Slumbering Tsar: Forward - The Camp (Inactive)

Game Master Lord Manticore

"He seems unmoved. Let's see if the reach of the Harbinger extends to such a creature."

Elen steps forward, and begins with a detect poison cast on the captive. Assuming she finds no poison on or in his person, she then fixes the gargoyle with a stare that causes him to doubt his own sanity, and a lilting, eldritch laugh chills him to the stones. Evil Eye hex to reduce saves (-2) and Cackle to extend it. DC 19 Will Save, if successful a duration of 2 rounds, if failed 8 rounds.

She then draws upon her mystical connection with Ally to cast a spell that she had not previously prepared, concentrating intensely for several seconds, then stepping forward to touch the bound creature. Using full-round action to cast a non-prepared spell, as described here, one spell level above the spell slots she has available, which is a DC 21 spellcraft check. Casting: Bestow Curse with the effect of -6 to Wisdom. DC 19 Will Save.

As her eldritch energy attacks Bor's spirit, Elen trembles, her breath becoming labored. Elen is now Fatigued.

Will v. Evil Eye/Cackle: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Will v. Bestow Curse: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 8 - 2 = 17

Bor continues to glare at the minotaur and now the witch trying to vex him. "I will not talk. You are all doomed, destiny or not."

EDITED

I can always invade its mind and drag forth the information we neee. The wizard says as he steps forward. Although he will be able to do little but drool afterwards.

Intimidate Assist: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15

[dice=Will v. Evil Eye/Cackle]1d20 + 8

[dice=Will v. Bestow Curse]1d20 + 8

Bor continues to glare at the minotaur and now the witch trying to vex him. "I will not talk, I will never talk to such thrice-damned creatures as you."

Even if he made the first save he still takes the penalty on the second one.

Bor Metalstench wrote:

[dice=Will v. Evil Eye/Cackle]1d20 + 8

[dice=Will v. Bestow Curse]1d20 + 8

Bor continues to glare at the minotaur and now the witch trying to vex him. "I will not talk, I will never talk to such thrice-damned creatures as you."

Even if he made the first save he still takes the penalty on the second one.

Damn, I missed that. I fixed it.

No problem. Now that he's hexed and cursed, he's a total of -5 to will saves.

Elen, what's next?

Does anyone have Charm Monster as a spell? Might be the easiest thing to hit him with while he still has a -5. I can also curse him again with a different effect (which stacks) to give him an additional -4 to all saves.

Closest thing I have is that Lesser Geas and I bet his level is gonna be too high. I don't, as a rule, cast enchantment or necromancy.

Suggestion would work too and is lower level.

As the party starts to break up, Macavity will use the crowd as a distraction to Vanish and stealth away. He will trail the party to ensure his absence is not noticed. If his absence is noticed, he will climb and hop over the walls to meet them at the front gate. Otherwise, he will spend the day and night in the castle dropping some eaves on the clanliege and guard commanders.

Lavinia has no useful spells to make Bor talk.

Lavinia stays near Ruul while the creature is being questioned.

As the party starts to break up, Macavity will use the crowd as a distraction to Vanish and stealth away. He will trail the party to ensure his absence is not noticed. If his absence is noticed, he will climb and hop over the walls to meet them at the front gate. Otherwise, he will spend the day and night in the castle dropping some eaves on the clanliege and guard commanders.

Do you plan to find a room or someplace to sleep during this time, or are you going to plan an all-nighter?

I was assuming we'd head back to the inn since we wanted to talk to the innkeeper again anyway.

Azaraunt, was the statement about ripping it out of his mind a bluff?

Do you plan to find a room or someplace to sleep during this time, or are you going to plan an all-nighter?

He only needs two hours, which he usually schedules for mid afternoon. I don't remember what time of day it is.

He will take an hour before his nap to search for an appropriate place, that is normally inaccessible to castle residents. He will use his Wallclimber, take 10 horizontal jump of 26-feet, Disable Device, and Stealth to find a place between floors, walls, or roof. He has Resist Cold 5, so he can effectively sleep in the cold without issue. If he can't find a suitable place, he'll head to the common room of the inn.

Azaraunt, was the statement about ripping it out of his mind a bluff?

Unfortunately, yes. Only color for my assist in Intimidate.

Well Ruul is going to Steven Segal him if nobody has any way to get him to talk.

(I'll post more when I get home tonight.)

Quick question: how is he currently bound? Is he gagged (I assume not, but you might be removing the gag for answers).

Lord Manticore wrote:

Do you plan to find a room or someplace to sleep during this time, or are you going to plan an all-nighter?

He only needs two hours, which he usually schedules for mid afternoon. I don't remember what time of day it is.

