“Treating guests without giving them a proper greeting is just rude. I won’t have it when we’re discussing a contract. We’ll make sure it’s a full Elven meal full of foods I can’t pronounce and critters that don’t make any biological sense,” Nigel’s firm voice echoes about the chamber, “And this place is so drab, isn’t it drab to you? You’d think we were a bunch of vampires or something. How about we brighten it up? I wonder if we have any old stuff we could throw around to make it look more official. Elves like that kind of thing right?” A brief pause as Nigel recomposes himself, “but look at me all in a tizzy. Thank you for coming out to this Shaan, if this contract pans out then I’ll be extremely happy to get to work with you properly for the first time.”
The afternoon sun shines through the large stain glass window at the back of the room, leaving patterns of red and blue draping across the table and those sitting at it. The table, bare but moments before, is now full of fine Elven foods. Ryschal, veal seasoned with Valandaerian spices, and theriis, a mash of vibrant fruits, are served first with bread and wine to the party.
“You know, this meal turned out better than I thought it would. At first they told me it was going to be impossible to get spices imported from Valandaer. I guess I showed them, nothing a good trade of favors can’t do,” Nigel says delightedly as he looks about. Ornate shields cover the wall at even intervals, blue base with gold trim and a brown insignia of a sword over an open book. Shelves of dusty books line the walls underneath the hanging shields. Most of the spines are too dusty to read, but a few stand out as chronicles of missions written by old members of the Guild.
Nigel is dressed in simple clothes, no armor showing, and no weapon at his side. His shirt is a dusty white, with a simple brown vest over it. It tucks into a pair of simple brown pants. All in all Nigel is a rather plain individual; short brown hair, plain green eyes, and a clean shaven face with nary a scar. Sitting at the end of the table, several feet in front of the window, he eats slowly and constantly; taking time to devour each little bit individually before moving onto the next, never taking a break between except to speak. A smile seems to sit upon his face, never falling for even a second.
To the right of Nigel sits a woman previously introduced as Shaan, a friend of his who would be overseeing the discussion of terms alongside him. At the opposite end of the table, Magnus Lirian sits with a wide grin on his bearded face. To the right of Magnus, on the long edge of the table, the Duchess of Linoor. Her demeanor is more or less the opposite of Nigel’s own. Clearly famished from the journey, she is inhaling the food almost as fast as the servants can keep bringing it out. Janus, the Duke of Namre and Magnus' Apprentice, sits to the right of Sheriah. To his right sits Alaris, who looks about excitedly as people shuffle in and out with trays. He makes several attempts at small talk with the servants passing by, clearly quite excited with this entire procedure. Opposite Sheriah, Janus and Alaris sit Elros of Amrothe' and Molasbar. Behind Molasbar and Elros, leaning against the wall with arms crossed while looking rather unimpressed, is Teris who stands next to a glass case, the contents of which are several small trinkets made of… brass? Bronze? Some shiny rust colored metal that has dulled over the years.
Dotting
Since the guests arrival, Shaan has been on her best behavior, responding to various salutations in a near perfect elven.
Dressed in hushed greyish clothes with a dark brown coat, Shaan also appears unarmored. Upon arriving at the table, she had slung her weapon, a plain but masterfully forger rapier, on the back of her chair. After a few moments, as the participant start to engage in small talk, she raises from her seat, taking out a shiny looking coin from one of her pockets. She clears her voice to get everyone attention.
"I understand this is going to be a business meeting and we will make our best to be able to answer your needs, at its just price, obviously." She smiles to everyone.
"But for now, let us enjoy our meal. I know it is a custom to ask for a blessing at the start of such meeting and, as strange as it looks, I seem to be the only cleric as this table. As a daughter of Lady Luck, I have not often been in this situation, so let me try to do it.
In each venture, whatever your belief, my Lady has a say and she may look up or down on us. So let's find what it is today."
With a flick of her finger, she flips it up in the air. Out of her sleeve, she produces a shuriken, the favored weapon of Silistria, and sends it flying. One of the points pierce the coin before it buries in the wall, and disappears, only to reappear in Shaan's hand.
Looking at the coin, she smiles and announces: "We are lucky today, my Lady smiles on us."
