Riven focuses on Ashlyn, addressing her.
"I do not possess these clothes, they are a treasure said to be in the possession of the Chameleon Women. Obtaining said clothing for us would be equitable trade for the Cubic Gate for reasons best spoken of later. However if this Gate contains a way back to the material plane that works it may be priceless to our group or others trapped in this place."
Riven awaits the response of Lady Capilli to his proposals as he continues to study the Cubic gate for clues to its functions and what does and doesn't work.
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Aterro nods. "Aye. Getting out of this place is the goal. If such a cube can accomplish such, I don't see how any item, no matter how precious, would be worth losing the exit."
Aterro absent-mindedly takes a swig from his ever-flowing wine jar. It occurs to him that such a noteworthy thing might draw Capilli's eye, and, since enough liquid is worth more than enough food, he quickly replaces it in his sack, trying, awkwardly, to look inconspicuous.
Thratch waits impatiently.
"Take your time discussing this matter. I'm not going anywhere for a while." Lady Capilli says, slowly pacing around in contrast to Thratch's fidgeting.
"I'm a firm believer in a free market. If you don't want to sell that's your business."
As you look at the Cubic Gate, you see that three sides are damaged. It's hard to tell if it will keep the gate from functioning, as there are some dents in the metal casing. The buttons on the damaged sides are intact but look like they may easily jam. You conclude that you won't know whether they work without trial and error.
You notice faint symbols on each button, which you are able to decipher by drawing upon your knowledge of magic.
"The Cubic Gate has an undamaged side corresponding to the Material Plane, Arcadia, and The Nine Hells. It's damaged sides correspond to The Beastlands, The Feywild, and The Abyss. It is a extremely rare item regardless of limited function, however it's Gate function will not allow return to this place even if it allows exit. I am aware how to activate it's gate function and another function that can target an unwilling creature. Its charge is not limitless however and will wear down only recharging each cycle. I believe it is worth keeping for now barring a great service. There will be more objects we find likely suited to trade though I will also show this monocle that may interest you."
Riven opens his chest resealing the chest but pulling out a small monocle with a bulging ceramic eye.
"It too has magical properties and is a fine crafted object."
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Brother Aterro perks up as Riven mentions the cube's functions. "Eh? Does it just move one creature, or does it open a gate all may walk through?
And...the material plane? A way home? Confound, man! Should we not use that to get back? We might take a ship from anywhere to get home, but at least our feet will carry us on dirt we know with a familiar sun upon our eyes!
What say you?"
Lady Capilli takes the monocle from Riven and looks at it.
"Ah, I see you found a Saurian trinket. It's a minor magic item that allows the wearer to read ancient Saurian and see their invisible markings. It's also considered offensive to many Saurian beings."
"I find it tacky myself, but I'm the daughter of a dragon and one with a highly evolved sense of taste. This is not even a dollop of excrement on my boot as far as offenses go."
"What might you want for it?"
"Without parameters for what you are capable I do not know what you can offer. Please state services or goods you have for trade."
Riven turns his head toward Aterro. "It may be able to form a gate to leave this place but if you do so you will have a very high probability of never again returning here as the Cubic gate is not a portal key to this place. It is also entirely possible the nature of this place may or may not allow planar transit without some risk. I would suggest saving such risk until you are sure you wish to leave this maze forever."
"I do not understand the shugenja's ways, but perhaps the Daimyo of this place has set guardians to prevent such travel attempts? Were I such a being, that would likely be my plan."
"Well, for the right object, I may very well accompany you into the Maze itself. For this trinket, I might offer a few coins."
"I can also trade knowledge. I have studied the Maze and its history quite extensively."
She reaches into her cloak and pulls out a black hardcover book with a dark blue cloth bookmark.
"Plus I have a map with a guide. This contains the lore I've assembled prior to undertaking my mission."
She flips through the pages and looks up at the still waiting ghost boy.
"That's Tycho Wort. Or his ghost, anyway. He was a son of Sophronia Wort, the Lying Lich. He tries to lead people to safety, but cannot speak. And he's trying to rescue his mother."
