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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?"
The elder half-elf lets out a small, appreciative hum as Ascaria steps boldly forward "Ah, yes, diplomacy, the most dangerous spell of all" He then turns to Mortimer and Solrisa "And if they do not open to kind words, well... I suppose we could always present them with your 'gift baskets', Mortimer. Nothing shows goodwill like a few dragon heads delivered personally" With a quiet chuckle, he steps closer behind Ascaria, ready to back the gnome's speech with whatever quiet wisdom or timely enchantment might soon be required.
Eidi peers at the ramp, adjusting his grip on the staff as if measuring its incline "Ah, the grand ramp. Ascaria, I find myself sharing your curiosity. A fortress door tells more of its keepers than a hundred spyglasses. If they bar us, we will know their mood; if they open, we may learn their pride" He takes a cursory look at the bottom of the door, for if there is enough space for the group maybe crossing in mist form.
"Yes, a survey of the lower halls seems prudent. Knowledge of the ground beneath one's feet often proves as valuable as the strength in one's arm" Eidi straightens, leaning lightly on his staff as he starts after Mortimer and Solrisa once Ascaria's magics take effect "Lead on, my friends. Let us walk the air and the unknown with equal confidence" "I have some tricks under my sleeve if we need to find direction in this tower" he adds as the Outcasts surge the air.
Eidi jiggles amused listening to Solrisa "Ah, but what fun would it be, to see the rainbows here under the earth itself. I would totally get distracted too" He then nods "Ok, let's go. Do you know where exactly that entrance is, Gazzilfek? Please lead us"
Eidi chuckles warmly at the exchange, leaning a little heavier on his staff pondering how many doors he has opened in his lifetime "Well, vaults and keys have a curious history, don't they? Dragons, for instance, were said to hoard not just gold, but the keys to ancient cities they had razed, though I suspect they liked the idea of owning the city more than the usefulness of the key itself. Can you imagine a wyrm trying to fit a tiny iron key between those claws?" He clears his throat, eyes glinting with amusement as he looks between his companions "I rather like Ascaria's thought, walk through as mist, I can try make us all through, take the key, and then return with honor intact. Or, if our giant friend proves less than cooperative, perhaps Mortimer's direct method may serve. But whichever way we choose, it seems plain the second key lies beyond Kag's grasp, or beyond his honesty"
Eidi enjoys Ascaria's daily breakfast with fruition as he rereads a few scrolls and books in preparation for the continuation of the assault "Did you know that dragons can actually yawn fire if they are not careful? Imagine that, burning your own pillow in your sleep. I suppose even the mighty need flame-proof bedding" When Gazzilfek stumbles in, the elder half-elf greets him with a warm smile and a nod, as though the spriggan's very presence brightened the morning "So tell us, my friend, what key does this captain truly crave? Is it any old key he longs to rattle on his belt, or must it be one most particular? Maybe he only needs to say 'please', and the vault will open out of courtesy"
--- Eidi stretches his arms and rubs the sleep from his eyes, still wearing the ring he found the day before "Ahhh... a good night's sleep for the bunch of old bones, that's worth a handful of green stones, no?" he chuckles, then gives Gazzilfek a playful look "And our dear chronicler here surely turned our little errand into a saga of cosmic import" He nods at Ascaria's earlier suggestion "Yes, yes, our bard of law speaks with a wise tongue. I do believe we can help unfold the fortress secrets. Maybe even smooth some scales along the way" he winks at the group as he prepares his equipment for the day. He looks toward the direction of the inner city and gently leans over his staff "Well, let's see what weight our words have after some rest. I for one am curious what secrets these stone halls keep from their own people"
"Ah! I think I found something boys and lady!" Eidi kneels to pick up the ring and points the dragon and the ioun stones for everyone "Cute magical stones here, and guess what, a dead dragon here. Guess we just make our pick and bring it up" The half-elf elder will explain about the different properties of the items, and for now, he will use the telekinesis ring, at least something to do when nothing else of use in combat.
Eidi grumbles as the group reaches the bottom "Hum, hum, I came prepared for a battle with dragons, not for a search of fallen bodies in the black mist" "This void is so intriguing... I wonder... if we can find anything here" with a few words of power, he casts detect magic and scans the area for any aura of magic and directs the group if found.
If any unusual aura is found, he tries to id its source.
"We go have some dragon hunting then it seems" Eidi says stepping into the air after Solrisa with a grin "Ah, I tried to bond that one, but seems dragons are very well prepared to avoid being restrained by my magic" The elder looks around trying to see if there is any more invisible dragon, for the visible ones are better covered by the others.
Eidi sees the dragon go way from good and confirms he has not just turned invisible "He came willingly to his death? This is strange... the level of control this Dragotha exerts over the other dragons... I wonder if there is something we can do to cut it"
The half-elf elder looks attentively to any signals of this or other dragon coming by.
So, I understood it is not my turn yet and I have to be a bit more patient here :D
With the dragon uncovered, Eidi smiles, more hopeful of the result "I just cannot come to explain how such powerful creatures as you flock to follow the orders of an undead abomination as Dragotha!" Black energy crackles again on the elder's fingers and a ray emerges from them to try sap part of the dragon's power.
