Hello everyone, sorry to have been quiet for so long. Life has just hit me really hard between family and work issues and I'm barely able to keep up with everything I have to do, much less things that I want to do.
I've been hoping that things would calm down soon and I would be able to jump back into things, but as it stands I don't know when that will be. Relatedly, I don't think it is fair to keep my status so questionable when I can't give any kind of time frame for it.
So I've decided to withdraw from all of my games. I've had a lot of fun with all of you, more than I've had in this hobby in a long time. Thanks everyone, for giving me the opportunity to play.
Huh, I was trying to make him afraid of Hound, not myself...
Nahia shivers at Elise's invitation, but she sees Sir Valin quickly leaving from the corner of her eye. With a sigh she whispers "Please hold that invitation... please"
She quickly makes her way to Mysty and says "Tail Valin and see where he goes. Something is amiss here..."
With that done, she returns to Miss Fairworth and says "You have no idea how much I would love that... Do you think the others will be alright without me? Maybe we should stay... nearby..." with a playful grin spreading across her face.
Jessica smiles at Miss Fairworth and curtsies briefly. "I'm here representing my Father's investment in this company. We came for the party, but given the rumors flying about we figured we'd check out what was going on in the woods as well." She begins to continue, to ask a question of her own, when Mysty comes near.
When Mysty comes up and speaks of Hound, at first, Nahia is annoyed. But as the tensions between the groups escalate, a grin spreads over Nahia's face. Nahia whispers to Mysty "This could work to our advantage. If the Baron goes for it, let them fight."
Nahia steps forward to Hound and the noble and adds "Come now gentlemen, is this really necessary?"
Turning to the Noble, she says "Please, Sir, our companion is more used to mincing bandits than words. If you want someone to beat something into a pulp so fine that you can no longer identify it, he is your man. But he just doesn't understand how such words might do as much damage as his meaty fists."
Turning to Hound and speaking softly, but not too softly, she continues "And do we really need to repeat this? Remember Sir Gowain? Do you remember how much it cost to pay the healers to put his face back together? Or the soldier before that? Father is still paying that man to sweep up the store since he isn't good for much else anymore..."
Bluff to Cover the Lying:1d20 + 19 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 19 + 2 = 30 Intimidate to Make him scared to fight Hound:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Hoping to either make him too scared of Hound to fight, or to goad into a fight with Hound, where Hound will win.
If we make everyone known about how scary Hound is, if we 'disappear' while going after the rumors of the Horn, then it might discourage more silly nobles creating adventuring parties.
I've run into some real family issues here as of late. My stepmother is on her deathbed and my nephew is moving in with me (as opposed to going homeless). I'm still planning on trying to keep up, but if I end up holding anything back, feel free to DMPC me as needed. And sorry if that becomes necessary.
Wonderful! I was going to see about seeking out Elise after the celebration!
Nahia can't help but smile when she sees the newly arrived party. Knowing that they need to be discreet, Nahia makes her normal rounds, chatting with people as she passes by, remarking on this or that outfit, complimenting someone's dance skills... until she makes her way to 'Miss Fairworth'.
Smiling at the woman, she softly says "Well, you seem quite distinct from the other noble ladies. I'm Jessica Morningstar, pleased to meet you."
@Aku, I assume my diplomacy check has the same results as Cecelia's?
Nahia nods at Hound and says to Missy "Try and eavesdrop on some conversations. They keep going quiet when we're around. I'll see if I can cause something of a distraction." Muttering a quick mantra under her breath, she heads towards the dance floor.
Joining the dance floor, Nahia moves from partner to partner, watching for a particularly handsome and skilled individual. Picking her best bet, she begins to dance with him, choosing her moves to try and bring out ever more energy in him, ever more desire, to make him go flashier and bolder, the two of them a blur of skin and skirt on the dance floor.
Dance:1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 1 = 20
-- Inserting this because I don't want it to be missed. --
When Sir Valen goes to leave, Nahia will intercept him. Why not double our chance of success?
Nahia mutters another mantra and takes a sip of wine before 'accidentally' backing into Sir Valen on his way out, the jostle causing her to spill wine on her dress. Immediately, she turns red in the face, brushing the wine from the soaked cloth and apologizing "I am SO sorry. I can be..."
She stops mid-sentence when she turns around and sees who it is, her face reddening even more. "Oh, Sir Darian! I am so sorry! Did I get any wine on you!" She says softly, inspecting him for even a drop of discolor.
Long term goal is to draw him into wanting to meet with me at a later date, outside the party. Basically, seduce him and then placate him with an excuse about tonight.
In preparation for the party Nahia first applies an oddly red poultice, the same from the celebration party last week, and lets that dry on her skin for a few hours. Then, she takes a nice, long, hot bath, letting the stress and dirt and everything melt off of her into the quickly darkening water.
She plays around with different looks and different outfits before setting on something somewhere between noblewoman and entertainer. She wears a flowing purple gown that starts as a nice purple choker that runs down her body like twirling flowers and vines before draping over her hips and turning into a collection of fine, diaphanous cloth.
Next, she focuses on her crown and begins to turn her skin to s slight olive tone, the dusky skin fitting in well with her elven appearence. Finally, she lets her eyes go a rich sky blue.
