Amen-set looks at Horatio, then Rain, then the others.
"Senet, will you carry the others up?" she asks.
She then glances at Horatio again.
"For now, I shall explore, though not all the way to the summit..."
Amen-set then flies up about 75 feet off the ground to see if there's any way around the rock slide at that elevation. She also carries a rope.
When she gets up the 75 feet she'll attempt to find a place to remain braced on the rocks (if there is no other way around it) then lower the rope so that the others can climb it, depending on what she sees.
Fly Check to "hover" at 75 Feet 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Perception Check to attempt to scan the rocks closely to find any place that the others could climb to 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (15) + 15 = 30
Hearing the report from Horatio Variel looks to Rain and Amen. If I increase Rain's strength do you think you could carry us across. Amen can levitate as Horatio mentions to provide some support as well. That way we do not need to worry about the bridge falling. I time perhaps some spells can be used to reinforce the structure.
"This would depend on my senet, no doubt, yet I am still curious to know the safety of this passage should we return to it later," Amen-set responds, assuming Variel is speaking to her, rather than Rain, for some reason.
"Indeed, if we are hard pressed by an enemy and are forced to flee, I would not have it crumble beneath us should we move with haste over it; further, once we are placed on the far side, whoever is placed there first will have little aid should trouble appear while my senet must ferry the rest of across us one at each time... unless she can carry more than one?" she adds, then glances at Rain thoughtfully.
"In any case, I, too, will move forward with whoever she is willing to aid first and remain near to them to offer support even as she returns to fetch the others. The bridge does not trouble me overmuch, for I, too, am able to fly after a fashion..." she adds.
If Rain has to carry each of us one at a time, Amen-set will go with the first person and wait with them for protection from any threats until Rain is able to get the rest of the people across, just in case.
"If she is willing to carry us, who shall go with her first? And remember, too, though we may place our doughtiest warrior on the far side to stand alone against a threat, in time there shall only be one warrior on this side to wait for my senet to retrieve... yet enemies may come from either side of the bridge if we are divided," she adds.
What is the order of the people moving across? Amen-set will go with whoever wishes to go. I'll send Horatio first with Rain, unless anyone else wants to go first?
"Scouting first sounds wise... then we can advance along the road. Giant lizards are unlikely to use roads, right?"
Amen-set glances from Horus to Variel, then to Jiro.
"I do not know; yet I should think they are like any other creature, they would make their path through the way of greatest ease. If a road is without barrier I should think they would prefer it, rather than moving through the morass of swamp or jungle. Yet we shall see, no doubt."
Looking at Rain for a moment, she then turns to Variel.
"Are there any other specific orders, then, for the folk who stand on the shore to guard the boat?" she asks him.
"It might be a dreary, wet day, but it is beautiful and so green! And I don't want to run into another of those giant lizardy things... so let's be wary, eh? So which way should we go?"
Horatio says nothing as he pulls out a smoke and lights it, but he nods at Amen-set.
She turns to Jiro.
"If thy would permit me Jiro-san, I shall send Horus aloft to scout the immediate terrain. Also, given that the stone we seek is likely hidden in some secure location it is likely that such a location would be close to the road. Thus, if we scout for threats and find none, mayhap we could first journey the length of the road and see what we discover on it?"
She glances at Horatio and he shrugs, then looks at the beach and Amen-set's eyes widen as she sees him stare at the folk at the boat.
"Thy pardon, oh my senet," she says and turns to Rain.
"Though thy sailors no doubt wish to idle their day on dry land, perhaps they would do better if the were given more specific orders in thy absence? Should they prepare a bivouac, or perhaps ferry in more folk to guard the boat? I do not wish to speak for thee, yet in this matter I deem thy orders would be best if thy would know their purpose and plans in thy absence."
"Further, with thy Chief Ensign ashore," she says with a nod at Sandara "who remains aboard our vessel in thy absence to direct the crew should a threat arise?" she asks, clearly deferring to Rain personally rather than the formal chain of command.
Horatio still says nothing, but he watches Horus fly up and scout the general area in about a quarter mile radius.
Horus's Perception Check to see what sort of animals are out and about on the terrain 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18
Seijiro rises and bows deeply to Ryujin and then to the kobolds.
Seijiro - given that this post happened after your earlier description via remaining seated the action has already happened. However, there is the chance that whatever happened can be adjusted in the morning.
Amen-set watches the bow but she notes that the others have now left the room and have decided to go to bed.
When they have gone she flings herself down on the low cushion and scowls.
"By the Great Father, I deem those folk would have aided us well; but now they have left us."
She mutters to herself in what sounds like the draconic tongue as she picks up the flask of rice wine. Instead of pouring it into a cup she drinks directly from the flask, a scowl on her face.
"Further - in all of the time we spoke thou gave not one word of thy name, thy rank, thy title - why?" she adds, then shakes her head and takes another gulp from the flask then winces as the strength of the liquor fills her suddenly.
She grunts and folds her arms before her.
"Tomorrow we may meet them again; if the Great Father permits it. Tomorrow this must be fixed," she adds with a stare at Seijiro, then a glance at Rain.
Then she turns and pets Neko as if petting the cat will help her to relax.
Looking to Amen, Rain had a quiet word, "Come, let us sit, little sister."
Response:
Rain Taneththir wrote:
Once beyond the screens, they were greeted by a Halfling serving maid, Lily. Rain smiled. "Good eve. I am Rain, this is my sister Amen-set and my cat, Neko. A mug of wine and something hot from the pot would be lovely. If you have roasted chicken or other strips of meat, kindly bring a small bowl for my cat."
The Halfling grins widely and nods.
”Aye, indeed – we got some good chicken. But we also have some good rainbow trout and some other freshwater fish, if your cat would prefer it? Tell you what, I’ll bring a bit of everything, just to be sure,” she says with a bob of her head.
Rain Taneththir wrote:
As the ratfolk, Rikkan, came to help them out of their boots and into the clean slippers, Rain's dark blue brow quirked at the service, but she permitted it for this was their rule. She uttered a quiet, "Thank you," and gave Rikkan a small smile once he had finished the task.
Amen-set glances at Rain during the proceedings. But unlike Rain, Amen-set seems more suspicious of the entire thing. Naturally, she has no problem in masking how she feels, which makes it easy to gauge her opinion – but as she stares at the Ratfolk before her she gives him a hard look in which it seems as if she’s daring him to steal her boots.
However, once that is finished, she then seems to calm down a bit.
As her gaze sweeps the room she stiffens at the sight of the silvery looking kobolds but says nothing, as if struck by surprise or awe.
Rain Taneththir wrote:
Looking to Amen, Rain had a quiet word, "Come, let us sit, little sister."
At that, Amen-set rips her gaze away from the kobold folk and then sits down by Rain, clearly a bit awkward on the mats and looking as if she’s uncomfortable with all the formalities around her.
As the meat is brought to them and Neko is given a bowl with roasted chicken, and a small plate with a roasted rainbow trout to munch on, a platter of warm bread is brought to start you both along with a small bowl with honey and one with butter. There is a good pot of tea, as well as hot chicken soup and cold sliced chicken and a fine cheese.
Amen-set stares at the food with a bland look, but picks up a mug of beer and takes a sip, then drinks it – slowly at first – but she continues until the entire mug is finished and she lets out a deep gasp of breath and some evident satisfaction.
Then, stretching her legs out as comfortably around the low table as she can, she notes how Rain is listening for a bit, then pours herself another mug of the beer and frowns, almost as if she'd rather be doing something other than simply listening for details.
Suddenly, she swings herself to her feet.
