"Yes, Jorvik, my friend, that is indeed within my power. And discretion is but one of many talents I have learned over the years. Squirrel is a favorite of mine, to be sure. Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight and I subsisted on them for many months while we made our way through the forests of the Stolen Lands many years ago."
Current
The wizard approaches the cave mouth with caution, blue eyes flitting about, looking for any of the region's numerous ambush predators. Coramus stays several feet behind the front members of the group, moving quietly so as not to give them away.
Stealth:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5
Hmmmm...apparently he's dragging his feet or something.
Coramus nods at the wisdom of Ishbaad's suggestion, puffing along behind the others. The journey seemed to be taking a toll on the old man, who rarely spoke, conserving his breath for the energy of traveling along in the blasted snow.
As the group pulls up close to the woman, the wizard hunches over, hands on his knees, catching his breath as Jorvik questions Sylgja. His icy blue eyes do wander about the surrounding area, though, making sure an ambush doesn't spring on them as they are occupied with the comely stranger.
"Friend Jorvik! Such a handsome pelt as that would make an excellent cloak, similar to the one I constructed for Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight. Perhaps, should we find the necessary materials, you would like something similar?"
The wizard winks at the boy, Orm, knowing he is likely in for a night of alternating tongue-lashing and fierce hugging from his mother. In the end it would strengthen the bond between them both, and a happy ending would have arisen from this near tragedy.
"There is much I have forgotten of this harsh land in these past decades. I shall have to study some works when we get back to civilization and reacquaint myself with the region. Knowing how best to fight the legions of this land will help us greatly, I am thinking." The wizard shrugs and moves off, his crooked nose bright red in the freezing temperatures.
As the group comes upon the scene, the wizard tries to put a restraining hand on Ice's shoulder, whispering fiercely, "My friend, be careful. Should you take a wound it will cause that ring to manifest. We've shared too much time together, and I have no wish to lose my closest friend." Standing with the goblin, the wizard reviews the spells he has prepared, getting ready to do battle with the wolves.
Coramus pays attention to the little creature's words, now standing in his tent, very much awake. After his initial surprise at waking to yells and finding Aoife wrestling with the little sprite-thing, the wizard calmed down, peering out into the night to check for a glimpse of its companions.
Seeing none, he comes back inside, focused on the captured one. At Aoife's question about the curse, Coramus wears an expression of curiosity, wondering what fate he and Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight had escaped.
The wizard looks at the small handful of snow he had grasped, giving it a forlorn look before dropping it to the ground. He gives the large pail a dark look, his skinny wizard arms already straining with the weight. As the watched are called out, Coramus remains passive, content with either first or third.
Now
Coramus snoozes blissfully away, unaware of the danger within the folds of cloth he and Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight lay cocooned within.
Scowling in the face of so many of the swarm, but determined to help his companions eliminate the threat, the wizard stands out in the cold, far enough from the others so the swarm can not concentrate on a tight knot of people. Knowing that Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight will likely light up the main mass, and the others with their physical weapons will dispatch the ones closest to the ground, the wizard aims for the stragglers in the air. Those that separate from the pack are met with a large glob of acid, the substance dissolving feathers and flesh even as the birds plummet to the ground.
Afterwards, knowing that his goblin friend needed to have his spirits lifted, the wizard makes his way towards him, clapping him on the shoulder. "A wonderful job, Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight. I think you might have slain more of the despicable birds than the rest of us combined." Coramus smiles at the goblin, then addresses Jorvik.
"I am not certain, but I believe the witch can see through the eyes of these evil creatures. I believe we should travel under the assumption that our enemy knows our location as of right now."
As the companions begin to travel, the wizard starts to sift through his mind, going over the items he might need in order to create a sack that could hold an immense amount of material, yet feel no heavier than a travel bag with a few personal effects in it. With Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight's growing arsenal, and the veritable armories some of his other companions were now sporting, it might be worthwhile to craft some for everyone.
Coramus frowns as the ravens mass in the skies, brow furrowed as the birds start to head their way. As he prepared his magics, he wondered what kind of reception they could expect in Whitethrone now.
Coramus shakes his head at Jorvik's question. "The curse is just the ring, my friend." Pulling the half-Jadwiga away from the goblin, the wizard speaks in an undertone, "Jorvik...if we can not access higher magics for some time, we might be forced to take more drastic action. His finger might have to be....removed....to remove the ring and its curse. Will you help me, should it come to it?
