"Being away from the city gives us a chance to hone our cooperation and make plans to deal with the competition. When we return, I have some ways to help determine the lay of the land."
She is still dressed well, though with tight gold trousers and high boots instead of an impractical dress. Her natural pace seems faster than most, though she will soon reduce her speed to match Malleck's armored ambling.
Just who is this other group?
His armor is exceptionally well crafted, black adamantine, fly motief on the pauldrons and breastplate. Patterns to match are covered over bracers and leg guards as well as the arm guards. His helm is even more special. A great helm, horns protruding from the side, another, larger, fly engraved to match, wings stretching out over the horns, darkening his already serious face to add to his already intimidating aura
Just who is this other group?
"We're the Ninth Knot the Cardinal has sworn to service," Sir Balin explained. "The Seventh is supposed to be supporting our mission, handling Farholde. Their job is to gather information, pass it to us, and keep the eyes of nobles and the law off of what we're doing. So far, they've been mostly useless. I was assuming incompetence, but if Soren says it's deliberate, I believe her."
Stepping gingerly about the dead, forgotten bits of foliage, tree branches, and what appeared to be a partially gnawed on critter, the Wizard enters the empty barn with a suffering look on his handsome face.
What. No one else around here familiar with Unseen Servant?
Mephistopheles simply shrugs as he awaits their departure.
An empty farmhouse was much more familiar to Tih than a grand estate.
She entered the farmhouse wearing her roughspun travel clothes under white-metal chain forged with such fine links that it almost flowed like fabric. Her crossbow and lantern were tied to a plain canvas pack that was reinforced with extra fabric at the bottom. On her head was a seamless white-metal circlet. She wore two rings, the most distinct of which depicted a mask that sometimes appeared to be laughing, and sometimes crying.
She listened to the others before speaking, "Do we know the members of this other Knot? Or are such things kept secret? Might help to know who to look out for.
"As for Drownington, Ser Knight, I wholeheartedly agree. I doubt they have love for any Baron, and a noble spy would likely stick out like a sore thumb."
Mephistopheles simply smiles knowingly to Tih, as the Mesmerist installed her Trick.
My appreciation for your assistance is boundless. I have a particular spell that will allow you (and others) the ability to see in darkness. As I have been known to fiddle about with the ambient lighting around my person, it will definitely be a boon.
Clyde is dressed in the drab traveling clothing that arrived in. Across his back was a huge cleaver that looked like a Giant's butchering blade. He had a mallet attached ti hus waist.
I am ready to brave the perils of the forest.
From Farholde - Into the Caer Bryr
Sir Jack leads the Ninth Knot away from the city and into the environs of the Horn. The northern Caer Bryr is a temperate rainforest richly blessed with rain fall and broadleaf trees. The trees here are tall and broad. The thick-trunked baobab tree, unusual in such a wet clime, is common here and grows to enormous size. It is not uncommon to see trees hundreds of feet tall with trunks twenty feet across. To walk into the deep Briar is to enter the domain of giants.
Every flat surface is covered with brilliant green moss and lichens in every hue. Mushrooms of a million sorts proliferate and crowd every fallen log. Small animal life is dense -- squirrels, voles, mice and white-faced ghost monkeys. Birds dwell here in endless variety and dazzling panoramas of plumage are everywhere on display. It is a bountiful place rich and thriving with nature’s splendor.
The pace is brisk through the forest, the man is like an arrow shot from a bow as he relentlessly pushes forward towards the Horn. At the halfway point, early evening Sir Jack calls for a short rest to eat and drink. It seems that be the early ight you shall already have arrived there! You all surmise that the problem was finding it in the first place and now that it's found, once you know the way the trip is quick.
As the group stops, Elliaria spots something high up in the trees... exactly what it is, she could not quite tell, but whatever it is. It's not far away from your current position.
Clyde
Elliaria +15 vs. Humans.
Malleck
Mephistopheles
Tih
Sir Balin/Grumble
She draws her sling and gestures upwards towards the threat.
She is also either studying it or readying an action to study it when it's visible enough.
Standing preparing to enter the temperate rainforest, the Wizard produces his Wands to eagerly tap himself prior to venturing forth....
Walking amongst the tall trees, spreading foliage and sounds of various animals, the red-skinned Tiefling's blue eyes continually glance about at each howl, chirp, flutter, boasting croak and swaying branch.
This reminds me of a trek through the Red District in Matharyn.
Thinking that They Might Be Giants, Mephistopheles uses the giant trunks as Cover as they traverse the forest. Frowning at all the brilliant green moss and lichens in every hue. Mushrooms of a million sorts proliferate and crowd every fallen log. Small animal life is dense -- squirrels, voles, mice and white-faced ghost monkeys. Birds dwell here in endless variety and dazzling panoramas of plumage are everywhere on display. It is a bountiful place rich and thriving with nature’s splendor.