She closes the book with a loud thud.
"So would we say that I have services of some value then?"
"Affirmative. I will trade this trinket for your map with the guide you have put together. When an item of great value is found we may bring it to you in exchange for services. Thank you for the information on Tycho Wort. Are you familiar with Torgos Zooth? He seemed to be seeking his sons Anoll and Anolis Zooth."
"I'm afraid you've misunderstood, dear construct. The map and guide are not for trade. But I will share knowledge if you bring me things."
"And not just magic either. If you want another piece of information, bring me art. And I want an amusing assessment of its flaws by you."
She flips again through the pages.
"Torgos Zooth. He's a moon-headed Selenian. And he indeed wants his sons back. They're somewhere out there. Looks like in the Archives if my sources are correct." she says, reading along.
And to Aterro,
"Sophorina was turned into a lich during the Dead Wedding about five thousand years ago when she stopped time and hid her soul. Little Tycho here was one of the victims of the event, along with others."
Lady Capilli puts the book away in her cloak.
"I've given you significant information already. Bring me things." she says sternly.
"Affirmative. Thank you for the information, my knowledge has been suitable updated. I will keep an eye out for art and bring it to you so it may be assessed for flaws in your presence in exchange for more detailed information about the maze."
Riven turns to the rest of the group and they can see his chest plate seems to be re-configuring as he speaks, folding and changing as a side of the Cubic Gate becomes seen, now integrated into his body.
"I am regretful for the delay but it would seem more information is now available that will allow us to proceed warned. Tycho Wort does seem to be seeking help and the wedding we have heard of is almost certainly the one we were just told about. We should investigate there and we may find objects of value as well as be able to aid Tycho's trapped spirit."
"I wish to ask a question. But what I offer will depend on what you can tell me." Ashlyn intercedes having an idea.
"?Yesterday? Or at least what seemed like yesterday from my perspective, we met a creature who called himself 'Carnifex'. I would like to know which of these questions you could reliably answer. What do you know of him? How does his power work? What is it he desires? How can we gain his allegiance, rather than animosity, and if we can not, how can his powers be prevented if possible?"
"Fine." Lady Capilli responds, pulling out the book again with a huff.
"Carnifex the Cackling Fiend. He's a daemon who controls the water supply in the Gardens region of the Maze. His touch can prevent you from repeating an action of his choosing so long as he lives."
"If you wish to prolong suffering, his allegiance might be easier won. It says he wants to make the plants in the area suffer."
"But you don't really grab me as the type to do that." she adds with some derision in her voice.
"As far as fighting or stopping him, child, you don't. You run."
She tucks away the book again.
"Enough questions. What do you offer me?"
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"Ah! The Dead Wedding! Oh my yes that was quite disturbing! I mean, you might've seen it coming, after that Northern King married the common girl, but then when the mother offered that exchange and then it was rejected! Oh my but I didn't see that com--no. No wait, I'm thinking of something else.
Ah yes! That other thing. A bit over-rated to me. The first story wasn't so bad, what with them being surprised that they only had 20 minutes to live, but to me the whole thing just got paint-drying boring from the--nope. No that's not it either. That involved dead that were walking.
Stopped time? Okay, yes, that is a new one. Ah! And the wedding! Ashlyn! The wedding! We were there! Don't you see? Ah, yes, well, we shall have quite an easier time getting in now I should hope so!
And he wants the plants to suffer. Ah, well, he could've just asked, I didn't mind bringing salvation to a few of them myself, the whole lot can go die in a fire for all I care...."
The WarCleric winds down, wondering of any one else needs anything but now eager to go and follow the boy, since the puzzle seems to be closer to being solved.
Riven moves to the doorway near the boy waiting and giving Ashlyn time to conclude her dealings with Lady Capilli.
Tenchi also moves to follow the boy.
About time, Thratch mumbles to himself, as he follows the boy.
The construct paused as he waited for a reply from Ashlyn, his thoughts going to the last magic item they had no practical use. He slowly dug it out, magical chainmail from the same place he had uncovered the rest. He simply held it waiting to see if it would be needed.
