Yes, I do agree you may need some things to get started out there. I have the remains of what was found on your bodies. I also have two very good friends who can help you make whatever you require. They are quick with enchantments but we will have to use some equipment I have lying around. I hope you don't mind second hand stuff. The old owners were very entertaining.
She gets up and walks towards the door opens it and walks through. She beckons you all to follow her. As you walk through the hallways you start to realize the expanse of this house, you've passed 20 doors and it feels like you've taken 5 lefts but still have not seen the same hallway. As you pass one door that looks incredibly beat-up you hear a violent knock and the whinnie of a horse. The witch does not seem to notice and continues around the next corner. Akiz you feel your heart beat like the first time you discovered how to liquify pox into an easy to use form.
Around the corner lies another door, the witch stands there door open waiting for you to come in. You can see three long work benches along the left side, as well as one spanning the whole room to the rear. To your right is another door as well as piles of trinkets and mundane crap. This place is a mess. You also notice two humanoids hard at work on the second table. One is easily identified as whatever Akiz is. The other has strange dark skin. . Their heads are bowed down and they do not notice you.
Akiz if you open the door which I'm sure you will but just in case you don't.
As you open the door you catch a beam of sunlight temporarily blinding your apparently unaccustomed eyes. You hear the sound of something large rushing towards you. It knocks you to the ground as you hear the door shut. The sunlight goes away and you can see clearly now. Above you stands a great horse, it eyes you inquisitively before nudging you tenderly. Something in your body feels right again. The horse is making a mess of the hallway.
The golden half man-half dragon looks to the half elf, Dardlara, I would like to come as well. I have a silver tongue and may help you convince the citizens to follow. If that does not work, you have my sword. I would love to be one of your statesmen and later the military head of your army.
So Dardlara do we have a deal or should I find my own way?
Dardlara is impressed with the labyrinth type of layout of this house. All though the upkeep of the house could be of a higher level for a once noble. With all of this stimulation Dardlara finally turns to Nicolae to address her neglect....
Nicolae, we have a deal for sure. You will be the head of my security at the present time which will eventually lead to you leading the righteous army we will assemble.
Then turning to the rest of the group....
In fact you will all be given positions in prominence in Arcata or we will forcefully take the positions needed. I believe its very important for us to stay on the down low for awhile until we are able to network and establish some local prestige. Since are bodies are already familiar to the town folk we should have a head start, but its going to be hard to mimic the same personalities
Looking around the room and seeing a mess of chemistry Dardlara has thought of an idea...
I think we should use this spiritual pilgrimage as an excuse for our personality transformations. I believe a ayahuasca shamanic trip would more then suffice to account for any discrepancies in our personalities
Gideon follows curiously. Upon seeing the interior of the room he asks, "So what can they do?" his nose is slightly turned up at the obvious mess.
I am good with this plan. We must assimilate back into society and set up a base of operation. We should have plenty of time to discuss particulars then.
Akiz loses the group the moment they pass the worn door. Somehow what this body yearns for is beyond that door. He waits for the others to move on a bit before he opens the door.
Once he opens his eyes after being knocked down he see a beautiful, big, black horse with white socks. What would he do with a horse? Yet, it somehow must be significant to his new body, which likely meant it used to belong to an accomplished rider. Then something clicked: He was to be a Horseman, the Horseman of the apocalypse. A Horseman needed a horse.
He slowly got up and gently patted the animal. Sure, it complicated matters as he now had to find away to keep his steed alive among all the disease and famine, but that could be solved. He gave the beast one last pat before he left through the door he just came through.
"I'm taking the black horse." Was all he said when he entered the room where the others had gathered.
"I'm not sure I wish to pretend to be someone else, though perhaps a religious experience would be an acceptable explanation."
Enisald turned his attention to their mysterious patron, "What of the local wildlife? In my time, I had an Allosaurus as a companion, it served me well enough that I'd like another. There is another thing I've wondered about. If this world has known peace for so long, if they are all of one mind, then why do they still train warriors?"
