"Can you send a man back to HQ at least, with word from us? I wouldn't ask you to break protocol if it wasn't important but someone's life, someone connected to our investigation, might be in danger right now while we are stuck here in the Mayor's home."
Diplomacy:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
If Dale is willing, Tobias will provide his man information regarding the vision they saw, and tell him to report the info to Delft as soon as possible. If the Lieutenant still objects than Tobias throws his hands up in frustration and heads downstairs to get the ritual over with.
Tobias looks to the others as they negotiate with the Mayor, he lets the words sink in and considers their options, though it sounds like they have few other than waiting for the Mayors clearance.
"Might we have a moment or two to ourselves Mayor. There are a few things I'd like to discuss with my colleagues and the Lieutenant before we head down."
If provided the time, he looks to the others with an eyebrow raised.
"Should we send word back to HQ about the vision we had? Maybe have Dale send a few of his men on ahead to check on the warehouse while we make sure none of us are cursed?"
His suggestion given, he waits to hear the groups decision then moves to get the ritual finished with so they can be on with their jobs.
"The warding, good call Wesmere." Tobias says as he inspects the area making sure everything is in order though he's still rattled from everything they saw during the fight.
K. Arcana:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
"Yeah, I can't honestly believe there won't be another attack coming our way before we make it back down, everyone keep on your guard. We did well but we shouldn't get complacent. Nevard, how are you?" He asks looking at the older man.
With the crawler dead, Tobias moves toward one of the mites harassing his companions and slices it neatly in two. He looks around, seeing the battle moving surprisingly well and waits for the other shoe to fall.
Tobias takes a swing at the crawler in front of him but is unable to connect. Frowning he takes a cautious step closer to Nevard and looks over his shoulder hoping his companions can handle the lion thing.
Cauldron Encounter - Ring of Blood
================================
Round 1, Initiative 26, Location: O14 hp 28/28; AC 17/12T/15FF; CMD 16; +3F/+6R/+7W Effects/Conditions: invisible
SA: Readied Attack - Cold Iron Falchion:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 92d4 + 3 ⇒ (1, 4) + 3 = 8
FA?: Take Emersons hand briefly
MA: Move to Q13
Tobias takes a moment to accept Emerson's blessing, he nods a thanks before remembering that the other man can't see him, then moves toward the nearest foe and prepares to attack it if and when the circle is broken.
Cauldron Encounter - Ring of Blood
================================
Round 0, Initiative 26, Location: O14 hp 28/28; AC 17/12T/15FF; CMD 16; +3F/+6R/+7W Effects/Conditions: n/a
SA: Cast vanish
Being the only melee combatant without a protective spell, Tobias sees the number of enemies around the party and casts vanish on himself, to hopefully get edge on whatever happens next.
As the rest of his companions prepare for whatever is coming next, Tobias steals his mind, imbedding his Shadow Splinter into himself as an added defense against attack.
Not having any crystals he can prep ahead of time, he draws his sword and considers drawing the mysterious wand but leaves it in his pack for now.
"Will do Emerson. Everyone have each other's back and we'll get out of here alright." He mutters, mostly trying to convince himself.
"Right, we came up here for a reason, and so far all we've done is scare ourselves shitless." Tobias says with a nod to Nevard. "I at least will stay here with the Skyseer until he's seen what he needs to. I know we have a lot riding on this, and I want to protect Heward too, but I think we need to commit."
His espionage training had thankfully included any number of techniques to handle missions like this. Mental practices to keep alert and awake despite long demanding hours in otherwise uninteresting places, but obviously this was different. Every new creature that stumbled passed made Tobias question all that he knew about the world, but he maintained composure after his initial fright and made sure to stay alert.
Not until ten o'clock did anything seem to really bother his companions, but as the ghost of Nilasa appears, Tobias can feel the blood drain from his face and he stares with a morbid curiosity. As Jesselle confirms that she saw the same vision, Tobias lays a hand on he shoulder, using his psychic energy to calm her.
"I'm curious about that as well. If it's something we can prevent, I'd like to. Heward doesn't deserve this." Quietly he makes his way toward Feth and Gemma as well, helping the other two also calm their nerves while he waits for Nevards response.
