Thame shrugged, saying, "Seems like the vines will do our work for us, from the sounds of the fellow. Let's just go around and be on our way."
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Thame nodded, "There is definitely something alive in there...these plants don't make those noises, as a rule. Now, as to the question as to whether we should try to free the poor bastard...", the wizard shrugged.
"Watch out, my friends. These deceptively colorful plants are called leechvines. I studied them briefly in Chel...back home. There are thorns hidden under that brilliant foliage, and the vines will actively seek to grab and hold you while the plant slowly devours you. Whatever that is making noise in there is suffering a cruel fate." If the group is intent on moving in, anyway, the wizard moves to the back with Kragg, taking out his crossbow and loading, for all the good he thought it would do against the plant.
Thame sheathed his knife as the last of the combatants fell, hoping none of the others saw it. More than ready to move on in this hellish place, the wizard started heading toward their destination when the rest were ready.
Seeing that his companions have everything under control, Thame just draws his dagger and holds it in a threatening manner, hoping he doesn't have to make good on using it before the remaining creatures are taken care of.
Nearly in a panic as the creature grasped him firmly in its clutches, Thame tried to jerk away from the beast, though not nearly as slick as Lara when he attempts to do so.
If successful, he also tried to book it away from the thing, getting behind Alyn if he is able to.
Seeing that their opponents were clearly undead, and having little to help on that front offensively, the wizard took a step with Lara and whispered a short incantation, touching her shoulder briefly. The bard's body started to shimmer and then started to shift about, masking where the woman was.
Thame sighed as his ever more alert companions point out that they are being shadowed. When Lolito called out to the unknown figures, the wizard decided it might be prudent to get between Lolito and Alyn, and Kragg if he could. Red tree leaves were interesting, but humanoids with weapons were far more concerning to the wizard.
Thame thought over what he knew of Kragg's capabilities, then nodded. "Yes, some offensive spells would be wise. But perhaps a spell or two that can block the elements, if she is a caster who prefers fire or ice or something of the like. And perhaps a general dweomer to take down any magic in the area?"
Thame nodded his agreement. "That is true...although if she is a diviner that could prove troublesome. Although not a violent bent of magic, it does tend to make the user more alert and able to be proactive." The wizard spoke again after Alyn's comments about neutralizing the hag's powers, "I don't know how big the creature is, but if Lolito can disrupt it in any way that will be a big help. That's the Sarcasso's Heel of us spellcasters." Thinking about how strange the nice house in the middle of the island had been, Thame was rather glad it was gone. Things that were too good to be true tended to be just that, and he just counted himself lucky that whatever it was hadn't made him its lunch.
Thame liked the idea of going through the Bleeding Forest very little, but he liked the idea of a water route even less. So he said nothing as the general consensus seemed to take the group along the path that the naga had suggested. When the talk turned to how to get to the observatory, the wizard said, "Let's head back as though we were going to the Naga's abode. I don't know if the hag patrols, but if it found signs of our passing it might have guards along that route now."
Satisfied with how the meeting went and with an objective settled on, Thame went back to his shared dwelling with Kragg, finding sleep hard to come by. This hag seemed a formidable opponent, and the group would have to prepare well to overcome their foe. At last, the wizard drifted off, talons and fangs haunting his dreams. Thame woke up the next morning, bags under his eyes from the fitful sleep. Still, he was a bit excited to see Ramona and her parchment, writing down a quick list of items he would like to see come in on the next supply ship. "There should be just enough from my portion of the sales to cover it.
Just tallying up all the 'Selling' items, looks like 5,759.5 gp each. Thame wants: Headband of Intellect +2
The inquiry hadn't exactly garnered anything incriminating on Carver, but Thame's eyes lit up at the unexpected boon he had been offered. "Why yes, I would love to go through Durvin Gest's notes and see if we can decipher anything. A very generous offer." The wizard grinned at the Pathfinder, his reservations lifted, for now. After the rest of Carver's speech, the wizard was thoughtful, weighing out the man's arguments. He understood where the older man was coming from, but drastic times called for drastic measures, at times. Still, it seemed they would either have to choose to trust him or no. All signs pointed to him being legit, what with the lack of false info in their questioning and Ramona's insistence that he had been helping keep the peace. After the Pathfinder responded to Kragg's continued inquiry, he said, "I suppose the hag would be the next logical step, but I think we want to resupply and maybe get some things on order for the next shipment, right?"
