Each step that Moog takes is tracked and noted by the young wizard, as he seeks out any sign of deception.
"It looks as if this is the place." Offering a confident smile he says, "After you" and falls into step in his usual position within the marching order.
They had come too far for Wrathe to start getting weak in the knees now.
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Wrathe's hypothesis is further strengthened by what he sees in the arcane spectrum. The walls themselves radiate magic, with necromancy, illusion, and abjuration all present. The building is too far back to sense its auras.
You notice a few chickens running around behind the house, and also a few rabbits in the yard.
Daxniss looks at the goblin's trail after he left, idly wishing that she had some training in tracking. Pushing such flights of fancy out of her head she waits for Wrathe to let her know if she should start walking ahead of the group instead of behind.
"I'd say so," the dragonkin says as he looks around the house and yard. "My thoughts keep creeping back to the human that Moog said his people captured a few days ago, though. You don't suppose that they captured the one we came all this way to see? Or perhaps that is what Rygear meant when he said she was having trouble with goblins. Not so much "was" but a vision of "will be" by the time we arrive."
The dragonkin falls silent for a few moments thinking to himself.
"Well, we should probably ask if anyone is home when we get to the first gate. We don't want to trigger any magical traps," Ssilax says with a chuckle.
Wrathe's voice betrays excitement as he relays, "The very walls themselves radiate in many spectrums of magic."
He nods, agreeing that they should move forward cautiously, wary of snares and disintegration rays.
"I would take the bet that this is the place then," Ssilax says with a nod of his robed head, sounding relieved and happy. The dragonkin rather boldly walks forward to the first gate, stopping a few feet away from the gate. Looking around once more, the dragonkin looks down at the gate and fence.
"Hello?" Ssilax calls out, raising his voice to be heard by those inside. "We where sent to assist Momordica. Is anyone there?" The dragonkin says without touching the fence or gate.
While he was curious about the "curses" Moog had said this place contained, Ssilax would rather not experience said curses or traps.
Argon is about to step up and try the gate when Ssilax steps up first. The house looks strange, but then Nethys is an unusual God, so maybe he mandates that his temples be so.
He shrugs, looking around uncomfortably, and waiting for a response.
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Several seconds pass before a middle aged human male comes out from behind the house. He walks up a path of stones toward you, stopping a good twenty feet away from the gate.
He looks at you suspiciously, and says, "You're all very young, aren't you? Not that I mean any disrespect, but.... who are you, and who sent you?" He's wearing working clothes, and they are really quite dirty. He is of average height, about sixty years old you would guess, with a sun hat hiding how much hair he has or has not. In one of his hands is a bag of some kind of grain, and in the other, a shovel. He is currently followed by seven chickens.
Daxniss chuckles at the sight unable to help herself at the sight of the chickens following him. Composing herself, Daxniss walKS forward after making sure her crossbow was holstered on her back.
" Aye no disrespect taken, as to who we are well, travelers for certain. My name is Daxniss, this here is Argon, Wrathe, and Ssilax. As for who sent us, we had heard that Momoridica was having a problem with Goblins while we were in town. Other than that I'm not sure what you would mean by who sent us, unless there is something else we should be aware of kind sir. "
Daxniss glances at the others, trying to think how much the group might want to risk letting others know.
Wrathe nods, as that much sharing seemed a safe opening position for the game of diplomacy.
Also of importance was for him to keep quiet, since his tongue was as likely to trip them up as to provide any advantage.
He does take the time to look at the man in the spectrum of magic though.
"We might as well tell him who sent us, given how far we have traveled," Ssilax looks over at his friends, shrugging his shoulders underneath his midnight blue robes. Dog look away from the chickens and new person and "Wuffs," deciding that there where new things that needed to be sniffed. The white furred familiar's tail wags happily back and forth.
'Daxniss would be best at telling the old man that Rygear had sent them to assist Dainoth's relative. Not to mention what happened with Dainoth, Ssilax thinks to himself. She is better with people than, well, any of us.' the dragonkin grins briefly behind his off white cowl.
After a brief pause, weighing out their options, Ssilax knows that they where going to require aid. Getting up the mountain, not too mention the planar beings that they needed to speak with, was not going to happen with their meager resources or current abilities, was simply not going to happen otherwise. Lying to the old man probably would end up biting them in the collective rump, so he figures cutting his own deception would be a start.
