Danica relays the information she just learned to her friends. "I wonder who this Storm Caller must be and these two devices. It is something we need to keep an eye out for."
Tolvan comes up into the chamber looking first for the sounds of the wings and then at the markings, trying to help Danica.
He thinks back, trying to recall is he has ever heard of either device.
If we are to figure out the mystery of the beast and help the master of this house we must decipher the meaning of these devises.
Tolvan does not recall ever hearing about either device.
Just as Tolvan finishes his sentence, a tiny homunculus appears right next to the elfs hand. It's reddish brown, with large ears and a tuft of fuzzy gray hair on it's head. It's mouth is wide and full of tiny fangs, displayed as it bares it's teeth at the lot of you. It's left left ends above it's knee, and in the toes of its other foot is clasped a human sized ring. It hovers in the air, leathery wings beating quickly, then darts in towards Tolvans fingers! It wraps two claws hands around his finger and then starts tugging it violently. It appears to be trying to tear his finger from the rest of his hand!
He seems to be trying to pull Tolvan closer to the writing on the wall.
Startled at first, Tolvan holds any attacks and tries to determin what the creature wants. It may be some sort of servant. Wizards do sometime construct such ceeatures.
He seems to want me to come closer to the writing. Tolvan observes as he allows himself to be led forward.
Anna sights along her crossbow when the thing jumps at Tolvan. Hey! He needs those fingers!
She doesn't pull the trigger, however, as the thing doesn't seem to be actually attacking. Tolvan, too, seemed to sense the creature's intent.
A moment passes, then she adds, for Kimberly's benefit, you know, for casting spells. Her cheeks color.
The homunculous gets to the wall and releases Tolvans finger, panting slightly with the effort of dragging the human such a long distance. Composing its little, demonic features it turns to face the group, still flapping about head height. First it points straight up, watching everyones eyes, then when some of the group don't look up right away it starts jabbing its hand upwards emphatically. Once everyone has looked upward at least once it resumes its efforts at communication. It tries to swell itself to look as fat and rotund as possible, and stills it's body completely, so only it's wings are moving. Its cheeks are puffed out with air, it's arms and legs bowed dramatically, exuding some sort of rounded fat shape. Having established that pose it contorts its body into another odd shape. Maintaining it's hover, it now tries to scrunch it's body into the smallest shape possible, but not in the fetal position, but just almost imitating a smaller, squished version of itself. Its face takes on a pained and distressed look, and it quivers pitifully, rubbing its belly and pantomiming moaning and a groaning. Then it switches between the fat shape and the scrunched shape several times, possibly to distinguish between the two somehow, always hovering carefully when it changes those two shapes.
Then satisfied at it's explanation thus far, it resumes it's regular flight and body shape, and looks at you both expectantly and quizzically.
It's showing you there's something very big or fat and very very still up above you. Still as a statue even. Then there's something small and sad and pathetic and hungry under or within the big fat thing.
After giving you a few moments to process the message it launches into the next one. It flies a few feet to one side, and points upwards again as if in reminder, and then makes the fat shape, and then the scrunched-pitiful shape again. Then it flies up a few inches and points to the spot he was just making the odd poses. That done it flies several feet away and points proudly to itself, tapping its own chest several times rapidly, and then flies purposefully back to the spot it was making the fat and scrunched poses. It seems to gesture and beckon to the spot it was posing, urging something to come and follow, and then puts its hands at its side in a tiny gesture of impatience or annoyance. Then it reaches towards the spot it was posing, and pantomimes violent and desperate tugging for several seconds. In a sudden flash it switches places, taking the shape of the pitiful and scrunched thing, hand outstretched towards where it was pretending to pull, and pantomimes getting pulled by one scrunched up little arm, but not really budging or getting anywhere. It switches back to the puller, still in the act of heaving and pulling. Then it drops its arms, mimicking great tiredness with a frustrated expression on its face. Then it puts a hand to its ear and leans far in towards where it was acting as a scrunched something, nodding its head occasionally in the affirmative.