She spends a few minutes coming up with her cover story: Her name is new name is Jessica Morningstar, a daughter of a merchant family that is funding their adventuring company. She primarily acts as their accountant, healer, and scholar, using their travels and wealth to set up trade agreements. Her family has worked with the Baron for finding antiques and importing goods from across the sea.
Trait Ritual - Warning - slightly graphic:
Knowing that she needs to be on the top of her game tonight, once she is clean and dressed and ready, Nahia takes a moment to do something that she has done surprisingly little of lately: pray.
She draws a chalk pentagram and kneels in it, her eyes closed and her hands clasped together, just as the Cardinal taught her. In Infernal, she begins to softly pray.
Oh Prince of Darkness, please listen to your gracious servant.
I know it has been long since I have given more than a quick prayer, spoken in haste.
But I work for you, my Prince, that we may usher in a new age of your glory.
I sacrifice my time and my pain to you, Dark One, that you will reward me.
As Nahia continues her prayers, she can feel that comforting warmth seep into her chest and begin to spread throughout her body.
Tonight is the first time since I sold myself to your service, Dark Prince, that I will practice my old skills.
And while I want to simply enjoy myself, even tonight I work for you.
Please, my Prince, guide me and strengthen me, ensure my sacrifice is not in vain.
Nahia reaches down and pulls up the skirt of her dress, revealing her thighs.
I give my blood to you, Dark Prince, that you may find me wherever I may go.
The nail on her index finger grows longer, sharper, and she begins to slowly cut into the inner thigh of her right leg. First one line, then two, three, four, and five, forming the pentagram of Asmodeus. Finally, she completes the symbol with a circle joining the points of the star. And when she does so, she feels an intense heat rush from her thighs through her body.
Taking a deep breath, she bows her head forward and whispers.
Thank you, my Dark Prince, for accepting this ones supplication.
Reaching into her pocket, she retrieves a cotton garter which she slides up her right leg and ties into place below dripping cuts, the white cloth staining red.
Activating my 'Asmodeus Rewards Sacrifice!' trait for a +2 to Diplomacy.
As they walk into the party, Nahia immediately begins to grab a glass of wine and mingle with the crowd, quickly falling into her old graces and habits. It is not long before she is joking with the women, reacting incredulously at gossip and slipping in her own stories of the faux pas of others. Just as easily, as she samples food and takes in drink, she flirts with the noble men, covering her mouth and giggling at their tales, offering small compliments, and staring at them longingly and slyly, though not so slyly as to not be noticed.
But as she mingles the one that really piques her interest it the wizard Mott. She waits for a proper opportunity and saddles up to him as he gets some food of his own, exchanging the normal pleasantries before adding. "Mott... why does that name sound familiar? I know I've heard your families name recently but I can't for the life of me remember where..."
I'm trying to see if he is related to Captain Mott from Brandescar.
Sorry for being quiet! I was helping out my family with their big Labor Day party they like to throw. My grand-father is starting to get up there in age and can't really do all the setup and cooking by himself like he used to.
- - - - -
Adventurers is a good cover. It means others are likely to tell us what they know about the horn and we can drop misinformation. I was originally thinking nobles, but we don't know enough about the current political situation in the rest of the country to really pull that off.
Nahia can't help but fall into a fit of giggles at Cecelia's faux-conversation. "Oh yes Lord Stuffed-Codpiece, that is amazing how you managed to kill that wolf with only an small army of hunters... You commissioned a famous artist for your portrait? I'm sure he must have been so excited to capture the visage of someone of such... magnitude... What was that? You want to show me your manor and discuss country matters? I'm so sorry, I've haven't had enough... I mean, I've had too much wine, there is no way that I could properly appreciate it..."
Her laugh turning into a brief snort, Nahia does manage to calm herself enough to address business. "Agreed, we should not leave this place unguarded. I can brew a potion that will let someone be able to see invisible things for maybe half an hour. Big'Un should probably stay behind. Bizan too. Cecelia and myself should probably go. I'm not sure about you Hound, or Mysty, or Seren. Though I am leaning towards Mysty going and Seren staying. Seren's magic and undead make useful guardians, and Mysty could potentially eavesdrop on some private conversations."
Nahia reads over the invitation for a bit, trying to look for any indications of codes or secret messages. Still, in the end, it just looks like any regular note. "Well, this will be interesting. I haven't been able to attend a party, especially with the nobility, in ages. It'll be good practice. My honeyed tongue has gotten a bit dry..."
Turning to Cecelia, she responds "I don't know. I'm sure one of them will be there. This would also be a good opportunity for me to catch up with Elise... Or are you worried about you being there? I wouldn't worry too much. While I do agree with the secret, I also don't think it is a matter of grave importance. Besides, we've had quite a few underlings roaming about with us lately."
Chuckling a bit at Hound, Nahia adds "If you'd like, I can help you wear something fashionable and in a color that will compliment your eyes..."
@DM Aku, Ok, here is the map of the modified caverns. The brown is the new wall, blue is water (maybe 20' deep at the wall?) The green is a tunnel that goes down and back to the water on the other side for the boggards to swim through.
The red A's are the assassin vines and their reach (once mature).