Probably could have hired a Red to burn us a path.
A bit foot sore at the Sir's signal to halt, the pampered Wizard gratefully sits a top a formerly green moss covered stump (Prestidigitation) while rubbing his hoof.
Before he can take out his pipe, he watches as Lady Elliaria seems to be getting a bit fidgety.
The Tiefling's blue eyes follow hers up into the canopy.
Clyde huffs through the forest and his gaze flicks around to gaze at the multitude of life. When they stop to rest. Clyde mops his sweaty brow.
When Ellaria signals, Clyde draws a throwing axe and looks warily around.
Malleck also seems to take notice of what the others are doing, as he draws his blade and slings his tower shield onto his arm
"If its trouble, they sure found it"
Tih acknowledges Elliaria, and moves close to Malleck as the group figures out what the thing in the tree is.
"Stay close Tih, ill do my utmost to make sure little or no harm comes to you" as he shifts his shield to better protect her
Sir Balin drew his greatsword and rested it on his shoulder with a casual glance up. "There's some big spiders in these trees. We might've shoved them out of their usual territory when we moved in. I think there's some trolls too, somewhere. Haven't seen 'em yet, but that's what the locals say. Or it could be Aurex."
Mephistopheles simply smiles at Sir Balin's comments.
An Aurex, you don't say.
IN Caer Bryr to the HORN
Whatever it is, Meph can't catch a glimpse of it. Meph has no cluse what the hell an Aurex is...
It makes no further sound and does not return.
The group finishes their meal and push on through until they arrive at their destination in the middle of the night. Perhaps a half mile before you reach the caves you find the site where you had that pitched battle with the Treants Jack. Instead of rotting trees, you find that they have been removed!
A bit mystified, you press forward and through the last of the foliage you spot the Horn of Abaddon. The Horn is a great stone spire, one of many in the area which makes it difficult to find as there is nothing about it that makes it stand out, per se.
A set of stairs leads up, debris that appears to have once blocked those stairs has bene cleared away. The spire is quite high. As you look up you notice a figure circling the spire, it's a Red Dragon! He begins to race towards you all, diving at phenomenal speed!
We are very much at a disadvantage here. Let us take shelter and prepare ourselves for battle
"It flies faster than we can run," she says with an even voice.
She will study it if I can.
"All we can then do is face it. But perhaps, we can gain it's aid?" as he looks up at it
"That or we die. It's in the air. We have no way to get it down"
Sir Jack steps further into the clearing spreads his arms wide and shouted up at the oncoming threat.
"Oi! Lizard! If you torch our new crew, I'm gonna beat you like a rented drum!"
Let us spread out then. Clyde moves about 20 feet away in case it breathes fire.
The Wizard frowns. His knowledge of dragons is extensive, except perhaps this isn't an actual dragon. Pondering the myriad of possibilities, Mephistopheles finds his hooves taking him further into the thickness of the forest for Cover from above.
The Wizard then--Swiftly--takes out his Wand of Obscuring Mist. He Readies to cast it if the Flying Mystery presents itself in a hostile manner......
the HORN
The Dragon throws his wings out wide to slow his descent as he gets closer, "Greetings Ninth Knot, we have been awaiting your arrival!"
He lands in a small clearing and folds his wings walking towards Sir Jack whom he greets with an ever so quick bow, quickly returning to his full height he gazes at each of you in turn but speaks no further.
"Well, that is an interesting development." She lowers her sling, but does not put it away. As she approaches, she definitely studies the dragon, and tries to figure out what it's angling for.
"New Ninth, meet Aurex. Aurex, the new crew is Elliara, Tih, Clyde, Malleck, and Mephistopheles." Sir Balin said, gesturing to each in turn. "Anything to report?" he asked the dragon.
Malleck sheaths his sword and drops the shield to his side
"Aurex. I'm Malleck. Glad to have a Red on the team. I may have a task for one such as yourself later" he greets the dragon
She puts away the sling. "Well met, Aurex. Jack did not reveal what a powerful ally we have. I'm glad to have you on our team."
Turning to Jack, she comments offhandedly, "It's a good thing that there were no easily avoidable accidents."
the HORN
The Dragon chuckles at Elliaria's comment, he replies to Jack's question, "The Natives are getting restless. They wish to explore the Horn further but Havelyn and I have forbade it.
We instead created a trial for the Boggard's to elect a new Chief. We lost a few but one has shone through as a promising new clear leader.
The Shaman seems as mad if not madder than he was before, babbling about blue slime".
