Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

Welcome to Lost in the Flood Part II.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia quickly fires an arrow at the screaming charging drow, firing on reflex as much as anything else, then quickly sidesteps behind her.

 
 Spoiler: Attack 
hope this is good! I may need some more flanking help by the way. Oh, and is the drow blinded by whiskers?

Attack:  (d20+15)[ 30 ] 
Crit:  (d20+15)[ 31 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 1 ]  plus sneak attack:  (4d6)[ 19 ] 
Crit damage:  (d8)[ 1 ]   (d8)[ 6 ] 
 
Admiral
Natalia fires an arrow straight into the side of the creature's neck as he charges. Angered, he swings his blades in wide arcs around him, but in his blind fury he doesn't know where to swing.

 
 Spoiler 

Yep, he's blind. Wouldn't be realistic for him to find Natalia just from an arrow.

Back to the party's turn. (I'll get back to the crew in the barracks/armory in a minute).
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "See or hear anyone else inside?"  Natalia asks shiny and Rhenner in celestial before taking a deep but tense breath as fires two more arrows, feeling the spell drain from her as it does, watches herself slowly fade Into view, revealing herself to be a small human girl, spattered in blood.

 
 Spoiler: Initiative and attack: 
nice. Here's hoping I can put a good dent into him before becoming visible! Him being flatfooted against me and dazzled helps too. 😁

Initiative:  (d20+9)[ 13 ] 

Attack:  (d20+15)[ 24 ] 
Crit:  (d20+15)[ 29 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 1 ]  plus sneak attack:  (4d6)[ 10 ] 
Crit damage:  (d8)[ 2 ]   (d8)[ 6 ] 


Attack:  (d20+10)[ 23 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 3 ]  plus sneak attack:  (4d6)[ 20 ] 
Crit damage:  (d8)[ 3 ]   (d8)[ 4 ] 
 


She then quickly steps back again.
CWater
Rhenner tries to see past the armored guard to the room. To be honest, he doesn't really want to, but life rarely goes how he would like it to.

 
 Spoiler 
Is it possible to get past the drow?

Btw, I just noticed that Rhenner has a scroll he can't use. It makes no sense for him to be carrying that, so would either of the arcane casters want to have it?

But did we agree that he had gotten the CLW wand from Shiny?
 
Admiral
Natalia's second arrow brings down the blinded drow as he rushes out of the door.

Through the door, Natalia and Rhenner can see a circular chamber, with chains and awful implements of torture arrayed along the wall. In the back of the room hangs a badly bloodied deepgnome, illuminated by the spell on Whiskers, and on left side of the room they can just barely make out two other prisoners hanging on the wall.

 
 Spoiler 

Shiny's not going to act since he's almost out of &gt;L1 spells and doesn't want to burn his invisibility; Rhenner can act (moving into the room for example) if he likes).
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "What do you see?"  Natalia asks, her voice tinged with nervousness even in her relief at bringing down the drow. She can smell it even from over here, and from what Stephan told her about the shredder...

Still. She needs to help out, especially if there are more drow inside. So she runs forward, possibly only pausing to grab the shortswords and anything else easily available off the guard.

 
 Spoiler: Search and note 
at some point (before or after going to the shredder, probably after but I'm not 100% sure and more importantly I may not be on much the next couple days so I don't want to hold you up) Natalia does a quick search of the drow's body. At the very least she takes both shortswords.

Search (doing this now since I'm on ER and don't know what will happen later today):  (d20+16)[ 26 ]  she doesn't spend more than a round searching, especially if she does it beforehand.

Thanks!
 
CWater
Bodies, no, people hanging from the wall, bloodied, and all those... tools. For a moment the scene changes in Rhenner's mind. He's not looking at the dark room in the underdark prison, but a brightly lit hallway. Limbs twisted in a way that shouldn't be possible. Blood spilling to the floor. And screaming. That... must have been the worst. He doesn't think he'll ever forget those cries. He doesn't even always need to be asleep to hear them again. Like now.   Go. Away. I don't. Have time for you.   But the echoes in his head don't give a damn of his opinion.

Natalia says something, but Rhenner can't hear her. Clenching his fist, the cleric steps slowly into the room, a bit like people do in dreams. In some part of his mind knows he should hurry, there are likely more guards coming and who knows what. But those thoughts don't quite reach him, for they are blocked by horror, echoes from the past, certain kind of pain and, increasingly, anger.

 
 Spoiler 
A bit of melodrama maybe, sorry, I'm in the mood. 😛
Can the people on the wall be freed with the Shatter wand? If so, he'll use it to get down the prisoner closest to him as soon as he can.
 
Admiral
Rhenner steps into the room, horrified, and once he's inside gets a better look at the other prisoners. One is a drow, one an orc. Rhenner points his wand towards the orc's wrist, and shatters one of his cuffs. The orc grunts and looks up, squinting at the light and apparently delirious.

 
 Spoiler 

It takes two uses of the Shatter wand to free a prisoner (one chain on each hand). Figured it was logical he'd want to free Orgun the orc first.

Spot and Listen checks from Natalia+Rhenner, please. Shiny's:

Spot:  (1d20-2)[ 13 ] 
Listen  (1d20-2)[ 4 ] 

Natalia doesn't know how far Kane is or even who Kane is.
 
CWater
Rhenner steps next to the orc he assumes is Orgun and supports his weight so he won't be left hanging from one hand when the chains are broken. Perhaps surprisingly, the cleric's hand doesn't shake when he shatters them.  "Orgun, can you hear me?",  he says with a little more than a hint of steel in his voice,  "Your friend Stephan kept his promise. We're here to take you away. And break this place to pieces while we go." 
 
 Spoiler 
If he is not interrupted (which I kind of suspect), he'll free the other two in the same manner.

I'm almost inclined to say that Rhenner is not paying attention to the overall surroundings at the moment. But I'll make the rolls so no one blames me for missing the chance for a skill check. :J

Spot:  (1d20+7)[ 25 ] 
Listen:  (1d20+5)[ 25 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses as she bends over the drow's body. What is she doing? What is she  doing?!  delays like this are why Henry died! She needs to help!

As Natalia draws her blades and dashes into the room, the awful sight nearly stops her in her tracks, nearly makes her vomit. It's so, so much worse seeing everything for herself. The vices, the clamps, the heated knives...

A burning coal of sickened indignation and fury begins to grow in her. For now at least, any reservations she had about her fighting are dispelled. She runs over to Rhenner and the bloodied Torture Orc he's tending to and prepares to help him break the locks.  "Were going to slip you,"  she says, quietly in Orc.

 
 Spoiler: Rolls 
spot:  (d20+12)[ 31 ] 
Listen: take 10 for 22
should Natalia make an open lock check now or later? Just in case, since I need to head back:  (d20+11)[ 27 ]  and postpone if unnecessary/hostiles appear.

It would be INCREDIBLY out of character for Natalia to search before rescuing. I realized that right after posting but the internet went down and I had to see an ultrasound.
 
Admiral
As Natalia and Rhenner move into the chamber, they hear something knocked over to their left. Natalia and Rhenner hear a panicked gasp that seems to come from nowhere, and realize that there is someone else in the room who is as invisible as Shiny and Rhenner.

 
 Spoiler 

OK,  now  if you would like to look at the spoiler tag in the OOC, you can see that someone rolled a natural 1 on his Move Silently, lucky for you.

Rhenner is the only one who pinpointed the position (individual did have a bonus not included in the roll), Natalia just realized he's there. If he thinks it's out of character for him to have noticed at all that is a choice CWater can make. Note that he can't just "point" because he's invisible.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 As Natalia and Rhenner move into the chamber, they hear something knocked over to their left. Natalia and Rhenner hear a panicked gasp that seems to come from nowhere, and realize that there is someone else in the room who is as invisible as Shiny and Rhenner.

 
 Spoiler 

OK,  now  if you would like to look at the spoiler tag in the OOC, you can see that someone rolled a natural 1 on his Move Silently, lucky for you.

Rhenner is the only one who pinpointed the position (individual did have a bonus not included in the roll), Natalia just realized he's there. If he thinks it's out of character for him to have noticed at all that is a choice CWater can make. Note that he can't just "point" because he's invisible.
 
 
 

Natalia gasps when she hears the crashing sound and shouts, in celestial for shiny and Rhenner to hear,  "Shiny! Someone's invisible to my left!" 
 
 Spoiler: Question  
Natalia couldn't pinpoint an exact location, but could she pinpoint a general radius where he is? If so, how big is the area she thinks he's in? Natalia points that out to shiny.
 
CWater
Rhenner looks up when Natalia shouts.  "Watch the door then",  he says in a chilly tone and continues to help the remaining prisoners off their chains.  "Unless either of you have a spell or scroll to break it." 
Admiral
Startled by Natalia's shout, Shiny casts one of his last few spells and summons a cloud of glittering dust in the general area Natalia is pointing.

 
 Spoiler 

Since neither Shiny nor Natalia know exactly where the person is (but since, on the plus side, he has a 10-foot radius to play with), there is a 3/4 chance this glitterdust spell hits the target (I'm giving Natalia a bonus since she was able to see what fell over with her very high spot check). Miss on 1:  (1d4)[ 1 ] 

If hits, Will save against blindness:  (1d20+6)[ 13 ] 
 


The dust settles to the ground, but finds nothing within it, and Shiny remains invisible.  "Are you sure?"  comes the gnome's puzzled voice.
CoffeeIncluded
 "You missed!"  Natalia shouts, still in celestial, more than a little frustration creeping into her voice.  "Where's the dawn burst wand?"  she steps back, blocking the exit and Barring the door. No way out now.  "Surrender or die!"  she shouts in undercommon. She doubts Stephan would listen of this is who she thinks it is, but...she needs to say it.

 
 Spoiler: Question 
should Natalia roll anything?
 


EDIT:  "Who's the invisible person?"  Natalia shouts in undercommon, pointing in its direction, waiting for an answer from one of the prisoners.
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan can't help but smiles as he feels the familiar weight of his armour. He rolls his shoulders and flex his arms to test their mobility a frown forms in his brow  "A little stiffer than normal"  , but it is to be expected since he had to rush while putting it on.   "This isn't ideal... but I'll have to deal with it"  . Stephan fiddles a bit wit the inside part of his gauntlets*, releasing a hidden latch which opens to reveal a slim wand, glad that it is there just as he left it Stephan closes it again and fasten both of them to his forearms. With a simple command the shape of the armour twists and changes, the sleek metal plates changing into sturdy looking set of dark leather armour, the sigil of an stylised lion** traces itself in what appears to be silver thread on his right shoulder.  He finally ties his blades to the back of his waist, their hilts protruding from it ready to be drawn at a moments notice, in addition to that he slung the drow-blade over his shoulder.

 "Mithril, are you done here? We need to meet with the others" 
 
 Spoiler 

*I added the wandchambers to the gauntlers mostly as a aesthetic choice, if you (Admiral) thinks they don't work like that would it be a problem to instead add them to the dragonsplits?
** [Big Image Warning] The Exxet family crest, it looks like this one, but without the unicorn horn on the lion's head
 
 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
Admiral how much stuff is left?
 

 "Uh, I don't know.  I would rather not leave anything for the drow to use." 
Admiral
As Stephan dons his breastplate he is occasionally interrupted by new prisoners arriving, each of which grunts thanks as Stephan unlocks his collar and then starts rummaging through the weapons. Just as Stephan finishes putting his armor on, a familiar deepdwarf runs around the corner into the barracks.

 "Stephan, lad, good to see you back, whatever shape you be in,"  says Rook. The cleric places his hand on Stephan and casts a healing spell, at the same time as Stephan unlocks the dwarf's collar.

 
 Spoiler 

CSW for Stephan:  (3d8+7)[ 17 ] 
 

 "Your friends are going after Orgun, if you're ready I can take over here-"  his eyes fix on something over Stephan's shoulder and he turns suddenly furious.  "&lt;Dwarven&gt;By Moradin's beard-&lt;/Dwarven&gt; &lt;Undercommon&gt;what the bloody hell are  you  doin' here?&lt;/Undercommon&gt;"  He points accusingly at Aldus, who has stepped out of the vault carrying a small pile of weapons bound for the cells.

The drow returns the look with a simpering smile.  "&lt;Undercommon&gt;Why, following your fine example, Brother Rook. Can't you see?&lt;/Undercommon&gt;"  he says in a mocking tone of false piety. He holds up and jingles a handful of keys.  "&lt;Undercommon&gt;I'm helping to free slaves.&lt;/Undercommon&gt;" 
 
 Spoiler 

Hope it's fair to assume Stephan would unlock Rook's collar if he's been doing the same for the others. You do not have to stick around for the Rook-Aldus drama, you are free to leave the barracks (some things happen whether the party wants to be involved or not).

Bunches and bunches of stuff are left in the vault (it's a prison staffed by 50-odd drow with a variety of gladitorial weapons), but the prisoners are also looting at the same time, and Mithril can't tell at a glance what is magical and what isn't, though she's making her best guesses.
 

 
 Spoiler 

Oh, almost forgot. For Natalia+Rhenner+Shiny, map is updated. It is currently the drow's turn so no actions from you yet, but I need a Natalia-only Listen check and Reflex save.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia keeps her ears open.

 
 Spoiler: Checks and save 
listen:  (d20+12)[ 13 ] 
Reflex:  (d20+14)[ 24 ] 

Bah. Glad it wasn't the other way around though!
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

 
 Spoiler: Don't read this 
 
 Spoiler: Really 

Something:  (1d20)[ 18 ] 
Something else:  (1d20)[ 15 ] 
 

 

 


Natalia and the others wait, but see no sign of their quarry.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 As Stephan dons his breastplate he is occasionally interrupted by new prisoners arriving, each of which grunts thanks as Stephan unlocks his collar and then starts rummaging through the weapons. Just as Stephan finishes putting his armor on, a familiar deepdwarf runs around the corner into the barracks.

 "Stephan, lad, good to see you back, whatever shape you be in,"  says Rook. The cleric places his hand on Stephan and casts a healing spell, at the same time as Stephan unlocks the dwarf's collar.

 "Your friends are going after Orgun, if you're ready I can take over here-"  his eyes fix on something over Stephan's shoulder and he turns suddenly furious.  "&lt;Dwarven&gt;By Moradin's beard-&lt;/Dwarven&gt; &lt;Undercommon&gt;what the bloody hell are  you  doin' here?&lt;/Undercommon&gt;"  He points accusingly at Aldus, who has stepped out of the vault carrying a small pile of weapons bound for the cells.

The drow returns the look with a simpering smile.  "&lt;Undercommon&gt;Why, following your fine example, Brother Rook. Can't you see?&lt;/Undercommon&gt;"  he says in a mocking tone of false piety. He holds up and jingles a handful of keys.  "&lt;Undercommon&gt;I'm helping to free slaves.&lt;/Undercommon&gt;" 
 
 Spoiler 

Hope it's fair to assume Stephan would unlock Rook's collar if he's been doing the same for the others. You do not have to stick around for the Rook-Aldus drama, you are free to leave the barracks (some things happen whether the party wants to be involved or not).

Bunches and bunches of stuff are left in the vault (it's a prison staffed by 50-odd drow with a variety of gladitorial weapons), but the prisoners are also looting at the same time, and Mithril can't tell at a glance what is magical and what isn't, though she's making her best guesses.
 
 
 

Mithril looked up at hearing Rook and Stephan but quickly got back to filling the bag.  If Stephan was leaving it did put her in a dangerous position with no allies to defend her, but he trusted Rook....   "Uh, Stephan would your friend mind sticking with me for a bit?  I want to make sure we have enough to make the next leg." 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 As Stephan dons his breastplate he is occasionally interrupted by new prisoners arriving, each of which grunts thanks as Stephan unlocks his collar and then starts rummaging through the weapons. Just as Stephan finishes putting his armor on, a familiar deepdwarf runs around the corner into the barracks.

 "Stephan, lad, good to see you back, whatever shape you be in,"  says Rook. The cleric places his hand on Stephan and casts a healing spell, at the same time as Stephan unlocks the dwarf's collar.


 "Your friends are going after Orgun, if you're ready I can take over here-"  his eyes fix on something over Stephan's shoulder and he turns suddenly furious.  "&lt;Dwarven&gt;By Moradin's beard-&lt;/Dwarven&gt; &lt;Undercommon&gt;what the bloody hell are  you  doin' here?&lt;/Undercommon&gt;"  He points accusingly at Aldus, who has stepped out of the vault carrying a small pile of weapons bound for the cells.

The drow returns the look with a simpering smile.  "&lt;Undercommon&gt;Why, following your fine example, Brother Rook. Can't you see?&lt;/Undercommon&gt;"  he says in a mocking tone of false piety. He holds up and jingles a handful of keys.  "&lt;Undercommon&gt;I'm helping to free slaves.&lt;/Undercommon&gt;"  
 

Stephan smiles gratefully as the positive energy mends his wounds and revitalize him  "I told you I would come back, I was lucky to find reliable companions" 

 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril looked up at hearing Rook and Stephan but quickly got back to filling the bag.  If Stephan was leaving it did put her in a dangerous position with no allies to defend her, but he trusted Rook....   "Uh, Stephan would your friend mind sticking with me for a bit?  I want to make sure we have enough to make the next leg."  
 

 "Actually I think I'll stay too."  Stephan says sternly as he eyes Aldus and Rook's confrontation.  "Let me help you"  he starts shoving stuff into his own bag of holding.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses suspiciously when she can't hear anything over the weak cries of Orgun and the other two prisoners; they sear in her mind so. She looks over her shoulder and sees that the door is open.  "I can't hear him. I think he's either waiting or fled past me,"  she says in Celestial.  "Should we free, heal, and protect them before finding him? Whiskers, can you tell Mithril someone invisible may be coming?"  Her last question is in a whisper as she waits to see what Rhenner wants her to do.

 
 Spoiler 
Ok, that's within 40 words so she could say that all as a free action. Do you mind if I wait to see what CWater wants Rhenner to do before going (unless I get a really good idea before bed)?

And also I know Whiskers can't give that much detail over the empathetic link, but I don't think Natalia knows. And besides, Whiskers could give a warning that danger's coming! The sort of alarm you give when there's a concealed snake nearby, say.
 
CWater
 "We don't need to find him",  Rhenner's voice replies,  "Just get these people out." 

After a short stop he adds,  "Can you ask who it is? I'm not sure they understand me." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "I did,"  Natalia says, catching herself and using Celestial.

 
 Spoiler: Note 
She actually did; see the edit a few posts ago.
 


But just in case, she tries again.  "Who turned invisible?"  she asks in Undercommon.
CoffeeIncluded
She could hunt down the invisible foe. But she doesn't know where he is, or even if he's still here. And a whole room is too much to coat in flame powder. No, they had their chance and they botched it. Now they need a backup plan. They do a lot of those.

But first, help Orgun.  "Any tricks left, shiny?"  Natalia asks in celestial as, still waiting for a response to her earlier question, she runs over to Rhenner and Orgun and tries to open his other lock.

 
 Spoiler: Open lock 
I doubt I can use the one from before, can I? I don't know how much time I have so:  (d20+11)[ 14 ]  this whole thing is going nuts.
 


EDIT: See ooc for something I just realized.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Stephan smiles gratefully as the positive energy mends his wounds and revitalize him  "I told you I would come back, I was lucky to find reliable companions" 
 "Actually I think I'll stay too."  Stephan says sternly as he eyes Aldus and Rook's confrontation.  "Let me help you"  he starts shoving stuff into his own bag of holding. 
 

 "Stephan,"  growls Rook in the common tongue,  "this piece of drow garbage is responsible for more suffering than a century of battles in this arena-" 
 "That hardly seems relevant now,"  states Aldus amicably.  "Here, if you'd rather not trust me-"  He holds out the handful of keys he'd taken from the vault, and Rook snatches them from him. Aldus backs gently out of the room, carrying a small pile of weapons under his arm, his eyes never leaving Rook, before he heads back to the cells.

Rook bristles with fury, then steps into the vault and finds himself a dwarven warhammer and a steel shield.  "There's folks I hafta help 'fore I can get to killing him,"  he grunts,  "but you can believe it's in my plans." 

------

 "&lt;Undercommon&gt;Ah- I can see you now, stop right there!&lt;/Undercommon&gt;"  comes Shiny's voice.  "&lt;Undercommon&gt;Take one more step and I'll cut you open.&lt;/Undercommon&gt;" 
 
 Spoiler 

Bluff check:  (1d20+44)[ 62 ] 
Intimidate check:  (1d20+5)[ 9 ] 
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "Stephan,"  growls Rook in the common tongue,  "this piece of drow garbage is responsible for more suffering than a century of battles in this arena-" 
 "That hardly seems relevant now,"  states Aldus amicably.  "Here, if you'd rather not trust me-"  He holds out the handful of keys he'd taken from the vault, and Rook snatches them from him. Aldus backs gently out of the room, carrying a small pile of weapons under his arm, his eyes never leaving Rook, before he heads back to the cells.

Rook bristles with fury, then steps into the vault and finds himself a dwarven warhammer and a steel shield.  "There's folks I hafta help 'fore I can get to killing him,"  he grunts,  "but you can believe it's in my plans." 

------

 "&lt;Undercommon&gt;Ah- I can see you now, stop right there!&lt;/Undercommon&gt;"  comes Shiny's voice.  "&lt;Undercommon&gt;Take one more step and I'll cut you open.&lt;/Undercommon&gt;" 
 
 Spoiler 

Bluff check: [roll0]
Intimidate check: [roll1]
 
 
 

 "Wait!"   Mithril grabbed the keys that Aldus had left behind and handed them to Rook.   "He wasn't going to free everyone.  I don't know what they have done, but they deserve a chance." 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Wait!"   Mithril grabbed the keys that Aldus had left behind and handed them to Rook.   "He wasn't going to free everyone.  I don't know what they have done, but they deserve a chance."  
 

The dwarf pauses and grabs the rest of the keys.  "I dunno about that, lass, but if Aldus doesn't want 'em out that's good enough reason for me. Good to meet you."  He turns to Stephan.  "If you help, or at least lend me the key to the collars, I can get to freein' quicker." 

-----------

Natalia hears footsteps running down the corridor away from the Shredder, too indistinct to tell where they are.

 "&lt;Undercommon&gt;Who's invisible?&lt;/Undercommon&gt;"  comes Shiny's voice next to Natalia, addressing the room of prisoners.

The undergnome in the back looks up and answers weakly, but at the same moment a resounding bellow coming from down the corridor echoes the same name at tenfold the volume.

 "NIXARRRRR!!!" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "He's fleeing!  Natalia shouts, this time reflexively in common as she works at undoing Orgun's locks. The scream make her startle and jump, especially since the voice is familiar, but it seems like he's after their invisible foe. Tense, glancing towards the front and around the room, Natalia tries to free Orgun.

 
 Spoiler 
using the original (27) open lock check, right? Ad I think I'll leave Nixar in the capable hands of his dear friend Kane. 😏
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "Stephan,"  growls Rook in the common tongue,  "this piece of drow garbage is responsible for more suffering than a century of battles in this arena-" 
 "That hardly seems relevant now,"  states Aldus amicably.  "Here, if you'd rather not trust me-"  He holds out the handful of keys he'd taken from the vault, and Rook snatches them from him. Aldus backs gently out of the room, carrying a small pile of weapons under his arm, his eyes never leaving Rook, before he heads back to the cells.

Rook bristles with fury, then steps into the vault and finds himself a dwarven warhammer and a steel shield.  "There's folks I hafta help 'fore I can get to killing him,"  he grunts,  "but you can believe it's in my plans."  
 

 "I know... I don't trust him either; don't worry if he escape I can track him down for you."  Stephan says with an edge in his voice.
Admiral
Natalia steps over to Orgun's chains to unlock them. The chained undergnome on the wall stirs weakly.

 "If that's who I think it is..."  he mutters...  "you need to shut the door  right now ." 
 
 Spoiler 

Natalia used a move action to move over to the chains, but unlocking them is a full round action. Closing door is a standard action, btw.
 


 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "I know... I don't trust him either; don't worry if he escape I can track him down for you."  Stephan says with an edge in his voice. 
 

 "There's a lot of escaping to be done; we have a minute at most,"  Rook states hurriedly. He rushes out of the barracks and back to the cells.

 
 Spoiler 

Does Stephan give the collar-key to Rook?
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Natalia steps over to Orgun's chains to unlock them. The chained undergnome on the wall stirs weakly.

