Slidell exits the gate making good time. From his movements his injuries still bother him, but not as much as earlier, and his long legs help to make up the difference. So intent is he on trying to be make good speed, that he almost collides with Zieke and Salome before he realizes they are there.
"ExCUSE me! Oh, Zieke. Zieke! Good! Just the fellow I was looking for!"
"We have a small problem." He smiles through the bandages.
Slidell catches his breath, pleased to note that at least he isn't gasping. He continues quickly.
"I was,... No, it'll take too long to explain. You'll have to trust me. You have to warn the guards you sent to the tunnels. The Quasit can get out anytime it wants. It has the key to the Alzanist doorway. AND it knows how to recharge the Runewell. But to do it, it needs people. Alive. You need to either get those guards out of there, or quadruple them. Seal off the entrance to the ruins tunnel with nets, anything so the Quasit can't sneak past them and scare them into the tunnel and the arms of it's pet Wrathspawn. I have a couple of ideas to help us capture and kill it, but I'll need to try and find some supplies first. Does this town have a mage?" He finishes in a rush.
"Hello Salome. Why are you wet?"
Seeing the mage coming and hardly watching his step, Zieke reaches out to slow him from entirely crashing into them.
"ExCUSE me! Oh, Zieke. Zieke! Good! Just the fellow I was looking for!"
"Really?" Zieke looks skeptical. 'What led him to do that?' he wonders.
"We have a small problem." He smiles through the bandages.
"Wizard, I don't believe I've ever seen you involved with anything small. Problems, yes. But they're usually pretty paramount," Zieke states, "What seems to be troubling you?"
"I was,... No, it'll take too long to explain. You'll have to trust me. You have to warn the guards you sent to the tunnels."
Zieke's expression grows sterner and more serious at those words, but he listens intently as Slidell continues.
"The Quasit can get out anytime it wants. It has the key to the Alzanist doorway. AND it knows how to recharge the Runewell. But to do it, it needs people. Alive. You need to either get those guards out of there, or quadruple them. Seal off the entrance to the ruins tunnel with nets, anything so the Quasit can't sneak past them and scare them into the tunnel and the arms of it's pet Wrathspawn."
"Alright." Zieke glances at Salome then back at Slidell. "If what you say is true, I'll go down to the docks and commandeer some fishing nets...then go by the Vinder's general store for some pitons and a hammer to hang them with..."
"Why don't you...and maybe Salome or Malcolm...climb back down to check on the guards while I do that?" he suggests, "And take Ehlissa with you. She can sense that thing all on her own. So if it's around, she can point it out for you. I'll join you as soon as I can..."
"I have a couple of ideas to help us capture and kill it, but I'll need to try and find some supplies first. Does this town have a mage?" He finishes in a rush.
"Yes. Ilsoari Gandethus," Zieke replies, "He teaches at the Turandarok Academy at the corner of Main and Water Street."
"Hello Salome. Why are you wet?"
Zieke glances at the priestess again with a half-smile. "I tossed her in the river because she argued with me too much," Zieke deadpans, then brushes by the mage, heading for the gates.
"Hello Salome. Why are you wet?"
"Hello, majji. Why are you mummified?" she asks with mock ignorance. Then she looks at him pentetratingly with her amber eyes and whispers, "I'll give you a hint. It has something to do with running headlong into a situation without understanding it and without any idea what to do once you get there."
She addresses both men. "I was thinking of leaving Sandpoint and continuing on my journey, but I have decided to stay. I will go along with this again if you have your facts right and if we can all work together--not running around in a hundred directions like a swarm of fireflies."
She turns her attention back to Slidell, still stern, but a little softer this time. "And if you are going to be of any worth against this creature, you need to be properly prepared and healthy. Follow Hannah's orders. I am not going to rescue you if the djini grabs you by your bandages!"
Salome strides to the cathedral, looking for Vesh.
Slidell Shakes his head.
"Salome's right. As usual. I'm in NO condition to go climbing. And I still feel like the Imp could flatten me with the breeze from it's wings. Though if Hannah's right, and this stuff works as well as it feels, I'll be back on top soon." He rubs his bandaged chin, then snaps his fingers and points at the gate.
"Send one of those guys to get what you need! You go to the tunnels and make sure they're alright! Salome's going to check on Vesh, she can bring him. I have NO idea where Ehlissa is. I'll swing by the Rusty Dragon and see if Mal and her are there. After I go and meet this mage. Corner of Water and Main?"
Vesh had a busy afternoon. He'd already visited Savah. "Cold iron weapons?" She asked. If her eyebrows raised a little at his question, Vesh hadn't noticed. "Yes, I do," she continued, "but--recent goblin invasion notwithstanding--I'm not a lending library, Vesh, not even to the 'Heroes of Sandpoint!' Let's see your gold..." In the end, Vesh had been able to give her his fifteen remaining arrows (which he was sure she would sell as having once belonged to a 'Hero of Sandpoint') and a couple of gold pieces to purchase a quiver of cold iron arrow. She had a bandoleer of four cold iron daggers in black scabbards, each perfectly balanced for hand-to-hand fighting and throwing, but at 40 gold coins for each dagger, Vesh knew better than to try to haggle with the woman.
After making his purchase, he cut across the grass behind the town hall to reach Raven Street and Nisk Tander's Alchemy shop. Savah had warned him of Tander's over-inflated sense of his own abilities, and Vesh told the man that if any the five Sunrods failed to light or the if the Alchemist's Fire failed to ignite, that he would return for his money, even if he had to return from the dead to do so. Tander grumbled something about young upstarts, and throwing much more established men out of his shop, but Vesh also noted that Tander hand picked the alchemist's fire very carefully himself.
Now slipping down Drunkard's Walk to Rusty Nail Alley, Vesh mentally prepares himself to enter Ven Vinder's shop, and possibly see the beautiful--and flighty--Shayiss. Instead, he is stopped short by the sight of a mummified mage and his Raven familiar lumbering down Main Street to his right.
"Salome's right. As usual. I'm in NO condition to go climbing. And I still feel like the Imp could flatten me with the breeze from it's wings. Though if Hannah's right, and this stuff works as well as it feels, I'll be back on top soon." He rubs his bandaged chin, then snaps his fingers and points at the gate.
"Send one of those guys to get what you need! You go to the tunnels and make sure they're alright! Salome's going to check on Vesh, she can bring him. I have NO idea where Ehlissa is. I'll swing by the Rusty Dragon and see if Mal and her are there. After I go and meet this mage. Corner of Water and Main?"
"Alright," Zieke tosses his reply over his shoulder, already hurrying back to the city gate. From there, he heads back to the cliffside behind the Glassworks. He instructs the guards at the top of the climb to secure a large fishing net and a hammer with some pitons from the docks and the general store.
"I don't care where you get them..." Zieke says, "Just tell them it's official town business and they'll be returned when we're done."
"Yes...bring them down to the tunnel," he gestures towards the ladder, "I'll be down there getting set up."
After sending them off, he then hurries down the ladder to rejoin the guardsmen stationed in the tunnel. He explains the plan to hang a net across the hallway to ensure nothing slips past. Then he waits with them until the nets and the others arrive.
