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Once assured that Natalya is at least stable, Ghaernan will leave her secured for the moment within the Grease spell area of effect. He sighs and shakes his head with Verilich's departure, then turns to his remaining companions... "Well...that turned out differently than hoped. Still, I'm heartened that he did seize upon a return to Venture Captain Heidmarch, whom will hopefully connect his state of mind with the horacalcum arrowhead, and prove capable of acting effectively where we collectively could not. Shall we thoroughly search this dilapidated hideout, and then attempt to learn from Natalya herself what happened to her? That could in-turn help us to understand what's happening to Verilich's mind..." "You also have my word, friends; Prestidigitation Spells focused upon a thorough cleaning for all, once we're clear of this foul place..." Ghaernan turns with deliberate intent to a thorough search of the spaces... Take 20 Perception = DC24
Ghaernan carefully reflects upon the tumultuous chaos of the last moments, realizing that further pursuit of Verilich at this point will entail only lethal options, and elects to attempt reasoning with all parties... "Companions, let's collectively assess the circumstances - Verilich, you as well, if you can still be reasoned with at this point. Based upon the overwhelming power and nature of the horacalcum arrowhead our chaotic wyvaran picked up, it appears he's under its corrupting influence in precisely the same manner as Natalya, which clearly entails aspects of both false pride and illusion. Gundar, you should be able to confirm the nature of the magics, at least, if Torag happens to have granted you detect magic capabilities." "The actual 'leader' of this endeavor is Venture Captain Heidmarch, Verilich, not any of us. Whatever your sudden obsession with leadership, I'm not sure how you had settled upon me - aside from my admitted talents in relating well to many people, I'm not certain you had actually done anything quite as I'd requested even before impulsively grasping the arrowhead - again, against my suggestion. This 'group' actually exists to deliver the arrowhead and Natalya, if possible, back to the Venture Captain - not the "authorities" you referenced, who were not seeking her for any reward." "So...if you're - not - in fact under the arrowhead's corruption as you just witnessed it in Natalya, you should be quite pleased to 'lead' us all back to Venture Captain Heidmarch and hand her the arrowhead itself, as we were commissioned. Otherwise, I'd think that we would be the ones returning to her without you, explaining that you're on your way to becoming as monstrous as poor Natalya had become. You might similarly gather a ragtag mob of followers as she did, perhaps of kobolds and lizards this time, but I fear it would be the Pathfinders themselves you would next face, as well as any others looking for the arrowhead who are aware of its power." "Thoughts? I hope that lays out the matter at-hand. We can all head that direction, if you'd like to keep your distance from us, understanding that we'd prefer to peacefully subdue you, rather than escalate to actual, damaging conflict - which I'm not sure that either Caius nor Khalid are up to, at the moment." The Bard smiles at them both with his last jest, in an effort to mitigate the tension, and then moves to check on Natalya's battered condition...
Ghaernan is highly troubled at the turn of events, and the perceived need to resort to violence, but reflecting upon how monstrous Natalya had become, he reluctantly understands... "Be as easy with Verilich as possible, friends; we know that the version of Natalya who allied with goblins and attacked us was not in her own mind...so it seems with him..." From his stabilized position just within the dilapidated door frame, Ghaernan reaches two fingers into his spell component pouch, withdrawing them with a sheen upon them that he runs along his thumb before reaching out with the hand amidst a flurry of arcane whispers and almost dance-like gestures... Grease, DC 15 Reflex Save in the affected area to avoid falling prone, wings or not, and if successful still a subsequent DC 10 Acrobatics check to be able to move within the Grease, to include trying to take off in flight.
Ghaernan's concentration on the revealed magics concerns him even more, and he voices the most dire immediately... "Friends, that 'thing' Verilich has foolishly tied around his neck is no 'copper arrowhead'; it's made of horacalcum, the rarest of the 'skymetals' that originate beyond this world, used in magic involving illusion, humility...and pride. The power of magic held in that thing is overwhelming. Be careful with our companion; I'm not at all certain how he actually perceives us at the moment..." As he speaks, Ghaernan accedes to Caius' practical request, and hands him the sap...
