Bor Metalstench's page

Bor looks over in the direction that you point. "That t'ing? Um...how about 125?"

Throughout all of this, the guard who escorted you to the market has left you alone, merely watching for trouble and talking to the locals. As it appears there is a pause in your perusing, he walks up to you with a swagger that hadn't shown itself before and says, "Have you all found whatever it is you were looking for or looking to sell?" He looks to his right and waves at the merchant; "hey, Bor. Swindlin' these birds like everyone else?" The guard says this in a friendly, joking manner.

Bor swivels his head towards the guard. "No, 'course not, Jayne. They're not pigeons like some that flutt'r 'round 'ere."

Bor looks around, then down. "Oh, tha' old thing? Is a bit ding'd up. You wan' it? I'll sell it for 3 gold. He pulls the shield up so you can look at it; it is rather dinged up, but still serviceable (i.e. still gives full bonus).

"The price seems adequate" - Akkramar offers with a nod - "And we will accept it. We will peruse your stall for any items that may interest us, and let us find the terms of the trade in the end" - he adds, turning his attention to the wares, looking for a shield.

[dice=Perception]d20+7

"Sarasanna, have you found anything interesting?"

I think since the idea is to offer more armor, I will look for an Heavy Steel Shield, unless something else catches Akkramar's attention :D

Bor has a heavy wooden shield behind the table, but not what you are looking for precisely. You'll have to look around to see if you can find exactly what you are looking for.

Bor reaches into a metal case and pulls out the agreed upon amount. He slides the coins into a small canvas pouch and hands it over. "G'ad to do bidness wit' ya. Come back an'time you got more to sell." He nods his head in lieu of a smile.

Akkramar observes first the man, quite intently, as he had never seen such a deformed one - there is no apprehension or hesitation on his face though, but instead mere curiosity. His attention then shifts to the wares on display, and back on the man - "Well met sir, I am Akkramar. I did not catch your name, but we are indeed looking for some possibilities of barter" - he begins - "This is what we have to sell, while interested in buying some other wares" - he places the studded leather, chain shirt and two glaives on the stand.

"For now, we are looking for a shield, and any implements that can assist us in climbing, or otherwise navigate the caves"

Isn't there something like a grappling arrow?

The 'person' looks over the items very carefully. Despite his deformities, he does seem rather skilled in his craft, going over each item to look for cracks or other damage to the armors given. He notes with a grunt a line of rusted links along one side of the chain, a buckle starting to come loose of its stitching on the leather, and the lack of padding where the glaives would normally be gripped. He looks up at you and says, "The name's Bor, and I'd offer you say, sevend' gold for the lot? Als', I'm afraid that I don' deal with climbing gear; I guess you coul' say da' I'm just not equipped for the task." His face brightens and he barks out a sharp, yet raspy laugh. "Dere's a guy tree stalls down, goes by Jebbie, who could prob'bly help you beder on da' one."

"Ova' her', gents. I has the fines' weap'ns an' metal you c'n fin' anywheres in the Unnergeround."

The 'man' calling you over to his stall looks the most malformed that you have seen yet. His initial appearance seems very intimidating, yet his hunched shoulders and passive demeanor offset that. That, and he appears to be almost as tall as a dwarf. His stall is also the closest to approximating a shop: while his weapons are laid out on a long table, there are four mannequins total to his sides, holding up some chain mail and leather. While they are certainly not of the finest quality, it does appear that some care has been taken to keep the rust and dirt off of the items.

I am fine with moving ahead. We've almost got an agreement hammered out with Bor.

"I think we're close to terms, Bor. I will accept your promise not to act against us for the next year, passage through your territory -- you'll need to tell us where that is, exactly -- and the information you've already shared with us in exchange for your freedom. Additionally, I will work to return you to your home in exchange for what you know about the phylactery. The information would be due immediately prior to sending you there. Is there anything else you want to discuss?"

