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"I don't know what you are planning Kagro, but I don't like it!" with a swift command, he activates the telekinesis ring on his finger and helps Ascaria pull the key out of the cage and towards the gnome's hand! Status:
Fortunately, Eidi has images that might confuse the giant trying to pull his whole life out of him.
Status: HP 148+0/173 AC 23 TAC 17 see invisibility (permanent) hero's feast mage armor mirror image (6) 17 min heroism 4 h haste (+1 AC included) freedom of movement (Mortimer), 170 min quick rod: 1/3
Ascaria's siphoning health slowly heals him up. "Uh, oh, that voice, Alakora, you won't be as pleased to meet with our Sol" Eidi states on hearing the voice, while he steps away from the giant and tries to wave a spell.
"And, you, stop moving that fast" he completes a spell bestowing a major curse on the trampling giant.
Status: HP 143+0/173 AC 23 TAC 17 see invisibility (permanent) hero's feast mage armor mirror image (8) 17 min heroism 4 h haste (+1 AC included) quick rod: 1/3
"Don't know the name, but it definitely sounds he is calling a demon" Eidi frowns "Maybe our chieftain is even more tainted by evil than we considered" The elder descends a few more steps while gesturing magically, he creates a barred cage of force trying to surround and trap one of the giants in there.
The swings the quickening rod to touch Mortimer with displacement. The giant figure seems to outline just a palm from where he really is. Status:
The half-elf clenches his teeth. And survives. For now.
"Alakora?" the elder echoes, thinking...
He does follow, hastened, Solrisa into the stairs, and says words of magic to protect himself with mirror images.
Ascaria's life transfer and healing leaves Eidi in good condition, though the life keeps siphoning a bit more. Status:
Eidi puts his staff on his back around the belt, snaps his fingers, and a nice marvelous rod materializes at his right hand, out of the storing glove "I am sorry, but our mission is too important. You could have just let us check the Vault" Moving the rod he casts a quickened haste on the party then, with another magical movement, more intricate "You have not been nice, not friendly, not cooperative, not nice" he points to Vercinabex with his ring finger "" and strikes him with a finger of death.
Status:
Eidi ponders for a while "We need both, don't we? As we know where exactly Vercinabex is, it seems we should tackle first the chieftain, seize his key, then we can go talk with our frost giant friend" The half-elf looks at the stairs going down "I guess that leads us to the ground floor, where the core of the giants is expected"
Lovely number! :D
"Oh, the kitchen, yes! We can do a walk by there to have a look while we look for our hiding chieftain key holder" Eidi agrees while pointing down. Looking a the cube bellow the trapdoor, he nods in agreement with Ascaria "Let me try if I can attack it from here with safety" Presenting his telekinesis ring he swings his hand and makes a few of the broken furniture pieces in the room to float in the air. Then, starts to throw them at the jelly to see if this can work.
"Seems our friendly giant is not here either" Eidi points out while accessing the heavily destroyed room.
Pointing at the trapdoor, he follows with another flourish, trying to magically force it open as well.
Eidi airwalks down the wall, looking for the building's cover, then pointing at the double doors in front, he pushes them open with a magical flourish "Ábrete sésamo!"
"Let's advance to the other side where we can have cover!" Eidi runs after Ascaria, trying to reach the other side of the terrace, while he looks around, trying to find an entrance to the Giant's tower, or to the other building.
"Not every day one is pulled bodily out of pudding" Eidi chuckles softly looking at Solrisa, and magically cleaning the cube remains from her using a magical hand move "I know at least five lands where that would qualify as a dessert course" Another soft laugh escapes him as he turns back toward the stairs "The giant clearly had the good sense not to run up a tower with no roof. Let us follow up the other direction before the next culinary hazard appears" He points towards the door to the battlements where the giant could have gone.
Hastened, Eidi rushes through the corridor, out of what seems the reach of the cube, but in line of sight of it, then focuses the power of his ring on Solrisa and tries to make the maiden fly out of the cube and 60 feet past himself Ven! A sudden thrust exerts strength out of the oversized jelly cake of the giants.
