While taking several steps back in preparation to leave,
'Sir Havelyn, before we depart we should at least warn this Ancient Guardian of the threat we we were sent to deal with. The Guardian should at least know what is to come.'
DM not trying to get past it but trying to give it false information if I am allowed.
In Fey then Common
'Most Ancient Verdant Guardian, we will leave but know this! We were sent by those who were saplings of the Victor, and wise is the council they keep. The seal that is within the tower, because of the corrupt disease it had to hold back, may itself have been rotting from within.'
'Think of your most eldest of trees here, if one were to fall to disease, it may still look strong from the outside, yet it is dying within, and even the smallest of storms may send a once proud tree to the ground.'
'We fear others have known this, and all we ask is if you do not let us pass, then ensure that none do so! We do not want any to be able to have access to the foulness within the tower.'
'We seek aid Most Ancient Verdant Guardian. We have reason to believe the seal guarding the tower may ... be compromised. We need your assistance and guidance.'
Can you guys please make some aid roles to Bluff just in case.
'I am the Lady Cellia, (distant but) of the blood of one Our goodly Suzerain King Markadian IV, Protector of the Realm, and Upholder of the Faith.'
She points to Edmin, 'This is Sir Havelyn, son of the famous Lord Havelyn of Balentyne, our champion and Paladin.'
Cуровую then points to the Judge, 'This is Baronet Mathas Richter, Vice Chancellor and Secretary to Chancellor Morton, great grandson of Lord Warden Mathias Richter of Braderscar.'
Cуровую introduces each and every member of the group, with enough titles to bewilder and trip up a court herald, in hope the treant remembers how the retinue of the Victor was.
'What may we call you Ancient One? We come in Peace, and in truth need your guidance and aid in matter of unparalleled imortance.'
The 'voice of the magister' already made an attempt to Bluff.
To speed things along.
'Soldier, the magister is terribly busy, we will return when he is not distracted.'
'Cellia' then discreetly whispers, 'My Lady is particularly not accustomed to having her meetings cut short nor to be kept waiting for to be escorted. Five pieces of gold will go to you if you we hurry now. For both our sakes soldier.
I apologize DM, I keep mentioning this but didn't Edmin say we were going to use 'corn' for the magister? We were concerned about the noise and we did not want to lose the magister's items.
Who wants to pose as the magister?
Cуровую can Disgusie if you guys want unless Dren wants to try.
I thought we were using 'corn' that's why DM said the one who used the trigger phrase was safe. Didn't Edmin say we would use 'corn' as our item?
I have a question DM, is it possible NOT to roll to do double damage if you say we use Bref's head instead of 'corn'? I ask because if we are trying not to overkill the magister he slumps down and Bref's head lays on him. If we over kill him Bref's head may remain in his hands, or roll on the table as he slumps down or it may crash on the floor. Part of the reason why I wanted to use 'corn'.
If we have to roll to confirm
Cellia, Lady Sackville's Hand wrote:
-I have to work an early event in twenty minutes am may not get to post until 4 am, let me post some possible rolls
-
I have to work an early event in twenty minutes am may not get to post until 4 am, let me post some possible rolls, and give details Edmin and Dren please read.
Initiative after the surprise round1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19
I suggest we go with 'corn' just to confuse the magister for a few rounds, but I'll have Edmin and Dren decide to make the call.
We act in this order - Dren casts Hold Person, Edmin strikes, Cуровую will cast Hold Person if the magister is not held. Other wise Scorching Ray at the magister if he has corn OR Magic Missile split between the magister and Bref's head if we go with Bref's head.
-
Perception to see if Dren's Hold Person took hold of the magister 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (4) + 10 = 14
If the magister is held, wait for Edmin to finish him off
If magister is not held, Cуровую will cast Hold Person DC 19 Will
other options are
If we use 'corn'
Ranged touch attack for Scorching Ray1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 to hit
dmg 4d6 + 4 ⇒ (5, 6, 6, 1) + 4 = 22
or
If we use Bref's Head
Magic Missile
2d4 + 6 ⇒ (2, 2) + 6 = 10 to Bref's skull 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 to the magister
Really, Magister? Int 20 and you're falling for this?
(Lesson: don't dump Wis and always throw a rank or two in Sense Motive. The Magister is brilliant but naive and poorly socialized.)
