The door does not appear to be trapped.
Amren will slowly open it once the rest of the group has arrived.
Dropping into his soldier's stance, Kast stands ready to move in when the door is opened.
Pointingly ignoring her for the time being Calin attempted to ready himself to hold the portal of the door once it was fully opened if something rushed out. He couldnt beleive he was that stupid, that niave. He really should have listend to her father. He couldnt believe that she was that heartless... but it showed what he knew. The goblins came first however.
The door opens up into a tunnel leading away from the hedge.
The tunnel seems to be leading back the way that you came.
Will you go down the rabbit hole or continue pressing onwards?
Garridan quietly pondered the elven maiden---that is to say... wizardess' question about his magic. He is slow to answer as the question rather caught him off-guard. "I don't know that I have any secrets of magic, it's more of an innate power I suppose? I come from a long line of Harrowers and stargazers... something that I seemed to have inherited from my moth---"
He stops as the word catches in his throat. He takes a moment to swallow the lump... "From my family-line that is. There is much knowledge and many secrets to be found amidst the stars and even in the void between them. I discovered I have the power to seek out those secrets... and while probing the darkness of the heavens, I awoke a power within me. Everything changed, my magic just... comes when I call it. The color spray spell as you so named it, I learned while watching a distant nebula... the myriad colors were breathtaking." He smiles wistfully and then pats the bulge in his bandolier.
"There is also magic in the cards... magic to foresee the future. Though the answers are cryptic and often hard to decipher, one can learn much from the cards." He blushes a little. "As to your last question... I... well, I don't know that I've ever noticed it in such a, uh, personal manner?"
That is fascinating! From my study I know that there is a power in words. Words have meaning. Words have power. For example, knowing the name of a balor or an angel can call them from the depths of their existence to this plane.
I too inherited my magical gift from my dam but from what I am told my gift is much more powerful than hers. It seems we have much in common, both talented in magic and both orphans.
You read cards? Tell me, Garridan Teskarova, what do the cards and the stars hold for me?
Kast nods down the tunnel, certain there must be goblins someplace.
"It's nice to here you talk, Garridan," Kast says. "I was worried that your desire for vengeance had robbed you of your ability to speak. You haven't said much as we travelled. We are here because of you...if you wish to return, now is a good time to say so."
Amren checks the tunnel's direction, comparing it to the position of the sun.
This leads back the way we came. I doubt it leads to the goblin hideout. Stay here.
He then sneaks off, heading into the next area.
Perhaps he chose not to speak due to the lack of quality of the conversation or those engaged in the conversation?
Perhaps he chose not to speak due to the lack of quality of the conversation or those engaged in the conversation?
"Or maybe he just remembered that he understands the language of terriers and chihuahuas."
I wonder how long before she turns on him as well.
There are much more important and interesting things to talk about than marching and military formations. Being a rube is so last year, Kast. Updating is necessary, one should always put their best foot forward.
"Indeed, Lady Lantherion. We do seem to have much in common. I would gladly perform a Harrowing for you once we are somewhere safe; now is not the time for such actions."
He quietly nods to Amren as his halfling friend disappears once more. "My intent on revenge has robbed me of nothing; however, I must say this pointless bickering does nothing..." He rubs his tired, red eyes slowly while waiting for Amren to return.
I thank you for the use of the title, Lady, Garridan but I am no longer nobility. I am simply Elrawien, wife of Calin Moonbreeze. But you can call me Wasp, if you would like. Only close friends are afforded that claim. I wonder if we would be able to trade knowledge of spells. I know that if there was a magus we might be able to learn from each other's spellbooks. I wonder if the same holds true for us?
C9
A rope bridge spans the gulf between the cliff and a roundish, flat-topped island 60 some feet to the north. Thick patches of nettles and briars grow here and there atop the island, but its most impressive feature is a wooden one story stockade. 2 30 feet tall watch towers guard the stockade's southern façade. The rope bridge itself is made of hairy rope and thick wooden planks; the whole things creaks and sways in the wind above the churning surf 80 feet below.
"I am honored, Wasp." He smiles slightly, it was nice to have someone who understood the pain he was feeling. "As to your theory, I am not sure, but perhaps that would be the case. Once we have cleared this lair... I would like to discuss magically theory with you. While I have basic knowledge of the arcane, most is simply self-learned."