Status: HP 173+9/173 AC 23 TAC 17 see invisibility (permanent) hero's feast mage armor heroism 4 h haste (+1 AC included) particulate form protection from evil, 4 min
If the cube is still alive, Eidi offers some force missiles to try help.
Status: HP 173+9/173 AC 23 TAC 17
Eidi sees his own ray and Solrisas' attack not finishing with the cube and looks at it suspicious "Raisins! How did it survive that?! It cannot be anything solid"
"I have no fire, but if this is anything like a wall, this should pulverize it!" the elder half-elf points at the cube and a green beam of disintegration power flies in.
He then steps away, in case the treatment is not effective. Status: HP 173+9/173 AC 23 TAC 17 see invisibility (permanent) hero's feast mage armor heroism 4 h haste (+1 AC included) particulate form protection from evil, 4 min
Eidi advances with Ascaria past the door, and notes the giants at the end of the corridor. He readies himself, some butter at the ready, to cast a grease spell should the giant decide to try close up with the party.
Eidi holds his position and waits to see if any of the two lead giants survive the slashing and punching. If one does, he gestures towards him with a barrage of magic missiles.
The elder waves one hand lightly through the lingering smoke, nose slightly wrinkling, breast up finally feeling a powerful wizard "Let us consider that a cautionary note to anyone contemplating poor life choices within lightning's reach" A faint smile touches his lips as he glances between Mortimer and Solrisa holding the choke point "Do try to leave at least one conscious long enough to regret advancing. It adds texture to the lesson"
"Time to soften the opposition my friends" Eidi produces a piece of ember glass and says words of power. A spark crackles through the corridor impacting the bugbear in the middle . The lightning arches in chains striking every foe around.
Eidi follows swift, scanning the area for any invisible foes "Ah, my old eyes cannot tell where they might have gone exactly dear Mortimer, but I fear it will not take much for us to find out. If my thoughts are correct, these giants are under an ancient curse that ties them here, it is very unlikely they left the fortress, and they will stubbornly defend it from our attempts to open the Vault" Readying himself to survive the fray, the elder casts extended heroism on himself, and readies the quickening rod on his hand. Status: HP 173+9/173 AC 23 TAC 17 see invisibility (permanent) hero's feast mage armor heroism 4 h haste (+1 AC included) particulate form protection from evil, 4 min
Status: HP 173+9/173 AC 23 TAC 17 see invisibility (permanent) hero's feast mage armor haste (+1 AC included) particulate form protection from evil, 4 min
"Oh, and I think on the contrary, the key was given, because the gate must be open sooner than later!" Eidi tries to take advantage of the large target by trying to touch him with a ray spell while it is not engaged with his friends. With a word of magic blackness crackles on the palm of his hand and he projects it to the head of Kagro the giant to avoid his friends backs altogether.
"Not that fast Kagro. You better stay there quiet while we solve the tangle you have force us into!" Eidi shouts while producing a thin chain of light from his spells pouch and waving magical words. The focus lights brightly, then glowing golden chains composed of pure light surround the chieftain trying to hold him tight on place.
Status: HP 173+9/173 AC 23 TAC 17 see invisibility (permanent) hero's feast mage armor haste (+1 AC included) particulate form
Eidi's jaw tightens as Bram's will slips away "Tsk! Stubborn giant, you want your chieftain to die, that's it, so you would not want to move him away of danger. I see now. I know now" The elder lifts his staff again, angling his body and preparing himself for the onslaught.
"Don't listen him Bram! He has become mad! Take him away, out of sight, out of danger!" Eidi commands the controlled giant. Then takes a bit of licorice root and dismisses it in the air with magic words that hastens the party. Status: HP 173+9/173 AC 23 TAC 17 see invisibility (permanent) hero's feast mage armor haste (+1 AC included)
Eidi leans over his staff "Oh, you would not part an old half-man from his walking stick" "Before regrettable things are done, I wish you answer me one question" the half-elf makes a sign to calm emotions all around "Why would the creators of the Vault hand you two keys, and create a Ritual of Opening, if they did not want the Vault to be ever opened?"