Nahia looks to Cecelia and adds "If we used the balconies, they'd need to be off and to the side. Maybe enough to just reach up the edge. But if a mistake were to be made by one of us, and we were attacked by them, I'd rather it be by the pond than off the cliff, I guess. Not that I'm too worried about us, honestly."
Nodding at the others, she adds "Alright, they're too small to move now, but I'll tend to them and move them when I can and as I figure out a solution to keeping them where we want them."
Aku, when I get the chance I'll chance the cavern map and put up the new modifications.
I'll answer the question about stopping them from moving after Aku let's me know.
Nahia stands and brushes the dirt from her hands and knees. "No, no poison, but they are hardy little things, able to withstand much harsher weather than most. And if they turn out to be normal assassin vines, they'll grow to about 8-10 strides. Of course, they're feeding off the magic being put out by the horn, so who knows how big they might get."
She steps back and begins looking up and down the horn. "They'll attack anyone in range, and even use their tendrils to take control of other vine-y plants around it, and I'm not aware of any way to make them NOT do that, so they could be a good deterrent, maybe a trap, but we con't put them somewhere we want to also go."
She points up to the 3rd floor and top balconies. "If I can find a way to keep them in one place, and that is a big if, what about up there, two below each balcony? If someone tries to scale the walls of the horn, they won;t be able to fight back as the vines strangle them. We'd have to toss them some meat and blood every so often to make sure they stay fed, but that shouldn't be that hard. Of course, except for maybe the garden, they wouldn't be able to use other plants to help them."
She looks back out towards the woods. and the newly formed pond. "We could just leave them along the edges of the water here. We leave one clear path, probably right down the middle, and let anyone else nearby get dragged into the water and strangled."
@Aku, the idea was to wall off the entrance to the caverns at C1 and to try and make it look as natural as possible. So instead of the big open area, there would be a stone and soil embankment covered in plants.
At the base of the new wall would be a small pond. Under the water there would be a tunnel that does go into the caverns. That way the boggards can still get through, and any would be adventurers (or f^#&$@% moondogs) would have to swim down to swim through there to get anywhere.
And, hopefully, if we post boggards with horns to guard from the inside, the water displacement will let them know that invisible things are coming through and warn everybody. Plus, if it is regular adventurers then the boggards might just be able to drown them.
- - - - -
Related to the Spikes of Safe Passage. They cover a 15' sphere with a couple of possible illusions. We can place one at the opening in the pool to hide it.
We've got two more hiding the doors on the balcony, which is really a decoy since those doors have been sealed with a thick wall behind them anyway.
I think one should be used to hide the door on the balcony with the evil garden on it. By the time anyone has a chance to investigate it our bad@$$ evil tree can throw/push whoever it is over the side.
For the last one, I think we should use it to hide the spiral staircase that is on the first floor in the bar. The spike can make it look like a pile of crates and barrels, which would blend right in.
- - - - -
About the assassin vines. Is there a way to secure them in place? Can we like, spike the roots down or something? Or will they just be able to escape anything like that?
I'll take 10 on both knowledge checks for a 21 and a 22, respectively.
As they go outside to ready for constructing the new wall, Nahia hears the whisper in her head again: Over there... in the brush... see them?
Glancing over, she stares for a moment before going wide eyed. She rushes over to some tall grass and pushes it aside, revealing several small flower. "Cecelia, go get the others. This may be very fortunate for us."
--When the others arrive--
Nahia, pushes the grass aside again and points to the plants. "These... these are a very special plant. These are just the seedlings, but once they mature these plants will lash out at anything within their long reach and attempt to strangle the life from it. And their sense are quite sharp, even being able to detect invisible foes. And they blend in quite well with the natural plants in this area, don't you think?"
She lets the grass go, covering the tiny plants again. "So... what should we do with them?"
Aku, can they be moved or transplanted?
Closing off the Cave:
Nahia examines the lines of shovels, picks, and buckets that the boggards had brought forth, quite happy that they weren't going to be doing the digging this time. She reaches into her satchel and takes out a flask, taking a swig from it and grimacing.
She offers it to Cecelia, adding "It burns like H#!! and it tastes pretty rough, but it's the only way that I can get the right timber in my voice." She takes another sip herself before continuing. "Now, this might take a couple of hours, so feel free to leave if you get bored. But if you do, send someone else out here to look after me while I do this. Ok?"
Nahia takes one last drink from the flask and then puts it away as she wips her mouth with the back of her hand, her cheeks quite flushed from the gut-rot at this point. Reaching down she takes scrapes some mud from the ground and rubs it on her arms, hands, face, and neck. She flicks the excess mud from her hands and reaches into her satchel, pulling out a large, heavy looking book with a cover of roughly peened lead.
Opening it up, she turns several pages that appear to be made from dirty linen with songs inscribed in some dark brown ink. Finally getting to the page she was looking for, she clears her throat and spits to the ground. After a deep breath, her she starts to hum low and raspy as her foot taps to a slow beat.
And then she begins to sing, her normally high voice dropping to a rich contralto as she lets the words roll out slowly and somberly, the weak and weary tone clashing with the hopeful lyrics of the song. Each line has a word that is sung through gritted teeth, the anger and resentment of the song quite palpable.