As the two boys gather his attention, the wizard wheels, only to find that one of them is starting off with a small pouch. Jogging forward with an agility that belies his age, he snatches the component back, scowling at the two boys. "I'm a wizard, young man. You should know better than to be toying with the personal effects of the arcane!"
With that, Coramus waggles his fingers, a small glob of acid melting through the snow nearby as he winks at the boys.
"Oh my friend..." Coramus smiles, gripping the goblin's hand in his own and giving it a firm squeeze before releasing it. "It seems we just have to get you to Whitethrone in one piece, and this problem will be taken care of. If trouble arises, stay in the back and give an old man some protection, eh? I was nearly skewered in that last battle!"
Chuckling, he turns to face his companions, the ruined, hissing remnants of the Pale Tower behind them. "Mine and Ice Melt's Quietly in Sunlight's paths forward seem to lead to Whitethrone, and to that end we are most gracious and thankful for your help, Nadya. Let us be off, soon, for the sooner this ring is off, the better."
Coramus shook his head, wide-eyed at the destruction in the room the Winter Portal had left. Disconcerting were all the lights still lit on the globe of Golarion. Could all those be operational portals? The old man decided to shelve the idea, smiling and fist-bumping Kuragin in a most uncool manner.
The wizard then helped with gathering the loot from the Pale Tower as Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight started gathering the resources to do what he did best and use his craft to wipe the blight of servitude and tyranny from the nearby land. As the goblin lit everything, even the old wizard was amazed at the spectacle, and he had spent several years traveling with the crafty goblin! He walked up to Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight, placing a hand on one of his shoulders, "An excellent show, and surely a sight that will bolster these folk for many moons to come. This is the type of thing that might carry over generations. Just as generations fall into apathy and victimhood in the face of tyranny, so can generations be taught to fight. Good job!"
Coramus's brow furrows as he notes Jorvik's concern, hurrying over to his friend. As he sees both the goblin and Northman trying to pull the ring off, to no avail, his blue eyes widen, his memory going back to his formal arcane schooling. Casting a spell to detect magical properties, he inspected the ring, looking for anything underneath the 'known' magic of the ring, seeing if that magic was a mask for a curse put on the item.
Coramus will attempt to work with Kuragin to figure out how to shut down the Winter Portal, casting such spells as his companion suggests. His mind keeps flashing back to the conversation with the doomed Rider, certain that the group was missing something.
Coramus pats his hands at the air at Jorvik's words, much as an wizened old man might do to attempt to mollify a hot-blooded youth. "My friend, if Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight had attempted to steal this item, he would not be wearing it openly on his finger, I can guarantee that. He did not entrust such a precious item to be callously thrown into a sack, to possibly bounce about, be jostled, perhaps even fall out. What better place for it that on a finger? Tis true, he should have pointed this out, but Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight is a good goblin, and a good friend, and he meant no harm nor disrespect, I assure you."
He continues to smile through his white beard until Jorvik stalks off towards Ishbaad, then Coramus gives Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight a long-suffering look. He then reaches out, patting his friend's shoulder before returning to his task of attempting to close the Portal.
The wizard gives the goblin a non-committal shrug, indicating he will leave the determination of the ring to the group at large. He gives Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight a pat on the shoulder, though, smiling at the clever goblin. "It surely is an item of magnificent power, my friend. It is not wrong for you to covet such an item. Now, let me see...it looks as though your packs are about to split wide open from the sheer amount of things you are carrying about, my friend. If I can find the right materials, I think I could make something that would lighten your load a bit." It's clear to the goblin that Coramus likely doesn't expect the group to allow him the ring, and this is a consolation prize. Still, it's a magical thing that holds other things! What more could a klepto-goblin want???
Coramus then spends the next bit of time inspecting the portal, seeking the focus that powers the winter portal. He liberally casts the spell to detect magical auras around the tower, keeping an eye out for anything that seemed likely.
Coramus nods agreeably to Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight's eager question. "Mmmmm, yes, yes, roast goat would go quite nicely with the just desserts that were served moments ago. Hehehe, ahem." The wizard pats the goblin on the head fondly, suddenly feeling tired. It had been a bit of a struggle, but they had accomplished their task. It would be nice to travel as part of a group, but he suspected they would soon part ways again, not having any grand focus for them all to draw together. Still, he was determined to enjoy his new companions' company as long as he could.