Cauldron Hill Encounter Challenge: Encounter Check 1 - The Cold: Pass! Encounter Check 2 - Staying Hidden: Stealth:1d20 + 7 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 + 7 = 23Pass! Encounter Check 3 - Cacophony of Voices: Will Save:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12 Fail - Will use Swift Action to Cure Self via Mesmerist Touch Treatment
__________________________________________________________
Tobias lets his mind wander from thoughts of the wand as he helps set up camp, and as the weather turns painfully cold, he's grateful for Sechim's preparations. He knows he'd be considerably worse off if not for the endure elements cast on him.
As the beasts begin to appear, Tobias quietly points to a number of areas he'd camouflaged and deftly moves among them, keeping out of sight of the abominations that roamed nearby.
The voices however are another story, the incoherent gibbering eats away at his mind and he begins to question every decision that lead him to this summit. As more voices are added to the grotesque chorus, the constable begins to sweat and is sure they're all soon to be discovered. Thankfully his discipline returns shortly after as he channels a raw confident energy into his mind and his fears trickle back for now. He looks around to see if anyone else might be in need of him to calm them.
"Alright....you've all seen me turn this in twice now....right?" Tobias says, somewhat shaken but mostly incredulous as he pulls the wand from his pack and holds it up for the rest to see.
"Just this morning I turned it in! You were all there, right? I didn't just dream this?" Part of him knows that it's not a major concern right now, but he's never been stalked by a magical item before and isn't really sure what to make of it. Knowing he should be helping the rest set up camp, Tobias decides to take his mind off of the wand by helping disguise the camp and then assisting in reinforcing the wards further, if it's at all possible to add to Emerson and Jeselle's success.
"We sound so accomplished when you put it like that!" Tobias says with a smile and a laugh. "But we're a humble lot, and not above taking advice or criticism, our superiors make sure of that at least. Thank you for the preparations you've provided. If you believe we are ready, then I'll take you at your word, and perhaps we should be off. Better get this done quickly I suppose."
The young mans face turns grim as he considers what manner of ghoul and beast await them on the Hill, but he's ready to move out.
Tobias keeps a rapt attention as he places the amulet over his head. Making sure he hangs on the Mayors every word and does not let a single detail slip away.
I underestimated realized just how much work he put into these defenses. He thinks, impressed with the man's wealth of knowledge on wards and protections.
"Unfortunately not with us anymore." Tobias says, a little distracted by his own torn feelings about the recent ritual and also Emerson's uncharacteristic response to the butler.
"Oh! Not dead! Just hung up his hat." He scratches the back of his head awkwardly and waits further instruction.
"Yes, that's the information I was hoping not to speak out loud.
The woman and child are long dead Anneca, and Pazumu is not the one who killed them. I don't blame you for refusing, but at least we can prevent this scroll from being used by someone with worse intent."
Tobias' own reservations are clearly on display as he discusses things with Anneca but he doesn't back down from the ritual. He doesn't mention Gemma backing out either, part of him wishing he'd done the same.
"The Ritual Bond of Forced Faith." Tobias says with a grim face as he recognizes the preparation. "I'll spare you the grim details about how it's prepared, since those poor souls are long dead, but I'm a little worried about using the same necromantic magic the witches of Cauldron Hill used, but there's nothing for it now. Remember to protect Sechim after this is over, anything that hurts him will only damage us in his stead."
Against the his ingrained Utegg judgment, Tobias stands around the stone disk, and offers his blood to Nevard as he promised, though his face is stone and emotionless throughout.
He's reviled by the skyseers newfound energy, but ravenous as he is, does not dwell on it for long.
"Do you have anything here to eat and drink before we go? I'm famished and we have a long day ahead."
The mention of Ber brings an instant frown to Tobias' face and he taps his ring to his necklace superstitiously.
"I-" He stops himself before he says anything that he'll regret. and takes a moment to compose himself. "Well you were right, I'm not comfortable with this."
He taps his necklace a few more times and bites his lower lip as he considers. All in service to Risur I guess.
With a sigh he nods. "I'll do it though, and with enough of us, the burden of frailty might be mitigated, but I understand if anyone would prefer not to as well."
"Oh, is that how it works?" Tobias listens to Feth but doesn't let her tone get to him. "These gifts of the mind can be confusing can't they? Half of you still seem to think I can read other peoples thoughts, so I guess I can't be too surprised that the Gift doesn't work quite how I expected."
