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Between engaging the head guard in conversation about the best strategic defense of the town and consulting other mages on the intricacies of abjuration magic, Bartimaeus has enjoyed lounging on an airy, wicker chase lounge with a dense book. This is where Tupp finds him. "You acquire assistance with training you say? My boy, you have come to the right place. I must consult with Sor and then I shall meet you at the well due west of the town proper, right as the sun touches the horizon this evening," he explains. He won't even know what hit him, haha! Moments after Tupp arrives near the well, he hears the unmistakable cascade of hooves that is a horse galloping. He also spies what can only be sacks of flour stacked up near the well... Just as the horse appears, a bolt comes whizzing by his face and buries itself in the well. "My boy! The first lesson is to always be ready for battle! HIYAH! HIYAH! Bartimaues shouts as he comes barreling down the dirt road astride a horse and his signature dwarven plate. As Tupp draws his sword *PUFF* a sack of flour appears to move out of no where and saps him in the chest. "Always prepare for the unexpected Tupp! You are a fine swordsman and deceptively convincing, yet do not let the regularity of your talents or the comfort of your Paladin's code lull you into a false sense of security!" he shouts, circling the Halfling. "You and you alone have taken up the mantle, to strike down the evil you meet in this world, and to protect those who cannot protect themselves! Your opponents adhere to no such strictures and will do everything they can to use it against you!" His eyes narrow, somehow becoming even more serious. "NEVER let them." "...and now... TO FIRST BLOOD!" he cries with finality as he charges Tupp with a blunt spear.
As the dust clears, Bartimaeus is on his back, huffing and puffing, a variety of nicks and cuts across his body. "Good... show... boy. Now... be a lad... and fetch me... some water!"
"What my companions have stated is the truth. Several have struck off on the path to redemption instead of the Boneyard," Bartimaeus adds in. "I ask of you all that you take some time to rest and pursue your own interests for a few days. Once you have digested past events and have come to terms with the current state of your reality, then I implore you to live your lives as upstanding citizens who are kind to strangers and willing to stand against the unjust circumstances of others," he says, a mixture of a request and a lecture all in one.
"Yes, yes, of course! He is a criminal, yet even they are worthy of standing before the law on their own two feet. If we permit his death here, we are no better than he," Bartimaeus quickly spouts before attempting to disarm what is left of him. the Tiger... "Koani, free the tiger. He is going to jail, likely for the rest of his miserable life. That tiger does not need to suffer on his behalf and if not executed as a dangerous beast, will live forlorn and wondering after the loss of her master."
"May companions, we have an animated object on our hands! Styrian, you were astute to provide Bon with that arms enchantment!" he cries out as he slings a bolt of force at the behemoth. "Tupp, my boy, get out of there!" he shouts as the halfling gets walloped by the statue. If things turn for the worst, I have just the spell to save him. However, will he run if given the chance? May he have the wisdom for a tactical retreat...
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"Your work corroborates the Societies' prior findings, the Aspis has been receiving these shipments of components. This will be moderate blow to the flexibility of their marketing portfolio..." he notes. Bartimaeus listens contently as information flows back and forth, but his brow furrows yet again at the woman's words. "Madam, do not diminish your own suffering merely because others have had worse. You and your companions have ample reason to rejoice, please, enjoy your food, but do not downplay your prior oppression. Your issues are as salient as anyone else's," he preaches before mumbling some other comments to himself as he stands at the edge of the hallway. Trials and tribulations have an awful way of twisting one's mind. "Right you are Styrian, give that thing a wallop! If it moves to engage, I shall support you as well," he calls out, wands at the ready.
Bartimaeus sighs and takes a seat on the stairs as the bandits make their way out of the compound. Certainly could have called for more bloodshed, a miracle what the right words from the right individuals can achieve. Seeing Tupp shift uneasily as the bandits leave, he sidles up to him. "My boy, I cannot guarantee it, however, If I recall correctly, the men with whom we have aligned our goals are members of the law. With any luck, these bandits shall be apprehended by them and tried accordingly," he remarks before readying himself for what is likely their final foe.
