Mortimer folds his arms awaiting the answer.
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"Uh, I guess it is this way." Mortimer tries to trace their steps back to where they last saw Kargo. He heads up the stairs.
"Someone... like us" Mortimer agrees emphatically.
"Why is he so shouty?" ”Because Sol, actually in ways other than size he is a very small giant. Also, because his vocal chords have to be the size of giant anacondas.”
"Perhaps. Perhaps we should be heading to Kagro and taking the truth out of his throat and the key out of his neck" Mortimer’s eyes get wide and he takes a slight step away from the Half-Elf elder in surprise. Man, he takes the ‘r’ and ‘e’ out of ‘thurge’. He gazes in perplexment at the gnome as he speaks. ”Uhh, after what Eidi just said? Are you kidding?” Status: AC: 41 (39) (base 35),FF: 22, Tch: 23 (+4 vs AoOs when moving) (+4 Holy Aura), +2 BOF HP = 155/157 Weapon Equipped = Unarmed with Acid Glove things and Amulet of Might Fists +3/Holy (x2 Str on 1st, x1.5 Str on rest (Dragon)) Buffs(s) etc = Magic Vestment, Status, Life Link, Air Walk, Heroes’ Feast, Protection from Energy (80hp Acid)l, Protection from Energy (120hp Electrical), Protection from Energy (6/120hp Fire), Protection from Evil, Wind Walk, Lunge, Anticipate Dodge, Holy Aura Damage: 2d10 (Monk’s robe) Slots:
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"Yah, Kargo. that greedy son of hill giant..."
Mortimer briefly gazes back at the spriggan indifferently. ”So you don’t know either.” he states with confidence. ”The Wind Dukes then.” He takes a good look around Vercinabex’s study.
What to give a giant that has everything?
Mortimer looks at Eidi, then the shudderig giant, then back again at Eidi. "Did he -- did you Vercinabex -- did he just cast a spell?!" he queries. "Wow!"
Mortimer frowns upon meeting the Frost ilk. "Is he sane, possessed, or are they just like this?" Without removing his eyes from the Frost Giant, he addresses Gazzilfek. "What do you mean, he needs some fresh air? Did you do that? Do we take him outside?" He addresses Vercinabex. "So, does this mean you don't have any answers?"
Between these undead and the druids stand a group of brave heroes, single-handedly holding off the advancing undead. The four individuals have a very familiar look about them.. ”You may be the last of a long line, the only surviving heirs to the Vaati legacy. As such, I have come to advise you one more time." Mortimer side eyes all of his companions. Is He saying we’re all related by blood? ”Second, like Eidi said, we need the ‘Ritual of Opening’. That sounds like something really specific. I don’t have a Ritual of Opening, anyone have any ideas on how we can get one of those?” ”Why is Alistor older? Do ghosts age? What is he? Also – he said ‘to reach it, you must look into your memories, your souls. Find the Ritual of Opening, and use the Vault Keys.’ . Does that mean anything to you? How do we look into our souls collectively? And why does that image resemble us? Is it fate, or is it to be believed at all?” ”Maybe it is good to go talk with this Vercinabex and find out what the giant knows. “ Mortimer nods. He looks at Solrisa. ”Though it is unlikely, there could be cookies.” Mortimer follows Eii’s lead looking for Vercinabex’s nearby bedroom.
”Another bas-relief?” Mortimer asks in dis-belief. ”What is with these storm guys and their bas-reliefs?” He pulls out The Lightning Sword and holds it aloft towards the Vault. "Sol, do you still have the Sword of Aaqa (link)? Draw it, let's see if it reacts."
”Wow… that’s actually really … sad.” ”Are we passing by the kitchen? We could stop by, maybe?" Mortimer agrees with Solrisa and Eidi. ”Yea… maybe some cookies might cheer us up.” He requests a barkskin. Or just anyone else to speak to.
"We were there? Oh! Is that when I was wearing my cool black booties, but before my pretty blue booties? Is that when that was?"
”Er, aaah, yes I think so...” he replies. ”It was a while ago.” Mortimer admires Eidi’s skill in trying to jog the Giant Bram’s memory. He hopes the enormous humanoid doesn’t break down and sob. He hastily writes on a napkin: ”Endless dragons, and for what?” and hands it to Bram.
