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"Good Twilight to you Xizor." there a human seeming female, looks more like a beggar than anything else. One of those that are not good at either begging or stealing based on how malnourished she appeared. A very pale complexion and dressed all in dirty cloth strips and robes.
"I have a proposition for you if you would be willing. One that would allow for much to come your way, in exchange for some of your time and particular talents. Think it over and rest on it. I will come to you in a dream as well."
She smiles, teeth more like weathered ivory than teeth.
"Unless you wish to just say yes now of course."
The deep hood tilts to the side curiously. "My time and talents are available for jobs that intrigue me, but my dreams are a far stranger place than most can imagine. Nonetheless, it would be... entertaining to have you visit them. So I shall withhold my agreement until the morrow, provided you are forthcoming with more details tonight."
The image fades and Sanriel stands alone in the chambers of an ancient king, the fallen shards of his holy defenders in thick drifts about the room. The former mans opals reflecting the lights of ancient torches maintained by the magics in the room.
"And you would know the danger you place yourself in were that the case..." the Ram horned skeleton says to the empty air with a small amount of acid in his tone. "This existence is not a blessing and I have no desire to extend my stay, my path is set."
Sanriel gives a look that might have been curiosity on a human as the monkey appears. turning he notices that on one of the walls of the tomb where previously there was an alcove holding stone warriors is a heavy oak door. "Curious..." the undead horror states flatly as he takes the note from the monkey reading it while the creature knocks on the door.
"Little creature born of the trees, tell me what it is you have seen? While we travel I wish to speak. My leg are long while yours are meek, t'would be better for us to talk were you to not need to walk ." the skeletal man offers an arm for the creature to perch on.
With a last look to the shattered remains of stone warriors Sanriel passes gladly through the door.
With the whisper of a lock on one side the grinding of stone sounds on the other and a dozen warriors bearing scimitars and the emblem of the Scarab burst into the looted tomb. To encounter silence and the broken remains warriors in score.
The stone is.. not right here. I can feel it ending just outside the edges of this corridor the druid considers as he walks the passage past the door, hand sliding on and then through the wall as he walks down it. He speaks quietly with the skeletal simian, learning little but enjoying the noise of company. The feeling of oily crawling darkness on the other side of the stone twining its way through the Siabraes hand. The monkey scampers forward, knocking on the air and opening a door.
Had Sanriel an eyebrow it would be quirked, but he shakes off surprise and moves into the room.
Sanriel knows it in his bones when he exits the corridor, the earth once again feeling solid under his feet and the crisp sounds of the world no longer muffled by the effects of whatever ability he had just traversed.
"Thank you young one, for doing as I asked. Please return to your appointed task." the druid speaks in a sing-song gobbldy g~&@ though the dead monkey seems to understand whatever that was said.
The dead man casts a glance about the room, nodding once and looking at the rest of the individuals that had entered the room.
This Lady certainly desires to make an impression, the yawning chasm of a room in what is clearly an underground structure. I'm surprised she isn't seated in a throne of blood and skulls with the way she approached. Perhaps this venture will bear fruit."
Approaching the group of individuals Sanriels opal eyes pass over each.
A braggart without a heartbeat and his... Pet. he thinks looking at the alabaster man and the outsider who accompanies him. A drow child, does this woman feel pla- No... A child does not weigh remotely that much. Sanriel considers as he looks at the arrayed chairs, looking somewhat distastefully to the drinks and food arranged organizing a dinner for us as if whatever creatures this woman dredged does things so mundane. But I am getting side tracked.
the goblin appears to be mostly dead, the drow over in the corner has the scent of a predator, and another creature without a heartbeat. He looks in the direction of Xizor This ones movement seems familiar... hmm was he part of one of the guilds I helped? it has been a while since that day.
As Shivered introduces himself Sanriel chooses a chair at the table as close to the home fireplace as he can.
"You look similar to the form your mistress takes, when she was addressing me. It is interesting."
Sanriel makes no issue with appearing a monster, cloaked in the funeral shroud of a priest-king with trinkets and fetishes from a dozen cultures clicking and clacking against him. He has a pair of proud antlers coming from his skull ending in stony outcroppings with thousands of small fragments at the ends. His face and body are gone, nothing but blackened bone where flesh and blood once was. He speaks without breath and moves without life making no issue of his undeath. He has nothing to hide and as such chooses not to his uncovered feet clacking against the stone floor as he walks the room.
"Good Twilight to you Xizor." there a human seeming female, looks more like a beggar than anything else. One of those that are not good at either begging or stealing based on how malnourished she appeared. A very pale complexion and dressed all in dirty cloth strips and robes.
"I have a proposition for you if you would be willing. One that would allow for much to come your way, in exchange for some of your time and particular talents. Think it over and rest on it. I will come to you in a dream as well."
She smiles, teeth more like weathered ivory than teeth.
"Unless you wish to just say yes now of course."The deep hood tilts to the side curiously. "My time and talents are available for jobs that intrigue me, but my dreams are a far stranger place than most can imagine. Nonetheless, it would be... entertaining to have you visit them. So I shall withhold my agreement until the morrow, provided you are forthcoming with more details tonight."
Go ahead and just jump to the arrival. Since all are being pulled from different places and locations and the end destination is not on Golarion timeflow and passage is less critical at this juncture. Post your arrival and it shall be splendid. You can be the fashionably late one to the dinner party if you so desire.