The elder exhales softly as the scent reaches him "Ah. Roast chicken. Bram is clearly negotiating in good faith with his plate" He taps his staff once and nods to Mortimer "Yes, up we go. Kagro it is, again. Unless you want to explore that strange light on the door to the North first... oh, well, don't mind, let's go see the chieftain" A faint, wry smile to Solrisa as they climb "As for giant chefs... I suspect their portions are legendary" His gaze endures as the group closes up to the Dinning Hall "I wonder if reminding Kagro that history has a way of choosing its heirs might convince him to give us a chance to try open the Vault. He seemed very firm about not letting anyone in. I worry, we might have to resort to cunning or just straight force to obtain the key, are we ready for that?"
Eidi looks thoughtful at the giant, then finally smiles "Maybe the door is just waiting for the Order of the Storm... or someone that has inherited their mission. Someone... like us" The half-elf then turns to the group and nods "I think it is worth trying to convince again Kagro" Then he concentrates, and focuses his vision, trying to discern where is Bram and what is he doing.
Eidi smiles, understanding the giant will not fall that easily on his schemes. He chuckles softly, rubbing his temple "Age does that. Ideas tangle, words trip. I meant no insult, great Vercinabex. Nor threats. If we meant violence, we would be having a very different conversation, and much shorter, I imagine" "Perhaps. Perhaps we should be heading to Kagro and taking the truth out of his throat and the key out of his neck" the half-elf stares at the one from the giant researcher "But as you say, there is this thing about the Ritual of Opening. I am thinking. Have you thought it might be as simple as to put both keys on their respective keyholes and turning them ensemble?"
Eidi's eyes open wide at the showing of the key "Nice... nice... that might well mean the Vault can be opened" "The Ritual of Opening... we... I have to admit we just found about the Ritual of Opening but we do not know in what it consists" the half-elf exposes sincerely, but then tries to make sense of all this situation and quickly decides to try exploit the antagonism between the giant and the chieftain "But you know who must know about the Ritual? Kagro sent us here the moment we exposed our interest to open the Vault. Clearly on the hopes we find out about your own key. The old chieftain knows he is too weak to defeat you, but sure, he was sure we will try to get your key by force in our attempt to open the Vault and hoped we might be able to beat you."
"He has never let anyone enter the Vault, and all of a sudden he has allowed us here. It looks to me like he covets its contents for himself and has already discovered the Ritual. This key you hold is the last piece of the puzzle for him"
"Your insight is... telling, and your motivations clear, great Vercinabex" Eidi's eyes narrow just a fraction as he studies the frost giant, hoping his companions will understand what he sees. His tone remains courteous, measured "You clearly know far more than you've shared" The elder folds his hands behind his back "And knowledge for knowledge is a fair exchange. I cannot reveal what we know if you keep your own lore shuttered. That would hardly be scholarly practice" He steps a little closer, lowering his voice as if speaking to a peer in confidence "You want the Vault open. So do we. Our aims are not at odds. You seek its wonders; we seek only one thing within, an object tied to a great threat rising beyond these cliffs. I think my friends here will agree, that if you aid us in reaching it, the rest of the Vault's contents can be yours to claim" There is a pause, for everyone to process and have a say, before his eyes return to Vercinabex "You said you know the keys. We have learned only of the one held by the giant king. But what about the second, do you know where it lies?"
Eidi blinks twice, he adjusts his sleeve, steps forward just a little, and speaks in a voice soft enough to sound harmless "Oh no, no, great Vercinabex, we would never mock a fellow seeker of lore. You clearly labor over knowledge few others even dare approach" The elder half-elf inclines his head, voice still calm and respectful "Forgive any misunderstanding. We come because opening the Vault is vital, not just for us, but for the destiny of the world. If you can help us with any clue about its wards, the ritual, or the keys... I will gladly share what knowledge you seek in return. Even my spellbook, should it fancy your studies" He offers a small, earnest smile "Scholar to scholar. Will you help us?"
