Frustrated with his earlier blunder, How could I have messed up Pa's rifle already? Brian drops to 1 knee and, hands moving furiously, he begins to yank out his shirt, strip out the firing chamber, reset it in its place, the begin the process of re-loading a new bullet into the newly-cleared chamber, a process involving tearing the top off a pouch of gunpowder, pouring it into the chamber and stuffing a bullet in place.
Once he had finished that process be then stands straight up raises his rifle to his eye and aims at the giant scorpion once again.
Brin can't stop the poison from taking hold on him.
Brin's failed attack results in a wound injected with poison. Ilya is nearly limp thanks to the squeeze of the giant vermin. Longarm reloads as Adoy lands an electric punch that sends a jolt through the creature.
Dr. Calista's mind thrust fails this time out as the party performs dismally.
Two bright flashes emit from the tower each striking a scorpion and causing it to burst into flames. Ilya is released as the beast falls to the ground.
The braziers mounted on the wall of the smooth black stone spire burn with a low ember glow and lights a heavy stone wall, a gate of sorts, at the base of the tower that slowly begins to rise. After you enter, the wall slowly descends.
You enter a wide corridor, much wider than seems possible for the width of the tower. It is sparsely lit with luminous fungi every 15 feet instead of torches. The floor is sandy as if you are still standing upon the desert floor.
At the end of the corridor, you come to a large, circular great hall with a circular table at the middle. There is a raised platform along the back wall with a throne sitting on it made from the bones and skulls of many types of creatures.
Each one of you recognizes your place at the table as it is set with your favorite meal and drink along with a clear glass of magenta fluid next to it. Come, sit and eat, a booming voice insists.
With a flash, a tall creature appears standing on the platform, in front of the throne.
Welcome. the stranger continues. You can discern by the glow of multiple clumps of fungi that the figure has a squid-like head with multiple tentacles hanging from its face. Its long arms end in clawed hands. It is wearing some sort of creepy dark black leathery suit with a deep black cape.
Whether or not you begin to eat the stranger pauses for the longest two minutes while he waits for you to dine.
Forgive me for scrying into your dreams, but I have summoned you here for a reason. Perhaps in haste as I have seen you perform, but nonetheless, you are what I was directed towards. You were chosen by the seer. These weapons that drew you here are yours for the keeping, to aid you in doing my will. You are bonded to them. You are to be greatly rewarded upon accomplishing my quest. You will grow greatly in power and help me to rule time and space, an infinite kingdom.
The Crimson Stone is my last key to achieving this monumental glory. If it were a simple search and rescue mission, you would not be here. I have others for that. Despite any doubts that you may have on occasion and after years of scrying in other planes and other worlds, I have deemed you five to be the best chance in obtaining this stone. A mad alchemist possesses it and is clever and hard to catch. He has figured out not only how to travel through time, but also space and dimension. There is literally nowhere that he cannot hide. I can surely defeat him, but others would abscond with my wealth and power while I am away. I must hold down this kingdom that I am trying to build while you hunt him. Kill him if you can. If you cannot, bring me the stone, he will then come to me, and I will happily do it.
His name is Dr. Hugo Grimm…but be warned, he is very powerful. He has laid traps and created magical and mechanical armies to obstruct your mission. He will keep running from you. I imagine that he grows weary of running. He has skillfully blocked my scrying measures, but spies tell me when they have seen him. He is a human man, with dark brown hair and a dark brown beard. There is a streak of white in his hair, no doubt from the stress.
These two objects will aid you in your mission. The creature has gray-skinned, white haired, beautiful servant girls bring the objects to the table. Both on velvety pillows. One is an ornate adamantine box measuring six inches by six inches by six inches. The other is a ring of solid silver with a concentric medallion inlaid with a red gem in the middle. Its five connectors leave five spaces to grip it like a steering wheel.
The box is to place the stone into once it is captured. The large ring will propel you through time and space. That magenta liquid on the table will heal all of your current wounds and maladies and prepare your body for this arduous travel. After you feast, the servants will roll out beds for you to rest here. In the morning, you may begin your journey.
