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As Rutilus enters the room and the rat-man speaks of amnesty, Rutilus cannot help but smile at the situation. It is a rare day indeed when he gets to perform in front of an audience such at this. On his shoulder, in broad view of the rat-man, is his large centipede familiar. The creature appears interested and excited at what is to come. "Ah, my furry friend, we meet again. I begin to recall our first chance encounter - what was it that you called me again? Ah, yes. 'Devilpup'. Just a rather boring name if I do say so myself. I could think of a half-dozen more insulting names to call myself. Regardless, I do believe the tables have turned, haven't they? As it so happens, you are now at the mercy of said 'Devipup'. But I must confess, I would rather we be civil about this interrogation. Not a single drop needs spilling, nor a single prick of pain or agony necessary. Simple cooperation is all that is required, and there would be no need for someone such as I to stoop so low as to use more painful and barbaric methods of interrogation, nor would my.. ah.. friend need to get involved." Rutilus leans in close to the rat-man and allows his centipede to put its head near the were-rat's own exposed face. He leans back after a few moments, however, to give the prisoner some space. A few moments later, he procures a small vial from one of his sleeves. "But first, a little bit of.. preparation is in order. Do not worry, my furry-friend, this will not hurt. In fact, you will find that they enhance your already-enhanced senses.. among other things." Rutilus moves behind the were-rat and grabs hold of the back of his head - careful not to allow him a chance to bite - and holds the vial over his head, allowing drops to fall into the were-rat's eyes. He gives it a few moments to kick in continuing. As the were-rat's eyes dialate, Rutilus casts his spell.
Rutilus had been rather quiet during the whole affair; He had barely eaten anything at the feast, instead choosing the most tender bits of morsels out of each dish and dropping them into his collar, one at a time. Occasionally, the end of a rather long tongue can be seen wrapping around the morsels, almost as if Rutilus was purposefully allowing those to witness glimpses of his rather strong fiendish heritage. When the Commissar speaks up about the group's next moves, Rutilus finally speaks up. "Interrogation should be our first affair, then. I would be happy to offer my services in such a matter. I would need a few days to gather what resources I need, however, though it would be of great assistance if the State could assist in covering said expenses."
Hey everyone, just a heads up. I'm going to be busy with family stuff this week (Bleargh), so I won't be able to post until next weekend or so; I apologize for the absence! Feel free to DMPC me while I'm busy. As for DMPC actions, Rutilus is going to cast Summon Monster II next round to summon a Hell Hound and order it to help with the acolytes. From then on he'll save his spells except for dire emergencies and use Acid Splash in the mean time.
Having lost the spell from being unable to concentrate due to the acid dart, Rutilus grumbles to himself, moves over between Vincent and Arzazel, and pulls out a small pinch of colored sand out of his spell component pouch. With a few words of power, he casts the spell, issuing forth a blinding ray of multicolored lights right between the two bruisers and into the wererat's face. ______________________________________________
"He's invisible, not simply hiding. I have something that can seek him out, however, just hold on and cover me." Rutilus moves closer to the pillar to put some cover next to him and to ensure the acolytes can't reach him as easily. Once his back is to the pillar, he pulls out a miniature bag and candle from his spell component pouch and begins weaving the words of magic, using the two small items as foci. ______________________________
Rutilus, acting quickly while the others scramble to defend the Prelate or engage the two 'acolytes', quickly and deftly moves towards the invisible spy he had earlier failed to percieve. As he does so, he pulls his hands from his robe's sleeves and draws a pinch of fine, colored sand from his spell-component pouch. With a gesture of his free hand and a spoken word of magic, rays of brilliant colors spray out from his outstretched palm, engulfing the area where the spy is. ____________________________________
Rutilus, despite his earlier jests, remains quiet now that the Archbanker has left; He instead chooses to examine the Prelate and simply go along with the rest of them. Most of the time, he chooses to have his hands tucked into his sleeves, as he dare not attempt to swipe something with such a large group present, nor does he wish the Prelate to mistrust him anymore than is necessary.
Perception DC 33:
Rutilus’s eyes flare towards Arzazel at the mention of the half-orc’s allegiance with the Aspis Consortium, and his eyes narrow with an angry look on his face that disappears quickly as he hides his reaction.