As they follow Bram to the Vault Mortimer whispers quietly, "Watching our backs, I think Kargo may suspect." he gestures silently at Bram since Bram is not looking. He begins to reminisce out loud. ”Remember Icosiol’s (link) Tomb? With the Wind Duke’s blessing (link) you would think we’d be in better standing with the Order of the Storm. You can not have a storm without wind, after all.” He then adds very quietly, ”I wonder if what we found there in the tomb would have any effect here on the vault.”
"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.""Hrm, the will of the soul of the dragon in the phylactery? Keeping the giants prisoners? Do we keep this from the giants? Maybe they will be more agreeable to our mission if we shared that with them?" Bram frowns, averting his eyes from the commander to look at you. Mortimer holds up the group's collection of dragon heads.
"Well, then," Mortimer proclaims, slightly louder than usual. "We'll just show ourselves inside." He heads for the double doors leading into the Citadel.
"You lie!" bellows Mortimer. "You haven't talked to Kagro at all! Is it too hard for you? I guess you're afraid of him!" Mortimer growls loudly. "How about you lads up there? Are any of you braver than Bram Skulker?!"
”We will present one dragon head as proof of our work” Mortimer silently holds up a white dragon head.
"Will you be bringing us cookies or cheese while we wait?" ”Right, remember we’ve come to challenge Kag ,” he says quietly, rolling his eyes as he utters 'challenge'. ””Though,” he continues looking about to see if Gazzilfek is still around. ”I said ‘knock out’. I never said anything about robbing corpses.” Not much liking this joyless gnome. Still.
Mortimer keeps his patience, bites his tongue, and waits for someone more gifted in diplomacy than him to speak. He slowly inhales, then slowly exhales.
”Sure, Mortie! Are we going to slay giants now or find other dragons to slay” Mortimer grunts, and after Eidi speaks he replies, ”Neither, Sol. We’re going to do something better. I have become convinced that neither the GIants nor the Dragons of the Mist – evil though they be – are not our immediate enemies. They are victims, doomed by the will of Dragotha whose soul ‘lives’ on in the phylactery. The phylactery we are going to destroy.” He pauses briefly in his upward airwalk to the Citadel, ”That should do away with a great deal of evil – more than all the remaining dragons in this mist. And who knows – perhaps then the tendrils of evil that bind them to this place will dissipate along with the -- them. I can’t help but think that’s what Vermirox is keying in on whether he realizes it or not. I think he secretly wants it destroyed too so he can go die in peace.”
"But fine, today we will walk the path of words rather than war. I guess that means, we leave, for now" Yea, if we destroy the phylactery then quite possibly we do not have to deal with you at all, jerk. Mortimer relaxes and picks up the dragons' heads he dropped. "Yea. In awhile, crocodile." He nods towards where he thinks the unseen dragon is and starts air-walking back to the Citadel. "C'mon, Sol." Senile dragons...
”You're grave robbers, are you not?” Grave robbers? Wait… what?! ”Uh, Mort? Mort friend? Uhm..." ”Right here, Sol,” he replies immediately, sharing her inner desire to peg this dragon between the eyes with some kind of dragon blessed arrow of smiting. ”Nah, I don’t think we like killing quite as much as you,” Mortimer replies to the blue dragon, trying to follow and predict the location for the next Whooshthud. ”Besides, there's nothing in this dump we want. If we kill Brazzemal for you – what then? You’re so bloodthirsty you’re likely to become the New Brazzemal, and then we’ll just have to kill you for someone else. Because that is how you chromatics operate. No - you can’t see me but I’m shaking my head – not today.” ”We especially don’t like the idea of you leveling anything from above…” he concludes, hoping for some protective magics. He drops the dragon heads he's carrying and, as they say in the parlance of some time, “puts up his dukes”. Status: AC: 41 (39) (base 35),FF: 22, Tch: 23 (+4 vs AoOs when moving) (+4 Holy Aura), +2 BOF HP = 155/157 Weapon Equipped = Unarmed with Acid Glove things and Amulet of Might Fists +3/Holy (x2 Str on 1st, x1.5 Str on rest (Dragon)) Buffs(s) etc = Magic Vestment, Status, Life Link, Air Walk, Heroes’ Feast, Protection from Energy (80hp Acid)l, Protection from Energy (120hp Electrical), Protection from Energy (6/120hp Fire), Protection from Evil, Wind Walk, Lunge, Anticipate Dodge, Holy Aura Damage: 2d10 (Monk’s robe) Slots:
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"Where is it, this phylactery?" I wish we knew. ”Well,” Mortimer starts, ”If you could see me, you’d see me pointing toward the Citadel, then shrugging. Then you would see me pointing away from the Citadel – then shrugging.” “We thought we’d start here, you see, but we have only just arrived.”