Clear your mind as you grip the ring together, in order to follow the right path. I will check in on you from time to time. The current year is 10,717 AR. You are in the Mana Wastes on Golarion. Lastly, if you come across a man roaming the desert in a patchwork contraption that he refers to as a moving castle, avoid him. He is a witch, full of many types of dangerous tricks and treacheries.
Live by your talents. You do not need luck. Good rest.
Daybreak comes as the chosen awake from there slumber. The table is set with fruit, wine, eggs and breads. The drow servants tend to your wishes as you feel strangely refreshed; renewed. Ilya has but a small red mark. Brin's cells are no longer accosted by the poison which has seemed to disappear altogether. No servant speaks, but offers you a cloak and a handy haversack containing the the wheel and the box. You have finished your meal and are well-rested for your journey. The circular table begins to rise and turn as it acts as some sort of elevator to take you to the open top of the spire. A drow servant directs you to all grab the ring. With a bright flash, you are connected suffering the same g-force assault as when you arrived. Speeding through a cold rift in time and space until you land underground in a dark cavern, sparsely lit with a few sconces of burning oil upon the wall. There is a tunnel straight ahead. It is about ten feet wide.
As the blasts come down rendering the two scorpions to burning meat. The good doctor dose what is needed, Rushing over to hurt Ilya. As she moves she takes out her small medical kit. She wished was back on her ship, the auto-medical unit would be far more use, but she had to do something. getting to him she pulls him away from the burning mass. And starts getting to work, looking over his wounds she seeks to work out how best to heal him.
She as unsure if she was doing good, he was after all organic.
::"Please help, He needs help"::
She then moves over to the red Giant, pulling out a hypo, she stops close to him and points at his wound. Then shows herself jabbing it into her own arm, but dose not. She then offers it to him nodding.
Round 2
Free Action: Rage - +4 Str/Con +2 Will save -2 AC.
Free Action: Outburst - +2 Str, -2 Int/Wis
Standard Action: Break Grapple1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Ilya shouts and strains a against the gigantic black vermin. His muscles bulge as he attempts to free himself.
Before
i know little of healing poison. If you gave him an anti toxin, that should help.
After the speech
Once the squidman gives his speech, Adoy is silent for a moment.
Then he replies Well that is a bit of a speech you made. But a couple of questions, first. Who in the nine hells are you? You kidnap us for the purpose of a job? To hunt a person down? And define "great rewards".
She works to get the all fit to the point the two can move, then as they seem to be shown a way onto the odd building she will go with the others into it.
Walking onto the structure she can't help but try and work who it was made.
As the walk she sends to Adoy.
@Adoy ::"My name is Doctor Calista De-Romana, I am not form here I am from... Please what is you name, and think of where you are from"::
When they get down to the table and odd setting she looks for her seat.
It is easy to find as its the only one with out food, but for the odd drink. She looks at it wounding what it could be thire captor shows up.
She stands, taking in its from as it gives its speech. Having Adoy open his mind helped her to get a grap of his thinking and how she could get over ideas to him.
@Adoy ::"Adoy, this being is our captor, it took us with out asking and now seeking to make us killers in its evil plans. I have no intention of doing its insane bidding"::
Brin ducks and covers his face from the burning scorpions. He reflexively looks around to see where the fire came from holding his staff defensively again. The poison grips him, sapping his strength as he looks at the gate opening. He looks at other that seem to all be still alive. None of them were prepared for this... He stands wary, expecting more creatures to exit the spire at any moment. When nothing happens he advanced towards it slowly, hoping it might hold some knowledge about where he was. Besides, he didn't fancy going out into a strange hostile desert just yet. "Whoever you all are, perhaps we're all as ignorant as each other about this place." He holds his open palm against his wound and closes his eyes, using druidic magic to close the gash. It seemed the poison had quickly run its course, though he was still weakened.
This place is not a natural formation... Brin thinks as they walk down the halls. He examines the fungi, not really familiar with the kind.