Well, we dig dig dig
Well, we dig in our mine the whole day through
Dig dig dig, that is what we like to do
And it ain't no trick to get rich quick
If you dig dig dig, with a shovel and a pick
She continues singing this stanza for couple of minutes before another voice fades in, this one deep, masculine, and just as angry. And as the song continues, several more voices join into the song.
Dig dig dig, the whole day through
Got to dig dig dig, it's what we like to do in our mine, in our mine
Where a million diamonds shine
We got to dig dig dig, from the morning till the night
Dig dig dig up everything in sight
Dozens of voices have joined in as bodies begin to fade into view, their clothes dirty and torn around well-earned muscles, their eyes distant and weary, their form drained of any color that isn't lifeless-grey, dirt brown, or coal black. Each walks and grabs a tool: a shovel, a pick, a bucket, and begins their work, singing the song the whole time.
We got to dig dig dig, in our mine, in our mine
Dig up diamonds by the score
A thousand rubies, sometimes more
But we don't know what we are diggin' for
The workers toil endlessly as they follow Nahia's song: digging soil and stone, making morter, forming the wall, digging a channel to the pools in the cave, packing dirt into the wall, planting flowers, trees, and brush along the wall and newly-formed pond.
Finally, when all seems complete, Nahia changes to a different page in the book, whistles with her fingers, and begins a new song, this one less angry than before, but no less weary.
It's quitin' time, quittin' time
Time to disassemble this assembly line
Lord, I love punchin' out like I hate punchin' in
Hot damma lama lama, it's quittin' time again
I'm so tired of makin' whatever it is that we make
With some fool tellin' me when I can take a break
They're breakin' my spirit and makin' my body ache
But I'm just about to make the great escape.
The dreary workers started to put up their tools and to clean their worksites, but there was no extra pep in their voices, no new vigor. And with the cleaning done, one by one, the form their line and begin their march back into the woods, their bodies fading from view even as their dry voices continue to faintly travel over the hills.
Time to disassemble this assembly line
Lord, I love punchin' out like I hate punchin' in
Hot damma lama lama, it's quittin' time again
I'll be leaving this factory at the speed of light
Gonna meet my lady at the tavern tonight
When a bard cuts loose she's gonna hold me tight
Everything I want a gonna be alright
Nahia snaps the book shut with a heavy thud and begins to wipe the sweat and flaking dirt from her face. She puts the book away and pulls the flask from her satchel again, taking a long draw this time. Turning to Cecelia, she smiles and asks "Well, as interesting as you were hoping it would be?"
Nahia glances at Hound incredulously. "Remember, the songbook I used to rearrange the walls and construct the traps in the tower? Did you hit your head or something in that last fight?"
Is he the real Hound? Maybe this is the Moondog...
Nahia frowns at the report. "The Baron is a snake and an opportunist with no sense of dedication or loyalty. He is in this only because he sees profit in it. He would sell any or ALL of us out if given what he considers only a slightly better deal. Remember that..."
She takes a deep breath and calms herself as she retrieves her pipe from her satchel. "As for the Seventh, I believe their leader means well, but her crew can not be trusted, at least not by us. But the Cardinal saw fit to make them a Knot, so there must be something worthwhile to them."
Nahia looks away from the others to methodically pack her pipe.
Hmm... once again it comes to the question of 'Can we trust Elise?'... She's had plenty of opportunity to harm me if she wanted... Then again, she seems to have little regard for her companions at times... and there was that incident with Rose... But she's never asked anything from me. In fact, I've always been the one to start conversations about nature and winter and the tricks of our trade... But I also trusted Barnabus...
She finishes packing her pipe and lets out a deep breath before mumbling a few words in Aklo and summing a tiny fire sprite to rest on the end of her pipe. Letting out a thick cloud of smoke, she asks "So, I've got some spirits lined up to try and counter any invisibility we run into, and given these materials, I can have some scrolls ready tomorrow."
She sits on one of the chests of materials brought back, leaning on it lazily. "I was thinking, we should use songbook and have them cover over the cave mouth. We can close it over with some earth, rock, and plants and put a pool of water in front of it. Then the boggards can use a tunnel in the pool to come and go."
Nahia approaches the returning party, excited to sift through the materials they brought back for her. "Yes, these fireflies are fresh... and pure quicksilver, good, good..."
She begins stuffing the stuff into her satchel as she asks "So... how was the Baron?" Despite her (admittedly minimal) efforts, the disdain still comes through as she asks the question.
Nahia approaches the returning party, excited to sift through the materials they brought back for her. "Yes, these fireflies are fresh... and pure quicksilver, good, good..."
She begins stuffing the stuff into her satchel as she asks "So... how was the Baron?" Despite her (admittedly minimal) efforts, the disdain still comes through as she asks the question.
@DM Aku - even without the organizations, I still would like to keep my feat, just from a story perspective. I'd been planning my little coven since before we even had the alternative rules announced. : )
Also, can I get the spell list, if any, from the Snake Lady we killed earlier? I intend to see if she has a spell I can add to my spell list.
@Hound, Yeah, subtract 595 gold to cover the cost of that Belt of Giant Strength. If you don't have it I, personally, don't mind you being in hock to the party for a bit, though the others would have to agree as well.