”Greetings and well met, my friends,” she says in a loud voice, grabbing the attention of the others in the room.
”I am named Amen-set Neitaker, and this is my sister named Rain of the House Taneththir. We have journeyed far from the southlands and are delighted to meet so many fine and hospitable folk in the north,” she says as the people in this part of the tavern now stare at her with mixtures of interest, confusion and in some cases mild amusement, clearly wondering how much the young Amen-set has had to drink.
”Know, too, that we are both sailors of great skill and renown in our homeland; further, we seek to learn more of this land, including the ways and cultures of your people.”
She glances at Rain for a moment, as if for encouragement or any other suggestions, but then continues.
”It is said that the queen of your land is called The Dragon Queen; therefore, with this in mind, I say unto thee – Bonum Vesper!,” she adds in Dragonic.
Good Evening – in Draconic
At that her eyes turn to stare hard at the silver kobold types and they stare at her for a moment, then what looks like the chief of them stands up and the others quickly follow, except for the man with no irises, he merely turns his head and seems to watch, though it is not clear if he can see.
”I am Ogami Ittō,” the chief of the kobolds says and bows.
Amen-set returns to the bow and the other silvery kobolds behind him do, too.
”Greetings, Ogami-san,” she responds.
”This is my sister, Rain-chan; further, she is the anjin-sama on our vessel The Dread Lady,” Amen-set adds as the other onlookers in the room seem to shrug and go back to their respective meals and business.
Striding with a purpose she moves to their table.
”I would be honored if you allowed my sister and I to join with you and your companions.”
”Not at all, the honor is mine,” Ittō says in response, then gestures for Rain and Amen-set to sit down at their table, which Amen-set eagerly does.
The silver kobolds make room, but all the while the man with no irises seems to stare at you all.
Without turning his gaze, he speaks to Ittō.
Translated from Minkai – Do not forget the neko… he says (the Minkai word for cat is literally “neko”). The man says this, and although it may be that he can see the others after all, he seems to favor Rain with a smile that indicates he intentionally used that word to speak of Neko – as if he may have known more than he lets on…
Ittō glances at the man and then at Rain.
”My apologies, Rain-san, but we notice you have a cat with you. It is good to travel with such a companion; our people both honor and love them, for they blessed with luck and are goodly beasts besides,” he adds.
When Rain and Amen-set have seated themselves at the table, the one called Ittō nods at one of his lads who instantly calls for more of their drinks.
Ittō turns and looks at Rain.
”So – you are great sailors, and further you are the Anjin-sama of your ship; this is a great honor! As you are guests in our land, please tell us what we can do to help you,” he adds with a polite voice as the Halfling lily returns with more cheese and bread and another pitcher of the steaming wine that the kobolds seem to be enjoying.
Sebastian Donato seemed eager to speak and tell them of his predicament and that of his Captain. "I am sorry your Captain suffered such a terrible fate at the hands of these scoundrels. I am glad you did not follow him. You have been most helpful, Master Sebastian. Now, rest and regain more of your strength."
The man nods his head.
"Yes, you are right. I shall need rest and strength to take my vengeance on those who did that thing," he says.
"I thank you and your companions; your aid will not be forgotten as long as I live, I swear it," he adds.
Rain Taneththir wrote:
(Did Ironhorse gives us directions to the castle? Or can we get one of the people here to lead us there?)
Not technically; though you would notice after searching the ground that there is a straight formal "road" (as in; it's paved with stone, not just a dirt path). It leads from this structure direct to the gates of Castle Urion.
Rain Taneththir wrote:
Catching Amen's deflated tone, Rain looked upon the young woman, "We may yet engage this threat, little sister. It seems our paths have converged and we share a common enemy with our new River Kingdom allies."
She pauses at the opening to the screens and looks back at Rain.
"It is written - Never judge a sword by its sheen, nor a man by his words - instead, judge a thing on how it performs," she says with a shrug.
"I would see this thing finished; if thy would as well, then I ask that ye come with me to aid me."
She beckons you to the opening, and unlike the more boisterous part of the tavern you are currently in, behind the screens it seems quieter and more private. In any case, this seems to be where Amen-set wished to go to gain news, though for now she is currently waiting for you.
Once they leave the Sebastian and it is just him Rain and the others he speaks aloud. It seems like before we reach the castle we must decide if and how we are best able to use our talents in such a way as to garner passage back to the Dread Lady. I am inclined to through our efforts with the Gray Corsairs and end the Cheliaxian pirate threat. Doing so not only weakens Cheliax but may provide us with resources as well. Taking their ships and goods, we could hire someone to sail to the Island of Empty Eyes to further our hoards.
Amen-set stares at him thoughtfully.
"There are a myriad of possibilities which now surround us. Yet methinks that they - as well as all the plans and policies we may have come up with and pursued - are now likely damned," she says with a matter of fact voice.
"In truth, I am saddened, for I had looked forward to engaging this threat which we had heard about."
She sighs thoughtfully with a somewhat disappointed tone, then shrugs.
Swinging herself to her feet she moves to the counter and speaks to the Halfling who seems to be standing on some sort of raised platform to better serve her customers. She speaks to him quickly and quietly and he nods happily, then she turns and walks to the section of the tavern that had been covered with some movable screen walls, where she heard the sound of voices in the Minkai language.
Then she enters that part of the tavern and disappears from sight.
"I prefer to stay here tonight, rise early and then ride to the castle. What say you?," she asked her companions.
Amen-set nods.
"A wise plan, indeed. For even if this man's lord should entertain our presence whence we arrive, that should not likely be until nearly ten... yet here we may begin to gather our own information from the folk in this place and try to plan our action, especially given that this place is heralded as a place where many roads intersect. Therefore, I deem we shall meet folk from many places to learn many things."
"Further, once thy gleaned what knowledge thy can from this man, please share it with us and then we shall all be able to continue to use our time here to build on that knowledge," she says with a bow.
Amen-set will go with Neko and arrange rooms for the company and get rid of the mundane details. Meanwhile, I'll have the scene for the questions and the description of the patrons of the inn later today.
Variel gives him a wry smile. Yeah I guess you could say I am blessed to be both a sailor and a fighter. You could say I am lucky that being an elf with a long life I have the chance to hone my craft as I like it. Fighting came first and sailing second. That and from where I am from if you can't fight you won't be on a ship or alive for long.
Christopher gives a quick bark of laughter at Variel’s comment.
”My cousin always told me that no one lives long who doesn’t fight good… he also says that’s why Elves live so much longer than humans!” he adds with a roll of his eyes but a friendly grin.
Variel:
You think that the Gray Corsairs are somehow connected to Andoran – supposedly they fight slavers… More than that, you’re not sure with this role.
Robb sees Rain handing out blankets and does what he can to aid her while Nicolae rummages through the food thoughtfully, smelling it to see if it’s not rotten. After a moment, he takes one of the strips of venison and tastes it gingerly, shrugs, then begins to eat it.
Rain Taneththir wrote:
The priest had spoken much of the rumours of the Azlanti and Rain had listened. She answered soberly, "Let us hope we are not driven mad by such a sickness. It is good you know of such ancient things, Priest Daeron."
He looks up at her, as if startled from a dream.
”Aye…” he says after a moment.
”It is true; knowledge is a good thing, though – well… Thank you, I appreciate your kind words, Your Grace,” he says with a low bow.
Amen-set is still focused on the stove and trying to figure out what the mystery of the spell bound to it is when she hears Rain speak on the chest.