,... he is stopped short by the sight of a mummified mage and his Raven familiar lumbering down Main Street to his right.
Slidell strides past Zieke giving the young gate guard his orders.
'If nothing else, at least we livened the guards day up a little!' He smiles under his bandages.He is striding down Main street looking for the school when his familiar whispers into his ear. He turns to see Vesh already waving at him from across the street. How the young Varisian managed to recognize the mage in his current condition and state of dress was a mystery. Though the large black bird on his shoulder might have had something to do with that.
'He's definitely sharp that one. The way he disarmed that trap was sheer poetry! And I sense power too, and not just because he can swipe spells. There's something, else, about him. I just can't put my finger on it. Yet.'
Slidell waves for Vesh to join him, not trusting himself to dodge speeding wagons in his current condition. When Vesh joins him the mage gives him the brief (For Slidell!) rundown on what he believes he has pieced together on the Quasit being able to open the enspelled doorway, and probably being able to recharge the Runewell if it can collect more victims.
"The quasit may have already snuck out, but it will be hard-pressed to capture live victims without the Wrathspawn. So, let's see, Zieke sent a guard to collect a net, spikes and hammer to cover the tunnel entrance with, and he's going down to the tunnel to check on the situation there, Salome went to the Temple looking for you, Zieke said you still needed help with your wound, and I was going to the Dragon to look for Ehlissa and Malcolm, AFTER I find this towns singular resident mage!" He finishes in a rush. The mage looks at his familiar.
"Did I forget anything?"
Having been out riding for most of the day, Ehlissa goes to the Dragon to get a drink.
"Did I forget anything?"
"Is that possible?" Vesh quips. "It is good to see you up and about, Slidell. You had me worried when you were in the acid bath last night."
And Vesh is relieved, he notices. For all of Slidell's manic talkativeness, Vesh realizes that he feels Slidell is kindred spirit of sorts.
He notices that they are standing in the middle of Main Street, in front of Ven Vinder's shop. "I will hurry with my purchases," he says, "and catch up with the rest at the Rusty Dragon."
"I believe that this academy you are looking for is right there," says Vesh pointing to a large building across the street. "I'll see you soon."
Parting from the mage, Vesh pauses at the door to Vinder's shop and inhales deeply. Is he excited at thought of perhaps seeing Shayliss, or is he a little scared? He decides that it is probably a little of both and enters the shop.
Salome strides to the cathedral, looking for Vesh.
At the cathedral, Salome looks around for Vesh. Not finding him in the main chapel or the Desna wing, she turns to an acolyte. "I was told there was a wounded Varisian man who spent the night here. Have you seen him?"
"Yes. Left this morning, came back with Father Zantus. Left again."
Salome takes a deep breath (attempting to hide her utter exasperation) and thanks the acolyte. "Sarenrae help us," she whispers.
Not knowing where Vesh was headed, Salome decides to go to the Rusty Dragon, figuring that eventually someone in the group would get hungry, and hoping that Ameiko would be kind enough to give them some more rations.
"Is that possible?" Vesh quips.
"Did I forget anything?"
"Oh, anything's possible," The Wizard quips back, though with less than his usual enthusiasm.
"It is good to see you up and about, Slidell. You had me worried when you were in the acid bath last night."
"Your not the only one!" The tall mage mutters into his bandages.
"I will hurry with my purchases, and catch up with the rest at the Rusty Dragon."
"I believe that this academy you are looking for is right there," says Vesh pointing to a large building across the street. "I'll see you soon."
"Ah. Yes. Of course. Thank you." Slidell replies as he finally notices the large sign proclaiming the 'Turandoc Academy' that he is almost standing under. "Oh, Vesh! Do me favor and pick me up another lantern and several bags of oil will you? Thanks!" He asks as he tosses Vesh a small bag that clinks as the young Varisian catches it.
Slidell enters the academy,... and his usual quips are stolen away at the sight of all of the valuable antiques on display in the lobby! After that his introduction of Gandethus speeds by in a tired blur. He regains his wits in time to hear the other wizard say,...
From a compartment in one of the shelves he produces a thin scroll case. "Yes. Precisely. Just what I thought. Well now, wizard - what's it worth to you?"
Slidell composes himself and smiles from beneath the bandages. Or maybe he's just happy that Veran has gone this long in silence.
"Well Master Gandethus," Slidell begins, politely using the traditional honorific, "I wish I could say that this was merely a passing fancy, or a new field of study for me, and spend an enjoyable time bargaining. It has been so very long since I've had the pleasure of educated conversation. However, I'll be honest with you. I've run into a bit of trouble. A small, flying pest. And I was thinking that an Enlargement spell might be just the thing for squishing said trouble like a bug! Unfortunately, I am in a bit of a hurry. I probably won't be able to take the time to scribe the scroll into my spellbook and cast it myself. So this is pretty much a one-shot deal for me." He shrugs.
"However!" Slidell continues, obviously warming up despite his attempt to remain focused and quick. "In gratitude for your seeing me on such short notice, and in appreciation of your even being willing to discuss trade with me, and the fact that time may be of the essence, I offer you fair market value for the scroll. Plus the addition of a scroll of equal value scribed from my own spellbook. I'm fairly certain that there must be at least one spell I have in my tome that you do not. Unfortunately, I only have a couple prepared right now, but I will be happy to scribe you a scroll of the spell of your choice as soon as this tedious little business is done!" Slidell ignores his familiars unabashed stare as he smiles at the other mage once more.
Having concluded his business with Ganthedus, Slidell makes his way to the nearest shop that sells clothing. He grabs an assortment of various items, pausing only to make sure that the boots fit, pays for his purchases, stuffs it all in his backpack, and hastens down the street to the Rusty Dragon.
;)
Zieke:
Hanging the net takes a few otherwise uneventful minutes. The guards are helpful, but look at you and the net curiously. You overhear them muttering to each other....The guard returns a moment later with a large armful of assorted junk - mostly bits and pieces of metal, glass, and bone. "Sir, this is some of the junk we cleaned out of the goblin den and some other refuse from upstairs. Mind if we hang it from the net? Least that ways it will make a racket when the demons cut through it."
"That's not a bad idea, soldier," Zieke nods. He helps them string the material throughout the net for the better part of ten minutes.
"This isn't meant to hold anything in," he explains as they work, gesturing at the net itself, "It's meant to serve as a warning mechanism for anything that tries to bypass it. That fool mage...Slidell...Storm-whatever...has a concern something might try to fly its way out of these tunnels. If so, it would be small...about like this..."
Zieke holds his hands out in an approximation of the quasit's size.
"Kind of bat-like," he finishes, "You keep your eyes out for something like that. And the first sign of trouble, you come find me. Don't try and fight it or hold it back. Just give fair warning to everyone up top. As long as nothing comes out while you're guarding the place, we'll be coming back later tonight to hunt the thing down and kill it."