What black horse? she says flatly. She shakes her head and listens to Ensilad. Allosaurus are most comonly found as black crude oil on this plane. However the jungle of the far south is full of suprises. One such suprise made its way to me in my youth when i was down there researching dihydrogen monoxide elixers. Back when i could roam free.... Hmmm. Ahh yes, It's still an egg but I hear these things grow fast.. She reaches out her hand and waits for a moment. A black and red egg with a green spiral phases through a wall and moves towards her hands. She places it on the ground and it begins to move. Ive had the thing in cryofreeze for years now. Froze it right as it was about to hatch. Probably the only one left, unless of course his kind has survived this long, in which case hes a runt compared to them. Oh how exciting. It's like watching you all spring to life all over again.
At hearing her weird comment Akiz turns around and goes to retrieve the horse, bringing it with him to the others. "This black horse."
"I just need a staff and the resources to recreate my spell book. i'm simple like that." Gideon says simply.
Well, Gideon, a fair question indeed. Maz here is an expert at crafting all sorts of wondrous items. The dark skinned woman looks up at the mention of her name. Her face is expressionless and flat. She acknowledges each of you with her gaze and then returns to work.
And this one is Gin. HEY GIN!! GIN!! She stamps her foot on the floor a couple times to some rhythm. The tengu looks up at all of you. His eyes are clouded and black. He smiles a big smile and starts to lick his beak and sniff the air. He's blind and dea.... She starts to say as Gin gets up and hustles over to you as fast as he can on his cane. He quickly interrupts her He practically yells at you in a squaky/throaty voice HI, I'm Gin Tsu, and I'll be enchanting your weapons and armor for you. I sure hope you all like swords because I sure like to work on swords. Also I'm blind and deaf in case you couldn't farking tell. For now all you need to know is two stamps means yes and one is no. He stamps his feet to indicate how to do it properly. He extends his feathered hand and searches each of you for a handshake. He's quite touchy but what do you expect from a blind man. After introducing himself to all of you he reaches into his shirt pocket and grabs a "cigarette". I hope you don't mind if I smoke. I just got back from New Vegas, I always find it hard to ween myself off the stuff so fast. He hobbles back over to the bench and nudges the still working Maz attempting to tell her about you guys, as if she didn't already know.
The witch smiles and looks back towards you all.
I am quite skilled in creating potions as well. Whatever you require we can make for you here. With limitations of course, I'm not Medaglia for Pelligree's sake.
I've never seen that horse in my life. If it's here though who am I to deny it. It's in my forest, it's mine, you want it, it's yours, simple as that. Ohh look it's made it's first crack in the shell. She goes back to watching the egg .
Maz Speaks up at the mention of a staff. We only have one staff, stupid as that may sound. DumbBum Gin here made it with the last of our adamantine last time he came back from New Orleans. It's right over here. She gets up and opens the other door just enough for her to get her arm in. She brings her arm out and in it is a beautifully crafted Adamantine Staff. She smiles for the first time, winds up, and throws it directly at Gideon's head as if it were a spear.
I've never seen that horse in my life. If it's here though who am I to deny it. It's in my forest, it's mine, you want it, it's yours, simple as that. Ohh look it's made it's first crack in the shell. She goes back to watching the egg .
Maz Speaks up at the mention of a staff. We only have one staff, stupid as that may sound. DumbBum Gin here made it with the last of our adamantine last time he came back from New Orleans. It's right over here. She gets up and opens the other door just enough for her to get her arm in. She brings her arm out and in it is a beautifully crafted Adamantine Staff. She smiles for the first time, winds up, and throws it directly at Gideon's head as if it were a spear. 1d20+7
Reflex
(deflect arrows + creative license) Gideon catches the adamantine staff out of the air and spins it around his body expertly using only one hand. It's an unusual fighting style, but clearly he knows what he's doing. He smiles widely. "This will do nicely."
Thinking a moment Gideon adds. "So long as you have crafters available I suppose I could use a few more items to enhance my abilities. I'll make a list of the lesser things, but the most important and difficult will be my spellbook. I don't suppose you have one lying around that I could use in the mean time while I reconstitute my own?"
Gideon attains a scrap of paper and jots down his wish list as he waits for an answer.
Maz walks out of the room past you all, still a glimmer of a smile on her face. She keeps eye contact with Gideon the whole time. She is gone for perhaps 2 minutes before she returns a giant book floating at her side. She directs it with her hand over to an empty spot on the third table. It lands with a thud and opens itself. Maz leans close to Gideon s ear. She whispers softly and it sends shivers down your spine. It comes from far away, too far away to be possible, as if it doesn't truly exist.