The creature startles him as it talks and spins around to look at it. Haven't eaten yet, I could do with some food. He tests the food for poisons and purifies it any just in case before eating. Sitting at a table was awkward for him so he stood and used his hands as he normally did while the stranger 'explained' himself. He again examines the diamond he had unconsciously put around his neck before the scorpions came. He again realised he could tell where those close to him where without looking at him. Strange...
He slipped it back underneath his furs, leather and cloth against his skin, getting a a better feeling as he focused on the connection. Indeed he felt empowered. I don't think I'm on Terberus anymore...
"What world is this Golarion? There are no wastes where I am from. Deserts yes, but not wastes." He looks around at the others too wondering if it rang familiar to any of them.
To Doctor Calista
My name is Adoy the sly, and I am from a world distant from here. I am a searcher for enlightenment, and amusement.
Later.
Make no avert disagreement, as this one is obviously crazed, and powerful. We must choose our time. Make no specific agreement. Keep your mind shielded.
to brin
There are many worlds in the heavens above, and the planes around. Golorian, the name seems familiar. The term mana wastes is a bit disturbing. A desolation of some sort, I would say.
Adoy eats or drinks nothing, btw.
As they walk into the space she keeps her face plate up.
When talking.
::"I understand, my race live in the void of space, on city ships we call . They are not as big as a planet but more like a small moon. As for enlightenment I myself am a designated as a deep space explore and was doing just that on my own scout craft when I was sucked here by micro warm-hole. I understand the concept of amusement, one have know a few moments in my 3321 when I have felt this Emotion. I must tell you my race has never seen other intelligent beings in the Galaxy's we know of and explored. This can only lead me to think I am a very long way form known space. Could I ask what kind of organic being you are. I have seen lesser forms in countless types you never one that had self awareness and cognition a such as you and the others"::
Her abiulty to communicate seems to be speeding along, she seems to have picked up the language of common in a matter of minutes.
@Adoy ::"I understand, you seem to have a much better feeling for what is going on here. This being is odd to me, I shall keep my mind closed"::
"What did this madman do that he must die?" Brin had had problems with madmen on his world. Some were harmless, some were a nuisance and some were quite evil.
"I do not know of such places. I come from a world full of elementals and giants. Harsh and unforgiving, but this sounds worse."
Brian lifts his rifle up to his eye and once more is about to fire when his target, itself is engulfed in flame.
Hoooo boy. he mutters to himself under his breath, then, out loud Alright! Which one O you lot did THAT? he asks the scattered group around him. Twas impresive, whatever it was.
Brian admires the accuracy of the shots as they head towards the spire, and quips up again once they get to the base.
Soooooooo.... We goin in there or what?
Right then. Lets do this...
Brian sees a big ol plate of spagetti sitting in front of one of the chairs and he yells out Dibbs!! before sitting down and beginning to eat thoroughly, enjoying himself emmensely. Once he was satisfied he pulls out his pipe and begins to smoke it quietly as he listens.
Halfway through he calls out rather loudly Can you send me back home? Ill do it for ya if you send me back home aftawards. Can you promise me that?
Brian settles in next to the others and finally has a chance to introduce himself.
Howdy folks. Names Brisn Longarm. Im a farmer by trade from out near the Beltoy Kingdoms, ifn that means anything to you lot, I has no idea how far we may be from there. Maybe even a different time, now try an wrap your head round THAT! Well anyways, I gots a lot O family back home, 7 brothers, me Ma an Pa, an my Pa's Pa. We all work a farm together an it works well. Still, all I gots left O them is this pipe that my Pa left me, an somehow my Pa's rifle was here when I gots here., tho sumthin looks different about it. Not sure what...
"What world is this Golarion? There are no wastes where I am from. Deserts yes, but not wastes." He looks around at the others too wondering if it rang familiar to any of them.
Its my world, tho the "Mana Wastes", if they are what I think they are, are a long way from hlme, an I dont reconize the date.