Hesitating for a few long moments, Ssilax reaches up and pulls his cowl down from his snout. Tugging his hood was almost as smoothly done, aside for a bit of the fabric getting snagged on the larger set of his quartet of curving ivory horns. It was a nice change to have the sun warming his scales. The black and white mask of Nethrys that made up the dragonkin's face both greedily absorbs the light, and softly reflects it.
"I came in part to aid my new teacher." the young Theurge says, his sapphire orbs catching the light much akin to the polished gemstones.
Argon rubs himself, as the spider bites got the best of him only a short while ago.
"We ran into some goblins on the way up here, and some spiders. May we enter?"
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The man smiles, waves a hand, and the gate creaks open. "You needn't fear the wards, they're only for the goblins and similar disruptive creatures."
As you enter, he continues, "I didn't know when to expect you, as Momordica had heard only vaguely that her great uncle might send some help. It's good that you're here now, for she has been snatched by those very same goblins, only two days past. Oh, where are my manners? I am Yuzu, the groundskeeper. Please come in and rest. If you are injured we can heal you. And discuss what can be done about Sister Momordica. Tamarind is inside."
The chickens gather round him as he puts down the shovel and feeds them, spreading seed around the ground, which is covered by long grasses, small flower beds, and stones. Closer to the house is a small fig tree.
Yuzu shakes your hands, and looks at each of you earnestly, in turn.
The relief that washes over Ssilax is tainted by the knowledge that the person the goblins had captured was indeed Momordica. His head slowly swivels towards the direction that Moog had run off in. Anger and frustration boil in his veins. After a few moments, Ssilax forces himself to calm back down and unclench his fists.
Walking past the gate, Ssilax looks down at Dog when he "Wuffs" questioningly at the Theurge.
"No, you may not chase the chickens around the yard," he says to his familiar, reaching down to scratch his ears. Dog looks at the chickens once more and sighs, deciding to enjoy the scratches instead.
Pulling off his gloves and putting them in a pocket of his robe, Ssilax shakes Yuzu's hand. The dragonkin felt slightly uncomfortable at the contact with another, not to mention the humans gaze.
"It is nice to meet you Yuzu," the dragonkin replies with a slight bow of his head. "We might need a little bit of healing, my own meager abilities where not enough after our goblin surprise on the way up here. Then, we can figure out how to free Sister Momordica."
Ssilax wants to gather the others and run after Moog, though he knows that is a foolish thought at best. The goblin simple knew the area better then they did, not to mention, nobody in the group was particularly of an outdoorsy mindset. 'Drawback to being raised in a city, I suppose.' Ssilax thinks to himself as he works to calm his thoughts.
It would be better for them to be calm and rational about the newest challenge that they faced. His desire to rush ahead was slowly crushed by his minds undeniable logic.
Spider venom burned through his system, supping on the vitality within his body, and making his belonging feel leaden, but the wizard trudges along with the others until they are invited in. Wrathe's satchel hits the ground and he throws out his hand in greeting, barely able to stop from hugging the man at the mention of healing, and accepts Yuzu's hospitality with a big silly grin painted across his face.
Daxniss smiles and shakes Yuzu's hand and says " It would seem that we were expected and of course we will be glad to help out with the goblin kidnapping. Some of my friends got bit by some of the goblin's 'pet' spiders, and your offer as host is much appreciated. "
With the thought of all the dead spiders on his footwear, and the seeping wounds staining his clothing, Wrathe trusts the man enough to reveal that he is magi, and sets his prestidigitatiory magics to cleaning everyone of the dust of the road.
Argon shakes the offered hand firmly, revealing bites on his hand which are duplicated all over his body. They leak bits of blood here and there (10 dam from spider bites), and his clothing looks like a polka-dot jester's outfit. He appreciates Wrathe's cleaning magicks, though he is more looking forward to being healed of the bites, even though he is too proud to complain of them.
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Yuzu, satisfied that you are indeed who you say you are, leads you into the house, through the main door. It is bigger than it first seemed, though you do not think this is due to any magical trickery, just the effects of distance and optics.