 "If that's who I think it is..."  he mutters...  "you need to shut the door  right now ." 
 
 Spoiler 

Natalia used a move action to move over to the chains, but unlocking them is a full round action. Closing door is a standard action, btw.
 
 
 

"why?"

 
 Spoiler: Question 
didn't she move last turn? I think she did.
 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 "why?"

 
 Spoiler: Question 
didn't she move last turn? I think she did.
 
 
 

 "Because if he hears you let Nixar get free..."  the gnome coughs deeply, and it becomes clear he is afflicted with some severe disease on top of his wounds.  "Kane's not well known for his reasonableness." 
 
 Spoiler 

I think I was counting rounds a bit differently (especially since it was mostly speaking). Suffice to say Natalia didn't waste a round.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Rook Wait!"  he puts the key on the dwarf's hand  "Take this, we'll catch with you later" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "The door!"  Natalia shout as she catches Orgun.
Admiral
The door slams shut, apparently closed by the invisible Shiny, and the heavy bar is forced back into place.

Orgun seems unresponsive when Natalia and Rhenner grab him as he falls, though still alive.  "Poison, disease, injury..."  mutters the deepgnome deliriously.  "There's... some cures in that cabinet..."  he gestures towards an iron cabinet on the wall, secured by a lock.  "Had to keep us alive..." 

----------

 "Aye,"  states Rook, and leaves the room to free the other prisoners.

 
 Spoiler 
Let me know if Stephan and Mithril want to do anything right now besides continuing to loot. Remember they don't know what's happening around the Shredder.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Whiskers, please,"  Natalia pleads to the weasel on her shoulder,  "I'll build you a fountain to drink holy water from, just please tell Mithril Nixar is headed her way!" 

As she pleads she heads over to he cabinet and sets to picking the lock.

 
 Spoiler: Open lock 
 (d20+11)[ 31 ] 
 
Admiral
 "Hold on to him tight, Natalia. &lt;Celestial&gt;Oh, Whiskers...&lt;/Celestial&gt;"  comes a sing-songy, slightly patronizing voice from midair.  "&lt;Celestial&gt;I have some holy water here.&lt;/Celestial&gt;" 

On the ground there appears a small bowl of water similar to the kind Whiskers had seen in the churches in Hulburg and Deldon, unveiled as though the invisible gnome had set it down.

 
 Spoiler 

Thought Shiny would play along with a  silent image . Rhenner might have holy water on him but this is way more fun.

Whiskers gets a DC  16  17 Will save (he's flatfooted against invisible Shiny) or he'll notice that he can't smell the holy water.

Bluff:  (1d20+44)[ 47 ] 
 


Natalia opens the lock with a few skillful motions, and sees several racks of potions inside. Some of them are different colors but she can't tell them apart at first.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia states at the potions for half a second.  "Rhenner?" 
 
 Spoiler: Question 
what does Natalia need to find I, search and heal checks?

Alternatively, I was thinking Natalia sweep everything into her haversack (the motion is possible in a round) and the. Have Rhenner look; the potion he wants will be at the top. Would this work?
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "Hold on to him tight, Natalia. &lt;Celestial&gt;Oh, Whiskers...&lt;/Celestial&gt;"  comes a sing-songy, slightly patronizing voice from midair.  "&lt;Celestial&gt;I have some holy water here.&lt;/Celestial&gt;" 

On the ground there appears a small bowl of water similar to the kind Whiskers had seen in the churches in Hulburg and Deldon, unveiled as though the invisible gnome had set it down.

 
 Spoiler 

Thought Shiny would play along with a  silent image . Rhenner might have holy water on him but this is way more fun.

Whiskers gets a DC  16  17 Will save (he's flatfooted against invisible Shiny) or he'll notice that he can't smell the holy water.

Bluff:  (1d20+4)[ 6 ] 
 


Natalia opens the lock with a few skillful motions, and sees several racks of potions inside. Some of them are different colors but she can't tell them apart at first. 
 

 
 Spoiler 
Will Save:  (1d20+4)[ 6 ] 

Gullible Weasel....
 


Whiskers jumped off Natalia at the words "holy water".  He looked at the air above it quizzically, normally the big ones wanted something before giving him the treat.

 
 Spoiler 
You can give him orders now, or a note to carry or emotion to feel or whatever.
 
Admiral
 "Whiskers, before you drink this, you've got to get across to Mithril that there's someone  invisible  is coming towards her. Do you understand? It's important for her safety that she know's he's  invisible ." 
 
 Spoiler 

Lying about the safety, but he's a heck of a bluffer right now.

As DM I'll rule that that's an emotion Whiskers can vaguely get across to Mithril, though it's up to Athedia if she can interpret it successfully (and of course what she does with it).'

For Natalia: gotta rule against the Handy Haversack idea (though it's clever!), but it's possible the gnome prisoner can figure out which potion is which from sight or smell.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs in relief.  "Plrase tell Mithril an invisible enemy is coming!" 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 The door slams shut, apparently closed by the invisible Shiny, and the heavy bar is forced back into place.

Orgun seems unresponsive when Natalia and Rhenner grab him as he falls, though still alive.  "Poison, disease, injury..."  mutters the deepgnome deliriously.  "There's... some cures in that cabinet..."  he gestures towards an iron cabinet on the wall, secured by a lock.  "Had to keep us alive..."  
 

The medic grits his teeth, even without the years of experience he could tell that the orc is in very bad condition.


 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia states at the potions for half a second. [COLOR="#9933ff"]"Rhenner?" 
 

Rhenner takes a quick look at Natalia's findings.  "Do you know what they do?"  he asks the deepgnome. He might be able to figure out their purpose given time, but it would be faster if the gnome could tell from sight which to use.

 
 Spoiler 
I trust you to tell me if I need to make any checks. Heal or Spellcraft or anything.
 


 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "Whiskers, before you drink this, you've got to get across to Mithril that there's someone  invisible  is coming towards her. Do you understand? It's important for her safety that she know's he's  invisible ." 
 
 Spoiler 

Lying about the safety, but he's a heck of a bluffer right now.

As DM I'll rule that that's an emotion Whiskers can vaguely get across to Mithril, though it's up to Athedia if she can interpret it successfully (and of course what she does with it).'

For Natalia: gotta rule against the Handy Haversack idea (though it's clever!), but it's possible the gnome prisoner can figure out which potion is which from sight or smell.
 
 
 

 "Might be a good idea to let them know we might need a distraction in a moment. Since we will need to get out of here soon." 
Athedia
Whiskers grumbled a little and opened the emotional link to Mithril.  Usually it was muted except for strong feelings, like SNAKE! or HELP! or even FEMALE!!!! (Whiskers couldn't understand why Mithril turned so red during that emotion) but other feelings could be transmitted.  The feeling he sent can't be translated into our language or any other one for that matter.  It was a mix of sound, quiet, smell, fear, thrill, caution and other words that do not exist for humans or beings of the non-weasel variety.  But a loose translation could go as such "Fear of the approaching one who hides beyond sight and within scent and whose hunted is unaware".


 
 Spoiler 
And yes, that one part was because of the Murphy's Law thread.
 



*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Mithril was putting more items into the bag when she shot upright.  Whiskers had sent her that feeling once before, it had been so long ago....  It was while she had been minding the families store.  She had heard the door open, but when she turned around she couldn't see anyone there.  Whiskers had sent that emotion from his spot by the window under a particularly warm and comfy skirt.  She had ignored it, thinking he was simply in a nightmare, but when she had gone to the safe the day's sales were stored in it was empty.  The man who had robbed them was later caught trying to break into her mentor's herb shop, he may not have been a powerful wizard, but he had known enough to recognize invisibility.

That had been years ago, and the invisible thief had not wanted to hurt her.  Now?  She knew few people who she knew wouldn't hurt her.

 "Someone invisible is coming this way! And not one of our someones! 


*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Feeling that Mithril had recieved the thought, Whiskers dived toward the bowl of holy....  As his nose hit the water he froze.  An angry gurgle rose in his throat and he looked around for the big one who had offered him the water.  He sniffed the air trying to locate the trickster.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Need a better look at the potions??"  Natalia asks as she heads over to the deep gnome and tries to undo his shackles. She briefly glances back at whiskers, mentally promising to build him a fountain or bottle or something.

 
 Spoiler: Open lock(s) 
one for each shackle (or nth for one if the first fails) unless Rhenner wants to shatter them. Possibly more later if needed.

Open lock:  (d20+11)[ 29 ] 
Open lock:  (d20+11)[ 19 ] 
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Do you have any spell or anything that could warn us?"  Stephan tries to remember anything he knows about dealing with invisible enemies

 
 Spoiler 

I'll just roll a K:Arcana and spellcraft, just in case
K:Arcana (1d20+9)[ 28 ] 
Spellcraft  (1d20+9)[ 24 ] 
 
Athedia
 "I can do one thing... but it would block the way for everyone."   And I don't know how you would react to it. 
 
 Spoiler 
I can think Black Tentacles or Detect Thoughts
 


Mithril paused as a thought came to her.   "Or, there is another way.  My wands, I could cast the spell until he runs into it.  Since it makes us glow it should outline him, even invisible!" 
CWater
Rhenner shatters the gnome's other shackle at the same time when Natalia unlocks the first one. Even with everything going on, he raises an eyebrow at the sight of the angry white weasel dashing around the room.
 "...I see this was a very carefully thought out plan." 
CoffeeIncluded
Somehow the sight of whiskers manages to elicit a small smile from Natalia, even in this horrible place. Her and Rhenner's joint efforts to free the deep gnome help too.  "Please help them,"  Natalia says a she assists him to the ground (though she can't avoid the edge of her bow from poking his frighteningly thin stomach). Sue then runs over to the last prisoner, the drow on the wall, and listens for this Kane at the same time.

 
 Spoiler: Couple questions 
what state is the drow in? Should Natalia start making open lock checks? Is there anything else useful in the rest of the room? Can Natalia hear Kane outside?
 


EDIT: I hope I didn't make too many assumptions. I hope this is okay.
Admiral
Natalia grabs a few potions and shows them to the gnome after letting him down. Now that he's free Rhenner and Natalia notice that along with the dozens of small cuts that cover his body he seems to be quivering uncontrollably. As he sees the potions he gestures with his head towards one, though the gesture seems to take more than one attempt. Once he drinks it some of the wounds along his body heal, but he continues his frantic shivering. He points to another with his eyes.  "The other prisoners are poisoned... I think the gray ones there are the antidotes..."  He shakes violently again and closes his eyes.  "Not sure what can be done...... for me..." 

Suddenly a dramatic crashing sound comes from the door, which seems to shake the whole room. The thick iron bar holding the door shut holds fast.  "NIXARRRR!!!"  comes a bellow through the door- strangely loud even through the iron. Stephan had mentioned that the Shredder's door was specially designed to conduct sound well, so the nearby cells could hear the screams within.

 
 Spoiler 

Rolling damage to the door in secret.

Drow is unconscious like Orgun.

Information for Athedia (that Mithril would know from her spellcasting ability). Mithril can cast a dawn burst every round, but since that would basically be a light flashing every six seconds with a ten foot radius it would be easy for an enemy to coordinate his motion to run past it. One thing she can do is cast  detect thoughts , the second round of which she will be able to detect the locations of minds, and have a ready action to cast  dawn burst   (or, if she prefers,  black tentacles  at the invisible spot).

FWIW, Coffee, that last IC post wasn't all that necessary since there wasn't anything to react to. I had to take the day off until now from posting, additional questions and such doesn't speed it along (posting now was a coincidence). Not a big deal and I'm not upset or anything about it.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shudders at the gnome's state.  "I'm sure Rhenner can help,"  she says, though she's convincing herself more than she'd like. She's completely confident in Rhenner, but he's so badly hurt, and she has no idea what's wrong with him. And the drow, the drow's poisoned too. She needs to get him to Rhenner. As she starts picking the lock she hears Kane's screaming, hears the door screech and buckle under his rage. She dumps, nearly knocking the pick out of the lock.  "Shiny! Is there anything you can do? You're always good at this sort of thing!"  she screams, frightened at being on the receiving end of his rage--especially when they were trying to help him!

 
 Spoiler: Open lock and stuff 
Open lock:  (d20+11)[ 29 ] 
And another (for the other lock or if the first fails):  (d20+11)[ 19 ] 

Really? The exact same set of rolls as before? That's kinda funny.
If these fail, can Natalia simply cut the chains holding the shackles in place? They'll still have the shackles attached to their wrists, but they'll be free.

And thanks. I wasn't looking to make you come online earlier. But thanks.
 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler: Can't use the second level of detect thoughts 

2nd Round
Number of thinking minds and the Intelligence score of each. If the highest Intelligence is 26 or higher (and at least 10 points higher than your own Intelligence score), you are stunned for 1 round and the spell ends.  This spell does not let you determine the location of the thinking minds if you can’t see the creatures whose thoughts you are detecting. 
 
Admiral
Shiny goes to the door.  "&lt;Undercommon&gt;Nixar isn't here, he turned invisible and ran out!&lt;/Undercommon&gt;"  the gnome says urgently.  "But our allies at the front of the prison have set a trap for him: hurry now and you might reach him. If you stay here he could escape." 
 
 Spoiler 

Boy oh boy Shiny hopes Whiskers got the message through to Mithril or the wizard will have one unhappy Kane on her hands.

Bluff:  (1d20+44)[ 52 ] 
Diplomacy:  (1d20+18)[ 34 ] 

Does Natalia not want to use the poison antidote the gnome pointed to?

For breaking chains: inanimate objects are immune to sneak attack+critical hits, and therefore also to insightful strike, and chains have a hardness of 10, so a rapier/short sword's 1d6 can never damage one. (From a realism perspective this makes perfect sense- it's one thing to use a light, thin blade to skillfully jab an opponent in the artery, quite another to use one to break or even scratch iron).
 


There's a brief pause at the door, then a roar of exasperation and footsteps receding.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Shiny goes to the door.  "&lt;Undercommon&gt;Nixar isn't here, he turned invisible and ran out!&lt;/Undercommon&gt;"  the gnome says urgently.  "But our allies at the front of the prison have set a trap for him: hurry now and you might reach him. If you stay here he could escape." 
 
 Spoiler 

Boy oh boy Shiny hopes Whiskers got the message through to Mithril or the wizard will have one unhappy Kane on her hands.

Bluff: [roll0]
Diplomacy: [roll1]

Does Natalia not want to use the poison antidote the gnome pointed to?

For breaking chains: inanimate objects are immune to sneak attack+critical hits, and therefore also to insightful strike, and chains have a hardness of 10, so a rapier/short sword's 1d6 can never damage one. (From a realism perspective this makes perfect sense- it's one thing to use a light, thin blade to skillfully jab an opponent in the artery, quite another to use one to break or even scratch iron).
 


There's a brief pause at the door, then a roar of exasperation and footsteps receding. 
 

Natalia pauses for a second, then grabs one of the gray bottles the gnome pointed to and carefully tips the contents down the drow's throat before starting to work on his shackles.  "Rhenner, you have Orgun?" 

The rogue sighs in relief as Kane's footsteps recede.  "Thank you!!" 
 
 Spoiler: You're right! 
Natalia uses the poison antidote on the drow before unshackling him; I assume Rhenner's working on Orgun; Natalia will use a potion on him otherwise though I think Rhenner's got that covered. Thanks!

And okay, that makes sense. Shame I don't have the adamantine dagger. Ah well!
 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia pauses for a second, then grabs one of the gray bottles the gnome pointed to and carefully tips the contents down the drow's throat before starting to work on his shackles.  "Rhenner, you have Orgun?"  
 

Natalia tips the bottle down the prisoner's throat. Rhenner grabs a bottle and prepares to do the same for Orgun- until he is interrupted by the sudden sound of violent choking coming from the unconscious drow. The dark elf starts to convulse and cough violently, spraying blood across Natalia's face.

 "I'm sorry..."  says the deepgnome weakly, still sprawled against the wall.  "But like I said, there's nothing..."  he clenches his teeth as his body is rocked by another spasm,  "you can do for me... nothing except this..."  With effort he turns his head to watch the drow die, a look of vague satisfaction crossing his face.

 
 Spoiler 

(If you're wondering, rolled undergnome's Bluff and all three Sense Motives in secret so that they wouldn't come in as metagame info. He's a good liar).
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia draws back in horror as the drow spasm and coughs and sprays even more blood over her.  "No! NO! RHENNER!"  What the hell?! This wasn't supposed to happen! Liar! LIAR!

The world swims, a high pitched ringing echoes in her ears. Natalia's shaking, sobbing, screaming as she desperately tries to force an antitoxin and a potion down his throat at the same time.

 
 Spoiler 
Antitoxin then CMW potion, as it sounds like he's not dead dead and Natalia might be able to interrupt it?

CMW:  (2d8+3)[ 13 ] 
 
Admiral
Natalia pours the bottle down the drow's throat as fast as she can, but it seems only to gurgle in his throat as he stops breathing. She desperately brings a healing potion to his lips but Rhenner stops her hand- experienced combat medic that he is, he knows when it is too late. The drow slumps over in his chains, dead.
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
See map for placement
 


Mithril grimace and clenched her fists as if she was about to pull up weeds.   ""&lt;Draconic&gt; Rise and Fight! &lt;/Draconic&gt; 

At the enterance to the small barracks the ground shuddered and cracked, spilling forth a sea of tentacles.  It was as if the gates of some unknown hell had finally opened and those inside were fighting to escape.  She wanted to turn away from them, but didn't want to see Stephan's reaction.  "I doubt he will be able to sneak past those." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "No! NO!"  Natalia screams, shaking the drow in his chains.  "Please! Up! WAKE UP! I only--only--"  She starts choking and sobbing, slumping against the dead drow as she vainly tries to rouse him.  "PLEASE! NO! I'M SORRY!" 

But he's beyond help. He's dead and she wanted to help and he's dead and she killed him and she wanted to free him and help him and heal the poison but he's dead and she killed him and he lied to her he lied to her he lied to her and she killed him and he lied to her he gave them poison and not the cure

 "YOU!!!!!!!"  Natalia screams, leaping onto the gnome, sobbing hysterically as she grabs him by the neck and forces him to the ground, slamming his head against the dirt.  "LIAR!!!! WHY?!?!?!?!" 
CWater
 "Natalia, leave him be",  Rhenner says not much emotion left in his voice,  "We have more important things to worry about. Besides",  he gestures at the room (though being invisible, no one can actually see that),  "he's been in here. What more do you think you can do to him?" 

The medic walks back to Orgun, though on the way he can't help asking,  "Was that really necessary?" , the question directed at the deepgnome, but otherwise he directs his attention to treating the badly wounded orc. They need to get out of here, and it would be much easier if everyone could walk.

He takes another look at the potions, studying them carefully before even considering about using them.

 
 Spoiler 
I don't know how many rounds he has, but I think this occupies him for a few.

Heal:  (1d20+15)[ 23 ] 
Use for whatever is needed, including treating poison, etc. I'll roll more if needed.

Rhenner will also use the CLW wand on Orgun. As many charges than is needed to get him up on his feet.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia isn't listening to Rhenner. She isn't listening to anyone other than her pain, grief, bitter failure ( cant save anyone couldn't save him)  and growing red-hot rage.

 "WHY?"  she screams, slamming his head into the ground again. Some dark part of her hopes it hurts.  "Would have helped you all?! What was the point of that?! WHY?!" 
Admiral
The svirfneblin wheezes out a breath that sounds like it might be a faint attempt at a laugh.

 "Guess you'll... never know. What are you going to do?"  he whispers. His lips curl back in a twisted smile. Up close, his teeth look longer and sharper than the surface gnomes Natalia is familiar with.  " Torture  me?" 

Natalia feels a small hand grip her shoulder.  "Natalia, please don't..."  comes a quiet whisper from behind her.

 
 Spoiler 

FWIW, Natalia doesn't necessarily have to listen to Shiny and Rhenner. They're just acting in character. She should follow hers.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 The svirfneblin wheezes out a breath that sounds like it might be a faint attempt at a laugh.

 "Guess you'll... never know. What are you going to do?"  he whispers. His lips curl back in a twisted smile. Up close, his teeth look longer and sharper than the surface gnomes Natalia is familiar with.  " Torture  me?"  
 

The gnome barely finishes his sentence when Natalia plunges her sword into the back of his throat and yanks back, tearing out the back of his throat and ripping his tongue in half. In the same movement she slices his abdomen open, spilling the contents inside him. But he's still alive. The wounds are fatal, but not immediately so. He'll linger several painful minutes before dying


 Natalia feels a small hand grip her shoulder.  "Natalia, please don't..."  comes a quiet whisper from behind her. 

Natalia stays there, kneeling over the gnome, shaking ad clenching her teeth. She stays there a moment before a keening noise rips its way out of her throat into a cry as she plunges her dagger into the gnomes chest.
Admiral
Shortly after Mithril summons the monstrous tentacles, she hears a shout in Undercommon from the other side of them.

 
 Spoiler: Undercommon 

 "The reinforcements must be here, they've trapped us in!" 
 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 The gnome barely finishes his sentence when Natalia plunges her sword into the back of his throat and yanks back, tearing out the back of his throat and ripping his tongue in half. In the same movement she slices his abdomen open, spilling the contents inside him. But he's still alive. The wounds are fatal, but not immediately so. He'll linger several painful minutes before dying. 
 

As Natalia stays there kneeling over the gnome, shaking with her weapon in hand, suddenly another cut tears through the svirfneblin's bleeding throat, deep enough almost decapitate him. A moment later a sickle that made the cut and the half-elf holding it fade into view. Rhenner lifts his gaze from the dead gnome to Natalia, and the lines under his eyes look deeper and more numerous than ever.  "Now there are two killers here who didn't wish for it",  he says with a voice barely louder than a whisper,  "I hope you are satisfied." 
CoffeeIncluded
The gnome is dead before Natalia can finish her blow. Natalia looks up slowly as Rhenner appears. He looks so old, and so sad.

And Natalia's there young and small and covered in blood, furious and scared and the rage drains from her like an opened abscess. She's kneeling there holding a dagger and it doesn't matter that she was going to end it quick becaisw right then and there she wanted to make him  hurt  for what he did, what he made her do, what she did. What she did.

She sits there in the torture chamber and really, how different is she? How much different is she from them? It was only for a moment, one moment of rage and he deserved it but no.

How is she different? How is she  better?  How can she call herself that? They're just excuses.

Natalia looks up at Rhenner, and the words finally register.  "Rhenner...you didn't...I wasn't...I..."  The words are less than a whisper, less than a whimper. She looks down again, unable to bring herself to look at Rhenner, and silently starts to weep.
CWater
 "We need to leave",  Rhenner says, getting up. He wipes the sickle clean of the worst blood and returns to treating Orgun,  "Now if I got few moments of peace without anyone dying, we might not need to carry him out of here. Someone check the corridor for what the situation is. If there are still prisoners in the cells, free them."  He doesn't look back at Natalia, and who knows where the invisible Shiny is, but concentrates on the healing, shutting away all other thoughts. If he could get the orc to wake up, that would be a start.

 
 Spoiler 
He might yet listen to her. But not at this moment.

Sorry he's being a little rude with giving orders to you. Obviously you'll do what you want.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods, unable to bring herself to look at Rhenner, or wherever shiny might be. Her movements are almost mechanical as she pulls herself off the ground and walks to the door. Just before she lifts the iron bar, she looks back.  "Rhenner, shiny, I...I'm sorry..." 

She needs to say it, but honestly what does it matter? How can it possibly atone for what she did?

Natalia slowly walks out of the room, only quickening when she heats the shouts of prisoner that still remain. She has to help (but will they hurt?). She has to save (but do they deserve it?) She has to do something (no way to know, not with people like Stephan and Rook and Orgun here. And even the criminals don't deserve the shredder, what she did).

 
 Spoiler: Couple questions 
how many people are left? And what about Zik's room?
 
Athedia
 "Stephan, what are they saying?  And I am sorry you had to see this... it was the only way I could think of to stop him." 

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

At Stephan's translation Mithril grimaced, she had been afraid people would think that.   "Could you tell them that we are not guards but an invisible guard or someone is trying to escape." 
CWater
The healing doesn't have the kind of effect on Orgun as Rhenner would have hoped. The worst of his wounds have closed and his skin colour seems a little healthier (he does not have that much experience in treating orcs), but he's not waking up. After ruling out some other possible conditions, the medic concludes that a mind-affecting poison is most likely behind this. Based on those eye movements and the colour of the eyeballs, he'd guess it's the kind that has taken away all sanity, leaving only mad nightmares.

