Protectors of Golarion (Wrath of the Righteous AP)

Game Master Sensen

"Thank you, Seer Opoli. We will keep your warnings in mind." Assuming here that Elliot still wants the risky alchemist's fires, but feel free to speak up to the contrary, Elliot.

Verene smiles at Anevia. "Indeed, I don't think we could do it without you. Master Aravashnial's spells would also be a strong advantage in a pinch, but because he is more helpless to attackers than the rest of us, I am afraid to expose him to such risk. We will ask him what he wishes to do."

Her smile fades a bit, though, as she contemplates what they're actually proposing: attacking to kill intelligent beings without trying to negotiate or give them a chance to surrender.

"You're always welcome, Anevia. As for Aravashnial, we really should let him make that decision." Merixia frowns slightly. "I've worked with war veterans who lost limbs or senses in combat, that's part of what the martial faiths do in Almas. It's never a good idea to decide for them whether or not they can do something. And he's a wizard. He doesn't necessarily have to see in order to cast spells. If he wants to take the risk, he's a grown man. It's his right to do so."

"I would hazard a guess that my Teacher would wish to assist if only to reach the surface faster. It appears no one down here can help him regain his sight," Elliot comments after silently taking the two volatile bottles and taking one in his hand. "Well, that... and I have reason to believe he doesn't like demons that much." He grins. "Still, we should ask him, yes. Maybe he believes doing this ourselves would be a valuable lesson or such."

"Thank you Seer Opoli. Your help has been a blessing," Thesius says as they prepare to part ways.

Turning his attention to the group, he listens before adding to the conversation, "Shall we perhaps visit with Chief Sull first to inquire about a map or guide before raising such questions to the rest of our companions? I know I am glad to have Anevia's steady aim on our side and would appreciate Aravashnial's spells, but I do not wish to put anyone into a situation they do not want to be in." He gives a smile back to Anevia as he speaks his words about her.

"Yes, well... you all will be helping our tribe far more than I've been able to help you." Opoli waves the heroes goodbye. "I''ll have to speak with my sibling about making sure we equalize the things we've bartered to you." She muses as they leave, taking Anevia with them.

"Thanks for the compliment, Thesius, but I've not been as much help as I'd like. At least we've survived, and you're all very capable." Anevia says with a dry smile, though there's a tension around her eyes. "As for Aravashnial, he will make his own decisions. As is his wont. But I agree with Elliot - I don't think he's like to want to let us go without him." The archer ponders for a moment. "Come to think of it, I wonder what Gwerm will want to do. I can't see him enjoying staying here, but he's also no warrior."

Merixia tucks a potion into her bandolier, relieved to have something for emergencies. "Anyone else want to go find some breakfast first? I was kind of hoping for something other than dried rations."

"We will do our best. Thank you very much for your time and help, Seer Opoli." Verene bows politely to Opoli as she waves them off, and begins walking toward the chief's humble hut, which Lann guided them to yesterday.

She agrees with Anevia. "Yes. Lord Horgus is, to my knowledge, a civilian with no magical ability or fighting experience. It would not be right to expect him to put himself in such danger just because we are choosing to do so. But then again, he may fear being left behind, or believe that we will need his warnings and mysterious unknown knowledge to survive. And he may even be right. Like Master Aravashnial, we should certainly ask him what he wishes to do."

"Anyone else want to go find some breakfast first? I was kind of hoping for something other than dried rations."

"A good idea. Perhaps Orin would sell us some, or at least know where we could find fresh food." Verene changes course, now heading for Orin to ask about obtaining a meal.

"We each do what we can. While it may not be as much as we would like, we have all shown our benefit. So do not be hard on yourself. I'm sure you'll only improve as your injury heals," he says with a smile.

"My words were more in regards to Horgus. It may be expedient to keep him with us, but it may also lead to issues when we have to protect him."

Anevia offers Thesius a half-smile. "Yeah, I don't know what he'll want, and whether it's worth trying to bring him. But then, I'm not wholly sure what's been going on with him since the attack. Maybe he'll be more useful than we think."

The heroes return to Orin's hut, where the androgynous forgotten child welcomes them back. "Breakfast? Ah, yes, of course. Let me treat you to some of our victuals." They bring the party out to a small cookfire, situated on the shore of the island.

