It seemed the game was afoot! Azzim decided to make a gamble, it was possible these mercenaries where not truly evil but he reckoned most of them would be. The spell he had in mind would only work against evil folk but against them it would be spectacular! Still appearing to be a local bird, Azzim swooped down to medium range (more or less above them) and cast his spell.
Suddenly all the grass and other plants in a wide area (120' radius spread) underneath Terex swelled and erupted into gigantic grasping vines. Many dozens of Tendrils shot out towards those with blackened hearts!
Terexaltherin decides he wants to remain unseen for the moment. He pulls out a scroll of greater invisibility and casts it on himself while flying around to be behind the three mercenaries.
With tremendous effort, as he changes form to a slightly larger humanoid, the "Ranger" expels Lyra's fluid form, a coughing up a fair amount of blood along with the silver liquid. , he then backs up ten feet and draws a sabre that burns with purple flame, keeping his mouth firmly closed and preparing a magical gesture with his other hand. He's now 6,5' muscular, with small goat horns on his forehead, tan-bronze skin with a sensual mouth and an expressive face.
The Tendrils emerging around the other group focus on two of them while the third dashes away and shouts "OK, you win, whoever you are, what do you want!" The other two figures struggles against the tendrils unsuccessfully.
Arlo makes it more than halfway to the grappled group. . Terex could take an attack of opportunity on the dashing figure.
Yeah, I don't trust this guy to surrender honestly, Terexaltherin 'says' to the party. As he runs by the little dragon's hiding place he lashes out with his stinger.
The figure Terex attacked shouts "Ouch, Ouch, jeesh. I'll deal, what else do you want?"
Lyra reforms, but this time she is in full Android look.
Her arm extends out and there is a glow in the plum of her hand
Her other hand grows a sharp thin blade.
She nods her head at the mercenary
The act of one professional to another
"I call for parley, as a professional courtesy, what say you Sell Sword?"
I want you to hold very still and wait, Terexaltherin 'says' to the one offering to surrender, as he slowly sneaks closer to the remaining two.
The figure away from the group says "'Parlay' was spoken but I will say no more". He puts his hands in front of him, empty and stays still. You can see he is a human with black hair, tan skin and green eyes and has on a typical wizard's rob, with stars, moons and alchemical symbols on under a utility vest with a backpack.
The figure facing Lyra bows and says "Yes, do let us be civilized. I can see we're facing an unknown force. What can we four, Guileforth company of The Myanorians, do for you?"
The grappled figures call out "Parlay..." the group had on some kind of glamor that made them appear as just shadows. The "wizard" and the ex-"Ranger" have dropped theirs but the other two figures have theirs up.
She powers down and looks at him.
"Well now, you're a long way from home. Looks like you are on a job. and as such you are under contract. Now the details of that contract are what we are interested in here. If you are happy to supply us with a little information without breaking your contract, then there is no need for any unpleasantness. What say you, we ask questions and you can replay as best you can. This is how professionals do things, do you agree?"
Arlo arrives on the scene as Lady Lyra is discussing 'home'. The dwarf lets his android wife continue as he cracks his knuckles with menace.
Flying above, still in bird form, Azzim considers whether the mercs are going to parley in good faith or if this is just a stalling tactic, something he would likely try in their position.
Considering the situation, Azzim realizes the position of a mercenary, who merely fights for money, is different from an agent of The Organization (or a dark trader). A typical mercenary doesn't want to engage a superior foe - because they're paid to kill but not paid to die. These guys might try to escape but they're unlikely to fight now that you've shown strange power, high level spells and incredible stealth.
The mercenary facing Lyra nods. "I think we're willing, ask away...
Probably a fancy name for the four individuals in front of you.
The two individuals caught in the tentacles continue to struggle
"Your employers are looking for something, did they bother to tell you what it is and dose?"
Terexaltherin stays hidden for now, letting the others speak while he remains watchful for escape attempts.