Molasbar enters the room with a flourish. Immediately noticeable is his robe, white as fresh snow (and indeed glimmers slightly like snow), lined with fur and stitched with golden thread, it is fine enough to be worn by a duke. He wears delicate jewelry: rings, necklaces, bracelets and a circlet. He carries a finely crafted blackwood walking stick. His brown hair is full and falls in loose curls to his shoulders; it seems to move in a gentle breeze that no one else feels. His eyes glow with blue arcane energy. He is not very tall for an elf, but carries himself as though he towered over all around him. When he moves around the room, his movements seems unnaturally still; there is no sign of movement in the skirts of his robes, so it appears his legs are not moving as he walks. Doors open for him as he approaches, and objects float to him when he wants them. Even his food and wine float to his mouth for consumption.
While his manners are impeccable, Molasbar is a bit of a bore at dinner. He doesn’t seem to notice much going on around his or that is being said. When in discussions, he makes it clear that he knows more about practically anything that anyone else. Each piece of food that floats over to him is accompanied by an anecdote or a small lesson on the history of the item, or "interesting" facts about it.
When Shaan pierces the coin, Molasbar claps and laughs, delighted by the feat. Bravo! Bravo! he calls out.
DM
While he seems to be disinterested in much that is going on, he has his headband carefully examining each and every person in the room, seen or unseen, and reporting to him telepathically.
Sitting back in her seat, Shaan bows her head at Molasbar.
"Well, Master Mage, if that's not too personnel, can tell me why you have joined this fine company to be here ?"
Why, I am here at the beheast of good Magnus. he says, gesturing to the gentle-elf. I can only assume that I am here for my scintillating contibutions to the conversation! Molasbar seems very pleased with himself. Then he goes on...
You mentioned being here for business. Are we to the point of the evening where we are prepared to elaborate? If you are concerned about my ability to maintain discretion, I assure you that I am perfectly capable.
Why, I am here at the beheast of good Magnus. he says, gesturing to the gentle-elf. I can only assume that I am here for my scintillating contibutions to the conversation! Molasbar seems very pleased with himself. Then he goes on...
You mentioned being here for business. Are we to the point of the evening where we are prepared to elaborate? If you are concerned about my ability to maintain discretion, I assure you that I am perfectly capable.
"Anyone here knows about discretion, for sure. My question was more curiosity than anything else. While I am looking forward to discuss business, I know we will come to it in good time. Patience is a weapon as well, when you know how to use it.
So you are a librarian as well?", she says, looking at Magnus for confirmation. "and is your friend master Aurelius one as well?"
Duke Elros, dressed resplendantly, says and eats little throughout the meal. A politely reserved expression on his face is the only comment he had so far. He seems more interested in Molasbar's conversation than the others seem to.
DM
Rolukk watches the proceedings from the ethereal, wondering when these people will quit stuffing their faces and making nice. He is waiting to find out what this "business" that is spoken of is before making his appearance.
Elros turns to Alaris.
"Tell me my friend, while we are waiting, can you tell me how things fare in the capitol? I have not been there since I was exiled, and word of mouth cannot be trusted."
He looks down into his wineglass as he swirls it.
"And how is... the new Queen?"
Alaris turns to make eye contact with the Duke of Amrothe', and a wry smile cracks his lips. "Oh my mother is doing just fine Elros," he says, making no attempt to mask his amusement. Alaris' eyes narrow as he speaks, and his smile evolves into a full toothed grin. "She sends you her highest regards."
Segregated from the group, Teris, interrupting his brooding, looks up and begins to speak loudly. "I seem to be the only one who remembers that time is of the essence." The depth of his voice is apparent compared to the rest of the Valandaerian envoy. "Amidst a losing war, we have come to you and the Thieves' Guild out of desperation," he says looking directly at Nigel, "yet here we are, dining and talking as if we are celebrating. We are on a mission of the utmost importance! Tell me what we have to celebrate!"