"There are vents above - this is why we light the fires here, rather than anywhere more convenient." They begin handing out cooked fish, mushrooms, and a few bits of meat that are less identifiable - which is probably for the best.

Aravashnial joins the group soon after they begin eating, having been guided there by Lann. "When do we plan on leaving? I recommend later today, but have you prepared your spells appropriately for that, Verene, Elliot?"

Politely accepting some of the fish and mushrooms, Elyda found a place to sit outside Orin's hut and watched as Aravashnial and Lann joined them. Not knowing if the arcane casters had prepared their spells for the day, Elyda refrained from answering when they should leave to find the cultist camp. Instead the young inquisitor ate her food and silently pondered all that she had learned of the enemy, while catching any conversation moving around the small cookfire.

"That may also depend on whether we can find a general map of the area or a guide. I believe we still plan on meeting with Chief Sull about such matters," Thesius says after finishing a bite of fish.

Verene thanks Orin for the food and eats all that is offered to her with interest in the unfamiliar flavors and a cheerful unconcern for their provenance. While she doesn't live to eat, and is certainly no gourmand, she has a generally high tolerance for novel flavors, and learned early in her travels that she prefers almost any hot meal, no matter how plain or exotic, to travel rations. Freshly cooked fish, mushrooms and meat, even if a bit bland for lack of herbs and seasoning, are a nice change from hard crackers, dried fruit, nuts and jerky.

"Except for two cantrips, which I prepared to try to identify that poison and copy some spells from Millorn's spellbook, my readied spells are about as useful for dangerous situations as I can make them," Verene answers Aravashnial.

"But this brings up another issue. I don't know if you have heard this yet, Master Aravashnial, but Chief Sull has told us that the closest way out of this underground maze and back into Kenabres is through the territory of another group of forgotten children, one which worships demons and consorts with cultists from the surface." If Aravashnial hasn't had all the facts yet, she quickly summarizes for him what Elyda and Chief Sull told them, and that the group has agreed to take on the 'traitors.' "So the case is that we expect to face not just the normal risks of travel in a dangerous environment, but guaranteed battle, possibly against steep odds. And we may well have to retreat back to Neathholm at some point anyway. Given that, do you wish to stay here for now, or accompany us? There are good arguments for both, I think, but obviously the decision must be yours."

Lann nods at Thesius. "Actually, it is not so hard to navigate - so long as you continue heading upwards, rather than downwards or along the same level, you need only follow the tunnel southeast." He pauses, embarrassed. "Not that I have been down that way before, but it was commonly used in the years before the traitors settled there."

"Most excellent." Aravashnial says. "Elliot, what of yourself?" He carefully takes a bite of one of the pieces of meat that Lann puts into his hand. "Oh. You don't overcook it like so many of your ancestors might've. Wonderful." He says sincerely. Indeed, to the humans, the meat is slightly undercooked and gamey.

"As for your question, Verene..." The Riftwarden frowns. "I would say that we ought to all go ahead - the longer we stay down here, the more of Kenabres will fall into ruin above us. Besides, my conjurations may yet prove useful to you in combat - certainly, they did so before."

"Most excellent." Aravashnial says. "Elliot, what of yourself?" He carefully takes a bite of one of the pieces of meat that Lann puts into his hand. "Oh. You don't overcook it like so many of your ancestors might've. Wonderful." He says sincerely. Indeed, to the humans, the meat is slightly undercooked and gamey.

"I'm ready to go as well, Master. I'm not sure about the layout of this traitor base we'll be heading in, but I think I'll stick with Grease and Colour spray for now - I'll save the fire for when we reach the surface. There's this... 'party trick' Miss Alliz likes to use to liven up the shows, and I think I can do that too. It should help even if we get bottlenecked again, " Elliot muses, taking a hesitant bit of what looks like a grilled two-headed fish.

"...I hope. he mumbles, throwing perhaps a last glance over the tranquil lake around Neatholm.

Merixia eagerly digs into the provided fish, mushrooms, and meat. It's hot and fresh, which automatically makes it good as far as she's concerned. "Glad to have you along, Aravashnial. It's reassuring to know that we'll have your spells if we get into a tight spot. Again." She swallows a bite of fish. "If we're leaving today, I'll just pray for my spells rather than perform the sword practice meditation I had in mind. I'm sure I'll have enough of a workout fighting the demon cultists."