After satisfying himself the net is as secure as possible, Zieke bids the guards well and scales the ladder back to the Glassworks. Figuring the others are still making preparations for their next foray, he decides to go looking for the only member of their party he hasn't seen so far...Ehlissa.
'She's probably down by the Rusty Dragon,' he assumes, 'What'd she do? Sleep in all morning?'
Vesh leaves Vinder's store after thanking Ven and declining his offer to have someone deliver his (and Slidell's) purchases. He watches Katrine walking away down the street and can't help but smile and blush a little at the scene that just happened in the shop. But Ven's words slowly turn his smile into a frown...
"If you're going to throw yourself on every man with a bit of coin, why not at least pick one from a good family, like Vosh here!"
"Poppi!" Vesh is standing over his father, he sees the blood in his father's hair and scalp. Vesh drops the broken chair leg and stoops next to his father. "Poppi?" He whispers. Looking up he sees that his sister, a welt forming over one eye, is staring at him with eyes as big as lanterns. "Don't just sit there, L'osha. Help me get him up." But she screams as Vesh's father moves, turns, and backhands Vesh across the face.
Vesh's hand instinctively moves to his face. A good family. His frown deepens as he turns towards Water Street and makes his way back to the Ameiko's.
You arrive at the Rusty Dragon. Malcolm is there already and Ehlissa has recently returned from her ride.
"Well, well...fancy finding you folks here," Zieke jokes upon arriving, "Like the creatures of the wild drawn to their favorite watering hole, I'm starting to learn how to track you people down."
Within a half-hour, you are all assembled around a table.
"I've checked on the tunnels," Zieke announces when Slidell and Salome arrive, and for the benefit of everyone else, "The guards have seen no sign of the devil. We hung a net with some pitons across the entire passage and dangled some bits of glass and trinkets gathered up from the goblin camp just inside. If anything tries to pass through, at least it should generate some noise and noticeable movement. The guards have instructions to find me straightaway if anything tries to get past."
"So, what's our plan?" he asks, "Is everyone still on board for tonight?"
Within a half-hour, you are all assembled around a table.
Vesh, having given Slidell his lantern and oil, is sorting through the gear that he's purchased and is re-packing his backpack carefully. He nods thankfully to Ameiko when she brings him a tankard of ale, noting that she gives his packing job a silent critique.
"So, what's our plan?" he asks, "Is everyone still on board for tonight?"
"I guess that'll be up to Slidell, really." Says Vesh with a nod to the bandaged mage as he quickly re-coils some rope to make it more compact yet easier to uncoil. "And whether we can uncoil him before morning."
Cinching his pack, Vesh leans back and seems to relax a little, ale in hand. "I, for one, am as I ready as I'll ever be. I slept on a hard bench last night, but I doubt I'd sleep any better tonight knowing where we're headed in the morning."
"As for a plan," Vesh says and takes a sip, "I thought that was your department, Zieke."
"As for a plan," Vesh says and takes a sip, "I thought that was your department, Zieke."
"I've been advised to take a wiser approach in that regard," the big warrior smiles while offering a verbal olive branch, "I'm commited to asking first so everyone has input...and then I'll add whatever I can from my own experience...and hopefully, make sure everyone stays on task once we agree to how we'll approach this fight."
"I just don't want any wild card situations coming up," he tells everyone, "Last time, the devil and that goblin monstrosity got the drop on us. And everyone scattered all over the place. This time, we come prepared. And, when preparing to face a creature from Hell itself, I'm partial to seeking the advice of people like Salome and Slidell here. So what've you two got in mind for us?"
Ehlissa raises an eyebrow and declines to comment on Zieke's mixture of humility and braggadaccio.
She turns to hear what the crazy mage has to say.
"I just don't want any wild card situations coming up," he tells everyone, "Last time, the devil and that goblin monstrosity got the drop on us. And everyone scattered all over the place. This time, we come prepared. And, when preparing to face a creature from Hell itself, I'm partial to seeking the advice of people like Salome and Slidell here. So what've you two got in mind for us?"
Salome takes the floor. "I am certainly not a strategist; most of my training is in defense. But I think the most sensible approach is to figure out what we know, what worked, and what," she glances at the mage to see if he's paying attention, "did not."
With her companions' input, Salome summarizes the characteristics and and challenges the quasit presents , and nods approvingly when Slidell and Vesh chime in with the new information they gathered from the scroll and Father Zantus.
Seeing Vesh's bulging pack, Salome comments, "It looks like I am not the only one who has been thinking about how to handle this djini and how best to prepare myself. What resources do we have?"
"Ehlissa, it seems that you have the power to detect this creature's evil presence. We need you to guide us in the right direction. What do you need to be most effective?"
"I plan to proceed with all the light and blessings the Lady of the Dawn may bestow upon me. Divine lights and weapons are especially powerful in the face of otherworldly evil. But if I am to fight this creature effectively, I cannot stop to heal my allies. I think it is important that we do our best to protect each other and do our best to avoid extreme injury. Zieke, how can we best accomplish this?"
"Malcolm, of all of us, I believe you are the one who can best match the djini's speed, agility, and stealth. I can call upon Sarenrae to grant more courage upon you . With no trace of fear, what would you do?"
"And Vesh," Salome's amber eyes grow warm with affection for her "little" bazé, "you are the most proficient archer. We need your aim and steadiness to reach this creature. I have also observed that you see things that others do not and improvise surprising solutions to problems. I would be curious to know what you have come up with."
"Majji, your magic is foreign to me, and I will be the first to admit I understand not how you think. However, I recognize that your knowledge is a valuable resource and you have an ability to use considerable power. But knowledge and power of themselves are amoral--and can be turned to harm as easily as good. If you are to succeed, you need to figure out how to harness your energies and guide them toward your best nature rather than being controlled by impulse or anger. As Father Zantus told Vesh, a creature like this thrives on anger and revenge, but cannot withstand goodness. What is your plan?"
After everyone gives their answers and input , Salome addresses the group one more time.
"So, what's our plan?" he asks, "Is everyone still on board for tonight?"
Malcolm, not looking up from the iron bracers in his hand, asks "A plan? What's that? Vesh, what's a plan? Have we ever had one?"
"Is everyone still on board for tonight?"
"I'm as ready as I'll ever be. Let's get this over with."
"Malcolm, of all of us, I believe you are the one who can best match the djini's speed, agility, and stealth. I can call upon Sarenrae to grant more courage upon you. With no trace of fear, what would you do?"
Mal stares contemplatively into his mug of ale for a moment before responding "Not having to worry about that damned witch making me flee would be nice.
I appreciate the compliments, but I can't fly or walk on the walls. The problem is me being able to reach of the demoness. Seeing her would help too. I think I'll be most effective trying to net the b~&$~. If we can restrain her we shouldn't have much of a problem dispatching her."
Ehlissa replies to Salome, "I don't know quite how I can feel it, I just can. That and Mr Halloran here calling me a paladin is all quite confusing. I'm not a holy knight, I'm just me, I'll do what I can."
"A plan? What's that? Vesh, what's a plan? Have we ever had one?"
"Great..." Zieke mutters under his breath, but tries to rein in his frustration. 'No need to start in on them again...yet.'