You enter a small hall, with a number of wooden chairs which must be used for prayers, though you may well wonder who would pray besides Momordica, Yuzu, and this new person you see. Standing at the back of the hall is another middle aged man, dressed in everyday clothes, though Ssilax recognizes some subtle Nethys symbols and effects. He is next to a small altar with the recognizable face of the same god displayed prominently upon it. There are a few small shuttered windows high on the walls, so the room is relatively dark.
He moves forward and says, "Greetings, travelers! Welcome! I am Brother Tamarind, a mere acolyte. Don't let my advanced age fool you, for I came late to this calling." He goes to shake Ssilax's hand and Wrathe's. "I overheard you had some problem with goblins on the way up here. That is unfortunate, but not surprising considering their behavior and boldness of late. Please come into the house, where it is more comfortable. Yuzu, perhaps you could boil water? I shall attend to the injuries of our guests."
He leads you past the altar and into the living area, which is more welcoming and bright because of a magical light on the ceiling between the kitchen and dining areas. It is space which looks well used - in likelihood, the three spend much time in here.
"Thanks Wrathe," Ssilax says, grinning at his friend. It was pleasant to once again be free from hiding within his hood and cowl.
After thanking Yuzu for leading them into the house, Ssilax slows to a stop, looking at the Mask of Nethys upon the altar. He bows respectively to the mask, almost seemingly out of reflex. The look upon the dragonkin's face is a bit tense. Several powerful emotions swirl briefly in his sapphire eyes as the Theurge stares at the Mask. Blinking, his eyes clear and he seemingly returns to the present.
Looking over at the Brother Tamarind, Ssilax blinks a few times, as if just now noticing the man. Politely bowing to the man, Ssilax smiles, careful to avoid showing his teeth.
"It is a pleasure to met you Brother Tamarind, my name is Ssilax," the young Theurge says as he shakes the man's hand. As usual, his skin feels like it is trying to harden itself when another touches him, and the dragonkin keeps his sense of discomfort from reaching his scaled face. Dog "Wuffs" wagging his tail back and forth, looking at the gathered two leggers.
"And this is my familiar, Dog, who has yet to pick a name for himself. My friends and colleagues; Wrathe, Argon and last but least, Daxniss." Ssilax says, introducing the others in turn.
Taking a relaxing breath for the first time in recorded memory, Wrathe falls into step with the others, his mind a million leagues away.
He pulls himself from his reverie long enough to ask, "What is the purpose of this place Brother Tamarind?"
Daxniss let's Wrathe and Ssilax ask the important religious beliefs questions, that and the fact she didn't want to intrude on them asking Tamarind. Daxniss felt an itch to explore the hut start to creep forward, she mange to stifle that urge, after all she and the others were guests.
Daxniss waits in the background pondering what would be the best questions to ask about the goblin tribe and what else Yuzu's knew about the area. Daxniss might not know much about the forests, now would be a good time to start learning.
Argon, feeling weak and in pain, lets Yuzu and Brother Tamarind lead them in and take care of him. He pets Dog and it makes him feel better.
Finally, he feels safe. He waits to hear the answer to Wrathe's question.
Trying still to keep his impatience on a short leash, Ssilaz keeps his mind busy. Eyes moving around the room, the young Theurge clasps his hands behind himself to keep from fidgeting. He notices that the others look to be relaxing. He wishes that he could say the same thing.
Ever since they entered, Ssilax felt like something was watching him, as if waiting for something. It made the space between his shoulder blades itches, and the dragonkin slightly turns his head to see...., absolutely nothing behind him. Well, nothing except the altar of Nethys.
Unconsciously, the young Theurge rubs the scar on his stomach from a poisoned blade all those years ago at the temple in the city.
Looking back at the gathering, Ssilax tries to keep his mind from wandering, focusing on the discussion.
"What do you two know about the tribe of goblins that abducted the Sister. And how did they abduct the sister?" Ssilax asks while looking off into the distance. The dragonkin then turns his sapphire gaze to the brother and the groundskeeper. Ssilax looks as calm as his voice, almost relaxed. The shadow of the dragonkin was one of angry posture, it's head lashing back and forth.
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Yuzu makes tea while Tamarind makes herbal remedies and tends to wounds, especially those of Argon and Wrathe.