"Thank you Lann. Does the incline tend to be fairly noticeable?" he asks before responding to the others, "Then it would seem that Horgus may have little choice in the matter. Is there anything else we can use to do prior to leaving? If not, it may be better to leave sooner than later so as to get the most out of our day."

"As for your question, Verene..." The Riftwarden frowns. "I would say that we ought to all go ahead - the longer we stay down here, the more of Kenabres will fall into ruin above us. Besides, my conjurations may yet prove useful to you in combat - certainly, they did so before."

"Very true. I am, perhaps selfishly, relieved to have you with us," Verene admits. "Both you and Anevia have set a heartening example of courage and resilience. I only hope I may do my part so well as you have."

"Then it would seem that Horgus may have little choice in the matter. Is there anything else we can use to do prior to leaving? If not, it may be better to leave sooner than later so as to get the most out of our day."

"In a moment, I thought I might bring a bit of this food back to the hut for Lord Horgus and ask him whether he wishes to come with us. For the rest of the morning, I had hoped to copy some of the spells from Millorn's spellbook into my own, but I would not be able to prepare or use any of them before tomorrow in any case, so that need not delay us." Verene's expression when she mentions the mad dwarf mage is tinged with sadness. She pauses and then adds gently, "You did a kind thing, Thesius, to try to show him mercy when we thought he might only be... confused."

Lann nods at Thesius. "From what I know, yes. It is not significant, but it is noticeable enough to follow."

Aravashnial remains quiet for a moment, before nodding slightly at Elliot. "You'll do well, Elliot. Don't overthink, and trust yourself."

Anevia looks up. "I'd say we can let Verene do her spell transferral, but I want to get moving as soon as we can - it's not like our speed is going to be especially quick."

"If we are all moving out, I fear it may be best he come along.
While a noncombatant, it will slow us if we have to come back for him."

Thesius' gut churns at the mention of the dwarf. He had been trying hard not to think about it or the fact they would soon potentially be taking further life.

"No...I was trying to spare his life regardless. Demons I understand, but I had hoped the dwarf was redeemable."

Grateful for the distraction, Thesius quickly turns his attention to Lann.

"Thank you Lann. I fear I am still growing accustomed to being underground and I merely wish to make sure we are able to navigate the terrain you describe."

Taking a further breath to steady himself, he continues on.

"While I am also glad for Aravashnial's help, I think both Verene and Elliot are underestimating their value. You were thrown into a situation you were not prepared for and seeing as Aravashnial is further along in his studies, you should not compare yourselves to him. If we need to take the time so you can further learn your spells, so be it. Otherwise, I agree we should set out soon after. We can use the remaining time to make sure we are not forgetting anything."

"I'll pray, Verene will scribe her spells, and we'll head out. Sounds like a plan to me." Merixia finishes the last of her meal. "Although I think we should return here after eliminating the cultists, so our hosts know that we succeeded. Or not, as the case may be." She chooses not to comment on Millorn's demise. As far as she's concerned, he got what he deserved, but that sentiment probably won't endear her to Thesius or Verene.

Incredulous at what she was hearing, Elyda's steady gaze settled on Verene and Thesius, and she spoke in a steady manner, hoping her words would somehow be taken on their merits and not through prejudiced eyes simply because she was an inquisitor.

"I do not understand these melancholy sympathies you continue to harbour for a dwarf whose madness was so malevolent that he would kill us, and did in fact leave your bodies lifeless on the ground. A dwarf who defiled Torag's chapel and conducted fleshwarping - and continued to do so on Chief Sull's son and other forgotten children, and, espoused dark desires to take Elliot and I to experiment on. If we did not kill Millorn, both of you could have bled to your deaths and he could have been captured by the drow woman for even darker purposes at her demon lord's behest. There is no room for such sentimentality, here. To redeem a soul is honourable; aye, yet Millorn saw no reason - he sought no absolution for his depravities. He could have taken more of the forgotten children, that even now you wish to protect and who have given us sanctuary. His death was just and vital. You have his spellbook and can make good use of it to help those in true need of it. Let us concentrate on this. Every person has something to contribute in this company."

Elyda then grew silent. Her mind still lingered on the things said to her or thought about her from these people whom she had allied with. Still, she was an outsider, distrusted and disregarded, especially by Thesius and Elliot. No more. It was a silent promise to her Lady.

If her companions wished to prepare or scribe spells, then Elyda would give them the necessary time for she did not see the advantage gained from rushing forward unprepared.