Later, as he warns Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight away from the curtain, he says, "Aye. You have always been quite clever. However, that very well could be another mirror, as Jorvik suggested. If it is, we have the potential of creating another enemy we might not be prepared for. Perhaps we should rest and finish combing through the Tower before we seek further adventure, yes?" He grins, his white beard failing to hide his amusement at the goblin's 'go get em' attitude.
I'm cool with the loot split. If anybody has any requests for wondrous items, I will certainly accommodate!
Backing a step away from the goat, Coramus begins chanting, arcane words spilling past his lips as his arms gesture in strange designs. The words are rhythmic in nature, growing in timbre and pace as the wizard seems to be casting a summoning spell.
Coramus moves up to get a closer lock on Radosek, voice shouting out arcane words as he conjures ice and cold from nothing, waiting for a sizable amount before magically flinging it at his enemy.
Coramus nods, smiling at the astuteness shown by Aoife. "Yes, I believe you are correct! Let us be off at once! Maintain aggression!" Such a comment seems laughable coming from the skin and bones old man, but his brow is knit in a fierce determination all the same as he makes his way to the other teleporter.
"My friends, clear out!" The wizard screams instructions before pulling out a scroll, reading the words, holding back while his companions clear the swarm area.
The wizard's eyes widen for the split second it takes the teleporter to vaporize him and materialize him on the higher floor. Patting his pocket, he nods to himself more than anyone else, thinking that their luck had a divine aspect to it. Not having anything to add at the moment, the wizard hangs back behind the front line of the party, ready to cast in support if needed.
I'm fine with looting before rising. Just voting for the upper level instead of the Aerie next.
Coramus helps the others gather anything worthwhile off Hestrig and the others, using his magic to determine if any of the items radiated with arcane or divine might.
Coramus nods, hiding a smile at Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight's words. "You speak wisdom, my friend. I shall endeavor to let you younger folks take the brunt of the glory, and the hits, as well."
The wizard chuckles before turning to Ishbaad. "Battle plans are ever changing, good Ishbaad. Let us go to the top and deal with the mistress of this Tower." The wizard will follow close behind Ishbaad, should everyone agree.
Coramus nods furiously at Jorvik, understanding the man's need to escape the ferociously strong girl-child. He does his best to escape from the much larger Ishbaad, but to no avail. After a bit of struggling, lucidity returns and the old man holds up his hands to indicate his ended resistance.
The wizard steps to the back of the party sheepishly, a bit embarrassed that the encounter with the plant-thing had to happen at all. Quickly putting it behind him, he addresses his companions. "Shall we press on, friends? Every moment we stand idle is another moment the b*&*@ in this tower has to plan."
Don't mind the freaky plant snatching, etc., but I believe my movement should have ended at the door, if I also had to open it. Feel free to continue, though. Totally would have jumped inside if the door was open.
Coramus, upon seeing Hestrig fall, sighs in relief. That was one down. Having heard the call for reinforcements, the wizard hurries forward towards the northern door, seeking to cover the party from anything coming from the Aerie. He prepares to cast a spell, should anything hostile come through from the north.
Not sure if those doors were open. If not, just take away his readied action and he opens the doors.
Readied Action:
Coramus casts grease upon the four squares immediately by the northern double doors. DC 17 or fall prone.
Sensing that the companions will overpower the Captain of the guards, and therefore not wanting to waste any of his more powerful spells that could likely be the difference on the upper floors, Coramus conjures a bolt of acid and flings it at the woman, hoping to shut her up. As it were, he nearly flings it into the back of Jorvik's head, a hiss escaping the wizard's mouth as he grits his teeth in frustration.
Seeing that the fight with the sprites is all but over, the wizard focuses his attention on the newly arrived Hestrig. Wanting to overpower the forces on this level with a minimum of energy expended, Coramus quickly pulls out a bit of wool and shouts out a few command words. Motes of light pop up in front of the wild-looking woman's visage, trying to redirect her attention away from his companions.
Cursing himself for lack of preparation, the wizard chants a quick spell when it seems battle is imminent. A sheen of magical energy settles over the old man, providing protection against physical blows.
Once that is done, he scrambles and pushes and prods until the weight of the goods on top of him has shifted enough for him to push open the false bottom. He sure hoped some of his companions had fared better than himself, since the wizard felt horribly exposed.