"Oh, O.K. then," Mortimer whispers in response to Eidi. Mortimer waves to the giants and joins the others.
Mortimer goes with the tone. Hrm, that sounded haughty, but, it also sounds like he answered my question. ”Thank you~” he says to the disembodied voice. ”Thank you for that answer, he states.
his words roll smoothly in Draconic. Mortimer blinks rapidly a couple of times at the transition, then focuses on Eidi’s tone. Well, that sounded like an ultimatum and straight to the point. He folds his arms and listens for the dragon’s response.
Mortimer positions himself mid-party and addresses – mostly the fire giants -- for he knows they can hear him. ”Ho, this dragon – did you hear it? It hides from us still. Why do you suppose that is?” Well, this is probably a stupid thing to do...
”Do you care to speak in common, or are you too old to know common? Why do you still conceal yourself?” Status: AC: 41 (39) (base 35),FF: 22, Tch: 23 (+4 vs AoOs when moving) (+4 Holy Aura), +2 BOF HP = 155/157 Weapon Equipped = Unarmed with Acid Glove things and Amulet of Might Fists +3/Holy (x2 Str on 1st, x1.5 Str on rest (Dragon)) Buffs(s) etc = Magic Vestment, Status, Life Link, Air Walk, Heroes’ Feast, Protection from Energy (80hp Acid)l, Protection from Energy (120hp Electrical), Protection from Energy (6/120hp Fire), Protection from Evil, Wind Walk, Lunge, Anticipate Dodge, Holy Aura Damage: 2d10 (Monk’s robe) Slots:
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Mortimer perks up and listens as Gazzilfek speaks. Huh. He’s got talent. He then swings his head in the other direction to see the giants’ responses. As the upper giant retreats into the Citadel, he focuses on the commotion beyond its walls.
For now he tries to ignore the dragon roar.
Status: AC: 41 (39) (base 35),FF: 22, Tch: 23 (+4 vs AoOs when moving) (+4 Holy Aura), +2 BOF HP = 155/157 Weapon Equipped = Unarmed with Acid Glove things and Amulet of Might Fists +3/Holy (x2 Str on 1st, x1.5 Str on rest (Dragon)) Buffs(s) etc = Magic Vestment, Status, Life Link, Air Walk, Heroes’ Feast, Protection from Energy (80hp Acid)l, Protection from Energy (120hp Electrical), Protection from Energy (6/120hp Fire), Protection from Evil, Wind Walk, Lunge, Anticipate Dodge, Holy Aura Damage: 2d10 (Monk’s robe) Slots:
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Mortimer shrugs and follows along albeit somewhat reluctantly, dragging the dragon heads behind him. When Ascaria starts addressing the Giants, he stops and disinterestedly looks away and out over the mist rubbing the inside of his giant-facing nostril with his thumb.
”Is that discolored patch of stone work to the right of the main entrance – that looks like another way in.” ”Maybe if we have to, we can convince them we belong after showing them our bounty,” Mortimer states, holding up the dragon heads.
Ramps... Spring... we dug them up, roasted them and ate them with some nice pepper sauce... Too bad it's not that kind of ramp. Mortimer's stomach growls.
Mortimer moves with the others, keeping an eye on the rear dragging along the dragon heads.
Ready to go pick a fight, Mortimer beats his right fist a couple of times into his left palm. He then picks up the dragon heads and begins to walk back toward the palace.
He nearly trips on the thin air when his foot doesn't catch. He looks at the gnome. "So, are we airwalking back or what?"
Mortimer ponders as banter bounces. "Oohhhh... so Bagg looked everywhere that he had access to in the Palace, did he?" says Mortimer, as if everything has become transparent. "So, Kagro Thundersmiter only has one key, and the second keys lies beyond the door the first key unlocks." He ponders a bit more. "So, maybe we knock out Kag and take his key."
”It's *so* good when evil dragons die. I think Apsu smiles ever more when that happens." ”Yea – maybe if we could take out this entire squadron he’d be even more impressed, but maybe there is a faster way besides decapitating them all. Take out the biggest one, and the rest will scatter and nature will take care of itself. The biggest one counts for all.” ”So the Captain wants a key.” ”Yea, – yea! That might just be the way to the biggest guy!” Mortimer helps himself to a couple of figs. ”Here, have some goat cheese,” he offers everyone. ... Don’t dragons sleep on diamonds or something? He ingests some biscuits and waits to hear the spriggan’s response to Ascaria and Eid’s questions.