He takes his time, and as he works he explains things.
The temple started off as a simple home that Momordica built. He had lived down below in Blackburn, but had run into the usual troubles even though she had tried to keep her religion and talents, and even her appearance, secret. So she had started to explore, and loved the plateau and the forest. There is a spot not far away, where the edge of the forest meets a vertical cliff, and overlooks the bay below; and you can also see Dragon Head and Ayrtor; and it's quite a magical sight first thing in the morning.
She built a house here. In time, Yuzu found his way here, chased away for magical abilities he barely knew he had. Together, they added to the house and added on a temple; and they had some financial help from her great uncle, Dainoth. More recently, only last year, Tamarind sought out and found Momordica as his mentor and teacher.
Momordica uses the place to pray and to do magical research, with help from Tamarind.
The goblin tribe that had been living on the south side of the plateau were gradually pushed away by a small orc tribe, and earlier this year they arrived in this area. This spurred the group to put up some magical wards. Momordica even took advantage of the goblins' fear of magic by spreading rumors of a curse to any who entered the yard. These measures have been working well to keep the goblins away so far, but it only works at this location.
Three days ago Momordica went into town, disguised at first as the older woman the townsfolk expect, then transformed back into herself once getting close to town. At least, that was the plan. They are not sure what happened, except that Momordica didn't return that day, nor the next. At that point, Tamarind went to investigate and found a snare trap. He then went spying the goblins, and was able to spot Momordica, kept in a cage in the middle of the goblins temporary settlement of perhaps ninety goblins or more.
Wrathe sighs in relief as the sting from his most grievous wounds is toned down to reasonable levels. Leaning back in his seat he asks, "When do we leave to free Momordica?"
" Bloody hell and brimstone, ninety of the bleeding buggers. " Daxniss curses then says " How active are goblins during the day? Perhaps a night time sneaking mission might be an ideal plan. I might be able to sneak in and trick the cage lock if it has one, to open. I have a few things that I can use to make it impossible to see me for a little bit of time. "
Wondering what else Yuzu had seen she says " Yuzu perhaps you could inform us of what kind of guards are surrounding the cage, and is Momordica awake? Also did you see any other finger wagglers? or an elder that was leading them, if we manage to kidnap or silence the elder we might have a better position of strength to offer an exchange. " Daxniss' minds starts whirling at the possible plans, her eyes light up as she starts to think of ways of theft and getting Momordica out of there with little bloodshed.
Daxniss didn't hold too much hate for goblins however, getting Momordica out of there alive was the most important thing and of course, staying alive along with everyone else in the group. " We should rest and regroup before we go after a tribe, Wrathe. "
"The goblin we captured and used as a guide, Moog, called Momordica "Mama Digger," does this mean anything?" Ssilax asks, tapping the side of his snout in thought. "Also, what do we know about goblins collectively?"
"If their greedy enough, we could offer to buy her off of them. I have that silver statue I've been carry since we left." Ssilax offers as a possible plan.
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"You need your rest. The poison will take time to be cleansed from you, even with the remedies I have given you," says Brother Tamarind.
"Mamma Digger? Momordica? They sound similar, don't they? Perhaps that's what the goblins think her name is? But I'd like to hear your stories, too. How did you come to be here? How did you get by the goblins, albeit with injuries?"
When asked about goblins, Tamarind says that he thinks they are more active by night, and can see in the dark. They are not well organized - more like spiteful children who like to torture others. It was not Yuzu who observed them, but Tamarind. They have a big camp with many little lean-tos. When he saw them, there were many of them about, some of them watching Momordica in the cage. He didn't see any obvious leader, though some of them seemed more respected than others.
There was relief in knowing someone was tending to him with an expert hand, though he remains stoic as immediate relief is not provided for his wounds. Rest sounded good, as he was as weak as a baby that just laid around all day, rather than working on its abs.
Though Daxniss' words were correct and filled with wisdom, the wizard still dismisses them with a playful wave, "You kids today, with your 'let's not take on an entire tribe when wounded'; back in my day we would take on 50 tribes before breakfast, just as a warm up. Yer soft I tells you...soft!" His fake intensity was too much, though lovely to distract him from the spider bites, and he breaks down into peals of laughter.