"Ehlissa, it seems that you have the power to detect this creature's evil presence. We need you to guide us in the right direction. What do you need to be most effective?"
"I don't know quite how I can feel it, I just can. That and Mr Halloran here calling me a paladin is all quite confusing. I'm not a holy knight, I'm just me, I'll do what I can."
"It's Halveran, sweetheart...rhymes with the name of the wizard's bird?" Zieke offers, rocking back in his chair to put his feet on the table before crossing his arms, "Warriors dedicated to Iomedae look like paladins to me. In your case, I think it's clear the Lady favors you. How else would you be able to sense such a creature of evil? I've spent half my life tracking animals in the wild and I'll be damned if I can get a bead on it. So some kind of divine inspiration must be leading you. That's good for all of us. So I say you keep on using it and trust in your faith. Between Salome's goddess and yours, it sure seems like somebody up there's on our side."
"I plan to proceed with all the light and blessings the Lady of the Dawn may bestow upon me. Divine lights and weapons are especially powerful in the face of otherworldly evil. But if I am to fight this creature effectively, I cannot stop to heal my allies. I think it is important that we do our best to protect each other and do our best to avoid extreme injury. Zieke, how can we best accomplish this?"
"I've secured a couple of healing potions from the garrison," Zieke nods, "So hopefully, we can spread that around to free you up to concentrate on other things. And to make sure your concentration...and Ehlissa's...and Slidell's here...isn't broken, Mal, Vesh, and I need to focus on defending you. Basically, you three are our eyes and ears...and our initial offense, too...with whatever blessings and powers you can command."
"Vesh should stay back with his bow alongside one of you..." he suggests, "And fill the devil with arrows everytime she shows her ugly face. Mal and I...and Vesh, too, if he doesn't have a target yet...should quickly eliminate any allies the devil's got left. We know there's at least one wrathspawn down there. And she'll have summoned whatever remaining forces she has on hand to prepare a defense against us. We should use our numbers and gang up on each target one at a time before turning to another. Once we've cut down any of those threats, then we can turn back to helping Salome, Slidell, and Ehlissa."
"We can't all target the devil everytime she appears," he advises, "Take an opportunity when it's there. But recognize that Salome and Slidell are probably the most effective at dealing with her. Ehlissa will let them know where she's coming from...and us, too, if necessary. But we've got to make sure they're free to focus on matching her for however long it takes for us to make sure the devil is the only threat left. Then we turn the tide by rejoining them."
"I'd also advise that we avoid bunching up together," Zieke continues, "Salome should probably stand to one side...with Vesh next to her with his bow. And Slidell should move off to the other side...and probably take Ehlissa with him, both for defense and an early warning for wherever the devil might be. That leaves me and Mal to move out together and engage anything trying to get to you. And Vesh and the rest of you can harry whatever footsoldiers we might face if you don't have any other target at the time. Once we've handled her allies and you've drawn her out, then, Mal and I can work together to cast a net over her...or grapple with her...or whatever it takes to get her under control."
"Most importantly, however...is no one should start acting alone," Zieke stresses, "This needs to be coordinated. If something bad happens...like that...well, whatever that devil did to frighten off a third of us last time...the rest of us need to move with them, to protect them until they recover...and be on hand to rescue them so Salome doesn't have to break away and do it herself. The important thing here is keep everyone focused on what they can do best in this fight. Salome, Slidell, and Ehlissa can combine to pose the greatest challenge to the devil. Mal, Vesh, and I can help...but only after we've made sure we take away all of the devil's help first."
"That would be my advice..." the warrior finishes.
"A plan? What's that? Vesh, what's a plan? Have we ever had one?"
"I have heard of this 'plan'. It is said that a good one is most rare and valuable, but very useful." Slidell says straight-faced. (At least you presume it straight-faced, the bandages do make it difficult to tell.) As he loosens up the bandages around his mouth enough to take a drink of ale, revealing pink skin underneath. But it is the pink of new, healthy, skin, and not of scorched or acid-singed flesh.
The mage smiles wistfully at Vesh's 'unwrap Slidell' comment.
"If we are waiting until nightfall, I think I'll be fine by then. This goop that Hannah used is marvelous. Maybe before we go we should stop by Hannah's and see if she has any more she could loan or sell us? It doesn't work fast, but I think it's intrinsic healing properties would still prove useful for stopping the bleeding on a seriously injured person."
:)
He sits in silence (yes, you may raise your eyebrows!) toying with his Cloak Clasp as Zieke and Salome lay out their ideas and plans on how to proceed.
"Protection from Evil." He says into a silent spot, possibly in answer to one of his own questions, as he obviously isn't answering one that anyone else just asked.
"Protection from Evil," He repeats, looking up at the others this time. "One of the simplest charms in my spellbook, yet more useful in it's own way than Mage Armor or Magic Missile. Due to its short duration, I always cast it when a fight begins, and I didn't take the time to use it last time. Among it many useful properties, it renders it's recipient immune to the Charm effects of Evil creatures, including what the Quasit used on us."
He holds up his cloak clasp, made from a holy symbol of Nethys, god of Magic. "I have this, and a scroll. That's two I can cover. Again, timing will be of the essence, so we should try to make sure that we are at least in the same room with it before I cast these. I also have this," he adds as he pulls out a scroll. "This is the spell Enlarge Person, if you are unfamiliar with it, it doubles the size, strength, and equipment worn by the recipient. Allowing the person greater reach and to hit for greater damage. Unfortunately, you will also be a little easier TO hit, as the increase in size comes correspondently with a decrease in agility, and, well, being a bigger target!"
Slidell tucks the scroll back into his pack, where an assortment of items can be seen sticking out, including the lantern and oil flasks handed to him by Vesh, and what looks like a large feather?
"Unfortunately, like most useful magics, it also has a short duration. The scroll should last about a minute. I could get more time out of it if I copied into my spellbook and cast it myself. I have the funds to buy the inks required, but it would take a full day, a full 24 hours, in order to copy it over. I, personally, don't think we can spare that kind of time."
Slidell slowly looks around the table, making eye contact with everyone. Something the usually flighty mage doesn't normally take the time to do. "We've determined it's primary weaknesses. Cold Iron and Blessed weapons. As a Demon, it has a resistance to fire, so don't try hitting it with a torch. Physically, this thing is a pest. It can even take the form of a pest. A rat or bat. A wolf at best. If we can catch it, we can squish it like a bug. I don't even think it's command of Magery is that great if the best it managed to throw at us magically was a scare spell. But we mustn't assume that."
The mage pauses to take a drink and rub his eyes tiredly. "Even if it has no training or other surprises that we haven't seen yet, those poisoned darts are insidious. It has a way to open the door. AND it knows the ritual for recharging the Runewell. If it gets past us and starts taking victims again, we could find ourselves facing another group of of both Wrathspawns AND Zombies!" He smiles grimly. "Waste not, Want not. Though if Queenie's not a caster, how does she create the zombies?,..." He stares into his drink for a moment, then realizes that everyone is still looking at him. He shrugs.
