With the Lescol and Nilus peering over the box, they spend a bit of time looking at the lock before Nilus points out some of the things Lescol missed. Lescol then uses a sharp bit of metal to slowly dislodge the tumblers before the box opens with a satisfying click.
The box is a tad heavy, it might really be made out of adamantium as Rivereye had suspected. Inside the group finds a book, it is written in Infernal. As the group leafs through it they see copious maps and architectural drawings for some sort of underground complex.
** spoiler omitted **
The book is no doubt valuable but how much the group can not say. It does not look like anything in Gate pass, at least not the drawings. They are unsure about the text. However given a few hours they can copy the book word for word with all the diagrams. So they won't have to fight for it away from the Shahalesti, if they so choose.
Lescol votes to let the elves make a copy of the book as long as it is okay with Torrent.
In a low voice Lescol asks his group "It's time we get out of the city, right? We have the scroll of disguise that we could use to get through the gate or we have the potion of climbing to help get us over the wall. In fact as long as the wall isn't too tall, I have the ability to jump on top of it. I could lower a rope down so that the rest of you could climb up. Then we switch the rope you climb down the other side, I jump down and off we go. Thoughts?"
Torrent nods at Lescol "I agree, let us make a copy so we don't have to fight the Shahalesti now nor will they impede us leaving. I think they will have just as much trouble deciphering this as us so I doubt it will be much use to them straight away. We will likely have to scout atop the walls first to see what parts don't have armies, we don't want to get caught by any army at the minute do we? Even if they don't capture us they might try to kill us regardless of allegiance." Torrent says with a little concern in her voice.
Torrent nods at Lescol "I agree, let us make a copy so we don't have to fight the Shahalesti now nor will they impede us leaving. I think they will have just as much trouble deciphering this as us so I doubt it will be much use to them straight away. We will likely have to scout atop the walls first to see what parts don't have armies, we don't want to get caught by any army at the minute do we? Even if they don't capture us they might try to kill us regardless of allegiance." Torrent says with a little concern in her voice.
"I can scout the walls while the pages are copied if you want."
Lescol walks over to Shaelis, "We have both played fair with each other. Now I have a request. If we are going to use this information to fight the Empire we have to get out of the city. Do you know of any secret ways out of the city? It benefits both of us to facilitate our mission."
"I am quite good with words, and scribing if you would like my assistance". "And, as far as escaping the city, I have the ability to fly for very short periods of time...like over a wall..."
Shaelis thinks to herself for a bit, then whispers to her allies in elvish.
She turns back to the group and says. "I had planned to use a secret passage in Gabal's school. It is underneath one of the towers and leads to a nearby alley. There is a cart back there that has some official things from the school. If we use that we can get out, you'll have to come with us though as we don't want you taking our way out leaving us stranded here. The plan will work so long as we are not spotted by inquisitors. As we will be a beacon of 'magic casters are here' slowly trotting through the streets. So best that we prepare for that." Shaelis places her hands on her hips looking to the group. "Any ideas to make it so we're not seen till we get to the gate?"
We should go quickly before the city is locked up even tighter. I have no idea of how to hide the fact that we have magic users. I say let those Inquisitors come and they can taste my blade or kill me. It matters little.
Well it matters to me. I like living. We've got a job to do, lets get Torrent out of this place before any more problems arise.
"I agree". "It's time to leave this city...now if not sooner".
Torrent nods at the group "Yes, haste is quite necessary at this point. We could try to cover up anything that looks magical? I can hid my icons on my magical equipment."
Shaelis then says "I do not believe the inquisitors are crazy enough to continually be scrying or casting detect magic over the place but if we do have a way to hide ourselves away that might be useful. We could even try to trick people by what we wear. Or all else failing we can just run as fast as we can?"
"I have a face not easy to forget". "If we can determine where to meet, I'll just find a shadowy place and fly over the wall, and meet you guys".
Lets get out of here then, we've got places to be yeah?
Lets get out of here then, we've got places to be yeah?
Agreed...speed is our best defense. Gil stick close to us until we get to the gate. We may have need of your healing abilities.
The group deciding to depart gather their things and alongside Shealis return to the school to find the secret exit she talked about to get as close to the walls as possibly before needing to make a break for it. Arriving at the school however a familiar face greets them, none quite happy. Diogenes is standing in the courtyard flipping a wand back and forth. He calls out to the party saying. "Oh so is this beating up Shaelis? Looks to me like she is your friend.. is that right? Give me a good reason not to teach you a lesson right out of Gabal's books hmmm?"
Well I can think of one... Nilus says gesturing to his longsword.
What he said... Lescol says as he draws his sword.
Aid Another
Nilus puts on a threatening show to the Diogenes and Lescol kind of glowers with his ugly face. Managing only to appear ugly. Diogenes is unsettled by this saying "Well.. that might be a good one.. indeed however. I hope you find you way past the next few doorways."
Shaelis is busy rubbing her temples then whispers "He is an illusionist, I doubt that is his real body but he is definitely unnerved by a sword to the gut. Let's continue, our armoured friend has likely caused him to blunder something up ahead."
In the room the Shaelis leads you to they find that the room has giant mirrors plastered on each wall. The reflections of each other are very strange they seam to be mimicking your movements as opposed to be being straight reflections.
As the group approaches Diogenes he seems to freeze in the spot he is standing in. As you get near to him he looks worriedly at the group then begins to run, giving chase to him he divides into three beings and runs into the dormitory, the tower and the school.
Ignoring the stupid mage Nilus bulls his way forward saying
Lets get out of ere...I'm done with these damnable magi and their silliness.
Walking into the next room he stops short
Gil, Lescol, what the hell is going on...
Ignoring the stupid mage Nilus bulls his way forward saying
Lets get out of ere...I'm done with these damnable magi and their silliness.
Walking into the next room he stops short
Gil, Lescol, what the hell is going on...
Lescol stops and takes a good look at the mirrors. Isn't this odd?
Lescol begins to look at the room trying to figure out what might be around. Illusion tricky as it is betrays most senses and almost tricks Lescol at finding out where the original point might be. Though he is able to peer behind a mirror by pushing it. Out of the corner of his eye he sees something scurry away behind the mirror. Peering in hears the sound of a tiny voice cackling away. Then some more skittering.
Lescol pulls (or at least tries to) the mirror off of the wall. "I heard something cackling behind this mirror."
Gil takes a moment, and activates his magical senses.
Acolyte of the Third Eye
and surveys the room.
Perception
Lescol pulls down the mirror looking behind it, it looks like a set of webbing of random thread left behind that is somewhat allowing the mirror to stick. Gil approaches behind Lescol and looks around at trying to find what he was talking about. Gil spots a small impish creature with 4 legs and 2 arms resting on one of the threads cackling. When the creature notices that Gil has spotted him. It quickly scurries off into away past one of the other mirrors.
Shortly after the group can hear the sound of scurrying behind that pane grow louder and louder. It sounds like there is definitely more of them. Gazing around Gil spots there are a few over head, three of them on the ceiling though those ones aren't really paying attention to the group.
Torrent wonders what the purpose of the creatures is and ask. "Any bright ideas to smoke em out .. or possibly avoid these things?"
Gil examines the mirror with his third eye, seeing if there is anything unusual about it. He also seeks another exit.