Sanriel gives a look that might have been curiosity on a human as the monkey appears. turning he notices that on one of the walls of the tomb where previously there was an alcove holding stone warriors is a heavy oak door. "Curious..." the undead horror states flatly as he takes the note from the monkey reading it while the creature knocks on the door.
"Little creature born of the trees, tell me what it is you have seen? While we travel I wish to speak. My leg are long while yours are meek, t'would be better for us to talk were you to not need to walk ." the skeletal man offers an arm for the creature to perch on.
[OOC/GM We can use italics or a color perhaps to signify it.
Curiously the little skeleton monkey has little to say. It seems very pleased that someone so similar to its self would like to listen to what it has to relay but it seems at this moment it really is consumed with the task it was appointed. However the vague sense that it likes Sanriel comes across in the way it holds one while the two of you traverses to the destination.
"Thank you for the compliment on my appearance. This is more convience than anything else when I am home." Shivered replies back.
"I never know who she has found to recruit for her causes so if there is something in particular, small live rodents, grubs, fine wine or other delicacies feel free to ask and I will check with my kitchen staff," points to some of the Monkey Skeletons darting about the place, "To see what we can provide."
She moves over a little closer to the fire and leans against the wall.
"Introduction time, I am Shivered. Not the name I was given at birth but it is how I think of myself. I am, for lack of a better term, the Herald for The Lady in Linen. A long time ago she asked if I would aid her and in return she would grant me a boon. I have never left her employ since."
She accepts a glass of something dark and red, a burgundy perhaps, from one of the skeletons, absent-mindlessly petting the skull like a small child.
"So the terms are quite simple. Help her out in a few simple, I am sure, tasks for her and in return she will grant you a boon that is within her power." Sip of wine.
"Her power, if you wonder, is significant. However for somethings on the Mortal Worlds it is easier to use, to be blunt, hired help."
Another sip and a different Monkey hands her a slice of bread.
"So I am sure there are a few questions. Some of the most common include like; why me, why can't she do it herself if she is so powerful, what is in it for me, how many others has she recruited before, fees and expenses, as well as who the hell are you? So in that order here goes."
Pause
"Why all of you. She saw something in you that she perceived that would either make you amenable to aiding her, or that something about you would help in what she has in mind for the different taskings."
"Next, Why can't she do it herself if she is so powerful. Sometimes it is easier to pay someone to do something for you. She is a power and I suspect there are limits to what she can do directly. Indirectly though, many more options."
"Three How many others. I have seen dozens such as your self come through to her employ. A few have stayed on like myself. Most come, fight a few battles, run a few errands, get what they want and leave."
"Four, fees and expenses. Reasonable of course will be provided when necessary. It looks like food and lodging will be easier this time around than at other times. You do all get to keep what you find, outside of anything she has asked to be recovered or obtained for her own needs. I will be doing most of the arranging for transportation as well as lending a means to contact me once things are over and done with. Also the number of tasks seem to be in proportion to what you want as the final payout, keep that in mind."
"Lastly I am Shivered. I am a Necromancer by inclination, if none have guessed that by now by the wait staff. To be honest, I plan to out exist each and everyone one of you including the Nightmare over there. I am well on my way to achieving my own personal goals. I was born to human parents that I have already outlived. This is my home, and you are welcome to visit with courtesy and consideration towards other guests."
A few long drinks and she hands the empty glass to the waiting Monkey.
As it turns to head back towards the perceived kitchen area it spins back and clambers up over to her and seems to be whispering into her ear.
"It seems one of my assistants has taken a shining to one of you. The Lady never shares names, but you over there, with the antlers. This little one would like to venture out with you as a friend. Are you willing to protect her?"
GM Talk: Feel free to determine what the final payout for your character will be. Just like in the original thread that prompted this version it can be a dream, magic item, etc. PM me when you want so I can take all requests into account. I know a few characters have already got good ideas what they will want as payouts.
Hop in, make comments, ask questions, etc.
Zorryn steps forward with a sideways glance at the Drow girl. "Whatever it takes to bring down the might of the Drow. At first I thought to kill the ones that owned me and changed me. But now. I will do whatever it takes to bring down their whole line and anyone else that stands in my way."
Who has antlers? Zorryn steps forward with a sideways glance at the Drow girl. "Whatever it takes to bring down the might of the Drow. At first I thought to kill the ones that owned me and changed me. But now. I will do whatever it takes to bring down their whole line and anyone else that stands in my way."
The male elf laughs generously.
"Haha. Believe me, better groups and individuals have tried and failed. The might of the united drow populace is not one to be underestimated. They have powerful clerics and wizards on their side, nevermind their slave armies of underdark creatures. I would love to join you on that endeavor, but I prefer to chase more realistic opportunities. "Turning to one of the monkeys. "Bring me your finest wine and do hurry."
-Posted with Wayfinder
He turns to look at the ridiculous looking elf that mocks him. "Believe an elf? You don't look like you're from the under dark. Been reading too many 'history books' trying to study them more like it. Join me, hah. One day with them and you'll be running back to your soft 'ancestors' and your palaces. I know what power they have but they are not as united as you seem to think."
Fine wine. Oh and a pillow to rest my feet too... ha
This is too good.
Rizzen smirks at the retort.
"Oh my dear creature. I know the drow better then any present here. Your first mistake is believing what you see." Pointing at the drow girl he continues. "Do you really think a drow girl of 8 years old to be on the same level as you? Most of us here do not show our true visage for the same purpose. Advantage through deception.