The Tiefling facing Lyra does a slight double take and "Mmm, you're well informed here. We don't know exactly what's inside the complex. We're here to look for an entrance to the complex and once we find it, the necromancers employing us will go down into the complex and begin their 'planar extraction process'. We're not sure what it is, I try not to think what it is, but they pay with fine treasures. Still, we're will to listen to counter-offers. It's been months and we haven't made progress. The damn rangers have very effective. We're a bit relestless... "
"I see, they would not tell you because once they trigger that planar extraction process. They are most unlikely to let you get away and tell others about what they have done. They do so like cut-out cells do our advisories. You here are all Exspndable you were dead the moment you were sent here. Let me guess, the high-ups in your organization, They did not come, but I bet they told you, you needed to come, to show your worth, and Good pay, just hope for this simple plan. How's that working out for you? And here is the thing, we, We are the kind you should really not ^&*£ with. We eat necromancers, brutal, savagery, and with utter fleeing cruelty. Look close at my eyes, there is no emotion there are all, I am not evil, Evil would slit someone open to enjoy the slat sound of their guts hitting the ground. Me, I just cut and move in. Nothing registers but a recording of the event for assessment later."
Now she starts to double in size then again, her skin becomes metallic.
She towers over him a huge construct of death, razor-sharp blades a the end of her arms. The image of the bastard child of the lady of the plain.
"Our Counter office is simple, RUN Run as fast as you can and hope by the time we are done with them, you're tucked up in bad, where the lady rules.
She looks down at her husband and smiles with worm emotion??, Then she levels a smile at the Mercs, and this one is as cold as deep space.
"This is my husband, Arlo Brighthammer, god slayer.
And I am his wife, Lady Lyra Anna Fitzroy, the cold heart.
"Think carefully about what you do with this information. You are free to go back and tell your masters, and... face the consequences. Or you can and apon it and save yourselves and your fellows from both sides. I am giving you this option as a professional courtesy."
Circling above, Azzim keeps watch for any backup that might be incoming.
He also considers Lyra's gambit - run for your lives was something of a gable. How did he think the mercenaries would react to it? Did it require a further demonstration of power?
Terexaltherin doesn't really think this is the best strategy with these mercenaries, but it's better than killing them if it works, and he's not going to interject and give himself away any more than he has.
Once Lyra speaks, the Tiefling gives a gracious bow, saying "Mame, you are most kind and I will remember this favor. If you have further questions, we can be reached by this... " and then writes a quick notes and places a business card on the ground as his bow becomes a somersault and he races toward the two grappled figures with the "wizard" - he tosses a liquid on the grappled pair as the wizard casts a spell (expeditious retreat) and says "Eichart, you may get your wish...". The grappled paid slip out of the tentacles and all four speed in the direction of the town.
When four clear out, Jocinth is a bit a sheepish about taking up the rear... (though he did relay messages with his message spell).
The party later returns to the mercenaries base camp and finds the area deserted, only some fireworks traps and some broken tents. No tracks lead away (you presume the remaining twelve mercenaries teleported away).
At that point, Jocinth comments, "Perhaps we should look at what they were trying to get at. I may be able to persuade my contacts to let me in..."
It's approaching dawn and you've been exploring all night...
Lyra shrinks back down to normal and picks up the note and card.
"They will be gone by the time we get to their camp. They are no fools."
She says as she pats her husband's shoulder.
"You scared them off my love"
And again is that emotion?
As Azzim talks of a way in, she nods.
"Yes Azzim your right, let's see if we can find the way in. It's up to you and Terexa, sneaking is best than fighting."
"That could have gone badly", Arlo states.
It could have, but it didn't, Terexaltherin halfway agrees.
It would certainly be good if we could get access to the site without sneaking around, he 'says' in response to Jocinth. If we could convince the Republic forces that we're on the same side that would help us a lot, but we'll have to be careful about it. While the evidence suggests they can't have many, I'm sure the Dark Traders have at least a few agents in their ranks.
So, should having Jocinth try to talk us in be our first approach?
Terexaltherin listens to Jocinth's description of his contacts with a slight bit of disappointment. Well, they'll be a place to start, but I doubt they'd be able to get us in. Maybe I could take the form of a local animal and spend some time looking around? I might be able to find some clues as to what's happened here over the past couple of months with some more time to look.
Jocinth comments "Oh, my friends can't get us in by themselves but with some added subterfuge, someone impersonating a high official or other approach, there's a lot we could do..."
Still in bird form, Azzim flutters down and says, "If it can wait for the morning, I'm pretty sure I can make myself or one of you look and sound like the spitting image of a government official. We'd need to decide who to impersonate and find out what sort of entourage they travel with."
I don't think I'll be much help with that plan, so I'll stick with exploring around in animal form. If I listen in at the camp of the Republic forces for a while I might be able to get a better picture of what's been happening.