Slavers... If they are cruel enough to profit from oppressing people, they are unlikely to be happy about giving up their 'investments.' Bartimaeus knuckles go white around his wands as the opening remarks fly. He crouches low on the stairs, hoping to actually be able to see into the room. These damn knees aren't what they used to be, I'll have to see a cleric about that...
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This is quite the conundrum, it doesn't appear that either group can communicate with the other effectively... Styrian's spell should help, but we shall see if it proves to be sufficient. "Tupp, my boy, I have my spell scribing instruments, but I must confess that parlaying with the enemy is an unexpected course of actions and I have not prepared any magical resources to amend such an issue as a result," he admits a little forlornly. A drawing? How clever, I shall have to remember that for my future fumbling communications. Unless that picture works, I fear these negotiations may turn south in but a moment...
"Speak of these "freaks," as you so call them. What are their motives? Do they have names? If we are to treat with them, "freaks" is a term likely to earn their ire." With nothing more to say to the bandit, Bartimaeus turns his back on him. "I concur Styrian, let us speak with these monks first. It is prudent to avoid bloodshed where appropriate. We mustn't dally too long everyone, Styrian's magic won't hold out forever," he adds. "Tupp, you have a talent for earning the trust of others, perhaps you should lead the way?" he suggests, holding his arm out in the direction they need to go.
As the din of combat settles, Bartimaeus stands back up, dusting himself off. Wand still in hand, he hustles over to the halfling. "My boy, did any of those scum get a good strike in?" In the heat of the moment we split up, but it seems to have developed in our favor. Now to pry lose any relevant information from this groveling fool... "You there, you cower before the law. As we can personally attest, you have committed banditry and if not murder, were accessory to it. Speak of the inner chamber of this fortress truthfully and a portion of the stain you have smeared on this land shall be removed," he commands, holding an edge of his coat in either hand while glowering at the man. If we weren't so far from a constabulary, landing him in prison would be best, once a man turns to banditry they will never truly turn away. Perhaps Phalgun and his men are vigilante and positioned to catch him when he flees.
Bartimaeus' jaw drops as he knocks over the piece of rubble. How embarrassing, we must act now! I shall endeavor to do better on the next go... "I hope that lizard of yours is as vicious as it looks madam!" he says as he steps to the side and slings a bolt of force at the Orange Archer.
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Although he is completely untrained in the art of stealth, Bartimaeus happens to perform quite admirably and manages to keep up with the others. Certainly not something I intend to do very often, I don't think my bones can take this sort of activity for too long! Once I learn to cast invisibility, I won't have to crouch so low, that will make all the difference, I am sure of it.
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*Facepalm* totally forgot about even making the roll, sorry GM! How do we want to do this? We don't seem to have any strong ranged options, so approaching from stealth to get as close as possible before storming the gates seems to be our best bet. Alternatively, my magic missile wand has a range of 110ft and can be used prone. I could try to goad some of their melee forces to me by harassing the archers and lying prone (making my AC 21 vs the archers). You all could then ambush the response force and we'd theoretically fight two smaller forces instead of one big one. This obviously loses any semblance of surprise, but puts us in a little more control over the pacing. EDIT: Just a heads up, I will be out of the country from this Saturday to next Saturday. I should have internet access, but there is always the chance that I won't, so bot me as needed!
As the group closes in on the structure, Bartimaeus conjures his translucent dwarven plate. While the plates of force form over his body, he adds in, "Toppling an illegitimate and oppressive government is quite the affair, Tupp, one many have been seeking to master for eras upon eras. Have you an interest in such things? As a matter of fact, it does so happen that I have focused much of my studies on the specifics of such things." And I happen to know of one such government whose people would welcome a reprieve... Turning his gaze to the structure as a whole, he chuckles a little. "This is far from impenetrable, largely unworthy of much other than bandits and other societal refuse," he quips, popping a small piece of candy in his mouth, while drawing his wand from its holster. "Shall we get to business then?" ________
"Quite impressive, I've never heard of such a method before! When our business has concluded, would you do me the honor of an interview? I merely wish to learn more about your talents, nothing out of the ordinary or untoward," Bartimaeus explains. A vital point of order would be how to identify others with such a talent, the Heralds of Summer would do well to recruit individuals with such abilities.