Magnus looks around at each person at the table, beaming and seeming to ignore Teris' outburst. He rests his gaze on Shaan. "I have invited Molasbar to accompany us for the purposes of knowledge and learning. He is, after all, one of the best teachers at Valandaer's Academy, and I would be remiss not to allow him to see the world in its entirety so that he may further expand his knowledge. You cannot be a teacher without also being a student. As a Grand Librarian, I have sanctioned his decidedly non-neutral involvement here, and I am here only in an advisory capacity and as a favor to the Queen. And Janus. Thank you kindly for the respect, but such veneration is not necessary." Maintaining his grandfatherly grin and gentle demeanor, but sharpening his tone, he continues. "Alas, the Crown Prince is right. Valandaer is in a grave situation, and though I have passed Namre over to my apprentice, it is still my home. We must get on to business. Alaris, would you do the honors and present our requests, tactfully, to our gracious host."
Turning her gaze towards Alaris, Shaan reclines in her chair, eye and ears wide open. Casting a quick glance to her left, she watches Nigel expression before nodding to the elf.
"And so the festivities end." Alaris stands, places both hands on the table and begins to lean forward while looking at Nigel and Shaan. "Dear old dad, King Seferin, sought to bring our great nation into a 'Golden Age.' Of course his plan revolved around destroying a nation made up of those we once enslaved, but it didn't matter. It was for the glory of Valandaer! So into Tyrixx he marched with a company of thirty men on a 'diplomatic mission' that was about as diplomatic as The Cascade. His intent was to eliminate leaders of Tyrixx and begin what he thought would be a decisive war." He pauses for punctuation, taking a long drink before he begins again. "At this so called meeting of diplomacy, the goal of which was to negotiate trade and expansion, Sefeth made his move. But of course, Tyrixx, being no nation of fools, had anticipated Sefeth's actions and retaliated. War was on, and it began with the death of the King.
And now, here we are, decades later, still dealing with his mess, and poorly I might add. The fact is, we are losing and have been for quite some time. According to that demonic flip-flopper, Shra'Rit, Tyrixx is on the verge of being able to end the war decidedly in their favor with some sort of secret plan or weapon. None of us are sure what it is. We stand here today, despondent. We have attempted to acquire aid from the temporal and the divine only to be met with rejection. Our own mastery of the arcane is not enough to save us. So, today, we attempt to turn to the shadows. Our esteemed High Advisor, Lanthromere Aran, has developed a last-ditch plan to turn the tide in our favor. Valandaer simply does not have the resources to devote its own peop-"
Alaris stops abruptly as a wave of déjà vu washes through the room. A look of curiosity crosses his face as he scans the room. Immediately, he draws his weapon and begins to slowly look up and around, as if searching for something invisible.
A brief flash of concern dances across Magnus' features and is then replaced by understanding. He stands quickly and begins walking around to Teris, carefully avoiding the servants that look to be frozen in the midst of whatever menial task there were engaging in seconds before. Teris remains expressionless, but moves to place both hands on the hilts of his blades as he watches his brother draw a weapon. As Magnus reaches Teris, he leans over, as if to whisper.
Sheriah glances up nonchalantly, noticing the servant that had just brought her yet another plate of food is completely still, and Alaris is carefully scanning while wielding Fenrir. In one graceful motion, she stands, draws her elegant rapier, and sits again, continuing to devour her food with her left hand and holding her weapon in her right.
As Magnus begins to whisper, two violent cracks of thunder ring out, seeming to originate in the courtyard through the window. The sound of thunder is immediately succeeded by a shrill, grim and chilling cackle.
Initiative:
Spellcraft:
DM
Rolukk, seeing them react to something outside the building and hearing a muffled cackle echo through the misty plane, turns and strides back through the wall to size up whatever threat has presented itself. No better way to prove oneself to allies than in combat.
He also reaches into his pouch and quaffs whatever vial of strange liquid the man in the glade gave him.
Initiative:
Initiative , spellcraft
Shaan stands up as well, drawing her rapier, looking around for clues of a menace.
Duke Elros will take a last sip of the excellent wine, casually stand up and pick up the shield hanging over the back of his chair. He does not draw yet.
He looks over at Alaris and arches an eyebrow.
"Do you think they'll grant us a short pause whilst I don my armor?"
Knowledge Arcana
Initiative
Molasbar leans forward slightly, gracefully wrapping his hand around his club (shifting the +5 bonus to defending).
A grin flickers across Elros' face and is gone again.
"No? Well, I shall have to make do then."
He raises his arms and he mutters a brief prayer and instantly a suit of full plate armor made of opaque force enwraps his body.
