Klock moves in front of the fourth door and begins to to size up the locks.
As Mysterious begins dancing toward the second door, suddenly it disappears with a pop, leaving Mysterious making his way toward a door that no longer exists.
Klock moves over to the locked door and begins examining it.
Nekare is contemplating the fiends near door five.
Shadwell has been biding his time, apparently waiting for someone to make a mistake. Shadwell still has his actions this round.
One less door but no less wizards? It's now or never!
Shadwell softly chants an invisibility spell and fades from the sight of anyone who was actually stull paying attention to him. Steeling his nerve, he quickly sneaks his way towards the doorway behind the fiends, walking right past them; but first he lets a key drop on the edge of the stage as he starts what may be his last steps.
Some extra distraction couldn't hurt. Unlike those stingers...
Satisfied that most of the damage he sustained is repaired he begins to investigate his surroundings.
Perception
Decades of slipping past disturbed wizards have conditioned Shadwell to ignore his qualms about the consequences if caught, allowing him to easily overcome the prickles of fear and panic aroused by the devils and continue on through the door.
Oh, it worked. Alexis abruptly stopped. Then looked around, realizing the full extent of 'it working'. Oh. For the first time in a long while, he could not help but laugh. It was an unpleasant sound rasping sound, from a throat unused and unsure of how to even laugh, but it was a laugh nevertheless...
Somehow able to push through the crippling fear of the Bone Devils, Shadwell sneaks right by them, dodging between their legs and claws and stingers, right into the opening. The door disappears with a pop.
The two fiends give each other a surprised look and then slump to the ground in a sitting position, looking defeated. The crowd cheers again, still not quite sure what just happened. Then they turn their gaze to the remaining three wizards and the single locked door.
Initiative:
Alexis
Klock
Nekare
she briefly looks crestfallen, but rallies herself as she looks from the devils to the door to her colleagues, formulating various contingencies.
Finishing his bout of hysteric laughter, he slowly shakes his head and continues stepping towards the door the second to last door to close itself (the one he was dancing towards!). We shall see exactly *how* the terms are laid...
She says the words and offers the signs. She locks eyes with one of the devils towering over her, now bereft of their door, and forces her will upon the ancient being with surprising ease.
she screams, and commands it:
The moment the way is clear, she makes her way through, ignoring the waves of fear emanating from the monster
Edit:
As Nekare scrambles in, the door disappears with a pop.
The fiend then drops the door he was holding, and sits down on the ground again. The turtle addresses the rest of the crowd which is now in a frenzy. It announces that this concludes the Terrapin Order meeting for the evening, and that there will be a feast presently. He has a quick word with the two remaining wizards, and then steps into an antechamber out of sight of the rabble, as steaming hot stuffed doves are brought out to feast upon.
As you step through the door, almost immediately you smell sweet spring air. You are standing in a large circular room. The portal you just stepped through seals and disappears with a pop. Only a marble wall stands in its place directly behind you. In front of you, nine circular pillars hold up a vaulted ceiling. To the north the room opens up onto a balcony overlooking a tranquil lake. As you peer out, the small lake is ringed by meadow dotted with berry bushes, fruit trees and low leafy green plants. A fog seems to blanket the meadow, and after about 300 ft. visibility ceases. You see small splashes in the lake below. Looking down you notice dozens of turtles lounging on logs and rocks, some sliding off into the water almost playfully, if that were possible. You are not alone in this room. Between each of the pillars, a portal adorned the wall, six in all. As each person stepped through each portal sealed and disappeared behind them. A table sits in the center of the room. Atop are six large books. Each one looks similar to the others, as though they are all copies of the same book.
Before long the Terrapin himself appears on the balcony. As he teleports in, or plane shifts as may be the case, he is accompanied by the female elf from before. She holds him aloft upon a silk pillow.