Ghaernan’s brow raises in unexpected surprise at the discovery of four different auras upon Natalya with the casting of the Detect Magic spell…
Ghaernan ends his decisive inspirational magics after several seconds of use, and watches the wrap-up of the conflict with satisfaction. He looks with foreboding at both the shortsword and arrowhead in the hands of his companions, though, given that Natalya herself seemed a different person than the one described by multiple others, especially his Venture Captain, whom Natalya just disdained as "weak" after she herself was the one to approach Heidmarch... "I would set both of those magic items aside for the moment, friends; we just dealt with someone whom I would never have described as Natalya, based on the way she spoke and attacked us. Let us discern what powers we're dealing with here..." From the stable ground of the doorframe, Ghaernan begins the arcane words and weaving of a Detect Magic spell to discern the presence of enchantments within the two objects. Concurrently, he uses his Spellcraft capabilities in identifying their magic properties during his assessment... The Bard also ponders the monstrous curiosity that was the goblinoid snake-like creature that attempted to escape into the shadows with the arrowhead... I'll make two spellcraft checks following this, aligned with the objects, as well as a knowledge (dungeoneering) check on the beast...
The Bard is moved to bring the virtues of the Word and the Way to his intrepid companions in yet another manner, with Natalya's success in shaking off the Sleep Spell. Ghaernan moves very deliberately and carefully around the southern and western edges of the room (taking 10), to stand within the cover of the western door. With crossbow in-hand, his voice again grows resonant as he begins a Bardic Performance, using only audible components to project his voice throughout the two rooms and Inspire Courage in his friends... "We fight to victory once more to the BALLAD OF THE BLOODMARCH, friends!" Inspire Courage: Allies receive a +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects, and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls.
"'Passivity friend?' We've much work ahead of us indeed on linguistics, Verilich, but admittedly your stick skills do seem rather effective..." From his stabilized position just within the dilapidated door frame, Ghaernan smiles at the awkward dialog among all of the combatants, thinking of the wonderful opportunities ahead to mentor his own side until they can one day hurl witticisms as a veritable acting troupe, then turns to his own Way to respond to Natalya's unexpected attack upon the company. One hand reaches outstretched towards her, patterns of glittering sand swiftly forming and shifting amidst his arcane whispers, until a final decisive gesture sends them arcing across the distance to Natalya, shimmering and barely visible in the dim light of the single torch, to concentrate and burst above her, enveloping her upper body...
Ghaernan is caught off-guard by the unexpected tone of her response, but immediately keys in on the casting of a spell from Natalya…
Ghaernan looks across the floorless room and through the open western door into the open-ceilinged chamber beyond, recognizing that Natalya and her goblin sharpshooters can be no further than 40' away. He raises his most charming voice as he seeks to peacefully and earnestly engage her... "Natalya, at long last we've found you! Venture Captain Sheila Heidmarch sends her regards and concerns; she has been most worried at not hearing from you, and fears for your safety with the conflict now known to have arisen with the Tower Girls. I'm Ghaernan Barova, a Pathfinder likewise in service to our Venture Captain, and I and my companions are here to help on her orders. Regrettably we had to convince your Varisian guards outside in a somewhat physical manner, but have even spared their lives as a token of goodwill. Please, if you will, come and parley, and let us discuss how we might be of service to help you under her gracious guidance..." Rolls in advance for Diplomacy, Perception, and Sense Motive, to use as appropriate!
Ghaernan's eyes widen in surprise at Verilich's discovery of Natalya apparently lairing in the upper reaches of this dilapidated, reeking hovel. Something is indeed off about this circumstance, as Caius observed. The Bard has a Message to convey... "Verilich, if possible, please drop back down in our midst, and let us help you with your mosquito problems - then I can talk with Natalya!" And then spoken to the other three... "The Wyvaran is under attack by giant mosquitos, but he also perceives he's found Natalya and two goblin sharpshooters farther in. I've asked him to try and drop down among us to help end his immediate threat, after which I can try and make contact with her..."
Ghaernan finds himself nodding multiple times in disdainful agreement - at Khalid's assessment of his nasty muck-covered self, Caius' accurate observation of the Bard having no tolerance for said nastiness, and Verilich's entirely too-pleasant reference to '"infectious ooze"... With a rather dramatic arcane manifestation of the Word and the Way, Ghaernan sets a Prestidigitation Spell to working on Khalid as well. Eventually, the Bard even turns his attention to the tactical matters at hand... "Not especially interested in attempting the next room in this wreckage, friends. As a result, I'm fascinated by what awaits us in the crawl space, threats or not. Verilich, I'd say your perception is likely superior, if you'd like to conduct the advance reconnaissance and perhaps set a rope. Shall we?"