There is a core of truth to your story though. The noble houses often have conflicting motivations. I believe they call it the game of stalagmites after their resideces. Each house strives to be number one. And those political games is the number one cause of death for drow."
His tone turns more serious and a hint of anger or disgust crosses his face.
"But do not for an instance believe that they will not cooperate to utterly destroy a common enemy they feel threatened by." The anger passes and Rizzen calls out
"Now where is that blasted monkey with my wine."
Any mortal will probably outlive their parents given mere time, silly girl ... Outliving your children is worse.
With a scoff and a sniff, Viktor states his term to their hostess. "I will place my price somewhere in between genocide and a glass of wine; I want to see Greenhaven burned to cinders, its blackened corpse a warning for ages to come!"
With that, he goes back to the brandy he managed to find - sipping delightfully. With some curiosity he regards Zorryn. "Tell me creature, what House turned you? I have seen few of your calibre in the blood-pits, much to my dismay."
Seeing the alpha sought to bring her no harm the drow girl took a few moments to watch the interaction between it and the other Drow they both clearly had a strong distaste for the Drow which she found quite curious the alpha made a level of sense being that it was not of Drow blood naturally, the dark elves were not the sort to act friendly towards outsiders but the other Drow acting with equal animosity was odd, they tended to be more close knit than that, a few power struggles of course but that was the nature of things, the strong vieing for dominance over those they saw as the weak, it made perfect sense from what she knew of them. Outright animosity to the rest of the species however was new and interesting, the only issue was that this Drow was not on the menu. THe very thought brought a pout toi the face of the Drow girl as she looked upon Rizzen for a few moments before taking a seat at the table.
Shivvered's words danced through her mind as she knew well already what had been offered, but of course those offers seemed to coincide more with the work itself, she would get to feast upon new and interesting beings by the nature of this work with only those in this room being safe from her hunger for the time being. What exactly constituted something worthwhile to her? Money was irrelevant for the most part though it was certainly enjoyable to collect the shiny things. The girls eyes widened as it came to her and a strange grin spread across her face as she looked to the hostess "Dragon..." "Old and strong and whole for me. the whispering voice of the girl spoke the words slow as she realized exactly what would be a truly perfect reward. TO be able to consume one of if not the greatest predators she knew of would go a long ways to advancing her power.
"Hahah. Perhaps if you don't want people to know what you are you might control your emotions better." He turns away from Rizzen and looks at Viktor. At least one I might have some similarity with, perhaps.
"A minor house. Not powerful enough to be known. But I do know they had strong connections to House Parastric, followers of Haagenti, master of Alchemy. They will be the first to fall."
"House Parastric? I have seen a few of their flesh-works, quite exquisite craftwork." The vampire smiles. "But not the sort of art you appreciate I take it?" The smile turns into cruel laughter. "But those will be easy for you - merely unlock their pens and their fall should be almost certain ..."
Grand goals. I have to admire his ambition... And the *little girl* wants a dragon? Now that will be interesting to watch.
The goblin finishes its meal, and proceeds to stand up upon the table....
"Fools" it hisses with a horrific scratchy voice... Its red eyes filled with malevolence
Ckkxxchtki is unamused by the posturing and posing of the drow, and of the entire conversation, but the silence of the drow girl is noted.
I the look Viktor gave Rizzens feet was annoyance, the look he gives the 'goblin' as he steps up onto the table is one of almost tangible contempt. "The only fool here stands with his feet in pastry."
Bored with the stupid drow testsubject, Rizzen continues offhandedly
"Oh please who cares who is who here. Tomorrow I have another disguise and personality and you will have no idea who I am. Just as you did not a moment ago and still don't besides a guess on my heritage.
Let us get on with business hmm? I am very interested in finding out what our lady has in mind for us."
-Posted with Wayfinder
Seeing the alpha sought to bring her no harm the drow girl took a few moments to watch the interaction between it and the other Drow they both clearly had a strong distaste for the Drow which she found quite curious the alpha made a level of sense being that it was not of Drow blood naturally, the dark elves were not the sort to act friendly towards outsiders but the other Drow acting with equal animosity was odd, they tended to be more close knit than that, a few power struggles of course but that was the nature of things, the strong vieing for dominance over those they saw as the weak, it made perfect sense from what she knew of them. Outright animosity to the rest of the species however was new and interesting, the only issue was that this Drow was not on the menu. THe very thought brought a pout toi the face of the Drow girl as she looked upon Rizzen for a few moments before taking a seat at the table.
Shivvered's words danced through her mind as she knew well already what had been offered, but of course those offers seemed to coincide more with the work itself, she would get to feast upon new and interesting beings by the nature of this work with only those in this room being safe from her hunger for the time being. What exactly constituted something worthwhile to her? Money was irrelevant for the most part though it was certainly enjoyable to collect the shiny things. The girls eyes widened as it came to her and a strange grin spread across her face as she looked to the hostess "Dragon..." "Old and strong and whole for me. the whispering voice of the girl spoke the words slow as she realized exactly what would be a truly perfect reward. TO be able to consume one of if not the greatest predators she knew of would go a long ways to advancing her power.
"Really little one. You have that much of an appetite. Any particular flavoring or will any of that breed do for your tastes and palate?"
This is too good.
Rizzen smirks at the retort.