Brin looks at Brian's magic stick warily. There were no guns on his world. Fire and earth elementals sometimes employed terrible siege cannons in war but he had never seen one himself. "Farms I understand. I have made many friends with farmers in my travels on my world. My world is Terberus and I am Brin Walker. Are there druids on this world? I would like to meet them."
While the others talk, Calista spends some time looking over the odd object she had found herself holding. After looking close and inspecting it in detail. She sort to use some powers on it, this seemed to activate it, on a wim she placed a small item from a pouch into a socket like whole. The thing sprang to life and started to circle her head.
::"Identify"::
::"Mexqin, Psicryal blade, sub-servitor of Doctor Calista De-Romana"::
::"How did you know my name, who was your Manufacturer and origin?"::
::"Unknown"::
::"Specifications?"::
::"Weapon, type psionic, range 20' user hand held, blade, also tuned as psionic focus."::
::"Well Hexqin you may not where you are from but you do know your function. This being said you where given to me is that true?"::
::"Yes Calista"::
::"I see, are you under my control only?"::
::"Yes Calista"::
::"Can you tell an untruth"::
::"No Calista, my mind is linked to your mind, we are one in the same, I am now part of you, you would know if I was telling and untruth, just as I would if you did."::
::"I see, I know of psi-crystals some of my colleagues use them. You said you where a weapon as well. I see. Well stay put around me, I want to talk more later. Right now I have things to deal with."::
Ya there be druids back home, cant say I much liked them tho. Sure there was the rare, helpful one but it seemed that most O them didnt like seeing all them plants caged up an kept tryin to "Free" em by animating them and sicing them on us.
Bad for business. Messy to clean up. Hated pumkins ever since >:(
The Illithid responds, I am Gryzzl'huuk. I broke free from the Underdark to liberate oppressed souls from there. Dr. Grimm is a dangerous man, altering every world that he travels through and amassing an army. Causing revolutions in some of the places of the places he passes through. He holds the Crimson Stone and abuses its power.
Do not kill him if you wish, but he won't give up the stone without first dying. Upon completion of your tasks, I can grant you large sums of gold and even send you back if you wish.
All the time Calista had been here from the fight she had, from time to time taken out and flat black oblong like object. Holding up like some holy book for a moment then putting it away again. Now she had it in front of her on the table.
@Brian ::"My name is Doctor Calista De-Romana, I am the one sitting to your left with the object in front of her and a blade flying around her head."::
Then as Gryzzl'huuk talks she places a hand on the item bring it back and licks in into her suit.
::"Suit play back what this Gryzzl'huuk said earlier"::
Into her ear piece came the sound of him talking before, she stopped it at.
"You will grow greatly in power and help me to rule time and space, an infinite kingdom. The Crimson Stone is my last key to achieving this monumental glory"
She played it again, just that sound bight.
She then refocused in the discussion.
To Gryzzl'huuk
And you do all this from the goodness of your heart, hmm? What would this doctor Grimm say about you, I wonder. I seek to understand your motives. I am not a killer for hire. I am not saying no, understand, but gold is little incentive to me.
Adoy plays with his food, not eating.
After all, your kind has a certain reputation, especially when it comes to diet.
Once back on his feet from having his ribs smashed once again. I hope this doesn't become a running theme.
"Thank you," Ilya said, looking slightly less apprehensive than before. When the door open and the others head in he follows.
While our hosts waits for us to eat, Ilya picks up the glass filled with the strange liquid, looks at it for a moment and then raises it, "Dlya nashey druzhby." Smiling as he downs the liquid he then sits in his seat.
He eats as the host speaks. When introductions began he jumps in, "I am Ilya Devyatova second in command of the Liberator, although Barg will likely make a play for control while I'm gone."
::"My name is Doctor Calista De-Romana Ilya Devyatova. I was the one who treated you when you where hurt."::
Her mind projects over.
"I'm sure they have their reasons for what they do." He doesn't make excuses or try to explain or reveal the motivations of druids, especially those he does not know.