The healer glances at the unknown potions, but identifying them would take time, and after the incident with the drow, he'd rather not test their luck. So instead he retrieves a scroll from his bag, the one that Natalia gave him back in Deldon. A small shadow passes through Rhenner's face, but he quickly directs his attention to the scroll, muttering the words to invoke the divine power stored into it.

 
 Spoiler 
Rhenner will put the potions to the BoH if he can.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 [SPOILER]

Mithril grimace and clenched her fists as if she was about to pull up weeds.   ""&lt;Draconic&gt; Rise and Fight! &lt;/Draconic&gt; 

At the enterance to the small barracks the ground shuddered and cracked, spilling forth a sea of tentacles.  It was as if the gates of some unknown hell had finally opened and those inside were fighting to escape.  She wanted to turn away from them, but didn't want to see Stephan's reaction.  "I doubt he will be able to sneak past those."  
 

 "Wow, I've never seen  Black Tentacles  in action before"  Stephan can't completely hide the amazement on his voice*


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Stephan, what are they saying?  And I am sorry you had to see this... it was the only way I could think of to stop him." 

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

At Stephan's translation Mithril grimaced, she had been afraid people would think that.   "Could you tell them that we are not guards but an invisible guard or someone is trying to escape."  
 


 "I can try"  Stephan clears his throat before yelling over the mass of writhing tentacles &lt;UC&gt; "We are not guards, someone or something is trying to escape through here."  meanwhile he starts to tighten straps, latches and everything in order, it seemed that they would be trapped in there for a few minutes at the least, so there was no reason to fix his armour.

 
 Spoiler: * 

Stephan is trained in both Spellcraft and K:Arcana and he should be able to reliably (assuming he can take 10) identify spells up to level 10 and I rolled really well on my previous rolls.
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

Natalia doesn't know the state of the rest of the prison from inside the Shredder, she can hear some vague shouts and movements.
 


At Rhenner's magic the orc roars awake with a crazed bellow, and rattles his chains violently. Suddenly he blinks, confused, at seeing the unfamiliar faces of Natalia and Rhenner. He looks around the Shredder and sees the two other prisoners dead.

 "This is.... more of your tricks, torturer?"  he grunts, half-crazed. The scroll seemed to have restored his sanity but certainly not his trust.

 
 Spoiler 

I believe his chains haven't been unlocked yet. Natalia can use the checks from before: the 29 opens one, but the second one does not (though Rhenner can shatter)
 


----------

 "I can try"  Stephan clears his throat before yelling over the mass of writhing tentacles &lt;UC&gt; "We are not guards, someone or something is trying to escape through here."  meanwhile he starts to tighten straps, latches and everything in order, it seemed that they would be trapped in there for a few minutes at the least, so there was no reason to fix his armour.
[/QUOTE]

 "&lt;Undercommon&gt;Well you can believe  we  are!"  comes an irritated shout back, but then there seems to be some quiet discussion, and deep within the prison he . Then he hears a loud voice, that sounds vaguely like Aldus's.  "&lt;Undercommon&gt;Nixar's among us, invisible. Spread out and find him. We'll be leaving here soon, but he won't be.&lt;/Undercommon&gt;" 

  
 Spoiler: * 

Stephan is trained in both Spellcraft and K:Arcana and he should be able to reliably (assuming he can take 10) identify spells up to level 10 and I rolled really well on my previous rolls.
 
 

 
 Spoiler 

Perfectly reasonable to me
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  
 Spoiler 

Natalia doesn't know the state of the rest of the prison from inside the Shredder, she can hear some vague shouts and movements.
 


At Rhenner's magic the orc roars awake with a crazed bellow, and rattles his chains violently. Suddenly he blinks, confused, at seeing the unfamiliar faces of Natalia and Rhenner. He looks around the Shredder and sees the two other prisoners dead.

 "This is.... more of your tricks, torturer?"  he grunts, half-crazed. The scroll seemed to have restored his sanity but certainly not his trust.

 
 Spoiler 

I believe his chains haven't been unlocked yet. Natalia can use the checks from before: the 29 opens one, but the second one does not (though Rhenner can shatter)
 


----------

 "&lt;Undercommon&gt;Well you can believe  we  are!"  comes an irritated shout back, but then there seems to be some quiet discussion, and deep within the prison he . Then he hears a loud voice, that sounds vaguely like Aldus's.  "&lt;Undercommon&gt;Nixar's among us, invisible. Spread out and find him. We'll be leaving here soon, but he won't be.&lt;/Undercommon&gt;" 
 
 Spoiler 

Perfectly reasonable to me
 
 
 

Mithril sighed as Stephan translated.  It might have be kinder for Nixar to run into the tentacles that face the horde of prisoners.  But it couldn't be helped.

 "Most people don't react so well when they see the tentacles.  I certainly didn't my first time." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia turns back from the door when Orgun wakes. She looks back and says, in a quiet and sad voice,  "No. We're looking for him. Stephan's with us; were breaking you and Rook and everyone out."  She sighs and says, more to Rhenner and shiny than Orgun,  "...I'm sorry. I need to help everyone..."  before leaving, and leaving the door closed but unbarred, heading to open the remaining cells and search for Zik.

 
 Spoiler: Clarification  
we freed Orgun first. Nataloa got a 27 on the open lock check and Rhenner used shatter on the other. Can se use the 29 open lock check on one of the cells? She's going to free the rest of the prisoners and check on Zik and his cell now.
 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  
 Spoiler 

Natalia doesn't know the state of the rest of the prison from inside the Shredder, she can hear some vague shouts and movements.
 


At Rhenner's magic the orc roars awake with a crazed bellow, and rattles his chains violently. Suddenly he blinks, confused, at seeing the unfamiliar faces of Natalia and Rhenner. He looks around the Shredder and sees the two other prisoners dead.

 "This is.... more of your tricks, torturer?"  he grunts, half-crazed. The scroll seemed to have restored his sanity but certainly not his trust.

 
 Spoiler 

I believe his chains haven't been unlocked yet. Natalia can use the checks from before: the 29 opens one, but the second one does not (though Rhenner can shatter)
 
 
 

  
 Spoiler 
We freed Orgun first, right after we came in. So he's lying on the floor, not hanging from the wall.
 

 "A few of us have been tricked here, including a celestial weasel. No, don't ask",  Rhenner replies in a tired voice,  "And while you really need rest I'm afraid there is no time. Can you get on your feet? We need to leave." 
 
 Spoiler 
Assuming Orgun is cooperative enough to at least head for the door with us:
 


Before they leave, Rhenner glances back at the accursed room.  "Do you still have the powder that 'enhances the power of fire'?",  he asks Natalia, his eyes not leaving the torture chamber,  "Can you spread it around here?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler 
Assuming this happens:
 


 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
   
 Spoiler 
Assuming Orgun is cooperative enough to at least head for the door with us:
 


Before they leave, Rhenner glances back at the accursed room.  "Do you still have the powder that 'enhances the power of fire'?",  he asks Natalia, his eyes not leaving the torture chamber,  "Can you spread it around here?"  
 

Natalia sighs and turns back. Any other time she'd be grinning with anticipation at this part, and indeed some part of her still is, but as for the rest...too much of the joy has been taken out of the last step. Especially since two corpses remain in the chamber, and only one of them definitely deserved to die. At least they can make sure this room can't be used ever again, or for a long time at least.

 "Stand back when you set it off,"  Natalia says, sadder and tired than she'd like to sound when saying or doing something like this. She takes about a pound or two of flamepowder in a sack and, grunting, lobs it towards the part of the room that contains the most...devices. The bag bursts on the chains and knives and sends gray powder scattering. She then turns and slumps off to the cells.
Admiral
Natalia opens the door and steps out. The indistinct sounds of iron doors opening and prisoners moving being more distinct as she leaves the Shredder. She looks down at the guard she had killed on the way in, but his corpse has already been stripped of its weapons, presumably by the former inhabitants of the now empty cells she sees along the corridor. Her darkvision doesn't reach very far down the tunnel, but she can hear the movements of prisoners ahead, and a few scattered words-  &lt;Undercommon&gt;...be in a cell, keep the doors closed...", "...quiet I can't hear...&lt;/Undercommon&gt;  that seem to indicate a search is underway.

 
 Spoiler 

CWater can post the "toss the fireball, walk away  without looking at the explosion " post if she likes, Shredder is ready to blow.
 


--------------

Mithril stands her ground with the tentacles, counting off the moments that the writhing appendages remain under her control, as Stephan prepares her armor. She hears a few vague shouts from the direction of the cells. As her magic runs out, Stephan hears a shout-  &lt;Undercommon&gt;In there, in there GRAB A HOLD OF HIM-"  just as her spell vanishes.

 
 Spoiler 

Note that your timelines are not necessarily synchronized, which is the least I can do in terms of keeping metagame information out. I know the extent to which they are and if you interact will adjust accordingly.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Maybe she should have paused to pick up the weapons. Natalia allows herself this thought as she heads towards Zik's cell. The conversation makes her pause. Maybe she should help. Then they can free everyone. With that thought she runs ahead and takes a bit more powder into her fists.

 
 Spoiler: Questions  
so I guess we should disregard my ooc post.

Should Natalia make a listen check? And don't forget she has whiskers with her, so she can see 120 feet and f Nixar gets within 60 feet of her he's blinded and takes a -4 to move silently.
 


EDIT: Shrederrs about to blow so Natalia picks up whiskers? Gotta go. Sorry. I'll make a listen check when allowed after surgery.
CWater
When they leave the Shredder, Rhenner pauses at the door, looking back. If Whiskers is still inside chasing after the invisible Shiny, he lifts a familiar bottle just a little out of his bag,  "Whiskers, you have two options: Jump to the nothing-bag or run after Natalia. Staying here is not on the table, since I don't want your wizard to murder me in some twisted manner only their kind can is capable of. So pick one quick." 
 
 Spoiler 
If Protection from Energy will also apply to small creatures on ones shoulder/bag Whiskers has a third option of staying with Rhenner.

He can't see Shiny leave, but he trusts the gnome to have that much sense in him.
 


The cleric casts one of his last spells to grant himself some protection against flames. He is well aware of the radius of a fireball, but he's not sure how the powder will change it. After everyone still breathing have left the torture chamber, he picks up one of the orbs from the necklace in his bag. He throws one last slightly apologetic look at the two dead bodies left in the room.   They never got to leave it.   He clenches his fist and the fire sphere in it tight and backs away from the door.
  
 Spoiler 
As far as he can to still be able to cast the orb through the door. (He's angry, not stupid. And Natalia told him to keep a distance.😛)
 


Without further ceremony, he throws the fireball to the Shredder, not taking his eyes off the small orb as it flies towards it.

 
 Spoiler 
Sorry, no dramatic walk-aways. He wants to see it.😉

Fire Damage, I suppose:  (5d6)[ 15 ]  Note that he took this one from the second necklace that he carries in the BoH.
 
Athedia
Whiskers dashed out the door and out of the area.  He paused looking back at Rhenner and then when the cleric out of the Shredder and away from the explosion jumped on his leg and climbed his way up.
CoffeeIncluded
The explosion still makes Natalia jump, even as she runs to Zik's cell and starts searching. When rhenner and shiny run by she asks,  "Please help me look, or find Nixar before they..."  she trails off, closing her eyes for a moment before launching back into her search, keeping an ear open for any suspicious sounds. If she hears Nixar, she stop searching to hunt him down, and will then go back to searching the cell.

 
 Spoiler: Is this ok? 
did I make things make sense now? Please tell me if I need a listen check.

Search check (add +2 for aid another if Rhenner or shiny decide to help):  (d20+16)[ 34 ] 

Edit: Yes!
 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan had been mulling on how to deal with an invisible foe, one that most likely was Nixar   "I can't let him escape, but how can I catch him?"   he knew they didn't have much time left before the tentacles disappeared....   "I don't need to catch him, I just need to slow him long enough for the others to come"   he smiled as a plan took form in his mind.

The very moment the writhing mass of tentacles disappeared Stephan threw a small furry ball and suddenly a mule appeared on the hallway connecting the armoury and the other cells. Pleased with this Stephan simply orders the animal  "Stay" 

Remembering his sister's lessons, Stephan allows the spirits of the world to connect with him.  "Don't panic, I just need you to warn me if you smell danger, specially if you can smell something but can't see it." 
 
 Spoiler: Action 

These are the actions for two different turns, I just figured it would be better to post them together just in case.
1st turn
standard action: use a charge of the survival pouch to summon a  Mule  in the squares of 22J 22K 23J and 23k (move action to get to there if he can't reach those squares from his starting position at 16N)

Second turn
standard action: use the spiritual connection to cast  Speak with animals  at CL 2
Free &amp; Move: speak with the mule.

The survival pouch says to treat the mule as a summoned animal with the exception that it won't fight, I just want to use it as a choke-point and as an pseudo-alarm (they have scent)
 
Admiral
With a sharp intake of breath the elf cleric tosses a sphere of fire into the torture chamber, and moments later the blast springs forth. He had expected the heat but the sound takes him by surprise: he had heard it before in the tunnel trap, but this was far louder, like a dozen simultaneous thunderclaps. Fire and smoke burst forth from the Shredder's door as Rhenner feels the shock wave almost push him back.

 
 Spoiler 
I'll say Rhenner takes a small amount of fire damage that is entirely prevented by his protection spell, but needs a Fort save DC 15 or is deafened for a round, and regardless of save has -2 to Listen for  (1d4)[ 2 ]  rounds.

(With a real world explosion it would more plausibly be force damage than fire damage, but this isn't gunpowder, it's firepowder, and I'm making the rules here).
 


Natalia runs forward counting off cells: she knows Zik's cell was the tenth from the entrance, and therefore the sixth from the back of the tunnel. The cells along the way appear to be empty, and she quickly reaches Zik's cell and tries picking the lock.

 
 Spoiler 

Open Lock:  (1d20+11)[ 20 ] 
 


Natalia's first attempt to get into Zik's cell fails.
Admiral
Stephan summons his mule, and few seconds later he hears the sounds of a scuffle on the other side of the cells.  "&lt;Undercommon&gt;Bring him down...&lt;/Undercommon&gt;&lt;Undercommon&gt;I got him!&lt;/Undercommon&gt;"  followed by what sounds like a series of kicks.

 
 Spoiler 

Mule was an excellent idea, but the tentacles managed to keep him trapped long enough they tracked him down (rolled off forum).

Stephan can still cast speak with animals if he'd like to chat or give orders 🙂 or he can investigate.
 
Admiral
Natalia tries to open the lock to Zik's cell again.

 
 Spoiler 

Open:  (1d20+11)[ 23 ] 
 
CWater
The combined effect of heat, sound and pressure push Rhenner slightly off-balance and he has to lean to the wall to steady himself.   What the...   He instinctively places a hand on one of his ears that have gone deaf.   That... did not just empower the spell. It had power of its own, and they say it's not even magical...  

The medic is so stunned that it's not until he starts to hear again that he notices Whiskers climbing on him.  "Made it away unscathed then",  Rhenner mutters, his own voice sounding weird in his hurt ears that won't stop ringing. Well, it could be worse.

 "Don't even think about it",  he says sternly when the weasel approaches his bag,  "If we both get out of here alive we can negotiate about the holy water,  but for now, hang on to the shoulder until we find your master."  He starts to hurry back towards the others.

 
 Spoiler 
If Natalia hasn't opened the lock on Zik's door by the time Rhenner gets there, he'll shatter it.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia tries to open the lock, and she nearly manages it. But every time she goes for the final movement--pulling the picks out, then down--she's reminded of her brutal attack on the deep gnome and jerks her picks out of place. So when Rhenner comes along she's hunched over, and can't fully look at him when she asks,  "Help?" 
Admiral
Once Rhenner has shattered the lock, Natalia rushes in and begins searching the cell. From the appearance of the cell, Stephan had not been exaggerating the kobold's mental state: the floor, walls and ceiling are covered in random, frantic scratchings. The cell is rather bare so appears to be little to find, and Natalia doesn't look forward to searching the wooden bucket in the corner of the room.

  ...lies the web that catches all souls...  

Something catches Natalia's eye as she glances around the room. The stone in the corner of the room is scratched just like everywhere else, but the scratches seem to be swimming and rearranging themselves in front of her eyes, until they form readable words. It takes a moment for Natalia to understand: the scratches are not random, but form badly distorted words in an obscure language, one that the only the spell of Tongues grants her the ability to comprehend. Once she points them out to Rhenner, the elf recognizes the alphabet, but not from his education in the Church. He'd seen the language in the Arachnomicon; the alphabet is Infernal and the tongue Abyssal, the language of the high priests Lolth.
CWater
Rhenner nods and gestures Natalia to move away from the door so she doesn't get shrapnel on her. Then he blasts the lock to pieces as so many before today.
CoffeeIncluded
Just the sight and testament to his mental state makes Natalia's heart ache for the kobold. And then she sees the writings. Natalia staggers and holds her hand to her forehead. Something about the language makes her dizzy and vaguely nauseous, and the frantic scratchings don't help. Still, they need to read this. Natalia passes several sheets of paper an some charcoal sticks to Rhenner (and Orgun and shiny, should they enter the room as well) and says,  "Please, rub what I don't read onto the paper for later."  And then she starts reading.

 
 Spoiler: Question 
how much is there to read?
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Stephan summons his mule, and few seconds later he hears the sounds of a scuffle on the other side of the cells.  "&lt;Undercommon&gt;Bring him down...&lt;/Undercommon&gt;&lt;Undercommon&gt;I got him!&lt;/Undercommon&gt;"  followed by what sounds like a series of kicks.

 
 Spoiler 

Mule was an excellent idea, but the tentacles managed to keep him trapped long enough they tracked him down (rolled off forum).

Stephan can still cast speak with animals if he'd like to chat or give orders 🙂 or he can investigate.
 
 
 

Hearing that, Stephan thinks better and start moving towards the source of the noise, not without ordering the mule to stay again  "Stay there till get back."  he continues running  "Mithril common" 
 
 Spoiler 

Standard Action: Cast the  Speak With Animal 
Free: Order the mule to stay
Move: Start moving towards the noise
 
CWater
Rhenner comes to stand next to Natalia in the corner of the cell.  "It's the same kind of writing that's in their book of nightmares",  he says with a mix of both dread and anger in his voice.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia groans. Just the memory makes her skin crawl, and Rhenner had taken it so much worse.  "Does that make these instructions? Or a map? Or...rituals? Rhenner, please, we may need these, even though..."  She glances at him then quickly looks away. But she gives Orgun and Shiny (should they also be in the room and should she have also hades them charcoal and paper) a pleading look as well.
CWater
 "I don't know, I can't read them without the help of magic",  Rhenner replies, not looking away from the scribbles on the wall.  "But since we already carry a whole book of those horrors, I don't see what harm a few more lines would do."  He begins to copy the writings on the wall with the charcoal and paper Natalia gave him.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods, opens her mouth to say more, but just as quickly closes it. She still feels too guilty, too ashamed to say much. So instead she turns back to then cell and quickly reads whatever Rhenner (and the others) isn't (aren't) copying. Or, if there are portable things, she takes them with her ad well.
Admiral
Natalia and Rhenner begin copying down the writing on the wall, slow work since the writing is nearly illegible. Based on the text she reads, Natalia guesses the writing is just what she'd hoped: clues to a pathway through the Crevice. Orgun has run forward to the other prisoners to find the key to his collar- he's already grabbed a few blades from Nixar's workbench- and Natalia is unsure where the invisible Shiny is.

 
 Spoiler 

Let me know how many rounds you want to spend on it (unless you are interrupted). You guess that copying all the text would take about 10 rounds at your fastest speed. Natalia can't see anything else worth taking.

Rhenner can't copy it to paper from sight (except very slowly) since he doesn't know the alphabet and because the symbols are already scratched very poorly, almost beyond recognition, so he'd have to be quite precise in copying them to retain the meaning. But he can do charcoal rubbings.
 


--------


 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Hearing that, Stephan thinks better and start moving towards the source of the noise, not without ordering the mule to stay again  "Stay there till get back."  he continues running  "Mithril common" 
 
 Spoiler 

Standard Action: Cast the  Speak With Animal 
Free: Order the mule to stay
Move: Start moving towards the noise
 
 
 

Stephan moves towards the cells and the noise of the scuffle. Immediately around the corner he sees two prisoners, neither wearing collars, struggling with what appears to be an invisible beating. Another prisoner, a hobgoblin named Rex, seems to be kicking the invisible being solidly, and Stephan hears disembodied squeals of pain.  &lt;Undercommon&gt;When I dreamed of this,&lt;/Undercommon&gt;"  Rex spits as he delivers another powerful kick to where Nixar's face likely is,  &lt;Undercommon&gt;I thought I'd at least get to see his $@#%ing face!&lt;/Undercommon&gt;" 

Down the corridor Stephan sees Kane charging toward them with an ax.  "&lt;Undercommon&gt;HE'S MINE!&lt;/Undercommon&gt;" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia reads and rubs the text as fast as possible. If she can, she reads one section of text while doing quick charcoal rubbings of another section, hoping that the action will cut down on the time needed.  "Shiny?"  she asks as she works. She asks again in a louder voice,  "Shiny?! Where are you?!" 
 
 Spoiler: Answer 
I figure we'd want as many clues as possible, so as long as we possibly can (all 10 rounds, unless we're interrupted. And of course we need to know how soon into this Nixar is found).

Could Natalia read one section of text and do charcoal rubbings of another while Rhenner does rubbings of a third section? And boy am I glad Natalia brought that along! Also, by copying I meant charcoal rubbings. Which is faster--doing charcoal rubbings to read later or reading right now? Natalia does both at once if possible but if she can only do one she does whichever is faster.

And sure you didn't mean to write Kane instead of Orgun there? And that Stephan hears Nixar squealing in pain?  Though man, this is almost funny how everyone wants a turn.
 


EDIT:

 
 Spoiler: Nixar 
The invisible guy they're beating on is Nixar, right? I mean, even if he's invisible, Stephan and everyone can still recognize his voice, right?
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Hearing that, Stephan thinks better and start moving towards the source of the noise, not without ordering the mule to stay again  "Stay there till get back."  he continues running  "Mithril common" 
 
 Spoiler 

Standard Action: Cast the  Speak With Animal 
Free: Order the mule to stay
Move: Start moving towards the noise
 
 
 

Mithril followed, staying behind Stephan.  She flinched at Kane's bellow and looked in slight pity at the invisible man.  She was terrified that the prisoners would turn on the rest of them.
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan steps in front of Mithril shielding her from the prisoners and their victim.  "Are you sure that is Nixar?" 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Stephan steps in front of Mithril shielding her from the prisoners and their victim.  "Are you sure that is Nixar?"  
 

 "I'll take the risk,"  responds the deepdwarf prisoner who is grappling the invisible foe. With a sinister grin he twists his arms around, and the party hears a sickening crack of bone breaking.

Moments later Kane runs into the fray, burying his axe in midair. He is rewarded with both a bloodcurdling scream and the sight of a bleeding severed foot, appearing in a pool of blood as if conjured by magic.

 
 Spoiler 

I figure when limbs are severed they become visible.

Let me know if you want to stop it. Though the odds are not particularly on the party's side.
 


------------

As Natalia and Rhenner copy down the text on the wall, they hear shouts down the hallway, among them the name "Nixar" and a bellowed cry they recognize as Kane:  "&lt;Undercommon&gt;He's mine!&lt;/Undercommon&gt;" 
 
 Spoiler 

Three rounds have passed so far of copying things down.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia tenses as she hears Kane's screams.  "They found him,"  she whispers, trying to pick up the pace.  "Shiny, are you here? Please, we need your help!" 
 
 Spoiler: Questions 
how much longer--would Natalia be able to copy and read at once?

Are we caught up or are they a round ahead?

The foot is a drow's foot, right?
 
CWater
Even with his ears ringing, Rhenner can hear Kane's shout and the piercing scream that follows soon after. He stops copying the writings and just stands there, hands shaking. After a moment he grits his teeth and continues the work, but eyes closed and muttering something to himself. Natalia can't hear the words, but she can recognise this habit. He's praying.

 "...Wise Dweller on the Horizon, who watches over all roads and paths... please, I beg of you, justified or not, I don't know, just... make it stop..." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia continues reading and copying, but just like Rhenner she flinches when she hears the bloodcurdling scream. She keeps working, they have to finish this work, but...but...

