I do not understand the order of things between all of ye, but I will give the Lady's favor to hide three of ye from the undead. Understand this: the more intelligent ones will have a chance to see ye and if ye do anything to attract their attention, it will break the spell on ye. Just tell me who. This is through the mindlink.
Lord Astinos;
I serve thee willingly my Lord in all things; if it is to be hidden from the undead that you seek; then I can help for a short time; but you must will it.
Though through no fault of your own that you cannot see in this gloom; depend upon me for I shall tell you what your companions have left out; those skeletons washing rags are the only ones moving; thus the warriors are unmoving as are those archers; no one has checked if they are even magically animated; all this cringing in the darkness behind these rude crates is hardly worthy when no enemy has yet presented itself; though something here right with us is amiss I think.
She bows to Astinos and stays that way awaiting his words.
Great Magi Kenembi,
my words are unworthy; but I beg you consider them; Thoronhen's words have merit; perhaps you should climb into the cart and be carried hence hidden; perhaps this Doom upon you may be thwarted. I would be glad to be there with you; shield you with my body if need arise.
service is joy, what say you?
"If some of you could guard me for a few minutes, I would like to withdraw back into the relative safety of the tunnel and take a moment to psychically retrain myself. I have an array of mental powers that are unfortunately of little use against the undead, as lacking minds to speak of, they are not affected by such abilities. However, there are other powers to which I have been introduced that will prove much more effective, and it will only take a few minutes to regather my training in those areas."
I will guard ye.
We don't have a few minutes. We need to move now.
"Namaste, we will wait for you to prepare. To go into battle unarmed is folly.."
Astinos looks upon Decidio, slowly raising her chin to meet his eyes. "I thank you for the warning and for your concern for my safety."
He leans closer, his voice softening in tone, and does not send his next words through the mindlink.
Decidio
As he looks into her beautiful eyes, he reads her soul hoping to find a matching beauty.
Sure; you have not use anything since entering; so it doesnt affect the game as far as I am concerned as we are early in the adventure and still more or less at the front door; lets say you did it earlier at some point; either before coming into the inn or while meeting the monks; it if fine; consider it done.
She, still bowing, replies by pointing. your gaze sweeps past her (not sensing any evil) then to one of the carts; great evil resides there very close to several party members! What kind and why you are not sure. (keep in mind the whole place is dedicated to evil and shows evil, but this is stronger than the "general" evil around it.
All that is there is carts and some towels; though no one has made a search or close inspection or entered any of the carts or touched anything besides maybe the outside of a cart they are hiding behind.
"Namaste, we will wait for you to prepare. To go into battle unarmed is folly.."
Astinos looks upon Decidio, slowly raising her chin to meet his eyes. "I thank you for the warning and for your concern for my safety."
He leans closer, his voice softening in tone, and does not send his next words through the mindlink.
Decidio ** spoiler omitted **
As he looks into her beautiful eyes, he reads her soul hoping to find a matching beauty.
"Halt! There's something exceptionally evil in that cart right in front of you." He hands Decidio a vial of holy water, use this if you need to, but I will protect you.
she steps back; "I have no need of that at this time, but thank you"
"what is it? it doesnt seem to be doing anything?"
What does the party do?
Well if there is a threat. It would be best if those who don't wish to be in a melee start working your way behind me. Just let us know if the enemy is trying to break through the Ice Wall behind us.
Sure; you have not use anything since entering; so it doesnt affect the game as far as I am concerned as we are early in the adventure and still more or less at the front door; lets say you did it earlier at some point; either before coming into the inn or while meeting the monks; it if fine; consider it done.
she steps back; "I have no need of that at this time, but thank you"
"what is it? it doesnt seem to be doing anything?"
What does the party do?
"Little Friend, Balfic's maiden has warned there may be a deadly presence within that cart ahead. Would you mind flying above it, protected by your camouflage, and see what lies within?"
Through the mindlink: "I am ready, I need no further preparation, so when the party is ready to move, so am I."
The bat flies up and hangs from the cieling getting a good view; reports to Namaste:
Boss, looks like just a few towels in the sand near the carts; a couple towels in the carts; nothing scarey looking.....<then he laughs, you can tell his focus is somewhere else> ah; Oh Nea Corbies; reminds me of a fragement memory.
the crystal spider has no problem negotiating the tunnel.
