Nathaniel places the mistress down on a couch.
He then takes up a place within reach.
His family as safe as it can be, Hakk will pull his 'robes' closer about himself, and find a dark corner to sit in and watch. He will try and blend into the environment as much as possible and keep an ear out for possible trouble coming.
Vantrag lets out an involuntary sigh of relief as soon as everyone has made it to safety.
While the others settle the priestesses down as safely as they can, Vantrag sits and pulls out some alchemical components from her bag, and starts busily combining them. While working on the formula, she says, "We need myself, Calas, and Azzra'el to meet with the council, as we're the currently remaining Kewadin nobles. Except Hakk'Vidaro, who might draw undue attention." A moment's pause while she shakes her flask and watches the ingredients congeal into a sticky-looking substance, then stows the completed extract back in her bag. "We'll need at least one more as part of our escort. Saeras, may I suggest you accompany us?"
Calas stayed near the entrance, counting his companions as they came in.
There should be nine... no, eight. Vicalan left. If we are short one, or over one then either someone got lost, abducted, killed, or we have a spy.
He listened as his aunt talked and spoke up when she paused.
"The half-orc also expressed a desire to see the council aunt."
He frowned as the acting matron decided on others for the guard to the council and opened his mouth to speak but then stopped. It wasnt his place, not just yet. He frowned looking at the 'unconcious' bodies of the matron and one of her elder daughters. . . He then glanced torwards the Draegloth son of the house and barely was able to supress his shudder.
None will enter to disturb the matron and your sister Acting Matron Vantrag.
He said bowing low. He rose to his full height and began to slide about the room looking for the best way to provide protection for those.. in case they were indeed discovered.
The room has a bed, large couch, deep chair, wardrobe with nice clothes, desk, chair, and four going mushrooms for illumination. Spare sheets and blankets can be found in the wardrobe.
As for camo, you might be able to rig something, but you'll have to get mighty creative.
He moved into action motioning for the draegloth to help him move the couch torwards the corner at an angle with space behind it. He then motioned for him to help gently lift the matron and her daughter from the bed and motioning to set them on the couch while he removed the matress from the bed. He set that (The bed)to the side and motioned for the large Draegloth to help him move the bed on its side againts the back of the couch,
Master Hakk'Vidaro If you could muscle that wardrobe over here on its back againt the couch and bed. We are going to line it with the matress and place the Matron and Mistress Severence inside it. We will keep it cracked open, but its the safest place for now. I will hide in this little corner my crossbow at the ready and you can take the remaining furnature and place it as you see fit to hinder our enemies should they discover us and breach the door. Oh and take this. Its a tangleburn bag. Smash it all together and then throw it at the first enemy through the door, it will trap him in place then ignite on fire.
He began offering the item to the large defender of the house while carefully manuevering into the most advantagious position.
Getting up from his semi-hidden spot on the floor, Hakk puts away the gift and moves to help the drow with his machinations.
"Guard Mourn'draxil, you may call me Hakk. Everybody does anyway. Hakk'Viddaro is a little too formal for my taste and
might pique the wrong person's interest if they recognize it."
Nathaniel approaches Calas.
It seems as if your numbers are dwindling fast.
And now, it looks as if some of you are going and others staying here?
Why split your core?
Phaenox joins the others in the safe house and as they discuss their next move, he adds his thoughts "Should I accompany you, Cousin? or stay here and assist with the defense of the Matron?" He asks, addressing Vantrag.
Responding to Nathaniel, "Either we all move together, with grandma and my aunt. Or we split up. Some stay here to protect grandma and auntie, while the rest proceed to the council," Calas pauses to sigh, "Both options have problems. Walking through the city with two unconcious priestess' will attract a lot of attention. Splitting the group makes us weaker if there is an attack."
"So we have the option of stealth, or strength. Our enemies vastly outnumber us, so if our strength met theirs... we'd likely lose. However, if we use stealth and make it to the council. Then our enemies lives are forfeit."
Calas ran a hand through his hair as he though. Honestly, I don't like either option. There's too much risk... Then a thought came to him.
"Auntie? Do we by chance have access to some magic that would let us send a message? It would make sense to have one on hand in this hiding spot... If not, could we purchase one?" Calas asked before continuing, "If we can get a message out without splitting up or risking ourselves then things become far less risky."