Rhenner's praying next to her, and as Natalia copies she clenches her teeth. Even though they're justified on some level--she saw the room too--it's impossible to listen to for so long. And with what she just did to the gnome swimming in her mind it's even more intolerable. hypocritical? Perhaps. But once was too much, what she did isn't her, isn't who she wants to be, and this...

So twenty or thirty seconds after that first awful scream (such a short time and yet a lifetime here and now), Natalia makes a strange pained keening noise that ends in a scream, presses the few remaining papers into Rhenner's hands with a shout of,  "I'm almost done; please finish!"  and runs off towards the sounds of the prisoners taking their vengeance.

 
 Spoiler 
I'm assuming the prisoners are gonna want to take their time with Nixar. Assuming they are, Natalia runs over when there's a round or two left to copy the papers. CWater, you ok with that?
 
Admiral
After Natalia begs for Shiny's help, she feels one of the papers from her hand pulled away from her. Someone invisible begins to write on it as it is suspended in midair.

 
 Spoiler 

Shiny has Tongues so he can read and copy the text; doesn't need to make charcoal rubbings.
 


------------

Kane grins as he lunges onto the invisible body, wrapping his tremendous hands around what must be the neck. The other grapplers pull away and stand up- getting in between Kane and his revenge does not appear to be

 "&lt;UC&gt;Remember me, elf?&lt;/UC&gt;"  he spits out with a grin, and slams his hands down into the stone.  "&lt;UC&gt;So much time you had to play with me."&lt;/UC&gt;  He slams it again, and a pool of blood spreads out onto the floor. The screams by now have been replaced by a long muddled groans.  "&lt;UC&gt;I do not have the time you had... but then I do not have the patience you do either.&lt;/UC&gt;"  He squeezes his hands together, looking only a bit frustrated at not being able to see his work. A horrid crushing sound fills the air, and one final scream pierces it, the body on the ground reappears into view. Though its head has been horribly crushed, Stephan does recognize his torturer.

Kane stands and picks his axe up.  "&lt;UC&gt;More killing to do,&lt;/UC&gt;"  he grunts, and walks towards the prison's exit.

 
 Spoiler 

Visual aid, though with a  very substantial  Game of Thrones show spoiler:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXKYdqIUHQI 

Natalia arrives about two rounds late.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Thank you,"  Natalia gasps as she heads down the hall, rushing towards the sickening sounds of screams. But as she rounds the corner, the screams abruptly die, and Natalia finds that she's once again too late. Nixar's lying dead on the ground, one leg broken, the other one hacked off below the knee. And even as Natalia raises her sword to kill him fast, she realizes with a wave of nausea that jis head has been crushed like a grape. A whimper crawls its way out of her throat--even though he may have deserved it he still didn't deserve it.

 "I was going to end it..."  she says quietly, shuddering and closing her eyes and fighting down the urge to vomit (though some does fill her mouth) before running forward to rejoin everyone. She repeats it to Rhenner, Shiny, and any of her friends (please let them be friends after this...) should they make mention of this.

When Mithril, Stephan, and everyone else sees Natalia, they see a girl covered in blood with a haunted horrified look about her. Remorse chokes her voice as she says,  "Orgun's with you? Shiny and Rhenner are coming. We blew up the Shredder..."  She trails off and looks down. It's clear there's more she isn't telling, more she wants to say but isn't sure when or how to say it or what will happen afterwards.

 
 Spoiler 
Yeah, I heard about that one. And that is why you don't let down your guard until they're dead and you're far away.

I've got to admit, I'm curious how the prisoners will react once they see Natalia--who seemingly effortlessly killed the two guards--for the first time, and in this state. And how they'll act once they see the rest of us!

How many minutes has it been since we entered the Shredder?
 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan eyes the gruesome spectacle with distaste&lt;orc&gt;  "Rather brutal, even for you Kane"  &lt;/orc&gt;Stephan says with even voice &lt;orc&gt; "But the again, what could one expect from an animal like you?" &lt;/orc&gt; he continues impassively  &lt;orc&gt; "And you still look for more blood to spill" &lt;/orc&gt;.

 
 Spoiler 
Yes, sstephan is deliberately provoking the orc who just crushed a head with his own hands 😛 I've got my reasons tho.

Also I hope this can happen before Natalia arrives if possible.
 
CWater
Rhenner throws a glance after Natalia when she leaves the room, but continues to rub down the writings on the wall with Shiny. Once they are finished he hurriedly puts the papers to his bag of holding and runs out of the cell and down the corridor towards the others.
Athedia
Mithril let out a frightened whimper at Kane's fury, backing further away from the orc.  She was to afraid even to scream, fearing that the orc's rage would turn towards her instead.
Admiral
 "&lt;Orc&gt;I  am  an animal,&lt;/Orc&gt;"  growls Kane as he steps past Stephan. His shoulder bumps into the former gladiator as he does.  "&lt;Orc&gt;You'd do well to remember that, human.&lt;/Orc&gt;" 
 
 Spoiler 

Kane's Intimidate check:  (1d20+12)[ 30 ]  (it's opposed by Stephan's modified level check, 1d20+8+Stephan's Wisdom. If Stephan fails it would be reasonable to think he prefers not to get into it with Kane).

If it matters, Kane was referring to the other guards.

This is before Natalia arrives. As is this, as Orgun is a bit ahead of Natalia:
 


Moments later Stephan recognizes Orgun jogging towards him down the corridor, his collar gone.
Dusk Eclipse
Perhaps Kane's raw brutality affected him more than he had initially  thought, maybe it is fear but his companions, or perhaps Kane is just that scary when he puts his mind to it; whatever the reason it was Stephan had to suppress a shiver as the massive orc bumps into him.  "I... won't forget it"  Stephan responds mustering as much courage as he can.

 
 Spoiler 

Intimidate opposed roll  (1d20+8)[ 20 ]  no way I can beat a 30, so I'm just rolling for the sake of it 😛
 


Stephan lets out a breath he wasn't aware he was holding as Kane disappears through the hallway.

 "Orgun! You are alive!" 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "Orgun! You are alive!"  
 

Orgun recognizes his human ally and allows a muted but genuine smile in return.  "I had not dared to hope you would return, Stephan of the Dueling Dragons."  Orgun bears a heavy waraxe much like he had in the arena when he threw Stephan into the stands. He grimaces when he looks down at what remains of Nixar, a bit disappointed.

From behind Stephan comes the sounds of cells opening in Cell Block B, with prisoners arming each other with weapons acquired from the barracks.  "We should hurry,"  grunts Orgun.

 
 Spoiler 

Natalia joins them now. For simplicity let's say Shiny and Rhenner finish their work and join them as well.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia runs in, that same haunted look on her face, though she is relieved to see Orgun at least okay. Her voice is heavy with...something...as she says,  "The Shredder's gone too."  She turns to look at Rhenner and Shiny following up, realizes that they must have passed what's left of Nixar, and says,  "I tried to stop it...Too late..."  in a low voice.

But Orgun's right. They need to leave. They need to get out of here and then...she can...when it's safe. Talk about it when everyone's safe.

Natalia heads forward and looks down the hall, ready to run out of there, when she passes Kane. She stops and shudders, unable to even look at him at first. And then she sees Mithril, terrified.  "Mithril,"  she says, opening her mouth to say more. But she can't at the moment, and so instead the rogue settles for pulling her into a quick hug, though she's just as frightened. Still, hopefully they can give each other some strength, or something.

...What's going to happen once Mithril finds out what she did?

 
 Spoiler: Let's hurry! 
Let's get out of here! You all agree?

Is Cell Block A opened too? Was Rook going to free everyone?

Can we hear or see anything when we head down the halls?
 
CWater
Rhenner joins the others where they're standing. Nixar's body doesn't particularly stand out to him from the other dead drows lying around. A crushed head is perhaps somewhat more gruesome than a throat slashed open, but they've achieved the same goal nevertheless.
 "I think we're done here, so how about getting out?"

"And I believe this is yours",  he adds to Mithril, pointing at Whiskers on his shoulder.
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan nods  "Both of you are right, let's go" 
Admiral
The party turns and heads back towards the entrance. Now that Nixar is dead the prisoners from Cell Block B, having little reason to stay, rush ahead and alongside them, and as they pass through the central square nearly a dozen drow, kobolds, orcs and dwarves step out of the door to Cell Block A, most freed of their collars, some carrying weapons. Down the corridor they can vaguely hear Rook's voice leading the prisoners. As they pass by the barracks they see about six prisoners from both blocks inside, armoring themselves and loading themselves up with weapons to carry to others.

The revolt the party started has grown far beyond their own control. The prisoners' eyes seem hungry as they take their weapons; gratitude does not seem to be on their minds, but revenge certainly is.
CoffeeIncluded
As the prisoners grab their weapons and grin in anticipation of their revenge, Natalia feels a shudder go through her spine. With Kane killing Nixar like that, and now this, the prison riot is quickly spiraling out of control. She holds a hand to her mouth, trying to figure out what to do. It's like grabbing fistfuls of sand. What the drow did in this prison was absolutely awful. Killing the torturers, destroying the Shredder, all those things were good. She doesn't regret those actions, won't take blowing up the torture chamber or helping to kill Ilgard or the other tormenters back (even if she does wish they surrendered). But how it was done, and the way these prisoners are acting, these things make Natalia afraid. It's like flamepowder about to go off, and who's going to get caught in the blast?

 "We need to douse the powder,"  Natalia says to her friends as they head towards the entrance. She pauses, shakes her head, and repeats herself more carefully this time.  "We need to calm them, help them be better than this. But how?"  She'd say something, plead anything, but...she can't. Not even with Tongues.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 As the prisoners grab their weapons and grin in anticipation of their revenge, Natalia feels a shudder go through her spine. With Kane killing Nixar like that, and now this, the prison riot is quickly spiraling out of control. She holds a hand to her mouth, trying to figure out what to do. It's like grabbing fistfuls of sand. What the drow did in this prison was absolutely awful. Killing the torturers, destroying the Shredder, all those things were good. She doesn't regret those actions, won't take blowing up the torture chamber or helping to kill Ilgard or the other tormenters back (even if she does wish they surrendered). But how it was done, and the way these prisoners are acting, these things make Natalia afraid. It's like flamepowder about to go off, and who's going to get caught in the blast?

 "We need to douse the powder,"  Natalia says to her friends as they head towards the entrance. She pauses, shakes her head, and repeats herself more carefully this time.  "We need to calm them, help them be better than this. But how?"  She'd say something, plead anything, but...she can't. Not even with Tongues. 
 

 "No, let them destroy the place."  Mithril handed Natalia's bag back, filled with all the items she could grab from the storage room.   "They will distract the guards and each other long enough for us to escape and hopefully their numbers will thin."   Turning back to Rhenner she plucked Whiskers off his shoulder.   "LIARS! TRICKERS! THEY PROMISED!!" 
 "Rhenner, WHAT did you do to Whiskers?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "No, let them destroy the place."  Mithril handed Natalia's bag back, filled with all the items she could grab from the storage room.   "They will distract the guards and each other long enough for us to escape and hopefully their numbers will thin."  
 

Natalia takes the bag, holding it close. She looks up at Mithril. She's right, they have to flee, but... "Mithril, I know we have to leave now, but why are you saying it like that?"  They're more than distractions.  "We need to get Orgun and rook out too.

"Mithril, in the shedder, I..."  Byt she falls silent, unsure how to continue.


 Turning back to Rhenner she plucked Whiskers off his shoulder.   "LIARS! TRICKERS! THEY PROMISED!!" 
 "Rhenner, WHAT did you do to Whiskers?"  

Natalia seizes this distraction.  "Nothing. I promised to build him a bottle for holy water if he warned you about Nixar. Shiny faked an image of it." 
 
 Spoiler 
so I guess the consensus is to grab Orgun and rook, then blow this Popsicle stand?
 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "No, let them destroy the place."  Mithril handed Natalia's bag back, filled with all the items she could grab from the storage room.   "They will distract the guards and each other long enough for us to escape and hopefully their numbers will thin."   Turning back to Rhenner she plucked Whiskers off his shoulder.   "LIARS! TRICKERS! THEY PROMISED!!" 
 "Rhenner, WHAT did you do to Whiskers?"  
 


 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia seizes this distraction.  "Nothing. I promised to build him a bottle for holy water if he warned you about Nixar. Shiny faked an image of it."   
 

 "Right,  I  said nothing",  the half-elf replies. He glances back at the ex-prisoners.  "Anyone wouldn't have words that they can both understand and listen to? That they should take this chance at freedom and not waste it on revenge." 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "Right,  I  said nothing",  the half-elf replies. He glances back at the ex-prisoners.  "Anyone wouldn't have words that they can both understand and listen to? That they should take this chance at freedom and not waste it on revenge."  
 


 "Rhenner leave them.  Freedom is nothing when regret is attached." 
Admiral
Several of the freed prisoners run ahead of the party screaming battle cries, Kane leading the way. And in the distance ahead they can hear something else: the footsteps of soldiers approaching.

 
 Spoiler 

Everyone make a Listen check to see what you can hear, please.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Rhenner leave them.  Freedom is nothing when regret is attached."  
 

Natalia winces almost imperceptibly, then shakes her head.


 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Several of the freed prisoners run ahead of the party screaming battle cries, Kane leading the way. And in the distance ahead they can hear something else: the footsteps of soldiers approaching.

 
 Spoiler 

Everyone make a Listen check to see what you can hear, please.
 
 
 

She swallows as she hears the reinforcements coming, and instinctively draws her blades.

 
 Spoiler: Listen check 

Listen:  (d20+12)[ 16 ] 

Ah well.

How many rounds has it been since we entered the Shredder?
 


Her head's still buzzing and it's hard to focus.
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Rhenner leave them.  Freedom is nothing when regret is attached."  
 

  "Regret over not taking revenge?"  Rhenner responds in a sarcastic tone and shakes his head.

 
 Spoiler: Listen 
Listen:  (1d20+5)[ 12 ] 
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "You saw the Shredder did you not?"  Stephan says bitterly  "Can you honestly tell me you wouldn't seek revenge for that?" 
 
 Spoiler: listen 

 (1d20+10)[ 19 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "...I did,"  Natalia says.  "And...I did."  She shakes her head, still looking firmly at the ground even as she holds her blades. It's clear there's more she isn't telling. Eventually, she looks up.  "I'm not worried about their revenge now. I...the Shredder...not now. Not the revenge right now.

"I'm starting to get worried about  afterwards. " 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "...I did,"  Natalia says.  "And...I did."  She shakes her head, still looking firmly at the ground even as she holds her blades. It's clear there's more she isn't telling. Eventually, she looks up.  "I'm not worried about their revenge now. I...the Shredder...not now. Not the revenge right now.

"I'm starting to get worried about  afterwards. "  
 

 
 Spoiler 
Listen:  (1d20+3)[ 9 ] 
 

 "And that is why we should stop talking and run." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia chews her lip. Mithril's right, they need to leave now. She pauses, then looks up as a sudden realization strikes her.  "Wait, Rook!"  The rogue runs back a few steps and shouts towards Cell Block A, in Dwarven,  "Rook, hurry up! We're leaving right now; Orgun and Stephen are with us alive and safe! Please hurry, now!"  If he still doesn't hurry she runs back to grab him.
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "You saw the Shredder did you not?"  Stephan says bitterly  "Can you honestly tell me you wouldn't seek revenge for that?"  
 

  "If you are hurt you'll need to make another hurt in turn? Where will that eventually lead?",  Rhenner replies in a likewise bitter tone,  "But what do I know of what is right and wrong? Perhaps the world is supposed to spin in this circle of violence and pain." 

 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "And that is why we should stop talking and run."  
 

  "I agree to that, but it seems there is a battle starting ahead. We could teleport past it with magic, but if I am correct we are one too many..." 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia chews her lip. Mithril's right, they need to leave now. She pauses, then looks up as a sudden realization strikes her.  "Wait, Rook!"  The rogue runs back a few steps and shouts towards Cell Block A, in Dwarven,  "Rook, hurry up! We're leaving right now; Orgun and Stephen are with us alive and safe! Please hurry, now!"  If he still doesn't hurry she runs back to grab him. 
 

The deepdwarf's bellow comes echoing back up the tunnel.  "&lt;Dwarven&gt;There's prisoners still trapped here! I'm not leaving without them, blast it!&lt;/Dwarven&gt;" 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 The deepdwarf's bellow comes echoing back up the tunnel.  "&lt;Dwarven&gt;There's prisoners still trapped here! I'm not leaving without them, blast it!&lt;/Dwarven&gt;"  
 

  "He is your friend",  Rhenner says to Stephan and Orgun,  "Your call." 
Admiral
Orgun barely glances back.  "If he says he's not going with us, he is not. I do not know that escape was his intention." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses before shouting in common for both Rook and her friends to hear,  "How many are left? Do we have time to wait?"  immediately after she turns to her friends and says,  "don't leave me here." 
 
 Spoiler: I'm not kidding 
please do not leave Natalia behind! I never asked for that!!!
 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia pauses before shouting in common for both Rook and her friends to hear,  "How many are left? Do we have time to wait?"  immediately after she turns to her friends and says,  "don't leave me here."  
 

 "Gooo!"  comes Rook's bellow back from the tunnels. A few more freed gnomes and drow run past Natalia towards the armory.  "You've done what we needed." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses, and shouts back in a choked voice, in dwarven,  "Don't you dare die! There's been enoug today as it is!"  Se turns back, accepting that they need to leave.

 
 Spoiler: You got me at just the right time 
they're knocking down the next dog. See you later, and let's go! 😁
 
Athedia
 "Wait!"  Mithril pushed toward the sound of Rook's voice.   "Natalia, Stephan come with me! Rhenner, get the others out!   She reached up to Whiskers collar as she pushed forward, undoing the brown leather from the buckle.

 
 Spoiler 
She is trying to reach Rook before teleporting.
 
Admiral
Mithril rushes back down into the tunnel, with Natalia and Stephan close behind. They run past a few other escaping prisoners, including a drow who briefly stops, blinded, by the sudden rush of light.

Ahead of them they see Rook, currently using the blue key to unlock a hobgoblin's collar while another one waits. He looks up at the three oncoming adventurers.  "Aye, didn't I tell ya to keep going?" 

In the tunnel ahead of Orgun, Shiny and Rhenner, the three hear the smashing sounds of swords colliding- the prisoners have reached the guards. Kane's battle cry rises above the rest.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Mithril rushes back down into the tunnel, with Natalia and Stephan close behind. They run past a few other escaping prisoners, including a drow who briefly stops, blinded, by the sudden rush of light.

Ahead of them they see Rook, currently using the blue key to unlock a hobgoblin's collar while another one waits. He looks up at the three oncoming adventurers.  "Aye, didn't I tell ya to keep going?" 

In the tunnel ahead of Orgun, Shiny and Rhenner, the three hear the smashing sounds of swords colliding- the prisoners have reached the guards. Kane's battle cry rises above the rest. 
 

 "Yes you did.  But you will need this more than I will."  Mithril shoved the collar into Rook's hand.   "Just put under something if you need the dark, but the drow are blinded by it.  Get out of here alive okay?  We lost a friend earlier in the trip, another dwarf.  He is freeing people as well, I wish you the same luck as him."  She closed Rook's fist around the collar, cupping it with her two smaller hands.   "Thank you for saving Stephan.  We will take good care of him."   With that she stepped back grabbing Stephan and Natalia's hands.  She gave them a moment to say goodbyes before transporting them out of the prison and to the agreed upon meeting spot.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Yes you did.  But you will need this more than I will."  Mithril shoved the collar into Rook's hand.   "Just put under something if you need the dark, but the drow are blinded by it.  Get out of here alive okay?  We lost a friend earlier in the trip, another dwarf.  He is freeing people as well, I wish you the same luck as him."  She closed Rook's fist around the collar, cupping it with her two smaller hands.   "Thank you for saving Stephan.  We will take good care of him."   With that she stepped back grabbing Stephan and Natalia's hands.  She gave them a moment to say goodbyes before transporting them out of the prison and to the agreed upon meeting spot. 
 

Rook squints a bit as he accepts the collar from Mithril, and quickly sticks it into a satchel at his side (as some of the prisoners around him seem sensitive to the light).  "Aye... this should help. Now get going."  He nods to Stephan.  "It was good to know you, warrior." 

Moments later Mithril, Natalia and Stephan vanish from sight.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia follows Mithril, wondering what the Mage could have in mind. She's still wondering when Rook asks his question, but finds herself saying,  "She has something good in mind. Smarter and better than my plans."  The second sentence is said in a whisper, barely perceptible. And yet even with the things Mithril has done, Natalia knows she'll help Rook.

A tendril of thought, misplaced faith in the deep gnome, pokes into Natalia's head before being quickly banished.

 
 Spoiler 
I figured Natalia is on some level Aqaba that Mithril hasn't done anything bad in front of her, although she's certainly said cold things.
 


EDIT: Natalia can't help but smile as Mithril hands Rook the collar. "Stay safe," she says to Rook before they vanish
CWater
 "Alright, let's get out of here",  the cleric puts his hand on Orgun's shoulder and gestures Shiny to take the other since he can't see him. Then he casts the spell to move them out of the prison.
Admiral
Rhenner casts his spell of travel, and moments later he, Orgun, and Shiny are standing in a familiar empty tunnel, with the distant sounds of battle now coming from behind them rather than in front. For the moment they cannot see any adversaries.

Mithril feels something strange as she phases through space, something she hadn't felt before when casting the spell. The movement lasts a blink longer than it usually does, and she becomes briefly aware of some kind of force pulling at her- but the moment passes immediately as she reappears in the tunnel, just a few yards from Rhenner, and she can't be sure she didn't entirely imagine it.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Rhenner casts his spell of travel, and moments later he, Orgun, and Shiny are standing in a familiar empty tunnel, with the distant sounds of battle now coming from behind them rather than in front. For the moment they cannot see any adversaries.

Mithril feels something strange as she phases through space, something she hadn't felt before when casting the spell. The movement lasts a blink longer than it usually does, and she becomes briefly aware of some kind of force pulling at her- but the moment passes immediately as she reappears in the tunnel, just a few yards from Rhenner, and she can't be sure she didn't entirely imagine it. 
 

Mithril stumbled as she landed.    I think I need some sleep, the Underdark is getting to me   Shaking her head to clear it out she spoke.   "Natalia, I thought our guide was a kobold not an orc." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia holds out a hand to support Mithril as she stumbles.  "You okay?"  she asks.
And then Mithril asks where Zik is.  "No,"  she says, again with regret.  "That's Orgun. Zik...was gone. We found his notes though." 

She looks back at the sounds of battle.  "Hurry, right? Back where it's safe, where we rested before?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Let's get out of here!
 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
Coffee I think only Mithril felt the tug, Admiral correct me if i am wrong
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler: Response 
if that's the case I'll delete it. I thought we'd feel it too since we were along for the ride. Either way Natalia told Mithril about the faeress
 
Admiral
The party rushes back down the tunnel, and the sounds of battle recede behind them. Orgun seems even more familiar with these tunnels than Stephan is, and leads them down a few narrow side corridors that avoid the sounds of oncoming drow. Ten minutes later they've escaped the sounds of battle altogether, and an hour later they finally find themselves back in the territory of Ildan's hidden cache. A bit of tapping along the walls finds the illusory wall that hides the tunnel, guarded by the familiar wire trap Natalia easily disables.

 
 Spoiler 

Other times I might have thrown some additional enemies in the way, but you guys fought quite a bit back there. Good for a day's work, party can rest and talk.

XP has been awarded. Total is 4320 per player, plus 500 bonus XP for Stephan for getting to take his revenge (and doing so without his items). Everyone's up to level 9! (Don't forget your feat)

Treasure I'll get to later, after we're all leveled up. I'll be rolling it myself.
 
Athedia
Mithril scrambled into the back of the hideout and collapsed, the days events having exhausted her.

 
 Spoiler 
Wrong thread oops
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia flops to the ground when they finally return, but doesn't relax for long. No sooner does she get her breath back than she resets the traps, and add a couple more of her own, making a few pressure traps with the blast powder, triggered to explode and send caltrops flying, by the entrance. It shouldn't be hard to disassemble tomorrow. Once she's done, she lays out the great sword and tips open the bag of holding filled with treasure next to it, intending to sort and identify all the treasure at once. As the sheer number of items come pouring out of her bag, Natalia's eyes bug out and she looks up at Mithril in disbelief at such a haul. The sheer amount of stuff they got sets batalias heart racing, and as she thanks Mithril profusely for a moment she doesn't think about the shredder.