Wrathe's keen mind was filled with goblins.
Wiping his eyes he suggests, "Perhaps the distraction of many lean to fires will draw their attention from a escape attempt, especially with the limitation of range and detail associated with night vision."
"Depending on how the nearby foliage that could work, as I don't want to set the forest on fire. That said, uncontrolled fire is remarkable effective at generating fear." Ssilax says, well aware of the terror that fire could bring. "That is a lot of goblins." A slight frown takes shape on his muzzle.
Remembering that Tamarind had asked them how they came to be here. Sipping his tea, the young Theurge thinks for a few moments.
"Well, Dainoth had been captured and sent us away, to keep the Arch-Magus from getting his hands on us. Rygear arranged for us to find passage on a small ship. As the nobles of the city are apparently playing at summoning Devil, we were sent to find aid," Ssilax pauses, looking down at his finished cup of tea. It was pleasant, but not what he was looking for.
Sliding off his backpack, Ssilax sets it down near a corner and digs out his pot and small pouch of coffee. Setting them down in a chair, he moves over to Dog and unties the familiar's backpack and sets it near his own.
"Supposedly, there are beings living up in the clouds of that beast." Ssilax hooks a clawed thumb over his shoulder, vaguely in the direction of the mountain. "Hate devils and demons and might give aid. If we can convince them that they should be bothers."
"On the way here, we happened across a ruined ship, the only survivor a young child. While we took care of the near frozen little human, the captain decided to try the nearest port to see if her family might reside there." Ssilax pauses and looks over at Yuzu. "Would you mind showing me where the kitchen is? I like to start brewing some coffee. No offense intended, but I would like something stronger than tea," the dragonkin says with a slight grin.
After returning, (if he was show the way), Ssilax continues speaking.
"Fortunately, Nadi's adoptive aunt lived in the port and was willing to care for her, having lost her brother in the storm that wreaked their fishing boat." The dragonkin continues speaking. "After seeing Nadi off, our journey here continued. We spent the day that we arrived stretching our legs and looking around the city," Ssilax pauses, a slight grin creasing his snout. "Well Wrathe and Daxnisss did, I walked Dog, along with Argon, guided buy young Piglet." Ssilax chuckles at the thought of the independent little human that had dragged him to the inn.
Daxniss snorts at Wrathe's words and pulls from her backpack a rolled blank parchment and swats him lightly on the nose and says " No bad Wrathe no whiskey for you. I'm sure 'back in your day' was this morning of course still rushing ahead with no real plans will do us any good. "
" A number of small fires might do the trick unless she is in a cave and smoke fills said cave. Bloody crows I had hoped that there might have been an elder, it would have given us some more options. "
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Tamarind listens to the story and nods as it is told.
You are in the dining room, which is right next to the kitchen, and Yuzu provides water for coffee or whatever else strikes your fancy. He also starts making a meal for you all - it is past lunch time, after all.
While you eat, Tamarind prepares makeshift beds. There are a few guest beds, but others must be set up. Each of the rooms has a small statuette of Nethys in it.
Wrathe has read plenty about goblins; how they are superstitious, and regard fire with delight and the written word with fear. They hate dogs and horses, and love slimy and sticky things. They are very much like children, but bad children. They are as fast as humans even though their legs are short, and they are very good at hiding in places you would think no one could hide.
When the subject arises again, "Regarding Momordica," says Tamarind, "I have been thinking about how to free her, but have not come up with any good plan. I suppose that kind of strategic thinking is not my strong suit. Fire, indeed, might work."
Wrathe provides the information about all he remembers about goblins, not overly dissuaded by goblin's love of fire, for that works just as well to attract attention.
"Tamarind, when it is time to set out and retrieve Momordica, what forces can we count on?"
Ssilax thinks to himself as he sits and sips his coffee.
"I don't suppose either of you can create illusions with sound in them, can you?"[b] the young dragonkin asks of Tamarind and Yuzu. "[b]If yes, we could try to run them off long enough to free Sister Momordica"
" Alas, unless they were afraid of fortune telling, I'm afraid I have nothing involving illusions. " Daxniss says with a grin. Daxniss sips her coffee, not wanting Yuzu to trouble himself with making tea instead, one of her hands is spinning her dagger from palm to the back her hand, back to her palm a simple enough trick as she has had years practicing it.