Rain Taneththir wrote:
"The lock is magically entrapped. If any try to pick the lock or insert tool inside the keyhole, it will set it off. A billowing mass of misty, acidic vapour will spread 20 feet wide around and 20 feet high. Sight will be obscured, but those engulfed by it will be harmed, burned by the acid. The trap could possibly kill the one that sets it off and harm those closest; even destroying the chest. Please do not touch it until we can find a way to safely open it."
She looks up at Rain thoughtfully.
”Begging thy pardon, senet – by thy words it we know that the lock is trapped, yes? What is the chest itself made of, then?” she asks.
Rain; the chest seems to be made out of oak boards with iron bands to reinforce it, if you’re curious.
"I do not know such when it comes to the stove. Mayhap Variel or Dhaavan can tell us."
Amen-set attempts to Aid Rain in her Spellcraft Checks –
On Stove 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
On Chest 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
EDIT: both failed – but Rain, while you have almost no idea what the spell on the stove is, you THINK it may be Evocation magic…
Rain Taneththir wrote:
She had heard Amen's question but waited for all to be present before she shared her knowledge of the magic on the lock.
"The magic upon the lock is powerful indeed. Let us not touch it for now, little sister."
Amen-set nods in agreement and then looks up at the room, then the door, then the stairway, and then the room again, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully.
Rain Taneththir wrote:
Seeing the pile of blankets, she moved to them, and, not concerned with their general wear handed one to Amen and the others, keeping one for herself and Neko. [b"Wrap the blanket about you, little sister, for the rain has soaked you through. Once all the others have joined us we will speak as a group." [/b]
"Many thanks, senet," she says, holding the blankets with one hand as the other hand continues to hold the "Produce Flame" spell against the metal of the stove to slowly warm it.
As the others move into the room in time, she continues to look at the walls and ceilings, her brow furrowing as if she is thinking something.
"Oh my senet," she says slowly "My folk are of the southern lands, as thy know, so perhaps I am unused to such craft as this... Yet yon doorway seemed overly large to mine eyes, as do the ceilings to this chamber. Further, something about this structure recalls to my mind stonework of like work, yet I cannot place it..."
Knowledge Engineering 12 or History 18 or Geography 22:
The stonework is similar to stone work you've seen near The Shackles. But it recalls to your mind Azlanti masonry in terms of size and dimensions. In short, you believe the ruins - ruins strong enough to hold the weight of the spider in the chamber above, were made by a race of beings long lost from your world.
More on this can be determined if you seek to learn more about the Azlanti culture in general...
Hearing Amen's teeth chatter angrily, she urged the others, "Let us get inside, out of this rain. Amen, little sister, come along now."
Amen-set nods as nonchalantly as possible.
’It is naught but the weather, we two have seen far worse for this to trouble us, methinks. Yet I shall not let thee travel inside without aid,” she adds with some forced bravado, then follows Rain into the doorway.
When Rain enters, Amen-set glances at the room too.
Inside the room Amen-set now starts to shiver violently; like coming in from being soaking wet into a room with a lot of AC on. She studies the room and will do what she can to make a fire as quickly as possible to warm things up.
First Floor on entry:
The ceiling is roughly 20 feet off the ground, and to the immediate left is an opening with many broken rocks lying about. Peering in the opening you see a stairway leading upstairs.
Meanwhile, you also notice a strange rope dangling from the ceiling with an odd set of crystal frames hanging from it like a lantern. You cannot determine what it is, or what is for – on studying it closer you can see that the crystal is cut and there is a smaller crystal inside.
Amen-set ponders the crystal and casts Light on the crystal inside… The light instantly reflects of the larger crystal frames around it and the effect causes the entire room to be bathed with light almost as bright as a Daylight spell.
There are two bunk beds which allow four men to sleep. The bunks themselves have rope cords tied between the beams which function as crude “mattresses”, but there are no linens on them.
There is a small table with four chairs around it near the bunk beds.
There are four sacks which look about 50 pounds in size each. Peering closer you can see small amounts of grain laying near them, as if they may have spilled out with recent use.
Above the sacks is a shelf fastened to the wall; it has strips of dried venison dangling from it; each strip about 2 pounds with a total of six strips. You find a pile of blankets folded near the bunks; the blankets are worn and rough, and they have stains on them, but they look warm enough and someone at least folded them.
You see a small stove in the corner, with a pot and pan hanging from a hook near it, and a small kettle on the stove. The stove looks like the sort of stoves used on ships to prepare food (think of it like a “Franklin Stove”). You do not see any wood for it, and indeed; you do not even see a place to put wood inside it to burn; you wonder if it uses oil to burn, but as you see no oil, you then wonder if the stove is warmed by by magic – if so, that would mean it would grow hot, but give off no smoke…
There are two kegs of water (each roughly 20 Gallons) and one keg of something which you believe to be Mead, but you do not drink or eat anything at this time.
Peering around you see a rack of gear in which there are six quivers of arrows for long-bows (each quiver having 20 arrows in them); four suits of well-tended Chain Mail; six short swords and eight long spears.
At this time you notice there is a series of screens set up on the far side of the room, opposite of the bunks. Moving to them you can see beyond them is a single bunk; this one has a mattress on it as well as folded linens and heavy, wool blankets at the foot of the bed. There is another table and chair there. You also see a small chest on the floor next to the table with a lock on it. Finally, you see various writing utensils on the desk, but nothing of note except what you believe may be a map.
Moving toward it, you discern that the map is of a large wood with various points marked on it. There seems to be some writing on it. Though you cannot read it, you recognize the alphabet and deem it is Infernal.
At the base of the map there is a wax seal; you cannot make much of it out, but the symbol looks like a Wyvern.
Detect Magic: The Detect Magic reveals that the chest by the more private bunk is clearly magical, or at least the lock on it is… You also think there is some residual magic on the stove itself; but you need a Spellcraft on both to identify more. The Aura on the stove is very minor; the one on the chest is very powerful.
Amen-set looks at you.
"There is naught fuel for a proper fire. Yet if I use fire on the metal here, it shall grow hot and the heat from the metal shall travel the pipe and warm it. Yet I do not think it shall last long; for I do not have a spell to last all night for such tasks."
She goes to the stove and sees there is not much room inside; she casts "Produce Flame" and places her hand inside the opening of the metal stove to slowly warm it and make the room feel warmer.
She frowns.
"Some spells could last long to keep the room warm, I deem, yet in truth, I know them not. Further, what wizardy has those powers in their keeping?" she ponders.
She looks at Rain.
"What shall we do with yonder chest? For assuredly I would think inside there may be something of use beyond this..." she says, waving her hand about the room.
Christopher and Daeron enter the room; both are shocked at what they see and Christopher's eyes narrow in anger as he seems to guess something about the place.
Before Chris or Daeron say anything, the rest of you can come inside whenever you want; read the spoiler if you do.
She waited until Amen eyes fluttered open. "Little sister, can you sit up? Slowly, for the poison has sapped your strength." Rain moved to assist Amen to sit upright.
Amen-set looks at Rain with a somewhat confused and disorientated look, almost as if she is not sure what has happened, but she pulls herself up as well as she can, though it seems as if she is very tired.
Rain Taneththir wrote:
Amen, if you're feeling able, can you aid Priest Daeron? The poison has keenly benumbed him."
Amen-set blinks at Rain a few times, then lays her hand on Daeron. After a few moments of casting, Daeron seems to be more aware and awake, his eyes fluttering open and he seems to be almost fully recovered.
Amen-set casts “Restoration” on Daeron; he’s now fully recovered.
Rain Taneththir wrote:
To all those near her, she discreetly advised, "Mark the trees. They are more than they seem."
Daeron swings himself upright easily then looks around. Seeing Amen-set and Rain, he turns and looks at Variel and Rajah and notes a Cerebi standing and watching him in the rain.