DM
Feels the time has come to reveal himself to those inside and apprise them of the situation. He strides back through the wall, and grasps the amulet. Finding a clear spot in the room, he keeps his other hand away from his blade and slides the amulet off over his head.
Would you like me to describe my sudden appearance, or would you like the honor?
Alaris looks as if he is about to speak, but then stops. His eyes narrow as he looks sharply at the right corner of the large room, reacting to the thunder and mad laughter. “There seems to be an enormous aura of conjuration magic coming from the center of your courtyard Mr. Mare,” he says nonchalantly as he snaps a finger at the large window. The latches that hold the window in place click, and the two halves open wide. “There are two smaller auras as well, but they are dwarfed by the conjuration.” Alaris walks casually towards the window he has just opened and begins to step through. He pauses mid step, and looks back with a smirk on his face. “Oh and Elros… Judging by the servants, I would say that we have all of the time in the world.”
Before Magnus can finish speaking, Teris begins to move. In an instant, his weapons are drawn and he becomes a blur as he strides from his spot and through the window that has just been opened; much faster than what seems to be possible for any mortal. Magnus simply shakes his head and chuckles. “Never patient, those two,” he says, and he begins to levitate slowly towards the window. “Oh well, better to investigate immediately, I suppose. Whatever is out there, I think the lightning and shrill laughter are the least of our troubles.”
Sheriah continues to scarf down her food. Were it not for the rapier firmly held in her hand, and her earlier gesture of recognition, one would swear that she was completely oblivious to her surroundings.
He pauses mid step, and looks back with a smirk on his face. “Oh and Elros… Judging by the servants, I would say that we have all of the time in the world.”
Elros looks about at the frozen servants.
"Yes. Well. Before I take advantage of it, let us see what the commotion is about." He walks to the window.Hesitating next to one of the servants, he leans forward looking closely at her face, then prods one cheek [is the flesh rigid or normal?]. Abruptly he shakes his head and strides on towards the courtyard...
Still looking around, shaan straps her buckler to her arm with practiced movements before calling for her Lady's help in cheating death again.
Without another word, she casts a glance at Nigel, looking for directions.
Suddenly in the corner of the dining room, a figure takes shape. It starts as a blurry outline, then takes on form as it solidifies into the figure of a massive, heavily tattooed half-orc.
His long, unruly black hair is bound with a leather thong at the nape of his neck, and he carries a massive falchion strapped to his back. One hand is holding a gemmed amulet, and the other is hanging loosely at his side, away from the blade.
"I am Rolukk of Clan Earbiter, annointed of the Earth Mother. There is no time for questions. You are being attacked in the courtyard by a robed woman, a heavily armored man, and four large demons. Enough dinner-talk. Now we kill demon-spawn!"
With that he moves to follow Teris out through the window, albeit nowhere near as gracefully, drawing the massive sword off his back as he moves.
Does the strange potion have any effects that I should be aware of?
Watching as things quickly turn from mealtime to business Nigel nods approvingly.
"I suppose mealtime can't last forever! Pardon me, I simply find it terribly dull to talk business on an empty stomach. Something about doing so seems... wrong," Nigel looks at Shaan and smiles deeply "Let's go ahead and hear what they have to say eh?"
Nigel listens, jotting down some notes on pieces of paper which he pulls from a bag at his side. He notes the names of importance, and keeps track of things until...
Déjà vu. He looks about at the guards, analyzing the situation. "WOOAAAH then. Seems like things aren't going to be as calm as I'd like," he looks over at Shaan, his smile never fading from his face. He speaks calmly still, with his warm voice still carefully considering each word. "It would appear, if my hunches are correct, that we are under the effects of some kind of time stop so I want you to..."
As Rolukk appears Nigel moves towards a shelf and grabs a glowing blade. "Remind me to fire EVERY diviner we have on staff," he calls, audibly perturbed for this first time. He looks over Rolukk as he explains the situation. "Very well. I have no reason to trust or distrust you, but since you're not swinging I suppose you're better than whatever is making the terrace explode," Nigels eyes light up, "They're going to ruin the shrubs! I just had those imported from Sorcuth! Oh they are going to be in so much trouble!"