"Do you have a map of the area?" The assumption is that at this point, the answer is no. With that, Bor begins drawing again. His crude map indicates the location of Tsar. A little bit to the east of that is where he indicates the dragon 'sits' when he is in front of the gates. A little further east of that he indicates some kind of building or structure. "This is where we perch. I should tell you that, our wing only takes the top portion of this place. The rest of the building usually has the undead inside, but they do not bother us and we the same. I cannot vouch for what is inside, but if you go in to clear out these vile corpses, we will not interfere."

Elen provides the Gargoyle with a board to allow him to draw comfortably, and while she is at it, also sets up a folding chair for him. When your subject becomes cooperative, be generous and helpful to him in return, to encourage further cooperation, she thinks, remembering some of the tactics of interrogation she had learned from a number of wise teachers.

"Thank you," Bor says when you hand him the board. Looking at the chair, however, poses a problem. He is bound still in such a way that there's no easy way to sit, and perching on it would just cause him to fall over. He nods politely but remains cross-legged on the ground. Within a few moments, the drawing is complete.

Elen takes a sheet of paper from her pack and offers it to Bor once Numair frees his hands. "If it's not too much trouble, could you draw the diagram again, in a more portable form?"

"I can. Do you have something that I can use as a backing so that you can read this accurately? I don't know much about how magic works, but I do know that for something like this, accuracy counts."

The Bor Ultimatum

Azaraunt wrote:

Numair, I believe I have already answered that I believe within a few months we will be able to send this creature home, sooner if we, or he, chooses to buy a scroll of plane shift. See my post above.

My bad. I was sure I had read that, but it slipped my mind when I was typing my reply.

In Kelish, That is good to know. I certainly hope we are still alive a year from now! I will see what else I can discover.

To Bor, When you say you will not attack us, what do you mean? I would need a more specific answer before I could consider agreeing to your bargain. Also, this Oerth, this Rousha that you mentioned: is that your home, the one you wish to be sent to?

"I mean that, if we should meet on the field of battle again, I will yield to you. I will tell my wing to allow you to pass. Will that suffice?"

Looking down at his drawing in the sand, Bor looks up and says only one word. "Da."

The Bor Ultimatum

Switching back to Common, he agrees with Bor.

It is no easy thing to be away from home. Tell me, how did you come to live in the Desolation? Is your home near the Hells, and you were drawn through the Wound, or did some other calamity occur? Were you mercenaries, drawn here for promised gems, or did your tribes come here willingly, and of their own accord? I wish to know. In addition, as a show of good faith, to match your own, I will remove the bonds about your hands and feet. Your wings will remain bound, and know that I also have the power of flight at my command, so do not think to try to flee. It should go without saying, but any agressive act on your part will result in your immediate death - there will be no mercy a second time if I am forced to draw my sword against you again....

Massaging his wrists for a moment, Bor shifts his position somewhat. "If you are truly curious. I will tell you a part of the information that you seek. I was born many centuries ago on a planet called Earth. I was born during a time of great chaos; most of the human population had been killed by something called 'radiation,' and many planar gates had opened up because of this. My father was there as part of some dimensional army. He procreated and I was born in the country called Russia. You know, it is amazing that the native language there and what you call 'Common,' are almost exactly the same. It is so strange to hear the language of my birth again.

"But you don't want to hear of that. It is the portals that are opened by either my masters or those who pay that takes me from world to world. That is how we came here, almost a decade ago, when Malerix hired us to be his underlings."

Elen murmurs in Kelish to Azaraunt and Numair, "That information could be very valuable. However, unless the dragon is very arrogant or very foolish, his phylactery is almost certain to not be in his treasure hoard. Let's study the situation further. If I understand correctly, this beast is saying he's from another plane, another world. We should find out more about how he got here. At the same time we should seem agreeable with his offer, without explicitly giving our word until we know everything."

Perception check: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

"The problem with its phylactery is that Malerix believes that all of Tsar belongs to him. It is possible that the phylactery could be anywhere in the city. But I believe that it is not in fact in there. That it is much closer to our outpost than within the city."

Azaraunt looks on with interest as the diagram is drawn, as words are added he casts Comprehend Languages to aid his understanding.

[dice=Knowledge Planes]1d20+19

[dice=Linguistics]1d20+17

I believe I know this place. What you ask can be done, but would require magic beyond my current ability, and would require some research to attune the spell to your home. Perhaps until that time you would ally yourself with us?

