Mirror, Mirror: The Further Adventures

Game Master Terquem

Don't y- Zaehyra's command is interrupted by smoke and stinking gases, and is just skilled and gifted enough to change her words into a quick prayer, hastening her allies before she dismounts to stand next to Kamastra careful not to be too close to the magical cloud.

Watch their numbers. I mean when you can see them again.

Round 1

As the curtain comes down an audible "frruuppt" comes from somewhere within the group. Whatever it was is quickly masked by the rushing of magically produced gases and the swirling rings of Niver's stick thing. With no indication of anything out of the ordinary having just happened, Ballar points in the direction of the mirror and commands his servant, Anders, ya blith'rn idiot, turn tha mirror t'wards tha wall! Ballar points his finger to the south to indicate the direction he wished the mirror turned, Tha wall there! then pulls down the hood of his cloak allowing the stylized built in flap to mask his eyes save for the holes ringed in yellow flames. His identity concealed the dwarf places his hand upon the nearest magician and in an impressive Spanish accent utters, Blindado de mago!

FA Directs unseen servant to turn the mirror south | Casts Mage armor upon Bud

Zae- I believe Haste requires a touch. If I'm wrong ignore this. You can touch Keryth, But, and Ballar but to touch Niversal you would need to move into the smoke he created and beat his Stealth Roll with a Perception Skill Roll.

Bud hurumphs "Guess the tasting session waits." He takes a moment and casts a spell and a shimmering field of force appears. He then takes a step and disappears from the alley only to appear on the roof of the building nearby.

Haste does not require touch. It's a "no two targets can be more than 30 feet" one. Standard cast shield, Move: Dimensional Slide two north of red.

I'm a bit conflicted at attacking myself and the rest of my party, there's four Robert's, a Marwan and a Revena, but I'm evil so I'll deal with it.

Correct, haste does not require a touch, but you can touch your targets if you wish to. However, if you don't/can't touch them, you do need to be able to see your intended target(s). Which means no haste for Niversal. :(

Chaos breaks lose in the alley. Ballar sends his ever faithful Invisible Servant into the noxious cloud with instructions to somehow turn the mirror around, and quickly casts a spell to add protection to his companion, Bud, who then vanishes from the area, only to reappear twenty feet up on the roof.

From this vantage point Bud cannot see anyone down in the smoke and haze, but he has a good view of the windows and roofs of the second story buildings surrounding the alley.

Through the coughing and wheezing that can be heard, comes the sound of something large bumping against a wooden box.

Round 2 begins now –

All Characters, Please make a Perception Roll

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28

Bud looks around from his new vantage for more threats.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29

Niversal will attempt to toss a knotted rope connected to a grapple to the roof above him and hook it and then use a climb action to climb up the rope toward the roof in the smoke.

rope to the roof: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

A distinct kind of sound can be heard by everyone outside the range of the choking fog. With only Keryth and Ballar able to see each other, a quick knowing glance is all that is needed between them to know that they both heard the same thing. Up on the roof, Bud hears it to, and now curses himself for not taking a moment to get more familiar with the alley’s upper floors before the fog was summoned.

Zae, and Niversal hear it as well, but what does it mean.

The sound of heavy, burdened footsteps pounding up the stairs sounds out above the other noises from those in the fog struggling to deal with the noxious vapor.

Niversal throws up a rope, which catches on a cornice of the structure above him. He climbs the rope to the ledge of a window on the second floor, places on foot on the bricks there, and then leaps up onto the roof above. From here he can see Bid, on a roof to his left, and the fog below.

Round 2 Init 17

Keryth calls out to those he can see and those he cannot, It is likely those are more of the Baron's men. This was an ambush from the start as I deduced. The fog will hamper them for a short bit but we should retreat to an area where the advantage of position and knowledge of the battlefield are denied them. And as far away as possible from whatever the Baron was trying to uncover.

Keryth then turns to retreat back the way they came, but waits to see if at least Ballar will heed his advice. (delay until after Ballar)

Technically, the Baron never revealed the mirror to us as the fog went off before he actually pulled the rope.

Round 2

Aye, Ah've got ya back wizard. Nodding Ballar begins heading down the alley.

Niversal pulls the rope up and could it and will follow the group from the roof tops in stealth keeping them in eye contact.

Bud takes a moment to switch out his haste spell for the loathsome veil spell.