Thame, perhaps surprisingly, just ordered a beer...or ale, or whatever it might be called. Something that would wash away the dust of the trail without getting him blasted after a few sips. He nodded almost imperceptibly to Lolito, waiting for a couple answers from Carver before speaking again, "Hey there...we almost forgot to mention it in the hubbub of everything else, but we found the cave at the west of the island you told us to be looking for. There was a door with an elaborate locking mechanism on it. We couldn't remember what the correct combination was to get in...can you refresh our memory?"
The wizard dug into the food hungrily at that point, the elder Pathfinder's words having seemed pretty much honest to that point. The wizard didn't think there was much to worry about on this front, but better to be careful.
A CL5 burning hands wand does seem like a good investment for swarms. When I play a melee type I tend to enhance my weapon to get past DR, but having situational items to get you over the hump never hurts.
Thame listened to Carver speak, nodding in agreement at the man's reluctance to leave the colony. If anything that made him seem more genuine to the wizard...only a fool would leave the relatively more safe confines of the colony to travel this accursed island. Or did he just want to stay to sow chaos? This wretched business was awful. He forced a grin to his face, "Oi, I can't say I blame you for that, my friend. It's a nasty business out there, watching these guys hack up the natives. But when we were on the boat you DID say you'd buy me a few rounds after Kragg's establishment was open, and I dare say you've been avoiding that very business since the drinks have been flowing, haven't you?" The wizard chuckled, trying to sound as genuine as he could.
Will copy over: Comprehend Languages
Thame watched the others go through the preparations for the meeting, having no interest in helping out. Instead, he thought about what he knew of the creatures that might be in their midst and how difficult it would be to tell the difference between a real colonist and an impostor. Perhaps he should have spent less time with his nose in his books and more time trying to get to know these fellows he was sharing an island with. The best way to get one of the creatures to give itself away was to let it stumble through a personal conversation, as they had planned. Unfortunately, the group didn't know Carver very well, so hopefully the few things they planned to inquire about would do the trick. Since the older man had been helping keep the peace it seemed a fool's errand, but one could never be too careful, the wizard supposed.
Thame will happily accept the Cloak of Resistance. Will also copy Cat's Grace and Bull's Strength from Hendrake's spellbook and then I think we're good to go on that one. Did we ever determine which spells were in the Azlanti spellbook?
Got you covered!
Thame's eyes narrow slightly as he eyed Ramona as she spoke to the group. Who could say if the woman had also not been replaced with one of those horrible things? Wouldn't Ramona herself be in place to cause the most damage? She had already admitted that her blunders had turned the townsfolk against one another and had caused her authority to be questioned. What a mess. The wizard stated some things about himself that he hoped vouched for the fact that he was just an unlikable Chelaxian and not an unlikable shapeshifter. Afterwards, he waited for the others before offering, "Ramona is forcing the changes, and people, especially hardy people like the folks who would go on a colonial expedition, question authority. Carver is chumming them up and explaining how these things are protecting and helping them, and is doing so in an unofficial capacity, so he's viewed as more trustworthy." Still, it never hurt to be too sure. Thame was sure the last colonists could attest to that, if they could find any besides that traitorous b$&#& in their midsts.
Thame waited for Ramona's response, the near-term plan clear at this point, at least. Assuming the young woman was receptive to the idea of bringing Carver into the fold (and therefore trying to test if he was indeed Carver or not), the wizard made ready to go to where the Pathfinder was, hoping the wizened man could offer his help on the issue facing the colony.