Did everyone come out of the tunnel? I am thinking you are all crouched behind the carts; tell me if this is not so.
Kenembi's cat watches the crystal spider with feline intensity; tale twitching as if to play cat and mouse.
The bat flies up and hangs from the cieling getting a good view; reports to Namaste:
** spoiler omitted **
the crystal spider has no problem negotiating the tunnel.
Did everyone come out of the tunnel? I am thinking you are all crouched behind the carts; tell me if this is not so.
Kenembi's cat watches the crystal spider with feline intensity; tale twitching as if to play cat and mouse.
Falco
Spot Check, to see if I notice Kemnebi's cat eyeing my psicrystal - 1d20+2=14
Kemnebi
Did everyone come out of the tunnel? I am thinking you are all crouched behind the carts; tell me if this is not so.
Well if there is an enemy so close then we are not really hiding but waiting for a trap to be formed around us. I believe that if we can avoid those archers we should not have much problems with the rest so if we can keep our distance from them we can deal with them in a concentrated effort. Also remember we have long to go so conserve your strength as best as you can.
spot is good enough; cat is not hiding; looks playful :)
Namaste from Falco:
What was that mistress; oh; in your language; one crow; the memory is not my own; I once assisted a Celtic Wizard back some time ago; t'was his memory of a field after a battle that was sparked by that Raven in the distance; it seems to dance a jig and peck at the head of one of the skeletons that is in the tower though the skeleton doesnt move. I always watch for such things; Raven or Crow is one of the forms the demons you would call Quasits can take; I despise and loathe them and seek to kill them on sight; this appears a smarter bird than most; but not demonic.
The bat flies up and hangs from the cieling getting a good view; reports to Namaste:
** spoiler omitted **
the crystal spider has no problem negotiating the tunnel.
Did everyone come out of the tunnel? I am thinking you are all crouched behind the carts; tell me if this is not so.
Kenembi's cat watches the crystal spider with feline intensity; tale twitching as if to play cat and mouse.
Falco
** spoiler omitted **Spot Check, to see if I notice Kemnebi's cat eyeing my psicrystal - 1d20+2=14
Kemnebi
** spoiler omitted **
just keep in mind; the only movement other than yourselves in the chamber so far is the skeletons doing laundry.
Val, would I know if the Doom would register as evil if done by someone evil? If I do not know then I will ask the party through the mindlink: Could it be the Doom ye are sensing and not the undead?
It may also be something invisible.
Kemnebi flinches visibly at the mention of the 'Doom'. He responds through the mindlink,...
"I appreciate your concern, but let us spread our resources. I have the means to render myself invisible to all, not only undead. So please use your spell others. And if,... or when, we are discovered, I can summon creatures to fight for me and still maintain my invisibility for it's entire duration. HOwever, at that point I will swallow my pride and defer to those who have much more experience in such matters. Astinos, Llivenoc, I will gladly follow either of your leads. But will someone please tell me what exactly in blazes are we doing?!?"
The last comes through just a little louder, and a bit snippy. He swiftly drops his eyes. His feline companion puts a paw on his cheek, and he looks back up. His eyes contrite, but with a firm set to his jaw.
Kemnebi, alerted by Namaste's mental prodding as the psicrystal scuttles down the tunnel, quickly looks at his familiar and tweaks her ear gently. He matches his familiar's irate glare with a grin and responds through the link, "She does now m'lady. Sorry."
He then nods at the others words and responds through the mindlink. "Agreed, while I have many spells available to me, it would be unwise to expend the majority, or even a few but potent ones here. I will attempt to use my powers where they will be most useful."
He then looks at the lady who seems to have attached herself to him. He puts his feline mouth where he is almost touching her ear, , and barely audible whispers,
Val,...
"M'lady, I am touched by your kindness, concern and bravery. But I beg of you not to do anything to place yourself in harm's way. I am afraid that my instincts in such situations would be to protect you rather than myself. And such a pleasant distraction would only serve to endanger us both."
Kemnebi pulls back and smiles a small but warm smile at the young lady. But an observant person might notice that his familiar is watching her with narrowed eyes,...
Do ye not know that the undead can detect life and regular invisisibility will not work. (said the the mindlink)
Namaste from Falco:
** spoiler omitted **
Falco
Through the mindlink: "We'll rot to our deaths and this tunnel shall become our grave if we hover and hide forever. I am stepping forward. Be ready with your arms if anything should happen."