Status:
"There! Still on position, like playing with us..." Eidi signals the air.
"For the Living, I pray to protect and empower our warriors!" Eidi raises his staff, casting prayer reaching the whole party except Mortimer, and the dragon.
Status: HP 173+0/173 AC 28 TAC 18 see invisibility (permanent) prayer mage armor resistance (fire 30) 50 min (Mortimer, Eidi and Ascaria) protection (acid 108, elecctricity 23, fire 0) 30 min telepathic bond 150 min inspire courage (+1) burst of glory (+1 sacred to hit) blessing of fervor (+2 AC included)
"Oh, yes, we know about the strawberry marshmallow your boss so badly wants to take from the giants and we will not let it happen!" Eidi snaps back while weaving some powerful magic to try signal where the dragon is if nothing else.
"Xyzanth" Eidi points to the invisible black dragon "Deathbringer of the northern Kodar Mountains! That one it is, yes"
Status:
Eidi's eyes, attuned to the invisible turn towards Ascaria's pointing place "A Spiky Dark Dragon there!" he exclaims, trying to discern what it is.
Looking to soften the green, the half-elf says some magic words and a black energy ray is produced from his hands to strike the dragon.
Status:
No more happy doors today Eidi transmits back telepathically Though one emergency exit plan if needed for the case...
Eidi regards the spriggan's outstretched hand with a raised brow, blinking once behind his glasses. Then, with a flicker of bemusement, he clasps it lightly "Ah, of course. The Other One. Now I remember. You sang a duet with an ogre once, didn’t you? Off-key, but heartfelt. Unforgettable" He flashes a serene smile, whether teasing or sincere is impossible to say. When the group stumbles with the green, Eidi reacts as fast he can, "Oh, well, there it is. I guess there is time to cover only one of you" He takes the speed this round and rushing forward, with a light tap of his staff, he turns the leading Mortimer temporarily invisible.
"Wait, you know the Prince of Zeech?!" Eidi halts surprised by this revelation "We... handled him a while back. Had the honor to assist his Grand Party. Is he some kind of friends of yours?" Then, thinking of the dragon, he looks up "Yeah, I think Ascaria is right about Kagro's demand, and Mortimer's is a great idea. Let's deal with the green. We get rid of our lurker and get an entry with the giant boss" "I can make Solrisa or Mortimer invisible, so you can surprise the dragon while we others call her attention"
"The Vault of the Citadel? Chim, chum... we might want to hear more about that place if you do not mind while we have a nice meal" Eidi softly proposes, not to angry the King.
"Oh, yes" Eidi produces his pot and offers a tasty cinnamon cookie " Actually the philactery might be anything. So maybe you have but you do not know. It might be something, something apparently inoffensive but with clearly evil effects. The Order of the Storm should have hidden it in somewhere protected, maybe not by the strength of the stone, but by the one of legends. Is there any place known as forbidden or bringer of misfortune in the fortress, Mmm.... Majesty?"
Eidi nods while Ascaria does the good talking "That's it. We deal with the phylactery. The dragons leave"
Eidi steps forward beside Ascaria, inclining his head respectfully to Captain Harthgar "Captain Sir, Ascaria speaks true, we did not come all this way to pick fights, though we are not strangers to them. We believe we know what the dragons want from the fortress. We think we can help solve that problem, if your leaders want to hear us" He folds his hands behind his back, admiring the 'Duff-Kickin' 6000™, and can't help a small, melodic giggle.
Placing his faith on the task at place, the half-elf extends his hand to Mortimer, then tries to grasp Ascaria's one "Just a little jump through the dark!" Status:
The half-elf straightens with a faint creak of joints, nodding toward Gazzilfek "Very well, lead on. I will follow. But do us a kindness, won't you?" he leans in just a touch "Make sure to point out whether we are heading north, or south, or something more... vertically adventurous. My dear half-elf friend will need to know for... navigational purposes"
Eidi lets out a quiet giggle "Oh, dragon teeth... I suppose I should have pocketed a few last time instead of merely dodging their burning breath. Might be handy now" he taps his chin thoughtfully, then touches on his own teething "Though, truth be told, I might need a few myself soon enough. These old things are not what they used to be, hard cheese has become my mortal enemy" The elder flashes a genuine grin and folds his hands atop the head of his staff before endorsing the words of the others "You clearly have a flair for entrances and exits, my good Gazzilfek, and your caution speaks to a certain wisdom. If you truly can help us speak with the King, or at least step further than these doors, we would appreciate knowing how you are going to do it"
Eidi chuckles softly at Solrisa's reminiscing and muses with a playful twinkle in his eye "Ah, a true talent for knocking, then. A skill underestimated in its versatility" He shifts his weight slightly, leaning on his staff with the casual grace of someone well accustomed to preserving his energy "Let's see if this door prefers diplomacy over force" "Oh, but let me link our minds before our jaunty friend decides to leave us alone in another excursion" the elders says some magic words and casts telepathic bond on the party. Status: |
