The Dread Mage Arcandantilus's page

'The Dread Mage Arcandantilus' sighs in relief as Noiraigue finishes off the second creature.

This is worse than I expected...danger everywhere! I can't keep this up forever...

The gnome casts a quick spell and turns to the others.

"You have proven worthy of this venture, and I shall entrust you with my continued companionship!" he says, his voice echoing loudly as if he's speaking into a metal bowl.

"Because of my great power, it would be better if I disguise myself as a typical gnome...one without the overwhelming power I normally wield at my fingertips! Though my bodyguard Grimnir will remain at my side, I shall assume a simple identity. You may refer to me in our travels as Mr. Copperpot. I will try to limit my powers to a few select spells so that no one sees through my disguise. Trust me when I say that we will all be safer if those seeking my great power think I am but a simple gnome."

bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

"What is he doing!" the gnome asks nervously.

"This kind of shenanigans are likely to overturn the whole boat!"

I took the liberty of adding an icon for my bodyguard, Grimnir.

acrobatics: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

'The Dread Mage Arcandantilus' shrieks in a most unfearsome manner as the bizarre creatures attack the boat. Apparently, his constant looking over the side didn't protect him from danger.

He scrambles to a safer position, where he extends a hand. A vibrant spray of color strikes one of the goblins-like creatures.

Color Spray, DC 17 Will

The gnome looks hesitant to get in the smaller boat, but he and his companion climb down.

I thought I had considered all the bad things that could happen. This is not something I had foreseen, despite an abundance of caution. I will need to increase my vigilance.

The gnome nods in greeting to the others, but seems taken aback by Noiraigue's suggestion that he take the lead. His voice continues to resonate ominously.

"The Dread Mage Arcandantilus, though powerful, does not take the lead! I will take the most prudent course of action, where I can direct things from the rear. But do not fear! With my help, there is nothing that can stand in our way!"

The dwarf nods silently but appreciatively.

"I should say, it will not help you to speak with my dwarven bodyguard. First, he is mute. Second, he takes great offense if he ever thinks I'm in danger. It would be better not to talk to him."

bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28

"So...shall we get off this boat?"

I should probably have included something like this...

bluff: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

The gnome looks around at the five assembled passengers. He hasn't said a word to any of them during the entire voyage.

Uh oh...this is going exactly as expected...

"Excuse me...I must consult with my dangerous bodyguard," he says, then walks from the group to talk with the dwarf.

He says a few words to his dwarven companion, who nods. Whatever he says over there sounds a little bizarre, and is accompanied by some strange gestures.

When he returns, his voice resonates and sounds amplified, as if he were a giant speaking inside a cave.

"You were wise to come to me, for I am none other than The Dread Mage Arcandantilus! Because I am so powerful and dangerous, I will accomplish this with relative ease! Any enemies of the expedition will cower before my might!" he bellows, perhaps a little too loudly for the secrecy the expedition leader was hoping for.

For most of the trip, a trio of figures creates an odd sight. A battle-hardened dwarf with scars, tattoos, and the sides of his head shaved stands silent vigil over a pair of passengers, perhaps as a bodyguard.

The gnome the dwarf guards is a curious sight. Dressed in flamboyant attire, the gnome nevertheless seems like he's trying not to draw attention to himself. He's not very successful at this endeavor.

His eyes occasionally glow red. His mustache and beard are intermittently pure white or black. He speaks to no other passenger, though frequently to himself or to the third figure: a small, draconic creature perched on the gnome's shoulder. It looks weary, as if it hasn't slept in days.

The gnome frequently looks over his shoulder or the side of the ship. Occasionally, he draws a small compass-like device from his belt and checks the direction of the ship. If any passenger comes near, the dwarf puts up a hand to stop them from speaking with the gnome, but never says anything.

Having a little fun here...bear with me as I reveal my character. How long it takes depends on how astute you are. :)