But then she does, and when she does she seems to wilt. Natalia continues sorting and identifying items, but she looks around guiltily, silently praying to herself that someone else will start the conversation as she doesn't know where or how to begin.
CWater
Rhenner leans against the wall and closes his eyes for a short moment. There are more than a few scrambled thoughts in his head and he knows he'll need to sort them out eventually, for the good of his sanity in the long run and all that. But that will have to wait 'til later, the medic thinks and then proceeds to examine and bind all the wounds of everyone present. If they argue that they have mere scratches and don't require looking after, he will give them an annoyed glare and a few stingy comments about the risk of infection and what happens to people who don't listen to their healer. It would seem that the easiest way to get him to shut up and move on is to let him treat them as he pleases.

 
 Spoiler 
If anyone has still serious wounds (can't remember what the situation at the end was), he'll cast his last healing spells on them.
 

 "It looks worse than is",  he mutters while examining Natalia,  "Most of this blood is not your own." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia winces as Rhenner binds her wounds, more from the comment than from the sting of antiseptic. She looks down at her hands and sleeves and long leather coat, spattered and street and smeared with blood in a deranged abstract pattern.  "Rhenner,"  she says, slowing down her item sorting and identifying (she's almost done anyway).  "Rhenner, I...in the shredder, I wasn't...I wasn't going to...leave him."  her voice gets smaller and smaller as she continues.
CWater
Rhenner doesn't say anything, or look up. He just wraps the bandage around Natalia's wound and ties it. He examines her left hand still, but after cleaning the blood, finds no cut or injury.

 "Anger... can make you do things you don't mean." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia buries her face into her hands. Rhenner's words comfort her, but they don't completely assuage the guilt.

 "I know, but...I still wanted to...to hurt him for what he did."  she draws her knees up.  "I didn't think or know id do that. I thought I...I thought I was...better than that,"  she says, searching for the word.
CWater
 "What you are and what you want to be are two different things",  the medic says, sounding tired and sits down to sort and pack his medical equipment back into the bag. He would like to believe her, when she says she wasn't going to leave the gnome to suffer, but doesn't know what to think.   Does it really even matter?  
 "You spoke of your shadows earlier, in the other cavern",  Rhenner says out loud, though he still doesn't look at Natalia, but concentrates on arranging small bottles in order,  "I think I understand better now what you meant." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "What you are and what you want to be are two different things",  the medic says, sounding tired and sits down to sort and pack his medical equipment back into the bag. He would like to believe her, when she says she wasn't going to leave the gnome to suffer, but doesn't know what to think.   Does it really even matter?   
 

 "I know,"  Natalia says, and she says it like she does know, truly understands.  "But not like this. Not here." 

  "You spoke of your shadows earlier, in the other cavern",  Rhenner says out loud, though he still doesn't look at Natalia, but concentrates on arranging small bottles in order,  "I think I understand better now what you meant."  

 "But what can I do? How can...find them, fight them? Banish shadows into light, or...leash them to me?"  Natalia stutters as the tongues spell runs out mid-sentence, and she looks down for some time before looking up at everyone. Inside, she wants someone to find a way to help her, or even hold her and say she can fix this, that things will be okay.
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "I know,"  Natalia says, and she says it like she does know, truly understands.  "But not like this. Not here." 
 "But what can I do? How can...find them, fight them? Banish shadows into light, or...leash them to me?"  Natalia stutters as the tongues spell runs out mid-sentence, and she looks down for some time before looking up at everyone. Inside, she wants someone to find a way to help her, or even hold her and say she can fix this, that things will be okay. 
 

 "Don't ask me, if I were wise enough to have answers like that, I probably wouldn't be wandering around in places like this."  One of those twisted smirks pass through Rhenner's face, but it is gone when he finally looks up at the rogue.   And now she's again like a small scared girl. And the fact that she slaughtered all those guards just a while ago seems almost absurd.  

He leans against the wall again and closes his eyes.   Can I sleep before I have to think about everything? I could use a moment of peace.  
 
 Spoiler 
Except that I don't think he's going to sleep very peacefully tonight.😛
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "Don't ask me, if I were wise enough to have answers like that, I probably wouldn't be wandering around in places like this."  One of those twisted smirks pass through Rhenner's face, but it is gone when he finally looks up at the rogue.   And now she's again like a small scared girl. And the fact that she slaughtered all those guards just a while ago seems almost absurd.  

He leans against the wall again and closes his eyes.   Can I sleep before I have to think about everything? I could use a moment of peace.  
 
 Spoiler 
Except that I don't think he's going to sleep very peacefully tonight.😛
 
 
 

Natalia sighs. She really doesn't look much like the girl who literally tore her way through the guards. Bit she is the same girl, and it's clear that's another thing on the rogue's mind as she tries to rub the bloodstains from her longcoat. She looks at all of her friends in turn.  "Gou all...fight shadows too? ...how?" 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan had spend most of his time dressing his own wounds (only to be glared and corrected by a morose half-elf), he couldn't help but hear the conversation between Rhenner and Natalia  "I learnt how to kill my heart a long time ago..." 
Athedia
Mithril sat alone, once again lost in her thoughts  I wonder if the Voice is listening now.  Was he the one that disrupted the spell?  Or she or it... I don't know anything about the Voice do I?  

At Stephan's comment she snapped back into reality.   "It isn't your heart you have to silence, just your mind." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "What?"  Natalia stares at Stephan as if she can't quite comprehend what he's saying.  "what meant by that? Kill feeling of killing, ignore pain?!"  Her voice slightly roses in indignation. How could that help?

And yet...and yet even now Natalia knows her sleep will be short and plagued by nightmares. And how long can she keep doing this?

Mithril's comment snaps her out of it.  "What meant...what difference?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril sat alone, once again lost in her thoughts  I wonder if the Voice is listening now.  Was he the one that disrupted the spell?  Or she or it... I don't know anything about the Voice do I?  

At Stephan's comment she snapped back into reality.   "It isn't your heart you have to silence, just your mind."  
 

 "Is it really?"  Stephan asks


 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "What?"  Natalia stares at Stephan as if she can't quite comprehend what he's saying.  "what meant by that? Kill feeling of killing, ignore pain?!"  Her voice slightly roses in indignation. How could that help?  
 

 "Detaching yourself, ignoring everything that comes between you and what you must do" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "Is it really?"  Stephan asks



 "Detaching yourself, ignoring everything that comes between you and what you must do"  
 

 "Which is territory of the mind not the heart.  Our heart has no control over such functions, it merely acts as our lungs.  Moving without thought until it, and we, die.  Though that pain of thoughts is needed, all detaching does is make you unstoppable against friend and foe." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "But I don't want...not feel, to not want surrender. I wish...didn't have to kill. Bit know need, to protect."  she stares at her hands again before looking back up at Stephan and Mithril.  "Kill vengeance but spare pain...what I want. What I, I..."  she clenches her eyes and fists shut, but all that does is squeeE out the tears. It takes several ragged breaths before she can speak.

 "There were three in Shredder. Orgun,  shadow gnome, and drow. What was in there..."   Natalia needs to take several deep breaths to strait herself before continuing.  "Needed to save. But too many potions, couldn't tell what hurt...or healed. Gnome told me. But lied. Said...said poison was cure. I thought cure. And...drow died. Choked and died and..."  she looks down and it's clear she's seeing the scene again.  "I couldn't save.

"He lied. Made me kill whe tried to save, made me kill again. I wanted...him to hurt. Bleed. So..."  she curls in on herself, her voice so small as to be a squeal.  "I did." 

Natalia's eyes spring open and she's practically pleading now.  "Knew it wrong right when done! But already done! Shadows...caught up. And...and..."  she falls silent again.
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Which is territory of the mind not the heart.  Our heart has no control over such functions, it merely acts as our lungs.  Moving without thought until it, and we, die.  Though that pain of thoughts is needed, all detaching does is make you unstoppable against friend and foe."  
 

 "The wizard here likes to be specific about things",  Rhenner says without opening his eyes,  "Metaphors are a waste of time for her." 

 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "But I don't want...not feel, to not want surrender. I wish...didn't have to kill. Bit know need, to protect."  she stares at her hands again before looking back up at Stephan and Mithril.  "Kill vengeance but spare pain...what I want. What I, I..."  she clenches her eyes and fists shut, but all that does is squeeE out the tears. It takes several ragged breaths before she can speak.

 "There were three in Shredder. Orgun,  shadow gnome, and drow. What was in there..."   Natalia needs to take several deep breaths to strait herself before continuing.  "Needed to save. But too many potions, couldn't tell what hurt...or healed. Gnome told me. But lied. Said...said poison was cure. I thought cure. And...drow died. Choked and died and..."  she looks down and it's clear she's seeing the scene again.  "I couldn't save.

"He lied. Made me kill whe tried to save, made me kill again. I wanted...him to hurt. Bleed. So..."  she curls in on herself, her voice so small as to be a squeal.  "I did." 

Natalia's eyes spring open and she's practically pleading now.  "Knew it wrong right when done! But already done! Shadows...caught up. And...and..."  she falls silent again. 
 

 "If you could manage the paradox when killing was easy for your body, but difficult to your soul, sorry  mind , wouldn't that be great?" 
You'd think he'd get tired of the sarcasm eventually.
Athedia
 "I don't think any of us can avoid shadows for long. A side effect of our work perhaps?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Even if...I want to tame them. Not be...led by them. Mithril, your shadows, are they...?"" 

Natalia looks at Rhenner in confusion and hurt.

 
 Spoiler: I'm sorry 
it's probably because I'm tired but what does Rhenner mean by that?
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Even if...I want to tame them. Not be...led by them. Mithril, your shadows, are they...?"" 

Natalia looks at Rhenner in confusion and hurt.

 
 Spoiler: I'm sorry 
it's probably because I'm tired but what does Rhenner mean by that?
 
 
 

 "They exist. Beyond that I don't wish to discuss them." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Mithril..."  Natalia shifts closer to Mithril, opening her arms slightly as she silently requests a hug. She's not sure whether it's for herself or Mithril more. Or how much it matters here.
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Even if...I want to tame them. Not be...led by them. Mithril, your shadows, are they...?"" 

Natalia looks at Rhenner in confusion and hurt.

 
 Spoiler: I'm sorry 
it's probably because I'm tired but what does Rhenner mean by that?
 
 
 

Rhenner opens his eyes a little to see Natalia's face.  "What? Isn't that what you hope? That you can easily kill with your hands, but weep for every one in your heart. Mind. Sorry."  He's tired himself and becoming more snappy because of it. On some level he knows he's probably going to regret this tone later, but can't be bothered to care about it right at this moment.  "But as you can hear from your comrades tales, that is not something easily achieved. I would actually almost call it a paradox. How do you kill, when you are truly sorry that you do? In the long run, you will go mad with grief and regret. Detaching your feelings from it, now that makes things less complicated, though... well, I admit that kind of makes you sort of mad as well. So I guess in the end, it's just about what kind of insanity you prefer."

 Did I have a point there somewhere?   He thinks to himself.   Maybe I can remember it tomorrow.  
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia winces at Rhenner's tone, but he does have a point. She works her mouth for a while, trying to respond as best she can. Her words are slow and halting, even more staggered than usual.

 "Difference between...regret, undoing. A little. Won't take back fighting, won't take back all guards I killed. Not with shredder, prisoners, and...surrender untaken. But...regret I had to fight...kill. Wish never needed to."   she shakes her head.  "Wh not hold...doing, wish I didn't...have to do at once, in opposite hands?"  Natalia works her mouth again.  "I afraid...I dropping one."  she holds out her hands, hoping that made sense.

 
 Spoiler 
almost there so I'm going soon.
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Mithril..."  Natalia shifts closer to Mithril, opening her arms slightly as she silently requests a hug. She's not sure whether it's for herself or Mithril more. Or how much it matters here. 
 

Mithril didn't return the hug, she wasn't in the mood for contact.   "I think we all need some sleep." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia watches as Mithril turns away and goes to sleep. Slowly, she lowers her arms and sort of holds herself lightly. She needs the contact right now, and it hurts that Mithril rejected her again, hurts like a sliver of ice in her chest.

EDIT: Natalia looks up at shiny and Rhenner.  "Shiny...Rhenner...I'm sorry." 
Admiral
Shiny scratches the back of his head uncomfortably when Natalia apologizes to him.  "It's all right, Natalia,"  he says convincingly, before curling up to sleep.

 "Thanks for your help,"  says Orgun,  "and for the place to rest."  The orc hadn't spoken much during their escape.  "I don't know where you're going, but I'll be heading back to the Upperdark after we get some rest. You can join."  He looks down at the potions they'd stolen from the Shredder and shudders.  "I may able to help you identify some of those..."  he says hesitantly, as though unsure he wants to spend more time looking.

Rhenner and Orgun work through the collection of poisons together- some of them Orgun recognizes from when Nixar had used them on him or others (one in particular he shrinks from, which he informs Rhenner is a poison that saps the victim's sanity), while others Rhenner is able to make guesses at based on the smell and his extensive knowledge of healing.

 
 Spoiler 

Inventory OOC.
 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia watches as Mithril turns away and goes to sleep. Slowly, she lowers her arms and sort of holds herself lightly. She needs the contact right now, and it hurts that Mithril rejected her again, hurts like a sliver of ice in her chest.

EDIT: Natalia looks up at shiny and Rhenner.  "Shiny...Rhenner...I'm sorry."  
 

Rhenner sighs.  "Natalia... I'm not angry with you. I'm..."  He pauses.

  Yes, what am I? Disappointed? No, not really. Or maybe a little, but that is not important. It's more that.. 

"I'm worried." 
 
 Spoiler: Admiral only 
Sorry to almost parrot you there, but you kind of hit the nail on the head with that one.😛
 
CoffeeIncluded
[QUOTE=Admiral;17872434]Shiny scratches the back of his head uncomfortably when Natalia apologizes to him.  "It's all right, Natalia,"  he says convincingly, before curling up to sleep.

 "Thanks for your help,"  says Orgun,  "and for the place to rest."  The orc hadn't spoken much during their escape.  "I don't know where you're going, but I'll be heading back to the Upperdark after we get some rest. You can join."  He looks down at the potions they'd stolen from the Shredder and shudders.  "I may able to help you identify some of those..."  he says hesitantly, as though unsure he wants to spend more time looking.

Rhenner and Orgun work through the collection of poisons together- some of them Orgun recognizes from when Nixar had used them on him or others (one in particular he shrinks from, which he informs Rhenner is a poison that saps the victim's sanity), while others Rhenner is able to make guesses at based on the smell and his extensive knowledge of healing.

[SPOILER]
Inventory OOC.

 "...Thanks,"  Natalia says, both believing him and wishing she did. Orgun's words calm her a bit more;they remind her that they did get him out alive, and she smiles and says,  "We...headed out. Know...Tol'Garun well?" 

She can't look at the poisons and potions as Rhenner and Orgun sort them out, and instead rolls over and tries to sleep while listening.


 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 Rhenner sighs.  "Natalia... I'm not angry with you. I'm..."  He pauses.

  Yes, what am I? Disappointed? No, not really. Or maybe a little, but that is not important. It's more that.. 

"I'm worried." 
 
 Spoiler: Admiral only 
Sorry to almost parrot you there, but you kind of hit the nail on the head with that one.😛
 
 
 

The rogue turns around to look at Rhenner.  "What...you mean?"  There's a pause, and then she looks down too.  "...Me too." 
 
 Spoiler 
Gotta get dressed and head out; see you all later!
 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 The rogue turns around to look at Rhenner.  "What...you mean?"  There's a pause, and then she looks down too.  "...Me too."  
 

The half-elf doesn't look back, he's not sure how to phrase what he wants to say.  "The thing is, when you come across evil like that.. Well, it makes you angry",  he says flatly, then turns to Stephan,  "You asked earlier if I wouldn't like to have revenge for something like that Shredder. The truth is that of course I would, but in that desire lies a greater danger."  Now the cleric looks back at Natalia.  "I'm tired, and I'd honestly rather sleep than continue this trail, but considering where we're going tomorrow.."  He rubs his forehead.  "Natalia, you remember what Ildan told us about the crevice?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 The half-elf doesn't look back, he's not sure how to phrase what he wants to say.  "The thing is, when you come across evil like that.. Well, it makes you angry",  he says flatly, then turns to Stephan,  "You asked earlier if I wouldn't like to have revenge for something like that Shredder. The truth is that of course I would, but in that desire lies a greater danger."  Now the cleric looks back at Natalia.  "I'm tired, and I'd honestly rather sleep than continue this trail, but considering where we're going tomorrow.."  He rubs his forehead.  "Natalia, you remember what Ildan told us about the crevice?"  
 

Natalia frowns--that wasn't as helpful as she would have liked. And yet that's the whole issue.  "He right. See that, but can't believe people would do. And revenge...I wanted in rage. But they deserve, and don't deserve, because..."  she fumbles with the words for a while, twisting her hands in frustration before saying,  "Wolves and dogs. Need better, we better. Kurt..."  she breaks off, holding her fist to her mouth as she sucks in a breath.

Rhenner's question about Ildan breaks her off her thoughts. She nods and says,  "Yes, and Zik notes too,"  before telling him all she remembers from what Ildan told her. Still, her thoughts can't stay away for long  and so she asks Rhenner in a low voice,  "Rhenner, your shadows chase too?" 
 
 Spoiler 
which is probably more than I remember. 😛

I'm headed back now, so I'll be on and off depending on phone service and stuff. How's everyone?

And Natalia suspects something's up with Rhenner.
 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia frowns--that wasn't as helpful as she would have liked. And yet that's the whole issue.  "He right. See that, but can't believe people would do. And revenge...I wanted in rage. But they deserve, and don't deserve, because..."  she fumbles with the words for a while, twisting her hands in frustration before saying,  "Wolves and dogs. Need better, we better. Kurt..."  she breaks off, holding her fist to her mouth as she sucks in a breath.

Rhenner's question about Ildan breaks her off her thoughts. She nods and says,  "Yes, and Zik notes too,"  before telling him all she remembers from what Ildan told her. Still, her thoughts can't stay away for long  and so she asks Rhenner in a low voice,  "Rhenner, your shadows chase too?" 
 
 Spoiler 
which is probably more than I remember. 😛

I'm headed back now, so I'll be on and off depending on phone service and stuff. How's everyone?

And Natalia suspects something's up with Rhenner.
 
 
 

Rhenner is again quiet for a while, staring at nothing in particular. How can he explain what he means, what he really is afraid of.

 "So you remember that their high temple is in there. And you remember what I read from the spiderbook?",  the cleric looks up, staring straight at the rogue,  "Natalia, do you  think  they were being metaphorical in that one? I can tell you I am not so optimistic. I fear that in that place we will come by many other things that will incite rage, will they make you lash out in anger again?"  He leans back and studies the ceiling again,  "What we see, what we do, shape who we are. I worry if we will make it out of here alive, but I also worry who will we be if we do." 
Athedia
 "Tired if you keep talking.  But Rhenner, Natalia, we signed up for this.  If we die then we die trying to understand what is happening to our world.  If we change, we prevent others from having too.  Anyway, can you not say that this whole thing is just a little fun?" 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Tired if you keep talking.  But Rhenner, Natalia, we signed up for this.  If we die then we die trying to understand what is happening to our world.  If we change, we prevent others from having too.  Anyway, can you not say that this whole thing is just a little fun?"  
 

 "Of course, I must recommend this tour to everyone I know as an excellent way to spend their vacation."  In a more serious tone he adds,  "And I never said it was something we should not do. We all have our reasons to keep going, I suppose. Despite all the warnings we've been given." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 Rhenner is again quiet for a while, staring at nothing in particular. How can he explain what he means, what he really is afraid of.

 "So you remember that their high temple is in there. And you remember what I read from the spiderbook?",  the cleric looks up, staring straight at the rogue,  "Natalia, do you  think  they were being metaphorical in that one? I can tell you I am not so optimistic. I fear that in that place we will come by many other things that will incite rage, will they make you lash out in anger again?"  He leans back and studies the ceiling again,  "What we see, what we do, shape who we are. I worry if we will make it out of here alive, but I also worry who will we be if we do."  
 

Natalia winces but forces herself to keep Rhenner's gaze. [quote="darkorchid"]"That what I fear. Didn't think...I would rage. But now that have, that know, I...worry. Afraid. That good to fight evil but...rage. And if rage, and rage...then lost in rage, and...can't find back again."[/color] she looks down at her hands, slim and spidery with dirt ground into the plans as dried blood under the stubby nails. Was this how Kurt felt? Was this why h changed?


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Tired if you keep talking.  But Rhenner, Natalia, we signed up for this.  If we die then we die trying to understand what is happening to our world.  If we change, we prevent others from having too.  Anyway, can you not say that this whole thing is just a little fun?"  
 


 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "Of course, I must recommend this tour to everyone I know as an excellent way to spend their vacation."  In a more serious tone he adds,  "And I never said it was something we should not do. We all have our reasons to keep going, I suppose. Despite all the warnings we've been given."  
 

Natalia nods.  "Good here, and knowledge gained. Need to go, need to live. But...can go, save without losing self. Anchor own rope when...giving others."  Though fun? Seriously? Then again...  "maybe fun when...freeing, or shedder bomb. Hm...satisfying better, maybe,"  she says after a moments reflection.

 
 Spoiler: Night night? 
sleepy time or keep talking?
 
CoffeeIncluded
The potions are welcome, but the poisons and diseases...Natalia shudders at the memory of the drow choking and dying in her arms, of the devastation those diseases could cause if unleashed. They need to deal with the diseases somehow, and even though the poisons are useful she can't look at the one that kills--and probably won't be able to for a very long time. Glancing at her friends again, she carefully lies down and eventually drifts off into an uneasy sleep.

===

Mithril hasn't been back to the house in a few days. At least, that's what Natalia believes. It's just a lttle colder and a lot lonelier without her presence, but right now the only room is the workshop. She's been in the workshop a few hours and as long as she can remember, carving wood, fitting springs, and finalizing blueprints. Dozens and dozens of mechanical devices are stacked along the walls, but it's hard to make out their details. The shadows conceal them too well.

 The hours blur past and some point when she's making the third devices (something that thrums under her touch and looks a bit different every time she looks at it), there's a knock on the door.

 "Mithril?"  She runs and opens the door.

But it's not Mithril. It's a young man she's never seen before, with a couple more humans behind him. The one in front shakes her hand warmly.  "Natalia! So glad to meet you,"  he says, warm and genuine.  "We're huge fans of your work." 
 "T-thanks,"  she says, scuffing her foot a bit awkwardly. Has she really become that famous, that well-known? She supposes so.

The young man doesn't seem To have noticed her abashed reaction. He continues,  "So I was talking with my friends and I, and we'd love to have you in our group. We really have a lot of fun together and I bet you'll fit in perfectly. You've certainly got the aggression for it." 

For some reason Natalia doesn't pick up on the note of discord and so instead says,  "Wow, really? That's pretty awesome! Let me go tell Mithril and Rhenner and shiny and Stephan and Kurt--" 
 "Oh, that won't be necessary."  He tosses a wickedly-serrated greatsword at Natalia; she barely catches it and it staggers under her weight, cutting her arms since it's spiked down to the pommel.  "We're about to start the hunt, after all."  

Wait, what?  "What hunt?" 
 "The hunt for the half-breeds, of course,"  he says, and now his smile is cruel and his face and body are wreathed in shadow. Behind him two other hand step out, kicking a bound and gagged figure towards her and gleefully holding up severed heads by their hair.

None of the heads are human. Two are Shiny's and Rhenner's.

The young man--the  Crusader --is now an ink-black shadow with glowing red eyes, and Natalia is still gaping in horror and whispering denials when he takes one clawed hand, grabs her by the throat, and pins her against the wall. She struggles against the shadow, but it holds her fast, burns its way into her, draws blood as it clamps down.

 "You've got the rage and hate and fear burning in you!"  it roars.  "And you say you're better?! Embrace it,  Nuts.   They all deserve to die. So join us. It's so much fun, so satisfying, making them bleed. And you'll be making the world better, one head at a time." 
 "No! Stop! I'm not you! I'M NOT YOU!" 
 "Heheh. I saw what you did to that gnome--excellent technique by the way. How much longer before you might as well be?! Now join us!" 