It then faces you all again, making sure it has your attention, then points upward, then at himself. Then he slips the large ring onto its foot and disappears from sight, and a few seconds later reappears next to Tolvan. He darts to Tolvans hand, tugs on it once, gently, again towards the writing, and then releases it just as quickly. Then it flies up before your all again and sticks it's arms out and juts its head forward expectantly.
Its saying that upstairs, there's the fat/still shape and the miserable squished thing under/inside it, and that it (the humunculus itself) was up there too. Then it tried to pull/free the miserable thing from under/inside the fat thing, but to no avail. Then it got some instructions from the miserable thing, and put on the ring and came down here. Then it found the group, became visible at a certain point, and tugged Tolvan and started explaining things to this point. It also very clearly wants to know if you're getting any of this so far.
Kimberly watches the activity her eyes light up as she recoginzes the game...
OK, first word, round? no wait fat. second word? ohhhh I know, line, no? Maybe thin, skinny. wait sad, no dead.
she takes a breath, This was so much easier back at the church.
she watches a bit longer.
Wait I know! You used to be taller and thinner then a big fat man sat on you, and when you woke up you came down here to tell us about the big fat man sitting on you. but what about the writing?
she looks around wondering if she was right.
Danica smiles and is entertained by Kimberly's initial interpretations.
"We should go up and see what this thing is telling us."
As Kimberly attempts to interpret the creature starts waving off her words, then slaps its head into its hands as the understanding isn't getting through. It points to itself, and then shakes its head emphatically, and then makes the scrunched up pose, and then shakes it's head again. It looks around and then points to Tolvan, flying up next to the elfs head and leveling its hand next to the top of Tolvans ears, holding it there for several seconds, and then makes the scrunched up pose once more.
At Danica's suggestion the humunculus puts its hands to it's mouth in apparent horror, then really starts waving off her words. It puts a finger up for you to pay attention, and then points upward again and then stretches even higher upwards, point extra high. Then it does begins doing a new pantomime, one you haven't seen yet. It hangs sideways and bares its teeth and lashes its tongue around in the air. It makes exaggerated hooks out of its hands and swells up its chest as big as it can get. It's eyebrows turn angrily downwards and waves its harms and tosses its head from side to side as if making a mighty roar. Then it proceeds to zoom right at each of the groups faces, arms swinging and teeth gnashing all the while, never coming close enough to tough anyone but likely making those without nerves of steel flinch away from the mad flying attacks. It then flies down to the ashy remains of some webbing, and picking it up while maintaining the crazy aggressive pantomimes. It hurls the ashy remains as you, and they dissipate before going more than a few inches, but the creatures has already flown on. It hovers before the group once more, eyes crazy and fierce, hands clawing and slashing at the air, mouth gaping and closing bizarrely... and then it look normal again. Its eyes are wide and a little scared, and it points upward again.
It points down, and holds its hard a little ways apart. Then it points up and stretches its hands as far apart as they'll get.
There is something extremely big, strong, fast, aggressive, and vicious up there. And it either throws ash or has something to do with the webbing that was in this room before. Something upstairs is bigger than what is or was downstairs.
Anna stands, holding her chin while she watches the pantomiming. After a moment, her eyes grow large as she thinks she understands.
Whoa. I think this guy's friend... master? Is still trapped up there. He's either inside or under something, that's got him stuck, so he sent this thing down to get help.
And, whatever else is up there is big, mean, and nasty. Worse than what we've faced before. It's also probably what made these webs down here.
She looks to the homunculus. That about right?
If the group hadn't ever seen a flying creature bounce mid-flight, they had now. The humunculus is quivering with excitement, pounding it's nose with one finger and jabbing the other towards Anna at each point the rogue makes.