- - - - -
Ok, party loot rules are as such:
1) Everyone gets a share, including a share for the 'party' for stuff likes wands, story costs, resurrections, etc.
2) If you want an item found in the loot you can pay its sale price, which gets distributed among the other party members (and the party share).
3) Depending on the situations, NPCs (though not cohorts so far), may also get a share. This is especially true of major NPCs like GrumbleJack.
4) We don't really have a 'dibs' calling process, as it hasn't really been an issue yet. Usually, after a battle the loot is posted to the sheet and you declare what you want in a discussion post. Once it is settled it gets marked on the sheet, and when appropriate, Aku or I will make a post like the one above summarizing everything.
- - - - -
Also, Nahia has Make Wondrous Item, Brew Potion, and Scribe Scroll. If asked, she is usually willing to work on items for people for base materials plus 10%. The 10% goes towards scribing scrolls and spells for my familiar.
- - - - -
@Cecelia: Note, that is technically described as 'lens' singular, though I listed the price the same as 'lenses of detection'. This hasn't been properly explained yet (cause no one cared to ask), but I'm guessing it is either a single lens of a pair of lenses of detection (so, junk) or a magnifying glass. Check this post for where we found it.
I don't think so. It wiped out almost all the money from the pile of gold/silver things found inside the secret chamber that Erza is/was guarding.
You still have money from normal loot to sell and divide.
The following calculations below ONLY account for what is currently in the loot sheet Item_List. That should also include what was in Ezra's Cache.
===================
= Old Party
===================
Ok, in the Horn, we found enough stuff to be worth 51220.55 gold. We already had party funds of 7529.17 gold. We spent 52380 on fixing up the Horn. This leaves us with 6369.72 Party Gold.
(On a side note, we should double check our placements of those Spikes of Safe Passage)
There are also two Amethysts in the Boggard Treasury I didn't include, because I wasn't sure if that was going to be an issue. They're worth 370 GP.
I figured some stuff we found as 'Party Items', so things that are more useful to the party than any single character. This includes:
-) 3 Stone Salves (12000 gp)
-) Helm of Comprehend Language and Read Magic (5200, currently on Hound)
-) Elixir of Truth (500 gp)
-) 12 Potions of Cure Moderate Wounds (3600)
-) Lens of Detection (3500)
-) Ring of Mind Shielding (8000)
-) Minor Rod of Elemental Metamagic [acid] (3000)
We also can (have?) been harvesting natural resources from the horn. We're 5 weeks in, so that means we have:
-) 1250 gp of acid (125 vials)
-) 5 doses of Death-Angel Spine Venom (750 gp)
The following values and items were claimed by party members:
-) Nahia: 20 (Whisky)
-) Hound: 2000 (Belt of Giant Strength +2)
-) Rose: 1157.5 (+1 Longsword)
Given how money paid for loot items is split amongst other party members, this means each person earns/owes the following.
Nahia => 769.37
Rose => -652.5
Mysty => 794.37
Hound => -1705.62
Party => 794.37
===================
= New Party
===================
Ok, now for the new members.
The unclaimed items will sell for 6645.5 gp.
I have the following items marked as claimed for the party:
-) 2 scrolls of Cure Light Wounds
-) 1 potion of Cure Light Wounds
Nahia also claimed the Silver Holy Symbol.
This means each person gets the following:
Nahia => 1095.08
Mysty => 1110.08
Hound => 1110.08
Bizan => 1110.08
Cecelia => 1110.08
Party => 1110.1
===================
= Summary
===================
Adding both tables together, this means:
Nahia => 1864.45
Mysty => 1904.45
Hound => -595.54
Bizan => 1110.08
Cecelia => 1110.08
Party => 1904.47
The party funds/items now consist of:
-) 8274.19 gp
-) 1250 gp of acid (125 vials)
-) 5 doses of Death-Angel Spine Venom (750 gp)
-) 3 Stone Salves (12000 gp)
-) Helm of Comprehend Language and Read Magic (5200, currently on Hound)
-) Elixir of Truth (500 gp)
-) Lens of Detection (3500)
-) Minor Rod of Elemental Metamagic [acid] (3000)
-) Ring of Mind Shielding (8000)
-) Songbook (Lyre) of Building (13000)
-) 5 Spikes of Safe Passage (10000)
-) 12 Potions of Cure Moderate Wounds (3600 gp)
-) 2 scrolls of Cure Light Wounds
-) 1 potion of Cure Light Wounds
-) Wand of Infernal Healing (46 charges, on Nahia)
-) Wand of Cure Light Wounds (25 charges, on Seren)
-) Wand of Make Whole (???/25 charges, how many were used to repair the Horn?, on Seren)
===================
= Remaining Questions
===================
1) Do we want to sell some of the 'Party items'? If so, which ones?
2) What about the Boggard Amethysts?
3) Does anyone want to buy in for the Ring of Mind Shielding? Since it's such a good item for us, maybe it should stay in the party until someone can afford to pick buy it from everyone? I know I might like to get it once I can afford it.
4) What to do with the acid and poison? I say we give the acid to the minions, maybe sell it off later, after the mission. Anyone want to buy acid doses?
5) Any questions from all of you?