Once the Myanorian mercenaries are frightened off from the area of the Giant's Garden, the party spends a couple of days further scanning the area.
Azzim is able to disguise himself as a High Preceptor of Reason, a type of official Jocinth determines is seldom found in the central zone while Jocinth continues to cultivate his guard in the guise of a raucous ex-soldier, holding a late afternoon beer bash and barbecue at an area near the Party's camp area...
Hanging out at the hotel, the party notices what appears to be another research, Harclus Valduun, who apparently visits the Giant's Garden area often and is able to go within some of "exclusion zone". Harclus is a middle aged human with dark, nearly black skin, and snazzy dressing style, especially for low key aesthetic of the Universal Republic. He wear a solid black suit with simple white lines swirling through it, an usual hat and a multicolored shirt. Initially, Azzim isn't sure if his knowledge of rationalist doctrine would hold to meeting Harclus and avoids him (but could change his mind...).
Jocinth reports a rumor that several months ago, a local exploring the then-unguarded-Garden area vanished in a whirl of rainbows and the enhanced security came afterwards. The locals seem more superstitious than average for this "very rational" nation.
Liya stood and watched the masses.
Back at the hotel, Azzim asked the others, "Do you think we should approach this Harclus Valduun? I don't think it would be safe for me to do that in the guise of the High Preceptor, but off the record I'd like to know what he's doing, if we're lucky we might have a common cause. We could also spy on him, perhaps magically although that has it's own risks."
You know... Terexaltherin 'says' thoughtfully, While I'm looking around... I could probably take some readings. Examine the flow of magic and the fabric of the planes around this place. I'll have to be careful to stay out of sight of the guards even in animal form, but I should be able to manage it.
Assuming no one stops him, the little dragon circles around the Giant's Garden in the form of a small animal common to the area. Whenever he's fairly certain there's no one nearby he stops and uses detect magic to look around, comparing it with his knowledge of the planes and whatever he picked up from <Shimmer>.
Since this Harclus Valduun researches the area often, under the guise of an Inquisitor, Arlo questions the local populace about the reclusive researcher.
The Church Of The One God is small and sleepy in the town of Regilio, where locals that work (or worked) in the Giant's Garden park live. But Arlo is still able to ferret rumors about Harclus Valduun. Apparently the researcher has chased down rumors of strange lights, things walking at night etc for years. And he pays for silence, the rumors are true, half the town receives a regular stipend just to say nothing...
Meanwhile, scanning around the Giant's Garden, Terex dodges extremely well-made mid-tech traps while investigating the Playground's properties. Fortunately, he's not the only squirrel setting off landmines and dodging autocannons and the Guards take no notice, allow the rogue to make a reasonable survey of the Playground's properties.
Like many ancient monumental constructions, the machinery of the Playground is seasonally dependent. A quick decoding of the multipiece sundial spread around the complex reveal that an entrance to the thing may open in approximately a week in one of the relatively unguarded areas.
On the second day, the local child whom "Omdor Hammershield" (Arlo) has befriended bring him a note from Midor Firesword, the local Church Of The One God prelate, "Dear Omdor, I would be gratified if you join me along with few local Church brothers as well researcher Harclus Valduun at our Welcome Room on 123th at 15 hours (Universal Republic dating: two days from now, at about 3 pm). We will be having a discussion of Church history and be interested in your presence as well as that of anyone you believe to be of interest for us."
Arlo reads the note. Then asks the local child to stay while he writes a response.
Dear Midor,
Thank you for inviting me to this auspicious discussion. I will gladly make my attendance known. I have two individuals who shall come as my guests. One of them being a High Preceptor, so you know the discussion will become lively after too long. We shall see you in the Welcome Room.
One God,
Omdor.
The stern inquisitor hands the child the reply and two silver pieces.
"Now Go with God."
-------
Later 'Omdor' lets everyone in the team about the upcoming opportunity.
Well, I don't think I'll be much help with that, but I can probably listen in on some of the rangers and see if they know that something's going to happen in about a week. If they're not watching we might be able to find this entrance that's opening and take a better look at things there.
The little dragon will continue his small animal impression and try to listen in on some of the rangers and soldiers in the area.
Azzim's initial thought upon hearing of the meeting was, "Hmm I have to admit I'm unsure I can keep the High Preceptor act up in front of Harclus Valduun. Well at least there is time to prepare. I think maybe we should learn more about Mr Valduun. I'm not sure he rates a vision spell but the Akashic Record make document what he's been up to..."