It hurls her to the ground, and an impossibly-long tentacled arm snakes out and pins her down, holds her fast. She's still holding on to the serrated sword, which is now...something is coming from it, roots tunneling their way up her arm. Natalia looks up and sees the person the crusaders bound and gagged and tied up for her to murder.

She sees the person and her heart stops.

Because, thrashing against the gag and looking up at Natalia, is Kurt.

===

 "NOOAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!" 

Natalia bolts awake screaming, a long drawn-out shriek that is muffled but not stopped when she claps her hands over her mouth.

 
 Spoiler: What do you think? 
do you like this? There's gonna be another part but I'm not sure whether to do it tonight or tomorrow in-game. Either way I want to see if anyone notices.
 
Athedia
Mithril realized she would not be able to sleep and so offered to take the first watch.  They may have traps and be hidden but the Underdark had shown her that not all creatures obeyed tunnels.  Climbing over the huddled bodies to get near the entrance she waited.  Leaning her head between her knees she started what was fast becoming a nightly tradition for her.

 
 Spoiler: Admiral Only 
 
 Spoiler: ADMIRAL ONLY 
 "Voice?  Are you there?" 
 

 
CWater
Natalia is not the only one who sleeps restlessly. Rhenner begins his slumber dreaming of shapeless shadows and nonsensical whispers. But annoying as they are, he would have preferred them to the worse horrors lurking deep inside his mind.

And eventually the shadows do take shape, first depicting the events of the day. Shouting, swords clashing, blood splattering, the usual stuff. The dream jumps over the search for Orgun and the ear-deafening blast in the Shredder. Soon it's as far as Zik's cell, where Rhenner is copying down the writings on the wall. The sounds of battle can be heard from outside, but he's concentrating on not paying attention to that, he needs to finish this first. Then a scream pierces through the air. A small logical part of his mind tries to argue that it is the escaped torturer, but it is soon silenced by others more in control of this dream realm and who don't give a damn about petty things like logic.

Rhenner turns, he knows that voice. More horrible screams echo from the corridor, that particular sound that is created when living flesh is poked with something sharp, but without the slightest intention to kill.   No, no stop that!   But a tall man blocks his way.  "We can't go in there. Not yet. We have to wait" , he says,  "Don't give me that glare, it hurts my ears as much as yours."  He doesn't look like it does.

Rhenner backs away, until he is next to the wall again, he hears the screams even better now. That voice, that same familiar voice, that he has heard laugh, crack a joke, argue over the last watch... Then there is a loud clang and some silent weeping, maybe begging.   Stop it. Just please stop it.   It does stop for a while, if only to return more dreadful a couple of seconds later.

The half-elf looks up. The cell is empty.   Where did Taisen go?   Rhenner doesn't care, he hurries out to the corridor. He has to make it stop, put an end to those cries.   But where are they?   The sounds echo in the hallway and he can't tell which way they're coming from. It's no longer dark, but he can't see anyone. Only hear.   Make it stop already!   But it gets louder, louder, until it's like the walls themselves are wailing. Screaming in Chidir's voice.   Stop, stop, just please make it stop..   Rhenner tries to cover his ears, which in dreamland is pretty much as useful as waving at the sound waves is in the real world. When logic is taking a break and subconscious wants you to hear something, then you  will  hear it. It gets hammered in, his vision blurring, until there is nothing else. Only a small erraric change in volume, since nightmares have no sense of consistency.

Suddenly another scream cuts through the other, which has almost become a unsteady hum by now.   That was Natalia,   Rhenner thinks, too surprised to be frightened. And then he finds himself lying down, staring at a rocky ceiling. It's dark, only the flickering flames of a torch cast some light that in turn create shadows to dance between the cracks. For a moment he has that dumb feeling that comes after an abrupt wake up, when the fading dream is still around, but fighting a lost battle, soon to be swept away.

Rhenner turns his head around towards the only sound left, and sees Natalia holding her mouth, smothering a scream.   So she did really scream.   A faint smile struggles to climb up to the half-elf's face.   Strange, kind of, that a real scream was less terrifying.   He thinks back at the nightmare.   And to think a torturer's cries was what brought that back up. Guess that's what you call irony.  

Rhenner gets up to a sitting position, he doesn't feel like going back to sleep just yet. He takes in a few breaths, then looks at Natalia again.  "Are you alright?"  he asks quietly, trying not to wake those still sleeping.
CoffeeIncluded
In a cold sweat Natalia starts, frantically clawing at the fading threads of her nightmare. Not real, not real, but she needs to make sure. First Shiny, checking his breath on her palm (she goes weak with relief when it's there) and then Rhenner, who is sitting up.  "Alive!"  she gasps, shuffling a few steps to throw herself around the half-elf (shed do the same with shiny but he's asleep) and sob,  "Alive alive alive..." 

And then his question registers in her mind and she shakes her head.  "No,"  she whimpers, paises before continuing,  "I dreamt...in there, and shadows chasing...and you, Shiny, Kurt..."  she breaks off, unable to continue for the moment.
Admiral
Shiny stirs a bit when Natalia places her palm near his mouth and whispers his name to Rhenner.  "Yes, Shiny Something, some occupation and something else..."  he mutters in his sleep.
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 In a cold sweat Natalia starts, frantically clawing at the fading threads of her nightmare. Not real, not real, but she needs to make sure. First Shiny, checking his breath on her palm (she goes weak with relief when it's there) and then Rhenner, who is sitting up.  "Alive!"  she gasps, shuffling a few steps to throw herself around the half-elf (shed do the same with shiny but he's asleep) and sob,  "Alive alive alive..." 

And then his question registers in her mind and she shakes her head.  "No,"  she whimpers, paises before continuing,  "I dreamt...in there, and shadows chasing...and you, Shiny, Kurt..."  she breaks off, unable to continue for the moment. 
 

 "Yes, I believe I am still breathing, thank you for noticing",  Rhenner replies, reaching for his normal sarcastic tone, though not quite succeeding,  "I think I'm going to jump to horrible conclusions and assume you had a nightmare."  He pats her head, letting her cry all she wants, and recalling the standard comforting phrase for this situation.  "It's alright, whatever it was, it was just a dream." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sobs into Rhenner's arms.  "Not real, but parts...shadows...they...they were  proud... said how I better?" 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia sobs into Rhenner's arms.  "Not real, but parts...shadows...they...they were  proud... said how I better?"  
 

 "Proud shadows, what is the world coming into?"  He's not bothering to try to reason with the girl now that she is so upset, he just holds her and lets her cry away her shock.
CoffeeIncluded
 "No, shadows, they..."  she can't mention the thing about the Crusaders. It feels so silly and unrealistic here. But still...

They're real. And out there.

 "Need to find own light again, before lost,"  she whispers to herself between muffled hiccuping sobs.
Athedia
Mithril had fallen asleep in her hunched over position, exhausted by the days events.  While her companions may have been suffering the dreams of guilt and horrible memories her sleep was emptier.  But while she didn't dream she also didn't awake to hear Natalia's scream.
CoffeeIncluded
Eventually Natalia's sobs die away and shes left holding onto Rhenner, her skin clammy from the cold sweat of nightmares.

And so is Rhenner's.

she looks up at the half-elf, and though she quirks a smile at Shiny's sleep talking she asks him,  "Rhenner...own shadows chase into sleep?" 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan spent some of the night talking with Orgun, about what he would do and where would he go, however when asked back Stephan couldn't answer   "Now what?"   back in the arena he had spent most of his time trying to figure out how to escape, but now that he had actually done it Stephan realized how he didn't know what he should do   "I guess I'll stay with them...   he thinks as he watches the Natalia, Rhenner, Mithril and Shiny   "At least until we get out of the Underdark, once we are there.... well I'll figure it out"   he chuckles grimly   "It is just as you said, isn't it? I simply jump into things without thinking them through.... what would you do?"   it is with this thoughts that Stephan falls asleep.
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Eventually Natalia's sobs die away and shes left holding onto Rhenner, her skin clammy from the cold sweat of nightmares.

And so is Rhenner's.

she looks up at the half-elf, and though she quirks a smile at Shiny's sleep talking she asks him,  "Rhenner...own shadows chase into sleep?"  
 

  "..Yes",  Rhenner replies somewhat reluctantly,  "But my shadows are different, they're not proud, they just scream." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "...Oh."  Natalia shifts her weight so that she's supporting Rhenner as much as he's supporting her. After a moment she asks, a bit awkwardly,  "Who screams? Do you...want talk?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Night guys, see you tomorrow!
 
CWater
 "Just someone I used to know. No, a friend",  the half-elf corrects, his voice a little strange,  "I used to have those once. Not that long ago either, though it does feel like it." 
Admiral
Orgun wakes with a startled cry- it seems his sleep was as troubled as Natalia's and Rhenner's. From what Rhenner knows of the poison he'd been under, this does not surprise him. The orc barbarian growls as he looks around, perhaps embarrassed, and collects his belongings quickly for his journey back to the Upperdark.

As Mithril prepares her spells and Rhenner prays to his deity, Shiny and Natalia set to work decoding the snippets they'd obtained from the kobold's cell.  "Ah, the language of the damned!"  Shiny enthuses. Whatever awkwardness he'd had towards Natalia after her actions in the Shredder seem to have evaporated with the new day.  "Back in the day Shiny Fiendfellow, bartender and thaumaturgist, ran the hottest demon nightclub on the Abyssal plane. How sad are those uncultured in this tongue, that they may never learn from the war stories from a Balor, or delight at the jokes of a Vrock..." . However dubious his claim, the moment Shiny starts reading off the snippets of paper, the words seem to be consistent with what Natalia remembered from her translations the night before- most likely he'd cast a spell to let him comprehend the language.

The words of the kobold are clearly muddled, with a far deeper madness than what afflicts Natalia's speech. Most of them are empty ravings- in which the words for "eyes" and "webs" appear a disturbing number of times- but halfway through they discover what seems either like a warning or an invitation. It speaks of a path across an underground lake, then through partially flooded tunnel, leading to a deep, narrow valley that "naught but spiders and bats" could cross. Shiny translates a reference to "stolen wings" as the kobold's route through. From the description, it seems to line up with the general directions Ildan had left them towards the Quiet Crevice, starting from an underground lake two miles away. In the remaining passages, they discern that a mile into the crevice there would be an escape upward, a passage that would lead to the city of Tol'Garun.

 
 Spoiler 

I don't quite have time or talent to assemble riddles from a mad kobold (Tolkien I am not). If you'd like to imagine it is in the form of  "Beneath the mouth that never sleeps"  or something, the sky is the limit.

If Rhenner would rather be the one to Comprehend Languages he certainly can. I just figured this gave him the opportunity to pray, and to save his level 1 slots for the journey (Shiny has plenty).
 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "Just someone I used to know. No, a friend",  the half-elf corrects, his voice a little strange,  "I used to have those once. Not that long ago either, though it does feel like it."  
 

  "But don't you worry about it",  he says and pats Natalia's head,  "You should try to get some more sleep, you don't want to be tired tomorrow." 
 
 Spoiler 
Another time! Let's move on!🙂

Rhenner is more than happy to let Shiny do the translating.
 


The cleric does suffer from a mild case of 'doesn't practise what he preaches' though, and when he sets to pray in the morning, his eyelids feel heavy.  "...Wise Dweller on the Horizon, watcher of all roads, protector of wanderers, your humble servant asks for your blessing..."  he mutters silently.

 "...I wish I had power, not for its own sake, but so that I could better aid my fellow travellers. ...More than what I could before."  His expression grows darker than usual in prayer.  "For we are headed to a dark place, and... I do not wish the past to repeat itself. But we must go, it is where the road we follow leads us. I... beg of You, please guide our steps, may we find the right path..." 

To his surprise Rhenner notes that the divine power granted to him for the day feels somehow stronger. He could even prepare some more powerful spells than what he has ever cast before. After a moment of stunned silence the cleric begins to recite a long declaration of gratitude, without a hint of sarcasm.
CoffeeIncluded
Eventually Natalia drifts off into a shallow, blessedly dreamless sleep. When she wakes up, however, she's still tired and weary. So she's immensely grateful that Shiny's doing the bulk of the translating, and even manages a jest of,  "Then ask demon friend for favor?"  before focusing on her own magic and spells as shiny finishes.

Only this time there's something else in her mind, a...presence, an awareness, that wasn't there before. Is it more trapsmith magic? No...no, this is different. Carefully she needles and pokes at it, reflexively drawing back when she feels warmth and tingling running down her arm. But the she probes again, grasping at this newness in her mind, and...

 "Gah!"  Natalia jumps back as a shower of sparks flies from her outstretched hand and coalesces into a...a creature. A tiny thing of flickering flame and shooting sparks. It looks at her with curiosity, and then seconds later vanishes.

 "Guys, guys!"  Natalia shouts, trying the spell(?) again once they're all looking. It takes her a few seconds of focusing, but the the creature of lightning and flame appears again for a few seconds before vanishing.  "New magic! But what magic this?" 
Athedia
Mithril listened to the translation, trying to figure out what she could study that would be of use today.  At the mention of the path that bats flew she perked up.   "Shiny, remember that spell we used to fly out of the barbarian camp?  Well I have been examining the structure and I think I figured out a way cross it with some elements I have seen in other spells that let me cast it on more than one person.  I think I finally have the structure down if you would like to try it."   She almost showed Shiny the pages in her spellbook before remembering that no-one else in the group understood the scribbled notes, incantations, ingredient lists and equations.  To be fair she didn't always understand other's spellbooks either, the shorthand was different for every wizard, but she didn't know of any who could memorize without the book.

As she got ready to prepare that days spells she caught a glimpse of fire to her side.  She calmed when she just realized it was Natalia figuring out some new discovery.   "I don't know exactly what that is, but it certainly catches my eye.  Do you mind doing it out of my sight until I have these spells ready?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril listened to the translation, trying to figure out what she could study that would be of use today.  At the mention of the path that bats flew she perked up.   "Shiny, remember that spell we used to fly out of the barbarian camp?  Well I have been examining the structure and I think I figured out a way cross it with some elements I have seen in other spells that let me cast it on more than one person.  I think I finally have the structure down if you would like to try it."   She almost showed Shiny the pages in her spellbook before remembering that no-one else in the group understood the scribbled notes, incantations, ingredient lists and equations.  To be fair she didn't always understand other's spellbooks either, the shorthand was different for every wizard, but she didn't know of any who could memorize without the book. 
 

Natalia pauses in her experimentation to look over at Mithril.  "New magic learned?"  she asks, and even the events of yesterday hanging heavy over her can't douse the glimmer of excitement in her voice. She always enjoyed looking at Mithril's spellbook, even if she could only understand bits and pieces of it at best.


 As she got ready to prepare that days spells she caught a glimpse of fire to her side.  She calmed when she just realized it was Natalia figuring out some new discovery.   "I don't know exactly what that is, but it certainly catches my eye.  Do you mind doing it out of my sight until I have these spells ready?"  

 "...O-oh."  Natalia pauses, looking down at the sparks she summoned. She looks over at Mithril, then back at her hand. The creature she was about to conjure again vanishes. "O-okay. Thought you might like...new magic found. If even magic...show later?" 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril listened to the translation, trying to figure out what she could study that would be of use today.  At the mention of the path that bats flew she perked up.   "Shiny, remember that spell we used to fly out of the barbarian camp?  Well I have been examining the structure and I think I figured out a way cross it with some elements I have seen in other spells that let me cast it on more than one person.  I think I finally have the structure down if you would like to try it."   She almost showed Shiny the pages in her spellbook before remembering that no-one else in the group understood the scribbled notes, incantations, ingredient lists and equations.  To be fair she didn't always understand other's spellbooks either, the shorthand was different for every wizard, but she didn't know of any who could memorize without the book. 
 

As Mithril considers showing him the book Shiny leaps over to peer over her shoulder.  "Ah, very interesting,"  he observes in a scholarly tone.  "I particularly like what you did here,"  he says, pointing to a stray inkblot that looks a little like a face.


 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Guys, guys!"  Natalia shouts, trying the spell(?) again once they're all looking. It takes her a few seconds of focusing, but the the creature of lightning and flame appears again for a few seconds before vanishing.  "New magic! But what magic this?"  
 

Shiny glances down at where the ephemeral phantasm had been a pleased expression.  "Ah, I see you've met my familiar, Shocky. I've kept him hidden in a small platinum coil in my pocket through most of our journey so as not to scare little Whiskers (or, for that matter, make Mithril jealous)."  With a quick incantation Shiny summons the creature of lightning back into sight, or at least a close approximation. The gnome reaches out his finger and briefly shudders when he touches it.  "Ah, Shiny and Shocky, quite the pair. Did I ever tell you about the time he saved my life?"

"Half a dozen goblins were after me for a debt from a very ill-chosen bet (though I still suspect that the halfling in the fifth barrel was in on it the whole time). The enforcers had me cornered in an alleyway, bats at the ready, demanding what amounted to half the gold I had to my name. But then Shocky shows up-"  Shiny laughs nostalgically-  "-and you should have seen him, gave every one of them a good solid zap! So, irritated by that inconvenience, the goblins ended up beating me twice as hard and took twice as much gold as they were owed." 

Shiny frowns.  "Upon sober reflection I don't suppose he did save my life after all."  He flicks the small phantasm with annoyance and it vanishes from sight.

 
 Spoiler 

Didn't mean to turn Natalia's moment into one about Shiny. Just hoped you'd enjoy another small story.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia laughs at Shiny's story. They always seem to be able to lift her spirits. She concentrates and summons the creature of sparks again; this time it takes on a vaguely raptor-like shape, albeit one with a long jagged tail before vanishing.  "Don't think same Shocky, since...trickers flee. Though..."  She reaches out to the space where it was.  "Maybe good in fight too, to distract. Home in copper wire, like your Shocky in platinum."  She winks at Shiny and summons the creature again. After a moment's pause she says,  "Shocky, Whiskers. You...Faraday." 
 
 Spoiler 
Haha, I don't mind at all!
 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan quirks an eyebrow at Shiny's story; he knows it is fake, it had to be, but nonetheless it manages to get a a grin our of the surly swordsman,   "Which was probably his intention from the very start"   he thought to himself as he starts a series of light exercises to limber himself.

 "You named it Faraday? Faraday as in that old wizard with an electricity fetish?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Not fetish, passion! Er..."  Natalia's cheeks colored slightly. That wasn't what she wanted  to say at all. She quickly changes tactics.  "I think good name for lightning called b spell! Er...this is spell, right?"  She really isn't sure. It somehow feels different than the magic she casts, the swift current and the spell that turns her to mist. With this, it's almost like she has to pull the motion deep from her muscles as well as her brain.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Not fetish, passion! Er..."  Natalia's cheeks colored slightly. That wasn't what she wanted  to say at all. She quickly changes tactics.  "I think good name for lightning called b spell! Er...this is spell, right?"  She really isn't sure. It somehow feels different than the magic she casts, the swift current and the spell that turns her to mist. With this, it's almost like she has to pull the motion deep from her muscles as well as her brain. 
 

 "It looks like a short term summoning.  But I don't have much experience with those." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's eyes widen.  "Really? And...can summon living lightning, living flame too? Not just animals like Rhenner did, in...earlier?"  Her face and voice falter, though the excitement and curiosity don't fade.  "But can do again and...again, with rest between. Almost like..."  She pauses. Of course.  "Like when...Kurt fought, healing strikes." 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Fetish, passion whatever, that guy had an unhealthy fixation on lightning spells"  Stephan retorts dryly, it is at this point that he start watching Natalia's movement more closely, he has seen those before.... or at least something similar, back... back in his family's states.  "Natalia... could you summon it... er Faraday again please?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Um, okay,"  Natalia says, shooting Stephan a glare for his comment but summoning Faraday again. She closes her eyes and makes a motion as if drawing the creature out from her chest, flexing open her fingers to cast it (him? Her? She can't tell) a foot or two from where she sits.

 
 Spoiler 
Night guys!
 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan ignores the shorter girl's glare, he studies Natalia's hands movement, he knows he have seen something like that before... like someone striking a flint against steel to produce sparks.  "It... it looks like a distracting ember!" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "More like sparks than ember,"  Natalia says, drawing forth the creature again. She says creature because it seems alive, even with the sparks shooting off it and the flickering flame at its core.  "Wait, you know this?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "I have a guess"  Stephan says while scratching the side of his head.  "There is a combat style, called Desert Wind, one of the basis of the style is using one's energy to create fire" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Desert wind...or suppose desert storm here,"  she muses.  "But how this happen? It like blade magic, like something...woke in...mind."  Natalia trails off, thinking back to yesterday and how the rage and fury of how the prisoners were treated in that arena blazed and burned through her.

 "Stephan, what other schools?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Well.... there are several schools, far more than you can really count"  Stephan starts  "But there are 9 schools said to be the strongest, Desert Wind, Devoted Spirit, Diamond Mind, Iron Heart, Setting Sun, Shadow Hand, Stone Dragon Tiger Claw and White Raven." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "Well.... there are several schools, far more than you can really count"  Stephan starts  "But there are 9 schools said to be the strongest, Desert Wind, Devoted Spirit, Diamond Mind, Iron Heart, Setting Sun, Shadow Hand, Stone Dragon Tiger Claw and White Raven."  
 

 "Shadow hand..."  The name sends a slight familiar chill through her.  "What know of that school? And...tiger claw?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Not much admitedly"  Stephan seems somewhat embarrassed about that  "But what I do know is that it relies on misdirecting your opponent and never giving your opponent a fair battle.... though that is generally a bad idea."  Stephan a few step backs and begins twirling his blades before striking the air in front of him in quick succession  "Tiger Claw on the other hand I know a little more"  he says with a grin  "Speed and raw instinct, that is the way of the Tiger Claw." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "That...sounds like my fighting,"  Natalia says. Shadow hand...she'd be more curious, more eager, but not after last night. Not after the shadows. What if they really are taking control, and this is the darkness she fears made manifest?  "But tiger claw...could you show?" 
 
 Spoiler 
yeah I know it sounds fantastical but this is dnd.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "I just did " 
 
 Spoiler 

I think I wasn't clear enough, my post about "Striking the air in quick succession" was supposed to be Stephan using Wolf Fang Strike
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "You did?"  Natalia jabs the air, but can't quite manage the speed and precision that Stephan managed.  "Can...you teach?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "I've never taught anyone before"  Stephan seems genuinely surprised at Natalia's request  "But I can try." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Thank you,"  she says.   Ive learned so much. And maybe this will help me fight the shadows too."   She's not sure what to do--but anything might help.
Dusk Eclipse
 "Ok, then we can get started while the others finish preparing their spells."  Stephan beckons Natalia to come closer to him  "Normally I'd like to see how you fight, but it isn't necessary"  he sheathes his swords once more  "This is one of the simplest forms of the Tiger claw style, it is called  Wolf's Fang Strike , put out your blades and try to imitate my movements" Stephan takes a basic stance with his left leg forward and his arms held closely in front of his face his hands vaguely claw-like, suddenly he strikes the air twice his arms almost blurring from the speed at which he attacks.

 "Now you try" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods, holding her swords out in a more aible stance. If they're like tiger claws, then they're like tiger claws still sheathed but ready to be sprung at any time.  "My try,"  she says, dashing forward--and hesitating, unable to complete the movement.

She fails the second time as well. And the third, and the fourth. Each time, Stephan notices a hesitancy, something odd about the maneuver. It's more subtle, with hints of shadow hand, but it's as if she's consciously avoiding it. And there's something else...

But on the fifth try, Natalia notices something, another part of her mind that she wasn't aware of before, like a door opened into a new part of her brain. It's force and steel and might, but no shadows. The rogue takes a deep breath and steps inside.

 "Yaah!" With a shout and a rush, Natalia dashes forward and slices both her blades in and up in the same rapid movement. She did it.
Admiral
As Stephan and Natalia complete their training, Rhenner and Mithril finish their spell preparations, and Shiny finishes a new set of dirty limericks in his head, the group prepares to head to the Crevice.

Orgun makes his departure for his homelands.  "Are you sure you don't want to follow me?"  the orc asks.  "What little I hear of this place, the Crevice, it is not somewhere you want to go."  But eventually he sets out.

