consortium sprung me out of there."
"We wait and use our resources when best they will be of use. Isnt that what a resource is." he grins
-Posted with Wayfinder
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What does that even mean? We're here now, so what's next?
Feeling like an accessory among a group that knows entirely more than her and isn't forthcoming with information, 322 waits instructions, hiding in the shadows and watching for trouble. She wasn't here to know, it seems, just to prove herself and help when needed.
"We wait and use our resources when best they will be of use. Isnt that what a resource is." he grins
Feeling like an accessory among a group that knows entirely more than her and isn't forthcoming with information, 322 waits instructions, hiding in the shadows and watching for trouble. She wasn't here to know, it seems, just to prove herself and help when needed.
Marnarius barely hears or notices any of the other members of his assembled group as his eyes are still locked upon the accursed tapestry that kept him imprisoned for three long years. His right hand unconsciously clenches into a slightly trembling fist while his jaws tighten and grind down as he mutters, "...stuck in there for three long damn years..., to himself while Rataji proceeds with the Ritual.
Rataji scans the tapestry for a few particular points of interest and places some spell components at the sites. Some chanting, some disconcerting smoke, and a large flash later, the ritual is complete.
A thin slit appears down the middle of the tapestry, and then its whole center tears open in a deafening rip and a crack of thunder. Planar winds whip out from the frayed fabric for several seconds as purple lightning dances in the tattered wound. The gusts die suddenly, and the fabric stretches painfully to create an aperture nearly 10 feet wide, revealing a peaceful woodland occupied by a growing army.
A woman bedecked in chainmail and scars steps through into the room and then motions for those behind her to remain still. She surveys the chamber for a moment before a broad, genuine smile cracks her tough expression. "By Hanspur’s soggy hide, I never thought I’d see this world again." She shakes her head and wipes away a tear before it can quite form. "The name’s Wolona, bronze rank. We’ve got good news and bad news on the other side. The good’s that everyone we expected to show up did, plus some more besides. The bad news is that some of them are starting to believe we’ve set them up." Wolona clears her throat loudly as though no more need be said.
"The only thing keeping them from just killing each other and the rest of us is my promise that there would be a welcoming committee who might prove this place exists and that it’s not all a trap." She starts to turn back to the portal. "Think you can give them a little pep talk?"
Wolona turns and mutters, "I hope they haven’t killed each other already" before stepping back into the demiplane.
She returns a moment later leading an eclectic entourage of about 15 delegates and war leaders, including humans, a halfling covered in bright war paint, a hag, a wyvaran, a yeti, a pony-sized green dragon, and more. They jostle one another while inspecting the room. The wyvaran sneers, looks to you, and asks, "So which of you is the Aspis king?"
A thin slit appears down the middle of the tapestry, and then its whole center tears open in a deafening rip and a crack of thunder. Planar winds whip out from the frayed fabric for several seconds as purple lightning dances in the tattered wound. The gusts die suddenly, and the fabric stretches painfully to create an aperture nearly 10 feet wide, revealing a peaceful woodland occupied by a growing army.
A woman bedecked in chainmail and scars steps through into the room and then motions for those behind her to remain still. She surveys the chamber for a moment before a broad, genuine smile cracks her tough expression. "By Hanspur’s soggy hide, I never thought I’d see this world again." She shakes her head and wipes away a tear before it can quite form. "The name’s Wolona, bronze rank. We’ve got good news and bad news on the other side. The good’s that everyone we expected to show up did, plus some more besides. The bad news is that some of them are starting to believe we’ve set them up." Wolona clears her throat loudly as though no more need be said.
"The only thing keeping them from just killing each other and the rest of us is my promise that there would be a welcoming committee who might prove this place exists and that it’s not all a trap." She starts to turn back to the portal. "Think you can give them a little pep talk?"
Wolona turns and mutters, "I hope they haven’t killed before stepping back into the demiplane.