A voice booms from within the starlit stones room, cutting off any response from the group.
"You! Foul creature! You killed my brother!"
A familiar looking chameleonoid figure emerges, wearing black robes and a two-pronged hat, carrying a pearly globe followed by two wretched humans wearing ragged, bloodied clothes and squatting and snickering and three large apes.
"You tore his head right off his body! Seriously, who does that?"
Lady Capilli sneers at the Negamancer.
"Honestly it was an improvement. His blood made a unique and evocative pattern as I tore his head and spine away."
The Negamancer stomps and sputters and orders his Thrall Mammals to attack her.
--
107 Avg ⇒ 12
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85 Avg ⇒ 14
The creatures rush past the adventurers at Lady Capilli, followed by the Negamancer, who observes while scowling.
⇒ Miss
⇒ Hit
⇒ Hit
⇒ Miss
⇒ Hit
⇒ Miss
⇒ Miss
⇒ Hit
Finally, the Negamancer throws a knife at her.
Lady Capilli spreads her large, leathery wings on her back and flies up about 20 feet to pull away from her attackers.
Thratch blends into the crowd of larger folks around him, and steps out with an arrow knocked, aiming for the negamancer.
Tenchi sets down Wan'di's body and says "Your brother was a fool to challenge us and a greater fool to challenge her. Apparently his foolishness was hereditary." Tenchi will then draw his blade and move forward to engage the Negamancer in melee.
"Negamagic detected. Eliminating threat." Riven springs into action his weapon magically teleporting into his hand as he springs to attack the Negamancer and the boar follows him while Beta flaps toward the ceiling.
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Aterro finds himself lacking in bloodlust. He knows little of this Lady Capilli--or at least little enough--and he has no ken whatsoever of this negamancer or her brother. If the two wish to kill themselves, why interfere?
Still, he knows enough of the politics of the battlefield, and he sees the opening. Normally such matters would be beneath him, but this is a place of trying new things. And, he admits, turning the tables would bring him at least small joy.
He casually draws his sword and lifts himself up the 20 feet to be of a level with Lady Capilli. "Greetings," he says.
"'Twould seem that yon lady has a beef with you? I understand that only from the subtle hints of her ordering her minions to kill you.
Now I care not a whit for them or thee, and Torm teaches us against useless warfare. Still, 'twould seem you like to bargain. So, shall you make a pact?
Me and mine shall strive martially against your enemies. And you shall...make it worth our while? Some of that which you mentioned before that you might give out for getting a thing of value. Would you not say your life has some value? Would effort in its defense be worth something?
If not, we can always make our hasty excuses and bid you a good day. I doubt yon woman would bar our exit much."
Lady Capilli hovers in the air and listens to Aterro's offer.
"These creatures are mere insects, but still annoying. What do you want?"
Meanwhile, back on the ground, as Thratch's arrow strikes the Negamancer, the antisorcerer mutters some words and waves his hands. Tenchi begins to bleed from the same spot where the arrow struck.
Riven and the boar both land strikes on the Negamancer, to which he's unable to react, causing considerable damage.
Ashlyn is digging though her bag comparing items in her mind against her opinion of the value of the information.
She lifts her perfume bottle, then glances at the woman, sighing and replacing it. Then she pulls her most valuable possession, her ace in the hole; this information isn't worth that. She carefully replaces the tightly wrapped bundle.
Then the creatures came barging in assaulting her debtor. A sly smirk crossing her face then quickly stifled.
"It would seem you are in need of capable warriors. I offer you peace with them, either through words or action. Would you find that an acceptable trade for the words you have given?"
Lady Capilli continues to hover and listens to Ashlyn's offer.
"While I admire your moxie, young half-elf, these wretches are no match for draconis incarnate such as I."
"But you and your warrior servant here seem persistent, and foolish. I'd warn against trying to negotiate with these so-called Negamancers. They appear to be quite insane and beyond reason."
She shoots a look directly at the raving Negamancer.
"You're hapless but you have spirit. I find it almost ... tasteful."