"Maybe you and Daxniss," Ssilax turns to look at Argon, "should do a little reconnaissance. Considering all of the years of training you had in the elite guard, I'm guessing you have a better grasp on tactics then us. I've managed to pick up "Bottleneck" and "Flanking" but that's been about it."
The dragonkin falls silent for a few moments, mulling over the variables in his head. No matter what he could come up with, the outcome looked grim.
"I just don't want to go running into this half-assed. We barely walked away from the spider trap that the goblins had set up at that cave," the young Theurge says. "Admittedly, they did get the drop on us, but still. And it's not like we can go back to town and ask for help. They'd probably show with the lumber to start a fire as soon as they figured out Sister Momordica uses magic. I didn't seen any temple to Nethys in town, so I'm guessing the locals share the goblins mind set when it comes to casters."
Ssilax takes another drink of his coffee, a frown creasing his scaled snout.
"We must rest this night, to recover from our wounds, and the arachnidae poisons that have mixed our blood into cocktails, but perhaps there is one from this place that could reconnoiter in the interim?"
Wrathe was doubtful, but you never knew.
Argon continues the tale of the goblin encounter, ending with the group carrying then releasing the common-speaking goblin. He asks Tamarind if the goblins typically keep spiders, or other crawly pets or guard animals.
Looking around the room, he wonders if many of the mundane things he sees are actually magical, and quietly asks Wrathe. He had imagined as a child that a (usually evil) wizard's tower would be full of self-filling water cups (or when older, ale), self-washing clothes, and other similar wonders.
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Tamarind hears the plans, and agrees that a reconnoiter might be useful, though it would also be dangerous. "The goblins know you are here, and if they are smart they will realize you are connected to Momoridica and will want her back. They are expert hiders, and though they are typically lax with their guards, if one is on guard, you will likely not see it before it sees you. But if you are spotted you could always run back here to safety. The benefit, of course, would be that we could better assess the situation and prepare accordingly."
Regarding help, he says, "Of course I will help in the rescue effort, as will Yuzu. We owe... all we have to Momordica, and I can't bear to think of her being tortured by those crazed little demons! When I saw her she was in a cage made of thick wooden bars, and sitting in the middle of a crude fenced area where they keep 'livestock' - really whatever animals, tame or wild, they happen to have with them. I saw a boar, a deer tied to the fence, and very sickly looking baboon, also tied up. Momordica herself had her hands behind her back, presumably tied, too, and she may have been gagged; I couldn't be sure."
Argon nods at Ssilax's suggestion of recon. "We can get close enough to look, hopefully, and see what guards they have, what weapons, and if the situation with the cage is the same. Best if we're not seen, though, because then they'll know for sure that we're coming."
" Aye, I'll have no trouble seeing in the dark and looking around to get a better idea of what we are up against wouldn't hurt. I'd rather we not be seen while scouting anyway besides, a night time stroll through the woods could be fun. " Daxniss says with a grin, feigning bravado was natural for the rogue, she wasn't keen on getting ambushed by so many goblins.
Daxniss had a feeling that if they went on their night jaunt that there would be equal odds something would go wrong of course, that could be more of the fact that she didn't care about being in the woods. Still there would be little to be gained by fretting about what else was in the woods besides goblins.
Wrathe guides Argon through the process of what might be mundane and what is magical whilst pinching his lips together to hide his smile. The slayer had come so far. They all had.
"I am ready to go now for a reconnoiter." His words are little more than a bluff, as he felt ready to collapse, but he did not want to leave someone in the goblin's grubby little hands any longer than they were forced to.
"I'm not sure if we should go Wrathe. Neither of us are particularly stealthy, and the noise we make could get everyone captured or killed," Ssilax cautions. "However, if the goblins are attracted to fire, maybe a couple of bonfires spread out to get there attention off of their captives." thinking out loud.
"Tonight we observe them, only. Tomorrow we rescue Momordica. Unless, of course, the opportunity presents itself," says Argon. "The knowledge we gain will help the spellcasters to choose spells in the morning, and it will help all of us choose equipment. And most of all, we will be better able to plan the rescue."