He tosses a dagger over to Shaan, "If you get in trouble poke yourself with that. It'll heal you up quickly. Try to stick to the shadows, figure out who the biggest threat is. Make sure our guests stay safe, I wouldn't want anything happening to them. It would bother me to heck if we had blood on our hands when we were the hosts of this entire hoot nanny. I'm going to make sure Ms. Sheriah gets to safety. And Shaan..."
Nigel reads off a scroll quickly.
"Keep me briefed on the information you recover. I want the number of new guests we have. Try to knock them out if possible, I have a few questions for them. This link will last for quite a while."
Nigel begins moving over to Sheriah, still smiling the entire time.
Startled by the appearance of the orc, Elros grabs the hilt of his sword ready to draw.
"I am Rolukk of Clan Earbiter, annointed of the Earth Mother. There is no time for questions. You are being attacked in the courtyard by a robed woman, a heavily armored man, and four large demons. Enough dinner-talk. Now we kill demon-spawn!"
Stunned by the concept of an orc coming to help, Elros delays until Rolukk has gone through the window before casting Sanctify Armor and following.
He tosses a dagger over to Shaan, "If you get in trouble poke yourself with that. It'll heal you up quickly. Try to stick to the shadows, figure out who the biggest threat is. Make sure our guests stay safe, I wouldn't want anything happening to them. It would bother me to heck if we had blood on our hands when we were the hosts of this entire hoot nanny. I'm going to make sure Ms. Sheriah gets to safety. And Shaan..."
Nigel reads off a scroll quickly.
...
Shaan catches the dagger and sheathes it in her belt.
She sticks out her tongue at Janus: "We don't do surprise here, master Arellian, this is unprofessional." and with a wink, she moves to the window, casting another spell as she goes. As she gets to the window, she moves through it without a noise, as if she was gliding through the air.
A rumbling voice rolls across the courtyard seconds after Teris bolts through the window with breakneck speed. Its origin is the figure fully clad in black armor. “AH, THE CROWN PRINCE, HERALD OF VALANDAER. YOU RUSH TO FALL BY MY BLADE AGAIN!?” he bellows. “SO BE IT. BUT IT SHALL BE WITH HONOR! STAY BACK; I WILL DO BATTLE WITH THE PRINCE. REMAIN READY, FOR HIS ALLIES WILL SOON BE UPON US.” As he speaks, his height doubles; his body adjusts proportionally, and he is surrounded by a mass of swirling black energy wisps. Immediately following is the clash and clang of swords and armor as Teris arrives and engages this opponent in a fierce melee.
Another mad cackle rings out, and two more cracks of thunder resonate throughout the courtyard. “Bahahaha. The prince of a nation has come to die, and to the sweet symphony of lightning no less,” calls the cracking, excited voice of the woman over the sound of battle. “You should count yourself lucky that Marcy is an honorable man amongst demons; our friends here are quite famished. You have fun Marcy, and we shall deal with any interruptions...with pleasure!”
Alaris looks meaningfully at Elros, all traces of humor gone from his features. “An old friend has come to visit.” With that, Alaris’ outline begins to blur and shift until it is difficult to make out his exact position. Without hesitation, he turns and moves fluidly through the open window and into the cobblestone courtyard; speeding off in the direction of conflict. Though he does not move as fast as his brother, Alaris’ motions are far quicker than the average person. In a matter of seconds, he is upon the reptilian creature to the left of fully plated towering figure engulfed in negative energy.
Inside the meeting room, Sheriah begins to speak. “Well then… it seems Marcus D’Virish has come to crash our little party,” she says casually. “And if I had to guess, I would say that the woman’s voice belongs to the sorceress Feezu. Things are going to get very interesting.” She stands up rather unceremoniously and simply vanishes.
Magnus hovers by the window waiting calmly for the rest of the guests to go through. “Things certainly have become interesting, haven’t they?” He says rather jovially. “Now Janus, none of us would have achieved status if we did not know how to react under pressure. Besides, we have some of the most powerful individuals that Valandaer has to offer here, as well as the help of the esteemed Thieves’ Guild. I do not think that Tyrixx was aware that we would be sending this many to Ulvin. They are in for quite the surprise. Though I am surprised myself that they would try something in Cellerus’ territory. I suppose that is what the time stop is for.” As he is waiting, the Grand Librarian makes a few quick gestures. A sphere, ten feet in diameter, flashes around him briefly, and then disappears. After his spell, Magnus nods knowingly at Rolukk and smiles.