I don't think I'm naive or poorly socialized but my real life wisdom is MUCH lower than my intelligence or charisma. If there were a luck skill I think mine is above the average as well.
-
Where are we seated? Are we far enough from the door to the outside?
'Father if you would please guide my hands as I blindfold myself.
Brief pause.
'My lord please clear your thoughts. As I place the object my lord's hands please feel it's dimensions first. Take note of what it actually feels like for a minute or two and tell me what you believe it is. Different people perceive it differently. Take your time, the first contact with it is very telling.'
'Cellia' places the blindfold just so that she can peek a little through it, and walks gently towards the magister while signaling Edmin to do the same.
Bluff to maintain the ruse 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33
We're waiting to be offered to be sat down and then do we offer the poisoned wine? He may detect it.
Not sure on the wine, I will wait from cue from Edmin, but after the magister and the 'lady' sit this occurs, the aide and the father remain standing.
'My lord, my lady seeks your expertise in a new matter, or I should say a new item of rather unique and fascinating properties.'
'We had thought it was from the Triple Empire but now we believe it predates their rule. The object has both illusionary and divination properties and is truly nothing we have come across. We have it in a lead line box for the most part but prolonged exposure to your skin may cause minor hallucinations, nothing dangerous mind you, and it would take well over a day to affect someone as skilled and learned as you my lord, but let us take precautions none the less.
'Cellia' gives the magister's hand a tight squeeze. She then produces three blue silk blind folds, shows them clearly to the magister.
'I will blindfold the lady, then yourself, then myself, the father will guide me while I hand the object to you, once a few minutes have passed and you know the physical dimensions of the object we shall take your blindfold off. Even if you see the item as otherwise you will know that it is an illusion and its glammer will have less of an affect and you can study it fully. You will learn much from the experience. It truly is fascinating!
'With you permission my august lady. She then blindfolds the 'lady'.
'With your permission, my gallant lord. She walks over to blindfold the magister.
Bluff 1d20 + 13 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 13 + 1 = 32 (trait)
Diplomacy 1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 9 + 1 = 26 (trait) to keep the magister at ease
Edmin and Dren please read and make suggestions to my plan on the discussion thread.
Okay, nat 20s on Bluff and Diplomacy but a 1 on Sense Motive? I don't even.
Umm we somehow really start to think that somehow maybe we are a noble lady and her aides?
Since the magister is pressed for time my lady, perhaps we should show him the other bejeweled artifact you wished him to examine.
No chatter to the magister but 'Cellia' gives a look of help me help you here and we'll be out of your hair. Such lovely bright orange hair. Smile. Smile again.
'Is there an area we can all sit down my lord? We need to make full use of what little time you can spare my lady.'
DM if you want me to redo and re roll introductions
'Cellia' is all all smiles and happy to see the magister, she walks well ahead of her mistress and whispers in Celestial, Do you speak Celestial or Draconic? My lady is hard of hearing and speaks neither, my lady is stern and ... unique in temperament but I will help you navigate her whims.
Then 'Cellia' loudly proclaims, 'My lord magister, it is my honor to present the august and serine Lady Sackville North!'
----
Re roll past checks although I already looked under Perception if this check fails because I passed it before
In a whisper, My lord magister, are you alright? Sir?
In concerned but whispered Celestial and then in Draconic, showing concern and worry, Sir, please, please if I can be of help tell me, but YOU NEED TO HOLD IT TOGETHER! The Lady has been disappointed so many times on this trip! Please sir, she has much influence at court, she can make both your and my careers!
Bluff 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
From DM's Spoiler
Spoiler:
two people were coming out of the choir hall (the one at ground level, where Morsum was accosted -- area 26 on the map). One of them was one of the acolytes. The other was a young woman in blue robes with a gold sunburst. You've never seen her before.
Thanks for pointing out the Nat 20 DM, I saw the one for Diplomacy but did not even realize the Perception roll, just saw the 30, can I roll for a Knowledge Religion or Planes to see what the woman could symbolize or be? Possibly Celestial?
'Perhaps when her business is concluded, and my lady finds things satisfactorily, you and her can meet briefly, and if you have any words or requests from the capital, she can carry them for you. Despite her ... many preoccupations, Lady Sackville words still lend strength to these matters when brought before the King's attention.