Round 2
Tactical withdraw, I'm with you.Let's leave them to choke of their nauseating cloud. Zae calls agreeably as she speeds out of the alley. Kamastra is right along with her, flashing his tail at their attackers.

Round 2 Init 15

Seeing Ballar and the others begin to withdraw from the alley, Keryth moves (hasted) with them while readying another spell to discourage pursuit.

As Ballar, Keryth, and Zae (with Kamastra) retreat back to the entrance of the alley, Bud and Niversal make their way along the roofs in the same direction.

Just as they reach the place where the alley joins the street, they hear the slam of a heavy door.

Niversal continues along the roofs shadowing Bud making sure he is safe and also watching the group on the street.

Whoa, 'old on a tick. Ballar stops at the sound of the heavy door closing and turns, Am no sure tha dobber's com'n thas way. Squinting his eyes the dwarf gathers up his dorn as he tries to make out what's going on, Nivers! Wa ya see'n up thare? Any sign o'tha lass?

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Intuish: Should he turn back?: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27

Round 3 Init 15

Even better, if they don't follow, Keryth replies. Noticing the dwarf slow down, look over his shoulder, and seemingly contemplating turning back, the wizard barks, Don't be daff! Nothing good can come from going back. She has as good a chance to get away as anyone in that cloud.

Knowing his argument may not entirely sway Ballar, he relents, I'll send help to her, but lets keep moving.

He then turns around and begins casting a spell...

Summon Monster III (1 round casting)

At the end of his casting...

Back down the alley behind them, a crude bloated looking humanoid appears. Four feet tall and weighing one-hundred and eighty pounds, it resembles a pale orc with large claws and a toothy maw.

Keryth and the creature stare at each other for a moment before it nods and moves off back the way they just came with surprising quickness.

Keryth then turns back to rejoin the group.

Wha tha devil?! Ballar's dorn drops to the ground with a dull metallic thud along with is mouth. Am no sure tha's help'n Keryth. Ya plan'n on scar'n tha poor lass half ta death? But the dwarf remains where he is, waiting to see what becomes of the woman and her Shrek like rescuer.

You can do that? Cool.

Bud pauses to watch the demon walk down the alleyway and see what trouble it causes. "This could be fun. Too bad I don't have any popcorn." he says as he watches.

Demon, Keryth corrects Ballar. And scared but alive is better than the alternative. Now let's keep moving.

The telepathy is courtesy of the dretch.

as Niversal peers over the edge into the cloud of smoke and then down at the dwarf who has most assuredly given away their height advantage as well as position Niversal comes out of stealth because, well what is the point?

I cannot see anything in that cloud anymore then you can but what we can do is move down the street until there is someplace where I can put down the grapple and rope and help Bud and I down to the ground where we can then go to a new location from the inn we are at and find out where this idiot and his gang hide out and plan our revenge. Now for pity's sake lets go.

Once out of the confines of the dead end and alleyway, the group comes to the sudden realization that Hannah is not among them. Perhaps the woman, already rather weak from her ordeal, succumbed to the noxious vapors.

Keryth summons a powerful and obedient servant, and sends the fiend back toward the cloud. Niversal takes a look over his shoulder and spots the legs o the woman right at the edge of the dangerous fumes. While looking back he has only a moment to notice something he had not seen before

The heavy set creature spots the legs of the woman and drags her free of the cloud, and then hoists her limp form onto its shoulders, turns and plods quickly back toward Keryth.

Meanwhile, Ballar wonders what became of the unseen servant, Mr. Anders, whom he had sent to thwart the strange man’s attempt at exposing what might have been a dangerous mirror.

Anders, unable to speak, naturally, produces a small placard like sign out of thin air with these words written in elegant script, and a small font

I lost my way, sir, in the fog, and was unable to complete your orders. I beg you to not hold this against me or any of my kin. It is my shame, and I shall endeavor to be better in the future.

Bud tries to quietly get Niversal's attention but ends up spitting all over the place and points at the door. "I bet the boss went in through that door. We might be able to follow or have everyone run around and get him without his men. For me it's just a step to that roof. I'm going to do that and keep an eye on the front door."