Nahia lets of a soft sigh as the girl nods off. "Lightweight..." she mumbles under her breath as she rises, a little unsteady, and walks over to the girl. She looks the girl over, seeing the little flakes of 'Mitran' about her person, even in the way she rests.
For a moment, the witch debates about entering the girls dream and seeing what resides deep inside her. But, given her own amount of drink, decides not to, especially given the possibility of attack soon. Instead, she lifts the girl, a little shaky on her own feet, and brings her to the bed, laying her down and pulling the sheet over her.
Before leaving, she places a glass of water and the Alchemical Kindness nearby on the nightstand.
With one final glance, the witch examines Cecelia, and then leaves for her own room.
Nahia glances over at the collection of journals and nods. "You'll have time. the Baron you're going to meet seems to never be home, so you'll be able to get all primped and proper just to see each other. Still, the food is good."
Nahia takes a deep breath and says "Speaking of tomorrow, we should probably get some sleep. The others should have my list of materials for scrolls... and hopefully some more honey..."
Nahia shakes her head. "No, the disease, whatever it may be, isn't personal enough. It doesn't count. Our vengeance will come by your hand directly, in a form that we decide!"
Nahia finishes the rest of her glass, her words just starting to slur. "And no, I can wait. There are more important things to do. First, we take down the Mitrans and gain the authority that we rightly deserve. Then, we dole out vengeance."
Grinning, she continues "I'm not normally one to preach delayed gratification... but revenge is a dish best served cold."
I know, it's like being a teenager all over again! And actually, it doesn't do anything. It's been properly treated. If it hadn't been, you probably would have died of dysentery and kidney/liver failure while having bouts of vertigo, tremors, fever, delirium, and seizures. Check it out for yourself.
Nahia giggles as she puts away the rest of the mushrooms. "What I was doing was teasing. And why would I be a b%!+#? You've given me no reason to and there are so few in this world like us, it seems a same to push some one away in such a silly way. Even if I was frustrated at the happenings of the day."
With a heavy sigh, Nahia adds "And no, I haven't had time. Ever since Brandescar it has been from one mission to the next, or some kind of training. But I'll have my day, even if I have to pull his spirit from the afterlife myself. And when I do I am going to savor every last drop of his just desserts."
Suddenly smiling demurely, Nahia licks her crimson lips before slowly licking some errant whisky from the rim of the glass. "Hussy is a word used by women who realize that either either their looks, their personality, or both are not good enough compared to said 'hussy'. It is a word that originates from the fear of either 'debasing' themselves or being alone for the rest of their lives. So they come up with these makeshift morals to make themselves seem better than the hussies, so their husbands will somehow find it more attractive that they won't do all the fun things the hussies will."
Leaning back and against the wall, enjoying the cool stone on her skin, she closes her eyes and asks "And what of you? Any grand plans of righteous vengeance?"
Hey Hound and Mysty, and maybe the others. Check the loot sheet and go ahead and claim anything from the last two categories (the stuff from the knights and the elves). We should sell anything else that isn't marked.
Nahia takes a sip as she shakes her head slightly. She then takes a moment to stare intensely at the girl. "Huh, it's been a while since I've seen someone who felt so guilty. I never implied you were a b~!&@. What I implied, was that you were being too formal. And you've been very enjoyable company so far, even if you're not a hussy."
The way she talks badly about herself... and that uncomfortable shift in the conversation... is this Cedric who she feels guilty about? I'll have to remember that...
Nahia reaches into her satchel and pulls out a thin basket that is actually taller than the satchel itself. Immediately a faint smell of fruit and earth can be detected. She reaches inside the basket and pulls forth several wrinkly, purple-brown masses. "There are several names for these: Brain mushrooms or turban fungus most commonly. They're usually found underneath evergreens, especially late winter or during the spring."
She takes one of the mushrooms and sniffs it before giving it a small lick. "If not properly treated, they can cause stomach and brain problems, even death. But dried under the right conditions and boiled with the proper herbs, and they can be quite the little mental restorative."
She grins as she holds the mushroom out as an offering. "Want to try a bite?"
Feel free to sample it or not. : )
Nahia's normally snow white face is reddening more and more as the drink starts to take hold. But she grins especially wide at the question about Brandescar. "You know, you're the first person to ask me about that since I broke out? Well, to answer the question you asked, which was 'how I ended up there', I was set up by a business partner of mine. Instead of him meeting me at a drop off, the knights and guard showed up and there was no way I was getting out of that."
Reaching into her satchel, she takes out a wedge of cheese and a knife. As she continues she begins carving slices from it, offering some to Cecelia. "As for what you probably meant, which is 'what I was convicted of', well, I was ratted out for kidnapping and slave trading. And when they took me in they also realized I was a murder suspect."
"Now, those things don't normally warrant a trip to Brandescar... but most of my kidnapping and slave trading were nobles, squires, or young clergy. And the murder was of a Baron and his prized hunter. That, apparently, makes it enough to become one of the forsaken."
Nahia nods as the girl describes her punishment at the hands of the Mitrans. "I'm not going to lie, you got the worse deal out of the two of us. But hey, so your vision is dark. You can still feel the warmth of the sun on your face, the grass on your bare feet, and wind blowing in your hair."