Last to introduce himself, Rutilus gives a slightly exaggerated bow to the Archbanker, ”Rutilus Leroung, diplomat and conjurer present on the behalf of the noble Empire of Cheliax, at your service, Your Grace.” He looks all around him at the glories and wealth accumulated within the chambers and gives a nod. ”I must say, your wealth is worthy of praise from Mammon the Countless, Lord of the Third. It is indeed impressive.”
"I have no plans on doing such, Arzazel. Indeed, I fully intend to keep you between any sharp pointy bits and myself." Rutilus claps the Hermean on the shoulder as the bodyguard walks near the two. Although he doesn't worry too much about an attack in such broad daylight, Rutilus nevertheless keeps his eyes peeled.
Aw but I like Goods and Labor and Magic.. it means cheaper crafting costs! Spend time to get Magic at 1/2 price, then use that to make magic items at 1/2 price, means you can essentially pay 1/4th price for magic items! (Just takes longer!) :P Also Baern may be dying very soon in RotR, you might want to go check that out Thron.
Talk is Cheap!: I'm fine with plenty of combat or plenty of social interactions - I do enjoy actually testing my spells, -but- there are plenty of spells available for non-combat situations as well. I think I'd prefer a mix overall, though - not purely social, nor purely combat (Though I'd lean purely combat over purely social!). Downtime: I love me some downtime, including the mechanics and crunch associated with it. Not only would I be able to better utilize my crafting feats, but I may also invest in some craft skills. Plus Wizards need downtime for spell research, copying spells, etc. Bonds: Rutilus is a bit of a lone wolf by nature as well - he's greedy and selfish, and his singular devotion is the acquisition of power and knowledge. Any bonds of 'friendship' he has are purely for his benefit, while any rivalries may be sincere, or he simply enjoys toying with the person. He would have no issues cutting bonds of friendship the moment they became a liability or detriment to him - he's not the sort to sacrifice anything for another person. Adurus: Rutilus spares little thought to Adurus, whether good or bad thoughts. Arzazel: Rutilus spares little thought to Arzazel, beyond thinking him little more than a brute who wanted to play at being a scholar when he joined Rutilus and Zeltresh in the library. Eldred: Rutilus enjoys playing with Eldred's temper, even if he considers him little more than a mindless soldier in the long run. I'd say theres a minor rivalry going on in this case. Nathmir: As someone who pays his respects to Nethys, Rutilus has some respect for Nathmir, but I wouldn't say its much of a 'friendship'. Sampson: Rutilus rarely spares a thought for Sampson. Vincent: Rutilus considers Vincent's honor and goodliness to be something worth mocking and toying with - he has very little respect for Vincent, but nevertheless follows his orders, as Rutilus is one to respect the chain of command. I'd say there was a minor rivalry going on here, considering Vincent's LG nature vs Rutilus' LE one. Zeltresh: Rutilus has some respect for Zeltresh's arcane firepower, but feels that his sorcery is far below that of Rutilus's wizardry. Nevertheless, Rutilus doesn't have any enimity for the gnome and considers his firepower useful enough. --- I'm fine with sticking with 7 or bringing in an eighth - doesn't matter either way to me.
”Ah, well then,” claps his two-thumbed hands together loudly, ”I suppose then that brings out the truth of why we’re to be paraded around like the heroes from the tales.” He pauses, and the group can see from his eyes that he’s grinning behind his raised collar. ”I do hope the aforementioned titles, wealth, and so and so-forth are as lavish as one would expect! Maychance would there be any damsels not-quite-in-distress included in this packaged deal? Hmm?” He chuckles and waves one his hands, dismissing the joke about the damsel. ”While it is needless to say that I find myself having a difficult time looking forward to the glory and.. ah.. idolization that is henceforth becoming from young recruits the nation over.. the wealth and titles is something I can certainly get behind - particularly the wealth. Especially the wealth. I could really go without the titles, to be honest. I find that the wealth, however, would help in more ways than one - one way being my task for Rud. More resources will be boundlessly useful in my research - not to mention, if we are to act as bait, said resources will help ensure my continued service and ensure I do not needlessly journey to Pharasma’s Court sooner than is necessary, even though I’m quite certain I know where my destination lies beyond that.” ”However, “ Rutilus continues his monotone, not allowing anyone else a chance to speak, ”I do feel that it would be more effective if I were to remain in the shadows behind our group here. Let them be rewarded with the titles, adoration, and attention. If I am to allowed to remain relatively hidden and unknown, I may better keep an eye out for anyone attempting them harm, and perhaps even get the jump on our potential assailants. For our stalkers, if it comes to that, will find themselves with a stalker of their own. What do you say to that, Bailiff?”