"I will practice with my blade while you prepare your spells," and with that she nodded to her companions and turned to find a space to wield her long sword - putting herself through the paces, shutting out all thought and concentrating on the motion/movement/precision. Such drills centred Elyda. She sent a prayer to her Lady, //My Lady of Valor, Iomedae, Light of the Sword, I pray to thee for guidance. That thy wisdom brings enlightenment and allows my eyes to perceive some sign that that this path be right, for no person possesses the foresight to sense where such a path will end.// She continued to practice until they were ready to leave to find the traitors.

"Really? Well, thank you, Thesius. I'll try and live up to those expectations," Elliot replies to the Bard, a bit surprised at the praise while he hadn't exactly done much yet.

When the conversation moves to Millorn again, he sighs and shakes his head, the smoke trail from his hair signing the motion in the air. "I... agree with Elyda here. From what my Teacher said, he researched a dark, forbidden craft of his own will. At best, it broke his mind and he went insane. At worst, it only partially did and he was fully aware of the rest of his vile actions until the end."

He ponders the issue a bit more shrugs. "Maybe... if he'd surrendered and shown remorse of any kind, or if he'd been forced into it somehow, I'd have been more sympathetic. That said, let's put him behind us and focus on the upcoming struggle. There's just one last thing I need to get, and I'll be ready to go."

He buys the scroll of mage armor and meets back up with the party at the exit to the town.

She had heard Elliot's words and was soothed by his support in regard to Millorn. It was unexpected, if Elyda was honest with herself, since Elliot was on closer terms with the others than he was with her. Still, it made her feel less alone and she was grateful for that. Elyda acknowledged Elliot with a nod/small bow of her head, "Thank you, Elliot. Let us put him behind us, once and for all. Do what you must to ready yourself for this mission."

Thesius shakes his head at the words. His feelings were not necessarily driven by thought. Many were not. Yet for simply correcting someone's viewpoint on his actions, another stepped in to simply thrust there own viewpoints upon him.

"I understand your words, but that does not change how I feel.
I did what I thought best in the moment and that is all I can do.
Those feelings are not mutual, so perhaps it's best I simply refrain from talking among some of you about anything but the current objective. It would seem that is your wish as it is."

He understood the reason behind their thoughts, but feelings were not always rational.

In fairness to Millorn, the chapel of Torag was desecrated at least a decade and a half before he was exiled for fleshwarping.

Anevia pats Thesius' shoulder. "Hey. Focus on who we can save, right?" She offers him a half-grin, though she seems aware that it's not exactly easy to do. "We all have people waiting on the surface."

I'll get more details up tomorrow, but now it is late and nearly time for me to fall asleep.

Verene frowns slightly, but refrains from pointing out that the dwarf Millorn had seemed completely unrelated to the desecrated temple and Chief Sull's son, and had not in fact hurt her at all. It seems petty to quibble, especially since he clearly would have done so if given the opportunity, but it galls her slightly to let multiple errors of fact stand for the sake of group harmony. "More than one thing can be true at once. To aspire to redeem the wicked in this life, while they still have a chance to change, is not only a noble goal, but in its own way, a pragmatic one. For each evil soul that is killed, judged and sent to the Abyss, or Hell, or Abaddon, gives those places a little more energy and power, either to fuel that plane's existing fiends as they consume it, or to their armies when the soul is amalgamated and transformed into a new fiend. Each single soul may be as a single drop in the ocean. The ocean is still made of drops collected over time.

"And it is also true that redemption is difficult and often impractical, sometimes prohibitively so. It cannot be compelled, only offered and freely chosen. It cannot be chosen without the capability for moral understanding. To offer even the chance would sometimes entail unacceptable risks." Verene shrugs. "I do not mourn or feel sympathy for Millorn as he was. I do feel sadness for the chance he lost to change. There are things we can owe to others regardless of how deserving or not they are."

She sighs and gets up. "And on that note, I think it is past time to go speak to Lord Horgus Gwerm. I don't require extra time to copy the spells; as I said, I won't be able to prepare them before tomorrow anyway, so it makes little difference if I scribe them soon or later." Verene politely requests from Orin another serving of the likeliest-looking, most-fully-cooked food to take to the odd nobleman, and trudges off with it toward the hut where they spent the night, in search of Horgus.