You're a Magus correct. I believe that part of the book will be particularly useful for you. Feel free to copy any spells you require. I Imagine you are only limited by time, which may be short. She is patient, but you WERE brought here for a reason.
You feel her reaching for your pocket. It gets heavier however not lighter.
Well most of this stuff is probably somewhere in that pile. She indicates the giant mess to the right of you. Good luck with that. I'll get to work on this amulet right away. One of my favorites.
Planes
"Well, you seem quite prepared. This should do well. I'll just need a quiet place to transcribe and access to writing supplies."
Gideon hands his list to one of the crafters. "Just do what you can as fast as possible. I think I'd like to get to work as soon as possible. But not too quick. I've got some of my own work to do.
As the witch watches the egg with you Enisald, she brings up the question of warriors.
You must understand Enisald that I use the term Warrior lightly. I doubt the body you inhabit has ever actually struck anything. This order is more concentrated on the discipline required for perfecting oneself. There are stories of the past describing the orders might however. They are famous as being contemplative fighters. Manipulators of the battlefield, ending battles by striking a single blow at the proper time. Now they are nothing more than philosophical panseys, I still wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of their deeply hidden wrath however.
As the witch watches the egg with you Enisald, she brings up the question of warriors.
You must understand Enisald that I use the term Warrior lightly. I doubt the body you inhabit has ever actually struck anything. This order is more concentrated on the discipline required for perfecting oneself. There are stories of the past describing the orders might however. They are famous as being contemplative fighters. Manipulators of the battlefield, ending battles by striking a single blow at the proper time. Now they are nothing more than philosophical panseys, I still wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of their deeply hidden wrath however.
Still rummaging through the pile Gideon responds to a question none asked, his tail shifts and twitches as he rummages
"The philosophical principle behind martial arts is to train so you'll never need them. I'm sure they do plenty of good natured sparing where no one really gets injured. The probably consider it merely exercise and dicipline or some such nonsense. Personally I say nothing is more invigorating than knowing that your enemy will kill you given half a chance, but denying them that chance as you beat the life out of them. Watching the final breath escape their lips and looking them in the eye so they know you are responsible and they were foolish to challenge you. Mmmm. It's a delicious moment. "
I imagine that mindset is what will give you a strong advantage over the others, should you ever meet them head on that is.
Enisald watched the egg as it moved of the floor. The egg was of surprising size, large enough that Enisald could likely fit inside it himself. As the egg began to turn, a small hole appeared in it. Before long the creature inside broke through. It was an Allosaurus, just like he'd requested. Oddly enough, the newborn dinosaur was the same size as anyone in the room. A smile of genuine delight crossed Enisalds face as he leaned in close, and then dodged as it tried to bite him. "The things we will do together," He said, chuckling as he allowed the creature to acquire his scent, and then rubbed his head affectionately. "I will call you Skalrok, after my predecessor."
Turning back to his patron, he added, "I have fairly simple requests." He went on to describe his requirements: a ring of protection +1, an amulet of mighty fists +1, a belt of giant strength +2, and a headband of inspired wisdom +2.
Dardlara observes the birth of this triassic super lizard and in some weird way reminds her of the time she consumed the family dog at 6 years old. There was something about the way the Allosaurus's body was covered in a thin layer of slime that brings back elicit memories of picking thru puppies guts and eating the lighter pink flesh as opposed to the tougher dark sections of the bowels...........No, thats not it at all. This is more like the time she had all of the pregnant women in town executed by hanging. The way the mothers bodies would violently drop snapping their necks, resulting in some of the mothers giving postpartum birth to their children as they hang from their death threads. The fetus would dangle beneath the mother from their umbilical cords covered in their dead mothers birthing fluids. The scent of the plaza on that wonderful morning would never be forgotten. She leans into the remains of the allosuares shell to get a slight whiff of that birthing smell. Although she enjoys stimulating her olfactory memories its not quite the same without the screaming, crying and overwhelming sense of fear encompassing the festivities.
Then looking back over her shoulder Mother? spoken in the tone of an innocent young child that in no way could remotely match the evil thoughts that were running thru the priestess head. Mother, you had mentioned something while I was in the plane of transition about specific items. If I could start with that I will have a better understanding of what else I need to fill in.
It takes Dardlara a moment to break her gaze at her resurrector. Although she would still slit her throat if the moment ever presents itself advantageous but she does not feel the overwhelming sense of shame she felt for her inferior Drow parents.