Alaris looks meaningfully at Elros, all traces of humor gone from his features. “An old friend has come to visit.”
Elros nods knowingly.
"Well then, let us greet him and his friends properly." As Alaris speeds off he shook his head; he always felt like such a slowpoke around them.Concentrating, Elros spoke into the air; "Aranahil; To me."
In a burst of Celestial radiance, a fully accoutered warhorse in the colors of Amrothe' appears nest to him. He quickly patted his as he drew forth the adamantine lance Aeglos from it's case, then lept into the saddle.
Ride check (Fast mount DC20):
"Come Aranahil! We have a gift to deliver!" He lowered the lance at the boar headed demon on the other side of D'Virish, selected him as his target for smite, and began his charge.
Due to the situation, Shaan abandons hopes of moving stealthily.
As she crosses the window, she quickly scans the opposition.
Waiting for the mage named Molasbar to act, she considers her options:
Once through the window, Rolukk screams a blood-curdling war cry, spittle flying from his lips.
His muscles ripple with strength and small horns appear on his forehead, as he stomps his feet once upon the earth and charges ahead, straight toward the towering demon to the right of the armored man.
Rage (Free Action), Boots of Speed for Haste (Free Action), Charge once within range. Not sure how large this courtyard is.
Molasbar is going to try and catch as many (non-frozen) people in the room as possible with a Haste spell. If he is casting after the mount is summoned, he'll include it too. Then he'll move, flying out the window and up about 20' higher than the level of the window.
Can Molasbar identify the demons?
Knowledge Planes
As the mage casts a haste, spell, she calls for the luck of Silistria to both help her withstand lighting and be transfered to all her alies
Glowing brightly, Elros charges 100 ft. making a ride-by Smite attack on his target along the way. You don't see his horses hooves touch the ground as he rides by.
Lance attack-- Charge(+2h,-2ac), Smite evil(+8h,+30dam(assuming evil outsider)), Power attack(2h)(-4h,+12dam), Spirited charge (auto x3 dam), bypassing all DR
to hit.
damage.
Screaming at the top of his lungs, falchion held high overhead, Rolukk charges the monstrous demon with very little thought for his own safety.
Upon closing with the beast he whips the massive blade down in an overhand chop, using the force of his charge and fury to add momentum...
to hit.
damage
A blood curdling scream issues forth from the Somarian as he barrels down the courtyard. As he comes upon his target, using the momentum from a ferocious charge, he raises his massive blade and drives it down, cutting deeply into the beast. It lets out a roar of rage before cutting into its newfound opponent with two huge claws and then a bite. As the creature assaults its prey, nauseating beams of writhing color play about its body.
Ten feet behind the creature engaging Rolukk, the swirling portal has closed. The sorceress makes a quick gesture as she giggles wildly. "The prince of speed shall lose his throne and will pay with his life as punishment." Immediately, Teris' blurred countenance reverts to normal. His movements seem much slower comparatively as the now 14 foot figure known as Marcus D'Virish begins a barbaric assault on the prince. Teris attempts to defend himself, but to no avail; his opponent seems to be one step ahead. He is overwhelmed by a flurry of slashes, shield bashes and black wisps of energy. "MY TASK IS COMPLETE," the armored giant bellows as Teris crumples under the weight of a devastating final cut from a longsword now wreathed in fire and dark energy. Marcus then turns his attention to Alaris, raising his longsword high above his head. As Teris falls, the sorceress speaks again. "Oh look at the little orc, so cute with his horns. I bet his head would make a nice trophy Marcy." With that, she steps to the side to line up with Rolukk, the demon he is fighting, and the large window that is spitting out people. An enormous stroke of electricity issues forth from her outstretched mechanical arm in the direction of Rolukk causing yet another large crack to reverberate through the courtyard. The demon that the bolt passes through seems altogether unphased.
The other two boar headed demons lumber around in a wide circle to the other side of Rolukk and Alaris and face the window. They bare their teeth menacingly and square themselves, as if to prepare for another assault.
The demon engaging Alaris hisses, then attempts to grip him with its gaping maw; it finds nothing but air as Alaris dodges deftly. The reptilian creature, aggravated, attempts to claw him, but misses again due to Alaris' shifting position.