"As far as preparation, Between what I have memorized, and my scrolls, I have pretty much every useful or powerful spell in my spellbook available to cast once. Except for the Transposition spell, and we all saw how well THAT went last time,... And I've figured that I can spontaneously cast both Magic Missile or Mage Armor a total of four times before I'm exhausted. So I'm about as versatile magically as I'll ever be! Otherwise, as far as planning goes, unless you want to lug around a few large bags of flour, I'm about out of ideas."
He leans back in his seat, his hood covering his eyes. "I'll agree with whatever 'battle plan' you all come up with,..." He says softly, petting his familiar.
You can't tell if Slidell is tired from his injuries, still feeling upset about almost losing his familiar, or wrestling with his own personal demons. You get the impression that he is still weighing everything, as if still contemplating HOW to decide to react to all that has happened,...
"And Vesh," Salome's amber eyes grow warm with affection for her "little" bazé, "you are the most proficient archer..."
Vesh reflexively blushes at the warmth he sees in Salome's eyes and hears in her voice. For the first time since the intrusive memory of his father, Vesh's frown softens. He tries to hide his reddening cheeks behind his tankard.
"That would be my advice..." the warrior finishes.
Vesh finishes his tankard, but waves away Bethana when offered more. "Can't face a demon from the bottom of my cup," he mutters. More loudly, he adds his own thoughts on strategy to those of Salome, Zieke, and Slidell.
"I have a some thoughts...things that no one has brought up." He says when Salome, Zieke, and Slidell are finished talking.
"We're assuming that the demon is still going to be in the well room." He says. "That may not be the case when we return. There was at least one passage that we did not explore--the one outside the refuse room branched in another direction as I remember. And there was the broken staircase in the well room itself. We may have to spend some time looking for her. All the while, she could be floating about, above our heads." He clears his throat, frowns, and squints as if concentrating on an ant on the table.
"So...it might be nice to be able to communicate with one another using some basic hand signals, so that we cut down on the amount of talking that we have to do once we're down there. When I ran with my...gang...in Riddleport, we had signals of sorts, but they might be more useful for breaking into houses than combat. Zieke, don't soldiers also have signals that they use on the battlefield?"
"I like Zieke's idea about pairing-off. But perhaps we should do so a little differently." Vesh starts to rub his temples without realizing it. "I suggest that Salome and, you, Zieke pair off together. You can each set flanks for one-another if needed, whereas Ehlissa seemed reluctant to use such openings. Also Zieke can guard Salome while she engages the demon. So then, Slidell and Ehlissa should be paired together as Slidell should not put himself in the position to be in hand-to-hand combat anyway. Ehlissa can also serve as his eyes as he casts spells at the demon--the only sure thing to hit her as I also remember. Lastly, Mal and I, being the most mobile, can do what we do best. Stabbing things in the back...or shooting things as the case may be. Though hitting a flung cat with an arrow would be easier. If we (he points to Mal nad himself) can-in any way-get the drop on this demon-b!&%ch and strike from surprise, we each can cause her severe...problems." He looks at Mal with a wink.
"Aside from all that, I agree with Zieke," he says. "We need to be free of the remaining Wrathspawn." Vesh puts his flask of alchemist's fire on the table. "Let's burn it down and be done so that we can all focus on the demon. Mal, I think you should carry the alchemist's fire and use that as an opening salvo against the demon's minions. That frees me up to use my bow." He hands the flask of alchemist's fire to Mal. "No one step in front of that, by the way, or we'll have another member in need of wrapping." He looks from the flask to Slidell.
"Lastly," he looks at Ehlissa, "I think Ehlissa was on to something last time by getting the thing to talk. Father Zantus told me to remember one thing when we face the demon. He said that while it is immortal, it is not free. That even though it does not eat or drink or age, it cannot grow or change or even enjoy its existence. He said that it is a creature of pure hatred and jealousy imprisoned in a frail vessel and driven to the pursuit of that which it cannot ever obtain. He also said that if we find what it desires, that we can use that against it...to let its own hate and envy be the key to its downfall."
"The question is, what does it desire?"
"...Zieke, don't soldiers also have signals that they use on the battlefield?"
Zieke nods and lifts his feet off the table to sit forward in his chair. "Absolutely," he replies, "Usually soldiers use such signals to point out newly-spotted enemies or give out orders for which direction to move or who to target. There's also signals for going to ground...hiding or seeking cover...and of course, retreating or holding a line while someone seeks to flank an enemy."
"I like Zieke's idea about pairing-off. But perhaps we should do so a little differently....I suggest that Salome and, you, Zieke pair off together. You can each set flanks for one-another if needed, whereas Ehlissa seemed reluctant to use such openings. Also Zieke can guard Salome while she engages the demon. So then, Slidell and Ehlissa should be paired together as Slidell should not put himself in the position to be in hand-to-hand combat anyway. Ehlissa can also serve as his eyes as he casts spells at the demon -- the only sure thing to hit her as I also remember. Lastly, Mal and I, being the most mobile, can do what we do best...."
Zieke waits until Vesh finishes his line of thought, then speaks up. "We can do it that way if everyone agrees," he concedes, "But after what happened to you two last time, I'd suggest that you take Salome's offer to offset any scare tactics the devil tries to wield again."
"Also, this idea still leaves me a bit uneasy," he admits, "It means you and Mal are risking doing the one thing I advised against -- acting alone or independently of the rest of us. I think the priestess is right. You're the best archer. With your arrows, it would seem that you have a weapon that can cut down wrathspawn and devils alike. So I can understand Mal being a mobile warrior in whatever fight we'll face. But I'd rest much easier knowing you're striking from range to harry anything he...I...or someone else is busy engaging. And that would include the devil as Salome and Slidell try and square off with it. By standing with them, you'd also protect them in the event something got past us."
"...Father Zantus told me to remember one thing when we face the demon. He said that while it is immortal, it is not free. That even though it does not eat or drink or age, it cannot grow or change or even enjoy its existence. He said that it is a creature of pure hatred and jealousy imprisoned in a frail vessel and driven to the pursuit of that which it cannot ever obtain. He also said that if we find what it desires, that we can use that against it...to let its own hate and envy be the key to its downfall....The question is, what does it desire?"
Zieke ponders for a moment and then offers, "If I recall the conversation Salome had with it before the wrathspawn attacked, it seemed awfully proud of its association with Lamashtu and whatever 'daughter' the nightmare goddess sent her way. If it desires anything, I would assume it would be further power and status in the eyes of Lamashtu...and the ability to exert that power in her cause. So this devil must see her 'daughter' as a means to that end. If we could somehow deceive the beast into thinking we'd uncovered some secret or mystery about Lamashtu...or her 'daughter'...or that crazy well...then perhaps we'd attract the devil straight to us thinking she'll steal that information from us? Say, if Slidell happened to let slip that he possessed a map or a scroll of Lamashtu's faith that the devil could be tricked into believing would further her goals, then she'd try and come after us.