Nothing that I've seen in you drow makes me believe that there is not another attack coming.
He spreads his hands out.
Just a matter of where?
Then a mischievous look enters his piercing blue eyes.
Unless, you decide that part of it.
"It would be my honour." Saeras bows before the acting matron. Then he skips to the side gracefully dodging the furniture as it started to move. A shame to tarnish such nice craftsmanship but I suppose dire times require dire measures.
"A message might not be enough. They may require proof of survival - and as soon as such a message arrive our foe will know some of us escaped, even if they probably already suspect it ..." He points out carefully.
[Common]"Striking at our wretched foe surely temps us all. Only the balance of power is not in our favour. Unless you have a plan to change that?"[/Common] Who knows? Maybe it will be the second time the last few minutes an Orc proves their are not all brawn ...
Nathaniel looks at Saeras. He smiles.
I suppose that you could lure some of their higher ups into a betrayal. Offer up the matron and ambush them in a place of your choosing.
He shrugs his massive shoulders.
Although, you drow being know for treachery, will need to make the meeting place choice their idea.
[Common]"Tempting."[/Common] Saeras agrees. [Common]"But risky. It would have to rely on both keeping stealthy and winning the fight - our current plan only require one of those ..."[/Common]
But doesn't involved dividing up your forces.
If you can duped them, then you will have their warm corpses to bring as proof to the council.
"That wouldn't be proof. Us existing is proof."
Figure it would solve both of your problems with one...stone.
Phaenox joins the others in the safe house and as they discuss their next move, he adds his thoughts "Should I accompany you, Cousin? or stay here and assist with the defense of the Matron?" He asks, addressing Vantrag.
"Well, I certainly would not object to having you along. I'll let you decide if you think your skills would serve us better here."
"Auntie? Do we by chance have access to some magic that would let us send a message? It would make sense to have one on hand in this hiding spot... If not, could we purchase one?" Calas asked before continuing, "If we can get a message out without splitting up or risking ourselves then things become far less risky."
Vantrag considers this for a moment. "I'm sure we could find sending magic -- we're in the middle of the Underdark's greatest marketplace above the lower depths, after all -- but it'd cost us valuable coin and even-more-valuable time." She nods when Saeras points out the need for proof. "And the council might want to see us in person anyways. I think heading to them straight away is our best option right now."
"I have to agree, Auntie V. Speed does seem of the essence in our case. The longer we wait, the more time they have to poison the council against us, or make it more difficult for us to get there."
Vicalan - The inkeep demands a fee of one gold for use of the room for the day, but you readily agree when you see it. It is high quality with single doses of all the common inks and most of the uncommon ones for scribing in single dose vials. You could scribe an entire spellbook in here.
It takes you a long while, most of the night in fact, to figure out how to get the familiar to give up it's secrets and scribe the spells. They are very odd and the patterns they weave across the pages are very unfamiliar to you. But you persevere and succeed.
The leavers - You don your disguises and move out into the city. The most direct route would be best, naturally, but your condition forces a more scenic route. It takes you several hours to make your way across the city to the western wall where the council has it's chambers.
When you approach you are immediately challenged by a pair of House Banre guards and the hairs on your neck attest to several more that you haven't spotted yet.
The guards - You settle into your stakeout and stare down the most deadly foe of all stakeouts... crippling boredom. Time creeps by with a complete disregard for your sanity. You're strangely relieved when you hear a commotion out front, but you can't tell what it is from here...
Phaenox considers his options for a few moments while the others keep talking. Finally he says "I think I would be best served coming with you Vantrag. I am well versed in dealing with our kin after all."
Readying his wand again, Hakk tries to determine the commotion outside.
"Hssst. What is that! Quiet!"
The waiting... the worst part. he was bored enough to take a glance and check out the Matron and Severance at least a dozen times, He worked out several alchemical formalae in his mind... (the math of it at least) Said two prayers and re orderd the bolts in his cartridges...then started all over again with checking out the matron. Then the commotion started and his focus came right back again.
Hakk can't make anything out, but Mourn can piece together something... It seems as if some people have come to the owner of your hideaway and are demanding something "as promised"... You can't make out what.
Someone is .. demanding something they were promised by the owner of this hideout...