“Welcome guests, one and all, to my home.” chirps the turtle. “I recognize that you are not the stinking mass of commoners I usually address, so I will not insult you with platitudes. I’m sure you are wondering why I have invited you here. As I said in my note, I wish to barter an exchange. You see, some time ago I founded an organization, now formally called the Terrapin Order. Our goal is to train and equip the masses of the earth to rise out of the barbaric stupor they find themselves in. Once trained, there will be no limit to what can be accomplished. Perhaps we will stamp out the remaining scourge of demons that roam this world. Perhaps we will silence the undead blight that creeps its way along the gutters of the land. Maybe we will storm the gates of the maelstrom itself should we become strong enough. Those are goals for a later time. For now, I am in the business of acquiring power. I have done all I can as a single entity. Though I wield great arcane prowess, there is a limit to what one being can achieve. That is why I have begun gathering others to my cause. I don’t expect you to agree with my causes. Two people usually can’t even agree what to do with a golden coin. But I don’t need you to buy into my schemes. I only need to buy you. Forgive me if I sound crude. I don’t mean to be. It’s just that I spend my days now hyping up crowds of dolts to blindly do my bidding, and I’m enjoying the reprieve that this meeting offers.”
The elf carries the turtle over to the table with six books. “This is my first good will offering to you. The first of many if things go well. One thing I have, in overabundance, is magical power. I wish to share some of that power with you. In return I ask that you will help me further my aims. The Terrapin Order is growing, but still vulnerable in many places. I don’t yet have enough trained priests, and my plans are being delayed somewhat. From time to time I will have problems that may be best solved by people such as yourselves. That is, people who appreciate the subtleties of power, understand the true nature of things, and who will not be swayed by fancy words, or held back by impractical adherence to outdated codes. And above all, I know you all seek power. And above all, that is what I can give you. The few priests I do possess have been busy writing the tenants of the Terrapin Order. The books before you lay out all of my principles and philosophies. It is overly wordy, for sure. These things must be wrapped in parable and myth for the common folk to understand. Should you study them, you may learn a thing or two about leadership and influence. Take the books. Study them. In a month’s time the term at the Acadamae will conclude and I will have another task for you. I request you take a sabbatical for one year. Work for me and let me empower you to heights that will rival even the masters of your order. Think it over. I will make it worth your while. If you have any questions, please direct them toward my high priestess, Sirith. And now my throat is parched, and my harem awaits. Please excuse me.” With that the turtle flies off the pillow, glides through the air off the balcony to the lake and disappears into the water with a splash.
The elf raises her eyebrows and pleasantly asks, “Any questions?”
she picks up the book before her and studies it absently we can start with the some of the obvious ones, what is Terrapin?... and why all the theatrics?
"Our dear fresh water turtle, or Terrapin as he fancies, has a rather high opinion of himself, if you haven't noticed. The theatrics are partly to enthrall the masses. Most of the Terrapin order come for the money, and stay for the show. And the theatrics are partly because The terrapin enjoys them. As far as his true form and identity, to you, he is a wise and powerful turtle. And that is how I suggest you treat him."
"While I am sure all here are interested in power I wonder what tasks the almighty Terrapin would ask of us. Surely you must have some idea Sirith? After all, knowing what we are being asked to accomplish will go a long way towards discovering how to get there?" Myth states his hands folded on the table eyes looking at the book laid out before him.
"We have to agreed to nothing. Yet. I see no reason to be hasty. I am sure the Great Terrapin, being so wise, would understand a natural reluctance to join this, ah, venture. What if we choose not to participate?"
"This...turtle, if that's what he truly is, is very idealistic, that's for sure."
Seraphim, silent ever since reaching the room, finally speaks up.
"I, for one, believe him. There is no risk in taking the first step, no? It's the ones that follow that offer danger...and excitement."
She picks up the book closest to her, and immediately starts to read, wondering what it was exactly that made it worth the good will gift Terrapin said it was.
This meeting is an invitation only. If the tasks are too much for you, we offer you our manifesto as a gift. If you study it, you may be able to unlock the magic we have imbued into the pages."
"The book is yours as a reward for you demonstrating your prowess for our patrons. The only thing I stress, is that you study the book yourself. The Terrapin would not be pleased if you were to sell it or even pass it off to trusted friend or master." She shoots a knowing glance toward Nixx.
"As for the tasks themselves. We will not start you out with anything too difficult. The order will need to evaluate you and ease you into our way of doing things. That being said, we do need some help with a new branch we have opened. If you choose to join us, we will start you out by doing what the order does best: helping people."