The Dragon nods in response to Mal's statement, but does not inquire further.
"Seems our band is much bigger than first estimated. I am looking forward to see what has been accrued so far" nodding at the report he heard
"No," Sir Balin said firmly. "We have allies, but they aren't part of the Ninth. The line is important."
He pointed to the base of the horn. "The Boggards live in a big cave there. They worship some demon lord. Dagom, or something. They're stupid and weak, and their shaman's crazy, but they're useful as scouts and grunt labor. Hopefully I won't have to kill their new chief too."
"Let's go drop our packs and I'll show you around."
Mephistopheles simply wades back through the foliage once the Red was deemed on their side. The Wizard walks by Sir Jack.
Any other surprises that we newbies should know? That Red almost got made into dragon hide breastplate.
The tall red-skinned Tiefling's blue eyes lock onto the dragon, as his report is given.
Boggards, who worship some demon lord? Dagom, you say.
Mephistopheles simply sighs.
This is information that I would have preferred while able to research a bit. And what, where is this blue slime?
The Tiefling then turns his full attention to the Red.
Aurex. Weirdly my vast knowledge of dragons is a pitiful in relationship to your truly. Well met, Aurex. I am called Mephistopheles. Is there a parameter set around this immediate structure? I couldn't help but noticed that you were flying about. Perhaps performing recon? Any outside influence about the area?
The Wizard smiles at the Red.
You look Young, although quite superior already to any Red that I've done business with in the past. What's your story?
Mephistopheles simply stands talking to the dragon.
Clyde us rather surprised that Balin has quite the stable of allies at his beck and call and does not like his chances if things go badly.
Any other surprises that we newbies should know? That Red almost got made into dragon hide breastplate.
"I'm the only one who gets to turn Aurex into clothes," Sir Balin said wryly. "Get your own dragon."
"There's a busted golem, and a room full of old murals, and some weird words on thrones, a wall with glowing crystals, an acid pool. The Horn is one surprise after another. The list would be long and boring, and I'd probably forget some stuff. Better to just point them out as we go. My bet is, you'll find a few we missed in the first pass. We never even finished checking out the second floor. Got side tracked by the Boggards, and then everyone died."
"Oh. I guess if we're doing introductions, you should meet the real me, and Raaven too. She's kind of a... guide, I guess. Knows lots of stuff. She doesn't like me when I'm being Balin, so I gotta change clothes. Gimme some space unless you like fire."
Sir Balin walked a few paces away and took a deep breath. His skin bulged and cracked like it was being cooked from the inside. It peeled away in blacked strips of meat, revealing thicker, duskier flesh beneath. He swelled, his already impressive size growing another foot and adding at least another hundred pound of bulk.
As he changed, fire wafted off of him in explosive rings, lancing across the ground burning furrows into the grass. The burning pentagram of Asmodeus formed around the writhing man.
His armor blacked and warped. His hands grew to the size that they could easily engulf a person's head. Claws sprouted, along with an extra thumb on the wrong side. Short horns tore free of his brutish forehead. His mouth split wide into a maw full of needle-like fangs. A tail uncoiled behind him and a pair of great, bony, spindly hands erupted from his back, like wings with no membrane.
His broken wings and massive hands reached wide and he threw his head back to roar pain and rage to the sky.
In thirty seconds, the famous knight of Talengard was gone. In his place was a monster.
"Damn that feels better. Balin's too tight in the f*$#ing crotch, the demon-thing grumbled while adjusting his pants rudely.
"Hi," the beast that had been Sir Balin said with a wide, friendly grin. "I'm Jack."
Jack looks like a Teifling with particularly strong demon blood.
He's Pit-Blooded. Daemon-kin.
Aside from his demon features, Jack looks like a particularly small ogre.
Elliaria looks over his new form, "Very nice. Makes sense to stay in this form when we're away from the city. Excellent disguise. You even do the little things like a human does in your other form."
She turns to Clyde and Malleck, "So, do either of you have other faces, or are you really as human as you appear to be?"
Awe. At every turn, Tih felt awe as never before. A manmade thing, a dragon, and an ogre thing disguised as a knight. This was so far from her Talingarde. And yet, it gave her hope that they might have some special advantage against the overwhelming odds arrayed against them. At the very least, they had many surprises in store for their enemies.
"Well met, Aurex," she said.
"And well met, Jack," she continued, and smiled at her compatriot's newest form.
"On a different note: if the Boggards are ours, what obstacles yet remain in the Horn?"
I have only this face. A blessing or curse has yet to be determined.
Jack's horrid face scrunched in thought. "Dunno. This whole place is a puzzle, an' figurin' s&~~ out ain't my strength. Hold on, one more introduction. She'll have a better answer for ya."