He passed along leaning slightly forwrad from his hiding spot.
Shall we go provide muscle for the fellow hiding us? or sit here and hope?
He asked Hakk.
"You go. I'm...too obviously different to be of any use with something like that."
[i]I could introduce us as house Kewadin, but there's still the possibility of our enemies hiding out somewhere nearby.[i]
Calas addresses the immediately visible guards.
"We are here to speak to the council about a house's recent failure. A failure that I'm sure the council will want to hear."
Vicalan - The inkeep demands a fee of one gold for use of the room for the day, but you readily agree when you see it. It is high quality with single doses of all the common inks and most of the uncommon ones for scribing in single dose vials. You could scribe an entire spellbook in here.
It takes you a long while, most of the night in fact, to figure out how to get the familiar to give up it's secrets and scribe the spells. They are very odd and the patterns they weave across the pages are very unfamiliar to you. But you persevere and succeed.
Having finished with obtaining the spells and letting the spider go, he had little reason to do otherwise and spider kissers were touchy about harming them. He chose to take a day for himself and just relax in the fine room. He would deal with his future needs later, a good long soak in a bath calling.
He supposed he would need to find out about the fate of the house he formerly worked with and more importantly their enemies. He doubted they would involve him but then again, females were petty like that.
[i]I could introduce us as house Kewadin, but there's still the possibility of our enemies hiding out somewhere nearby.[i]
Calas addresses the immediately visible guards.
"We are here to speak to the council about a house's recent failure. A failure that I'm sure the council will want to hear."
The guard scoffs. Another one. And who are you? We've had thirteen delegations come to the council claiming the same thing so far today.
Vicalan - You are about to order that bath when there is s knock at the door and a frail, old man enters unbidden. He seats himself and meets your eyes. A sparkling wit and undeniable intelligence dances in his eyes. So, you are Vicalan.
Hideaway: The argument gets more heated. Act or no, this thing is about to come to a head.
Vicalan - You are about to order that bath when there is s knock at the door and a frail, old man enters unbidden. He seats himself and meets your eyes. A sparkling wit and undeniable intelligence dances in his eyes. So, you are Vicalan.
He lets out a breath. A spell ready none the less.
Must I? Who are you good sir to come unbidden and unannounced if I may ask?
He really didn't want to pay for any cleaning or damage but that really depended on the old man. If he was half as smart as he seemed he would not let it get to that point.
A representative of your master. One who walks carefully and carries the sick of his displeasure.
He conjures a streaming cup of tea with a simple looking yet incredibly nuanced gesture.
Would you like a cup?
Vicalan takes a seat across from him but still keeps that spell ready.
"I am not overly fond of tea, no thank you. You have still failed to answer my question. Who are you? Also who do you presume is my master?"
Anyone could claim anything and play the messenger. He wanted to know who he was dealing with and more importantly if they dared use his master's name. The master of conjuration like all masters was not one to tolerate his name being used by those without a right to it. Even he did not use his name without good reason and never as a proof of position or advantage. He was not that foolish or powerful.
The old man fixes you with a slightly offended glare. I just conjured hot tea from thin air, boy. You should learn to recognize a fellow student when you see one.
And as to who I am, you may call me Theodore.
The guard scoffs. Another one. And who are you? We've had thirteen delegations come to the council claiming the same thing so far today.
I doubt we'll get in without introducing ourselves, so might as well get it over with.
Calas flashed his sharp teeth at the guards. "Ah. Apologies gentlemen", he began, "I'm a bit testy at the moment, and have forgotten my manners. I'm Calas, of house Kewadin and we're here to show house Vandree's failure."
He moved quickly frowning, working up quite the ire in fact. He opened the door and made his way torwards the sound of the argument.
My mistress has said in no small terms that whatever argument you may be having you drop right now or other things...namely corpses will start to drop. And thats before I call for the mistress's other pet who is liable to tear you limb from limb then beat you with them
He growled punctuating his words with the sharp clack of his drawing back his autocrossbow ready to fire.
Vicalan does not show a reaction.
"Well Theodore you answer one question and again avoid another. Not every mage, has the same master. So who is yours and who is mine?"