The party heads along a long, winding tunnel, different from the ones they'd taken to the arena or back to the portal's exit. This tunnel slopes downward, growing so steep at a few points that the party has to help each other climb down, and the rocks lining its edges grow rougher: this area seems less traveled, and therefore less cultivated, than most of the tunnels they've traveled in so far.

After about an hour and a half they find that the trail goes flat, and soon it beings to widen.  They miss Kurt's keen dwarven sense, which could tell how far they'd delved, but they guess they might have descended about a quarter of a mile further. After a few more minutes of travel they hear the sound of running water, and afterwards smell its cool scent. Soon their light illuminates what looks like a wide pool of water alongside their trail. Looking around, though the light doesn't reach far, they seem to have entered a small cavern with a lake.

Shiny casts his spell of dancing light and sends it searching along the edges of the wall.

 
 Spoiler 

Spot and Listen checks from all. Shiny:

Spot:  (1d20-2)[ 14 ] 
Listen:  (1d20-2)[ 7 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Wish unneeded . But...we need travel through. Stay safe, alive, Orgun,"  Natalia says as they finish and prepare to leave.

The road is rough and rocky as they travel, growing damper and more slippery as they descend--Natalia's innate dexterity and decent sense of balance save her from more than one twisted ankle during the trip. She does slip once though, scuffing her arm and smearing dirt all over that arm and her face. By the time they get to the lake she wants to run forward and wash it off, but her common sense makes her hesitate. Odds are something is in the water.

 
 Spoiler: Checks 
spot:  (d20+13)[ 26 ] 
Listen: take 10 for 23.
 
Admiral
Shiny's spell illuminates the edges of the cavern, encircling what appears to be a small lake matching the one Ildan had described and that they'd found in Zik's notes, only a few hundred feet in diameter.

As the light reaches the far end of the lake, Natalia spots a small tunnel descending into the rock, with a river leading outward. There's about two yards of air in the tunnel above the water. As the light comes close, they see another stream feeding into the lake from above in a short waterfall.

 
 Spoiler 

See  here 
 
CoffeeIncluded
The glimmer of water reflecting the light of their torches and the slight sparkle of mica flecks in the rock of the tunnel make this place look...beautiful. But as entrancing as this is, it's still the under dark and there's probably danger below.

Wait...summons don't die, right? They've always just vanished from wherever they came from.

 "That flooded water path,"  she whispers.  "Faraday, check!"  with the same motion of drawing something out from her heart she summons the living lightning and flame right over the mouth of the river leading into the tunnel, or over the lake if that's too far.

 
 Spoiler 
this should provide a good decoy to whatever might be there.

Are you able to do a map? Are you feeling well enough to do so?
 
Admiral
Natalia is able to summon the small being only thirty feet into the lake, where it drops into the water and fizzles out.

 
 Spoiler 

Description of distracting ember gives it a 30 foot range.

Also, I'd like to ask that it either be made of fire or lightning, but not both (since that doesn't match an elemental description. Though to be fair lightning elemental isn't described in base D&amp;D).
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler 
In that case Natalia summons it 30 feet away from her just above the surface of the water, where it remains for a round . I thought the river was closer; my bad.

And I vaguely remember a lightning paraelemental; if you're ok with it that's what it is? Either way it can still be seen!

Honestly this whole time I was thinking of fire benders and lightning bending being a subset of that.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan raises an eyebrow  "That certainly is an interesting way to use that" 
 
 Spoiler: Perception Rolls 

Spot  (1d20+11)[ 26 ] 
Listen  (1d20+11)[ 19 ] 
 
CWater
 "Swimming again?",  Rhenner says, eyeing the water. He doesn't like it, anything could too easily be hiding in it. Then again, the same could be said for the rock walls and dark tunnels they've been walking in up to now, only difference is that he had started to get used to those.

 
 Spoiler: Checks 
Spot:  (1d20+7)[ 13 ] 
Listen:  (1d20+5)[ 16 ] 
 
Admiral
The elemental drops into the water and fizzles out. The others look and listen but can't recognize any other disturbance in the lake.

 
 Spoiler 

The elemental can't fly and can't walk on water, so it drops and disappears.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Stephan raises an eyebrow  "That certainly is an interesting way to use that" 
 
 Spoiler: Perception Rolls 

Spot [roll0]
Listen [roll1]
 
 
 

 "Distracting sparks can distract out of battle," 

 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 The elemental drops into the water and fizzles out. The others look and listen but can't recognize any other disturbance in the lake.

 
 Spoiler 

The elemental can't fly and can't walk on water, so it drops and disappears.
 
 
 

 "--Though better on ground,"  she finishes, licking her lips. Natalia looks out at the dark water as she meditates and gets Faraday back, an asks everyone,  "Just walk, or how else ward?" 
Athedia
 "I would suggest prayer, but I don't any gods can hear us down here.  Least not the ones we want too." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "So pray while...swimming through tunnel?"  Natalia asks.  "Since that path through."  She slowly starts to edge towards the water, but never strays far from her friends.
Athedia
 "Are we tying together again?"  Even if it didn't end well last time, I don't think we could make it otherwise.  
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks down at her bag with the rope coiled inside.  "Maybe...and if then hands hold too?"  She laughs a little, nervously, only partially joking.

EDIT: Can they walk around the lake to the tunnel, or do they have to swim for it?

 "Wait..."  Natalia pauses, chewing the ragged edge of a nail.  "Zik wrote bat wings to cross. What if magic flight instead? Mithril, you said new spell...one flight for all, right?" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia looks down at her bag with the rope coiled inside.  "Maybe...and if then hands hold too?"  She laughs a little, nervously, only partially joking.

EDIT: Can they walk around the lake to the tunnel, or do they have to swim for it?

 "Wait..."  Natalia pauses, chewing the ragged edge of a nail.  "Zik wrote bat wings to cross. What if magic flight instead? Mithril, you said new spell...one flight for all, right?"  
 

 "Yes, if everyone gets close to me I can cast it.  And stay close to each other, if you get to far away the spell will cancel itself." 

Mithril started the incantation, remembering the feeling she had of flying before.  Her hands made complex signs as she spoke and then she stopped.  Hesitatingly she let herself rise in the air, a great grin on her face as she felt the spell take hold.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia feels herself rise into the air, and reflexively kicks and flails a couple seconds before righting herself. After that point she starts to laugh. Flying is so much fun!

 
 Spoiler 
Night everyone!
 
CWater
Rhenner floats awkwardly a few inches above the ground. He's familiar with this spell but is not sure if he'll ever really get used to not having solid ground under his feet. Still, he nods to the wizard. "Beats swimming I admit." 
Dusk Eclipse
 "So we should go there... right?"  Stephan points the small tunnel on the other side.
CoffeeIncluded
In place of nodding Natalia does a flip in the air ad says,  "That place Zik wrote, half water path. Should hurry to fly through, right?" 
 
 Spoiler: You ready? 
ready to rumble!
 
Admiral
 "Hang on-"  notes Shiny. Before they start flying he casts a spell on himself to let himself understand any language, figuring it would be easer now than later if he needed it.

 
 Spoiler 

Shiny casts Tongues on himself.

Quick question: what sources of light are there? Torches, Light, Daylight, etc? Does anyone have darkvision? (Spells with a duration of hours might be worth casting right around now; better than whenever you'll need it)
 


As the gnome floats into the air, he takes out a copper piece, gestures for the group to fly even closer together, and casts a spell on his coin. The party feels themselves turn invisible to all but each other. Staying close, they begin flying across the water.

The water ripples beneath them as they fly, and they see it begin to churn as they approach the tunnel. Staying low, they are able to fly into the tunnel while barely skimming the water, and they find themselves surrounded by the constraining tunnel. Soon the tunnel starts to descend deeper, and the river grows thinner and faster below them. After about half a minute of descending through the tunnel another source of water joins from behind them, and the river turns into treacherous rapids. The five travelers fly onward, water splashing over them, descending into the darkest corner of the Underdark.
CWater
Before they fly over the river, Rhenner casts the small spell that let's him move slightly faster. It won't have any effect as long as he's in the air, but it lasts for almost half a day and he guesses it's better to cast it now than later.

 
 Spoiler 
Casting Longstrider.
 
Athedia
Mithril decided to follow Shiny's lead and cast four spells.  The first was the same as the one on Shiny, allowing her to speak with anyone's language.  The second also was cast on a copper piece which proceeded to light up the area.  With the third the protective force surrounded her, boosted by a quick variation in some words.  She was about to cast the final spell on herself, but stopped.  If they needed a scout she was next to useless, her eyes were more attuned to reading text than spotting foes.  Reaching over she touched Natalia,  "Just in case we need you to see ahead." 
 
 Spoiler 
Tongues, 9 hours
Light, 1.5 hours
Mage Armor, 18 hours
Deeper Darkvision, 9 hours

EDIT: By the way, I do know how late it is.  I just got distracted watching Game of Thrones and venting about the Tomb Raider announcement
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Thanks,"  Natalia says as Mithril casts the spell on her and her vision blurs to include a whe new spectrum of light. As they fly through the tunnel and water churns to white foam she wants to dip her toes an legs in it. Of course she quickly gets that wish and more when the second river joins, and in moments she's thoroughly soaked.

 
 Spoiler: dagger 
if Mithril doesn't cast vampiric touch into it then Natalia put shocking grasp into it.
 
Admiral
The party chases the river deeper and deeper, the small light shed by Mithril's spell illuminating the jagged rocks ahead. The tunnel grows narrower and narrower, until they worry they'll be forced to swim- until suddenly they burst forth into open air. Below them they see the water turn into a waterfall that leads into an abyss below- they hear the water rush through behind them but cannot hear it land below.

The party now floats in a wide valley of which they cannot see the top or the bottom and can only barely glimse the sides. The fly forward a few hundred yards, wondering if this is all there is to the Crevice. Then they notice the valley start to slowly grow narrower around them, and they see something inscribed on the jagged rocks. As they move forward and the light illuminates the wall the nature of the inscriptions becomes clear: the walls show millions of small eyes, every one seeming to glare at them in the shifting light.

Suddenly they feel a strange tingle come over them, as though someone is watching. And then the feeling comes of a spell being lifted, and the party realizes with discomfort that they are no longer invisible.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 The party chases the river deeper and deeper, the small light shed by Mithril's spell illuminating the jagged rocks ahead. The tunnel grows narrower and narrower, until they worry they'll be forced to swim- until suddenly they burst forth into open air. Below them they see the water turn into a waterfall that leads into an abyss below- they hear the water rush through behind them but cannot hear it land below.

The party now floats in a wide valley of which they cannot see the top or the bottom and can only barely glimse the sides. The fly forward a few hundred yards, wondering if this is all there is to the Crevice. Then they notice the valley start to slowly grow narrower around them, and they see something inscribed on the jagged rocks. As they move forward and the light illuminates the wall the nature of the inscriptions becomes clear: the walls show millions of small eyes, every one seeming to glare at them in the shifting light.

Suddenly they feel a strange tingle come over them, as though someone is watching. And then the feeling comes of a spell being lifted, and the party realizes with discomfort that they are no longer invisible. 
 

 "Get closer to me.  I can protect us if the flying comes off as well."   And Mithril would admit she would feel safer if everyone was there.
CoffeeIncluded
Oh no. The plunge into the abyss and the thousands of eyes were bad enough, but this? The moment she becomes visible Natalia reflexively twists in the air and attempts to conceal herself while staying close.

 
 Spoiler 
can she make a hide check?
 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Get closer to me.  I can protect us if the flying comes off as well."   And Mithril would admit she would feel safer if everyone was there. 
 

Rhenner floats a few feet closer to Mithril, without taking his eyes of the bizarre wall.  "Not much of a welcome committee, has no one told them that it's rude to gawk at guests like that",  he says, though not managing to hide the nervousness in his voice.
Admiral
The party continues floating onward, until the light illuminates a mass ahead: what appears at first to be a solid wall bringing their journey to a dead end. As they move closer, however, they see that the wall is not made of rock, but rather a thick, coarse tapestry of silk. As they draw closer, they see a flurry of movement along it, and realize that like the webs they've come across before, it is inhabited.

 
 Spoiler 

OK, sure, Natalia can make a hide check- it'll stay until/if it's needed.
 
CoffeeIncluded
A low groan forces its way out of Natalia's throat with she sees the flurry of movement on the webs.  "Burn it, clean fire please,"  she pleads, whimpering.

 
 Spoiler: Hide check 
 (d20+15)[ 25 ] 

Can faraday burn the webs, since electrical fires exist?

Gotta go, back later.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "I've got this"  Stephan simply procures a small ball from his satchel and tosses it into the web, where it swells and ignite as a moderately small bonfire.

 
 Spoiler 

Use 1 charge of the Survival pouch to produce a small (2 ft. wide) bonfire 😏
 
Admiral
Stephan ignites a small circle within the web- it burns brightly as they watch the webs shrivel within it. Once it's finished, there is left a small hole in the solid curtain, a little over two feet across, lined with frayed and withered webs. The web appears nearly two feet thick itself but the fire was able to pierce it entirely, enough for each member of the party to slip through one at a time.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's eyes widen at the sight of the tiny hole. They'll have to crawl, and brush against the things...she can already feel them sticking to her...

 "Stephan, can you first with flame sword, clear way? Please?"  she'll go second if everyone needs it, right behind him, but going first without something to widen the path makes her want to scream.

 
 Spoiler 
does this make sense/is IC? Natalia  will go first if you make her but you're rely gonna have to force her. She'll go second though.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "I can try, everyone step...er float back a little"  Stephan snaps his fingers and suddenly Illgard's flaming sword appears in his right hand. &lt;UC&gt; "Sear" &lt;/UC&gt;  the warblade speaks in undercommon and the drow-blade sheaths itself in fire.  "Ok, I'm ready" 

Stephan begins slashing at the web with the intention of widening the hole for the party to go through.
Admiral
Stephan chops away the edges of the web, widening the gap.

 
 Spoiler 

How wide does he want it? Are you looking for everyone to go through at once (that would take a while and some work) or just to make it more comfortable for each person to go through? If the latter you (or someone else) can start.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Spoiler 
ummm wide enough two people can go through comfortably.
 
Admiral
After about twenty seconds of slashing at the curtain, Stephan has widened the hole enough for two of the party to pass through at a time.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia swallows and looks around, finally nodding and heading through with Stephan. They need to hurry even more now, and she suppresses the urge to shut her eyes and fly through screaming. Instead she suppresses her fear to small whimpers as they cross.
Admiral
Natalia and Stephan pass through the web first.

 
 Spoiler 

Spot and Listen checks from Natalia+Stephan.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia clamps down on her lip as she looks and listens, weapons drawn and ready.

 
 Spoiler: Checks 
spot:  (d20+13)[ 17 ]  darn. Guess she's still having trouble with darkvision.
Listen: take 10 for 23.

If you use the hide check don't forget about dark stalker please.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan keeps the flaming sword in his hands as he gies through the hole in the web.

 
 Spoiler: Rolls 


Spot (1d20+11)[ 18 ] 
Listen  (1d20+11)[ 25 ] 
 
Admiral
Immediately after they pass through, Natalia and Stephan both hear the sound of wings beating above them, seeming to grow closer, and likely no more than moments away.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's eyes widen and she looks at Stephan when they hear the wings. She hisses back to her friends,  "Through, now! Wings ahead!"  then quickly casts the grace giving spell with a quiet incantation of,  "Swift claws, sharp current."  with that done, she tries to hide and awaits what's coming.

 
 Spoiler: Actions  
Natalia casts an arcanist glove cats grace. She has 21 dex for the next three minutes. If you decide to use the hide check here, please add +2 to it for 27 since I used her unenhanced modifier in the original roll.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan looks up trying to find the source of the wing flapping.
 
 Spoiler 

Spot mark II  (1d20+11)[ 28 ] 
 
Admiral
Looking up, from the dim light of Mithril's spell, Natalia and Stephan see a large, vulture-like beast with glowing red eyes descend out of the darkness on swift wings..

 
 Spoiler 

Natalia and Stephan don't have the Knowledge to recognize it.

Right now it's 30 feet above Stephan and Natalia. Map should be up first thing tomorrow.

Initiative:
Natalia:  (1d20+8)[ 25 ] 
Stephan:  (1d20+3)[ 9 ] 
Shiny:  (1d20+2)[ 21 ] 
Mithril:  (1d20+2)[ 17 ] 
Rhenner:  (1d20+3)[ 11 ] 
Enemy:  (1d20+2)[ 20 ] 

Shiny casts  haste .

Mithril, Shiny and Rhenner can't see the creature yet.
 


Shiny reacts to Natalia's shout by casting a spell that grants all five members of the party enhanced speed, though he stays on his side of the web curtain.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's eye widen when she sees the creature but can't place it.  "That not underdark creature read!"  she shouts.  "Rhenner! Mithril! Shiny! You know?!" 

She doesn't want to rush into battle ahead of everyone else, not while she's visible, and so Natalia draws her bow and fires.

 
 Spoiler: Attack  
darn. At least I can fill attack or wolf fang strike next turn. And I'm in sneak attack range.

Attack:  (d20+14)[ 32 ] 
Crit:  (d20+14)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 1 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 24 ] 
Crit damage:  (d8)[ 1 ]   (d8)[ 2 ] 

She then takes a 5 foot step back most likely (need to see the map to confirm; is this ok?).

Ooc I think I know what this is, which is actually making me more scared. Ic, all Natalia knows is that it's probably not native to the underdark, or it's so rare and nasty that nobody's come back with tales. Neither is making her less alarmed, and she's pretty freaked out already!

I am definitely doing a full attack at some point, even f it's not until round 3. Six attacks; I wanna try that out so much. 😁
 
Admiral
The creature descends rapidly, stopping a few yards short of Natalia and Stephan. It raises its head and releases a powerful, devastating screech that overpowers the ears of all five members of the party.

 
 Spoiler 

Each member of the party needs to make a DC 21 Fortitude Save or be stunned for one round.

If you're stunned you lose your next action, and also drop whatever you're holding. Please correct me if I'm wrong but I believe that to be

-Natalia's bow
-Stephan's flaming sword
-Mithril's pebble with  light  cast on it.
-Rhenner's morningstar

Shiny's save:  (1d20+6)[ 9 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 The creature descends rapidly, stopping a few yards short of Natalia and Stephan. It raises its head and releases a powerful, devastating screech that overpowers the ears of all five members of the party.

 
 Spoiler 

Each member of the party needs to make a DC 21 Fortitude Save or be stunned for one round. Before she can react the bow slips from her fingers...and falls into the abyss.

If you're stunned you lose your next action, and also drop whatever you're holding. Please correct me if I'm wrong but I believe that to be

-Natalia's bow
-Stephan's flaming sword
-Mithril's pebble with  light  cast on it.
-Rhenner's morningstar

Shiny's save:  (d20+6)[ 17 ] 
 
 
 

The overpowering screech rattles deep inside Natalia's skull and she instinctively claps her hands to her ears.

 
 Spoiler: Fort save 
Oh crap. Yeah, this is what I was afraid of. Please tell me we don't fall or that there's something we can land on/a place to get our weapons back.

Fort save:  (d20+6)[ 17 ] 
 
Athedia
Mithril was startled at the inhuman screeching and the pebble slipped from her fingers.  While trying to protect her ears from the sound she made a mental note to cast the spell on her clothing or a necklace the next time.  But that was a little to late as the pebble and light went bouncing down.
Dusk Eclipse
The creature's screech reverberates inside Stephan's skull, but he somehow manages to avoid the urge to clap his hands over his ears. Powering through the pain Stephan adopts a more defensive posture before charging the vulture like creature.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Free: Designate enemy as Dodge target (if he uses power attack vs. Stephan he takes the penalty, but doesn't add the bonus damage due the   Elusive Target  Feat )
Swift: Enter  Pearl of Black Doubt  stance
Full round: Charge the monster
Attack (PA -5/+10)  (1d20+11)[ 28 ] 
Crit confirm  (1d20+14)[ 16 ] 
Damage  (2d6+15)[ 23 ] + (1d6)[ 6 ]  fire
Crit damage  (2d6+15)[ 20 ] 

AC is 20 this turn due the charge
 
CWater
Rhenner was barely even alerted to the danger and the loud screech catches him completely off-guard. Trying to reflexively cover his ears he drops the torch in his hand and it falls down along with Mithril's pebble, leaving them in darkness.

 
 Spoiler 
Unless someone else has a light source?
 
Admiral
As Stephan charges as the flying creature, it lashes out with its talons.

 
 Spoiler 

AoO (can't tumble in a charge):

Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 21 ]   (1d20+15)[ 30 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+6)[ 8 ]   (2d6+6)[ 10 ] 
 


Stephan lands a solid blow against the creature. With his experience in combat, he notices as he slashes into it that the blade does not penetrate as deeply as he'd expected to, and the fire seems entirely ineffective against it.

 
 Spoiler 

Forgot to mention that Natalia's arrow hit as well.

Creature is power attacking but loses the bonuses.

Attack:  (1d20+10)[ 16 ]   (1d20+10)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+6)[ 15 ]   (2d6+6)[ 13 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 10 ]   (1d20+8)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+3)[ 9 ]   (1d8+3)[ 4 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 17 ]   (1d20+8)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+3)[ 7 ]   (1d6+3)[ 7 ] 

Not what I'd call an impressive showing. He does take 8 damage from the AoO (I'm ruling that the -2 penalty to AC applies during the charge as well as after it).
 
Admiral
Shiny flies through the hole in the web and reaches out for Natalia before she rises to the attack. Tapping her on the back, he casts a spell that seems to make her position shift from where it truly is.

 
 Spoiler 

Cast  displacement  on Natalia before she attacks. I'd do it to Stephan but Shiny doesn't want to get close to the monster.
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

Whoops, part 2 of his action.
 


Shiny then spins around and casts an especially fast spell in the direction of the creature.

 
 Spoiler 

Distract Assailant.

CL check for SR:  (1d20+9)[ 11 ] 
If succeeds, Will save:  (1d20+10)[ 13 ] 

If it passes SR (whether it makes save or not) creature gets -2 to attack and AC for a round. If it fails Will it is flatfooted until it attacks.

Has no effect.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia recovers from the piercing hellish scream just in time to see her bow tumbling into the abyss.  "My bow!"  she screams, though it's already too far away to grab. So instead, with more than a little fear (and also some relief as she sees Stephan dodge most of the creature's attacks), Natalia kicks her legs and shoots upwards, drawing her blades as she shouts,  "What...are you?!" 

She's about to strike when she remembers the lessons Stephan taught her earlier in the day. This is the perfect time. Natalia takes a deep breath and remembers the swiftness of the strikes before repeating her prior movements in a swift one-two punch as the energy rushes through her.

 
 Spoiler: Attack 
Natalia moves to flank the enemy with Stephan, and uses Wolf Fang Strike.
Oh, Natalia gets Weapon Focus with shortswords, daggers, unarmed attacks, spiked chains, and a couple other things thanks to Swordsage!

Attack:  (d20+15)[ 30 ] 
Crit:  (d20+15)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 11 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 25 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+5)[ 6 ] 


Attack:  (d20+15)[ 23 ] 
Crit:  (d20+15)[ 28 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 8 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 20 ] 
Crit damage:  (d4+5)[ 8 ] 
 


EDIT:  "Thank you!"  she calls down to Shiny.
Admiral
Both of Natalia's attacks land deep, though not quite as deep as she'd expected.

 
 Spoiler 

Creature is bloodied. Rhenner and Mithril's turn.
 
CWater
Rhenner glances after the fallen torch, but doesn't spend much more time to worry about it.

 
 Spoiler 
Could he tell how deep it and the pebble fell?
 


He glides through the hole in the web, turning around in the air to see the creature above him. A bird underground?

The cleric drifts past the avian, then casts a spell that shoots a bright ray of light towards it.

 
 Spoiler 
Searing Light.
Ranged Touch:  (1d20+9)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (4d8)[ 23 ] 
CL for SR:  (1d20+9)[ 20 ] 
 
 Spoiler: Knowledge checks, use as needed 
Arcana:  (1d20+7)[ 20 ] 
Religion:  (1d20+7)[ 26 ] 
The planes:  (1d20+4)[ 16 ] 
(Don't think history's got much to do with this.😉)
 

 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan continues to press on his attack exploiting every opening the creature gives in his attempts to defend from him and Natalia.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Full attack
Attack 1 (PA -6/+12)  (1d20+10)[ 14 ] 
Crit confirm  (1d20+13)[ 23 ] 
Damage  (2d6+17)[ 22 ] 
Crit damage  (2d6+17)[ 21 ] 

Attack 2 (PA -6/+12)  (1d20+10)[ 15 ] 
Crit confirm  (1d20+13)[ 19 ] 
Damage  (2d6+17)[ 26 ] 
Crit damage  (2d6+17)[ 28 ] 

Immediate action: cast  Instant of power  from the wand in my gauntlet's wand chamber, targeting myself to gain a +4 enhancement bonus to my last attack roll. The player's handbook glossary states that any reference to ally includes yourself.