Eidi hesitates a bit, but finally understands and points Bram the way to go "Oh, yes, introduce us to Vercinabex. Then, you can go report while we complete our studies" he let's the magic carry the command with a subtle straightening of his fist. "About how to complete our job... there are different ways it can be done... though possible brute force should be enough..." the half-elf inquiries about the phylactery.
--- When introduced to Vercinabex, he introduces himself "Greetings Vercinabex. I am Eidi, a humble scholar of old times. My companions and I seek only knowledge, and perhaps a moment of your time" He steps inside with the respectful ease of one academic visiting another's study "We have questions regarding the Vault below, its wards, and the Cliff itself. Matters of history, ritual structure, and if you will permit interpretation. Scholar to scholar"
His eyes roll from the door to the rest of the group "So... the Ritual of Opening. I do not remember to have been told about that before. Maybe it is good to go talk with this Vercinabex and find out what the giant knows. There is still the issue of the keys and the giants not wanting us inside though..."
He glances to Bram, offering a gentle smile "And you've stood watch over this all your life? A heavy duty for any soul. I wonder if your scholar Vercinabex has learned why these doors dance with such golden light." His eyes drift back to the shimmering veil "Curious... very curious. Almost like the magic wants to be understood... but only by the right mind" The half-elf casts detect magic and tries to discern as much he can.
Eidi's ears perk at the mention of Vercinabex "Aaahh, a reading one. Sounds like a lad I could share some cookies with, that is for certain. I wonder what might he discovered about the Vault" The half-elf elder makes sure his mage armor is on place.
The half-elf descends the giant steps with deliberate care, the his staff softly scrapping the narrow stone shaft "My, my... such a long lineage of guardianship you come from. Tell me, Bram, has it always been like this? The Vault silent, untouched, unquestioned? Or have there ever been... giants wondering what, exactly, they have been guarding all these centuries?[/b]" The elder taps the stone wall lightly with the staff as the party descends "Stone remembers, you know. It shifts when stories shift" He peers up at the giant "And you, my lad, have you ever thought of seeing more of the world? A giant warrior like you could carve his name across any horizon he wished. There must be someplace you have dreamt of testing yourself. A mountain peak, a battlefield worthy of your axes...?" The elder chuckles softly, waving a wrinkled hand "Oh, forgive an old elf his rambling. I simply wonder how one keeps their spirit sharp when bound for so long to halls that do not change. A duty is a duty, of course... but even a duty has its story"
Eidi meditates a bit more on Mortimer's idea, but finally dismisses it with a head shake "Don't know, the influence does not feel like Dragotha's disconnected will but rather something as ancient but with such a different nature... this feels more like the same protections the Order of the Storm cast over the island and the cliff location... a magical protection so the phylactery would never be found again... Remember what we learned back at Magepoint? The Order of the Storm had an association with the giants. They kept the wilderness out of the cliff and they were enticed to guard the place against intrusion... My hypothesis is there is real magic that has protected that agreement through the pass of time" --- The half-elf holds his position and nods respectful to the giant's statement "Good then. Maybe there is good enough information just by looking at those vault doors we can gather to help us in our quest. If you can show us, it would be really helpful to us"
As the group potentially walks on the direction of the Vault entrance, the elder asks the King "So you say, we cannot walk those halls, but what about giants. Are giants allowed to walk into the Vault?" Eidi's eyes cast an amused look, as if he is up for something.
Eidi offers a grin of himself to the king, while he ponders the well good thought theory of Mortimer "That is an interesting thought, and one that might be in the direction of what is going on here"
He is a bit distracted though scanning the table for the cookies.