Bartimaeus considers Styrian's words seriously. "How have you gathered such an insight? If what you say is true, our counterattack will have to be particularly prepared and effective. Thank your for you council," he concludes, nodding his head while his brow furrows deeply and he starts to brood. It would be prudent to wield a weapon cast in silver on the occasion that they share a weakness similar to their lupine bretheren. Or perhaps... The boy! He may be more crucial to this expedition than we all thought... After preparing his spells, he approaches Sori. "Madam, a moment of your time, if it please you." ========
"We put on quite an exemplary performance!" Bartimaeus chimes in, puffing up a little with pride. "Right you are, my boy, back to sleep," he agrees, before stowing away his gear and getting as comfortable as he can before drifting off to sleep. A heart of gold and a legendary sword arm, I see it now. At least this damnable heat has abated somewhat with the sun, should be much easier to fall asleep.
"TUPP, NO!" Bartimaeus calls out as the handaxe sinks deeply into him. He steps up behind the halfling and shoots a bolt of force at Blue. "Back up, you don't have to be a hero!" Should never have left his side! "We need reinforcements to the West!" he cries, fearing for Tupp's safety.
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Caught off guard by Tupp's comment, he looks at him with an eyebrow raised, mouth slightly agape. Caught with nothing to say to this boy. Years of preparation for every occurrence, a plan for any occasion, yet I am surprised. I have learned another lesson here today, if I let my hubris cloud my mind and underestimate my foes, it shall be my undoing. Still some work to do on the bird's behalf, I see. I will do what I can to guide him as well, he may become a finely tuned instrument yet! Fortunately, Sori chimes in before he has to really respond to him. "Yes, right, the middle shift it is for you! Let us carry on with our preparations." "Most certainly Styrian, I shall wake you for the second shift. I will cast my spell in such a way so as to provide an audible stimulus for us all, grand idea! I support your plan as well, if we leave the scepter with the caravan, they are also less likely to take any opportunities with our lives," he says solemnly.
Sharing in Ganesh's relief, Bartimaeus also releases a long, relieved sigh. "Indeed, glad we made it through. Good show Tupp, good show!" he says, clasping the paladin on the shoulder firmly. Perhaps Sori isn't so misguided in her decision... "A watch should be planned prior to retiring for the night. If I may, I would like to go first. You see, I need continuous sleep for my mind to recover from the day and remain sharp so that I can continue aiding us with my arcane talents. Any objections?" he asks while looking around, clearly not actually expecting disagreement. "Additionally, have magic prepared to assist you all in keeping watch while I am asleep."
What do you guys think about our current predicament? I don't think we have the means to reliably bluff him, but perhaps we can tell him our plan in private? We could offer to bring him and his crew along when we do our counter-raid to incentivize him to keep quiet about the plan, even from his own men.
Bartimaeus' body tightens as soon as they begin speaking in another language, a heavy pit forming in his stomach. I must protect the boy... He tries as subtly as he can to turn his body to face Tupp to push him out of the way if the duo attempt to harm him. His heart drums in his ears and the rush of adrenaline as it charges through his veins draw out each moment longer and longer. When Lasya and Ganesh speak up, he jumps a little and his tension releases. Suddenly finding himself very tired, he takes a deep, calming breath. I must renew my efforts to learn the languages of the places I intend to travel. If not to spare myself from embarrassment, then to better defend my companions. A larger force would likely decrease our chances of being raided. While typically a worthwhile endeavor, such an event is undesirable, considering our plan. If they are granted a few moments alone, Bartiameus weighs in as well. "I have arrived at the same conclusion as Styrian. Our union would prove detrimental to the current plan on multiple fronts and, as such, we should abstain from pursuing it. Tupp, my boy, you have a surprising fashion of saying things in a remarkably pleasant and non-confrontational manner by speaking plainly. It would be prudent if you were the one to tell them. Perhaps you could speak to the increase in both parties' probability of success in the event that we split up. Both groups are operating under the appearance of being easy targets and either's deceptive strengths would prove the bandit's undoing," he explains. I don't mean to overwhelm his mind, but I trust Sori is up to the task of breaking it down for him. When the conversation resumes, he observes in uncomfortable silence, clutching his holy symbol nervously. He can do it, even if he is just a boy... He can do it... He can do it...