She takes another sip of her drink and continues "Not that I'm saying you shouldn't stab out the eyes of every member of the Mitran clergy with something both dull AND red hot. I'm just saying that there are still plenty of great things to enjoy in the dark."
Nahia pours more drink into Cecelia's glass and then reaches into her satchel, pulling out a vial and tossing it at the girl. "You really think someone with my skills and eccentricities would let herself be stopped by a simple hangover? Drink this in the morning and you'll be fine. And don't worry about it, I make this stuff by the jug."
Nahia laughs at the comment about them being dead. She exposes her slender right wrist. At first, nothing seems out of place, but then a scar, the runic F of the Forsaken. "Go ahead, feel it if you don't believe me. Myself and several others, with the help of the Cardinal, not only escaped, but slaughtered everyone inside, and burned that place to the ground. The impossible is usually not, given the right effort and willpower."
Taking another sip of her drink, she continues "And really, all of that is just a survival strategy. My real point, is that your life is too precious to spend closing off any of your wants. And I know you want friendship, closeness, intimacy..." She trails off for a moment before continuing "I know this not because of any slip up in your coldness, but because I know that you still have a soul. And all of these things are good for the soul as good food is for the body."
She finished her glass and pours herself another. With a grin she adds "So no, we're not dead... but if we keep drinking like this, in the morning we're going to wish we were."
That wand of invisibility would be a great addition to our party loot... Hopefully we can nip it before it is gone.
Cecelia:
Nahia nods at girls suggestion of whisky, stepping into the room and placing the bottles upon the floor. Putting the others away in her satchel, she instead pulls out two crystal glasses and pours each of them a drink.
Taking a sip of her whisky herself, she nearly goes into a coughing fit as Ceclia speaks of being unprofessional. "No, see, that is what I am talking about. We are amongst each other, fellows of the knot and servants of the Cardinal. Now, when we are not talking about, are acting on, a mission, is not the time to be professional."
Taking another sip, Nahia adds "Not being trusting... I can understand that. I've been betrayed... and honestly, I've betrayed too... hell, ultimately, it's what landed me in Brandescar..." She kind of stares down for a moment. "But as for shutting everyone out? Locking yourself down as some cold b@&#%? Well, the way I see it...." she grins as she swirls and sniffs the drink in her glass. "... the way I see it, if you decide to shut yourself out of life like that, then they've already killed you... Or might as well have, at least."
Leaning back against the wall, she doesn't give Cecelia a chance to respond before continuing. "The killer isn't living, it's that naive part you mentioned. I know people are manipulative, deceitful, and out for their own gain. But those people are useful too... You can trust very, very few, and usually only about specific things. But when you find them... that trust is worth it. And as for the others... well, if you can't stay one step ahead, then make yourself useful to someone who can."
Nahia nods at each of them but adds "Maybe you should wait until tomorrow? We're all a little worse for wear and you wouldn't want to get ambushed. You should also take some flour from the kitchen when you go. Just in case."
- - - - -
Later, Cecelia:
Nahia approaches the door to Cecelia's room and takes a deep breath before knocking with her foot. When the door opens, she smiles and presents the jugs and bottles in her arms. "So, what's your poison then? Wine, whisky, brandy, or hard cider?"
Don't worry, I'm sure she'll loosen up eventually...and I'll probably have her come awkwardly back as soon as one of the others show up. Hopefully she is at least fun to tease in the meantime. :p
Yeah, I expected a freak out. Nahia's just having a bit of fun with the fresh meat (pun intended) and setting the stage for your emotional weakening and inevitable downfall.
... Uh, did I type that last part out loud? Cause that was totally a joke... Right, a joke... ¬_¬
Nahia giggles at the at Cecilia's sudden tenseness, but as the girl leaves she adds "I said you probably HAD BEEN like that." Not quite done yet, Nahia yells to be heard down the hall "And this is exactly what I mean by needing to loosen up!"
Taking another pull from the pipe, she closes her eyes again and lets the smoke lazily drift around her.
Huh, I was just poking a little fun, making some assumptions. But hey, she'll come around. I can always make a 'peace offering' later...
And turns and looks at Grumblejack with a smile. "Well, someone needs to make a trip into town. Honestly, I'd love to be the one to go, but if that beast shows back up I need to be here to try and keep it from running again. After that we need to shore up the defenses... again... and we need to make sure what's left of our guards will do their jobs and won't run off. We also need to prepare. We're getting closer and closer to the next sacrifice, and who knows what will happen then..."
Nahia, leaning back in her chair and packing her long, silver pipe, shakes her head, a frown on her face. "Honestly? I don't even know that I would trust wards at this point. Those dogs got in and out so easily. We could add a door to the second floor, though as a warning, it is just another way for someone to infiltrate. Though, if we do add a new door, maybe we should close off the stairwell from the caverns. It seems like that is our weakest point..."
Nahia mutters under her breath and waves a hand about as a small sprightly figure made of flame floats around and then sits on the end of her pipe, the leaves charring and then turning into an orange-red ember. Nahia takes a gentle puff and then nods her head at the little fire spirit. It rises up into the air, little fiery wings beats, and with a pop like that of an acorn in a fire place, it is gone.