"Oh my dear creature. I know the drow better then any present here. Your first mistake is believing what you see." Pointing at the drow girl he continues. "Do you really think a drow girl of 8 years old to be on the same level as you? Most of us here do not show our true visage for the same purpose. Advantage through deception.There is a core of truth to your story though. The noble houses often have conflicting motivations. I believe they call it the game of stalagmites after their resideces. Each house strives to be number one. And those political games is the number one cause of death for drow."
His tone turns more serious and a hint of anger or disgust crosses his face.
"But do not for an instance believe that they will not cooperate to utterly destroy a common enemy they feel threatened by." The anger passes and Rizzen calls out
"Now where is that blasted monkey with my wine."
One of them pops up, Rizzen cannot tell a difference between them, holding a glass of red and a glass of white for him to select from.
The last character that arrived, Sanriel. Look up a few posts to see his description which includes antlers and trinkets.
"At least there is decent conversation. So often it is only grunts and bloodshed and then I have to tell her that she needs to chose better. At least this lot of you all have some flair."
Shivered takes a few steps closer to the table.
"It will not be long. I suspect she has something particular in mind here and will have directions along presently. First I will present you all, well those that are choosing to remain, with a small token that you all will need."
Another Monkey Skeleton comes in from under the table maybe, hard to tell with eight of them all running about filling drinks, fetching food, cleaning up after the Goblin, and acting like busboys, it is hard to tell just which one is which. Except for the one standing very still and quiet next to the Death Knight looking character (Bones, Skeleton, Antlers, Trinkets, Funeral Shroud look).
It darts from character to character, reaches into a small burlap sack it has in its hand and pulls out two little clay figurines, crude and misshapen. Hands both of them to each of the characters, so each will get two. If a character does not take it, the Monkey cocks it head sideways and then moves on to the next one.
"These tokens will allow you to return here to my place. They are a one way trip back this very spot. Use one when you are done with the initial task. Just crush it or break it into shards and it will draw everyone back here."
A small hole in the air above the middle of the table, almost directly above the Goblin, opens up. It is like a tear more than an actual hole. Pale cold light comes from it in a fitful pulse, like an erratic heartbeat. An owl flies in, an albino one that is large with huge tufted ears, and circles about the room and lands on the shoulder of your hostess Shivered. All can see the claws dig into her shoulder drawing slowly oozing pale red blood. She does not seem to notice as she reaches up and takes something from under a wing. Once that is done the owl launches off and flying almost right at the Goblin (truth be the owl is about half its size, it flies into the hole by tucking in the wings at the last moment and passing through. The rent disappears.
"That was quick. Here you all go. Looks like she wants you all to retrieve some stone and then deliver it to someone else for her. Sort of a favor for a favor she implies. So once you all have finished eating, or not, I will open a door to take you all there. Remember the tokens are to be drawn back here, so only use them when you are ready to return here. Ohh she did mention she will send separate transportation once you have the rock in hand."
Rizzen twirls the two figurenes between his fingers. One moment they are there, the next, gone.
"It all sounds easy enough, but you wouldn't hire us if it were easy. What are the complications? And is there a time constraint in case we need to prepare?" Rizzen asks as he is sipping a fine wine.
"She does not give a timeline. The note just states to send all that agree to a particular location and to tell you to retrieve a stone that is located in the nearby vicinity. Sounds pretty easy to me actually. Once you all have it, the note here says she is sending transportation to take you to who it needs to be delivered to. In order to fulfill a promise. You all might be aiding someone else obtain what they truly desire now that I think about it some more."
She looks over the scrap of paper a little closer.
"Ohh there is a small scribble that says something about there may be others close to there also with their own agendas. But I am sure any of you would be up to the task on your own, never mind all five or so."
The girl cocked her head to the side as shivvered addressed her a small yet vicious grin remaining on her face as she thought over the question, color was important to the strength of a dragon but age was also very important a younger red could easily be bested by a elder blue or black. "Red.. Green.. Blue.." The girls voice whispered to Shivvered after a few moments as the goblin stirred from his seat pulling himself onto the table to glare angrily at the room in what appeared to be some sort of show of dominance "Older is better, those are preferred." she said with a nod before casually returning her attention to the goblin finding the creatures efforts interesting, it was small yet bulky and as far as she could tell had no chance of physically besting the alpha, why make such an obvious display against it?
She had no intention of letting the alpha remain at the top of there chain forever but for the moment there was little that could be done about it except plan later, it would be more difficult to overtake this creature in this setup as simply killing it and taking in it's essence was unfortunately not an option which meant she would need to actually become it's physical better which was in and of itself certainly a tall order.
One of the tiny skeletal monkeys scurried up to her and held out two tiny statues, curious she took them in one hand using the other to absentmindedly pat the creature on the head as she inspected them. Shivvered's explanation told her all that was required to know and with a not the girl pulled a bag out from within her coat opened it and promptly dropped the statues within watching as they dissapered into the 'endless' void. The arrival of the owl was an amusing affair as had it not been for the creatures haste she would have attempted to snatch the creature out of the air, she could SEE that it was an anomaly, she'd seen at least one other such creature before but it had been so early in her life cycle that the prey had escaped her.