"Deal with these insects and you'll have a bargain. You may then consider yourselves hirelings in the employ of the Emissary of the Reptile Sorcerers of Nyctopolis, with whatever authority that may bring you in a place such as this."
"You will be officially tasked with retrieving artifacts and relics of the Maze, and helping to free Dendrosathol, Father of the Medusa."
"We can shake on it when I hold this idiot's skull in my hand."
”F*&# THIS! KILL THEM ALL!” The Negamancer shouts to his Thrall Mammals.
Thrall Mammal 1 (human) rushes at Thratch, and bites his arm.
Thrall Mammal 2 (human) charges Ashlyn and misses.
Thrall Mammal 3 (ape) and Thrall Mammal 4 (ape) both charge at Riven. Between them they land one punch on the Warforged.
Thrall Mammal 5 (ape) attacks Tenchi and lands two punches.
The Negamancer steps back and lets his minions do the dirty work first.
A magical force field of blue energy crackles to life catching the fists of the apes that almost landed a punch and repelling it from the golem. The barrier begins to fade but already the golem is moving with deadly singleminded function toward the Negamancer, driven by protocols he can only guess at telling him to exterminate the threat to their existence. Gamma followed Riven's lead attacking the Negamancer.
Gamma lands another solid hit as he surprisingly proves himself to be a very effective combatant...
Ashlyn smiles at Lady Capilla. "I do not believe you have an objective view of the situation. Though, it does seem, based off his last order, that you may be correct."
Ashlyn turns her attention to the Negamancer, as she twists the weave inwardly, creating three duplicates of herself. The chior of Ashlyn's calling out to him. "Good ?Morning? sir. I have no personal quarrel with you. But I must ask you to end your war with the Lady Capilla. This world is few of friends, and I would prefer we have peace with both of you than pointless ongoing aggression. Please, let us cease this conflict and speak reasonably to one another. Surely we can find a compromise we are all happy with."
The Negamancer reacts to the attacks from Riven and Gamma with another antispell, this one different from the previous one cast. Though seemingly injured by both, his antimagic appears to negate both injuries.
He then hears the Ashlyns call out to him and he leers at them all.
"Perhaps if you call off your dogs then I'll call off mine."
In the loudest, booming voice she can muster she calls out to her companions over the roar of combat. "Everyone stop! We drew weapons against him first. It is our obligation to halt first as a show of good faith."
Moq will hold off attacking.
A... E... Uh... He hit me! He actually hit me, that bastard!
Thratch rolls back (bonus action disengage) and fires an arrow at the thrall.
After loosing the arrow, he holds any further action upon Ashlyn's word.
Riven does not or can not cease his attacks as he focuses on the Negamancer. As damage is reversed he does not cease, pressing the negamancer's magic to the limit and preventing it from being turned on another ally.
"Premise faulty. Hostilities were initiated by Negamancer. Elimination of threat required."
Since I don't think this is going to stop. The negamancer's ability, would it be subject to my counterspell.
There's only one way to find out. But from what you've observed and heard, this isn't traditional magic the Negamancer is using. At least not anything you've ever encountered.
Aterro drops on the Thrall human and injures him. Meanwhile Thratch fires an arrow at the Thrall that bit him and misses.
"Alright, stop!" the Negamancer calls to his Thralls as he waves the pearl-white globe he's carrying.
The Thralls all stop and look at the Negamancer, awaiting further instruction.
Things pause for a moment as both sides cease hostilities.
"Your brother attacked us first." Lady Capilli calls out from above to the Negamancer.
"The attack was unwarranted and unprovoked. The actions we took were only in our own defense."
She slowly descends back to ground level.
"If it helps, your brother fought to the end, unyieldingly. His perseverance was, dare I say it, tasteful."
The Negamancer steps forward to Lady Capilli, though keeps a safe distance.
He begins speaking in a strange language to her and she replies.
You recognize the language as similar to Draconic, but it seems ... older. The dialect is one you've not encountered, but you are able to decipher some of the words.