Azzim sat cross-legged as he prepared the ritual, there were mantras to chant, strange glyphs to visualise and a tiny but expensive square of silver to power the spell. The Akashic Record was terribly far away however, so this would take time and it wasn't clear if the answer would be complete or accurate, still Azzim felt it was worth the risk.
The boys thank Omdo and are slightly in awe of his pious greeting (the Church Of The One God, as a minority religion, tends to be very low key, limiting their public references to God - but no one complains about Omdo)...
Sitting in the secluded camp in the woods, Azzim has a vision of Harclus Valduun spending a number of years studying the Giant's Garden, research both it's ancient history and subtly anomalous events that seem to occur around it.
The Tea for Harclus Valduun and Omdo is in a comfortable, medium sized reception room behind the Church Of The One God in the tiny town of Regilio, surrounded by Revena Oaks (a tree sacred to this God). It proceeds smoothly - on the surface. Harclus has invited a couple of "rangers" but the discussion is mostly tame and friendly, just a bit of curious reaching out.
However, at an opportune moment, Harclus is able to have both the rangers and the various minor Church officials leave for a minute or two. He then turns to Azzim and says "I know you aren't a High Preceptor since I know each of the Preceptors by face. However, I don't think your intentions are malevolent - especially because the daily incursions have stopped soon after your arrival. You may tell me as much or little as you wish at this time. Naturally, I'll be keeping an eye on you. But my door will remain open if you don't wish to tell more now." he pauses. "To be honest, I wish more High Preceptors would take notice of this place. I have managed to seal the location with my influence in the Republic Guard but much more needs to be done...
Lyra spends her time with the researchers.
Azzim blinked once before remarking, "I have to admit I was finding the pretence rather tiresome. I suspect there is a great deal to for us to talk about, but for now perhaps it's sufficient to say my associates and I are here to help. You've probably figured this out already, but there is an opposing side, we convinced some of their hired muscle to leave, however that risks a direct confrontation with their masters... So I'm glad you've done what you can to seal the area, it wouldn't do for ordinary citizens to get swept up in that. I'm sure you're aware the site has strange patterns and cycles, it's looking like in a few days time there'll be an rare opportunity for focused investigation. Knowledge from that could well be the key for providing more substantial aid."
Terexaltherin stays out near the camps of the Republic Guard in the area, listening in.
Terex is able to pick up bits and pieces of talk from the Ranger/Guards. Complaints about having to be nice tour guides one and ruthlessly searching the perimeter the next, scaring tourists. How incursions detected by radar and sonar have declined precipitously in the last day or two. There's also talk how the assignment is coming from an unusual channel but the guard makes a point of not giving details...
Harclus nods. "Very well, is there anything you need from me now? As I said, I will watch you and hope for the best. Also I'd suggest impersonating a lower level official the next time you're about, less conspicuous..."
Jocinth sends to the party ::"Perhaps we should ask a company of guards when we go to this opening? They'll be gratified to know something is happening..."
Terexaltherin notes that the Guards don't say much about the Giant's Garden or other topics--it seems like they don't really know about what it's doign or why it's being attacked. He heads back to join up with the others.
"If you think that's a good idea, ask away..." sends the gruff dwarf back to Jocinth, who then asks for few guards to be with the company when they investigate the opening. Harclus nods and takes out his pocket communicator (like a walkie-talkie, a fairly rare item in this world but common for the elite guards). Speaking to his contact he says "Hmm, yes, I see... No, No, they're right here, that's impossible...". signing off, he looks at the party. "Quite strange, it seems a group fitting your general description supposedly emerged from the Giant's Garden and then vanished... They came from out of one of the holes according our playback. Very strange. Someone impersonating you may be loose...[/i]
After that Harclus continues his investigation and the party has nothing to do but wait until the time, two days from now, when the hole will open in the Giant's playground.
Terexaltherin is immediately suspicious when he hears about this group matching their description. Either someone is impersonating us... or there's a temporal aspect to what's going on here. What if that group coming out *is* us returning from wherever we go when we go in? Either way I'm going to go take a look around. Can we get any info on where they vanished?
Assuming he can get pointed in the right direction, the little dragon again disguises himself as a common animal and examines the area their lookalikes disappeared from both physically and magically.