"You are wise Bram" Eidi says with a grin, though those more used to him know there is something awkward "Let's have this meeting then, it would be good if you accompany us in so there are no more misunderstandings" he pushes the command with delicacy, trying to remain sensitive to the forces at play. He bows and follows after Mortimer whispering to the party as he comes close "There is something odd in here. A force that keeps the giants under control. I have momentarily touched that force, it commands them to protect Kongen Thulnir from the dragons. Don't know for how long we can stay around the fortress without being affected, but no less than a few weeks..."
He raises his staff, its runes flickering with an old, steady glow "Tell your fellows to stand down. We can all breathe, talk, and pretend this is still diplomacy"
Eidi gives a dusty little cough and a toothy, distracted smile "Ah, Bram!" the elder leans on his staff, like tired, while his eyes remain sharp as he answers "Yes, we brought tribute, proof we have done our part. If you would be so kind as to run a message to Kagro: tell him the Outcasts seek a private audience to discuss the removal and destruction of a phylactery that is causing most of the dragon issues here. We will present one dragon head as proof of our work; we ask only safe passage to inspect the vault and, should the need arise, terms for a non-destructive resolution. We just one to remove the item of doom"
He taps his temple with a grin "I could say that was what we wanted, I suppose, but my memory is not what it was when I was young... Oh! Also, if the Captain has cookies, do consider sending some" "For research"
Eidi chuckles softly, tapping his staff on the ground "Oh, not slaying, but allying I fear, dear Solrisa, today we seem to be on plan of giant-bonding. A bit of gift-giving, a touch of polite not-being-eaten... all very civilized"
Eidi lets out a soft laugh "Does looting the crypt of Icosiol's Tomb, fighting through the deep halls of the Whispering Cairn and dancing with death at the gates of the Vault of the Nightmare Court count as grave robbing? Oh, well, maybe we would be guilty of one or two of those things if my old memory would help me remember that ever happened..." His grin fades into a calmer expression. He leans on his staff, looking between Vermirox's unseen form and the rest of the party "Now then. Excellent Vermirox, you are ancient, proud, and clearly discerning. We do not wish to toy with your patience, nor can we expect you to take the high risk for you to give a subtle nudge of your storms to ruffle the giant's defenses, just for the little benefit of this humble group to step in silently, find the phylactery, and free the world from Dragotha's yoke... we know better than ask, oh, might you..." He turns to his companions, voice gentler but firm "And we should acknowledge the fire giants are not good willed angels themselves... But fine, today we will walk the path of words rather than war" Eidi gives a small, aging bow to the dragon's direction "I guess that means, we leave, for now"
Eidi translates for Mortimer and Solrisa, trying for his tone not to reach the ear of the giants "Seems he wants to parley. He has left. Down. Where Ascaria is going. Apparently he is also interested in the destruction of the phylactery himself. I wonder if he is enemy of Dragotha or just playing with us, but we will need to discover" Having said that, he turns back, smiles to the giants showing his cookie pot to them "Erm... we will be right back soon. My friend here needs some snack and... and I need to refill my pot!" With that, he just jumps down, and follows Ascaria in mist form.
"Ah... Vermirox" Eidi murmurs quietly, half to himself. "The old storm-eater of Wraithkeep. His vanity was said to rival his wingspan. Five centuries of solitude, and still the need to be heard..." He inclines his head slightly in the dragon's direction, as if acknowledging a dignitary no one else can see "We hear you, ancient one. And I, for one, am listening" his words roll smoothly in Draconic. Eidi's eyes never leave the invisible shape, he holds tight his staff, ready for fighting if the dragon does not accept the halfling's parley "We know about how you dragons are being controlled by this ancient power. If you think we can break you free somehow, we can talk. We would not play a role on freeing the phylactery to you though"
The half-elf elder points subtly to the bridge for the others to understand better where the dragon is standing.
Eidi waits patiently for the giant's deliberations, but when he hears the dragon roar, he cannot avoid tilting his head in that direction and stepping into the balcony area to have a look at what is going on "And you say those ballistas keep the large dragons away?"
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