Thame listened as Ramona told the others of the current status of the colony, understanding Ramona's situation. The situation was tense, and people were resistant of having their liberties invaded against, even if it was for their own good. He had heard a fable once, about a contest between the wind and the sun. They had wagered on who could get a fellow to remove his coat. The wind had used force and blew and blustered, but the man had just gathered his coat around himself until the wind gave up. Then the sun came out and within minutes the man had removed his coat and didn't even realize he had been coerced. Ramona had identified Carver as her sun, apparently, for her efforts with the other colonists. Thinking about the threats to the island, the wizard sighed. "We have at best a general idea of where this aboleth might lair, while we know the location of the hag. Removing her from the island seems a good first step."
Thame scowled as the group was treated like a red-headed step-child upon their return to the colony. Was this the thanks he was getting for risking his neck with these others for the sakes of these fools? Utter and complete rubbish! Thinking about it, it probably would be a good thing if the colonists were a bit suspicious of one another. Hopefully it would encourage them to take precautions that would deter the stalkers from claiming victims from amongst the populace. Although it could very well be stalkers that were playing the blame game, muddying the waters to keep their identity hidden. Thame offered, after Lolito had given a progress report. "Also, we managed to eradicate a cave full of cannibalistic gillmen and the bug-demon they were worshipping. And we believe we found a dead ally of the stryx on the nearby island. Hopefully giving them the location and the man's belongings will solidify our friendship."
Thame was tense all through the journey through the bog, eyes darting to every leaf moved by the wind and every squelching sound as they made their way through. He relaxed somewhat as their feet finally reached drier land, but he only truly felt better once the colony was in sight in the distance. As the group approached the village, Thame grinned and also waved at the patrolling guards, glad to see that order was still being maintained and nothing horrible had happened. Turning back to his companions, he said, "Let's report to Ramona, and then we can talk to Carver in the morning."
Conjuration is one of my prohibited schools so not likely, Kragg. You're good to go. :)
Level 6: Wizard HP +5
Skills: Appraise
Spell Slots added: 1 2nd
Spellbook additions: Invisibility Sphere
Looking around at the bodies of the gillmen, Thame shook his head in disgust. These fools had forgotten themselves while in the thrall of the bug-monster and the demoness. While the wizard wasn't as enthusiastic about the demise of other races as some of his Chelaxian brethren, he regarded the fall of these fellows as good riddance. Always eager to return to the safety of the colony, Thame nodded in agreement with Lolito. "Yes, Carver did display an interest in such a task. I wouldn't want to take that joy away from him."
Thame breathed a sigh of relief as the dark priestess fell, not wanting to have to endure another blast of negative energy from the woman. Ever a pragmatist, as the others caught their breath the wizard called upon a minor spell and scanned the enemy combatants for magical effects.
Seeing the female leader gillman step into view, and now with his head free of cobwebs, Thame attempted to use his innate arcane ability and shot a thin stream of magical light towards the woman's eyes.
His will failing him, Thame stood in the cavern and babbled incomprehensibly. Surprisingly, it sounded much like when he was casting a spell.
Thame launched into spellcasting, his specialization prohibiting him from frying the nearby bugs. Instead, he dropped a cloaking spell upon Alyn, whispering over the buzzing, "Go after the bug monster and make it count, my friend." Eyeing the nearby bugs, Thame decided to put some distance between himself and the swarm, moving away.
Thame was still quite surprised when the lone gillman rushed at Kragg, both people missing their attacks. Casting a quick spell, he called upon the arcane to help protect his dwarven friend before continuing to step back and allow more martial party members forward.
Thame nearly vomited as the horrible, dark energy rolled across the group, his eyes going wide as the terrible bug monster from the day prior revealed itself once again. Seeing his two more martial allies also seem to be brutally assaulted by the spell of the creature, Thame stepped back as well, going through some spell casting motions of his own and bringing a shimmering shield of energy in front of him to protect against the gillmen's weapons should they push forward.
Thame smiled smugly as the quickened group managed to turn the tide swiftly and take out the violent gillmen in short order. A good sword arm was valuable, but one should never underestimate the power of the arcane to facilitate a decisive victory where only defeat stood before. Looking about to see if there were any more crazy people about, Thame shrugged, "There's no diplomatizing with crazies, Lolito. We offered them parley and they responded with bloodshed. You're right, though, let's take a look while we are quickened. We can gather up this stuff when we're done."
Derp, that's right. Thanks for the catch!