His hand falls to his weapon, but looking at the others he pauses and does not draw – seeing that the Cerebi has not attacked them.
”Whence did this creature hearken?” he asks the others with a stern voice, his eyes not leaving it.
As he waits for an answer, he notes Amen-set is clearly weak. Still concerned about the Cerebi, he nevertheless bends down low and over her, though his eyes do not leave the creature.
Placing his hands on her he begins to cast –
Casts Lesser Restoration – 1d4 ⇒ 2
Daeron peers at her, studying her face intently, then casts again -
Casts Lesser Restoration - 1d4 ⇒ 3
Amen-set now has 8/11 Strength
He frowns.
"I have no more spells such as this to cast today; for I did not anticipate such a trial. Yet in the morning I shall be ready to do all I can to aid you," he says with a soft voice.
Amen-set nods her head, then pulls herself to her feet.
"I am strong enough yet to stand, methinks, and that is enough for now. I have one more such spell as that I may cast, but I shall first wait to see if we find our ally in the woods," she says, glancing around and looking for Jiro, then turns back to Daeron.
"If he needs to be aided, then I shall lend the power to him; if not, I shall use it myself."
"In any case, on the morrow I shall more recovered and so shall restore mine own health and his should it be needed,"
She shakes her head and stares at the bulk of the spider, then looks at Rain.
"I see that thy mate has come back to thee. Did I not say that the Great Father shall guide our destinies?" she says as she turns and looks north to Variel, though she sounds still a bit tired.
Then she turns back to Rain, her breath coming shortly and she begins to shiver in the icy rain.
"What did thy find above with thy search, senet?" she asks her, as she pulls out her Traveler's Any Tool and orders it into an ax and begins to slowly carve out pieces of the spider and then fling them behind her with her bare hands, ignoring the stench and the rot which has poured from the corpse as she works.
The spider is on the trees and it seems to stare at Rain, but it does not stare at her long.
Instead, it moves forward onto the ground and down and begins to charge around the the side of the tower. The spider has moved from the trees itself to forty feet around the base of the tower to the west side only to see Amen-set, Jiro, Christopher and Daeron rushing forward.
It elects to use it's poisoned web on the party -
NOTE: The spider is only 20 feet from Amen-set and Jiro; the spider takes up a 30x30 square of space. The spider is no longer visible to Variel and Rajah.
As it does, it instantly notices Daeron and Christopher running forward followed by Amen-set and Jiro and elects to use it's poisoned web on the four of them.
10 Foot Radius Burst in the center of those heroes
Reflex Save to avoid being Entangled vs DC 23
Amen-set 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Christopher 1d20 + 8 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 3 = 24
Daeron 1d20 + 4 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 4 + 5 = 27
Fortitude Save to avoid the automatic poison of the web DC 23
Amen-set 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Christopher 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 8 + 2 = 23
Daeron 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 1 = 17
EDIT: Amen-set is Entangled and poisoned; Daeron is also poisoned
Effects of Poison - Amen-set: 1d6 ⇒ 6 Strength Damage and Paralysis 1 Round - NOTE: Amen-set is having trouble standing via the massive hit of Strength damage...
Daeron: 1d6 ⇒ 2 Strength Damage and Paralysis 1 Round
Jiro; I need your Reflex and Fortitude Saves for the poison and the web at this time. Thanks!
Noting the magical auras, she quickly and quietly relayed the revelation to the others, "Hold. There are two magical auras upon the doors. One containing a hidden message and the other is a powerful Evocation spell. I need to think what it could be. Jiro, Amen-set, can you tell what this spell is?"(I know Jiro cast Detect Magic as well and may have better luck with the roll. If Jiro rolls better, maybe Rain's check can be an aid to his?)
Amen-set moves to aid Rain in the study of the magic.
EDIT: With Amen-set's total of 15, plus Rain's +2 to Aid she nets a total of 17 for the following...
As she too studies the door, Rain is able to aid her and her eyes widen in shock as she discerns the nature of the spell.
"Oh my senet; the words writ upon the door are a language which I cannot fathom, yet my heart tells me that my Imi-ib may know, for he knows many dark and uncouth tongues, and I see that even the writing of these words are foul and reek of hellfire..."
"As for the trap itself?" she turns to Rain with a very concerned look on her face.
"It was wise of you to dissuade the others with words of caution. The trap is rendered thus in the Common Tongue... Heightened Fire Snake... I do not know who crafted this trap; but they were skilled in their art."
A loud clap of thunder crashes through the sky.
"What, then, is thy council in this matter?" she asks.
"Come, let us join the others there, by the barren trees. I would not have us divided when they move ever closer upon us." With a nod, Rain, with magical pike in hand, proceeded to run, Neko by her side, to Amen-set and Rajah.
Rain; I saw Jiro/JAF0’s earlier post – I don’t think Jiro intended to move toward the others, or he would have indicated that on the Game Play thread, but I may be wrong. For now I’ll assume he and Tomo are coming with you.
Rain Taneththir wrote:
She looked again and could not see Flynn. She asked Amen-set, "Where is Flynn? He came through first."
Amen-set shakes her head helplessly at Rain.
”I do not know, senet,” she says in response.
”After I came here, I did not see him, though I searched. Thinking he may find me with greater ease, I built a fire and hoped the smoke would draw him to me… That was a few hours ago, yet he has not appeared and only now have I seen you and the others appear on the plains.”
”Still; I am well pleased you are here for if we are to do battle then I wish to do so with you at my side.”
Seeing Rain’s weapons at ready, she unslings her musket so it is loose in her hands, but she does not do anything aggressive with it quite yet…
Taken aback by the news, "Two hours?! Truly?! Now that is truly a bit of fantastic information, milady." He scratches his cheek as he ponders why such a discrepancy. "I say that because I followed you not two minutes after you and Sir Flynn left," he says, nodding matter of factly.
Her eyes widen in surprise, then narrow as she ponders this.
”There is indeed some devilry afoot, then, for I have been alone at this place for some time... Indeed; when I came to this place I saw none but the grass and sent my friend Horus to scout about,” she says with a nod to the falcon who sits on a rock watching you both.
”His eyes discerned nothing and no one of note for a few miles; yet he did not stray far. I am not skilled in woodcraft and so did not deem it best to wander, in case others may follow… Yet I found no trace my of hatey-a' and thus I crafted a fire and in this way I hoped to use the smoke to draw his attention and so lead him to me.”
She turns and studies the riders.
”It seems I have drawn the eyes of others, though.”
"The Blue Rajah" wrote:
After a quick glance toward the riders he turns his vision toward his fellow shipmates, "Good. Rain and Seijiro are here, maybe they can help us understand what is going on. While this place seems to be fantastic in all its beauty, it is obviously much more than it appears."
She nods and waves her hand to gesture the others over.
”This is indeed a fair place, aye… Yet thy touch now the thought in my mind since I came – where are we, where have we come to, and what has brought us hither?”
Knowledge Nature 15 or Survival 12:
Assuming it’s the same time of year, you’d guess you’re much further north. This land feels far, far colder. Your clothing is not suited to it; luckily, despite your lighter garb, it’s not too cold this day; but you think that’s mainly luck. Being near the now extinguished fire is warming to you.
The trees Amen-set used for the fire were Oak, but there are no more leaves on the tree, making you think that it’s late fall. In the Pirate Game you anchored your ship on the 28th of Neth (November), so you think the seasons may still be consistent.
"The Blue Rajah" wrote:
He then looks back toward the riders, "While it is good to have two more of our team to follow, let us hope Variel and Dhaavan follow suit as well for we may need all the help we can get if these four heading our way decide 'unfriendly' is their word of the day."