Mortimer will collect every dragon head Sol "produces" that can be carried.
Mortimer uses a After Gazzilfek has gone off with his journal, Mortimer agrees with Ascaria. ”Which do you think would be more useful to him? I’m guessing the one that bolsters his defense. He’s probably picked on a lot because – because some people do not like oration. Or whatever it is he does.”
"Not today, Sol... no green here." Mortimer picks up the Dark Blue Rhomboid and takes a closer look at it. He feels drawn into the rich deep shade which pulls and tugs his brain. Stretching. Oooh, body conditioning -- but for the brain. "I like this one," he states, putting it into orbit around his head. "It's classy, and... uh, reminds me of the ocean." ”It seems as though folks are resting for the day - both the dragons and the giants. Perhaps we should do the same." Mortimer sighs considering this, albeit reluctantly. He looks at Ascaria, then to Gazzilfek scribbling away, then back to Ascaria. Maybe the little guys are tuckered out.... He shrugs, looking in the direction of the blood trail. "Fine by me. She won't be going anywhere soon, I hope."
He starts heading in the same direction Necrozyte was last seen heading.
Status: AC: 41 (39) (base 35),FF: 22, Tch: 23 (+4 vs AoOs when moving) (+4 Holy Aura), +2 BOF HP = 155/157 Weapon Equipped = Unarmed with Acid Glove things and Amulet of Might Fists +3/Holy (x2 Str on 1st, x1.5 Str on rest (Dragon)) Buffs(s) etc = Magic Vestment, Status, Life Link, Air Walk, Heroes’ Feast, Protection from Energy (80hp Acid)l, Protection from Energy (120hp Electrical), Protection from Energy (6/120hp Fire), Protection from Evil, Wind Walk, Lunge, Anticipate Dodge, Holy Aura Damage: 2d10 (Monk’s robe) Slots:
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”And they keep running away!” Mortimer cocks his head to the side in apparent thought. ”Sure, O.K. – So on our way past the giants to the mists we can just tell them that we’re going back to get a head because the dragons on this side of the keep fled after we beat them up a little.” He continues, ”But I think Eidi has a point. If Dragotha is centered around here – if those two were protecting her soul jar or whatever – we can destroy it, and release whatever spell Dragotha has on them. Maybe they will all spontaneously explode or something.” "Also, thanks Ascaria. That was some special brew." Status: AC: 41 (39) (base 35),FF: 22, Tch: 23 (+4 vs AoOs when moving) (+4 Holy Aura), +2 BOF HP = 155/157 Weapon Equipped = Unarmed with Acid Glove things and Amulet of Might Fists +3/Holy (x2 Str on 1st, x1.5 Str on rest (Dragon)) Buffs(s) etc = Magic Vestment, Status, Life Link, Air Walk, Heroes’ Feast, Protection from Energy (80hp Acid)l, Protection from Energy (120hp Electrical), Protection from Energy (6/120hp Fire), Protection from Evil, Wind Walk, Lunge, Anticipate Dodge, Holy Aura Damage: 2d10 (Monk’s robe) Slots:
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Mortimer starts hitting Xyzanth like he means it.
Status: AC: 41 (39) (base 35),[/b] FF: 22, Tch: 23 (+4 vs AoOs when moving) (+4 Holy Aura), +2 BOF [/b] HP = 68/157 Weapon Equipped = Unarmed with Acid Glove things and Amulet of Might Fists +3/Holy (x2 Str on 1st, x1.5 Str on rest (Dragon)) Buffs(s) etc = Magic Vestment, Status, Life Link, Air Walk, Heroes’ Feast, Protection from Energy (80hp Acid)l, Protection from Energy (120hp Electrical), Protection from Energy (6/120hp Fire), Protection from Evil, Wind Walk, Lunge, Anticipate Dodge, Holy Aura Damage: 2d10 (Monk’s robe) Slots:
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Status: AC: 41 (39) (base 35),[/b] FF: 22, Tch: 23 (+4 vs AoOs when moving) (+4 Holy Aura), +2 BOF [/b] HP = 156/157 Weapon Equipped = Unarmed with Acid Glove things and Amulet of Might Fists +3/Holy (x2 Str on 1st, x1.5 Str on rest (Dragon)) Buffs(s) etc = Magic Vestment, Status, Life Link, Air Walk, Heroes’ Feast, Protection from Energy (80hp Acid)l, Protection from Energy (120hp Electrical), Protection from Energy (6/120hp Fire), Protection from Evil, Wind Walk, Lunge, Anticipate Dodge, Holy Aura Damage: 2d10 (Monk’s robe) Slots:
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"I will remember you." ”Good! Make sure you tell your friends about me!” he snarls after her. He now eyes the now visible Dragon With No Name.