If we are allowed to retrain our feats, given time and money, I plan on retraining my Augment Summoning and Superior Summoning feats, as I will get the former around level 8 from a class feature and the latter a level after at level 9. The two feats I plan on getting are, hilariously enough, Skill Focus(Diplomacy) and Diabolical Negotiator (Inner Sea Gods). This will allow me to use my Intelligence in place of my Charisma for Diplomacy! It fits very well with my theme, and I did not have the book at the time of our level up. Retraining will take 10 days and cost 300 gp, provided I do it at level 3. Once I hit level 6 and gain my first level in the PrC I'm going into, I'll have Diplomacy as a class skill - with full ranks, I suspect I'll have a +17 in the skill, despite having a -3 Charisma. :D
Rutilus' eye twitches at one point while Eldred talks. The Tiefling gets visibly annoyed before rebuking the gunslinger. "Nine Hells, Eldred. There are nine, not seven. If you're going to keep praising their name, please do so correctly? Avernus, Dis, Erebus, Phlegethon, Stygia, Malebolge, Cocytus, Caina, and Nessus, from the highest to lowest. If you wish, I can tell you who rules each so you can praise their names instead. I suspect you'd be preferential to Moloch, the General, Ruler of the Sixth." "As for being regarded as heroes for the country.. I believe I'm uniquely unsuited for this task, considering that, one, I am not of Molthune, but of Cheliax and two, I am not one of the most inspiring figures out there, save for the worshippers of the Damned. Most regard me as little more than a simple monster, rather than the student of the arcane and emissary of my nation that I am. Perhaps it is best that I remain in the shadows, instead of causing undue worries amongst the population, who may end up thinking that Molthune walks with a Devil, hm?"
"..Or perhaps.. your brother wishes to let his population know that Asmodeus and The Nine Hells are on Molthunes side - for the war's sake. Surely, the war is the most important thing to Molthune and her people, yes? Unless you disagree, Baliff?"
I've a question Brimley! Are we allowed to Retrain feats? If so, are we allowed to retrain the Bonus Feat some of us got for the Christmas bonus? I realized that my eventual path will give me that feat for free (Augment Summoning) and I'd like to retrain it sooner rather than later for something rather interesting I've recently found out about that I maaaay be going for.
The next morning, the day Rutilus was meant to meet with the Baliff, Rutilus does his obligatory spell-preparation ritual as he always does, picking a slight variation of his usual spells. Once finished, he prepares his usual attire, cleaning it with an hourly casting of Presdigititation before donning it. Unlike normal days, however, since he will not be adventuring today, he decides a bit of a change of pace is needed for his usual equipment. Brimleydower:
Leaving his backpack and bandoliers in his accommodations, he ties his scroll boxes to his belt beneath his robes and begins to pick and hide various flasks and vials among his robes, ensuring he has them if needed, but keeping them hidden so as to not attract attention. His dagger he hides in a small pocket inside the lining of his robe.
--------------- Later, after having arrived with the rest of his one-time companions, Rutilus keeps quiet, silently observing his surroundings and everyone present - though his two bandoliers are missing, the tiefling looks every bit the same as he did during the battle at Rud’s, not to mention his more recent library escapades. His centipede, thankfully, is no where to be seen. As the group enter the Baliff’s office and receive his welcome, Rutilus remains quiet for a few moments longer, letting the others speak first. ”And here I figured the tales of brave knights rescuing damsels in distress would be closer to the description of someone’s savior - considering the fact that all we accomplished was to take out a few crazies and destroy Rud’s defenses. If this is what being a savior is all about, then it is indeed overrated. I had figured there would be more gold involved - or at least an attractive woman of royal birth henceforth indebted to her rescuers. I can’t say the commissar Zeltresh and I met recently fit the bill, sadly.” ”As a result, it has piqued my interest as to why we’re here, for we have truly saved little and done even less.” Despite likely receiving glares from his various 'accomplices', Rutilus keeps his eyes focused on the Baliff, ignoring any other potential glares from the various military lapdogs surrounding him.