'My lady will want things a certain way, and will need privacy which she values above all else in these matters, may we request a private area to conduct my lady's business?'
'Further, if my lady decides that you accommodations are suitable, she will bring a small staff, which will include her chef, and her confessor.
'I know these are trying times for you Lord Commander, but my lady has traveled a long road to be here, and her husband still has strong favor and influence with the King's court.'
'Please forgive me my lords, pay me no heed. I am sorry.'
'It just that ... My lady, she is just but very, well demanding of her staff.'
'She already admonished me for sending word to her that the magister and your good father would be ready to meet her. And I have not heard any word from your priest after he first agreed to join us tomorrow. And now I have to bring word that the magister is unavailable after he gave his word he would be as well.'
'Cellia' brightens briefly hope in her eyes.
'Perhaps the magister can come for but an hour my lord? It will be very swift, and you have my word I myself will return him to your doorstep no later than the appointed hour.'
'It would mean much to me my lord, I am seeking the Lady's approval in letting me stay in your township longer ...'
'Cellia' looks at the magister, and manages a small smile.
Bluff don't roll a 1 now !
1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30
Diplomacy for the magister to speak up and side with the idea. Hey he already got me hurt acting snobby earlier
'Celia' first nods and assures the commander that she understands that those who have pledged themselves to protecting the North border of the kingdom have to use severe methods and she will aid he and the magister if there is any way she can.
Perhaps some words from the Lady Sackville after the they return to the capital the Lady is to have a brief audience with certain key member of the royal court, many who have the king's ear.
As she prepares to leave, again assuring the commander and magister all is well ..
'Cellia' will tell her allies she is going to the tower in here guise as Lady Sackville's hand.
She is pulling out all the stops, her outfit is tight, she has put some vanilla and lilacs behind her ears and neck, she has cast Disguise Self and Cуровую's Lingering Presence not to alter her appearance but rather accentuate and enhance her beauty. The magister won't know what hit him.
She will ask to be brought to the magister's tower.
She will approach the magister formally and directly, until she gets to about five feet from him then suddenly rush him and give him a HUGE hug and a double affectionate kiss on both checks.
Diplomacy 1d20 + 10 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 10 + 1 = 23
'Forgive the familiarity my lord! I've been thinking of you fondly!
'Cellia' will make very pleasant small talk, cheerful questions for a fsome time then inquire how the magister is doing, she will ask about the ice golem preparations lastly.
Almost as an afterthought she produces her mistresses letter.
The letter
Spoiler:
Lord Magister Tacitus,
Further flowery words of greetings that nobles exchange. Then
I have traveled a long road to meet personally with you. There are remains of the Triple Empire just outside the Wall that I would seek your knowledge on. I have come upon a rather ... 'rare' and ancient artifact from the time when the Triple Empire was at its height of power.
Arcane description follows, of an spherical statute/object some two feet in diameter with a huge central eye. Atop the sphere the statue has ten stalks that each end in another eye. The central eye hes proved to be magical, but of a rather unknown and alien quality. Each of the smaller eyes on the stalks have different powers themselves although sadly four of these have been broken off and gone missing lost to the ages. Yet six eyes remain, and can be detached to be used separately.
The letter then continues.
My aide Cellia whom you have met has secured a large private dining room for our use and has been busy the past few days securing your food and beverage requests. I too have added some more cultured stocks from the capital that should appeal to your appetites. You brave men guarding our You brave men guarding our Northen borders do miss a lot of the luxuries we have in the South. (Yes she is being complimentary and highborn snobby at the same time.)
I have made plans to reside at the Lord's Dalliance with my staff for the next three to four days. I formally invite you and request the pleasure of you and A guest's company. After the dinner I would like you to inspect my 'piece of antiquity' and perhaps study it for a few days then share your findings with me.
Of course I will compensate you for your time which must be taking you away from your many many important duties. Does the sum of 3,000 gold seem enough for compensation? You will of course be allowed to keep your notes from your findings AFTER my aide has transcribed them.
Time is set for the next day, for precisely an hour before the stew is set to be served at the garrison.
Signed with her seal
The Lady Viola Sackville-North
No forgery for this document, save for the noble seal.