Marnarius' grizzled face does soften somewhat when he sees Wolona appear before the group. His right fist, balled up as they were prior to the opening of the Tapestry, gently unclenches. Just like her to keep things running all smooth and orderly while I was gone. I just told her to gather up all of our people still stuck inside there before I left but it sure sounds like she managed to get herself a whole hell of a lot more...
As Wolona, his Second in Command, steps back into the Tapestry, Marnarius turns towards Rataji and the others and adds with a quick, "I can vouch for what Wolona said, being that she was my Second in Command while we was stuck in that accursed damn Tapestry; she ain't one for tall tales or idle yammering so if she's saying something is wrong, then it sure as hell is going to be a problem...". The grizzled old cuss then gives a glance over to Shoheila/Shohiraj and says, "Looks like we may have that army after all, if'n all goes well."
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The Experiment smiles silently to herself as it occurs to her that this is another sort of Dark Tapestry that calls across the planes to the beyond. She's not sure that this is exactly the same, but to her slightly cracked mind, the similarities are close enough to elicit some tittering on her part, though for now she holds it together and remains silent and watchful and crouched, ready to pounce if needed.
The Experiment smiles silently to herself as it occurs to her that this is another sort of Dark Tapestry that calls across the planes to the beyond. She's not sure that this is exactly the same, but to her slightly cracked mind, the similarities are close enough to elicit some tittering on her part, though for now she holds it together and remains silent and watchful and crouched, ready to pounce if needed.
Hearing some tittering come from 322, Marnarius pauses just long enough from taking the bottle of Baiju out from his MW backpack to think, That Forlorn still just ain't right in her head.
She returns a moment later leading an eclectic entourage of about 15 delegates and war leaders, including humans, a halfling covered in bright war paint, a hag, a wyvaran, a yeti, a pony-sized green dragon, and more. They jostle one another while inspecting the room. The wyvaran sneers, looks to you, and asks, "So which of you is the Aspis king?"
With the bottle of Baiju in hand, Marnarius starts to move towards Wolona when she makes her reappearance back into the Tapestry Room. .
His eyes start to narrow just a wee teensy little bit as the 15 delegates and war leaders following her in start to assemble inside of the tapestry room. .
If Marnarius is able to make it to Wolona's side, he will pass the bottle on to her with a nod, as he mutters to her, "Had me my celebratory drink aforehand- figured you could use one right about now; was the best I could find under the circumstanes though". Otherwise he'll stay put with bottle in hand looking back and forth between one gathered group to another. Eventually he'll stow it back inside the backpack if he is not allowed to reach Wolona.
When the wyvaran asks his pointed question, Marnarius finds himself starting to "study" the winged mixed wyvern-kobold monstrosity- albeit in an unconscious but understandably cautious reaction.
Shohiraj feels tempted to speak up as Sheila, but then realises Rataji is still the leader here, so instead she sits down to pick the dirt from under her nails. With her crowbar.
With the bottle of Baiju in hand, Marnarius starts to move towards Wolona when she makes her reappearance back into the Tapestry Room. .
His eyes start to narrow just a wee teensy little bit as the 15 delegates and war leaders following her in start to assemble inside of the tapestry room. .
.
Slightly surprised to hear he outranks the war leader, Rataji introduces his team: "I am Rataji, silver rank. These are agents Zurnzal, Joliryn, Subject 322, Marnarius and Shohiraj, the latest of whom is disguised as a high-ranking Pathfinder." He purposely ignores the rude wyvaran, for now at least.
Pep talk. I'm more confident in subtle manipulation and effective leadership. Here goes.
Then, without hesitation, Rataji clears his throat and raises his voice.
"I am Rataji, contractor of silver rank! Er... Exactly as planned, exactly as promised, my team and I have opened the gateway and set you free. You all have successfully kept faith in the Aspis Consortium, and now it is paying off. Welcome! You have, um, done well to stand here today in such great numbers. Uh, however, this is only the beginning! You have duties to complete. Do not disappoint the Consortium, and soon your patience and loyalty are rewarded! ..."