"To borrow a term from my days in the wilderness...," he continues, "We need some bait, basically. That way, even if she isn't still in the well room. Or if she's hiding in the form of a rat or a bat or Pharasma knows what, we may cause her to reveal herself if we can carry off such a ruse. What do you think, wizard? How's your theatrical skills?"
"Also, this idea still leaves me a bit uneasy," he admits, "It means you and Mal are risking doing the one thing I advised against -- acting alone or independently of the rest of us. I think the priestess is right. You're the best archer. With your arrows, it would seem that you have a weapon that can cut down wrathspawn and devils alike. So I can understand Mal being a mobile warrior in whatever fight we'll face. But I'd rest much easier knowing you're striking from range to harry anything he...I...or someone else is busy engaging. And that would include the devil as Salome and Slidell try and square off with it. By standing with them, you'd also protect them in the event something got past us."
Vesh leans forward. "Oh no. Not what I had in mind at all. Neither Malcolm nor I would be but a few steps from one another. I could provide cover for him, and he could protect me from foes who close-in. And I think that we are both best suited to move and surround for one another."
"How about this, Zieke? We can prepare to do both. We can set two groups of three and three groups of two. Ehlissa, Slidell, and I. You, Salome, and Mal. Then if the situation warrants, you can give a signal, and we can split into the pairs I indicated before with Malcolm and I moving in concert to outflank the field."
"This has the dual benefits of added flexibility, and it groups Slidell with the people least likely to strangle him should he get himself into trouble." Vesh says, deadpan, and then glances at Ehlissa and adds, "Mostly."
"To borrow a term from my days in the wilderness...," he continues, "We need some bait, basically.
In a very Slidell-esque move, Vesh smacks his forehead as Zieke finishes; he turns to look at the mage. "Of course, Slidell!" He digs about in a pocket of his pack and produces Tsuto's drawing of Nualia. "Her daughter!" He hands the picture to Zieke. "Nualia. Obviously the demon is incapable of love, even for her so-called daughter. But if Nualia is a means to an end, and if that demon fears that it has lost that means...would it not seek revenge? Perhaps exposing itself in the process?"
Slidell echoes Vesh's move and smacks himself on the forehead, followed by an 'OW!' and what are probably a few choice words in another language. Possibly Draconic. He then turns to his familiar.
"Didn't I tell you he was bright?!" "Now why didn't I think of that?!?"
And smiles at Vesh.
"Excellent Vesh! So all we have to do is get to where we WANT our little friend, preferably one of the smaller rooms, declare that we have captured or turned her, though the Demon will probably be more likely to believe a story that we killed her, and, all things going our way for once, she will probably reveal herself out of sheer rage! Brilliant!"
"No, not brilliant. Unless I can--unless we can remember..."
Vesh closes his eyes again and is quiet for a long time. She is not free! He is almost rocking back and forth. She is not free! He looks up frowning and snaps his fingers repeatedly in a gesture of frustrated concentration. He looks, almost pleadingly, at Salome.
"What did it say, Salome? What did the demon-b!%^h say when you were talking to it? Something about Lamashtu giving it a servant. Nualia, we're guessing. But it said something about sending her away to get some spawn of a...something. It started with an 'A,' I think. No. No, it was a 'Y'...Yeth...Yethmazari...Yethamzari...Yeth-something. And something about a rival of her former master. I think."
Vesh is frowning, "Oh! I can't remember."
"So in short, Slidell, stay behind me and resist the urge to jump into puddles." Ehlissa says with a wry grin.
"No, not brilliant. Unless I can--unless we can remember..."
...But it said something about sending her away to get some spawn of a...something. It started with an 'A,' I think. No. No, it was a 'Y'...Yeth...Yethmazari...Yethamzari...Yeth-something. And something about a rival of her former master. I think."
"Yethazmari," Salome intones. "The servant was supposed to free the spawn of Yethazmari from the realm of the 'former Master's rival." Knowledge (Religion) (1d20+7=17)
Salome closes her eyes and concentrates.
"How about this, Zieke? We can prepare to do both...."
Zieke listens to Vesh intently again. Finally, he nods.
"That's not bad, kid," he smiles, "You might make a hell of a tactician after all. As long as everyone knows their assigned groupings, and we call for the split only as circumstances warrant it, yeah...I can see that working quite well. Good job!"
Vesh smacks his forehead as Zieke finishes; he turns to look at the mage. "Of course, Slidell!" He digs about in a pocket of his pack and produces Tsuto's drawing of Nualia. "Her daughter!" He hands the picture to Zieke. "Nualia. Obviously the demon is incapable of love, even for her so-called daughter. But if Nualia is a means to an end, and if that demon fears that it has lost that means...would it not seek revenge? Perhaps exposing itself in the process?"
"Excellent Vesh! So all we have to do is get to where we WANT our little friend, preferably one of the smaller rooms, declare that we have captured or turned her, though the Demon will probably be more likely to believe a story that we killed her, and, all things going our way for once, she will probably reveal herself out of sheer rage! Brilliant!"
The discussion between the two academics carries on as an idea starts to form in Zieke's mind as well.
"No, not brilliant. Unless I can--unless we can remember....What did it say, Salome? What did the demon-b!%^h say when you were talking to it? Something about Lamashtu giving it a servant. Nualia, we're guessing. But it said something about sending her away to get some spawn of a...something. It started with an 'A,' I think. No. No, it was a 'Y'...Yeth...Yethmazari...Yethamzari...Yeth-something. And something about a rival of her former master. I think." Vesh is frowning, "Oh! I can't remember."
"How about this...?" Zieke interrupts while Vesh continues to search his memory, "If I remember right, that devil seemed quite worried when that well flickered and the light went out of it. What if we go back? And when we think she's around watching us while invisible, we can have a whispered conversation as if we've discovered some secret we're trying to keep hidden from her."
"We can say we captured this Nualia..." Zieke suggests, his eyes holding those around the table, "And that we interrogated her and learned about the importance of that well or something. And maybe we can lie and say she gave us information...information that has us worried about the well...worried that maybe it can be reactivated and summon a whole army of wrathspawn straight from whatever hell Lamashtu calls home. Only now we've come back with whatever secrets we stole from Nualia with the intention of destroying the well before this she-devil can repower it. And we'll take a book with us...something that looks really old...maybe Slidell can produce a reasonable forgery and empower it with his magic? And in our whispered conversation we'll keep consulting this book and pretending like it's going to guide us to carry out our goal and it's the most important thing we have in our possession to combat the devil and her goddess. Then we'll get careless with it...leave it lying somewhere she can get her claws on it...only we'll have soaked its pages in wet ink...or fill it with flour. So when she opens it, she gets it on her. And once we've got her marked with it, we'll target her with everything we've got...and I'll track her wherever she goes."
"How about that?" he asks.
If we (he points to Mal nad himself) can-in any way-get the drop on this demon-b!&%ch and strike from surprise, we each can cause her severe...problems." He looks at Mal with a wink.
Mal grins "Sounds good to me."