He turns back to Sechim and shrugs again.
"Honestly I think we're doing a lot of things we likely aren't comfortable with lately. Why don't you tell us what you've got in mind and we'll take it from there."
Tobias nods to Sully as the Constables get ready to leave.
"I was hoping you remembered!" He smiles as the man takes the kerchiefs out. "You never disappoint Sully."
As they travel to their destination, Tobias enjoys the scenery, glad to occasionally get out from a city now and again. When they finally reach Sechim he moves alongside Jesselle and helps the Skyseer up.
"Good to see you well, Sechim. I probably shouldn't be surprised that you predicted us coming today, but, well I guess the sight you Skyseers possess still doesn't make much sense to me."
"Agreed." Tobias says, nodding toward the rest. "We can't risk losing him and thus our link to Gale. Seems we're all of the same mind, so let's get to it." He says as he joins Feth in the carriage.
"Constables have their names on display in the paper half the time, is it so weird that some might know even ours?" Tobias reaches up for the letter hoping it's interesting.
"That being said, I should probably warn my roommates to be careful. I'd hate for anything to happen to them. You might want to keep tabs on your sister Gemma."
Tobias nods at Feth when she suggests Cauldron Hill. "The old man isn't getting any younger, we should get him up there while we still can."
Do we not have a time limit on cauldron hill though? Maybe not one that was given but we've been had rumors of earthquakes from the hill and Sechim isn't exactly healthy and in fact seems to be dying. Postponing that mission might permanently close that door.
Tobias stifles a yawn as he looks at the updated mission board. His eyes would be wide if he could afford the energy to do so, but even the two cups of coffee he already has this morning had done little more than help him dress and stumble into work.
"Speaking of borrowing the wands, um...Chief?" Tobias says, a little unsure of how to approach the subject of the wand from last night as he pulls it out of his coat pocket and walks up to the Assistant Chief Inspector.
"I'm handing this to you here, in front of everyone as a show of what I hope is good faith. Everyone from last night can attest to the fact that I placed this wand back in the boxes, Jesselle in particular likely remembers." He nods toward the bard but makes no further mention of her suggestion to hold onto the item. Carefully he places the wand on the ACI's desk and backs away.
"But when I woke up in the morning that was on my bed. I don't know how it got there. I know based on my training, this probably looks suspicious, so I'm handing it over now, again, before anyone can even make note that it was missing. Maybe I was just exhausted and filched it without realizing, I don't really know, but I don't have an excuse. I just know that I meant to pack this up, and somehow I have it, and I'm turning it in." Tobias frowns down at the wand, and looks back to Delft wondering what the inspector will make of this.
Tobias looks at the wand in his hand and raises an eyebrow, wondering what possessed him to act so out of character in order to grab the wand.
"This...this wand would significantly empower my spells. Pure gold, too, not that I need it." He says, subconsciously touching the gold ring on his finger.
"Might come in handy. Might have to ask how much this beauty will cost to requisition." He shrugs off the temptation to pocket the device and places it back in the box. Honorable as always, but not without regret.
Tobias is already leveled and ready to go, with the exception of his infused crystals that need replacing, but I'll replace those IC when we get back to the mainland, since he wouldn't be able to otherwise.
"The Holy Hook of...what?" Tobias frowns in confusion, thinking over any history lessons that might have made mention of this hook, wishing he'd paid a little more attention to religious studies in retrospect. Just something to study when we're back home I guess.
"Grease...by the way, is what this is for. Seems these were crafted for utility, or at least some of them were. Seems to my like someone planning for any contingency, or someone planning a very specific routine, to what end, I haven't got a clue though. You really swear you know nothing Captain? I'd hate to think you were withholding anything. Particularly when we're so well situated to provide a good word for you."
Requested Roll:1d100 ⇒ 70 K. History: Hook of Holy Triegenes:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11Well, it was a stretch anyway I guess. Diplomacy:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22
Tobias raises an eyebrow at the crate contents and steps toward the box, picking up the closes wand. He looks it up and down, studying the magic within to determine what spell it fires.
"We'll determine how wrong it is for you to have these." He mutters to Banda.