”I would have them both indeed, as well as my my hatey-a'; yet who can say if they, too, are not already in this place yet remain undiscovered? Methinks the dwimmercraft of that stone and coin has brought us to a place far removed from where we stood… yet still, I deem we are not here through error, but Fate.”
”Thus, my heart tells me that though we may travel far from this place as need drive us, if our companions seek to follow us, surely they will be moved to our path no matter where it leads…”
She thinks a moment about his last words.
"If these riders are indeed unfriendly then we shall either kill them swiftly or die in battle," she says with a neutral voice, then glances at Rajah with her wide, innocent eyes.
"Though I do not fear death, surely I deem it my duty to find my hatey-a' before that time. Therefore, if they are enemies, I would rather we slay them rather then perish... if thy are agreeable to that, of course," she adds with a polite voice, then glances south to the others.
No matter when the others choose to join through the portal on the ship (if they’re able to) will be fine. Magic is, after all, useful in getting a party together; but they may miss things that happen in the meantime.
As they seem to be on a collision course with Amen-set, Rajah figures he'd better get over there in a hurry just in case.
As you move to reach her you see that Amen-set has indeed smothered the fire.
She dashes up to you with a look of nervousness on her face.
”Thou art here at last!” she says, despite the fact that you had followed her only moments after she left.
”What of the others? Unless my eyes cheat me, I see my senet in yonder fields, as well as the Quartermaster,” she adds with a nod to Jiro and Rain in the distance.
”Yet I have not seen my hatey-a', nor the others…” she says trailing off.
She stares at you for a short while, studying you intently, trying to puzzle some mystery out.
”Why did thy wait so long to follow? I had thought thee would have come soon after, at the least my senet, yet I myself have been on these plains for nearly two hours before thy appeared...”
All of a sudden a massive semi-transparent sphere surrounds your ship, it is impenetrable, but allows air to flow through. It appears out of nowhere as soon as the coin is brought below water level, at which point it jerks out of your grasp and shoots towards wherever the black stone box is held and embeds itself in what you think is the top. As soon as this happens a black stone doorway appears on the upper deck of the ship, just behind the wheel and radiates strong magic.
Horatio's eyes narrow, knowing the coin has now mixed with the box that Amen-set and Rain managed to liberate earlier.
He gives Amen-set a quick whistle, points to the door and nods.
Then he bounds up the stairs and enters the door.
Amen-set rushes to follow him; then she pauses, lingering on the top stair and turns to the Rain.
"It is a certainty that this passage leads to another place; assuredly if we enter it we may be there for long moments of time, yet my heart tells me that it shall be as if only a moment in this reality has passed when we return."
She cocks her head and studies Rain for a moment, then grins -
"Why should thee linger, senet - do ye wish to live forever?"
"As to justice, time will tell if the dreaded coin will aid or hinder us, and we shall then know what must be done, indeed, little sister."
Amen-set waves her hand, almost dismissively.
"We two have our steel, our wits and our hearts - what need of we for such trinkets, be they filled with the might of dragons?" she responds in a matter of fact voice - clearly more confident than anything Rain can already do than any power this coin might have.
"As for the time of choosing, I commend to thee the choice; for myself, I am not pleased with anything which may sully thy mood, or injure thy person - but wisdom is thy ally and thou art wise to elect to search rather for answers before acting."
She looks around the harbor thoughtfully, peering at the water and scanning the shoreline for threats. Her eyes then flick to the starboard deck even as the vessel has rounded the north eastern edge of the bay and she looks long on the small island to the north eastern edge of the bay, then turns back to Rain.
"For myself, thou has shared the command of our ship with me, and for that honor my heart still swells with pride. I thank thee for that and I pray that my efforts have pleased thee," she adds with a courteous voice, but friendly and sincere smile.
The coin is extremely powerful and that makes it risky to sell and risky to herself do on to. Until we know more about it I am thinking we just hold it safe.
Horatio's eyes flick around at the others, not entirely sure of this plan...
Seijiro wrote:
"It nearly blinded me... It owes me... I'd just as soon hang onto it than sell it." Seijiro says with a little grin.
Amen-set glances at Horatio, then Jiro, but she speaks before Horatio can.
"Well spoken! And, to my heart, thy need say no more on this matter, for are we all not as kindred now?" she says with a grave yet courteous voice to Seijiro.
"Indeed, thy have declared that this thing has wronged thee and thus thy deem it justice to avenge thyself upon it, or else learn its purpose before deciding on its Fate. Therefore, it is clear to my mind that we shall all aid thee in this plan, even as we aid my senet in such recourse, for she, too, was grieved by this thing."
She nods to Rain and then turns back to Seijiro.
"As thy have said, then, this coin shall not be bartered like some mere trinket in a den of iniquity; yet rather, its true purpose shall be discerned and then both thyself and my senet shall determine which justice shall befall it," she adds in a very matter-of-fact voice.
Horatio says nothing, instead he is simply watching Amen-set with a thoughtful expression.
"There are many dark and fell things in this world and the realms beyond; yet we who stand here are forged by the fire of battle. And though it is true that we hail from different sires, even so, our blood has now been merged together into one."
"Aye, for though we may look askance on each other at times, yet when we stand arrayed against our enemies then it is clear to my heart that we have thus been wrought into something greater than ourselves alone; indeed, through our deeds together we have thus been shaped into family," she adds with a proud voice.
Her voice lowers to a more intimate tone, though it still carries over the deck.
"With this is mind; what, then, would we not do for family?" she says to Seijiro, then bows to him, then Rain, then folds her arms and says nothing more.
Upon reaching the helm, Rain took hold of the Wheel in her hands and quietly spoke to Amen, "I cannot fully trust my vision at present, little sister. Be my second eyes as I steer the ship to the northern bay so we may anchor for the night. It is only a few miles, but I would rather we did not breach the hull of the ship because I missed something in the water." Neko stood beside her mistress, still pressed against her leg.
"I shall do as thy would ask, senet, yet methinks that thy need no eyes but thy own to pilot this vessel."
Amen-set seems almost dismissive at Rain's concerns, but it comes off as more of bluster; as if she's trying to convince both Rain and herself that there's nothing to be worried about.
When she hears Rain's concerns of running aground, she does offer one question -
"Begging thy pardon; would thy have me at thy side now, or is it better for me to be at helm to watch the water below the waves?" she asks, not sure if Rain would like her nearby to aid her checks, or if she should be near the front of the ship where the keel still has a Light spell cast on it so it can shine light below the surface of the waves to help illuminate any potential threat.
Amen-set will happily go where Rain thinks it is best but I'm not entirely sure where that would be - but I'll go wherever would be best, though :)
"How did you fare, little sister? Was anything sighted in our absence?"
Amen-set bows before Rain and surrenders the helm to her.
"Nay," she says, almost sadly.
"In truth, senet, my heart should have been better pleased with flesh and bone to sunder in clean battle rather than dally with naught but the foul dwimmercraft which we have thus endured," she says with a somewhat sulky tone.
"Still," she says brightening somewhat "tomorrow is a new day; mayhap we two shall draw steel together and so smite some errant corsair from the northlands who would dare infringe upon this, our new homeland," she adds with genuine enthusiasm.
Once the Lady was positioned a safe distance from the wrecked ship, Rain called Amen, who had returned to the deck, to her and committed the helm over to her. "Keep the Lady safe for me, little sister. Be of clear mind and calm resolve if threat should be sighted."