Surprise Round - Cast Mage Armor. Round 1, open crate, still prone.
Coramus nods along with Ishbaad's words, shrugging. "A systematic approach is much more thorough and will certainly protect the townspeople better. Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight, do you think you can provide our well-placed blast, or should I procure a scroll to do so?" The wizard's icy eyes turn to the goblin, a friendly smile behind his thick beard.
The wizard smiles thinly, shaking his head as he responds to Hatch's reply. "A ball of flame would wipe them all out. It was a question of her motivation and concerns, is all."
The old man chuckles, shrugging. "My friend Ishbaad, you advocated pressing forward, and the majority agreed. Now you advocate caution? By remaining on the lower levels we allow our enemy time to formulate a defense or a retreat. What good is surprise if we allow them time to catch their breath?" Coramus' voice never rises in his short speech, though his blue eyes retain an intensity that has been relatively lacking before the last couple of days.
"Hmmmmm....so perhaps we can hostage the ravens, then? Does she care for the birds?" The old man winces, not enjoying the idea of such tactics, but in war one used what tools became available.
"Perhaps a quick rise to the top, hoping to bypass fights on the lower levels? If we eliminate the Baroness, then this Jairess should back down, at least."
"Hmmmmm, these teleporters are intriguing. Perhaps we could quickly rise to the Aerie and eliminate the Baroness's lieutenants, leaving only herself and the apprentice? Or use them to draw them after us, staging a battle ground of our choosing. Many possibilities exist, yes." The old man thinks as the others continue speaking to Hatch.
When the Domovi starts sobbing, the wizard is pulled out of his reverie. "Dear friend, what could you have done to prevent this? You were not the cause of this cruel thing that happened. And now you arm us with information, so vengeance can be had for Thora and any other innocents that have been wronged. Be at peace."
The wizard only shrugged when his plan was rejected. Such was the wont of youth, to press forward and never remain still. Perhaps it was for the best. He returns Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight's hug enthusiastically, patting the goblin's head.
The wizard goes over his spells he has prepared, wondering if there were any tweaks he should make before they proceeded to assault the Pale Tower. The Baroness likely had arcane might of her own, so between Coramus and Kuragin the wizard hoped they could offset enough of her might for their friends to bring about her demise.
Coramus thinks on the way back, his head bowed in thought. As they arrive back, he begins to speak, "Yes, the people of this town need to make a choice on whether to fight or flee. But the choice of where to fight is ours, my friends. Shall we make haste for the Pale Tower, in the hopes of catching them unawares? Or ambush the inevitable party sent from the Pale Tower here? Both have their drawbacks."
The wizard gestures to his left, "If we make haste, we do not allow the baroness any time to prepare or truly realize the doom that has befallen her. However, her full strength likely remains at the Pale Tower, and will have to be overcome."
He then points to his right, "Ambushing here allows us to choose a more familiar ground as well as split the Pale Tower's defenders, since the Baroness will likely leave a garrison behind, but gives the Baroness more time to prepare, as well."
The wizard sighs, nearly shrugging, "If there was a way to goad her into marching on the town, that is the way I feel we should go. Splitting the Tower's defenders appeals to me more than surprise at a place unfamiliar to us."
Coramus hurries with Ishbaad after the two impetuous members of the group. The old man huffs along, not doing much better than the stony man next to him as they hurry toward the Stoat to destroy the scrying device.
Coramus nods in approval to the goblin. "You did excellent, Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight. The first tiny steps on the road to freedom for these folk." He claps his companion gently on the shoulder, then enters with the others.
Gonna wait for the OOC to be resolved before trying to address Nadya.
I'm not sure about the march to the Pale Tower...while it would definitely give us an element of surprise, and put things more concisely into one prolonged assault, it fails to capitalize on the divide and conquer strategy of using the Town Hall to bait the Baroness and deprive the Pale Tower of a good portion of its defenders.
I think I'm on board with Damien's outline. That's just my opinion, though. I'm just an addled old wizard. :)
The wizard merely listens to his companions speak, seeming lost in thought as they attempt to convince the people of Waldsby to either flee through the portal or stand and fight. In truth, Coramus was napping on his feet, and he woke up to "running, too"
The old man makes ready to run, then realizes that everyone seems to be still standing there. He turns his panicked stance into his go-to beard stroke, trying to put on an air of benevolent wisdom.