While Verilich sees to his wounds, Ghaernan eases around Caius and approaches the far door in the dilapidated room. The Bard notes with satisfaction that his former Prestidigitation Spell continues its work on his filthy friend, tirelessly removing 10 cubic feet of soiling per minute for almost another hour. Upon arrival, he listens at and examines the door thoroughly, searching for any indications of a trap, or threats to him and his companions... Anticipating that the various matters of healing, torchlighting, and otherwise resetting after the combat might require a couple minutes to complete, Ghaernan will Take 20 on his Perception check... Perception Check = 24
Tripp, whatever that animation wrap was that you put on Ghaernan, which was a helpful reminder, it's so large that it keeps him from fitting through the door...
Ghaernan draws his inspiring rendition of the Ballad of the Bloodmarch to a close after two rounds, somewhat disappointed that his own crossbow bolt was not more lethal in its strike. The Bard pauses to re-arm the weapon in his hands, still leaving the other crossbow hanging bolt-down from his weapons harness fully cocked at his side. He carefully steps across the board following his companions into the ruined chamber beyond the door...
Ghaernan continues the Ballad of the Bloodmarch with a fierce smile, inspiring his companions with the arcane Words, while leveling his crossbow for a clear, close-range shot targeting the filthy red goblin...
Ghaernan sighs when Verilich's "plan" is not ever agreed upon, initiated, and then promptly not followed, perceiving as Caius did that the goblins in the first chamber required dealing with before a second front was opened. Still, as the Wyvaran screeches in pain when struck by a heavy crossbow bolt from falling into the goblins' trap, the Bard is moved to bring the virtues of the Word and the Way to his imperiled companions. Ghaernan strides with purpose and presence up and around Khalid to stand within the cover of the first door, ensuring that Khalid and Gundar can still easily get around him to physically engage the nasty beasts. With crossbow in-hand, his voice grows resonant as he begins a Bardic Performance, using only audible components to project his voice into the two rooms and Inspire Courage in his friends... "The time to arms has come, my companions, and we fight now to the BALLAD OF THE BLOODMARCH, the proud anthem of Trunau!"
Ghaernan relieves the unconscious thugs of their morningstars, crossbows, quivers of bolts, and 24 gold coins, in total. He offers the morningstars to any of his companions who might carry them, securing them to his pack, if not. The Bard then belts on both quivers and arms both crossbows, strapping one from his weapons harness pointing down, and readying the other. "Supporting fires while a few of you deal with the dirty work, friends," Ghaernan speaks, with a smile at his own word play. "Unfortunate timing, with Caius already halfway clean again, but yet another reason, of course, to keep your grateful artist out of the fight..."
Ghaernan will search the shed and the thugs themselves...
The Bard considers Khalid's question on spells... "Nothing that will serve you well in the opening moment of a fight, Khalid, although when true battle breaks out, I can inspire a supernatural courage in all of you that will enhance your combat prowess." Ghaernan then casts a Message spell between himself and each member of the company...
Ghaernan turns his glare from the thugs and smiles faintly at Caius' modesty, even as the magical removal of all traces of the filth covering Caius continues to spread gradually down him... "Needed help...of course. I might need the same to eventually get that filth off of you, but in the interim perhaps you can now lead the way back to them - it appears our path takes us there, if there's no other way in through this shed. The Bard then turns back towards the thugs, while also reaching with the folds of his copper greatcloak to draw forth an ominous-looking black, leather-covered sap from his harness, and hands it to Khalid... "As for the two of you 'fellas', congratulations - your candor with us has now earned both of you your lives. That said, I and my friends cannot entirely overlook your earlier attempts upon our own, in response to rather civilized inquiry, Verilich's approach perhaps excepted...but he's working on it. Therefore, while we seek out Natalya to learn the full truth of what has become of her, we'll be leaving both of you here bound securely in ropes, to opposite sides of your shed. You'll also have a bit of mandatory rest-time to keep you quiet and compliant for a stretch, courtesy of my exceptionally strong companion here - far better than the alternative. Khalid, if you would do the honors - some sap-induced unconsciousness is sufficient this time, I think..."