Amen-set looks at Rain, not knowing if Dhaavan will be going with them or will remain behind with her. Yet before she can say anything, Dhaavan interjects -
Dhaavan wrote:
Aye a closer look sounds good. I'll hold of on using a summoned creature until we have a little information. Don't want to go disturbing nothin' down there
Amen-set's eyes widen in surprise, realizing that - with Dhaavan going with them - Rain is leaving her in charge of the vessel formally.
She folds her hands over her breast and drops to a knee.
"It shall be my honor," she says with grave courtesy to Rain as she watches the company of officers get into the longboat and head out.
Amen-set turns to the rest of the crew.
"Gun crews to forward and rear siege weapons; I shall have four archers ready with fire arrows on the foredeck until the return of our officers."
She bounds up the stairs to the quarterdeck and then eases the wheel a bit to starboard, tacking the helm of the vessel to point due east and allow the port side of the ship to be better angled against any threat from the coast.
Profession: Sailor 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (17) + 16 = 33
"Four of thee shall stand ready on the starboard deck to study the south and eastern waters for any threat of the sea beast that harassed us yet fled. Should thy see any threat that could cause issue then sound alarm and take action to halt it."
Her eyes turn to the coast beyond and she studies intently as her fingers tighten around the grip of the wheel.
Perception on coast was the company moves toward it - 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25
"Prepare thyself for any eventuality," she calls to the rest of the crew.
Given what Variel and Horatio have discovered, and given that the others are also searching, Amen-set seems generally confident that there is not much more to discover with searching. Therefore, she decides to try to "Aid" Horatio with the few Knowledge Checks she currently has...
Knowledge: Geography 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Knowledge: Planes 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Knowledge: Religion 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
EDIT: Failure on the "Planes" one, but Horatio's new bonus to Geography bumps it to a 25. Also, it seems Horatio is now aiding her, giving her a Knowledge Religion of 27 - with a natural 20 to boot.
"From what I remember from my history, Lissala was an Azlanti goddess, too... But the Alzant were destroyed ages ago after something to do with the Starstone..." he adds.
Starstone...
Amen-set continues to listen to the others - but suddenly her mind turns to the mysterious box which they had discovered earlier - and its contents...
Horatio waits to see what the results of Jiro's spell will reveal, but he glances at Variel, listening thoughtfully.
Amen-set watches the gear as well, but she turns to the Man and the Elf.
"In my homeland it is said that the tombs of ancient kings were often havens to the Undead - and surely they placed many curses upon the wealth which was buried there."
"Mayhap this treasure is equally cursed? If so, we should be wary of it," she says slowly.
Then she turns to watch Jiro as well, curious to know what the results of his spell will reveal.
Until the GM lets us know the status of Jiro's Detect Magic spell, I'm a little uncertain about claiming this stuff yet. Once we know more from the GM then I'm more ready to act on what we've found.
Amen-set glances at the others for only a brief moment.
Then she follows Horatio.
When they come back to the fortress they enter the main gate and pause a moment to scan the courtyard for any signs of danger or distress...
Notation made on the Map based on our relative position...
Amen-set's Perception Check at the gate for any threats - 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (11) + 15 = 26
Once the results for the Perception Check are up, we're going back to the room we had the fight at and make sure Dhaavan and Rain didn't linger there. If they aren't there, that's where we start our search...
Amen-set watched the Fire Elemental exit the chambers to find and aid Jiro and felt nothing but a complete confidence in Its success.
She noted Horatio’s examination of the room, as well as he then offers ministrations to Variel even as her eyes roam over the stone walls as she studies it for secrets.
She turns to Rain, as if she would say something, but suddenly stops and her eyes grow wide and a strange light is kindled in them.
Horatio looks up from his examinations and notes her expression and seems surprised and a bit nervous at her reaction.
She moves from the room and into the grounds just outside and turns her gaze to stare at the broken wall to the east and the sun beyond.
Then, she lowers herself to her knees – lifts up her hands above high above her head and lowers her face, her platinum-blonde locks falling over her eyes.
Horatio follows her out (after finding out the information from the GM) and sees her and is further surprised by her action.
He calls out gently to her -
”Amen-set… What do you see? Is everything alright?” he says with a soft voice.
She does not seem to acknowlege him, but instead she cries aloud in a strange voice, deeper and more ancient than her own voice…
”Et auribus tuis audi! Regina habuit filium!”
In Draconic:
”Listen carefully! The Queen has had a son!”
At her statement it seems that Horatio is equally effected – as if he can literally see an image of what it is she has spoken…
Really sorry for the delay everyone. Basement flooded again and I was dealing with that and finding mice in the house, so all in all not a great weekend. That said I will be posting in just a second. Apologies again but we are definitely still going.
I hear you, GM - did you try dispelling the water elemental in your basement? If that doeesn't work, you could use it for inspiration for this battle :D
Meantime, as per your earlier comment - I guess I have to do some "Amen-ding" a post... :)
Amen-set orders her Fire Elemental to move on to 13:B and try to occupy the same space as the enemy at that square.
GM - I'm not sure if a Fire Elemental can occupy the same square as an incorporeal creature; but I'm assuming it can and does burn damage? Please let me know if this strategy works, if it doesn't, I will try something else, but for now I'm hoping it does do burn damage to any incorporeal creature in the same space it occupies..
I apologize to all for the delay. My computer has broken; the internal battery burned out, the processor seems to have burned out, or at least worn out, the video card damaged and I was only barely able to get the information off the hard drive, including all the notes I had on the game.
The computer is still being worked on and I'm forced to use someone else's computer for now. I apologize for the delay in my posting.
She shall place a Fire Elemental at B:11.
As the Elemental has appeared, Amen-set will step to A:13 and also use Fire Bolt on the enemy at C:13.[/ooc]
Range Touch on Creature at C:13 -
1d20 + 5 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 5 + 1 + 1 = 12
I'm assuming that since Amen is awake now she can take her action? Then it's the horrors' turn before we go again? Correct, Immortal?
Rain; I'm totally good to go with that if I can. At this point it makes sense that Amen-set could act, but I honestly wasn't sure because it's a magical spell and I didn't know if I was able to wake up unless some kind of magical thing was done first.
If the GM lets me wake up, I'll have her take an action ASAP - also, thanks again for helping her :)
Spoke with Immortal. Dhaavan's still invisible as he shakes Amen-set awake, so she can't gaze up at him (Immoral momentarily forgot about the invisibility). Just thought I'd clear that up before Amen posted any following RP.
And Variel, I meant if your guy could say something next round. So, no worries.
Thanks, Rain!
Meantime, if Amen-set is allowed to wake up, she'll be very happy to take some actions no matter who she's looking at :)
"I can't see anything radiating magic... including the magic of necromancy - the aura which should surround the Undead..." he says with a brittle voice.
"Assuredly, oh my hatey-a', though thy may know much of Alchemy, assuredly thy have forgotten that though the spell "Detect Magic" should sense the presence of the foul necromantic arts which allow Undead to flourish then the potency of such a spell would negate the value of the more difficult to master, yet somehow more limited spell known to some as "Detect Undead"... That this is truth is sheer lunacy, yet sadly, even the gods themselves must bend to the vagueries of the rules which govern magic..." she says with a respectful, though patient, voice.
I just checked; it's true - it seems that Detect Undead is still a different spell than Detect Magic - and different than Detect Poison or Detect Disease... That said:
"Even so; with dust and filth in this place is it possible that we have rather breathed in natural poisons lingering in the foul air or hanging over dread land which is close to stagnant water? Aye - and surely there are many tales of Men who felt the clutch of Insanity in the darkness foul jungles... If true, then surely my senet and he whom she is troth-plighted unto - being that they are Elven folk and likely more readily used to the wiles of forest plagues then Men - would be less effected by such threats?"