So,... here we have what appears to be a large talking turtle whose ultimate goal is to supplant the gods by self empowering mortals, who will then worship him as a savior, and aquiring arcane and temporal power. The latter part of which we will be assisting with by going on goodwill missions to garner influence over the masses and possibly the favor of the gentry.
How close am I?
Myth nearly laughs out loud at Sirith's statement about helping people but he holds his face even. He awaits the response to Nekare's question before providing any further commentary.
Shadwell begins to peek around the pillars flanking him to see which other wizard made it through after him when Nekare strides forward to take a book, asking questions of the elven woman Sirith.
Nekare, Alvaerele, Barronion, and Xar... An unapologetic eater of sentients, one egomaniacal elf, another so evil it shows in his shadow, and finally, a bibliophile of the deranged. It seems likely we'll be expected to work together, given our common association and recruitment. Most did not suffer through apprenticeship at the Acadamae, except perhaps Nekare, but instead were apparently drawn by it's reputation.
Not exactly boon companions, my dear Centurion, but I've learned all I can lurking about classrooms and peeking through others' tomes at night. At least none of them were around for my official attendance of the school.
As the others begin to converse with Sirith and peruse copies of the Terrapin's "holy" text, Shadwell sidles out around them all to come around the far side of the table, moving slowly to both quiet his steps and take in the strange view off the balcony. Once there, he attempts to surreptitiously acquire one of the books and stow it in his overcoat pocket.
Listen to them, wanting all the particulars laid out before they commit. Of course, when you’re not a beggar, you can be a chooser, I suppose.
.
Instead, the tiny dragon flew up and landed on the book. The question of logistics were no doubt interesting, but that was for the future. For now - Information. As much as we can get!
"Sirith." The tiny drake spoke. "You have been in the order for some time then, yes? Where did you start from?"
So we can gauge how long we must serve until we could advance to 'turtle carrier'. Surely some indication as to how much power that will be earned ...
"Nekare` you put it quite succinctly. I'm sure you think him quite mad. Many do. Many have. You are not the first group of scholars to stand in this room. Others showed promise but were too proud to seize power when the opportunity arose. I will not be surprised if you walk out of here cursing the name of the Terrapin. So much your loss. I think the offer is generous. For my part, all I can say is that I have grown in power much since first meeting my dear turtle. My past in unpleasant, but dull. I will not bore you with it now. If you choose to take this path, I'm sure we will have more lovely talks like this. Now I will thank you for your attention and time. I'm sure you have busy schedules and pressing matters. On the last day of the term, if you wish to continue, meet back in the Empty Shell of Korvosa in the evening. I will have a proper task prepared for you by then. And thank you once again. I hope to see you all again soon. Don't forget your books."
At that, Sirith gestured toward the wall, and a slab of marble slid down into the floor revealing another portal. As you leave through the portal, you find yourself back in the hallway of the Empty Shell. As you walk back into the private room, the three people you saw talking before have departed. The noise of the tavern has become louder and you can hear someone singing a familiar tune. Nothing left now, but to wait until the end of term and decide if you believe a word of what was said.
After the term......
Those of you who have decided to continue down the rabbit hole put your affairs in order and meet back at the Empty Shell. After waiting for a bit with a drink, you are almost surprised to see other wizards actually show up. One by one, you are quietly invited into the back meeting room by one of the barmaids. Sirith sits at a table, a regional map spread out before her.
“Welcome back friends. So good to see you again. Please sit. I have much to discuss with you. Before you lies a map of the region, and a bit beyond. The Terrapin Order stretches over much of what you see here, among other places. But for our first runabout, I feel it best we keep closer to home. You are probably familiar with the town Palin’s Cove. If you have ever been there, then you don’t need me to tell you of it’s filth and stench. Some time ago a branch of the Terrapin Order was established, and the tenants of prosperity that we so espouse caught on rather well. Too well, in fact. Recently, the local thugs have noticed the Terrapin Order. We do not wish to be the center of attention this close to Korvosa just yet. Normally, interference by the local bandits or tyrants is of no concern, but these folks are a bit more zealous in their line of inquiry than normal. The Terrapin had become annoyed. You task is simple. I would like you to travel to Palin’s Cove, and destroy this organization. But you must do it discretely. I don’t want any word of the Terrapin Order’s involvement making it’s way back here. Am I understood?”
can you give us any further information, names or favored haunts, even the names of local order members so we can go out of our way to avoid them?