”Friends, I think these two brutes are actually terrified of our Natalya, for some reason - more terrified of her than the threat of grave injury or death at our hands, it would seem. This concerns me greatly; something is very wrong with the manner in which this search has evolved…” The Bard turns a baleful, glowing gaze to the thugs, then… ”You are now our prisoners, your lives in our hands, not Natalya’s. Tell us now, why do you fear her wrath to the piteous extent you do? What is she now capable of, and what threats await us inside this wreckage of a building?”
Ghaernan reflects with similar concern regarding the thug’s fearful response, observing that neither diplomacy nor bluffing have substantively altered their mindset…
Ghaernan spares one glance in annoyance at the thug inexplicably unfazed by his masterful spell performance and bluff, and lets the prestidigitation subside. Upon Caius’ arrival, he looks with great consternation upon his sewer-slimed state, then rapidly and without ceremony beyond the elegant casting itself he manifests yet another Prestidigitation Spell, this one focused upon the gradual, magical removal of all traces of the soiling of his companion…
Ghaernan's demeanor appears to shift swiftly and dramatically with the turn of the encounter to violence, and his voice grows more menacing with each stride towards the thugs, until the Bard stands beside Khalid while openly speaking arcane words of seeming might and gesturing powerfully... "Matters did not have to resolve this way. Refusing us shows you to be no friends of Natalya. Surely, therefore, she will not mind if I make an example of one of you - perhaps your fighting arm, slowly blackened and burned to ash; look to it now... Surrender, and save yourself..."
I think the above from Tripp is a solid interpretation, but a few key points from the actual full spell description.
Ghaernan replies, whispering back through the Message spell... "Regretfully yes, if she's definitely inside; our path is through them, sadly."
Ghaernan is at a loss for a fleeting moment, utterly caught off-guard by the attempted “assistance” of perhaps the most unlikely assistant in matters of diplomacy, and with even more deleterious results than he could have anticipated. The Bard backs away 15’, demonstrating a good-faith gesture of compliance, while offering a last improbable attempt to restore some measure of cooperation… ”Friends, for Natalya’s sake, please don’t be put off by this creature, a “wyvaran” who yet understands little of our mannerisms or matters of hygiene, but I can assure you comes as a friend himself with good intent. To your question, I’m indeed not ‘anyone’, but rather Ghaernan Barova, also descended from Natalya’s people, and sent to find her and protect her by a mutual friend named Sheila. My hands, as those of Verilich, remain empty and ready to help - and if Natalya is on the run from the Tower Girls, she can use all of our help…What say you?”
When he hears the sounds of confrontation coming from Khalid's direction, Ghaernan motions for Caius to come with him, if possible, and moves about 25' to the northwest. The Bard's strides end when he's able to see past Khalid into the 'shed', within sight of the two Varisian thugs. He then addresses them, and gauges their reactions while his two empty hands are held visible to the sides in a sign of peaceful intent... "Peace, friends, we're just here to see Natalya. We're no friends of the Tower Girls, and have come to connect with her and help her, if she's in need. Surely she needs more strong allies, if she has to hole up here to hide from them. I'm sure she would appreciate it, if you were able to take us to talk with her..."
"Khalid, it appears the point of ingress is chosen. Likely best to reinforce Caius' breach, at this juncture..." Ghaernan relays the latest development via Message to Verilich, and moves along the side of the building to its southwest corner, awaiting the company's assembly...
Ghaernan conveys the results of Verilich's reconnaissance through the Message spell, and relays his two questions to the others before the Bard offers his own thoughts as he moves quietly to the side of the building, in proximity to both Gundar and Khalid... "With the reconnaissance not revealing anything significant, I'd say 'yes' and 'no' to your respective questions - we should breach as a group, not having any appreciation of the threat, which means a distraction elsewhere just reduces our fighting force by one. I'd rather that we pick an entrance and exploit it. Caius, Khalid - do either of your doors recommend themselves?'
"We are of like minds, Caius," Ghaernan replies, gazing intently over and around the dilapidated structure.
He then looks directly at Verilich, a few arcane syllables and the weave of one copper-bound hand through an almost dance-like motion the only signs of the Message spell now in place between him and the Wyvaran...