Coramus listens to the others, pondering their words and nodding at the truth in them as he keeps watch on the townsfolk, trying to determine the general mood of the gathering. As the partitions are drawn, Coramus starts to count, trying to reconcile the number he suspected would remain with the strength the group suspected remained at the Pale Tower.
"Friends, perhaps it would be best to remain here and help ambush the soldiers from the Pale Tower...then march immediately towards it. That will help mitigate things here in town, yet leave the witch precious little time to recruit aid."
As the goblin shuffles behind Coramus, he strokes his beard (which he thinks gives him an air of wisdom) before gently parlaying with those nearby. "Mmmmmm, yes. Clear heads are what we need here, my friends. What's done is done...living in such oppressive environments can make good people do foolish, even evil things. That yoke is about to be lifted, though...so you must choose."
His blue eyes sweep over the gathering sternly, "Yes, before you had the excuse that there was nothing you could do. Now you have another option before you. Will you continue to serve such an overlord as this Baroness? Or will you resist? The people of the frigid North are noted for their bravery...will you add another chapter to this proud history?"
The wizard looks on as Jorvik dispatches the defiant guards, a silent witness to the men's last moments on this place. He doubted they would enjoy their afterlife with Zon-Kuthon, but to each his own.
"Yes, to the crates! I can't wait to be boxed up again...it will be like old times. Right, Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight?"
Coramus beams, accepting the crossbow and the twin bolts from Ishbaad with a grin. "Very good use. I used to be quite the archer, back in the day. How do you put these things in again?"
The old man listens to the guards tell what they know of the Pale Tower. Though he could never like a man such as this guard, he respects the fellow's bravery in the face of his imminent death.
After Nadya speaks, Coramus' brow furrows. "Nadya...with some of their strength depleted, the plan stands a better chance than ever of succeeding. My only question is...are you feeling well enough for it? Perhaps one of my companions could touch you with our stick."
The old man gasps for breath after the brutally short exchange was finished. Gods be damned the group had worked well together! Against a larger, martial force they had devastated them in a very short time. Coramus nods, stroking his beard, before he realizes his traveling clothes are stained with his own blood.
"Ummmm, it seems I am wounded, friends. Was there a curing wand available?"
Seeing that the questions would likely be going through Jorvik, the wizard gestures Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight over, then proceeds to start stripping the gear off of the dead guards and the leader.
The summoned wolf moves to the guard still hacking at Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight, attempting to end that threat. The canine is far less successful this go around.
Bite:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Meanwhile, Coramus takes a step away from the very singed guard still harassing him, holding his wounded side as he again conjures a small line of acid to fling at the man.
I realize I only got a 9, but do these jokers have a relatively high dex? Charging he should be at -2 AC, and I only have to hit touch. Just asking, of course...don't own the AP, so have no idea what the stats are for those guys.
The wizard promptly backs up a step from the charging guard, shaking his head as he completes his spell, a wolf suddenly appearing beside one of the guards attacking his friend Ice Melts Quietly in Sunlight. The beast tears into the man furiously, trying to work him down to the ground to make him an easier target.
Meanwhile, the wizard prepares for the onslaught of his own guard, figuring out which spell he shall cast next. Coming up with a great idea, he pulls from his innate abilities, a line of acid appearing and streaking towards the guard directly in front of him.
The wizard is inspired by Ishbaad's brave words, amazed that the man would set himself on his lonesome in the way of so many foes. Determined to even the odds somewhat, he starts into a long chant, a miniscule bag and matching candle in his hands as he draws upon his arcane might to create something...from nothing.
The old wizard smiles at the goblin, tears forming in his eyes at the return gesture of his friend. He nods gravely, setting the elixir aside for future use and stowing the others away for an 'as-needed' basis.
Gonna assume I can do this when we first hear them coming.
Coramus begins to cast a spell, holding a piece of dry leather in his hand while he makes the requisite gestures in the air. A shimmering field of force comes into view around him, before it settles across his limbs, fading from view. He then swallows the Elixir of Hiding, not wanting to be the one who gives away their ambush site as he settles in to wait.
"Hmmmmm...who's to say the guards will care and won't just take out their frustrations on the townsfolk instead of chasing six well-armed bandits? Still, it stands a chance of success, if the hubris of these guards is large enough." Coramus follows the others after having packed away the good gnome's deeds, thoughts of an actual shop of his own fleeing for the moment as he starts to decide on preparations.