"Mayhap thy should attempt to discern the possibility that such a palsy is first from natural, though unwholesome means, rather than seek for sorcery as the cause?" she adds with the same polite, patient voice.
Horatio Flynn wrote:
"I have no idea what to do, but if there is an unseen threat here perhaps fire shall purge the darkness?"
Amen-set's eyes narrow as she studies Horatio, wondering at his confusion at what seems obvious to her, but given his mood since his arrival on this island, she has her own suspicions and continues to be patient with him, even as she continues to study him.
"Aye... Fire is the tool to purge evil; yet though the flame will not burn me as others, our companions may not endure it's hot kiss with great will or pleasure."
Seeing that he still seems convinced the threat cannot be an invisible enemy but some sort of monster, she sighs a bit.
"If thy are still concerned of the threat of some fallen spirit, then ask the Hau-nebu," she says with a wave of her hand at Rajah "to call upon his gods and channel a burst of energy from their divine source... If there is indeed a Shade of some bygone wretch, or a foul Wight to guard these meager trinkets we have discovered thus far - surely his power will reveal the truth of that even as it radiates to surround us all?" she adds.
Of course, Amen-set now doubts that there is any ghost or spirit lingering here, otherwise they should all have heard its voice. No, it is more likely that there is some sort of natural disease they breathed in, especially in a room filled with rotten food and other bacteria...
However, she also believes that if there is a disease or insanity effecting them that Rajah's Channel Energy will hopefully cure them all of its effects, or at least alert them that there is something unwholesome that they are breathing.
Amen-set slings her musket over her shoulder and takes a small linen cloth from her side and wipes the blood from her face gently. Then she takes some long, loose strands of her hair and brushes them back with her fingers until her hair is properly in place.
She glances at Dhaavan and then studies Rain for a moment.
”We linger overlong here, I deem, and I like it not. Come then; let us below and find our companions,” she says with a polite voice.
Amen-set then puts the linen cloth away and pulls the musket back from her shoulder and moves with a purpose down the stairs to find the others.
GM; given that the Light spell still ought to shine from the room on the West then I’m guessing it will be easier for Amen-set to find where the others have gone and follow them.
After closer study of the crystal, you are sure that the initial suspicion was correct and that these are used for communication across great distances. These seeing stones allowed visual and auditory communication across vast distances without the need for the user to be a magic user. They would only need to touch it and visualize the tower they wished to converse with and a link would form, sending an illusory representation across between the two. If you try it though, it doesn't seem to work.
Amen-set watches the proceedings with veiled eyes.
Her emotions are inscrutable, but she has noted that Horatio has moved down to the next room without waiting for Variel's answer.
She noted that he also moved down before Rajah had even begun to climb the rope.
As she looks out to see Rajah climbing, she hears Horatio from below.
Horatio Flynn wrote:
"There is no threat, nor any trap that I can see here," he calls up to the others above.
She continues to keep expression from her eyes as she watches Rajah ascend.
DM Immortal wrote:
Everyone makes it up without issue.
She is glad that Rajah is in the room, but she is still worried about Horatio and wonders what he has discovered below, even as the others study the crystal.
Amen-set turns a glance from the crystal as she sees Jack appear and she smiles at him.
Jack Thrush wrote:
Hi, Rain! Hey, would you mind carrying my idiot lordling up? Dhaavan'll likely as not fall and break his neck or back climbing this tower, and that's really suck for me. Jack asks, a lighting in rain's shoulder.
Amen-set watches the bird land on Rain’s shoulder and her eyes widen as she hears the bird describe Dhaavan and frowns a bit at the critique but not for long, for she finds it too hard to be upset with the feisty little thrush.
Jack Thrush wrote:
also, if you have any treats, I'd appreciate a morsel or two?
She slings her musket over her shoulder and then reaches into her pouch and pulls out some hardtack and breaks off some pieces of it and offers it to Jack as she looks at Rain, waiting to see what Rain will do next.
Tomo-chan wrote:
Tomo climbs up the rope, using Dhaavan for a springboard to leap up and catch the rope above his head... pauses a moment and looks back at Dhaavan, head tilted to one side as he lets out a single chiding chirp... as if wondering why the big monkey isn't climbing.. .then he nimbly scampers up the rope. When he gets to the top he hops on Seijiro's shoulder and grooms his fur.
As she waits for Jack to respond, she sees Tomo arrive and her grin widens at his presence.
Then Horatio arrives in the room and she turns to him, but then notes his expression.
Horatio Flynn wrote:
He backhands her savagely then thrusts his finger in her face, his eyes now alight with anger.
”You didn’t do any of those things – you wanted to fight and you didn’t give a gods damn about tactics and strategy so you pushed ahead looking for action and put the Pilot-Major at risk – and, if she died – you put the ship at risk, and I’ll not have that,” he says with a fierce voice as a thin dribble of blood trickles from Amen-set’s lip as she remains unmoving and attention.
He turns and looks at Rain.
”Apologies, Pilot-Major; she failed her duty to you and to the ship. She is my ward and her failings are mine. It won’t happen again,” he says with a tight voice.
Amen-set turns to Rain and drops to her knees, her hands folded over her breast.
”My hatey-a' speaks true. With respect, Nebet-i, I apologize for my stupidity,” she says sincerely with her head bowed, the blood still on her lip and chin.
Horatio looks at her with a scowl but says nothing for a moment, allowing Rain to respond to her if she wishes.
Dhaavan, Amen-set will also do what she can to help pull you up as soon as she is able to.
Rain noted the magic coming from the crystals, but her understanding of acane magic was limited. "They were used for communication, but I do not understand arcane magic as well as Variel or Dhaavan. They will need to see these for themselves so we can learn more of their power."
Amen-set seems almost mesmerized by the crystal, but upon hearing Rain's words she turns a glance at her.
"Aye... and let us not forget the new priest who sails with us; who knows what powers he possesses?"
Rain Taneththir wrote:
Looking at Amen from the outer balcony, Rain quietly called across, "Do not proceed any further into the ancient tower. We wait for the others and together we shall proceed."
Amen-set turns a glance at Rain.
"The dust upon the floor is thick and no marks are seen from foot of Man nor Beast.. I deem we are the first who live to set our feet upon this stone in some time."
She looks at the roof above, and the room surrounding them.
"I have seen the ground below, and it is clear that this tower was made for folk taller than mortal Men - therefore all of its proportions are certain to be larger than our wont."
"Still, if nothing stirs to besmear the dust then it is likely that there is no threat which has ascended this high, else assuredly we should have observed it sooner, excepting, of course, through the grace of strong magic... Yet by thine own eyes did thy see that there was no magic on this floor but for the crystal, and none in the floor below us, for the spell assuredly penetrates even thick stone with ease."
"Further, we are charged with ascertaining the value of this place to prepare it for the arrival of those who call themselves Lords of Pirates, an uncouth title, yet I doubt not the truth of it..."
"For myself? I am not overly concerned with some ancient stonework which has fallen beyond the needs of them who carved it, nor do I think those who made this place would lay upon the stairs of their tower cunning devices wrought to dissuade them who might trespass from ascending."
"Yet as we two are as blood kin I shall honor thy request and steal not below the chamber here to seek what curiosities await us, at the least until our full company is here to stand with us."
Rain Taneththir wrote:
Rain pulled out her 50 foot silk rope from her pack and asked Amen if she had her rope.
"I carry with me a Survival Kit and indeed it does have a rope within it, yet it is hempen, not silk - still, it shall suffice for this purpose, I deem," she adds and passes the rope to Rain.