After confirming her answer the creature zips over to the wall, pointing at the drawings of the Bondslave Thrall and nodding it's head enthusiastically, watching each of you for sign of comprehension. It then pantomimes the large, big, mean creature a moment, then steps to the side to become another large creature (this one looking less mean and crazy), and starts swinging at the space the nasty creature was. Then it swaps the the mean creatures spot and swipes at the newest large creatures spot, and back and forth a few times until the new large creature apparently defeats the nasty one.
It stops, panting slightly, and looks to the group for comprehension.
It indicates Anna is spot on thus far. Then it points to the Bondslave thrall, thinking the meaning of the device is clear. Then it acts out a fight between the nasty creature and something else big and strong, but not nasty, and in the humunculus's opinion, the not-mean one will win.
"OK, if you don't want us to go up there then what do you want us to do?"
Anna's hands rests on her hips while she watches again, then shakes her head. Bond. Slave. Thrall, she ticks off her fingers with each word. That doesn't sound very good. In fact, it sounds downright terrifying. What if we get enslaved? Or, are we supposed to enslave someone else? She glances in the direction of Danica and Andjela.
Turning back toward the homunculus, she asks, Who is the second big strong thing?
Andjela gives herself a headache...
The homunculus looks at everyone quizzically, then suspiciously, then slaps its forehead again. Thinking hard it snaps it's tiny fingers and flies to the hover over the trapdoor leading down, beckoning for the group to follow and zips down below.
When at least one of the group follows it to the first floor it seems satisfied that someone is following after, and it flies to the still-open front door and starts tugging on it with all its strength... which is to say the sturdy door doesn't budge a bit. It gestures for someone to come and help, and resumes tugging.
When the door eventually gets closed, a tattered paper with writing like what was discovered on the next floor are tacked to the back of the door. Partially wiped away and blotted with ink, its going to take some deciphering to understand what was written. The homunculus just gestures at the tattered documents pinned there as if understanding them will explain everything.
Wait. I think I get it. We use the two devices to summon help. And I suddenly have a strange thought. Maybe we are going to summon the Beast to save his father. Turning to the tiny servant Tolvan asked How do we get to the devices? Do we need to fly or climb to the roof? And is your master hurt? Could we wait another day?
The homunculus starts bobbing excitedly again when Tolvan seems to realize what's being communicated, again banging his nose and pointing at the wizard excitedly. He nods emphatically when asked about climbing or flying to the roof, pointing past the closed door, than the turning his finger straight upwards, flapping his wings to rise slowly.
When Tolvan asks if his masters hurt there's another emphatic nod, and when asked about waiting a day, the creature just seems to fret. He resumes the pantomime of the scrunched figure, presumably his master, and repeats the moaning and groaning motions from before. Rubbing his belly and mimicking having empty hands and unable to eat. Done with the message he just frets, either not sure how to answer or not having one at all.
Summoning the Beast using the devices is correct. Climbing/flying up the outside to get to the devices is correct. His master is hurt/uncomfortable/hungry/starving. Waiting another day does not sit well with the homunculus.
Frustrated at the poor communication, Tolvan, who has little skill in deciphering pantomime, produces pen and paper. Can you write? If so, please do so, starting with your name and the mane of your master.
The homunculus flies up and grabs the pen and paper, setting the paper on the ground and wielding the pen like a spear, starts to write. Its penmanship and spelling is cramped and terrible, like watching a tiny toddler write with it's offhand, but the words are somewhat legible.
I think the guy's been trapped a few days now. We've been here, what? Two at least? If he doesn't get water or food soon, he won't survive.
Anna cranes her neck to view the writing. Umm. Well, that's a dead end. Sorry, Tolvan, it was a good idea.
The imps touches its nose and points at Anna, repeating the pantomime of a very hungry person in confirmation.
Anna presses her lips together in thought. She glances upstairs, then back down at the homunculus.
This is just a job. We get in, get what we want, and get out. What's the layout of the place? Can you draw? Where's Big Nasty, and where's your master? Is there cover?
She paces a little bit, stretching her muscles and working her joints, to make sure they don't pop.
Then, just as she had about mentally prepped for a stealth run, she brightens and starts giggling. I just had a really good idea.