The Negamancer to Lady Capilli,
"These mammals are considered a threat to the Saurids who dwell here. The Chameleon Women have initiated the Protocols of Antipathy against them for being a threat. I tell you this as one Saurid to another, by ancient blood bonds that are older than our current quarrel. I should detain them by rights, though I have my own qualms about the Chameleon Women becoming too powerful here."
"What is it you seek of this place? And what guarantee do I have that they will not interfere with Saurid interests?"
Her response,
"Most of them are here by accident, tricked into coming here by Ashen Chanterelle. Who, by the way, if anybody is paying attention, has escaped. So I'd say you have bigger problems than this group. She'll be back to free the Sisters, and she'll likely raise an army to do so."
"They seem not too bright, overall, but they are determined. They carry a damaged Cubic Gate, which they didn't even recognize until I pointed it out to them."
"As for my business here, I was tasked with bringing back artifacts and curiosities from the Maze, and freeing Dendrosathol, Father of Psathyrella Medusae, whom she is holding prisoner along with the SIsters."
"So tell me, what prompted the Protocols of Antipathy? Did these idiots say something impolite without knowing? Is it merely their presence here? Something trivial and petty like that, I'm sure."
"Let them by to continue exploring on my behalf. The Saurids here have to prepare for a real war that's coming."
The conversation takes several long minutes. Then Lady Capilli and the Negamancer both turn to the group. Lady Capilli speaks.
"We appear to have brokered a tentative agreement. You all work on my behalf, looking for artifacts and curiosities, and they will leave you be for now. There are things in motion that you don't fully understand and really don't involve you, so if I were you I'd take the agreement."
"Otherwise, you could try your luck with that Cubic Gate and perhaps you'll land somewhere with breathable atmosphere."
The Negamancer calls back the Thrall Mammals and leaves for the Starlit Stones room.
All the while, Tycho Wort stands and watches.
Riven looks like he is strained to hold himself back but he listens carefully his sword in hand as the truce is brokered. He was forged for war and the peace semed all too sudden to be trusted but he knows how to follow an order once the threat has been eliminated by the words of Lady Capilli.
"It would be unlogical for me to resume hostilities after the arguements were made and logic prevailed. I will abide the truce though the Chameleon woman have declares their protocols without cause and will be eliminated if they engage us again."
Tenchi was confused by what was going on. As he attempted to understand, he was afflicted by a great wave of pain, so powerful that it staggered him to a knee. He said nothing however, as his body...changed.
On the outside the changes were minor: Muscles thinning here, his hair elongating there.
In the place where his chi connected to the universe, however, vast ripples were ripping through what philosophers would call his soul, threatening to overwhelm his defenses. After a moment, however, the waves subsided and Tenchi was still.
"Well, that hurt." he said, his voice an eighth of an octive higher.
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Brother Aterro had to side-step so hard to avoid cleaving the thrall human in twain that he stumbled and fell over. Regaining his feet quickly, it took an effort of will not to continue hostilities just out of habit.
He wasn't in the habit of claiming glory for Successful Negotiations resulting in Cessation of Hostilities, so he simply held his tongue, fearful that should he speak again, he'd find some way to keep fighting.
By hook or by crook they seem to have advanced their position here...so that was something.
As Tenchi goes through his soul-change, Attero asks him,"Are you all right?"
"I...think so. I can still move about, and I still carry my Honor and my Soul, so I will live."
Lady Capilli witnesses Tenchi's transformation.
"Mammals get stranger every time I meet them."
Riven nods at Lady Capilli's comment and walks toward the ghost boy.
A$%@##!s, Thratch whispers under his breath about the negamancer and his thralls.
He collects what arrows he can and moves on to finally follow the ghost boy.
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Aterro nods. "One's honor and soul are important things. Since you have those, you should be fine. Heh, of course if you can find room for Faith in Torm, you would be all the better for it!"
Aterro shoulders his sword and follows Thratch after the ghost boy. If they end up back at the wedding, he has a few more ideas for how to get in this time.
Collecting himself, Tenchi shakes his head at Aterro and then moves to follow the ghost boy as well.