Rain Taneththir wrote:
Tying both ropes together, Rain secured the extended rope around one of the statues (or something sturdy at least), tugging it to see if it would hold before dropping the other end over the edge and down toward the others. She didn't want to call down to them lest it draw the attention of any hidden creature/s as she did not believe this isle was devoid of any occupants. The others would know why the rope was tossed down, she was certain.
Amen-set stands near Rain and watches her thoughtfully, then leans over the edge of the balcony and watches Jiro climb.
Then she looks at Rain.
"It seems that one of them is now ascending," she says.
The statues do not appear to radiate any sort of magical emanations. The crystals however, do radiate magic of the sort you recognize for communication.
Amen-set waits for Rain's reaction, but she is now completely confident.
After all, it was a fact that Detect Magic was limited to a wide range and could pass through walls... including the levels of a tower.
That Rain did not detect any magic in the range of her sweep could only mean that there was nothing there to detect.
However, when she is aware that the crystal in the roof is connected to "communication" she is instantly intrigued.
"Palantíri?" she says with a somewhat awed voice and slowly walks over to them to get a closer look.
Given that the stones themselves were described being in the roof of the tower, I assume that Amen-set would now be moving over to the center of the tower inside to look up at the roof?
As she stares above her in wonder, she pauses then glances around the room thoughtfully.
GM - from her current position, is there a trapdoor leading below, or a stairway? And if there is either, where are they located in relation to her current position?
Neth 28th Time: Roughly 1:30 PM Location: At the Tower of the Fort on the Island of Empty Eyes Moon Cycle: Crescent Moon; Next Full Moon 25th of Kuthona Moon Cycle Weather Conditions: Cold, chilly winds, clear skies
Rain Taneththir wrote:
Rain unfurls her metallic-hued leather wings and nodding to Amen takes to the sky, cautiously roaming and attempting to not draw too much attention to herself in the endeavour.
Amen-set glances at Rain’s wings, noting their metallic color. Her hand moves unconsciously to her own metallic colored hair and with no real reason she mutters something as she watches Rain fly so beautifully.
In Draconic:
”Truly thy heart recalls that which thy mind has forgotten…”
Then she shakes her head as if to clear it, almost unaware of what she said and continues her vigilance with Rain.
Rain Taneththir wrote:
Hovering in the air, she cast Detect Magic in their direction. She wondered if magic existed on this seemingly abandoned isle. It did no harm to check if any magical auras were in place in this part of the fort.
Amen-set notes Rain using the spell and she nods her head at tactical decision.
It was logical that animals would not have magical abilities, and likely not be at the top of a tower when there were plenty of places of shelter on the ground it was clear that the summit of a tower would be the best place for a Humanoid Creature to hide from dangers.
Each floor likely had a set of stairs with a door, or a ladder leading to a trapdoor. A Humanoid could ascend each level and shut the door or trapdoor beneath them for added defense from threats.
The highest floor would be the safest place to hide, of course and Detecting Magic would reveal any hidden magical items a Caster might have while hiding.
Further, the spell had a penetrating power – if there were a Caster which saw their actions and was hiding behind a stone wall, Rain’s spell would be able to see the aura as easily as spotting an invisible opponent.
She smiled at Rain’s wisdom even as she landed clumsily on the balcony and slowly advanced.
Rain Taneththir wrote:
In low voice, she attempted to slow the girl down, "No, Amen, not yet. Caution is not a weakness. Wait, look and listen before entering."
She turns to Rain as she readies her musket and cocks her head.
”Fear not, senet – I always think everything is a trap… It is why I am still alive…” she responds with a grin.
However, she does heed Rain’s advice…
Amen-set has landed on the balcony and will slowly move in to the doorway to look around the chamber. However, she will be using her Perception to not only see threats, but to also hear threats such as a possible assassin hiding around the corner or something…
- The top of the tower has two balconies that lead into a main upper chamber. A fist size chunk of rose quartz rests on a pedestal in the room, with a much larger chunk adorning the peak of the tower. On the balcony facing the bay, two statues of cyclopes stand, staring over the rest of the island.
Amen-set’s eyes widen at the stone, but narrow at the statues.
The musket is loose in her hands and she studies it intently.
Perception Check – 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20
Unless she sees an obvious threat in the room…
”Hearken, oh my senet, we were thus charged with giving this tower a..."cursory glance"," she says, as if not really sure at the term.
"In any case, how can our eyes perceive what stands beyond without first studying it more closely?"
Suddenly she thinks of the giant, reptilian creatures that are rumored to live on this island... She then recalls the tales of giant reptilian creatures from her homeland and she thinks for a moment on tales of the dark god which some called Shaitan and others called Set - but all knew as the Great Serpent...
She studies the rose colored stone, thinking long on the tales of giant reptiles, and now - especially - giant snakes and her eyes seem to fix on the stone.
"The eye of the Serpent?" she says in an almost hushed voice.
Then, as if considering the full impact of what that might mean, she turns to Rain.
"Assuredly we two have seen many dark and evil things in our travels. Yet here is a thing worth seeing more closely despite such concerns, eh my senet?" she says to Rain.
Then, without a response, she decides to act and advances.
"What say thee - dost thy wish to live forever?” she asks with an almost mischievous grin.
Then she lands on the balcony and enters the tower opening and moves inside…
Cool; so Amen-set will now enter the tower via the balcony and search the upper floor. GM - what does she see?
"Amen, call out to the others and let them follow your voice. The murk is too dark to see through," before going under again and calling to her companions.
Amen-set glances at Rain and nods her head.
However, a Water Elemental has appeared below her and orders it to spin in the water and pull the ink from the waves near her companions.
Ordering the Elemental to use its power to draw the ink away from the water near her companions.
Seeing that the Octopus is still alive she glances at Rain -
"With respect, oh my senet - if this beast was a threat before thy engaged it, surely it shall be far more fierce now that we have made it bleed?"
"Indeed; our ship is still afloat for now - if this thing were to return, might it not assail our vessel and so attempt to drown it and those folk who sail it?" she asks, not sure what to do next, but her usual adherence to honor naturally precludes the possibility of her from running from a threat.
Once the Elemental has cleaned the ink, she sends it to follow Dhaavan's dolphins after the octopus and try to finish it off.
She herself will take a double-move for 40 feet in the direction of the octopus.
Amen-set, realizing that there is nothing in the water, is also prepared to go back.
As she is waiting for Horatio to lead her back formally, she feels a sense of frustration and suddenly stumbles on an idea.
Pulling out a small knife from her side, she takes the blade and slits her palm open and squeezes droplets of blood into the water.
Not sure if that will work, but if there is a Megaladon in here, it might encourage it to show itself. Meantime, she'll wait a bit longer, then she's heading back to the fort, too.
"Good day, my friend," she says with a serious and sincere voice as she watches the golden cat.
"We shall be back readily. While we are away, would thou be willing to guard the ship?" she asks.
While this may indeed what Neko planned on doing, Amen-set cares for Neko a great deal and does not wish to make assumptions.
Amen-set will use a Double Move to Fly 40 feet above the water - next turn she will begin to advance over the water but for now she is prepared to function as the "Eyes in the Sky" in case there is indeed a dinosaur, shark or some other threat in the water...
As she raises she recalls what Horatio has said about the reefs and shoals and turns to Neko -
"My friend; assuredly there is concern for threats, yet my heart warns me that there is little room for such large creatures with water so shallow... unless, perhaps, it was one of Sobek's offspring..." she says, and a frown colors her features as she readies the musket as she rises above the ground...
As she is only flying straight up, will she need a Fly Check at this time?