She pulls out the potion of gaseous form and turns to the tiny creature. Can you sneak back to your master and give him this? It's supposed to turn him into a cloud. If he can drink it, have him fly down here, and we'll help him out.
Anna looks around at the rest of the party. This is good, right? No fighting, just being sneaky. Even you have to approve of this, Andjela.
Brillient Anna! Tolvan exclaims and looks expectantly to to little homunculus .
If that cannot work I do have a fly spell memorized and can take a look up top. I suppose i shoul have a look redardless. Any dangers up there?
The homunculus first answers Anna, a complex series of hand movements and gestures that don't help at all, a nod, and then pointing upstairs and then a shake of the head. But then he turns back to the paper and starts drawing, hopping up and down the page in a flurry of strokes.
He then shakes his head at Tolvans question, stops mid-shake, and then shrugs and adds something to the drawing -some jagged lines at the top of the page.
Anna's face twists in disappointment. Why can't he drink a potion? I suppose I could sneak up there and give him it if you can't. She sighs and looks back up to the door upstairs. She throws her hood up, and starts climbing up.
Before opening the hatch, she checks the door for traps.
Tolvan looks concerned as Anna climbs. Anna check it out, but do not open the door yet. I have a though that we should first check out the top side. We cannot afford to wait another day, but we can take a moment to go look at the top of the tower. I bet there is a way down from the top as well.
Danica nods in agreement. "We should tread lightly and recon the area. We should also use everything at our disposal, including the alchemical concoctions we've obtained."
"Tolvan, would you be able to have a passenger when you use your flight spell?"
Yes Danica. I am told I am quite strong, for a wizard. I think I could carry any one of you and could likely ferry you all up. I can extend the spell so that it lasts 12 minutes and can bring you or Anna first so that you can also secure a rope. I have learn to trust both of your perceptions. I am an eft but I am not sure that your eyes are not sharper than my own. Tolvan looks to the little imp like creature. Little friend, we plan to work hard to save your master. To that end we need to ask you to help. Will you help?
Assuming that it agrees, Tolvan continues. First I want you to stay here in this lower room and guard it while we scout above. If anyone or anything comes in here you are to fly up to where we are and lest us know. OK? The wizard's expression changes to a very serious one. [b]And here comes the hard part for you. I need you to trust us. I agree with my friend Danica here. You heard her say we need to use all our resources. And you know that is smart, right? Well one resource we will need to borrow is that right you have there. Can you lend it to us? [/ooc]
"Well, I guess flying us up is the only quick way. I suggest you fly me up first. My heritage allows me to see in complete darkness and I can hold my own until the others can come to support me. I believe that to be the wisest choice."
Tolvan looks to Anna before agreeing…
Anna shrugs. Yeah, I guess that would be okay.
I should wait here? I think this little fellow and I could bond and maybe become friends.
she turns to the little flying creature Do you know Mr. Beast? we helped him when they tried to hurt him for things he didn't do.
Andjela, you ok with this plan? Tolvan asks as he opens the door to outside again. And the turning to Kimberly he says, No, I think we are gonna need you topside. You will come up after Anna, who is next.
Unless someone objects Tolvan will cast his Fly spell, extending it, as he signals for Danica to climb onto his back. You have rope right? We should secure a rope as soon as possible. Maybe even have each person rope off once up there. Not sure what the roof will look like.
Danica nods in agreement as she starts to rummage through her handy haversack eventually pulling out a 50 foot silken rope. "I have rope." She also looks at her longbow trying to remember the last time she used it. She dumps her longbow and her quiver of arrows as it will be too cumbersome to carry on top of the wizard.
The inquisitor monk reaches in her handy haversack and pulls out some vials that was distributed by Tolvan, 2 alchemical fire and 2 alchemical acid. "We may find a good time to use these vials."
Whatever it takes...
Anna rejoins the group after checking out the upper door. Be careful, you two.
She pulls out her own magic rope. You sure you don't want to use this?