Tobias stifles a yawn while listening to the plan of attack, the night had certainly dragged on longer than expected, but there wasn't much to do for it now.
"It would certainly be beneficial for all of us if we can solve this diplomatically. I think we all took more than a few shots running down those docks, another fight tonight isn't going to see us without injury." He fingers a hole in his shirt as he speaks, as if to drive the point home.
He waits patiently as the boat continues toward the rendezvous point, practicing a couple new techniques he'd been working on with his falchion and generally just trying to keep from falling asleep.
The Bayou Smuggler's Warf
================================
Round 6, Initiative 26, Location: Q15 hp 11/19; AC 19/12T/15FF; CMD 17; +1F/+5R/+6W Effects/Conditions: n/a
MA:
SW:
SA:
FA: Begin casting sleep
Bonus: Takin the +2 Untyped to AC, already applied
Having taken care of the brute taunting Feth, Tobias turns to see where else he might be needed, unfortunately the area around the chest is too cluttered for another melee combatant, so he begins casting a spell.
The Bayou Smugglers Wharf
================================
Round 4, Initiative 26, Location: T15 hp 11/19; AC 17/12T/15FF; CMD 17; +1F/+5R/+6W Effects/Conditions: n/a
MA:Move to Q15:
SW: Turn Stare on Family Bravura 4
SA: Attack Family Bravura 4
Attack:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 152d4 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (4, 3) + 5 + 1 = 13
Grunting in pain from the impressively accurate shots that flushed him from the shadows, Tobias runs up to aid Feth and, using both hands brings his falchion down hard on the man Anneca had nearly burnt to death just moments before. His sword finishes the job.
So my intent was to put Tobias into dim lighting for concealment (admittedly I'd forgotten to add that into my stat block), is the square he's in not dim lighting?
I post from mobile often so the lighting on the map is a bit harder to read.
The Bayou Smugglers Wharf
================================
Round 3, Initiative 26, Location: W6 hp 19/19; AC 17/12T/15FF; CMD 17; +1F/+5R/+6W Effects/Conditions: n/a
MA:Move to T15: Double Move
"Wish we could have gotten closer before this started." Tobias grumble as he continues running along the boardwalk, he passes Anneca and draws his falchion as he ducks into the shadows, hoping it gives him enough cover to let him get close without much injury.
Pine Island Encounter – The Bayou Smuggler’s Wharf
Round 1, Initiative 26 -
HP: 19/19
FA: Finish Sleep (Cast at the top of U7 to just hit Bravura 1 & 2) DC 16 Will
MA: Double Move to AE6
Tobias finishes his sleep spell, then rushes forward to assist in the coming fight, running as far and fast as his legs can take him.
Pine Island Encounter – The Bayou Smuggler’s Wharf
Surprise Round, Initiative 26 -
HP: 19/19
SA: Begin Casting Sleep
Damn. Tobias thinks, realizing he'd forgotten to count down. The guards acting suspicious clued him in that his prep was coming too slow, but hopefully it would still be in time to stop either guard from sounding the alarm.
I had stated in my post that my plan was to cast Sleep on the foe at S15 (now U13) as Gemma and Feth would have gotten near. Was the ruled against or just over looked?
For clarification that was intended to be precombat.
No issue either way, but I'd like to know if I have the spell.
Pine Island Encounter – The Bayou Smuggler’s Wharf
Round 0, Initiative -
HP: 19/19
SA: Shadow Splinter on Gemma
FA:Speak
"I'm going to count out about 25 seconds or so, then I'm going to try and put the man by the boat to sleep." Tobias whispers, pointing toward his target S15. "If you can keep that first guy quiet, it'll buy us some time to move up behind you."
I have range on S15, so I'm planning to cast sleep on Round 2 so it can set off on round 3, hopefully knocking him out.
Tobias has quite a few "scrolls" and spells he can use to cause some mayhem (grease, cause fear, charm person, sleep) and can cast Ghost Sound as a distraction as well. He's got decent stealth, but I've had less than favorable luck in melee combat so far, so leaving maybe Gemma and Feth the Vanish spells would seem to be best?
He's got similar stealth to Jesselle, so with a good roll might be able to get in close without notice. Maybe we could try and take one of those row boats and hide beneatht the docks while we use our illusion magic?