Then in Kellish, speaking to Numair, he adds
I could assist Lavinia to do this thing as clerics are more attuned to planar travel than wizards but even then we would have to purchase a scroll of Plane Shift as I do not believe her powers are up to the task. But if we stay here and explore and succeed in some of our tasks it is conceivable that within months she will be able to do this task. And if this plane is his true home then a Dismissal spell would likely send him back as well. That should be within my power within a few months as well.

Plane Shift is a 5th level spell for clerics and a 7th for Wizards. Dismissal is 5th for both I believe.

You recognize what Bor wrote out as the beginning of a spell incantation. What catches your eye is the 'location' of the destination that Bor indicates: it is a planet from an alternate Prime Material plane, known locally as 'Eberron.' The incantation is written in Draconic.

"If you are asking me to fight alongside you, wizard, then I must decline. Your party would not accept me and I would not likely accept them in the long run. I am willing to offer you at least some of the information that you are requesting, in return for helping me get home. I realize that you can't do it immediately, but I have lived, if you can call it that, for over a millenia now. I am ready to complete what they call on my homeworld a 'retirement,' so that I can be with my family.

"What I ask is this: in return for my information, you let me go and I swear on my tribes honor that I will not attack you for a full year. If you can also help me go home, then I will leave behind also the location of Malerix's treasure. He considers all of Tsar to be his, but every dragon wants their pile of treasures to lie on from time to time. take your time to decide, I'm not going anywhere." Bor smiles (or at least, smiles as much as a gargoyle can), and sits on his haunches.

Bor Metalstench wrote:

"Well at least you're being honest with me. Again, Bor pauses for a moment. "Do you you know how hard it is to be a gargoyle?"

"No, I don't. But I've heard that excuse from plenty of petty thugs before." He changes his voice to a rough baritone and says, "let me go. I didn't do it. Times are hard. I only rob people because I can't find work." He returns to his normal voice and asks, "honestly, if you had an opportunity to live in peace with these folks and out from under the dragon's thumb, would you? Or do you delight in causing pain and suffering? Fighting for survival is understandable; killing for pleasure is inexcusable." He peers intently at the gargoyle, locking his gaze. "What would you do if I cut these ropes and offered you a fair deal?

"I'd give you the information you asked for and go back to my tribe. What would you do if the situation were reversed?"

"Well at least you're being honest with me. Again, Bor pauses for a moment. "Do you you know how hard it is to be a gargoyle?"

Bor Metalstench wrote:

Numair Nejem wrote:

Surprised that the gargoyle is being forthcoming, Numair continues.

The caravan was one that cut across the waste. If you have not seen it, then it is of no consequence. Tell me more about this forward post, and how to reach it. Also, if you trade with this village, why attack it now? Were you ordered to?

"Of course we were ordered to. I take it you have never been part of an army?"

"An army? The dragon is powerful, and your grotesque fought viciously, but I'd hardly call that an army. I didn't think things were so organized out in the Desolation. Are all the other tribes gargoyles part of this 'army,' too? What else can you tell me about it?"

"I didn't say I was part of an army, did I?" Pausing for a moment, Bor looks you over. "You've never tortured anyone before, have you?" Bor says it casually, like two blokes sitting around a campfire.

Surprised that the gargoyle is being forthcoming, Numair continues.

The caravan was one that cut across the waste. If you have not seen it, then it is of no consequence. Tell me more about this forward post, and how to reach it. Also, if you trade with this village, why attack it now? Were you ordered to?

"Of course we were ordered to. I take it you have never been part of an army?"

Numair returns from the trenches where he was tending to the wounded and talking to Digory. Having his charge demonstrate courage and valor, he spent a long time in discussion with Digory. He joins the rest at the interrogation, and addresses Bor.

How big is your territory? Are there others in your tribe, other bands you know of? Have you seen a merchant caravan? How do you contact Malerix?

"How big is our territory, metal warrior? We claim an forward post that was once used by your crusade almost a century ago. It is nearest of the perches in the Desolation to Malerix. And yes, there are several tribes of gargoyle in the Desolation, but I don't know where all of them are located.