Danica responds, "Thanks for the offer Anna. I think you guys will need it more than I would. I will keep an eye out while you guys make your way up."
If nothing prevents or discourage him, Tolvan casts his flight spell, extending its duration with badge, and, carrying Danica flies towards the top of the tower, circling it in an easy pattern and climbing at a rate that does not tax his fly skill.
Anna uncorks one of the particularly fine vintages that Cassomarc had stored in his pantry. From Galt, the wine had been harvested several years before the first of its many bloody revolutions. After a few minutes to let the wine breathe, she pours the velvety liquid into the crystal glasses for everyone. She even pours a half-portion for Kimberly with a wink.
Cheers, she lifts up her glass. When it's time, she slugs back her glass and sets it down empty, then reaches for the bottle and refills her glass before anyone else gets a chance.
She swirls her second helping around it the glass, staring at it for a moment. Then finally she takes a deep breath and looks at everyone with a serious expression. You know, we don't ever talk much, do we?
She sets her glass down. I mean, I think I know you guys, but, do I really? Andj-- I think you said something about being a guard at the Worldwound? And Tolvan, you went to school in Lepidstadt, right? What about you, Danica? I know, I know. Sarenrae monastery, or something like that. But who stuck you in a convent like that? Your dad?
Anna picks up her glass again and sips her wine, savoring it this time. I grew up in Roycraft. Some little backwater of a town where all the folk like to think they're sooo right and proper and perfect. Blech. My dad was all right, I suppose, but I guess it was a scandal that he never remarried after Mom died having me. He told me a few things about her, but I never really knew her, right? So why bother? She stares into her glass.
Well, anyway, I was supposed to find a husband out of one of the fifteen or so future farmers of Roycraft and start cranking out babies. "That is how it is done," the old bitties used to say. She scoffs.
Well, I left everyone behind. I left that stupid town and their stupid rules and all those stupid boys who wouldn't take their noses out of the stupid dirt. She looks at the glass in her hand and leans forward, holding it up. I mean, who cares about turnips and cabbages when there's this kind of stuff in the world? Am I right?
She leans back in her chair and drains her glass for the second time. She sets her empty glass down with finality. No way is that for me. No way. She looks at Tolvan for a long moment. There's a thousand different emotions flashing in her eyes.
She crosses her arms and looks away, then back up at him. No regrets.
Anna examines the solid metal trapdoor carefully, but detects no traps and hears no sound from the other side.
The homunculus nods enthusiastically at Tolvan's question, the delight on it's hideous face is plain as the plans to rescue his master take shape. At the request to guard the lower room, it frets momentarily, but nods and assumes an exaggerated 'watching' posture, hooding it's eyes from non-existant glare and scanning the room obediently.
At his second request however, the creatures eyes fill with tears and it clutches possessively at the small magical ornament. Its gaze turns upward, towards its master, and then back to the party, as if gauging their trustworthiness. Fighting down the tears it shakes its finger at Tolvan in a cautionary manner, as if to warn him to care for the apparently precious-to-it ring. That done it carefully removes the ring, and -quickly flying closer to the wizard- hands the ring to Tolvan.
Tolvan, is the trinket useful? I grow weary of this madhouse.
Andjela seems anxious to do something, anything... her keen eyes scanning their surroundings.
Anna moves toward Tolvan and eyes the ring covetously. Is that--? Do you think I could--?
Holding two rings in his hands and realizing fully what each is he responds. Yes Anna. It is indeed. And there is no one ever who could put it to better use that you. He tosses her the ring of invisibility. And this he says, indicating the ring from the mummy Is a ring of the Ram. Kimberly, this item was taken from an evil undead enemy. I ask that you wear it and us it to help free the master of this tower against the creature above us that is holding him hostage and slowly starving him to death.
He will explain how the ring works to Kimberly, make sure she understands and also make sure that she knows to use 3 charges every time she needs to attack with it.
After the rings are distributed Tolvan will cast his fly spell and carry Danica to the roof.