This takes place hours before the father meets with Xen to make sure that nothing is amiss.
'Cellia' will approach the cleric and wait to be noticed then politely but walk with conviction, on her chest is the silver medallion of Mitra she purchased the next town over, clearly displayed.
'Your pardon my lord high cleric, blessed by Mitra's grace. A very brief moment of your time, I believe you have a letter of introduction from my Lady Viola Sackville-North, I am Cellia Vanorth, her hand maiden and chief aide.'
Cellia makes a slight but genuine curtsy.
'My lord I do not wish to take much of your precious time with your flock.
'My lady arrives in two days, three at the most and requests a meeting with yourself, and guest of your choosing over dinner. I was sent to meet you to make preparations.'
'Cellia' is very polite and deferential but clearly on business for her lady.
'I am not fully aware of my Lady's business in this regard but I do know she and her family is interested in giving a sizable donation to the church of Mitra under her name, but given directly to your custody. Furthermore she has a old relic from the early days of the church of Mitra. It is not magical from what she and her advisors can tell, but surely it has both historical and spiritual value.
'Do you have a favorite festive spot in town my lord?'
'I have heard of the Lord's Dalliance and Mama Kolo's in my initial preparations but I humbly defer to your judgement and your preference in this matter.'
'Cellia' then produces a writing quill and a parchment and politely lays them in front of the cleric.
'My lord if you could please list down your favorite wines, foods (including desserts) and any such items that may be pleasing to you sophisticated palette.'
It's radiating Conjuration magic -- which is what you'd expect; Conjuration works to bind things as well as to summon them.
'Cellia' will focus on the item and the guardian and will attempt to ascertain their workings more fully later on.
--
After the magister writes down his list, 'Cellia' studies it for a moment then clearly smiling approvingly at the choices.
'An influential, gifted and tasteful man indeed, my lord. I will begin the preparations in the morning. You are most gracious with your time and company ... I would ask more thing if you would allow me to impose my lord's kindness.'
'Should preparations be ready for my lady, and she is not in need of my services, may I ...'
'Cellia' puts on a show of demure yet obvious flirtation.
'Would it be possible to call upon and join my lord Magister for some fascinating and personal time alone again?
SMILE. WINK. POUTY LIPS.
Bluff to complete the act 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 12 + 1 = 27
Diplomacy for the request if needed although some rolls were already made 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 8 + 1 = 25
Sometime shortly after whether he does or does not ...
'Cellia' will suddenly be very aware of the time, and feign some embarrassment for keeping such an important man busy.
'My lord I have taken oh so much of your precious time, please, please forgive me. But you are so accomplished and entertaining I have forgotten that a master arcanist such of your self has much important matters to deal with.'
'I have almost forgotten one of the main reasons I was sent to meet you. My lady arrives in two days, three at the most and requests a meeting with yourself. She would like me to make preparations for the meeting. Do you have a favorite festive spot in town my lord?'
'I have heard of the Lord's Dalliance and Mama Kolo's in my initial preparations but I humbly defer to your judgement and your preference in this matter.'
'Cellia' then produces a writing quill and a parchment and politely lays them in front of the magister.
'My lord if you could please list down your favorite wines, foods (including desserts) and any such items that may be pleasing to you sophisticated palette.'
'Cellia' looks with great interest and wonderment at the ice guardian.
'If I may presume on my lord's indulgence, may I briefly examine the device with Detect Magic, I am just curious to see what type of Arcane Art causes such a fearsome creation to be controlled, no, no my lord, please keep it on you, I am afraid to touch it, I just want to study it from here.'
'Cellia' will examine the device with Detect Magic if allowed but will not be over eager, more genuine curiosity.
'Cellia' grips the magisters hand, clearly impressed ... and a little oh so frightened. Giving him the 'My what stong hands you have for a wizard' look of approval.
'That is wonderous my lord! I have never seen it's like.'
'How do you control it ... this golem. It is under your command? There is no danger of it harming you?'
'Celia' tries to show some concern for the magister's well being.
Cуровую accepts the kindness and hospitality offered by the magister politely.
'So very gracious a host, a gentleman and a scholar indeed. Were you stationed at Court you would long have been married away I am sure. Lucky me.'Demure smile.