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Place looks well traveled. A perfect ambush site if I ever saw one. Predictability and a tree line rendering you practically invisible are the key. The question remains, however: Are they the ambushers or the ambushees? "Yes, yes, good day to you too. Travel is always worth taking to the road, eh? Especially when it is one someon else's gold! Haha! Moving some choice pieces of equipment from here to there, nothing out of the ordinary," Bartimaeus declares, stroking his moustache regally. That should pique some interest if they are indeed the bandits for which we are seeking. Perhaps some of my more silver tongued companions can further fuel their desires in such an event.
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Family friends? Why would Mihir send two family friends on a mission he knows to be deadly? Has he gone mad? "I cannot speak on behalf of my companions, however travel is certainly part of my typical line of work," Bartimaeus remarks, attempting to control the outpouring of sweat with a handkerchief. What I wouldn't give for an Endure Elements spell! Lesson learned: comfort and survivability both necessitate its use! "As a matter of fact, travel has been a part of my life for quite some time now. I was born in Irrisen, you see. My town and I finally saved up enough gold to send me to the Erages Academy in Kyonin when I was 25. I had shown some magical aptitude, so it was only natural. When my studies permitted it, I traveled across Avistan to learn more of this world first hand. Upon my graduation from Old Erages' Blackash Training Grounds, I sought to further sate my thirst for knowledge and here I am, speaking with you," he explains, desperately trying to keep cool throughout. That's most of the story, anyways. No need to elucidate them on my training to battle the Winter Witches of Irrisen on behalf of the Herald's of Summer! What better training than to seek other evil and irresponsible wielders of magic for the Society?
Bartimaeus makes sure to thank the hosts on their arrival and during their departure. With the caravan, Bartimaeus takes a look at the map. "Very well then Waman, as long as you trust your scouts to be consistently reliable, you have my confidence. What can you inform us with on the dangers in this jungle? Any flora or fauna that tend to cause trouble?" Aside from the bandits of course, but no need to discuss such a sensitive matter with this gentleman... Might give something away! When the travel starts, he does his best to stay within the vicinity of Tupp as often as possible, especially if it means he can participate in his education and further converse with Sori.
We can reserve this conversation for after the scenario has concluded (dont want to spoil anything!), but I find that when I run earlier scenarios I am injecting some serious amounts of RP/fluff to flesh them out more and hopefully be a little more personable then "go here!" then "do that" and "GET THE THIIING!"
"Very well then," Bartimaeus says as he stands. "Shall we be on our way? There is much to do and learn about prior to our departure!" Giddy with the idea of all the plans to make and strategies to hash out, the Ulfen practically runs out of the meeting room while doing his best to maintain his air of dignity and stylish facial hair. Torag be praised! Two days to guarantee the safety of my comrades, child's play!
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Took my best guesses here on what was relevant to what... All my knowledge checks are +11 right now and I have all of them, so any that I mislabeled can be switched for the appropriate type without changing any modifiers.
Thanks for the explanation! Sorry for pestering you about knowledge checks. To your point, I think I'm probably used to being asked for checks at the beginning (due to the format of newer scenarios, as you point out) and I also wanted to avoid that "gotcha" scenario :) Not that I thought you'd spring one on us, but some scenarios are almost stingy with the way they want players to learn stuff.
Styrian, what convinced you to choose the illusion implement for your occultist? I started off with abjuration/transmutation too, but went necromancy because I think it is freaking cool. Even if I took cool out of the equation, conjuration would likely have been my next choice. I am very new to the occultist though and have only seen low level play, so most of my opinions and experiences with the schools are quite limited.
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