As Rutilus is handed the letter, he quickly shoos the valet away with a motion of his hand, waiting until the bothersome courier is gone before inspecting the letter. Before opening it, however, he routinely examines it for traces of poison and casts Detect Magic on it to ensure it isn't booby-trapped. Deciding that there appears to be no harm intended from the letter, he gingerly opens it, flips the paper open, and reads it, one of his scaley eyebrows rising as he does so. He looks down at his current attire - his black and blood-red silken ceremonial robes and nods that it should be sufficient. His familiar would likely need to stay hidden so as not to attract attention and cause a ruckus, however.
"The half-orc?" Rutilus sneers and scoffs, "Can't say he seems the 'scholarly' type. But if you think he'll be of any help.. I suppose you can bring him along, as long as the brute doesn't get in our way. I suppose he could be useful if we need to carry a large number of books.." ----- When the two get to the library, Rutilus immediately seeks out the books on planar information, leaving the gnome to his duties, fully expecting that Zeltresh can handle himself. As he and his familiar scan through the shelves, he hears the half-orc arrive, his voice booming. Rutilus shakes his head and smiles to himself at how right he believes he was about the brute. ----- Later, as he begins to research in earnst, he keeps his stack of books on another table from Zeltresh and Arzazel, focusing his own efforts on seeking out the information he's looking for and not really working 'together' with Zeltresh or Arzazel at all. Instead, both he and his familiar flip through the books. Though his familiar isn't anywhere near as knowledgable as he is, the familiar does know to seek out the words "Desmodian Crystal", and attempts to help its master locate it. _____________________________________ (Success)
Rutilus remains quiet as Rud and Zeltresh talk it out, thinking heavily on where he's heard of Desmodian Crystals before. As far as he knew, they bind energy of some sort from other planes.. but thats as far as he's read on the subject. He'll have to research it further. "As it so happens, Rud, you could not have expected to find a better candidate to seek out your crystal. While I cannot speak for Zeltresh here, since I do not know his capabilities beyond his skill in Pyromancy, I happen to be an expert on planar matters and arcane matters - As it so happens, I have heard of Desmodian Crystals before, although their purpose beyond binding energy from the planes eludes me at the moment. As for actually finding one, the task will be a little more complicated.. but I have full confidence that I'll be able to locate one - hopefully in time." Rutilus has his hands behind his back as he speaks, deigning to look around at the machinery as well. "In fact, the first thing I shall do is see if I can't find any more information on them - I'm sure theres a library somewhere in the city with enough information.." ________________________________________
Nuu Sampson! While yes, the pacing is rather poor due to Brimley's schedule, thats going to likely change soon with Thron now helping him - and as for writting yourself into a corner with Sampson, instead of withdrawing altogether, perhaps bring out a new character like I did with Rutilus and Viktor? Ooor.. perhaps Brimley/Thron can find a way for you to come back into the fold story-wise.
Giving a cursory nod in respect as he approaches the fellow demi-human, Rutilus is nevertheless rather surprised. ”This is indeed a treat! Here I had figured that all within the Chelish Embassy were all but forgotten by the rest of Molthune - but then for someone such as myself to have a personal request directly from the Archbanker himself? This is indeed surprising! Of course, I will accompany you. Let us see what the good Archbanker has to say, no?” As the sylph accompanies him to Rud’s foundries, Rutilus walks just a few feet behind her in respect of her apparent importance as a commissar - a role Rutilus understands all too well as a necessary role. Despite this, however, Rutilus eyes the slyph as he walks, looking at both the curvature of her figure and delicate way she moves - all while summing her up as a person as he does so. Even so, his mind is occupied elsewhere, partially thinking about what sort of planar unions could have resulted in such a creature, while simultaneously thinking about what in the Nine Hells the Archbanker himself would want with Rutilus at Rud’s Wastewares.
Disappointed that he was unable to secure anything interesting during this debacle, Rutilus heads back to the Chelish Embassy to report all that had gone on that night - including his own personal assessment of what the situation looked like within the city, including anything else of interest that his superiors question him on. From there on, dismissed as he is ‘until his presence is necessary’, Rutilus ‘heads to his room to study his spellbook’ - or, that is at least, that is what most people know that he is doing. In actuality, after heading to his accommodations, Rutilus waits until nightfall (if it isn’t already) and sneaks out of his quarters to seek his local contacts with the Pathfinder Society stationed in the city to let them know what he’s learned so far - especially his findings of the technology commanded by Rud, hoping to get some sort of payment for his findings, despite his absence of any sort of journal recording. _________________________________________________
Alrighty, as far as Rutilus' plans go, he's probably going to check in with the Chelish Embassy to let them know what he's seen and then.. well, he's kind of broke at the moment, so barring some form of payment, he's probably going to.. do whatever evil wizards do, and plot to take over the world? Honestly, barring going to the odd tavern and listening in for anything interesting, he'll probably stay indoors and study his spellbook while awaiting further orders. I'm going to work on his background in earnst in the coming days as I said I would. No more slacking off! (Brimley, expect to see numerous messages as I work things out with ya)
"Perhaps.. perhaps it is best if we simply notify our superiors about this man and let them handle his.. ah, capture. I do not believe that our strengths are particularly suited for searching for a turncoat that can change form at will. Instead, we should probably focus on simple damage control. That, or whatever else our superiors prefer us doing, yes? Our original mission of finding out whats going on in here is completed."