He will take an hour before his nap to search for an appropriate place, that is normally inaccessible to castle residents. He will use his Wallclimber, take 10 horizontal jump of 26-feet, Disable Device, and Stealth to find a place between floors, walls, or roof. He has Resist Cold 5, so he can effectively sleep in the cold without issue. If he can't find a suitable place, he'll head to the common room of the inn.

You are able to find a couple of suitable places. It is a pretty old castle, but still quite functional; there are few places inside where it is actually cold. Make 2 perception checks, and I'll give you the results via PM.

Ruul bound him tightly with Elen's silk rope, double so around his wings. He's not gagged.

You are able to find a couple of suitable places. It is a pretty old castle, but still quite functional; there are few places inside where it is actually cold. Make 2 perception checks, and I'll give you the results via PM.

Perception 1: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (7) + 15 = 22 +2 more vs. Human

Another intimidation attempt would probably be best then. The DC will be lower by 3 because of his reduced Wisdom. Elen will also use Fortune hex on Ruul to give him best of two rolls.

Intimidate Aid Another by Ally to help Ruul: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Ally uses ventriloquism from a hiding spot in Elen's robes, making the already mind-cursed Gargoyle think he's hearing voices. She uses her Truespeech ability to speak in Terran, whispering to the gargoyle, "You've failed... you're pathetic... a useless lump of coal... might as well tell them what they want to know..."

Who am I to argue with a witch? =P

Ruul lifts the bound captive by the collar and leans in close. He snorts blowing a gust of steam over the gargoyle. A low animal growl comes deep from within the bull minotaur's chest.

"I will crush you like a stone beneath my hooves. I will grind your hide to dust. There won't be enough left of you to form a brick for the keep's walls."

Intimidation /w Aid: 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 14 + 2 = 33
Intimidation 2nd roll via Fortune: 1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 14 + 2 = 36

The gargoyle cowers at this last move (or at least he cowers as much as one can bound up). "I don't know what I can tell you that you haven't already heard. Besides, I'm not afraid of your kind. Do you think that this is the only world, the only plane that I have been on? I have seen horrors that you can't even imagine. Served under masters who make your petty attempts at intimidation seem unworthy of even comment. Some would not have threatened like you have, puny minitaur And yes, that is not a typo; they would have just crushed me and been done with it. Kill me if it pleases you, or let me go. Either way, I...STILL...WIN."

Have we actually asked him anything? :D

No, but I think he's just about out of chances.

"Why does your kind align themselves with the rotting dragon? The Clanliege says you have some measure of honor. Why submit to such a monster?"

"Why not? He offers us good pay and some spoils. We are his early warning system, you could say. If he's not around, we make sure no one goes into his territory. If someone wants to parlay and the dragon isn't around, then we do so. It's that simple."

"So you serve the creature willingly..."

I'm done with this guy. Anyone else have any questions?

"Who would parley with the dragon?"

He has taken his options - he does not look like he has been forced into anything. Now he must live up, or die for them - are Calendir's words, spoke quietly from where he had been watching the interrogation.

Numair returns from the trenches where he was tending to the wounded and talking to Digory. Having his charge demonstrate courage and valor, he spent a long time in discussion with Digory. He joins the rest at the interrogation, and addresses Bor.

How big is your territory? Are there others in your tribe, other bands you know of? Have you seen a merchant caravan? How do you contact Malerix?

Numair returns from the trenches where he was tending to the wounded and talking to Digory. Having his charge demonstrate courage and valor, he spent a long time in discussion with Digory. He joins the rest at the interrogation, and addresses Bor.

How big is your territory? Are there others in your tribe, other bands you know of? Have you seen a merchant caravan? How do you contact Malerix?

"How big is our territory, metal warrior? We claim an forward post that was once used by your crusade almost a century ago. It is nearest of the perches in the Desolation to Malerix. And yes, there are several tribes of gargoyle in the Desolation, but I don't know where all of them are located.

"What is this caravan that you're talking about?"

The afternoon after the dragon attacks, Macavity strolls into the common room of the inn like he owns the place and finds his usual spot to nap.

Surprised that the gargoyle is being forthcoming, Numair continues.

The caravan was one that cut across the waste. If you have not seen it, then it is of no consequence. Tell me more about this forward post, and how to reach it. Also, if you trade with this village, why attack it now? Were you ordered to?

Ruul spins around, puts a hand on Numair's shoulder, and leans in to speak in a low voice.

"I leave the prisoner in your hands. I am going to join Lavinia outside and see if we cannot gather more information."

Surprised that the gargoyle is being forthcoming, Numair continues.

The caravan was one that cut across the waste. If you have not seen it, then it is of no consequence. Tell me more about this forward post, and how to reach it. Also, if you trade with this village, why attack it now? Were you ordered to?

"Of course we were ordered to. I take it you have never been part of an army?"

Numair Nejem wrote:

Surprised that the gargoyle is being forthcoming, Numair continues.