Aravashnial nods his agreement. "Millorn made his choices, and his choices led him to becoming a madman hiding beneath Kenabres, hunted by the drow for his knowledge and obsessed with the idea that he was being hunted by the crusaders from the surface. I'm not sure he was capable of choosing anything else by the time we met him, in all honesty."

Lann looks puzzled by the conversation, but doesn't speak up - simply chewing his food thoughtfully.

"At any rate, if we're going to prepare, I'll grab the supplies that you got us - thanks, by the way, Verene, for the cold iron arrows. Even if I don't use them down here - it's pretty hard to see - I'll have the chance to use them against demons above." Anevia swallows, but rises stiffly to her feet.

"Allow me to help, madam." Orin jumps to their mismatched feet and leads Anevia off to their storeroom-hut.

Once Verene has left, the others go about their respective preparations for the expedition to the southeast. Upon gathering near the somewhat more ramshackle gate, they find that Sull is waiting for them.

"I wished to meet with you all again, to offer some directions and my sincerest thanks once more." The chief says in his high-pitched voice. "Ascend you along this path - so long as you are headed upwards, you are going in the correct direction. So far as we know, there are no traps along the way, but be mindful of possible collapses - the earth has mostly settled, but it would not meet if you were to be crushed beneath the last shifting of Kenabres."

"Thank you, Chief Sull, for your hospitality," Elliot reponds, bowing his head in respect as they're about the leave. "Perhaps when this is all over - hopefully in our favor - we could invite you to the surface once to repay the favor? For what it's worth, I believe the prosecution of your people was a misstep in our history, and I'm sure there are plenty of scholars and traders who would find prospects of continued cooperation appealing."

He then glances between his companions gauging their sentiments. "...Right?"

Merixia bows her head to the chief, following Elliot's lead. "Your help has been greatly appreciated, Chief Sull." She glances at the flame-haired aasimar. "We would have to consult with whatever authorities might have survived in Kenabres, but hopefully they will see the benefits of cooperation." Provided the more xenophobic members of the Crusade aren't in charge, that is.

"Thank you for everything Chief Sull. I would like to see you and your people welcome to the surface if you so wish to go. Prejudice does not become us and I hope that those above can manage to overcome it," Thesius adds while adjusting the shoulder straps of his backpack.

"I wished to meet with you all again, to offer some directions and my sincerest thanks once more." The chief says in his high-pitched voice. "Ascend you along this path - so long as you are headed upwards, you are going in the correct direction. So far as we know, there are no traps along the way, but be mindful of possible collapses - the earth has mostly settled, but it would not meet if you were to be crushed beneath the last shifting of Kenabres."

"You and your people provided us with sanctuary and treated us with consideration, Chief Sull. You have my gratitude and friendship. Until we meet, again. May the Lady of Valour protect Neathholm and all within. Farewell," inclining her respectfully to the chieftain.

When they were ready to ascend the given path, Elyda turned to Merixia, "I believe it best if I continue to walk in front; Ternedelev's scale to stay in my hands, and, for you remain a little further back. (Same position as before?) You are a fine fighter, Merixia, yet we will need your healing if we are to survive against our enemies and reach the surface. We cannot risk your life. Do you agree?" Elyda did not want to force another to walk before or behind another; yet Merixia was also their healer and they had to survive, especially against the traitors, cultists and their dretches.

Sull waves a heavy hand. "We shall see. I suspect that it will take some time before things return to stability in the world above, but I thank you for your consideration. It means a great deal to us."

Aravashnial nods his agreement with the others. "Whether or not Mendev wishes to make reparations, I will do my utmost to sway those in power in your favor."

Anevia smiles slightly. "Yes. I don't have much influence, but I'll try to spread the word, too."

"You are all most generous." Sull says softly, before forcing a smile. "Fare thee well, heroes, and thank you again."

With that, the party sets out again, moving through the gates and up along the tunnel. There are a few points where the path splits, but they follow the directions of the forgotten children, and continue along the path.

It takes almost half an hour of walking before the tunnel narrows down to about five feet across, and shows clear signs of being worked - picks and chisels have been used here, presumably to open the way. The heroes are close.

As they move along, Thesius speaks up. "How do we wish to approach the traitors? Do we want to try to run some kind of reconnaissance on them? Perhaps use the scale to appear as someone they can trust? Or do we want to simply face them head on? The latter being the option I think we should consider last."