He wasn't going to let him slip out of it. Every time he tried it only made him more suspicious. Their was no reason behind it, unless he was trying to deceive him. In which case, the old man was insulting his intelligence.
"If you can not answer that, then I see no reason why I should consider anything you say."
He watched him even more intently, letting his void like eyes study the old man. His spell still at the ready for the provocation.
Mourn - The voices suddenly stop. There us an uneasy silence. You hear the Orc say, I told you. The room is busy.
Another uneasy silence.
Well be back, promises the other voice.
A few seconds later the orc comes back to you. That was risky. We need to be ready to move the matron in case they come back before your Female is done at the council.
Vicalan - He sighs and pulls over a scrap of paper. This should satisfy you, I hope. I'm certainly not going to say it aloud in a room that is most probably monitored. he scribbles on it and slides it over. In neat script is the name Urlryn Khalazza.
He picks up the paper and it dissolves in his hand.
"Only those doing the monitoring would suffer and deceivers. What is your purpose then?"
He found it odd that his master would be so well informed so quickly. The city of spiders was hardly his concern. It was barely a day and he was little more then an apprentice. Hardly worth his attention. He already had this old man, presumably a more powerful apprentice, so why did he concern himself with the likes of him. Odd indeed.
Nathaniel tenses up as the drow yells something out the door.
He nods at the Orc as he speaks.
What was the problem out there? And does it concern us? Anything wrong with them?
Thirteen more? That's some ambition ... Saeras noted with a tiny twinge of admiration. The Vandree's are either insane or someone else is up to something truly grand.
"A fourteenth case surely should be no more trouble then." he stated matter-as-fact. With a smile as friendly as a drider's nether he started walking towards the door. "After all; Lolth's law is nothing for us to meddle with; merely obey."
[dice=Diplomacy("I mean come on guys, you don't really want to screw with *Lolths* will?")]1d20+9[/dice]
Azzra'el watches and listens, feeling more like muscle than family right now. Calas, and even SAeras, seem to have matters well in hand, and any interjections of an unskilled diplomat would fall flat, he's sure.
Vantrag pushes back her cloak to show her face and steps out from the center of the group as well to join her nephews & Saeras. "I am Vantrag Kewadin, a daughter of the house. Currently I speak with the authority of a Matron Mother," she says (choosing her words carefully: it's technically true because she is in command at the moment, but it could sound like the matron was giving her orders). "We request meeting with the council to report a failed attack upon our house, as is our right. Now please, let us in." She tries to appear calm and collected despite the urgency of their mission.
Mourn - The voices suddenly stop. There us an uneasy silence. You hear the Orc say, I told you. The room is busy.
Another uneasy silence.
Well be back, promises the other voice.A few seconds later the orc comes back to you. That was risky. We need to be ready to move the matron in case they come back before your Female is done at the council.
Vicalan - He sighs and pulls over a scrap of paper. This should satisfy you, I hope. I'm certainly not going to say it aloud in a room that is most probably monitored. he scribbles on it and slides it over. In neat script is the name Urlryn Khalazza.
Not detered by their exit he followed them the whole time with his eyes.
Who are they... who do they work for and what are they coming back with or for. They sounded like they were making a threat and we cant have that.
He began carefully.
Calas smiles and steps back to allow his aunt and Saeras to speak. No need for him to butt in when others were far more apt at it.
Vicalan - My purpose is to coordinate the master's network here in Menzoboranzan. I haven't contacted you before because you were doing well. You were rising in your assigned house, you were gaining knowledge and practice, everything was proceeding according to plan.
Then Vandree happened and here I am.
The master wants something. Something that only you can acquire for him without drawing considerable... unwelcome attention.
He passes you another paper. Upon it, a sketch of the Throne of Nopos.
Vantrag et. al. - The guards don't flinch nearly as much as most would at Vantrag's proclamation, but they clearly know when something has escalated beyond their pay grade. The let you pass into the sacred chambers of the Council of Matrons. It is a surprisingly simple affair, but still elegant. You only have a short wait before Vantrag is called into the inner chambers by a female chamberlain. She is called by name. Alone.
Mourn et. al. - The Orc grunts. They're a local gang that's started roughing up businesses around here that have no clear connection to a house. I've been able to keep them away, but the gang is getting antsy to prove themselves and I worry they might try to make an example of me.