"Raaven, I ain't wearin' the meat suit anymore, you can stop sulking,"
A small red and black snake in the grass a short distance away, unobtrusive and ignored until now, floated into the air. It's eyes briefly glowed.
"I have not been sulking, Master," the snake spoke in a surprisingly sultry, definitely sarcastic female voice. "It has been made abundantly clear to me that Sir Balin is not the great and powerful Grumblejack. My contract is not with him. I still serve your best interests when he is around, but I am under no obligation to listen to him. Consider it part of my utmost respect for you."
With a huff the little snake opened it's jaws wide and disgorged a massive, obscene abscess, like it was turning itself inside out. A moment later, rather than a snake, a foot-wide orb of fangs and meat hung in the air. Red eyes glowed over a mouth that took up the majority of the creature's body. Burned into the creatures skin across it's eyes and mouth was the inverted pentagram of Asmodeus.
"Salutations, Ninth Knot. I am Raaven." The sultry voice didn't have the same effect coming from the toothy floating meatball. "My duty is to aid your task by providing information. You may consider me at your disposal for the purposes of research, reconnaissance, or message delivery."
"Now then, miss Tih, the Horn has not been fully explored. That is the first part of your present task. There is a mystery to be unearthed regarding the undertakings of the great Vetra-Kali, and his cult, the Sons of the Apocalypse. We know that they were destroyed by King Markadian the First, before Vetra-Kali's plans came to fruition."
"The Horn is not simply a mountain, or a fortress. It is an artifact of great power, currently lying dormant. Your task is to uncover it's secrets, wake the Horn, and finish what the Sons of the Apocalypse started. As for the specifics, I look forward to giving you a guided tour of what we have discovered so far. It is a fascinating place. Discussing it's intricacies with those who are actually capable of appreciating them will be a pleasure."
"Does that answer your question sufficiently?"
"My, my. Today is a day for introductions." she says with a chuckle. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Raaven. Having reliable information is a precious advantage. I'm sure your skills and abilities will be quite useful."
Tih hid her disgust at the flying mouth, and then spoke, "Very much. So we must master the Horn and uncover its secrets. A tour would be much appreciated, I imagine." She arched a brow and looked to her companions.
Malleck eyes the creature, similar to Tih, but he simply nodded his thanks "We appreciate the report, and it would be best to familiarize ourselves with our new base of operations, as it seems we have no idea how long we will be occupying it"
Watching yet another metamorphic episode, the Illusionist only smiles.
That really looks like it hurts, doing that way.
Recognizing Sir Balin's other half as an Ogre-kin Tiefling, the Wizard nods to Grumble Jack.
Well met, Grumble Jack. Curiosity compels me to ask: Are you two actually separate consciences? For an example; if some talked s#~@ about Sir Balin's haircut, would he hear it?
The red-skinned Tiefling's blue eyes appear to brighten as Raaven reveals her true nature. The Illusionist seems a bit giddy. He actually hasn't complained since folks started changes faces like Taylor does clothes at her concerts.
This is fun. Research, reconnaissance, or message delivery, you say. That will be most appreciated at the opportune moment.
Mephistopheles prepares to enter the mystery that is called Horn of the Apocalypse....
Well met, Grumble Jack. Curiosity compels me to ask: Are you two actually separate consciences? For an example; if some talked s!~@ about Sir Balin's haircut, would he hear it?
Jack thinks a moment. "I remember what happens when I'm Balin. It's different though. It's like I'm remembering somethin' that happened to someone else. It ain't as personal. It's the same way for him I guess. We're like mirrors of each other, we just switch up who's on which side."
"Before I ate him, Balin used to be a real guy, and some of him is still in there. I can remember stuff he did before I stole his life. I remember his version of capturing me an' draggin' me off to Branderscar. That's a real headf*&@, let me tell ya. I don't really like him but he's sometimes real handy to have around. He's got ... whatsit... plausumul denyerbility."
"As long as this mental state doesn't cause a problem, then I do not mind who or what you are. As long as our end goal is met. So how far up have you gotten for the previous team met their end?"
Jack snorted. "I ain't crazy. Balin's just a really fancy disguise."
"The other crew died to a pit trap in the caverns. We'll show ya where. Like I said, we got side tracked while we were checking out the second floor. The Boggard King was acting up, so we had to kill him. Then Nate found a cave with some glowing rocks, and then the floor fell out from under us. C'mon, we've spent enough time jabberin' outside."
Jack started tromping closer to the Horn.
It seems that I am not the only one that hears whispers and has a very odd follower that may or may not exist. Clyde hasn't seen the cat again but knows that it is only a matter of time.