Hopping onto the table to join the goblin and acting much like her current form she stalked over to where the creature had arrived from sniffing at the area the rift had been in in hopes that it might re-open for her, finding the goblin to be in her way of easier access to the space where the rift had opened she brings her attention to it for a moment "Move" the child's voice whispered harshly at it. As she awaited the goblin to move as per her demand she listened to the discussion on what the owl had brought, word on the first task they were to accomplish... very VAGUE word but word nonetheless. The pale elf wanted more information and if he was going to ask the important questions then it meant she could return her attention to the matter at hand.
The goblin gives a bloody grin, and walks toward Shivered
Send Me, and describe the stone, and place where I can find it The goblin rasps, the bloody hole in its back, where what looks to be a large rock is lodged is revealed to the room at large...
The goblin gives a bloody grin, and walks toward Shivered
Send Me, and describe the stone, and place where I can find it The goblin rasps, the bloody hole in its back, where what looks to be a large rock is lodged is revealed to the room at large...
"All on your own? Don't you desire some assistance in this task?
Shivered gives the Goblin a look like, are you sure about this.
"The note states that you will be able to recognize it on sight. I presume it will be bright and large and shiny. If not then perhaps it will be guarded and there will be defenders of some sort to overcome."
She steps over very close to the goblin, about ten to fifteen feet away, outside of reach yet still close. All of the Monkey Skeletons turn and look at the Goblin at the exact same moment.
"I can send you all alone, if you really want that. Or you can go with some others and perhaps find what is sought?"
There is a real sense of menace here in her tone of voice. Hidden but still a sense of menace.
You told us that your mistress wanted the stone, You told us you would send us when we are finished eating. I am finished and I wish to go. I'm certain that your mistress would enjoy her stone to be relocated as soon as is possible. The others can be sent after they are finished. I am finished and I wish to go. Whether or not the others wish to come along, or sit around sipping wine is not my business. I am here to do the task assigned, and reap the rewards. The Goblin uses complex words and sentence structure beyond what nearly any goblin is capable of, and does not balk at the threat from Shivered
Ckkxxchtki mentally activates a spell, causing both his own and his host body to be reinforced against assault, preparing himself for the ire of the witch, but not willing to back down from the challenge
Rizzen hangs back in the chair, looking on at the entertainment with a smile on his face and some nice wine on his lips.
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http://paizo.com/campaigns/MonstersAndMadmenNecromanticsAndMonstrousMadMen/ gameplay&page=2#51
Go ahead and just jump to the arrival. Since all are being pulled from different places and locations and the end destination is not on Golarion timeflow and passage is less critical at this juncture. Post your arrival and it shall be splendid. You can be the fashionably late one to the dinner party if you so desire.
After a very unusual night's rest, Xizor steps out of the tunnel into the hall behind his own monkey guide. The dark hood looks around, taking in the presence of the others.
Undead goblin on the table. Haven't seen a winged creature like that before - curious. An elf. A drow child - certainly more than she seems. A vampire. Sanriel - It has been a while since I met him, but he's quite distinctive. An interesting assemblage, no question, but the pickings will be slim.
To the others in the room, Xizor appears humanoid... and that's about it. It's wearing a large robe that comes almost down to the floor, with a deep hood that casts its whole head in shadow, and gloves on its hands when they emerge from the long sleeves. Nothing of its skin is visible, except to those who can see into the darkness of his hood - but so doing simply reveals a totally blank head. The shape is there, but there are no features, no face.
The cloaked figure drifts (figuratively, although it is very light on its feet) over to the table and takes a seat next to the undead druid. "Greetings," it says. "Was our information of aid in your endeavors?"
The figure watches the byplay between the others, saying nothing as he observes and gathers what information they let drop.
Xizor takes the two figures from the skeletal simian and examines them closely... or at least that's the assumption that can be made when it bows its head over one of them.
Shortly, it raises it's head and turns the empty hood towards Shivered. "If one of these will bring us all back here, what is the second for? And if the thought is redundancy, what happens if someone opposed to the Lady takes one and uses it?"
Xizor takes the two figures from the skeletal simian and examines them closely... or at least that's the...
Shivered takes a moment to look at him before replying, while still waiting on other to comment or not on the Goblin,
"Well it is a spare just in case and they will only return the user to this space. So far none have caused any issues to date. I suppose I could change the return location to the depths of an ocean, should I be concerned. That would take care of most concerns I would think as far as that goes."
With one last midwinter look at the unruly goblin, the vampire accepts the statures. Crush them to instantly return *all* of us? There could be potential for ... shenanigans with these. With a thoughtful look he pockets the statues. The goblin was off his mind for now, let it rush ahead if it wanted. Mortals and their hurry ...
"Will they work across the planes - or does that prevent a coordinated calling?
Hrmm... it is not as though the lady will not desire a watcher with us, perhaps if I choose one watcher I need not worry over many others. I do find it curious how she is able to understand the creatures, they are simple skeletons as far as I can tell. The secrets of my order allow me to grant a shadow of intellect to such creatures but... Ah, not skeletons Skeletal Champions. This would make sense with the way they are acting , she is not ordering them as far as I can see.
"I would have no issue with her joining me if you can accept the loss. If she stays close at hand I can offer her many of the protections I myself benefit from but I give no promises of safety when I have no idea where I shall be going. To your other implied question my given name is Sanriel, born again under the tumble down rocks of the Stone wilds."
The antlered man says in the same singsong nonsense he did before. The skeletal monkey nearest him seeming to understand.