Kast looks over the bridge with trepidation. He looks down at his twisted left leg and sighs deeply.
Being a soldier is not easy...it never is. Risks must be taken.
Feeling clumsy, Kast stows his shield and morningstar and prepares to cross. He knows that he is already at a disadvantage with his leg, and crossings like this are especially daunting.
Kast puts on a brave face.
"I'll go first if you want. If it holds me, it'll hold the rest of you. And I can hold the other side for a bit if we are attacked," Kast says.
He doesn't eagerly start on the bridge, however, in case someone else has a better reason/desire to go first.
Perhaps the lightest should scamper across first? says the elf as she gives the sorcerer a look of understanding and with a look of sadness in her eye. I would love to take you under my tutelage.
Amren puts a hand out to stop Kast.
Let me scope it out first. I'd like to get close, El, do you have a spell to make me invisible? If not I'll stay here and see what I can see.
It is Elrawein, Halfling. I do have a spell that can turn people invisible but since I am working with the goblins per your accusation at the inn why would I want them not to see you? she replies.
Amren make a perception check.
Very well then, I'll take care of it myself.
Amren stays in the shadows of the warren, getting as close as he can to the bridge without being in danger of being seen, and studies the fortress.
On the middle of the bridge you see a raven looking at you.
Everyone! That damn raven is on the bridge. And it knows we're here...
Come and play with me Halfling. the raven caws. Better yet, get me the shiny bracelets from the elf?
Kast resists a snort at the 'Lady's' question.
Funny how the biggest anchor around our necks thinks herself the lightest.
Kast grumbles as the raven re-appears. He looks to see if the barbarian's axe wound was still visible on the bird.
"Make way, Amren," Kast says, drawing a javelin. Kast throws it.
to hit;
damage.
As Kast's javelin sails over his head, Amren will charge the bird, all premise of stealth gone.
I will wear you as a hat, you pathetic animal! He howls, as his feet thud on the bridge, much faster than you would expected a halfling to be able to run.
Amren and Kast please make a DC 15 will save
Ok waiting for Kast.
Will Save
"Take that, Raven!" Kast smiles, proud of his aim.
Kast, with a mighty blow you hit the raven with your javelin. It does not look like it hit for as much effort as you thought it should but it does hit.
The raven looks like the sword hit is gone.
It's an illusion! Find the real one! Amren calls back as he starts to scamper back across the bridge toward the group.
Kast still sees the raven there with a javelin jutting out of it but it looks like it is going to get ready to take wing.
Kast looks proud of his accurate throw, turning around in a quiet subdued fist pump...
"It's an illusion! Find the real one!"
...which quickly elevates into an angry fist shake as he processes what Amren is saying.
Oh right, how could a raven carry or fly with that javelin?
Kast curses and looks for the raven.
Is Kast from the Jersey Shore?
Lokien moves forward without any hesitation since Amren told him what that the raven is an illusion. He doesn't stomp his way through on the bridge though suspecting the raven to be leading them into some sort of trap.
Cautious movement on the bridge is what was called for, keeping a hand on the side in case of anything else happening.
Kast and Lokien please make a Will save with a +5 bonus.
Will Save
"Stupid raven..."...but it's less annoying than the Lady.
Kast, you can tell that it was an illusion.
Kast shakes his head.
"Let's just cross. I'm not afraid of the raven. We either need to complete our mission or go home," Kast says, testing his footing on the bridge.
Kast will take 10 on climb to move slowly and carefully across the bridge.
Amren follows behind Kast, not wanting to try and scoot around him and risk upsetting the bridge. He waves the rest of the party forward as he does so.
Kast curses silently as the halfling joins him on the bridge. He already feels unsteady, but having the halfling on as well is too unsettling.
Kast stops and waits for the halfling to scurry completely across or go back and wait until he is off to proceed.
Kast glares at the overhelpful civilian.
Amren stops when Kast stops, looking at him quizzically.
"Go to the end or go back to the start, halfling," Kast grunts and waits. "But get off the orc-lovin' bridge."
Patience, Kast. Like Irori.
To those that have still not crossed the bridge the elf woman says, I might not be trained in these things but wouldn't securing a rope around us and something more stable be a good insurance against falling if we have enough rope?