::This feeling is making me sick::
Searching the cluttered lab she tries to find anything remotely sharp. Finding a glass stirring rod she quickly breaks of the end against a table leaving a sharp pointed end. Opening her mouth as wide as she can she slowly stubs the glass rod into her right cheek. She could do it much quicker but wants to savor that delicious moment when the flesh snaps. Tears of pleasure roll down Dardlaras cheek as she continues to insert the glass rod ally he way across her mouth finally penetrating the left side of her cheek front he inside outside. The second snap of flesh was so much more enjoyable after the first penetration got her system anticipating a repeat performance. Her mind is now in a much more comfortable place.
"Nutcase", is all that goes through Akiz' mind when he sees Dardlara mutilate herself. If she kept doing things like that it wouldn't be his fault his she caught something deadly.
"I have a small selection of things I need, most of all a portable alchemy kit and gear for my horse. Besides that I want some odds and ends." He starts writing his desires down: An enchanted mithral breastplate (+1), an Elven Blade (Elven Curve Blade +1), a headband of vast intelligence (+2) and, maybe most important right now, a new composite longbow (Darkwood, +1). In addition he lists thins like a handy haversack and arrows.
When Belgraen hears the sound of breaking glass he turns defensively, but when he sees that it's not an attack, but self mutilation he shrugs and goes back to his search.
::Well, that's an interesting hobby.:: He thinks to himself sarcastially.
When Belgraen hears the sound of breaking glass he turns defensively, but when he sees that it's not an attack, but self mutilation he shrugs and goes back to his search.
::Well, that's an interesting hobby.:: He thinks to himself sarcastially.
looking at a map of the lay of the land, Dardlara, realizes that it will not by any means be an easy travel to Arcata.
There does not seem to be an already blazed trail directly from our location to Arcata......It seems very mountainous going directly west. If we head east we could take a water way to the road system. Its tough to say which direction would take longer? or if the difficulty of climbing mountains is worth it?
"That seems to be a very long way to go out of our way, just to reach a road. Besides, she said this world was a large, fresh apple, ripe for the plucking, what could harm us out there? Anyway, I have little doubt that I can get us over the mountains with little trouble, assuming you can all keep up, that is."
Maz listens to all of your requests. Jotting down notes every now and again.
Well, Enisald all I have for you currently is this ring. She reaches into her pocket and drops it into your hand. The rest will be made soon. And as for you Akiz. Your sack and arrows should be somewhere in that pile. The others I will get working on right away. She moves to the closet again barely opening it enough to slip through. She's gone for a moment and you hear cursing. She emerges with a gleaming breastplate. She moves it over in from of Gin and slams it down on the counter. You see her foot tapping an indistinguishable beat and gin get's a big smile and starts to work intently. She also smiles greatly as she slowly reaches to his back fiddling with something. In a second she walks back over to you, large curved blade in hand. Gin won't be needing this for quite some time so it's yours now.
The witch speaks up at the mention of traveling over the mountains. I would not suggest going over the mountains. If there are any dangerous places in this world, those mountains are one of them. Animals are vicious when the only food in meat, and there are still other things like myself that know when to hide. If you wish transport, I can help you leave this place. I warn you though that returning is not such an easy task.
"I think I'll stick around till my things are finished. That also gives me the opportunity to work in your lab beforehand." And grab some things from there so he could get working on his own, portable kit.
Then he moved to the pile and started searching for the bag and the quivers with arrows. He actually also came across a saddle and all other needed riding gear, which was truly weird if she didn't even know the horse was there. Once finished he saddle the horse and loaded everything in the saddlebags he found. "Thank you. And now, on to the lab. How would I know when these craftsmen are finished enchanting though?"
"I will stay as well. In fact, I think we should all stay together and prepare. That way, when we strike, it will be one massive blow that offers no chance for preparation." Enisald was watching his new companion as he spoke, and never took his eyes off of it.
.
"I need to stay and finish up my book. In our free time we should discuss our various strengths, etc. Or perhaps sparring." Gideon grins wickedly.
On again spending time in the mirror preparing her greatest weapon, Dardlara turns over her shoulder and says I am in no rush....there are quite a few things I have to get together myself/b] turning back to the mirror she continues to groom her new face into one that resembles a lady of the night.