Sanriel offers the enamored monkey a hand to climb, the odd pauldron on his left shoulder looking to be an excellent perch. Mismatched entirely with the Orisani funeral shroud he wore but the dead man didn't care.
When the figurines are passed out Sanriel takes his hanging them from a trinket suspended on his rib. the motions revealing a dark lump overgrown with dangerous looking mold and a few other items hidden by the shroud.
The druid steadfastly ignores the verbal sparring between the elf and the abomination with delusions of genocide along with the uppity Not-goblin. "Did she bring us together with the intention that we would fight? It seems an ill match if one is a drow and the other hates them, she would place me within the company of Abomination and Outsider. Though were one to fight the other the rest of this company would either take a side or close ranks. With the offer of such lofty rewards it could ensure such a group functions for just long enough to get what she desires done. Then it fragments and she only has to fufil a few of the bargains she made due to the opposing natures she placed in the group. I wonder which of the others will grasp it as a possibility."
The druid is broken from his thoughts with someone speaking his name.
he turns and scans the area, seeing the billowed cloak and a few hints of motion underneath. little to no indication of the mans weight.
"Hail Xizor". the druid states I had not realized you were part of this company, it is good to have someone that I know of here. Regrettably the information your association retrieved was only mostly right. There was indeed an "undying army of protectors, many score" in the Tomb, It was a collection of ceramic toys animated by a spell trap. I searched the mans Sarcophagus but there was nothing. Yet more smoke and mirror legends of the Orisani kings, I wonder how many adventurers they tricked into donating treasure troves for a temple with next to nothing in it." The man sets his opal eyes on Shivered before continuing "Perhaps though, the next lead I have will be better." he then looks back to the shrouded man seated next to him "What would your bet be to the length of time the Not-Goblin over there would survive doing a favor that is supposedly to take enough skill for our Patron to call us all here on his own? Mine is on half a day after discovery to be tracked by an angered wizard and turned into the sheep of an amorous farmer."
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"Disappointing, although not unheard of. I have often wondered whether the intent of all their legends was specifically to accumulate their treasure after their deaths." There is a faint echo-y quality to the hooded figure's voice as it speaks, although not enough to interfere with understanding of its words.
He places the two figures in a pocket in his robe, then turns his empty hood's gaze on the unliving goblin. "I suspect that one has more secrets in store which we have not seen, but nonetheless they are unlikely to be sufficient to liberate this stone. A simple trial of strength or height would likely bar the way." It pauses, then continues with mild disapproval in its voice. "Or patience."
The robed shoulders shrug in a remarkably human gesture for one so odd. "I would give it at most two days to discovery or abandonment of the objective. And I do not think it would survive the discovery, if there is a band like this one there with a conflicting agenda."
With one last midwinter look at the unruly goblin, the vampire accepts the statures. Crush them to instantly return *all* of us? There could be potential for ... shenanigans with these. With a thoughtful look he pockets the statues. The goblin was off his mind for now, let it rush ahead if it wanted. Mortals and their hurry ...
"Will they work across the planes - or does that prevent a coordinated calling?
"They will work to pull you back to this location. If you are all together you all come at once. If you are separate it only works for those that are in proximity of each other. A gift of The Lady actually."
Shivered steps away from the Goblin for now and nods to Viktor.
"A few moments before you all could leave. I must prepare the route anyways little Goblin."
Just after that a live monkey comes into the room. It passes from Skeleton to Skeleton, acting like they are all in the same tribe or family or some such. It is a small thing, barely up to the knees of an average man in height. Shivered sees it and she pauses in her walk towards the fireplace.
The monkey comes over to her and seems to bow to her. She bows back and then reaches out a hand and seems to grasp the top of the monkeys head. She pulls up and the entire skeleton slides free from the body. The monkey body collapse in a solid boneless pile. The new Monkey Skeleton she sets gently on it's feet. It takes a few moments to orient its self and then takes a place with the other ones, almost instantly indistinguishable from the others.
"It will actually take a little while to ready the door to transverse the distances needed. More food or wine will be provided, simply ask one of my little ones for help. I must meditate and will return in a few minutes or so. Then (with a look to the Goblin) you all will be ready to go."
She puts a hand on a door, "By the way most groups she pulls together are a bit more cordial to one another."
"A special stone. Will you be sending us up or do we stay in the dark lands? Sunlight doesn't agree with my condition. I will help retrieve it and... cooperate, with these others." He takes the tokens and stores them safely on his person.
I must find a way to disguise myself as well as these others. If that one is a drow agent I must watch him closely.
"Hmm... you do make a point Xizor."
Sanriel looks at the necromancer as she enacts her magic in front of him. The burn black skeleton going slightly more still as he clamps down on his religious zeal.
"I can only assume that previous groups had not nearly as many issues between them." the druid states darkly as the Necromancer exits the room.
"But the woman is correct, if we are to work as a group some understandings need to be made. I would ask we do a simple introduction to each other, I would prefer to call you something other than too-heavy-drow-child or Not-goblin." the skeleton stands slowly "I am Sanriel of the Stonewilds, I am one of the last true followers of the Green path. I command powers of the natural world and am speaker for those on and under the earth that have no voice. I give you greetings."
the druid finished, returns to his seat.
"Now, Not-goblin as you are already standing would you care to go next? Or perhaps the alabaster man with no heartbeat? Anyone feel free. If no one cares to we could always punch each other like savages for a while but I doubt Miss Shivered would appreciate the damage we would do to her dining room.