"We need to be free of the remaining Wrathspawn." Vesh puts his flask of alchemist's fire on the table. "Let's burn it down and be done so that we can all focus on the demon. Mal, I think you should carry the alchemist's fire and use that as an opening salvo against the demon's minions. That frees me up to use my bow." He hands the flask of alchemist's fire to Mal. "No one step in front of that, by the way, or we'll have another member in need of wrapping." He looks from the flask to Slidell.
"I've got a vial of that stuff already. Acid too. You never know when a little fire will come in handy. I've also got a magic elixir I've been saving for a rainy day; the mage that gave it to me said it would protect me from my enemy's blades. I'm guessing it has a function similair to that of Slidell's spell, so that's one less he has to worry about casting."
"How about that?" he asks.
"Nothing like a little deceit eh? I like it. I've had a some...practice lying so I can be of some use there. If we could tag her like you said, than I could probably catch with a fishing net. Then we just hack at her until she dies I guess."
"A few other things to take into account; I'm going to seek out a potion that'll make it so I can jump higher. That might make it so that I can hit her. Also, I found these armbands on that mutant goblin. Ameiko recognized them; they have some kind of magic that'll allow me to move more quickly for a short amount of time."
"So in short, Slidell, stay behind me and resist the urge to jump into puddles." Ehlissa says with a wry grin.
"That much I think I can handle. Probably." The mage replies wryly.
"If you want to use the transposition spell, I'll need time to scribe it, or forego another spell. Not a major loss If I'm planning to rely on mostly Magic Missile for the Quasit. And it could be used to swap someone injured or cornered with someone else. Usually an unpleasant surprise for the corneree! Also, don't forget I'm a decent conjurer. I can summon a Fiendish or Divine Hawk, and that should have a decent chance of spotting the Imp while invisible as well. It won't be able to do much Damage to the Quasit, but just help in finding it is still help."
Slidell strokes his bandaged chin thoughtfully. "Yes," He says to no one in particular. "This could work. Definitely. Although as usual I can't help but wonder if I'm not OVER analyzing this, trying too hard."
He mutters to himself, or his familiar, for a few moments.
"If I forego one or two of my Evocation Cantrips, they aren't going to be much good for anything but extra door keys anyway, I could memorize a minor illusion charm, make something look like something else. For example, the head of a blond-haired woman? With the right comments, THAT should get the quasit's attention. OR I could make any old book, or a sack of flour, look like an ancient tome with Thassilonian letters on it. You must realize of course that the illusion would only remain for as long as I concentrated on it. And wouldn't stand up to inspection if grabbed, But, if she gets close enough to grab an item from my hand, then our problems are pretty much over,..." He looks up as if just realizing that he was talking out loud.
"What do you think? Will that help?"
"If I forego one or two of my Evocation Cantrips, they aren't going to be much good for anything but extra door keys anyway, I could memorize a minor illusion charm, make something look like something else. For example, the head of a blond-haired woman? With the right comments, THAT should get the quasit's attention. OR I could make any old book, or a sack of flour, look like an ancient tome with Thassilonian letters on it. You must realize of course that the illusion would only remain for as long as I concentrated on it. And wouldn't stand up to inspection if grabbed, But, if she gets close enough to grab an item from my hand, then our problems are pretty much over,..." He looks up as if just...
"It might...if you used it at the right moment, of course," Zieke replies, "But some of what you said has me curious. I can't pretend to know how your magic works. But if you've got the ability to summon a magical bird of prey...what about a bloodhound...or maybe an owl or a night-hunting bird? Something that wouldn't have to rely on just its eyes to find this thing. Would that be possible?"
"And lastly, do you have any...what did you call them?" Zieke searches for the right word, "Cantrips?...that could magically dust or coat this thing with dirt, just to make it muddy enough to spot? And would there be any way to enchant the fake book or scroll so that it triggers such a spell on whomever opens it?"
"It might...if you used it at the right moment, of course," Zieke replies, "But some of what you said has me curious. I can't pretend to know how your magic works. But if you've got the ability to summon a magical bird of prey...what about a bloodhound...or maybe an owl or a night-hunting bird? Something that wouldn't have to rely on just its eyes to find this thing. Would that be possible?"
Of course it's possible! I think,... Actually, I named the hawk because in my summoning experience, It seems to be better at spotting things than anything else, at least flying things. A celestial dog is actually one of my favorite creatures to call, their just so playful! But I don't think they'd be much help with a flying creature. Hm,... Not relying on eyes,... I've never tried summoning a bat before, with it's sound-location it would have the easiest time of finding the thing, I'd prefer to summon a Celestial, but Fiendish is probably easier to find,..."
"And lastly, do you have any...what did you call them?" Zieke searches for the right word, "Cantrips?...that could magically dust or coat this thing with dirt, just to make it muddy enough to spot? And would there be any way to enchant the fake book or scroll so that it triggers such a spell on whomever opens it?"
Slidell shakes his head, "I'm competent enough, but Creating magical items isn't really something I've mastered yet. I'm fairly certain that I could come up with something easily enough, if we had enough time. But by tonight? The best I can do is set and manage the enchantment myself. The Prestidigitation charm lasts an hour, so I can have it running while concentrating on a minor image charm, Normally I wouldn't be able to affect much of an area, but perhaps if I expended all the charm's remaining energy in one burst,..."
"I still wonder if I just wave a pineapple around, disguised as a blond woman's head, yelling that thanks to her bragging we've managed to stop her plans, if the Imp wouldn't just attack outright out of sheer rage. She obviously has no self-control at all." Slidell says straight-faced.
"I still wonder if I just wave a pineapple around, disguised as a blond woman's head, yelling that thanks to her bragging we've managed to stop her plans, if the Imp wouldn't just attack outright out of sheer rage. She obviously has no self-control at all." Slidell says straight-faced.
"I'm actually more partial to that plan than any other," Vesh chimes in. "I'm not the smoothest of con-men, but the first rule of thumb in lying is keeping the lie simple. All the talk of whispering things and fake books is only as effective as our ability as actors."
"There's also one more thing we could try as bait." Says Vesh with a wry grin growing across his face. "One of us." He glances in Slidell's direction.
"She might be more willing to appear and engage if we could convince her that only one of us was approaching her to bargain. Perhaps if we could draw her out of the room and into the hall? Two of us could use the arch to provide cover and concealment." He looks at Mal as he says this. "Hell, you could probably net her as she flies through the arch, Mal. Let's try to get her to come to us."
Vesh leans forward. "Mal and I could attempt to sneak down the hall to the cover of the arch. One of us on each side, Mal with a net, me with my bow. Once we're in position, Slidell comes up with the fake head and starts boasting about how he used the demon's words to finder her 'daughter' before she could accomplish her mission. Enraged demon flies out, and Mal snags her. The rest wait until you hear noise and then charge into the fray. Dangerous. Risky. But likely to work better than an exploding flour-book."
"I still wonder if I just wave a pineapple around, disguised as a blond woman's head, yelling that thanks to her bragging we've managed to stop her plans, if the Imp wouldn't just attack outright out of sheer rage. She obviously has no self-control at all." Slidell says straight-faced.