"What is this caravan that you're talking about?"

"Why not? He offers us good pay and some spoils. We are his early warning system, you could say. If he's not around, we make sure no one goes into his territory. If someone wants to parlay and the dragon isn't around, then we do so. It's that simple."

The gargoyle cowers at this last move (or at least he cowers as much as one can bound up). "I don't know what I can tell you that you haven't already heard. Besides, I'm not afraid of your kind. Do you think that this is the only world, the only plane that I have been on? I have seen horrors that you can't even imagine. Served under masters who make your petty attempts at intimidation seem unworthy of even comment. Some would not have threatened like you have, puny minitaur And yes, that is not a typo; they would have just crushed me and been done with it. Kill me if it pleases you, or let me go. Either way, I...STILL...WIN."

"He seems unmoved. Let's see if the reach of the Harbinger extends to such a creature."

Elen steps forward, and begins with a detect poison cast on the captive. Assuming she finds no poison on or in his person, she then fixes the gargoyle with a stare that causes him to doubt his own sanity, and a lilting, eldritch laugh chills him to the stones. Evil Eye hex to reduce saves (-2) and Cackle to extend it. DC 19 Will Save, if successful a duration of 2 rounds, if failed 8 rounds.

She then draws upon her mystical connection with Ally to cast a spell that she had not previously prepared, concentrating intensely for several seconds, then stepping forward to touch the bound creature. Using full-round action to cast a non-prepared spell, as described here, one spell level above the spell slots she has available, which is a DC 21 spellcraft check. Casting: Bestow Curse with the effect of -6 to Wisdom. DC 19 Will Save.

As her eldritch energy attacks Bor's spirit, Elen trembles, her breath becoming labored. Elen is now Fatigued.

Will v. Evil Eye/Cackle: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Will v. Bestow Curse: 1d20 + 8 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 8 - 2 = 17

Bor continues to glare at the minotaur and now the witch trying to vex him. "I will not talk. You are all doomed, destiny or not."

EDITED

Bor gives you a dirty look and says nothing.

Ruul growls as he cinches his grip further.

"Yield!"

The big minotaur tightens the nelson, squeezing the gargoyle's neck down into its chest until the creature can't move.

Grapple Break v. CMD39: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (2) + 15 = 17 Well crap, all that talk of nat 1 is throwing my dice off :(

"Never you foul beast. I'll never cave to the likes of you."

Round 3 REVISED, Init 16

Hands Sandstorm & Wand of Shield AC 24 (30 vs Gbudn) T 12 HP 65/65
Spells 1st: 3/3 Smite Evil 0/2 Battle Dance 12/13 Lay On Hands 10/10
Conditions (Effects; Target(s); Duration)
* Battle Flag (+1 morale attack, weapon damage, saves vs fear & charm; Pathfinders within 30 ft.; for as long as banner is not destroyed)
* Aura of Courage (+4 morale saves vs fear; allies within 10 ft.; while conscious)
* Shield (+4 shield AC; Numair; 6/10 rounds)
* Fly (Fly 60 ft. good, +3 Fly; Numair; 20/70 rounds)
* Haste (+1 atk, AC, Ref, extra atk, +30 ft.; from Az; 5/7 rounds)
* Smite Evil (+6 atk, dmg, +6 deflection AC vs Gbudn; Numair; until Gbudn defeated)
* Charge (+2 charge attack, -2 AC; Numair; 1 round)

As the gargoyles flee, he cuts at one instinctively and watches as it spirals to its death. Then, he looks ahead to where the others are fleeing and points at Gbudn with Sandstorm.

Though your fear is finally realized, you can't leave yet. I still have some questions.

Numair will fill his eyes with Sarenrae's wrath and charge across the sky, Sanstorm thrust ahead of him.

Swift action: activate smite evil vs Gbudn. Full round action: Charge up to 120' to attack Gbudn. Numair will provoke AoO from other gargoyles if he has to fly past them.

At the last instant, he reverses his grip and brings the blunt edge of the curved blade around, going for a temple strike.