By gods, that was a terrible speech. I hope it did the job. I definitely need to study the art of public speeches more if I am to aim higher in ranks...
Nonetheless, he turns to Wolona with a smug expression on his face. "Now... I trust you know what to do next?"
Wolona locks eyes with Marnarius, a stern look on her face. "You got fat. What have you been doing, eating lard for a living?" The stony face breaks to a genuine smile as she gives Marnarius a brotherly (sisterly?) hug. "Damn, is it good to see you."
Wolona musters the war leaders around the table and looks expectantly toward the group when Rataji volunteers to speak. Though not as eloquent as a bard might put it, Rataji's plea is genuine, sincere, and to the point. The war leaders roar their approval, and one by one, each leader barks orders to their respective armies to cause bedlam, within the lodge and without.
As your group stands back to watch the veritable flood of warriors march wave after wave from the Tapestry, Rataji is approached by a young green dragon, of all things.
"You. Silverman. Wolona spoke of you and your fellows here and here and here and here and here. She said you would take care of the wizard that controls the tapestry and," mischief runs across his face, "owns all the books. If it's true, I want in. I want to see it with my own eyes, smell it with my nose. I want to taste it. And the wizard, too. We can deal with that."
Wolona steps in: "Gazwyr, no. I can't have you... Gazwyr, you're important. You have skills, and we need you, with us."
"Find someone else."
"Dammit Gazwyr..." Wolona looks at Marnarius. "He's talented. A bit head-strong, but talented. I need him. If you all think he would be helpful with whatever else you all will be doing, I trust your judgement, but I need one of you all in return. I imagine that's a fair trade?"
Wolona looks the group over. "Marnarius and I have worked together. Damn fine team, wouldn't you agree? Or miss aristocracy over there probably has a few more tricks up her sleeves. Could always use a caster, or a big hunk of smash-face." Pointing at Zurnzal. "Or tell the damn thing to walk it off. But I need a decision. One of you want to come with me?"
Sorry, ma'am. I'm or a mission here. I do mine, you do yours.
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"It cannot be me," Says a voice from the shadows. 322 emerges and pulls a small lantern out of a nook beneath her shadowstuff cloak, for al to see, "If we are destined to kill Aram Zey, I am to activate this on the moment of his death so his soul never finds its way to Pharasma's Boneyard, and can never be returned to his mortal body. That is my mission and I must not stray..."
What would she do if I did? She always finds me, no matter where I hide...
Jorilun finds herself unable to speak as she stares wide-eyed at the unfolding events. She eventually finds some measure of composure and says "Uh, no thanks. I think I'll just stay with the group I've already got."
Silverman...?! The lizard is already starting to earn my ire...
"While I personally do not object, in principle, to trading a task force member for another," Rataji says, his arms folded. "it's up to my team to decide. Zurnzal, Marnarius: we've heard everyone other than you two. One hulk of brawn for a dragon sounds fair to me. Stay here or follow me. Form a decision quickly: we are about to leave."
Rataji silently eyes 322, Wolona, and Gazwyr. The letter mentioned nothing of 'taking care' of anyone particular, yet alone Aram Zey himself. Is there something I don't know about the mission?
"Aram Zey... the wizard who controls the tapestry. He's a side-objective. Our true end goal does not necessitate killing him. If he's in our way, we'll deal with him, but otherwise he's not worth pursuing. Or have you," while nodding at Wolona, "received orders that are prioritized above those of my contact?"
Wolona shrugs at Rataji's question. "I was told to organize a mass egress. Just about everyone that's stepped foot in the Tapestry the past few years knows the name Aram Zey, and most don't utter it fondly. Only way any of these lot would find him is by either dumb luck or following you, from the sounds of it. I've no personal interest in it... I'm outta the Tapestry now, he's got no hold on me now."
Gazwyr eyes Zurnzal and Marnarius. "Do you really want to deal with some wizard, or do you want to raise some hell outside?"
"Raise some hell!" he grins. Punching his palm
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Gazwyr matches Zurnzal's grin and gives Wolona a smug look.