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31
.
Niversal says to Bud let's stick with the group, safety in numbers

Ballar reads the sign but discounts his servant's excuse as nothing more than political nonsense, Bah! More like ya fell 'sleep again! Blith'r'n, always when ya've got important work ta do an all! The dwarf shakes his head reproachfully, Right. Get over 'ere. May 'haps we've got anoth'r job fur ya. Ballar waves his political assistant over then looks to one of the magicians to come up with a plan as the most obvious one, rush up and hit it till its dead, is momentarily unavailable.

Inspiration for Ballar's unseen servant who was first introduced here.

As the dretch returns with Hannah, Keryth remarks, Ballar, see about getting her back on her feet. We should keep moving.

Turning to the demon he instructs, *in Abyssal Follow us and lay down another cloud to discourage pursuit.

Just a reminder, should it come into play, but the dretch is immune to the cloud's poison. It can't see any better but it doesn't have to worry about making saves.

Keryth snaps his fingers at Balar when he doesn't act or even respond. Did you hear me? Heal her and let's move!

I didn't prepare any healing prayers, but some infernal healing will do just as well. Zaehyra says as she flicks her wrist and reveals one of her magic wands. We'll need to steer clear of paladins for a minute. Then Zaehyra imbues Infernal Healing on Hannah.

There, now, let's get moving while this takes effect.

Jacquelyn strutted on to the stage, her hips swaying in that sultry way which always brings a smile to Ballar's face. Kitty Laverne's Boom Boom Club was packed yet Ballar had managed to secure a table close to the stage. Boom, ba boom! Boom, boom. Boom ba boom! The music's tempo picked up and the crowd of revalors cheer. Jacquelyn's strut reaches the end of the stage and she bends low to blow her favorite dwarf a kiss. Grinning like a boy given the keys to a candy shop Ballar watches her lips move. Did you hear me? Jacquelyn's expression is playful yet Ballar detects a hint of annoyance. The kind women use when they know you're not listening to them. Ballar's grin holds even as his mind begins working out the details, Wha? Why are there no details?! Blast, Ah miss'd it. Should jas nod and smile. Aye, thas it. Ballar nods and smiles at the beautiful construct.
Ballar! Did you hear me? Her lips move again but something's different, that's not her voice. Ballar's grin fades and quickly he looks to the left and right, Boom, ba boom! Boom, boom. Boom ba boom! Oh no, it's that elf's voice, isn't it? Jacquelyn speaks and again in Keryth's voice, Heal her and let's move!
Skreeech! And then the music stops. Ballar turns and, rather sheepishly, nods and smiles in Keryth's direction. Fortunately, Zae's wand flashes and Hannah's limp form stirs. Got it! Moving quickly to the girl's side, Ballar gets to work tending to Hannah's, um, needs.

It seems almost as if Ballar is lost in a fond memory or a waking dream of the best kind, and as his eyes stare off into the night, Zaehyra produces a wand and touching the unconscious form of Hana, restores some vitality to the dark woman.

Hana blinks a few times and then struggles to her feet. She continues to make strange motions with her tongue, as if she is trying to force out a taste that will not leave her and says, That was not what I was expecting. Did anyone see where that man got off to or what it was he was hiding behind that curtain. I suspect it is a magic mirror of some kind. It may in fact be the one we are looking for. Now what do we do?

At that moment Ballar snaps out of it, and rushes to the woman’s side. His checking up on her condition does not go unnoticed, and Hannah smiles down at the dwarf, still wearing the mask over the top of his face.

I’m fine, Ballar, is it? Maybe I’ll need to be checked again to be sure I’m all right later, when we can take a rest and wind things down a bit. She then leans over and whispers into the dwarf’s ear, And you should wear the cape, I like it.

Niversal speaks out toward Bud, who seems to be looking at the sturdy construction of the roofs around him for the best place to move across to the other side of the buildings, and he pauses, for a moment wondering if he should go on or make his way back to Niversal’s position, use a rope to get back to the street, or simply rely on the power he already has at his disposal.

The part reaches the street of the village, out of the alley completely. The building to your left may or may not have access to the same place the door Bud mentioned leads into. You are not followed

Your guess is as good as anyone's, but if you're determined to find out what was behind the curtain, its possible that it might still be there given the size of it, Zaehyra comments from nearby.

Ah'll see tha ya get noth'n but tha finest care lass. Ballar winks and helps the girl to her feet. With a touch of the dramatic, the Grande Lucha, flaming cape and all, ushers Hana behind him and scans the alley way for anything unbecoming coming towards them.
Waving a hand in front of his face the dwarf asks, Do ya think we can loose all tha smoke? If there'sa mirror behind all tha, we'll need to see it.