Clearbourne sits on her shoulder and seems to be eating a dainty plate of foie gras which he guards jealously.
"Oh, you should have no trouble finding them. They are technically part of the Order of the Nail. You may have heard of them before. I believe Pellius Baradin runs the outfit these days, but I have not dealt with the order for a while so that may have changed."
Thankful he didn’t need to talk to any of the other wizards, Shadwell returns to the Empty Shell and hides in plain sight, substituting the anonymity of the crowd for remaining unseen. Waiting until all the other wizards have left, he makes his way back home along a circuitous route full random stops and dark alleys. He lets slip a quiet sigh of relief after he pulls the closet door shut behind him and steps into his room.
Well, Centurion, it appears we weren’t followed, recognized, or possibly even seen by anyone. Now we can relax and take our time with –
The missive, penned on Acadamae stationary, sat plainly visible on top of the books piled on the small endtable which was his excuse for a desk. He does a quick visual check of his room for any sign of intrusion or intruder, finding nothing, then casts detect magic to check the paper for any signs of abjurative magics. Satisfied that the paper is “clean,” he stands over it and cocks his head to the side to read it.
Hmm. It seems they’ve got my number.
Shadwell carefully removes his disguise, hanging the garments on an overwhelmed rack of clothes and dressing himself in student’s robes before untacking one end of his cot, stretching it across the room and affixing it to the nail there. As he fishes the Terrapin’s book out of the discarded coat’s pocket Centurion emerges as well, taking a spiraling crawl up Shadwell’s arm and finding an interior robe pocket to curl up in.
Summoning a magical light and settling into the cot, Shadwell flips open the book and begins to read.
***
Over the course of the month Shadwell splits his time between reading the Terrapin Order tome, improving the utility of his magical cloak, and attempting to acquire some new spells for his spellbook. He also puts his room in order, returning as best he can all the non-essential books he’s “borrowed” over the years, from commonplace primers to personal journals – most of the latter variety ending up placed on library shelves containing the closest related subject matter.
Finally, at the close of the month, the half-elf packs up his crafting tools, spellbook, and a few extra sets of clothing, along with a loaf of bread and skin of water, and places them all into a newly acquired backpack. Checking his disguise in the cracked mirror one last time, he straightens his collar and is satisfied by the elven clerk looking back at him. Making sure he has his Empty Shell keys and Terrapin book in his coat pockets, Shadwell steps out of his room, draws closed the curtain separating it from the closet proper, and heads to the Empty Shell.
Once invited into the back room, he listens to Sirith's instructions, his mouth crimping in a slight frown as he leans forward slightly to inspect the map.
Perhaps the elven clerk wasn't the best way to go...
; what does he know about Palin's Cove?
As the semester passes Myth reads the Tome he is not particularly struck by it nor does he consider it rubbish compared to many things he has read in the past, All Religions are fundamentally the same and this one appears little different.
Still he decides to go back to the Empty Shell, Power is power after all.
Meeting with Sirith Myth listens to the opinions of others before he speaks, "We will need to gain much more data on these foes before we can dismantle their organization. While we have seen each other in passing, understanding what each of us may add to such an endeavor before we travel will enable us to form a successful strategy".
Nekare` laughs aloud, shaking enough to send her imp flying off with his food, thoroughly disgruntled.
before we do anything, Sirith will stop her dissembling. You have admitted the this group of interfering thugs are in fact a local chapter of the order of Hellknights. This means we can expect certain minimums of difficulty from them, at least. They are, by reputation, well trained, well funded and in constant communication with one another. They are aggressive in their support of order and in their retribution against offense. I feel like there's more you're not telling us.
"There is always more to tell is there not? It's true Hell Knights are well trained and ruthless. Some of them are even as ruthless as paladins of Iomedae. You can see why we prefer not to have them poking their noses into our business."