The caravan was one that cut across the waste. If you have not seen it, then it is of no consequence. Tell me more about this forward post, and how to reach it. Also, if you trade with this village, why attack it now? Were you ordered to?

"Of course we were ordered to. I take it you have never been part of an army?"

"An army? The dragon is powerful, and your grotesque fought viciously, but I'd hardly call that an army. I didn't think things were so organized out in the Desolation. Are all the other tribes gargoyles part of this 'army,' too? What else can you tell me about it?"

With the prisoner handed over (and talking), Ruul leaves the area to track down Lavinia.

"It appears we're going to be here a bit longer", the minotaur explains.

Lavinia shrugs. "I suppose another day or two here doesn't matter much. Besides, it gives us a bit more time to prepare and gather more information before we leave."

Did Ally/Elen share some of the guards rumors they heard? Like the one that said:

One heard a tale from Maulf, the tavern-keeper. He was one of the few that has actually seen the gates of Tsar with his own eyes. He never got in, but the guard was told that Maulf saw many creatures manning the walls; human looking, but there was something odd about them. You might want to talk to Maulf about it, if you have the guts, that is. It was a pretty gruesome tale.

Ruul snorts and nods.

"I don't believe anyone is going to complain about another few nights in a soft bed."

"Let's see what information we can gather now that the town is stirring."

Bor Metalstench wrote:

Numair Nejem wrote:

Surprised that the gargoyle is being forthcoming, Numair continues.

The caravan was one that cut across the waste. If you have not seen it, then it is of no consequence. Tell me more about this forward post, and how to reach it. Also, if you trade with this village, why attack it now? Were you ordered to?

"Of course we were ordered to. I take it you have never been part of an army?"

"An army? The dragon is powerful, and your grotesque fought viciously, but I'd hardly call that an army. I didn't think things were so organized out in the Desolation. Are all the other tribes gargoyles part of this 'army,' too? What else can you tell me about it?"

"I didn't say I was part of an army, did I?" Pausing for a moment, Bor looks you over. "You've never tortured anyone before, have you?" Bor says it casually, like two blokes sitting around a campfire.

"I didn't say I was part of an army, did I?" Pausing for a moment, Bor looks you over. "You've never tortured anyone before, have you?" Bor says it casually, like two blokes sitting around a campfire.

Numair continues to chat with the gargoyle, matching his casual tone."I'm not torturing anyone. I have questions. You have answers. I'll talk to you as long as you keep talking. When you stop talking, or when I think you're lying to me, I'll chop your head off and go on about my day. I have the feeling that you knew that already, though."

"Well at least you're being honest with me. Again, Bor pauses for a moment. "Do you you know how hard it is to be a gargoyle?"

Azaraunt listens to the interrogation trying to learn what he can.

About to leave for a short trip - should have internet during the evenings and will be back next Wednesday.

Azaraunt listens to the interrogation trying to learn what he can.

About to leave for a short trip - should have internet during the evenings and will be back next Wednesday.

Have fun, where are going to ski?

Crested Butte. Small Mountain in Central Colorado - not too far from Aspen as the crow flies, but pretty far by road. Its my second favorite place to go. They offered such a good deal compared to Steamboat Springs (My favorite) I opted to go there this year.

Crested Butte. Small Mountain in Central Colorado - not too far from Aspen as the crow flies, but pretty far by road. Its my second favorite place to go. They offered such a good deal compared to Steamboat Springs (My favorite) I opted to go there this year.

I've heard of Crested Butte, but have never gone there. I used to ski many moons ago, long before I moved to South Texas. Last time I went I was in the Snoqualmie (sp) Pass, a little east of Seattle, about 8-9 years ago. How's the powder up there btw?

My experience is Northern Colorado can have the best powder in the world. That is why I like Steamboat so much. Powder is great at Crested Butte though, but this year it looks like packed conditions the entire time. Never trust the weather report - they can be very inaccurate when it comes to mountain weather, so we might get some fresh. Crested Butte is a beautiful setting - sort of a single peak, in a valley surrounded by other mountains. Scenery is priceless. Stunning really, even if you don't ski. Went out with snow machines last year - a blast! I guess we should take this private if we want to discuss skiing much more. :)

"Well at least you're being honest with me. Again, Bor pauses for a moment. "Do you you know how hard it is to be a gargoyle?"

"No, I don't. But I've heard that excuse from plenty of petty thugs before." He changes his voice to a rough baritone and says, "let me go. I didn't do it. Times are hard. I only rob people because I can't find work." He returns to his normal voice and asks, "honestly, if you had an opportunity to live in peace with these folks and out from under the dragon's thumb, would you? Or do you delight in causing pain and suffering? Fighting for survival is understandable; killing for pleasure is inexcusable." He peers intently at the gargoyle, locking his gaze. "What would you do if I cut these ropes and offered you a fair deal?