"I'm actually more partial to that plan than any other," Vesh chimes in. "I'm not the smoothest of con-men, but the first rule of thumb in lying is keeping the lie simple. All the talk of whispering things and fake books is only effective as our ability as actors."
"Everything I've heard from myths and legends about devils and demons is that they're conniving, clever creatures..." Zieke responds, "This one also seems to have a pretty fair grasp of spells and wizarding things. So I'm afraid she might see through any of these illusions you might conjure, Slidell. I agree with Vesh that we should keep it simple. But I think a book that supposedly contains some vital piece of information about Lamashtu...which we can claim was taken from this 'daughter' of hers...ought to both anger and captivate this thing. She'll want to take her revenge on us, but she'll also want the book. And if we could just trap it with something sticky or something that would mark her before she can turn invisible again, I still think that's our best option."
"There's also one more thing we could try as bait." Says Vesh with a wry grin growing across his face. "One of us." He glances in Slidell's direction. "She might be more willing to appear and engage if we could convince her that only one of us was approaching her to bargain. Perhaps if we could draw her out of the room and into the hall? Two of us could use the arch to provide cover and concealment." He looks at Mal as he says this. "Hell, you could probably net her as she flies through the arch, Mal. Let's try to get he to come to us."
"No. No one is going off alone. Especially not him..." Zieke jabs his thumb in Slidell's direction, "When he does that it invariably leads to more trouble than it's worth. Keep it simple. All we've got to do is sell the notion that we've got something this thing wants. Isn't that what you advised earlier? Well, the only thing we know that she values is this vile Lamashtu goddess...and presumably that 'daughter' of hers. So I think this is the best bait we're ever going to imagine."
"No. No one is going off alone. Especially not him..."
Vesh frowns and considers Zieke a moment. "Alright, Zieke." Says Vesh finally. "We'll do it that way. But if the ruse fails, and we do not stick a book onto the demon-b!&ch, we're basically back to where we were last night. Fighting an invisible flying cat in a tall-ceilinged room. The net will become useless if she never comes into range."
He turns to Salome and Slidell, "If this all falls apart, it'll be up to you two and me to hit it at range, and we've already seen how effective my bow is in that regard. Choose your spells with that in mind."
Sensing the meeting is at a close, Salome addresses the group once more.
"There was some joking about plans before," Salome reflects, "but my experience is that if you have a plan and things change, you have a change in plans. If you do not have a plan and things change, you have an emergency. So, realizing that we will need to adapt and there will likely be some improvisation going on, it sounds like this is what we have:
"Before engaging in battle, we want to block the exits, or at least be able to detect the djini as it retreats. Zieke has already placed nets at the known exits of the caves. Perhaps one at the top of the ladder would be useful. As far as I know, my scarves are still there, and we may 'see the wind' if the quasit passes us.
"Also, before battle, Slidell and I will cast protective spells as appropriate.
"Upon entering, we will be in two groups of three: Zieke, Malcolm, and Vesh can arrange an ambush or trap to lure the quasit into a more manageable space, if possible.
"Ehlissa, Slidell, and I will engage the quasit once again; we may get more information, distract it, or lure it closer to us. Ehlissa will be our eyes. Slidell, you can work out something to aid in detection, whether it is disguising a sack of flour as a book, marking the quasit with an enchantment, or summoning a creature to track it. Whatever you feel is best. I plan to attack the djini with my lights and divine weapons; it cannot withstand goodness.
"Zieke, Malcolm, and Vesh will take down the remaining wrathspawn and any other jimarrae that are in the way, using their best abilities. While the quasit is distracted, they may also spring the trap, which Slidell will bait. Not personally," she clarifies, glaring at anyone who would suggest otherwise. "Though if he were well-defended and covered..." she muses.
"At Zieke's signal, we will form three pairs: Malcolm and Vesh; Slidell and Ehlissa; and Zieke and myself. At that point, we will focus our attention on bringing down the quasit. As Zieke said, we do not have to attack it all at once, but take our opportunities as they come--or as we make them. We need to keep within range of each other; protection is paramount because healing resources are limited. And the longer we go without sustaining injury, the better our chances of capturing and destroying the djini.
"Should we find ourselves in dire straits again, I think either Zieke or Ehlissa should be able to call for retreat. But I think that this time, we will be ready for anything that evil creature can throw at us.
"Is there anything I have missed?"
"Let us meet at the cave entrance at dusk. That gives everyone a couple of hours to make any final preparations, arm themselves, gather more information, figure out that trap, rest, whatever you need to do. I think we have a long night ahead."
Looking around at the Heroes of Sandpoint, Salome adds, "Before you go, on a personal note, that last battle was very hard on me. This morning, I seriously considered leaving all of this behind and perhaps taking my journey elsewhere. But I have seen your noble hearts and concern for one another. It has been a privilege to be numbered among you this past week, and I am honored to fight by your side. I want you to know that I will not abandon you. I will do everything in my power to protect you, heal you, and serve where I am needed." She takes her seat and closes her hand around her ankh.
I want you to know that I will not abandon you. I will do everything in my power to protect you, heal you, and serve where I am needed." She takes her seat and closes her hand around her ankh.
Vesh hoists a cup, "To good luck, sharp swords, and sharper wits, then."
Toasts said and meal ended, Salome turns to Vesh. "I am headed toward the cathedral. It seems like Father Zantus knows a thing or two about quasits. I wonder what he might know about Lamashtu? Shall we ask?"
"Is there anything I have missed?"
"I think that sums it up," Zieke responds, "And in case anyone's wondering, Salome has my full support. I think she's the wisest and most organized of us all. Any plan she favors, I'll back..."
"Before you go, on a personal note, that last battle was very hard on me. This morning, I seriously considered leaving all of this behind and perhaps taking my journey elsewhere. But I have seen your noble hearts and concern for one another. It has been a privilege to be numbered among you this past week, and I am honored to fight by your side. I want you to know that I will not abandon you. I will do everything in my power to protect you, heal you, and serve where I am needed."
"I'll echo that sentiment," Zieke adds, "When I came to check on all of you yesterday, I really didn't know what I was getting myself into...both with the threat in those tunnels, and with all of you. Sandpoint labeled you as 'heroes' and I guess I had my doubts. But as crazy as some of your actions seemed down there, there's no questioning you've all got the hearts of heroes in my eyes now. So let's go do the heroic thing and make sure this devil quasit-thing can never threaten this town again."
He rises to his feet, nods to Salome and Vesh, and then takes his leave.
The remainder of Zieke's day is spent going through his regular routine...checking on the town's guards, patrolling the streets, reassuring folks, and resolving disputes where necessary. It feels good to have a sense of purpose. Most of the families and friendly faces about town will probably never know the exact details of what they'll face below the Glassworks, but it feels good knowing he'll have an opportunity to keep them safe again.
"Is there anything I have missed?"
"I don't think so."
Vesh hoists a cup, "To good luck, sharp swords, and sharper wits, then."
"Here here. Let's end this." Malcolm rises and bows slgihtly "And now if you'll excuse me, I'll be off to find some trinkets to make the demon-witch's life even mroe unpleasant."