[dice=Sandstorm vs Gbudn, PS, SE, BF, Haste, Charge, non-lethal]1d20+11-2+6+1+1+2-4
[dice=Damage, non-lethal]1d6+5+4+6+1

@Kallistiel: Numair will be there just ahead of you. You should get the bonuses, unless they are scattering in different directions instead of fleeing in a group.

You're not going to be able to Charge him, I am afraid, Bor is currently being pinned by Ruul.

Padding along, Lagash picks up speed, a crate here, a wall there, then a roof and then suddenly the Gargoyle attacking Macavity is aware of the mass of teeth, claw and ferocity jumping at him from apparently a mile away...

RRRRRRRRROOOAAAAARRRRR!!!!!

[dice=Lagash Acrobatics Jump]1d20+18

[dice=Lagash Charge Attack]1d20+9+2
[dice=Damage if it hits]1d4+1

I'm guessing after the attack Lagash plops back to the ground...

[dice=Lagash Acrobatics Landing]1d20+18

Realizing the disadvantage Lagash is at when fighting flying opponents, Calendir ushers him to act differently.

Lagash, DEFEND Lavinia!

Round 2 Retcon: I must have missed it in all the stuff I had to swim through at the office last week. My apologies.

The mighty Lagash bears down on the gemmed gargoyle, but does not impact the creature in any way. Landing on all fours, he hears his master's command and runs towards Lavinia, standing by her side.

I assume they're Withdrawing to avoid the AoOs.

Aided by Elen's spell of flight and Azaruant's magical haste, Ruul streaks across the sky after his prey (the one he clobbered last round).

His furry trunk-like limbs reach out to catch the gemmed gargoyled in a full nelson.

[dice=Grapple /w Haste, Divine Favor, Enlarge]1d20+20

Yes, everyone should get an AoO on one or more of the gargoyles.

You manage to catch the gargoyle in midair as he tries to sound the retreat. He struggles mightily, its muscular arms trying to break the pin, but it is no good at this point.

Ye, that was my doubt - rolling anyways.

I've modified Bor's damage on the tracker. The second part of the damage was not added.

"Why you little maggot, orcs should not fight on the side of good, you stupid git." With that, Bor fires off two bolts at you:

Crossbow 1 v. Calendir, AC22 (Standard+Haste): 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33

Crossbow 2 v. Calendir, AC22 (Standard+Haste): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14

Crossbow damage: 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
plus acid, less Acid Resistance: 1d6 - 20 ⇒ (4) - 20 = -16

Not sure if I will be around to post my actions when my initiative turn comes up, so in any case here they are - Calendir will target the leaders preferentially, with adamantine arrows. If the leaders are down when his turn comes up he will use normal arrows on the other gargoyles

** spoiler omitted **

[dice=Attack 1]1d20+10
[dice=Damage if it hits]1d8+8

[dice=Attack 2]1d20+10
[dice=Damage if it hits]1d8+8

[dice=Attack 3]1d20+5
[dice=Damage if it hits]1d8+8

Hope you don't mind Calendir, but it's time to move the show on.

Aiming at the one named Bor, Calendir strikes the bejeweled creature twice, in the shoulder and the right arm. Blood lashes out as possibly a vein has been hit. "Aaggghhh! Bor almost loses hold of the trigger, but manages to hold on as he shifts his aim to the right a bit.

Coming out of his daze, Bor notices the party getting ready to bore down on them. "It's those meddling humans. Wing, fire upon them, they stink of magic. Seeing that the wizard is preparing to cast a spell, he fires off 2 shots at him.

Crossbow 1 v. Azaraunt, AC 24: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23
Crossbow 2 v. Azaraunt, AC 24: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

The shots go past each side of Azaraunt's head. Bor utters a curse and begins pushing the others to fire their weapons.

Will v Glitterdust: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Will v. Confusion: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23 You easily beat the SR.

"What the..."

Fly check: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35

Confusion check: 1d100 ⇒ 15

Bor manages to stay in the same direction, but screams out to his wingmate, "I can't see, something has blinded me! I feel strange as well."

EDITED