"What the squidman says sounds like this madman is causing much chaos. I will go and find out if such is true and if so I cannot allow the chance that he makes it to my world."
Brin agrees to help Gryzzl'huuk with going after Dr. Grimm.
She had tried to talk to the big red one, but his mind was closed so she just had no idea who he could be.
This was so surreal, for a moment she wondered if she was in some kind of affected state and all this was in her mind. He reached down and thumped her leg under the table. There was pain, and all this seemed so real. The other where acting that all this was almost normal, like this was what could happen to you. But for her, only a few hours ago she had no idea there were even other intelligent races, let alone ones with the power to move in space AND time. Even other universes. There had been talk, talk some of the more higher gifted could move to other reality's she had thought that was all it was. Now here she was, in such and alternate reality. Being offered a change to gain the very power some of her race where said to have. She cleared her mind, What would a scientist do?.. collect data She know at once what she needed to do. Even if she could not get back to her people she had to try and learn more here, learn what was really going on. She was hampered by the fact she could not communicate with sound like the others did. But with there help, yes with them she could learn more, not only about this being and what it sort but also them, where and when they came form.
She thinks a moment, then sends to Aboy.
@Adoy ::"Adoy, tell this being, this Gryzzl'huuk, I need my craft, if he has seen me then he knows of what I talk. I will do what it asks ONLY if it brings my craft here and lets me fit his transportation device to its displacement system. If the thinks we are just warping to any time and place with out a craft around us then he is mad. Also we need a base of operation and safe and fast form of transportation. Hunting one down everywhere we go is ridicules. My craft is atmospherically adapted and has the size to carry is all, I will not drink his drink but I will adapted my craft for the trips we need to take."::
An IMAGE OF HER CRAFT comes onto your mind, its large chromatic saucer shape, big as a large house, smooth and feature less. It hovers in the air.
An Im sure they do. Dang nusance is what they be tho. An whats a squidman? Ah, you mean him? Grizzlybear?
::"Ah, a Doctor eh? Well Im a farmer, different professions I suppose tho yours would be more fancy. You one of them healing types or one of them other types of doctor.":: he gives a nod towards her direction in acknowledgement then proceeds to talk to her about the idylic farming lifestyle and his seven brothers.
::"I am both, but my main area is exploration"::
@Dr. Calista::Thank you, sorry for earlier ::
@Ilya ::"That is alright Ilya, I am more than happy to help you"::
To the good doctor
what flitting about. Looks dangerous to me. We have legs for good reason. Still it looks very, smooth. But i think to know a place, to experience it, you have to walk it. But a base of operation. Hmm.
Adoy looks at Brian.
well, if you can get it, ok. But only, and I emphasize this, if it is never piloted by a farmer. People that stay in one place are generally not open to new ideas. Believe me I know followed by an image of being chased by men with pitchforks and burning torches/ remembered fear/bewilderment.
::"My idea was git and get us away from this . He/she/it is deranged and dangerous, I get the feeling you are like me, worried about this. Even if we did as he asked he seems like the who would not wish to share power. We could agree just to get away, then seek to get us all back to where we came from. But I suspect he has control of where we go with his device."::
::"This being has kidnapped up and now seeks to make us his tools to kill with. I am not a weapon to be used by others. He/she/it is deranged and dangerous, I get the feeling you are like me, worried about this. Even if we did as he asked he seems like the who would not wish to share power. We could agree just to get away, then seek to get us all back to where we came from. But I suspect he has control of where we go with his device."::
::"This being has kidnapped up and now seeks to make us his tools to kill with. I am not a weapon to be used by others. He/she/it is deranged and dangerous, I get the feeling you are like me, worried about this. Even if we did as he asked he seems like the who would not wish to share power. We could agree just to get away, then seek to get us all back to where we came from. But I suspect he has control of where we go with his device."::
::"This being has kidnapped up and now seeks to make us his tools to kill with. I am not a weapon to be used by others. He/she/it is deranged and dangerous, I get the feeling you are like me, worried about this. Even if we did as he asked he seems like the who would not wish to share power. We could agree just to get away, then seek to get us all back to where we came from. But I suspect he has control of where we go with his device."::
In the hope he could hear her she sends once more to Adoy.