No, the Doom is not evil per se; is equivelant to an ancient curse; you would consider it a judgement.
Val, would I know if the Doom would register as evil if done by someone evil? If I do not know then I will ask the party through the mindlink: Could it be the Doom ye are sensing and not the undead?
Namaste; how far do you step forward?
to Kenembi close in his ear and expertly done brushing closely:
Does this Doom they speak of concern you; I know much of such things; I have known another who has survived it. All you need is desire; to desire to live, a strong reason to live, to overcome challenges. Can you think of no strong reason that you want to live, strong enough to not lay down and die? Perhaps if you cannot alone, my small aid could help you.
she brushed very close with most of her body; though it seems unconcious.
I stride forward spear ready prepared to charge.
"Stay behind me."
"As you command" she follows quickly and close to your rear; moving with strength and grace.
I stride forward spear ready prepared to charge.
"Stay behind me."
You notice no change in any of the activity; though you notice that these skeletons are much bigger than you had imagined; the ones washing clothes look human; the others look like some kind of large humanoid dogman with large canines they wear splinted metal armor and have long, wide bladed spears.
Also, from this range; you can see the Raven is also very large and is on the head of a very large skeleton in a tower though it is still very far from you.
from the gift given to you from Balfic; your vision keeps getting better; you can now see this entire room and it doesnt seem dark to you at all anymore.
I will move up with Namaste. She should not me alone.
Do ye not know that the undead can detect life and regular invisisibility will not work. (said the the mindlink)
Kemnebi does a double blink.
FOrtunately it is unlikely that in these conditions, and under his fur, that anyone can see him blushing. He responds thru the mindlink,..."Ah,... No. Though now that you mention it I do recall having read something to that effect. Thank you."
to Kenembi close in his ear and expertly done brushing closely:
Spoiler:
Does this Doom they speak of concern you; I know much of such things; I have known another who has survived it. All you need is desire; to desire to live, a strong reason to live, to overcome challenges. Can you think of no strong reason that you want to live, strong enough to not lay down and die? Perhaps if you cannot alone, my small aid could help you.
Kemnebi starts as she brushes against him to whisper in his ear. He pats her hand awkwardly and smiles at her. He whispers briefly back, (after taking pause for a deep breath, enjoying her scent,)
Val;"It does concern me, though where it came from I am not, quite, sure. We will speak more of this later."
He finishes quickly, grateful of the distraction of Namaste moving out into the room. To himself he thinks,
(Val)
'Oh I definitely have desire, and offhand I can think of several reasons. Though none I would want a bard to declare in song.'
With a brief shake of his head, he peers into the room where Namaste is creeping. Through the link he sends;
"Be careful M'lady. If you are threatened by the skeletons I shall attempt to disable the one nearest to you first."
IN the tension of the moment, Kemnebi does not notice that his familiar is staring not into the room, but at the lady who shadows him.
If I forgot to say my sword is out.
With a brief shake of his head, he peers into the room where Namaste is creeping. Through the link he sends;
"Be careful M'lady. If you are threatened by the skeletons I shall attempt to disable the one nearest to you first."
Namaste gives Kemnebi a smile. "With you by my side, my friend, I am well-protected! But look there," she says, pointing toward the towers at the north entrance, "Do you see that large raven atop the head of one of the archers? Falco told me that demonic quasits often take such forms, but he feels this one is not demonic. Still, it seems larger and more intelligent than a normal raven. Can you tell if it might be a wizard's or necromancer's familiar?"
It appears to be a different colored sand; seems to have seeped out hte the wall; search roll to try to figure out what it might be.
It is a bit irregular; but as you would imagine something seeping out of the wall and going toward the pool which is lower in elevation.
It does not feel any different.
Move past? is that further into the room toward Namaste or between Kenembi and the carts; or between Kenembi and the tunnel?
other side would be on the colored sand; it is about 8ft wide; so are you standing on it; she is kneeling before it looking at it closely.
As your vision clears and things in the dark get clearer; you notice that the Crow seems to be wearing some type of jacket maybe.
Namaste gives Kemnebi a smile. "With you by my side, my friend, I am well-protected! But look there," she says, pointing toward the towers at the north entrance, "Do you see that large raven atop the head of one of the archers? Falco told me that demonic quasits often take such forms, but he feels this one is not demonic. Still, it seems larger and more intelligent than a normal raven. Can you tell if it might be a wizard's or necromancer's familiar?"With a brief shake of his head, he peers into the room where Namaste is creeping. Through the link he sends;
"Be careful M'lady. If you are threatened by the skeletons I shall attempt to disable the one nearest to you first."