Barely turning towards the witch in a way not to break contact with the mirror Dardlara says, [b]When the time comes the transport would be appreciated.... now turning back to the mirror she continues to whore herself out.
Time passes quickly as you study, eat, and work to your hearts content. You find that Gin is much more competent than he would seem to be. He finishes his jobs in half the time you were anticipating. Maz, or Mazreal as you discover is her full name, works at an alarming rate as well. When you press her for her secrets she speaks of dark truths that make you shudder. You have nightmares of octupi and squid dragging you down as your lungs collapse from the pressure. She tells you that's just the introduction, you worry what might come if you ask her for instruction again. The witch stays placid through it all answering any queries you may have and generally being a big help, without really doing anything.
In a weeks time you have all received the items you asked for. The witch gathers you all in the room where you awoke. She is sitting behind the desk writing as you first saw her. A devious grin peaks out from her down-turned face.
Well, I trust you have all had time to prepare. I hope you have a good idea of what to do once you are out in this world. I will not be able to help you once you are gone. There is one final thing you require, however. She opens a wooden box and puts it on the desk facing you. Inside are 5 crystals. Take one of these, each, and keep it on your person at all times. It will keep you safe from those that may be curious enough to examine your aura, or mind more closely. They will be essential to your survival here. Do not loose them or let them be taken from you. Now if there are no more questions, or last minute requests, I believe you had decided on a nice quiet location outside of Arcata.
After you all take the crystals, she tears out the sheet of paper she had been writing on and walks over to you all chanting. Most of you recognize it as a conjuration spell, from the intonation. She touches each of you once and there is a familiar flash of white light as you are shunted through the Astral Plane. It seems like you are being sucked through a straw, where in the past it always seemed as if you were walking through a door. The results seem to be the same, however as you find yourself on the a forest floor. This is no ordinary forest however. This you know as the smell assaults your senses. The smell of sensomilla fills the air here and you almost instantly feel your body relax. You look around and see the thick hemp trees laden with large buds of various colors. There is noone in sight. The 5 of you stand together.
Enisald looked around and took a deep breath, it was good to be back in the real world again. The trees might smell odd, and this might not be even close to his home, but this was certainly were he belonged.
While they had waited for their equipment, Skalrok had surprised Enisald. He'd tried to teach the dinosaur several commands that would improve it's effectiveness in battle, but the animal had responded immediately every time. Enisald was glad for that too, because it gave him time to become acquainted with the beast and with his new body's capabilities.
He scanned the horizon, and then said, "I believe I will base myself here, perhaps as a go between for Arcata and whatever town you decide to set up in." The comment about the town was obviously directed at Akiz.
Directed at no one in particular
"I am curious as to what civilization looks like now that everyone's so polite to one another? Would one even bother to have a city watch?"
"So where to first?" Gideon asks of the group
As you all stand around you hear the sounds of footsteps coming from the west. You don't see anything but have time to hide, or whatever you wish.
After about 30 seconds you see a figure come out of the concealment of the trees. Still walking, he reaches into his pocket and takes out a small metal canister. It is rectangular, metal, and about the size of a matchbook. From behind his ear he draws a thick white "cigarette" and in a flurry of movements involving the canister he lights it up and takes a big long toke. As the cherry lights up his face you recognize him as a drow. He doesn't see you, either because your hiding, or because he's oblivious currently.
At the sound Gideon jumps to the side and hides.
Stealth
As Dardlara briefly takes in her new environment, she in at awe by the vertical ascension of the redwood trees. It very much reminded her of the world she had once inhabited minus the aurora of doom. The experience is one that tests the faith of even the most staunch evil as your diminished stature in the presence of a forrest of giants puts a universal perspective of your place in this realm.
Dardlara draws her focus on the form emerging from the thick cover of foliage. It's very apropos that the first individual she would run into in this world is a common drow. This is the kind of man in her former existence she seethed and would conquer, consume & dispose of before lunch.
Realizing that individuals in this area most likely will recognize her she tries to keep that in mind as she tip toes thru casual conversations....... Looking at the man Dardlara moves towards the individual and when close enough speaks up loud enough to be heard over the wind navigating thru the timber, That is a sight for tired eyes while pointing at the hand rolled product the man just lit.
Trying not to say too much, instead Dardlara waits for a response from the man to gauge what direction this conversation will proceed.