"Were I up to my normal fitness, I'd offer to scout ahead, but I can't see in the dark worth a damn, and, well... I'm not exactly at my best." Anevia sighs. "Do we know enough about them to appear as someone that they trust?"

"The dead cultists we encountered earlier, perhaps." Aravashnial puts forth the idea. "They might recognize them."

"We do still have the unholy symbol from them and I speak Hallit. Unfortunately the scale's power may not last long enough for us to make effective use of it. It might give us time to close the distance, but not necessarily enough time to do more."

When they were ready to ascend the given path, Elyda turned to Merixia, "I believe it best if I continue to walk in front; Ternedelev's scale to stay in my hands, and, for you remain a little further back. (Same position as before?) You are a fine fighter, Merixia, yet we will need your healing if we are to survive against our enemies and reach the surface. We cannot risk your life. Do you agree?" Elyda did not want to force another to walk before or behind another; yet Merixia was also their healer and they had to survive, especially against the traitors, cultists and their dretches.

Merixia sighs and nods to Elyda. "You're right, much as I enjoy fighting. The battle against the dwarven undead might have gone very differently if I had stayed back a bit." She shrugs. "Needs must. We have more fighters than healers."

"We do still have the unholy symbol from them and I speak Hallit. Unfortunately the scale's power may not last long enough for us to make effective use of it. It might give us time to close the distance, but not necessarily enough time to do more."

"I think subterfuge would be worth a try to get into melee range, but given that we don't even know the cultists' names, let alone any passwords, I don't think we'll get much further than that."

"I'm afraid I'm not *that* good at sneaking, either. On the plus side, though, we're much better prepared for a fight now than we were yesterday. If you wish to try talking us close, go for it. The slow approach is probably best given that we have Anevia and my teacher to account for. At the very least, they can stay close to us even it it fails."

"We have good reason to think that the scale's power to change one's form will last around twenty minutes and can be applied to three different people at once. If you wish to be able to see in the dark, Anevia, you could take the form of a drow like the one we encountered yesterday, or perhaps a deep gnome, who can see well both in the dark and in low-light conditions, and are light and nimble. If at all possible, I would like to be a deep gnome for this battle."

Svirfneblin, aka deep gnomes, are Small, which grants a +2 Dexterity bonus and thus would slightly help an archer hit and improve AC. They have low-light vision and darkvision 120. Charau-ka are Small, have low-light vision, darkvision 60, and scent. I don't know if Verene would ever have seen one to even know they exist as an option, but she might have in Absalom or something.

"I would support either Anevia scouting ahead, if she feels confident in doing so, or having Thesius pretend to be a false crusader in order to approach, perhaps one who has taken some prisoners? From Meron's experience, we know this group likes to capture other creatures and keep them for torment. We have rope enough to loosely link ourselves together and pass for having our hands tied at a distance. Then we could simply shake off the ropes when needed. I don't think we would have any luck actually getting inside the settlement, but then again, I don't think we would want to be surrounded by the cultists, forgotten children, and dretches, anyway. Getting into range without having any guards sound the alarm seems most important."

After the group has collectively decided on a course of action, Verene casts mage armor on herself in preparation and gives her flint and steel, candles, and lantern to Horgus to carry in his backpack. She isn't sure if he will approach with the group, or hang well back from any fighting; if he chooses to hang back, and they are all killed or captured, she doesn't want him to be left without a source of light, and thus be unable to even move through the tunnels back to Neathholm by himself.

Spoilered just for space reasons, not secret

Unfortunately, I'd say that charau-ka are probably outside of Verene's realm of experience - at least insofar as she's able to use the scale to transform someone into one.

"I could do that, if you think it'd help." Anevia hesitates. "But... I'm pretty sure that if I scout ahead and they see me, I'm not going to be able to get back to you fast enough. I'm willing to take that risk, though." Her expression hardens.

"I would be careful with taking the form of a drow." Aravashnial says hastily. "We... do not know exactly what these traitors would think of them - they might be hostile to one another."

"I agree, however," he continues, "that we do not want to be in the midst of all of them when our ruse is uncovered. Merixia has the right idea, in my opinion. We use the disguises to get close, and possibly, as Verene has suggested, to enhance our abilities, then unleash our power upon them."