When the robed man enters The elf leans forward "Ah greeting Xizor, I see they called you in as well. Your abilities will surely be of use."
"Oh and do let the goblin try, they are always so entertaining when used as shock troops. It will give the rest of us fair warning of what is up ahead." He says with an amused voice.
He leans back in his chair before continuing.
"As for introductions, my name is Rizzen. I am a mercenary of sorts and excel in stealth, assassinations and other services. As you may have deduced I am a drow, though no longer affiliated with them. I do keep some channels open with old acquaintances for goods and services."
Zorryn crosses his arms and listens to 'Sanriel', follower of the green path. Sounds like a druid. But he is as undead as me, interesting.
His eyes darken when Rizzen reveals himself as a Drow. What the hell did no longer affiliated mean? Wanted dead by other nobles?
"Fine. Zorryn. Was my birth name if I remember correctly. A slave and an experiment all my life. I escaped only to fall into the hands of vampires. When they realized how much of a monster I was they released me. I would never have fit in. So now, well," with the last sentence he looks at Rizzen, "I kill drow." As calmly as if he was calling himself a blacksmith.
Her efforts to cause the rift to reform prooved to be ultimately fruitless resulting in a marked increase in frustration displayed on the face of the drow girl as she returned to her seat at the table brushing what crumbs and remnants of what the goblin had not ingested completely clung to her feet off 'Sandriel' the strange man with the affinity for the skeletal monkeys had begun attempting to bring the group around in some manenr trying to smooth over some of the hostility that had already cropped up between those present, truthfully she had no strong opinions for or against any of those present so far save fro the Alpha and the Goblin, she found herself so very curious why the Goblin so readily stood against beings that she could identify as far outside of a creature such as its ability to contend with, it was bulky and strangely intelligent for a Goblin but still unless it was disguised as Rizzen and she were it was certainly in no position to posture as it did.
She tilted her head from one side to the other as she let the others talk, Rizzen even going so far as to reveal that he was in fact a Drow disguised as a pale elf, quite curious to her as the pale elves were natural enemies of the drow, he alpha gave its name, Zorryn and revealed himself to be the work of Drow and to have been brought to undeath by vampires. Evidently he had a distaste for the dark elves a fact that would certainly make things interesting between him and Rizzen. Sandriel was a man of nature, druid as they were called by some devout to the land and yet despite this he reeked of death, quite curious.
Now she was in a strange position to reveal herself or not, already many had accurately guessed that her present form was not her true one, she'd of course made little effort to act in the manner that befit her form which certainly did not help, but how much exactly should she let them know, as of yet none knew of her except perhaps the Linen Lady. Perhaps it was best at least to show them her form, to allow them to know she was not like them, the little girl once again removed herself from her seat taking a few steps away from the table in order to allow those present a better view of her true form, the girls face scrunched up as if in pain as quite suddenly tears began to open in her skin quickly the tiny form of the drow girl was torn away and replaced by a creature that much larger than it, she stood her knees bent slightly her weight supported by all four of her limb, before the others now stood a creature that gave off a truly otherworldly aura a look of being just 'not right' smooth black armor-like skin coated it from its toes to the top of its mostly featureless head the only feature displayed on the head of the creature was a maw of razor sharp teeth all on display as it seemed to smile at them and her tail nearly as long as she is tall idly flicks about like a cat that is not quite sure of its new company.
As she looked to each of the assembled creatures a strange sort of chirping click ushered forth from her mouth "This is my form. I know only that I am [Insert Long Clicking Sound] they have called me the Clicking Horror. Clikk will do. I eat, I grow, I adapt. I take faces and make them mine, I take strengths and make them mine, I am always hungry. I am told I will not be allowed to consume any of you however." much as when she had taken the child's form her voice springs forth from just near all of those assembled however now it is a wide variety of voices, old, young, male, female "I deceive prey, make them come to me, then I rip them apart and consume them..." She then looks around despite her lack of obvious eyes and it seems she is searching for what else to explain "And my bag is very deep" she ends in an almost amusingly awkward manner tapping a long sharp claw against the bag that dangles from her side, the only other pieces of physical equipment upon her form are a cloak of clear surface elf design carefully attached in it's proper manner and a necklace bearing a wide variety of strange symbols that hands about her neck.
Seeing the people speak of themselves and tell him worthless details annoys Ckkxxchtki, You speak of me as the Not-Goblin, and have insulted me, and then you expect me to be cordial and speak of my past? No, I refuse.
The goblin's mouth hangs open slightly, its lengthy pointed tongue hanging out as it begins to clench its hands and twitch... his sharp little claws dig into his palms, his feet start to shuffle and he does not remain standing in the same spot as before. He looks at each of the people that have spoken of themselves with disdain and takes an especially long look at Clikk.
As his pair of hearts begin to pump even faster, the goblins veins and arteries pop out, standing out against the skin like highways, and the wounds upon the goblin begin to bleed once more as the blood begins to push open the scabbed wounds.
Zorryn said stuff, then he said "I kill drow."
Rizzen smirks "Yes, yes, you kill Drow, I kill Drow, our little monster over there (indicating Clikk) probably kills Drow.
And I am sure you know...Drow take members any race as slaves and kill others at their whim, because all other races are nothing in the eyes of Drow.
Now let us stop with this useless male posturing over who has killed what and who has the biggest claw. It bores me.
So unless you are going to start biting, I suggest you stop barking." He says with a yawn.