I like the Asmodean ones. I just need an unwilling slave or pet (And by pet, I mean a person who I have as a pet), drain some of their blood with a ruby-bladed knife, then paint a pentagram with it and pray in it. (Edit: Actually, its only 'preferred' that the creature is an unwilling sentient creature I hold dominion over. I can always use a goat. I wonder if goats are easy to come by in the city?) Pretty metal right there. Nethys' Obedience requires you to scribe arcane formula, blessings to Nethys, and lines of prayer on a blank parchment, (Not a complete spell mind you, only the notations sufficient to potentially spur a reader to study magic), then cast a spell or spell completion item. The bonus from the Obedience is a +4 to concentration checks. First boon is either Mage Armor 3/day, Mirror image 2/day, or Fly 1/day, second Boon is a beefed up Arcane Eye 3/day, and the third is the Robes of Nethys, an illusory robe that can absorb hostile spells for a number of rounds per day equal to 1 + 1 per 4 HD you possess (max 6 rounds), acting as a lesser globe of invulnerability against hostile spells only for that duration. Oh, wait, those are the Evanglist boons - there are different boons for the Exalted and the Sentinel PrCs. Also, Rutilus is updated, and I'll see about getting a post up shortly in the gameplay thread.
Alright, so far, here is Rutilus's changes: +12 Hp (20 Now)
Feats: Superior Summons
New Language: Celestial New Spells:
Was going to grab Summon Monster I, but I decided that 1d3+1 Fiendish Hawks with 2 talons at +5 attack and 1d4 damage and tiny size were better than 1 Fiendish Eagle with 3 attacks at +3 attack and 1d4+2 damage and small size. Sure, they have to take an AoO to get within range to attack, but considering they have higher AC (15[Hawk] vs 14[Eagle]) and almost as much Hp (6[Hawk] vs 7[Eagle]), I get more bang for my buck with the hawks. Hawks also have a +14 to perception and lowlight vision, while Eagles only have +9 (But Darkvision instead of lowlight) I can also summon poisonous snakes for lots of poison (DC 11 for 1d2 con damage - not great, but better than the previous DC 9)
Hmm.. 'what changes its face an' clothes faster'n a breath'... there could be a number of things that could do that, myself included with the right spell. I wonder if this 'Leovarde' is using magic, or is some kind of creature that has the ability to change shape at will? Likely the latter. Now.. what kinds of creatures did I read about that could do that..
"Perhaps then, it would be better if we sought out this turncoat instead of destroying Rud's defenses and distracting him from the obviously important task of fixing whatever happened here? I doubt any of us, even myself, as knowledgable as I am, could assist him in repairing the havoc caused on his 'hardware', given the nature of the technology." Although still standing behind numerous of his compatriots - the taller ones especially - in case Rud decides to whip out that gun again, Rutilus finally speaks his mind after minutes of being relatively quiet. "Unless, of course, that our mix of colorful characters of various skillsets could help in a way unforseen by myself? At the ah, very least, we could give a description of the turncoat to our superiors, if not seek out to reclaim the man directly."
Still working on the specifics, but so far Rutilus now has -at least- one point in every Knowledge skill (And a minimum of +9 in those to boot), not to mention a +9 in Linguistics now and some improved perception/sneaking skills. Still trying to decide on the feat, so far I have Superior Summons, but with such a big party, I'm thinking that might not be for the best. Looking into alternatives. As for new spells, I definitely have both Summon Monster I and II now, and I'm toying around with potentially taking Summon Swarm (Hue hue hue), though I might not due to.. well, the inability to control the Swarm summoned. I have a feeling a swarm of bats that cause lacerations (bleed damage!) and can fly may cause more trouble than its worth.
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