Ghaernan nods seriously with the provision of the wretch’s specificity on Natalya, turns and looks back to each of his companions as though weighing a grave matter for consideration while reaching within his belt pouch, then turns back to regard Fenster appraisingly… ”If this information on Natalya proves true, Fenster, then we will consider our business concluded, and perhaps seek your services in future dealings. And here; you should use this to look into that cough…” The Bard hands Fenster ten gold coins, the value of the supposed “platinum” piece Ghaernan had previously thrown into his pan…
”That is indeed an interesting development, Fenster… Direct us truthfully to this building where you think you’ve seen Natalya… and if my companions agree, we’re willing to keep your boastful admission to a multitude of heinous crimes of abduction…just between us. You’ll be free to enjoy your gifts with our blessing…and no bounty upon your head…”
Ghaernan mentally files away the revelation of blue dwarves for the moment, concealing his surprise, and lets the iridescent glow of his eyes intensify, his voice grow more resonant, as he and his companions press the wretched man... "Good, Fenster, perhaps earning your gifts now... Hmmm, if you know the Tower Girls so well, then, you can easily speak more of one of their own...the one we seek...Natalya...who now seems among the disappeared herself. Tell us more, Fenster, and we can leave you to your spoils..."
Ghaernan is almost immediately angered by Fenster’s initial response, likely from a combination of the wretch’s dire admission and even a remote possibility that his mucus could make contact with any element of Ghaernan’s person. As Fenster points away into the distance, the Bard runs a thumb in an arcane weave along the length of copper wire encircling a finger upon that same hand, and glances to Caius while whispering a Message spell… ”Be ready to attack, friend; this filth may be far more dangerous than appears…” Ghaernan turns back to Fenster, then, to either press for the truth or end the threat… ”Fenster, those words of ‘disappearing’ people have grave meaning. Just last night, this very group ended the threat of the ‘Nidalese slavers’ accused of abducting innocent people - and turned them over to The Arvensoar. Clearly that was not you, but many others have still been taken - are you actually claiming responsibility for all of those crimes? If so, the bounty on your head should be…considerable…” The Bard offers these words with increasing ominousness in his voice, perceiving that diplomacy is lost upon one who would admit to heinous crimes and answer only to coin (and soap)…
Ghaernan nods in appreciation of Caius’ observation, not yet ready to share both the extent of his own agreement with the Slayer, and his associated intent to avoid such an absurd cost, if this exchange produces no meaningful results. The Bard quickly reassesses the situation, though, perceiving that the wretch before him now is perhaps Fenster himself, in which case “The Blight” rings true in another unwholesome manner entirely… ”Well-met, Fenster. I’m Ghaernan, and I and my companions are here with guidance and directions from the city watch to seek you out for any information regarding the whereabouts of the Tower Girls, and an opportunity to talk with them about the disappearance of one of their own. She apparently vanished within the last few days, among many others, it would seem, but we’ve been tasked with finding just her. With the Tower Girls as our best lead at the moment, we greatly want Fenster to tell us what he knows of where they are, for the gifts we have given. Thank you…”
Ghaernan walks carefully along the filthy stretch of shore to the condemned warehouse with the others, and watches their game at first with some amusement, although the state of the wretched man that comes forth rather unsettles him. Soon enough, though, he perceives the weight of the companions' mission pressing upon them, and with some course of action decided he turns his back to the pan and hovel, stepping away several feet and drawing his cloak about him in apparent thought. Arcane whispers, a subtle difference in his flowing stance and stride, and a hand withdrawn from his belt pouch soon have him turning back to his friends, however, a smile upon his face and a gleaming "platinum" coin in his outstretched hand, which follows the others' offerings into the platter...
”Great things ahead indeed, Caius”, Ghaernan agrees. ”Thanks for the distribution, I hope we can exchange and divide much of the remainder tomorrow morning. Shall we make our way out of here friends, before the city watch finds reason to keep us? My plans for a certain Leftenant excepted, of course…. A return to the Sleepy Dragon to recover for the rest of the evening, then? I’ve no requirement to return to the Pathfinder Lodge to sleep, although the Venture Captain will expect a report on matters tomorrow, I expect, once we’ve explored the last of our initial leads on Natalya’s fate. Andel, what of you?”
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