Sanriel looks to the great abomination that had revealed itself, nodding slightly longer than one would associate with simple understanding. A calm motion of his arm reflecting much of the the emotion a more human gesture like a smile might. "It is appreciated that you were willing to share, please allow me to address these issues before seeing if the rest of our party would desire to follow suit."
Looking toward the lab experiment and posturing elf Sanriel nods before speaking "I ask out of respect for the house we currently rest in that we save murdering each other for another day. From your history it is obvious of your hatred of the drow, Zoryn. I would ask you demonstrate your own strengths by ignoring your hate for a time and allow yourself to see past Rizzens birth race. We are all here for a reason and if you allow yourself to become blinded by such small issues as the race of your company you will never see the reward you desire. This Lady appears quite powerful, I desire to see in what ways before I do something like spilling blood in her servants home. I have no interest in living the rest of my life as a rutabaga, too many things to do."
He turns to the goblin and looks at it flatly
Well, rather than reflect what has already happened allow me to apologize. I was lead by your actions to believe you a savage, would you do me the honor of proving me wrong?" the druid states in highborn fashion, appearing to be quite sorry for whatever insult he has given. He stands from his chair, making a half bow to the goblin. The actions seeming familiar to Xizor for it was the same type of conversation that made the skeletal man knock someone unconscious and trap them like some kind of flower in granite flooring. It was an interesting day.
Prideful little abomination, seems more a child than a grown mortal. He chooses to break the social contract of the land and is fully aware of such a thing but expect us to treat his insults with respect? Well I shall see if kindness calms him and if not I shall inform him of his place in this matter. He has already outed himself to Xizor,Clikk,Rizzen and the alabaster man who has been giving him death glares the entire time. I get the feeling that if he will not bend to accommodate the other egos in the room that the little Not-Goblin will swiftly find himself removed from this engagement. Hopefully though I can determine his handle and just ensure my leash is tight and unseen.
The goblin reaches up and scratches its jaw... seemingly failing to notice when its claws gash open its face to the bone... "I am Ckkxxchtki" he says, not even noticing or caring that the series of syllables that come so easily to his lips and tongue are impronouncable.
Right about this time, seeing the growing tension, one of the Monkeys scampers out the same door as had Shivered gone through.
It takes her a minute or two more to wander back into the room. This time she has a pair of daggers in her hands, one is serrated and glows a faint dried blood shade of crimson, while the other one appears to be made of obsidian.
"I just wanted to let you know that it will be perhaps half of an hourglass worth of time before the door to the location is readied. I hope you all can stand each other long enough to wait."
She turns right around and heads back into the other portion of her sanctuary
"Rest easy druid. I am aware it is the Lady's house. I am no savage brute no matter how I look. One ousted Drow means little," here he goes from looking at Sanriel and back to Rizzen, "but I wonder who you pissed off to end up like you are?"
After the 'Goblin' reveals his name Zorryn replies, "That's no goblin name if I ever heard one."
Sanriel nods, appreciating the removal of tension. "I greet you then, Ckkxxchtki." the druid states in a full reproduction of the sounds the creature had made.
Being an undead whos method of speech was powered by magic rather than such mortal things as lungs and meat made for interesting advantages.
Either a possessing spirit or a body hopper what with the lack of care to the creature he is in. Impatient and ill tempered, sees little point with creatures he considers "Prey". Will need to see that his opinion of me is changed in future, I doubt his attempts would work on me but I would prefer to avoid it all the same.
"Take your time, the moment of tension has passed. If we are going to kill each other I believe we will at least not do so on your floors."
The druid states in response to the lady of the house, turning to look in her direction when doing so.
"So you desire a dragon to eat it then?" the druid says to the black armored crouching -Thing- unsure precisely what else to say to it. why do I get the feeling that I am going to need to find a way to beat half of this group into unconsciousness before they consider me anything but prey? At least there is stone beneath me. the druid considers, thinking back to the tunnel that took him here. Too many wrong angles and coiling oily smoke in there.
Rizzen lets out a little laugh.
"Why I never pissed off anyone important enough, I just killed them. My family was destroyed because the other families worked together and apparently they planned it for nearly 50 years. In our pride we did not expect those pitiful families to work together. Thanks to a deal I made, I am the only surviving member of my family. So believe me when I say, I have no love for the Drow. I would love nothing than more to kill all the ruling matriarchs. But that requires a lot of patience and power. I have the first and I am building the latter. It would be interesting to see how our lady can help me in that."
-Posted with Wayfinder
The black 'armored' creature tilted its head to face Sanriel as he spoke to her its maw turning into a strange sort of grin as he referenced her end goal "They are the great hunters, they are the top of the food chain even when young, an old dragon would give me much power." she explained with a nod, no need to hide that fact it was obvious enough with what she had told them already. She seemed to perk up slightly at the smell of fresh blood being drawn and with her head raised slightly she took a moment to identify the location and a small frown was brought to her face when she found the source to be the goblin.
"You have damaged your form Ckkxx- cht -kim, our host is not here to answer so I will ask, if your form dies I consume it?" She found pronouncing the name quite enjoyable a strange sort of familiarity with the style of name that she had only ever experienced when doing things that related to what her species did naturally. She had asked the question mostly out of courtesy, it would in the end be up to there host whether she ACTUALLY consumed a fallen 'ally' as the woman had yet to define if that was off limits yet.