With that, he lies down on his makeshift bed and tries to sleep.
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Rest looks immensely inviting, as early afternoon had become late. Wrathe, especially, with all the poison in his system still, needs the rest, even with all the healing herbs Tamarind had given him.
In the evening, when you are all up for a late dinner, Yuzu brings out a few things. "These might come in handy, in an emergency. Potion of flying. Tanglefoot bag. And this robe, a Robe of Blending, which will allow you to take the form of a goblin and speak and understand their language. This one we should probably save for the rescue attempt. Momordica used it in the past to infiltrate them and spread misinformation about this place."
Dinner is fresh from the garden, but there is no meat. It seems Momordica does not eat meat ever, and the others do only occasionally, but they don't seem to mind. Yuzu is full of vigor during the meal, while Tamarind is somewhat reserved. The latter is especially quiet when speaking to Argon or Daxniss. This may stem from the belief that some Nethys worshippers follow; they think of nonmagical people as less worthy, as if their god had made wizards and sorcerers magical as some kind of reward of virtue, and left the others as is as some kind of punishment.
Tamarind ensures all physical wounds are healed using his cure spells. The poison takes longer (8 hours rest restores 1 Str point, 2 with successful heal check) but Wrathe feels somewhat better, and Argon much better.
Daxniss had slept without much difficulty, Tamarind's actions bothered her little as he had abilities that Daxniss didn't have however, Daxniss had skills that many didn't, what seemed simple to her, blew others away. Daxniss had always felt that those who used magic had an ability like those who were extremely skilled with blades.
Pushing the man's viewpoint out of her mind she focus more on the soon to be task at hand, while grazing at her evening meal, more interested in a light enough meal that would not distract her movements in the possible field of stealth.
Despite Wrathe's protestations to the contrary sleep steals up on him and drags him kicking and screaming into the black.
When the companions are together, and he is confident that no prying ears are proximal, he offers, "Should we find an opportunity to abscond a goblin's garb, I can shift my form to accompany the one that dons the robe; though I will not understand their language."
He had magics to permit him to comprehend the goblin's speech, but its duration was likely too short to be of much use for a protracted exchange.
"I am hopeful that once we remove this theurge's bonds, and gag, that she is capable of assisting our exodus."
"Agreed, the items shouldn't be squandered," Ssilax says to the Brother when he mentions the items. "My vote would be Daxniss wearing the robe and sneaking in to free Sister Momordica. Possibly with the Potion of Flying, so the two can fly away." The dragonkin looks over at Wrathe, thinking about his ability to shift forms. He could possibly tag along with Daxniss as a Goblin as well. Ssilax was unsure if the Potion of Flying would let the three of them escape.
"The rest of us can be setting up some form of distraction. That part I haven't quite figured out. Perhaps several bonfires?" The young Theurge thinks out loud, rubbing the base of one of his horns.
Before heading to his cot, the group gathered briefly, exchanging a few words in private. Listening to Wrathe, Ssilax nods in agreement, bring up his concern on if the potion would let the three fly away.
"I am hoping the same, to be perfectly honest with you. I would imagine that the Sister would still have her spells. Whether she had the components necessary is another question altogether." The dragonkin says quietly.
After saying there goodnights, Ssilax heads to his bed for a night more than likely plagued by nightmare. Just like any other night. At least there was coffee to look forward to in the morning,' Ssilax thinks, grinning at the ridiculous thought.
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After resting most of the afternoon and evening, it is not too hard to get up at the witching hour. Tamarind had said the goblin camp was a few miles away. He is at first concerned about lights, but Argon assures him that he and Daxniss can both see in total darkness. The darkness is not total, however, as Mahina, though only at a quarter, provides around the same light as his much smaller sister Luna, which is nearly full. Tamarind is surprised at Argon's assurance, and perhaps a little impressed. Darkvision is not magical but it is special.
The directions are to go west, and Argon is confident he will be able to retain that heading. There is a very large tree (much taller than the others in its vicinity) west and slightly north. It could be climbed and fires spotted a mile or more away if they are bright enough. Neither Tamarind nor Yuzu know if they will be bright enough. The tree, at least, can be used as a guide to help those ranging know they are going the right way.
Those who are going head out into the night.