"But it seems against our best discretion, they have stumbled onto a certain merchant branch of the Terrapin Order who's values they do not share. Their strict adherence to the letter of the law is nearsighted to say the least, but once they started interrogating our members, they crossed the line. The Terrapin does not want his trade interrupted, therefore the local chapter of the nail must be silenced. I'm not asking you to murder every last one of them. If their attention were turned to more important matters that might do the trick just as well."
"Now I'm afraid I have not visited Palin's Cove in some time. It's the smell. You had best do your own due diligence before acting. But I'm sure you will think of something. And I must stress again, none of your activities can be linked back to the Terrapin Order. It's true the Hell Knights are in constant communication with each other. Which makes it all the more important that you use discretion."
Myth shrugs, "Does the opponent matter? With enough planning and intelligence a group such as this can bring enough of their members low to accomplish our task and have none be the wiser".
As the term draws to a close, Seraphim does eventually get around to reading the book she took from that turltle.
"What foolish ideas this book is fraught with. Still, I believe I have no choice but to go along with whatever this group has planned."
"Ah, a worthy opponent. I relish the chance to test my destructive magic against the strong willed Hellknights. Tell me, fellow cultists," Seraphim says in jest "when shall we begin our assault?"
The prospect of some time off invigorated Alexis. Rather, the prospect of not being around to hear the administrators nagging about safety standards or whine about hospital bills truly gave him back the spark he had lacked. Come the end of the term, at least half of his class had visited the clerics at least twice. That hairy carpenter kid ten times even! He was quite proud of that one. And if he dared to say it himself, Alexis surely produced the most proficient class in a long while. Or the most respectful, mayhaps.
On the 'cultist' front, he was glad to let Nixx do the majority of the reading. He had peeked inside the book once or twice, but it really never caught his interest. Probably more intended for people of a different ... lets say character. Or lack of thereof.
In a bit of mockery of the turtle cult, Alexis had agreed to carry to carry Nixx on a small silk pillow. Mostly because Nixx grew insufferable if he didn't get his way at least *some* time, and he was technically the Terrapin Order member. Technically. But once they reached the table, Alexis quickly put the pillow down next to the map and leant over it, eagerly studying their target.
"Palin's Cove?" he rasped. "It's a nice place. A shame things aren't working out there ..."
The small shadow drake throned upon his pillow. Things were quite nice at the moment. Before he heard about Palin's Cove that was. As opposed to his master, he really didn't like the place. Flying over the polluted skies were a chore and he couldn't help but worry about ... that other one.
*Thud*
Izithrael drops the heavy tome on the table before him. He had read it cover to cover immediately after their first meeting. A collection of esoteric references, vague syllogisms, and bureaucratic ruberic. It was mildy entertaining, if lacking specific instruction.
Of course, he had decided to join the Terrapin Order the moment he met the turtle.
Such a strange and fascinating creature. And the elf!
"Dear Sirith, the Order, of course, shall not exist beyond the confines of our cabal. Our mission seems clear enough. Divert the attention of the Order of the Nail, by murder or mayhem, without divulging the existence of this group. What could be simpler?"
He thinks for a moment.
"A plan of action will be necessary, if our concerted efforts are to realize success. What do we know about Vraid?"
Nekare` rests her face in her hands and sighs; she thinks about her own reading of the gifted tome. She thinks of the many passages regarding the cost of power, of the allusions to the necessity of loss of innocence and she remembers the white doves which were vessels for their keys and the remaining fragrance of roast dove left in the amphitheater when they left this place the last time, so much like her own supper earlier that evening. She thinks about about sacrifices and the role in this organization of herself and her colleagues...
Seraphim, a frontal assault is out of the question. As strong an evocationist as I know you to be, even six middling strong wizards don't stand a chance against of a well trained garrison, and even if we did come out victorious and in the best of circumstances, the Hellknights would be left with too many questions about a wiped out chapter house to not send an even larger and more powerful group to investigate.
Mythaniel, you're half right, there; the opponent always matters. We pick our battles, and sometimes we choose not to fight because some challenges are untenable at a given time.
Alexis, she realizes she has no idea what to make of Alexis, and that Shadwell, as usual, is keeping his own council right...