Keryth is at first glad when the woman is revived but that doesn't last long. Do you really think so? Of course it might be a magic mirror! Why do you think I said it was a trap the moment we walked in there? Keryth replies in an irritated tone. Magic mirrors that need to be covered are generally dangerous. Do I really need to remind you that we just fought a fiend that could travel through, and out of, shards of mirror? What do you think it could do if it has a whole mirror? And possibly a magic one! The possibilities are innumerable. Ballar and Hana's base behavior, especially considering the circumstances, does not improve the spellbinder's mood.

Spinning on Ballar's last comment Keryth replies incredulously, That "smoke" is there precisely to prevent you from seeing the mirror, or it you. The Baron obviously held ill will towards us and planned to use the mirror to do us some kind of harm. I prevented that, on purpose and everything, but apparently we now want to go shove our faces in there willingly. What could possibly be the harm? And then maybe after we can all go for a swim in lava! he adds, his tone shifting to sarcasm, while throwing up his hands.

The Dretch telepathically jabs the irate wizard. The two exchange thoughts and the demon jogs back down the alley and into the cloud.

I sent it to see if the object is still in there. It will report everything it finds via our link.

What we need is a darkness spell or some way of acquiring the mirror without fear of us seeing it, or it seeing us. Pointedly turning away from Ballar to address the others he asks, Other ideas or suggestions?

Keryth racks his brain for another useful summons. How heavy would you estimate the object was? Could a dire bat carry it away? Shaking his head he dismisses his own idea. How would I communicate my desire to it?

The thought of the object being moved sparks another thought in Keryth. What if it is already being moved?! Keryth gestures for everyone to be quiet and listen...

Bud watches the group below having a discussion and looks at Niversal and shrugs. When he sees the dretch move back down the alley he waves Niversal that way and follows the dretch to see what happens to it.

Niversal shrugs back and then follows Bud not willing to leave the fellow alone on the roofs. He moves toward the stairs where the thing is going and then he will use stealth and drop down to the stairwell turning himself invisible with one of his minute charges of five. So invisible for a minute, Niversal will follow along with the dretch and see what might be seen.

stealth+20 for being invisible: 1d20 + 19 + 20 ⇒ (19) + 19 + 20 = 58

lowering himself down by his hands and dropping down to the stairs using acrobatics

acrobatics: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (1) + 19 = 20

perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22

Dialog and such is a difficult thing to track, as far as time is concerned. Let’s try to come to some decision about whether the noxious cloud is still around. If it is, Niversal would know better than to follow the dretch into the cloud, if it is not, he and Bud would see the same thing the dretch will see.

When Keryth begins to explain the dangers of the mirror, Hana isn’t clear if he is actually talking to her or the handsome dwarf beside her. After all she doesn’t know what he is talking about but the mention of the monster that travels through a mirror gets her interest.

Wait, did you say, she says stepping forward, a fiend that traveled through mirrored glass? This is important. It’Dupree warned us about the possibility of such a creature being encountered. In her research into alternative dimensions and worlds of existence, where she discovered the possibility of a mirror realm existing as a sort of self-contained fortress of solitude constructed by a being of incredible power, she read about a mirror fiend, a bizzare creature that is native to an elemental plane of reflections, something like that. She said it wasn’t difficult to kill, but that if it got the drop on you it could kill you with just a few bites of its enormous mouth and sharp teeth six inches long. If this is one of those creatures, then it is a real possibility we have tracked down a portal mirror to this realm.

When she finishes Keryth receives a message from the dretch.

Just as Keryth receives the dretch's report both the dretch and the stinking cloud fade to nothing.

Just as I suspected, the mirror or whatever was in the box has been removed.

Turning to Hana he inquires, Wait, does It’Dupree want us to retrieve a mirror or enter the mirror realm itself?

Everyone looking at Hana when Keryth asks this question should make a Sense Motive Skill Check

sense motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

If what you say is accurate then the mirror portal must work automatically when viewed. Presumably against your will even, hence the need for it to be covered. Apparently at least the Baron wanted us to travel to this "mirror realm".

I really need to go back and reread the part where we were given this assignment. :P

We're supposed to get the mirror. Though I don't doubt that it will be challenging to get near it without it being used against us in some way as Keryth suggests.

Sense nothing: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6