Taking a deep puff, Nahia opens her mouth and lets the smoke roll out of it, her eyes closed, as she listens to the new girl. Completely exhaling, her eyes still closed, she responds "We were prepared for this, once. When our group was smaller, and with a slightly different cast, I once made some stuff just for this. Flasks full of glowing paint. I think it is time to make those again, once we can get some materials from town."
"Tonight, assuming we don't need it before then, I can create a scroll of a spell that will coat an area in shimmering motes of light that stick to what they touch. I plan to make several of them over the next few days.It won't counteract new invisible creatures that come around, like the spell you suggest, would. But it is also much cheaper. For the cost of one of your scrolls I can make five of mine. Of course, your spell lasts a lot longer than mine does... so there is that... And those are all nice ideas for the troops. The boggards are good hunters, but not terribly bright."
Taking another deep drag from her pipe, she lets out a thick bellow of smoke as part of a laugh when she sees Cecelia back away from Gumblejack. "Big'Un doesn't call anyone 'miss' anything. Though I guess 'Miss'Un' isn't out of the question." Grinning at the girl, she adds "You need to learn to loosen up a little though. Who ever heard of a convert away from the Mitrans that didn't let her hair down afterwords? Especially one who seems likely to have been some kind of high-and-mighty, vow-of-chastity, no-sir-no-wine-for-me, can't-let-my-guard-down nun like yourself."
There is a playful glitter in Nahia's eyes as she chuckles and takes another puff of her pipe.
That night Nahia spends quite a while in the bath, trying to scrub off the stench of failure. After scrubbing herself just a little raw, she strokes Andros' muzzle and hisses to him "I blame myself for this. I haven't been properly prepared. I've been distracted by the Sisters, by our companions. Tomorrow I'll start making sure we are ready for a threat like this, to keep our group, and our mission, safe."
She glances over at the glass of whiskey by the bathtub. "Maybe I should cut down on the liquor and wine..." Biting her lip, she glances at the glass longingly. "But then again..."
Taking the glass in hand, she stares at the amber liquid rolling around in the glass. She hesitates for a moment before sniffing the heavy scent of the drink. "My abilities come from my indulgence with my primal nature..."
Swirling the drink around she sighs deeply. "If I were to deny myself this... who knows what would happen to my connection to nature, to the spirits." She glances longingly at the glass before taking a sip, swashing the harsh liquid around in her mouth. She swallows it down, sighing at the harsh warmth that floods her throat.
Sinking deeper into the hot water of the tub, she rubs her neck and her chest, sighing as the warmth flushes over her. "Ok, scrolls to prepare for the next attack. And when we head to town, I'm going to go see Elise, and get in touch with myself. I mean, we did take down that group of musicians and their snake mistress. That got to count for something, right?"
Again, she lets out a deep breath before letting the warmth of the bath water wash over her, letting the stress melt away she lays back and plans for the future.
- - - - -
The next morning Nahia takes her time communing with Andros, talking of strategy and tactics, of which spirits to ask for help and which to placate to keep them away and busy.
Then she heads to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. There is leftover meat from the minstrels and from the slain moondog. She fires it up with eggs and potatoes, relishing in another chance to use the enemy for her own gain.
She waits for one of the others, any of them, to arrive, and asks them "So, what do you think of last night?"
Nahia looks around the scene of the henchmen, her hands clenching tightly. Her body shakes with anger, her face turns from pale to red as she clenches her eyes shut and unleashes a guttural scream. Her hair writhes and twitches on its own, blood begins dripping from her fists, her teeth elongate and sharpen, her skin begins to crack and scale, and even Andros is hissing loudly and angrily while coiling tightly around her arm.
In a flash her sickle is in her hands and she is flying back to the center room. She grabs the head of the fallen dog and begins hacking at it until it separates from the body. And just as quickly as she flies down the hall and out the doors, rising high above the horn, her now pitch black eyes open wide, the severed head raised high, as she shouts Celestial:"Run you coward of a beast! Flee with your tail between your legs! But know that thanks to your cowardice, your weakness, tonight we shall feast upon the flesh of your companion! And even death itself will not release them from us for when we have eaten our fill we will raise what's left their corpse in our service! And then, when we have no more use for them, we shall bury them so deep that none shall ever find them, that their soul can molder and linger without peace until the end of days!"
Assuming nothing happens.
Her breathing is heavy, her whole body shaking with each breath as she holds the head up high. As she recovers from her tantrum she floats back down and then walks back into the horn, hurling the head back at its body. Her form begins to return to normal as she goes back into the bar and grabs a jug of whisky. Through gritted teeth she says "I need a bath. And a drink. Have whoever might be left clean up this place. I'll be along after to repair any broken furniture."
I keep meaning to make scrolls of glitterdust, but I keep forgetting...
-- Nahia Round 6 --
Seeing the direction Hound charges in, Nahia quickly flies overhead and into the bar, rushing towards the spiral staircase and stopping once she blocks the way up. She gives a quick hiss to Andros "Warn me if you smell it nearby." and tries to watch for any sign of the invisibile creature.
With fly I can double move for 120'. I think that is enough to just put me right in sw corner in front of the spiral staircase.
--Current Effects-- Protection from Good: +2 AC, +2 saves vs Good Mage Armor (already in bar) Fly (7/10)