Thame watched in horror as the gillmen started to really focus their attacks on Lolito, the monk managing to avoid over half of the attacks but the damage adding up. As the older man moved back towards the group, the wizard hissed, "You trying to get yourself killed!?" Thinking at first to cloak Lolito with a powerful invisibility illusion, the wizard thought it was more pressing to allow Kragg to heal the monk. Calling upon the small reservoir of the arcane in his amulet, the wizard took a step back and flung his hands about as he shouted the words to a spell that would invigorate the entire group, hoping the increased speed would allow them to start bringing down more of the gillmen to decrease the chance of casualties on the party's end.
Finding his route backwards still clogged but feeling much more comfortable with the multiple images of himself up to disorient enemies, Thame winced as he saw his two newest companions come under assault by the violent gillmen, Alyn taking the worst of it. Remembering his half-orc friend and his horrible demise, the wizard gritted his teeth then started waving his arms and speaking the spidery, slippery words of magic. Reaching forth, he tapped Alyn's shoulder, the half-elven man's appearance suddenly shifting and appearing a few feet away.
Thanks for the heads up, GM. I appreciate it!
Thame's eyes widened as the gillmen rushed the group, seeing Alyn take a nasty hit right next to him. With an enemy right next to him, the wizard sought to back up only to find Trick right behind him. Sighing, the illusionist carefully went through the motions and words of a bit of magic to buy himself some time.
Thame frowned and looked up at the ceiling for a brief moment. "Fabulous."
Thame entered the area with the others, wanting to be done with this onerous task so they could return to the colony. His eyes widened as Lolito addressed something in the old Azlanti tongue, scanning the room for whoever the monk was talking to.
Thame looked smugly at the others after his plan succeeded. While there were certainly times when a more brutish approach was necessary, the arcane was there to make like easier for everyone, if one could use it. After the rocks had settled, the wizard made ready to proceed further into the cavern, trying to get into the middle of the group. So he could cover all sides with his magic, of course.
"Maybe it's just for unwanted guests of all varieties. Can't imagine other things living here have more luck with the locals than we do. If you all stand back, the gift of the arcane can spring the trap without causing us any harm. And perhaps lure the occupants out in the process." If the others agree, Thame waited until they are all a safe distance from the trap, then whispered a quick incantation and used faint, magical force to push against the wire in the hopes of springing the trap.
Thame arose as the group was breaking camp, his eyes looking rather sunken in for someone who got a good night's rest. He thought he could hear a buzzing sound, though as he fully regained consciousness it receded into silence. Frowning, the wizard started to pack his things, stretching out the kinks in his legs and back as he did. He couldn't wait for the town's library to be built...he'd be putting in a request to be in charge of the archives. Thame normally wouldn't be too excited about exploring the cave system, but since nothing had bothered the group during daylight hours, he felt reasonably confident they'd be ok. With a quick arcane word and some simple gestures, he created a magical light on Kragg's weapon, ready to delve into the cavern and get this over with so the group could return to Talmandor's Bounty.
Thame triumphantly announced to the others that the wand was an arcane device that could allow the user to drain the life force of others with a touch. "I'll hold onto it, for now." When it came time to find shelter for the evening, the wizard voiced his opinion, "Definitely avoid the more active cave, I would agree. I like the idea of a fire, but I like the idea of company even less, so no fire." Hopefully it wouldn't get too chilly. Considering the nature of the island, it wasn't likely. "I'd rather take first watch." In truth, the wizard was too wired to sleep right away, and taking first watch would leave him nice and refreshed right as the group left.
Thame gave the wand a lookover after recovering from the dangerous assault by the wildlife of the awful forest. This was definitely a place to mark as 'avoid' on the colony's maps. When talk turned to where to go, the wizard made his opinion known. "I'm for pressing on towards the colony...I'm ready for a relatively peaceful night"
Irritated as the swarm shrugged off his spell and continued to harass his fellow party members, the wizard remembered the wand they had found in their travels and pulled it out as he maneuvered around the battlefield. Giving the wand a flick and speaking an arcane activation word, another light show emanated, this time from the extended wand.
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