'My mistress is a very gracious host herself, and actually has a preliminary gift for you my lord Magister'
'Cellia' brings out one of the fine bottles of wine she had taken from the fort itself but instead of its normal markings which have been removed, it is wrapped in a scroll of Minor Image.
'A small gift from my lady Sackville to the Arcane Champion of the north. It is her gift to you my lord, but I myself was tasked with finding a proper wine and penning this scroll. The Lady Sackville has many interests and obligations that keep her busy.'
Diplomacy 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 1 = 29(plus possible bonus for the gifts?)
'If I may inquire my lord magister, what you are working on, forgive my curiosity, a trait my lady has taught me to cultivate, I am but an apprentice but have been schooled in higher formulas.
"Big enough to fly out of, my dear. Yes, I have mastered that arcane power." He puffs out his narrow chest a little. "The Commander asks me to go scouting sometimes. Flying and invisible, I can go undetected, and spy out any attack!"
The window is closed. Nonetheless, it's cold in this room. Oddly cold. The Magister turns to you. "Now, there are things here that could be quite dangerous to a young apprentice. I'd hate to have to explain an injury to your mistress, heh. So," he takes one of your hands and pats it gently, "look but don't touch!"
Cуровую and the Magister
Perception to determine where the cold is coming from? 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15
If its magical, Knowledge Arcana then +10
Seemingly impressed and a touch being charmed, Cуровую effects a wide eyed fan girl, but just a bit.
'My lord magister, your list of responsibilities is matched only by the skills in the arcane Art you purportedly have, surely there can be no better man to lead the men of Balentyne!'
'The rest of our nation can be at ease knowing that the good men of Balentyne have the great fortune of having one such as you leading them.'
'Yet ...' Cуровую looks thoughtful for a moment.
'It must get cold ... and at times lonely here though, even for such as capable and masterful a man as yourself.'
Hammy yes, but a girls got to do what a girls got to do.
Going to say this is a Bluff to reel the boy in 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 12 + 1 = 30
Cуровую is still on day 8 morning, a few hours before the play as she needs to make purchases and some preparations.
Before the play she will also have cast Alarm on the secret door, then Detect Magic and Message on those attending BEFORE she left the Lord's Dalliance for the fort.
Judge you may want to use the privy/bathroom for the guests attending the play to Summon Morsum as an option if you want him there instead of the secret room.
DM Cуровую cast Detect Magic for this before arriving specifically to see who has magical items.
When the lights go down, some ten minutes after the play stars when the good bits begin, she will focus on the following, first Magister, then the head cleric, then the commander. If there are also other key characters she will do so as well.
She will also focus on the gnome seamstress on stage, if any of her items glow we may have found Nimpy.
A strange-looking character in blue robes is greeted with murmurs and sidelong glances. He sports a wild mass of red hair just beginning to go grey; his robes are streaked with red and orange, as if just bursting into flame; his fingers are heavily beringed. Surely this is none other than the famous Magister Tacitus
Perception (or Sense Motive?) Looking and focusing on the magister, what are the color of his eyes? This is before the play begins. She will even ask Dren via Message at intermission if need be.
Cуровую will use the scroll of Disguise Self caster level 3 (I marked it off but Dren did not use it) a few minutes before the play ends, in fact at the conclusion, and use the privy to cast it and seek the magister out, she is wearing the azure blue with red scarlet notes outfit she purchased this day. Using Cуровую Lingering Presence she will match the magister's hair except her's is more vibrant and young. Her eyes are his color as well but more intense. And you better believe the lips on her is the envy of every lady in the town. To top it off, she casts Eagle's Splendor using her bonded item.
After the actors take their bows Cуровую makes her move, like a shark, approaching confidently and even almost arrogantly, as if not uncomfortable in the presence of men of power or even arcane.
'Your pardon my lord magister, a very brief moment of your time, I believe you have a letter of introduction from my Lady Viola Sackville-North, I am Cellia Vanorth, her hand maiden, chief aide ... and apprentice.' Cellia makes a slight but genuine curtsy.
If there is a certain way wizards start a very covert flirtation in this world, Cуровую is using it. She is in no way intimidated by the great man, in fact she seems drawn to the type.
Diplomacy 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 2 = 30 Possible another +1 for Cуровую Lingering Presence.