Move past? is that further into the room toward Namaste or between Kenembi and the carts; or between Kenembi and the tunnel?
Namaste gives Kemnebi a smile. "With you by my side, my friend, I am well-protected! But look there," she says, pointing toward the towers at the north entrance, "Do you see that large raven atop the head of one of the archers? Falco told me that demonic quasits often take such forms, but he feels this one is not demonic. Still, it seems larger and more intelligent than a normal raven. Can you tell if it might be a wizard's or necromancer's familiar?"
Kemnebi peers through the gloom, the slit-irises of his eyes widening as they adjust to the dim light. He half-smiles, but shakes his head and responds silently through the link.
'Not from here m'lady. not unless you want me to approach and attempt to engage it in conversation. If I were closer and had time I could detect the influences of magic upon it. Familiars tend to carry a lingering aura of conjuration which alters the shade of their,... um, no, not from here. Sorry.' He mentally stumbles to a halt as he realizes that he is rambling. He is once again grateful for the interruption as Llivenoc makes his way past him and June.
I am waiting for the party to act at this point; peeps are just standing around; so far; no one has searched the carts; Namaste is looking at the discolored sand; need a search roll from her if she wants any more info; Astinos and Thoronhen appear to be guarding; not sure what Thoronhen is doing; he had an idea about using the carts; not sure what Grymble is doing; Jewel is watching Namaste from the tunnel entrance; the two new girls are standing next Astinos and Kenembi respectively; they seem to have no armor or weapons by the way; really just some jewelry and fairly gausy, shear clothing; long painted toenails; decorative armbands; painted toenails; sandles; ankle bracelets; just enough makeup and a hint of perfume. They do look like their in very good shape, awesome muscle tone; look like they can keep up if the party runs for it; hehe.
the psi crystal up the tunnel get a bit of frost on it; getting very cold in there.
You can hear rumblings and a bit of earth shaking; probably the two dragons going at it; if it gets way out of hand; might bring the roof down in this room....
those that can see 80ft to 100 ft in the darkness; can see the skeletons at the river/pool still washing rags/towels; two come from somewhere and take some off the racks; sloppily fold them; and carry them out of sight range.
I am waiting for the party to act at this point; peeps are just standing around; so far; no one has searched the carts; Namaste is looking at the discolored sand; need a search roll from her if she wants any more info; Astinos and Thoronhen appear to be guarding; not sure what Thoronhen is doing; he had an idea about using the carts; not sure what Grymble is doing; Jewel is watching Namaste from the tunnel entrance; the two new girls are standing next Astinos and Kenembi respectively; they seem to have no armor or weapons by the way; really just some jewelry and fairly gausy, shear clothing; long painted toenails; decorative armbands; painted toenails; sandles; ankle bracelets; just enough makeup and a hint of perfume. They do look like their in very good shape, awesome muscle tone; look like they can keep up if the party runs for it; hehe.
the psi crystal up the tunnel get a bit of frost on it; getting very cold in there.
You can hear rumblings and a bit of earth shaking; probably the two dragons going at it; if it gets way out of hand; might bring the roof down in this room....
those that can see 80ft to 100 ft in the darkness; can see the skeletons at the river/pool still washing rags/towels; two come from somewhere and take some off the racks; sloppily fold them; and carry them out of sight range.
So Kemnebi... You want me to check out that cart Astinos said that a big bad towel monster is in? Or we can stop hiding behind these carts and get out of this room before the roof caves in on us. At the very least we should find weapons for your Lady June, and for Lady March to defend themselves with. And some armor. If that bird over there is a familiar then they know we are already here, no sense in hiding.
We have a job to do. Best that we get to it. What do you say? We don't move soon I am going to start smashing skeletons.
Oh cleric, Since no one is attacking us. Might be a good time to bless me with that heal. Possibly give a blessing to the whole group before we get into a fight.
Namaste is looking at the discolored sand; need a search roll from her if she wants any more info;
I will ask for Twilight's power to heal llvenoc. (i.e. cure light wounds for 11 hp's.) I am willing bless ye with my lady's power, but when I do, they will know. I should do it just before we are ready to move.