"If you have any doubts at all about the wisdom of it, you should not take the risk of scouting," Verene says firmly to Anevia. "We will have to approach openly anyway, in the end. However, I still believe taking a form that can see in the dark is very important for you here. If Master Aravashnial thinks the drow might be considered enemies by the forgotten children and cultists, it is not useful to helping Thesius maintain the ruse. A deep gnome, unlike a drow, would also grant a slight edge to you in combat. Also, Elyda - are you carrying the drow poison? Is now a good time to apply it to an arrow, and perhaps separate it from your others in some way, so that it could be used on the strongest mortal foe?"
Sense Motive DC 19: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Anevia bites her lips, looking uncomfortable. "I'm..." She takes a deep breath. "Alright, if you think it best." She smiles wanly. "I suppose it might make for an interesting experience."

EDIT: Removed wand use thanks to Elliot's insight.

"If we are to approach them openly, light might not be an issue. Weren't the fallen we came across earlier humans? Unless they had a way to get around the dark, they were using light as it is. If Merixia does not mind, I'll take the unholy symbol and take on the shape of a human when we get close to try and mimic one of those we came across. This should hopefully get us close enough so that we can take them by surprise," Thesius suggests.

"Uh, one problem with the deep gnome idea. Will your equipment change size with you? You could just take the form of a dwarf or half-orc to get darkvision." Merixia looks over to Thesius. "Yeah, those were definitely humans. I think it would be believable to carry a light in that case, and I have no objection to pretending to be a captive."

She pauses, frowning slightly. "I could pretend to be a false crusader instead- people are always willing to believe the worst of tieflings- but I'm a lousy actress. Maybe I could just play the part of dumb muscle. And yeah, you can have the unholy symbol to help your disguise." The cleric digs the brass pendant out of her bandolier and hands it to Thesius.

"I think the False Crusader idea has more merit, to be honest," Elliot cuts in, as he glances at Merixia. "And while I'm... not that comfortable with the idea of gaining value out of the inherent racism against certain members of our group, it's true that with the fake holy symbols, Meri as demon-blooded and me looking like a fire demon, we can probably pull that off pretty well. Even without the scale to change others."

He rests his chin on his first as he considers further. "Either way, I think we can be more sure of that they'd be willing to let us close, as they're confirmed allies. Who knows, maybe we'll learn something valuable about the dealings they had in the process, such as who to watch out for when we get upside."

Merixia scowls. "Devil-blooded. Although I doubt the cultists will be able to tell the difference." Ugh, that drives her insane. She can't exactly blame people for assuming, this close to the Worldwound, but still! "I don't mind exploiting people's prejudices. If they're fooled, it's their own fault for making assumptions and I will take great pleasure in proving them wrong when the time comes."

"So, what is the plan?" Anevia looks from one face to the next, her face slightly pale. "Do you want me to be transformed, or what?"

"You are wise to be concerned, Merixia, but insofar as I am aware, all such spells resize your equipment with you." Aravashnial adds.

"I think if I take on the guise of a human and approach, we don't have to worry too much about further transformations unless someone would like it. That also allows us to keep a good reason for having a light source or two up for everyone. The scale will also potentially enhance my ability to bluff our way closer."

"Yes, all our equipment would change size along with us. It would make us a little slower, but the benefits are considerable, given that both low light and mundane or magical darkness, in our current forms, are a considerable hindrance for us in a way they likely will not be for our enemies. In addition, others would present a bigger target, and you a smaller one." Verene looks curiously at Anevia. "You seem more troubled than I thought you would be by the prospect of temporarily taking a new form."

She shrugs. "Anyway, as I said, I would certainly like to be transformed, myself, and it seems unlikely to matter to the ruse." When the group moves on and they seem close, as soon as there is any sign that the 'traitor' forgotten children's location is close, she will use the scale on herself and soon be trotting along as a stocky little gray-skinned figure with white hair instead of her usual black.

Anevia shrugs uncomfortably. "I guess. I just... I spent most of my life trying to be who I am, now that I am, I don't want to be someone else."

"Her wife spent so much making her who she is that she does not want to change it." Horgus observes cooly, and the archer shoots him a quick, startled glance. "What? He borrowed money from me to buy it, didn't you know? Behind on his payments, too."

"Oh..." Anevia looks away.

"At any rate, are we agreed? Thesius shall transform into a human and masquerade as a cultist, to approach the traitors?" Aravashnial asks.

I'm giving you guys a few more hours to object/change the plan before engaging it.