...
That was one heckuva roar… this dragon…
Mortimer charges the Green Dragon aiming to knock it out.
Just in case, he follows it with a stunning fist.
To add insult to injury, he piles on some cold followed by a regular flurry.
Status: AC: 41 (39) (base 35),[/b] FF: 22, Tch: 23 (+4 vs AoOs when moving) (+4 Holy Aura), +2 BOF [/b] HP = 156/157 Weapon Equipped = Unarmed with Acid Glove things and Amulet of Might Fists +3/Holy (x2 Str on 1st, x1.5 Str on rest (Dragon)) Buffs(s) etc = Magic Vestment, Status, Life Link, Air Walk, Heroes’ Feast, Protection from Energy (80hp Acid)l, Protection from Energy (120hp Electrical), Protection from Energy (6/120hp Fire), Protection from Evil, Wind Walk, Lunge, Anticipate Dodge, Holy Aura Damage: 2d10 (Monk’s robe) Slots:
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Mortimer delays when the gnome cries out telepathically. He glances briefly over his shoulder beyond the gnome toward the source of the acid arrow. What the… I wonder, do these stupid dragons even know that they are the wrong kind of worm for this age? 'Necro…zyte'. 'Necro' -- are they necromancer types – like that gaunt man in the Diamond Lake Observatory probably was? Like him, are these dragons also Abusers of the Dead, or Abused Undead themselves, or both? Mortimer ponders as he double fly-moves to get into what he thinks will be a better position. In any event, they both gotta go. Status: AC: 39 (base 35),[/b] FF: 22, Tch: 23 (+4 vs AoOs when moving) (+4 Holy Aura)[/b] HP = 156/157 Weapon Equipped = Unarmed with Acid Glove things and Amulet of Might Fists +3/Holy (x2 Str on 1st, x1.5 Str on rest (Dragon)) Buffs etc.(s) = Magic Vestment, Status, Life Link, Air Walk, Heroes’ Feast, Protection from Energy (80hp Acid)l, Protection from Energy (120hp Electrical), Protection from Energy (6/120hp Fire), Protection from Evil, Wind Walk, Lunge, Anticipate Dodge, Monkey Lunge Particulate Form, Haste, Holy Aura Slots:
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Despite the fact that no one can see him doing it, Mortimer raises the sword and jabs it in the air three times. Stabby-stabby then?, he says through the telepathic bond. Will have to get closer. Eidi, I don’t suppose you could just ‘move’ me?! With no Dimension door or other brought forthwith, and unless no one stops him, Mortimer makes his way toward the back of the tower in flight.
It's like sneaking up on a cat. Hopefully she’s a loud snorer.
Mortimer, activates The Lightning Sword’s (companion to the Sword of Aaqa) fly ability. ”Whoosh.” Hey, Sol, he says through the telepathic bond as he flies up to her. Do you still have the Sword of Aaqa? Maybe we should wake her with a sonic boom then scatter! Or... maybe I should just go up there and stab it in the head!
When the gnome welcomes the spriggan into the inner circle, Gazzilfek does his best to comply. Are we somehow in the same space as this filthy spirggan? Why do I feel the need to scrub my soul? ”"Oh yes, I did. Now, when you say 'perfectly fine', the hairs on my forearms rise up. Mortimer listens to the wizened half elf express his thoughts.. ”I’m guessing if we wander around here we’ll run into her soon enough – but I wonder why she’s in here, and not out there with the other dragons. Is she not up for the greater battle out there?” He smacks his lips together lightly when Ascaria casts Protection from Energy. What is that? Like… cinna...mint…? And it smells like mhyrr now. Weird. I like it. He carries himself slightly taller and moves along with the others taking smallish steps so as not to make anyone feel rushed.
"Why go down there when there's a perfectly fine green one lurking around up here?" asks Mortimer. "Who did you say, Eidi? 'Necrozyte'?"
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