Izithrael is correct in that we need more information. Once we're done here I think we'll just have to travel to Palin's Cove and survey the situation ourselves. Then we can come up with a plan... Sirith, is there else you can tell us, a suggestion of where to start, perhaps, anything at all?
"Izinthael, Citadel Vraid is the stronghold of the Hell Knights. I had some dealings with them years ago. Of course, their goals are to bring order to these wild parts. They have partly succeeded in that respect. The wildness is being squeezed out of the lands near Korvosa and progress is replacing it. From what I understand, Queen Domina, during her time, commissioned the Citadel and invited the Hell Knights to occupy it. After that, their goals did not align quite as well. You Acadamae wizards are well insulated from the affairs of the regional politics, but the Order of the Nail has become more of a thorn in the government's side than a help. I don't believe the monarchy will begrudge the idea of the nail being knocked off balance. I wouldn't recommend poking around Citadel Vraid too much. They are ever vigilant, and I suspect mortals are not the only creatures that reside within their walls.
"As for where to start, I suggest you visit the town and get a feel for it. You may be able to get a sense of the situation from there. I don't think the order of the Nail sent its best and brightest to Palin's Cove. I believe them to be little more than thugs, probably resentful of their meager assignment. The only power they wield in that town is fear. A useful power to be sure, but oh, so limited. I doubt the populous will rise up against the Nail, but the Nail has other enemies nearby. I have heard rumors of Druids in the neighboring forests who are unhappy with all the filth coming out of the town. And I also understand a dragon lives in those parts as well. Seeking him out seems like a fools errand to me, but there you have it. Well, can I be of any more assistance, or do you think you are ready to begin the task?"
you've given us a great deal to think about, and unless anyone else has something to add, I suggest we get underway as soon as possible
A dragon.
"Agreed. The sooner the better, I think. Perhaps we should travel separately, so as not to raise suspicion?"
"The druids are an interesting angle." Alexis murmured. And they have a trick or two I'd like to know a bit more about... "But yes, plotting does little when our information is so sparse. All we really need then is a place and time to meet again?"
Alright, Shadwell, you've been practicing in the mirror all month. You can do this.
He closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, then opens them again and fixes the map with a hard stare. Raising his voice to an uncomfortably audible level, he speaks.
"I support traveling separately - for the sake of discretion, of course. I would prefer at least one day after arrival to conduct my own reconnaissance before reconvening; while I'm sure you are all quite competent, I myself am... unaccustomed.. to working with a group. Perhaps one week from today would allow for sufficient time, all things considered?
"I have only a passing familiarity with the town in question. Perhaps, Sirith, you could recommend a locale for our meeting where individuals of our demeanor would not be overly remarked upon, and yet is not regularly patronized by the Order?"
Wearing a slightly pained expression, Shadwell's eyes never leave the map as he awaits any responses.
"Bah, frontal assaults are never out of the question. Regardless, I shall honor your wish, and reign in my power until such a time as I am allowed to let it free."
Seraphim laughs a little before continuing.
"Regardless of what plan we decide upon, we must travel there first. So, let's get on with it!"
"There is an inn at the south of town busy enough that you should go unnoticed. I believe it's name involves some parody of the order of the nail. You should be able to find it easily. You are wise to travel separately. There are the occasional bandits, though not commonly. The Order of the nail loves hunting bandits. To be safe you could always find a caravan headed that way, though that would cost a few extra coins. I leave the decision to you. Well then, once you have completed your task, stay in Palin's Cove. I will have another mission for you later depending on how this one goes. Until we meet again."
"We can certainly journey together, in fact, if we do so and do not speak with one another except in passing on a caravan that should be sufficient to show we are not working together. Traveling separately may well be too dangerous.
The presence of the Druids gives me, a plan. My magic allows me to emulate their abilities, I can certainly cause enough damage which may allow us to force these Thugs to picking a fight with the Druids directly.
Once we reconvene in secret, we can decide what else to do or how to best put my idea into action".
Nekare` opts to travel by caravan with whoever wishes to join her. She dons her simplest traveling gear and orders Clearbourne to remain invisible for the duration. She does, however, allow herself the luxury of a private coach.
To any who've decided to join her, So, we're on our way and hopefully away from prying eyes and ears, something she would have made sure of, what do we think of our new employer?