::"My idea was git and get us away from this . He/she/it is deranged and dangerous, I get the feeling you are like me, worried about this. Even if we did as he asked he seems like the who would not wish to share power. We could agree just to get away, then seek to get us all back to where we came from. But I suspect he has control of where we go with his device."::
::I don't know about that. I think he is asking for our help. I want to get to the bottom of this::
She was relived Brin was now talking to her.
::"My worry is this drink and food, this being could be infecting us so as to enslave us."::
::Not sure I share your concern and frankly Tentacle breath is powerful enough to rip us through space and time and scry into our dreams running of crossing him could end very poorly.::
"I'm in"
::It would be wise to go along for now I think and try to find out more of his true intentions along the way::
::[i]"They big one and one called Ilya want to go along with this Gryzzl'huuk plan. I suspect form fear they think it has such power that to no do as it says would mean harm. They will eat the food and drink the drink. I do not trust the drink."[/i::]
then don't drink it. Perhaps it is wiser to humor it. After all itbis powerful, and could extinguish us with a thought
She thought on that a moment, this woman who was not a woman, this thing.
@Adoy ::"I will watch you all drink 1st then assess the outcome"::
She sends, to all, one by one
Those eat the food have never tasted their favorite meal prepared so well. They are satisfied.
Those in the party who drink the magenta drink are cured of any wounds that they have and also of any illnesses or affliction, such as Brin's poisoned condition.
Adoy detects that the creature does possess psionic ability.
Your host addresses you all at the table.
I understand that some of you will have reservations about working for a creature such as myself. The gifts probably create even more suspicion, although they are necessary to accomplish the task before you. I'll ask you directly. Please stand up and inform me if you do not wish to aid me in my task of finding the mad doctor. Should like to know now, before I bestow any more gifts upon you. That seems reasonable to me. , Gryzzl'huuk requests.
waits to see what the others do.
Brian thinks a bit and responds back to Calista
::"Hmmmm. I just assumed that how it was always done. Ive seen plenty O adventurers come an go round my farm but I never knew how they started. I just assumed that this was natural. Buuut if you think not..."::
Brian (who ate the food and drank the drink) seems to contemplate a bit, then speaks up towards Gryzzl'huuk in a level, even tone.
Ya know, after thinking about it a bit more, an a bit deeper, I dont think I want ta go along with this. I appreciate the gifts, an the excelent food an the hospitality but I think I am going to decline tha job position. An I mean to say so with the least disrespect but I am sorry. What abouts the rest of yous?
Brians voice is clear and level, there is no fear of the obviously powerful creature before him, and he seems to trust it on an almost instinctual level, even if he disagrees with him intellectually, thrus allowing him to speak openly.
Brian then looks down at his rifle, Hmm. Would ya be requiring your gifts back, I had grown attached, even named her tha Wind's Whisper, but I'd understand.
"I wish to protect my world from the possibility of this doctor's invasion. I wish to aid in stopping the spread of his chaos." Brin has already begun drinking and eating, feeling satisfied with this 'breakfast'.
All five of the new recruits feel a sudden pressure on their brains, but it ceases as quickly as it came.
Gryzzl'huuk nods in respect to Brian for his honest appeal and courage to speak up against a creature much more powerful than him.
He also nods respectfully towards the half-giant who also spoke his true feelings to him. It was if but for a moment a refreshing feeling to hear beings speak honestly before him.
Well, two of you have made your feelings known. What of you other three? Will you accept the task?
"I'll accept the job, not sure I fully trust you, but I will do the job."
GM he would have hit some Resistance with Calista
She gets [+4+4+10] +18 on reading her intentions / s motive
Not saying some one that powerfull would not get past that, but she would know he is knocking at her minds door and he would feel it.
Waits to see what the others do.