Attack (PA -6/+12)  (1d20+9)[ 24 ] 
Crit confirm  (1d20+12)[ 19 ] 
Damage  (2d6+17)[ 20 ] 
Crit damage  (2d6+17)[ 21 ] 
 
Admiral
Rhenner and then Stephan succeed in wounding the creature even further.

As Rhenner flies under it, he recognizes the beast as a demon called a Vrock. He recalls that the Vrock is immune or resistant to many kinds of energy attacks, though he cannot recall which, and that it is difficult to wound except with a weapon allied with the forces of good.
Athedia
Mithril couldn't see anything through the web and dropped down a little, angling her head to look up at Stephan and the creature.  She shot a long arrow of acid at the creature, hoping it would slow it down enough for Stephan to kill.

 
 Spoiler 
Touch Ranged Attack:

Attack: (1d20+7)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (2d4)[ 5 ] 

This round + 3 more

Any Knowledge or Lore apply here?
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

Mithril can make a Knowledge (religion) check and a lore check.

ETA: Also, need a CL check against SR for her spell.
 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
CL:  (1d20+9)[ 25 ] 

Knowledge Religion (I love the mask):  (1d20+10)[ 16 ] 
Lore Check:  (1d20+13)[ 21 ] 
 
CWater
 "Ever wondered what demons look like?",  Rhenner shouts to the others,  "Well, that is one type. It has some resistant to normal attacks, and unfortunately the cold iron sword won't help, you'd need a weapon that was righteous like a paladin or the like."  He tries to remember more, but is not sure.  "I think it's also immune to some types of energy... what were those again? Damn, there's just too many different ones.. Too easy to mix them up.."  The last part he just mutters to himself.
Admiral
Mithril recognizes that from its glowing eyes and its location in the valley that the creature is a demon,  which are often resistant to wounds, magic and her kind of energy attacks. Sure enough, her acid manages to land on the creature but sizzles harmlessly against it.

The vrock swivels around and attacks Stephan again.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 25 ]   (1d20+15)[ 31 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+6)[ 13 ]   (2d6+6)[ 16 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+13)[ 24 ]   (1d20+13)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+3)[ 10 ]   (1d8+3)[ 6 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+13)[ 29 ]   (1d20+13)[ 25 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+3)[ 9 ]   (1d6+3)[ 6 ] 
 


Moments later, to the party's horror, there comes the sound of a second set of wings, and a second creature just like the first swoops in from below. It raises its head back and releases a piercing shriek.

 
 Spoiler 

Uh oh, second Vrock, ten feet from Rhenner. Fort save 21 everyone, same deal.

Shiny:  (1d20+6)[ 25 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler: Great 
If I lose these I'm unarmed.
Fort save:  (d20+6)[ 8 ] 

fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

Shiny Reflex save:  (1d20+5)[ 21 ] 
 


As the weapons fall from Natalia's hands, Shiny, ten feet below her, gasps and snatches them both out of midair before they can fall into the abyss.

 
 Spoiler 

Good, needed 20 to get  both .
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's eyes widen in terror as Rhenner says the vulture-like creature is a  demon , and the second vrock's shriek takes her completely by surprise. All she can reflexively do is clap her ears to her head, and let out a,  "****!"  as her blades slip from her hands.

And then Shiny manages to grab both between his fingers, and Natalia's cry of despair quickly turns into one of joy, gratitude, and relief.

 
 Spoiler: Thank you! 
Thank you so much!
 
Admiral
Stephan is stunned and drops his flaming sword, the fire disappearing as it leaves his grasp.

The darkness is broken moments later by four glowing orbs appearing in the center of the battle, conjured by Shiny. The gnome shifts Natalia's weapons to hold them under one arm as he floats up behind Stephan, and casts another quick spell on the vrock.

 
 Spoiler 

Distract Assailant CL:  (1d20+9)[ 12 ]  Nuts
Will save:  (1d20+10)[ 15 ] 

Mithril still has her save/possible action this turn, but at least have light now.

Need to float behind Stephan so he can cast a displacement spell on him next turn. Shiny will float over and  give weapons to Natalia after that.
 
CWater
The second screech hurts his ears as much as the first one and Rhenner is forced to try to cover them again. He throws a quick glance over his shoulder.   Another..  
Admiral
As Mithril becomes the fourth member of the party overtaken with the horrifying screech, the creature slashes again at Stephan.

 
 Spoiler 

If Stephan goes into negatives (knock on wood that he doesn't) the vrock will switch to attacking Natalia.

-2/+2 power attacking.

Attack:  (1d20+13)[ 19 ]   (1d20+13)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+8)[ 13 ]   (2d6+8)[ 17 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 27 ]   (1d20+11)[ 28 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+5)[ 13 ]   (1d8+5)[ 11 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 30 ]   (1d20+11)[ 29 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+5)[ 11 ]   (1d6+5)[ 11 ] 
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

Stephan is at -1.
 


Stephan is overcome with the attacks, and collapses into unconsciousness. Shiny reaches out and desperately grabs him, barely holding the fighter in midair.  "RHENNER!"  the gnome screams desperately.

The other demon, seeing one of the fighters fall, flies at the other.

 
 Spoiler 

V2 Attack on Natalia:

Attack:  (1d20+13)[ 23 ]   (1d20+13)[ 25 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+8)[ 17 ]   (2d6+8)[ 15 ] 
Miss on 1 from displacement:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 
 
CWater
Rhenner looks up when Shiny shouts his name. Forgetting the pain in his ears he flies to them and lays a hand on Stephan's shoulder.  "Good you catched him." 
 
 Spoiler: Yes, healing 
Neutralize Poison to CCW:  (4d8+17)[ 36 ] 

Sorry for the shortness, I'm in a bit of a hurry.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Without wasting time Stephan draws one of his blades and starts slashing the demon with renewed fury.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Free action: draw one dragonsplit (least crystal of return) and two hand it, using it to deal slashing damag and to have a crit of 20 x4
Full attack vrock 1
Attack 1 (PA -5/+10)  (1d20+11)[ 14 ] 
Crit confirm  (1d20+14)[ 27 ] 
Damage  (1d6+15)[ 19 ]  crit damage  (3d6+35)[ 42 ] 
Attack 2 (PA -5/+10)  (1d20+11)[ 29 ] 
Crit confirm  (1d20+14)[ 18 ] 
Damage  (1d6+15)[ 20 ]  crit damage  (3d6+35)[ 44 ] 

Attack 3 (PA -5/+10)  (1d20+6)[ 20 ] 
Crit confirm  (1d20+9)[ 18 ] 
Damage  (1d6+15)[ 19 ]  crit damage [roll]3d6+35][/roll]
 
Admiral
While Stephan's first swing misses the demon (as he still recovers from his healing), his second lands in the beast's chest and fells it. With a roar it descends in a tailspin into the abyss.

Once the creature falls, Shiny rises up into the air and flies towards Natalia, carefully avoiding the reach of the other beast. As he does, he casts a quick spell.

 
 Spoiler 

Right now the vrock is directly below Natalia. What Shiny does might depend a bit on what the spell's results are.

Distract Assailant on V2
CL check:  (1d20+9)[ 22 ] 
Will save:  (1d20+10)[ 11 ] 

Creature is flatfooted; also -2 to AC and attack.
 


As he feels his spell take hold of the creature's mind and distract it, Shiny smiles and hands the pair of blades under his arm to Natalia.  "I think these are yours..." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia recovers just in time to see the demon slash into Stephan and send him spiraling into the abyss, only saved by Shiny's quick arm.  "STEPHAN!"  she screams, only letting out her breath once Rhenner heals him and he fells the first demon. Natalia bares her teeth as the first vrock spirals down in a trail of blood and Shiny hands her her blades. Demons...demons are something different. And these vrocks look like the avian beasts from her nightmares, shadows personified.

 "You...you're mine! Not me!"  Natalia screams as she rushes the second vrock, lashing out with blinding speed and five strikes.

 
 Spoiler: Attack! 
I was originally going to use Cloak of Deception but since he's flatfooted this works too! Let's go!

Attack:  (d20+13)[ 30 ] 
Crit:  (d20+13)[ 33 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 7 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 23 ] 

Attack:  (d20+13)[ 15 ] 
Crit:  (d20+13)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 6 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 14 ] 

Attack:  (d20+13)[ 19 ] 
Crit:  (d20+13)[ 32 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 9 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 25 ] 

Attack:  (d20+8)[ 19 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 7 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 17 ] 

Attack:  (d20+8)[ 15 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 7 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 26 ] 
 
Admiral
Three of Natalia's attacks wound the creature deeply.

 
 Spoiler 

Not yet bloodied.
 
Athedia
Mithril aimed her hand at the Vrock, or as she was thinking it should be named the "Big Scary Nightmare Thing" hopefully this would work.

 
 Spoiler 
MM
 (5d4+5)[ 17 ] 
 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
Forgot SR:

Caster Level Check:  (1d20+9)[ 27 ] 
 
Admiral
Mithril's spell finds its mark, wounding the demon.

 
 Spoiler 

Vrock is bloodied.
 


The creature rears its head and attacks Natalia in a flurry of motions.

 
 Spoiler 

-3/+3 power attack
Attack:  (1d20+12)[ 19 ]   (1d20+12)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+9)[ 14 ]   (2d6+9)[ 16 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 2 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+10)[ 20 ]   (1d20+10)[ 30 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+6)[ 7 ]   (1d8+6)[ 9 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 2 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+10)[ 29 ]   (1d20+10)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+6)[ 7 ]   (1d6+6)[ 11 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 2 ] 

I think only the third hit, for min damage.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia dodges the first two attacks but the third slashes across her arm. Bringing the wound up to her face she looks up at Shiny and Mithril, both behind her. She's between this demon and them. She needs to fight hard and fast and Shiny cast that spell to make her invisible but he needs to help Stephan more. And there are the shadows in her mind, watching, waiting, stirring.

And this time she reaches into her mind, and she grabs the shadows, and she pulls them out. Lets them settle over her, but not into her as she fades from view.  "Mine,"  she growls as she attacks again, punctuating each syllable with an invisible slash.  "Mine but not me! Beast! Collared!" 
 
 Spoiler: Attack! 
I hope this works after that dramatic statement. And since Shiny hasn't gone yet he's still flatfooted and has -2 to AC too, right? Actually, he's flatfooted anyway since I'm invisible against him!

Attack:  (d20+15)[ 30 ] 
Crit:  (d20+15)[ 33 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 8 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 26 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+5)[ 7 ] 

Attack:  (d20+15)[ 30 ] 
Crit:  (d20+15)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 7 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 20 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+5)[ 9 ] 

Attack:  (d20+15)[ 22 ] 
Crit:  (d20+15)[ 33 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 9 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 17 ] 
Crit damage:  (d4+5)[ 7 ] 

Attack:  (d20+10)[ 12 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 6 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 14 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+5)[ 9 ] 

Attack:  (d20+10)[ 17 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 29 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 9 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 24 ] 
Crit damage:  (d4+5)[ 9 ] 
 
Admiral
Drawing forth a cloak of shadow, Natalia moves swiftly forward and slashes deeply into the creature. Three of her blows land, but as they do she realizes that the creature is able to avoid being struck where it is vulnerable, and her blades glance off of its flesh. Looking down at herself, to her shock, she sees she is still visible.

 
 Spoiler 

Unfortunately, as seen earlier with Shiny's spell, invisibility effects don't work in the view of the Many Eyes.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Drawing forth a cloak of shadow, Natalia moves swiftly forward and slashes deeply into the creature. Three of her blows land, but as they do she realizes that the creature is able to avoid being struck where it is vulnerable, and her blades glance off of its flesh. Looking down at herself, to her shock, she sees she is still visible.

 
 Spoiler 

Unfortunately, as seen earlier with Shiny's spell, invisibility effects don't work in the view of the Many Eyes.
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: This one might 
It's a supernatural ability, not magical. Dispel magic won't work on it.
 
Admiral
Shiny floats over to Stephan, casting a spell of distraction on the creature as he does, and casts an illusion on the fighter to protect him.

 
 Spoiler 

Distract Assailant CL:  (1d20+9)[ 22 ] 
Will save:  (1d20+10)[ 18 ] 

He has -2 to attack and AC but is not flatfooted.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan adopts a more agressive stance before diving while twisting to avoid the grasping claws of the demon, once the vrock is forced to protect himself from both himself and Natalia he draws his remaining blade before stabbing the demonic vulture twice in a flash of steel.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Non-action:Designate Vrock as Dodge target
Swift: Enter punishing stance (+1d6 damage - 2 AC)
Free: Draw second Dragonsplit
Move: move to flank with Natalia while tumbling to avoid AoO  (1d20+13)[ 18 ] 
2nd non-action: Switch grip of drsgonsplits to piercing for a 19-20 x 2 crit
Standard action: initiate Wolf Fang strike
Attack 1( PA -5/+5)  (1d20+10)[ 27 ] 
Crit confirm  (1d20+13)[ 30 ] 
Damage  (2d6+9)[ 15 ]  crit damage  (2d6+9)[ 15 ] 

Attack 2( PA -5/+5)  (1d20+10)[ 24 ] 
Crit confirm  (1d20+13)[ 31 ] 
Damage  (2d6+9)[ 11 ]  crit damage  (2d6+9)[ 14 ] 

Ac is 20 vs the vrock (20 normal +1 haste +1 dodge, -2 punishing stance)
 
CWater
Rhenner flies after Stephan, though he keeps a distance to the vrock, so he doesn't get into its reach.  "So eager to fly into danger you can't even wait for your healing to finish",  he quips before casting a second healing spell on Stephan.

 
 Spoiler 
Bull's Strength to CMW:  (2d8+13)[ 16 ] 

I blame the displacement XD
 
Admiral
Both of Stephan's blades make contact, but inflict only shallow wounds. Soon after Natalia's blade slides into a weaker point in its hide.

 
 Spoiler 
just Mithril's turn
 
Athedia
Mithril repeated her motion, it had hurt the demon the last time, with luck it would again.

 
 Spoiler 
MM
CL Check:  (1d20+9)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (5d4+5)[ 13 ] 
Circleted: 1/3 left
 
Admiral
Mithril's spell badly wounds the creature, but it stays steady, and with one more roar tries to finish off the wounded warrior.

 
 Spoiler 

So close.

I'm afraid I am on my phone for a few hours and not able to post for the Vrock. Would someone, perhaps Coffee if she's not on her phone, be willing to roll for its attack on Stephan? It will use exactly the same rolls as it did in its last full attack on Natalia. (What a bummer that he always gets the worst of it, but then this kind of beast is more inclined to go for the enemy it can kill than the one who deals it more damage).
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

Disregard the above request; found more time than I thought.

On Stephan because it's not his lucky day.

-3/+3 power attack
Attack:  (1d20+10)[ 27 ]   (1d20+10)[ 25 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+9)[ 20 ]   (2d6+9)[ 14 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 2 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 24 ]   (1d20+8)[ 10 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+6)[ 14 ]   (1d8+6)[ 7 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 21 ]   (1d20+8)[ 28 ] 
Damage:  (1d6+6)[ 10 ]   (1d6+6)[ 9 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 

Whoosh, glad Shiny cast that displacement. Still gets hit by the first attack.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan tries to parry the vrock's attack, but he isn't able to compensate for the demon deceptive reach
 
 Spoiler 

Immediate Action: initiate Wall of blades

 (1d20+10)[ 13 ] 


Edit: I hate the rng 😡
 
CoffeeIncluded
She wasn't expecting the eyes to pierce the shadows and gloom. BUt in a way, it's as much a relief as it is scary. Still, as Mithril strikes the demon and it claws into Stephan again, she flips her blades, takes a deep breath, and exhales as she lets it out in a flurry of five brutal blows. It's not paying attention to her--and that should be its fatal mistake.

 
 Spoiler: Attack 
Natalia is still flanking with Stephan, which is the only reason I'm posting it. Also the vrock still has -2 to ac, right?

Attack:  (d20+15)[ 19 ] 
Crit:  (d20+15)[ 30 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 10 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 28 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+5)[ 9 ] 

Attack:  (d20+15)[ 26 ] 
Crit:  (d20+15)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 9 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 22 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+5)[ 9 ] 

Attack:  (d20+15)[ 16 ] 
Crit:  (d20+15)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 7 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 20 ] 
Crit damage:  (d4+5)[ 8 ] 

Attack:  (d20+15)[ 35 ] 
Crit:  (d20+15)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 8 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 28 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+5)[ 7 ] 

Attack:  (d20+10)[ 11 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 8 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 18 ] 
Crit damage:  (d4+5)[ 6 ] 
 


EDIT: if the first attack finishes the vrock Natalia sheathes ER blades.
Admiral
Natalia's first swing just barely misses the creature, but her second lands in its neck, slaying it in a single stroke. The demon spirals off into the darkness.

 
 Spoiler 
out of combat for now
 
Athedia
Mithril floated in midair panting as the adrenaline wore off.   "What now?  Are there more out there?  The notes didn't mention those." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia watches the demon fall, panting as her pulse slows. She sheathes her blades, looks down at her hands, and says,  "Demon slayers..."  She chews her lip and looks at Mithril, and everyone else.  "summoned here? Maybe more, don't know. Never read..."  Looking down at the abyss she asks,  "Search for what lost? Or through...and hope on shore later?" 
CWater
 "I doubt these are the only ones."  Rhenner casts two more healing spells on Stephan. One of the ordinary kind and another that allows his body to heal itself faster, rather than fixing it directly by magic.  "It works slower, but the results are usually more reliable." 
 
 Spoiler 
Master's Touch to CMW:  (2d8+13)[ 26 ]  and a Lesser Vigor after that, the latter will heal 17 HP in 15 rounds. (I'd really like a wand with that spell.. ^^)

By my calculation, Stephan is at 31/78, prior to this healing.

If he has time (I don't know how many rounds it takes for us to decide where to go), he'll also use the CLW wand on Natalia.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia fidgets and looks down at the black of the pit.  "If chase, than dive now...but can keep up?"  Do they even have time left?
Admiral
Natalia leads the way in diving down into the darkness to search for Stephan's sword, with the rest of the party close behind.

For a few seconds they plunge into the darkness. Though they can fly rather quickly downward, they're aware they almost certainly won't up to their lost weapons if they fall freely. But as they soar downward, something juts out at them so quickly they can barely swerve to avoid it- a sinewy stretch of spider-web several feet wide reaching from the thick curtain over to the stony side of the valley, small spiders moving along it. They can't see the sword on it, but focusing one's eyes into the darkness reveals that webs like these stretch all over the canyon in a vast network, growing thicker as they go deeper.

 
 Spoiler 

For how long will you want to descend before giving up and going back up?

Also make a spot check, everyone.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan is just inches behind Natalia as they dive deeper into the bowels of the underdark, barely dodging branches, roots and webs as he focuses solely on finding his lost weapon.

 
 Spoiler: Spot 

Spot  (1d20+11)[ 26 ] 
I think we agreed to go down for two minutes or something like that
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia keeps her eyes peeled as they descend, praying that she and they haven't made a terrible mistake. The things jutting out make her flinch back and whimper, but she has to try.

 
 Spoiler 
spot:  (d20+13)[ 26 ] 

Heh, this better be enough since I don think anyone can beat ours! 😛

It was a bit less than that. Though I guess we can fly through at this angle; we don't need to fly straight back up.
 
Admiral
The party descends, having to slow a bit to avoid colliding with the tangle of webs as it grows denser. They scan the webs for a sign of the fallen weapons, but see mostly arachnids weaving their way through. A couple of times each of them finds a tiny spider on their clothes, fallen from the webs they are gliding past, and has to shake it off.

After about thirty seconds of descending, Natalia spots an object in the tangle ahead.

 
 Spoiler 

Is the object Natalia's longbow (1) or Stephan's sword (2)?  (1d2)[ 1 ] 

The spot check for this one is good so I don't need the others. Only reason Natalia spotted it before Stephan is that she has darkvision right now, which reaches farther than torches.

If you choose to keep descending (may depend on what you find of course) will need a second Spot check from the gang.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Bad idea bad idea this was a bad idea. Natalia resists the urge to bolt upwards screaming, which grows stronger with every spider that drops on her clothes, but this urge is quelled the moment she sees something sticking out of the webs.

 "Bow!"  she shouts, pausing to yank it free and very deliberately not looking at the tiny spiders and threads of web that still stick to it.  "But...no sword seen. Should...want keep looking?" 
 
 Spoiler: What do you think? 
Want to keep trying a bit more? I'm fine with that.
 
Admiral
As Natalia flies closer to the web, she sees that it is lightly stuck to the web, with a few dozen small spiders swarming around it. She reaches out and is able to yank it free in a hurried motion- and once it is her hand, she jolts backwards in horror as she sees something new- a pair of green eyes deeply embedded into the webs, staring outwards in a horrifying glare.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Yah!"  Natalia shrieks as she stumbles backwards, no mean feat in midair.  "Eyes!" 
 
 Spoiler: Question 
Can she identify the eyes?
 
Athedia
 "Eyes?"  Mithril lowered herself, shining a torch at the web.  Well, Natalia hadn't lied, there were eyes.  Mithril had been skeptical, given how twitchy the girl was around spiders.

 
 Spoiler 
Nature:  (1d20+18)[ 38 ] 
 
Admiral
Mithril studies the eyes for a few moments. Long idle trips through the knowledge of her hometown library had granted her a sense of the distinguishing features to look for in its size, shape and pattern, and soon she becomes confident that the eyes belong(ed) to a drow, as it shares some characteristics with Ildan and with the warriors they'd faced in the arena.

More intriguing to her is that while she can see no creature in the web that the eyes might belong to, the eyes are quite clearly alive.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Mithril studies the eyes for a few moments. Long idle trips through the knowledge of her hometown library had granted her a sense of the distinguishing features to look for in its size, shape and pattern, and soon she becomes confident that the eyes belong(ed) to a drow, as it shares some characteristics with Ildan and with the warriors they'd faced in the arena.

More intriguing to her is that while she can see no creature in the web that the eyes might belong to, the eyes are quite clearly alive. 
 

Mithril grabbed Natalia and pulled her back.   "Drow eyes.  JUST drow eyes!"   What magic was this that these eyes lived outside of any visible host?
CoffeeIncluded
 "WHAT?!"  Natalia struggles to move forward, draw her blades to cut them out and free the person that must be trapped in there as well.  "What mean only eyes? How? Stuck? Why? What--need help free!" 
Admiral
As Natalia moves to cut into the web, the spiders from the surrounding web begin swarming towards her in what looks like a defensive hive mind.

 
 Spoiler 

If Natalia wants to cut into the web, just FYI she'll be swarmed (it's pretty clear from looking around). So she would roll an initiative roll and a damage roll against an object (so no crit/sneak).
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "WHAT?!"  Natalia struggles to move forward, draw her blades to cut them out and free the person that must be trapped in there as well.  "What mean only eyes? How? Stuck? Why? What--need help free!"  
 

Mithril grabbed Natalia's arms and held her back.   "There is no-one in there.  Rhenner, I think we found out the tortures of the crevice." 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan has to fight back the urge to throw up, he had heard stories about places like this back in the arena, but he never gave them much credit, the Drows were insane, but even them couldn't have done something like this; or so he had though.  "I think we should leave" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Stephan has to fight back the urge to throw up, he had heard stories about places like this back in the arena, but he never gave them much credit, the Drows were insane, but even them couldn't have done something like this; or so he had though.  "I think we should leave"  
 

 "But your sword can't be much further down, are you sure?"  Mithril gestured deeper into the crevice.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses for a brief moment, breathing heavily and almost hoping someone else will do it. But just like with Ildan, she needs to help, even when they're running out of time...

 
 Spoiler: Question 
Before Natalia does anything, is there any way to figure out what's going on? And how much time have we spent? I don't want to waste too much time for you all. Especially if we're also going after the sword--are we?
 


EDIT:


 Mithril grabbed Natalia's arms and held her back. "There is no-one in there. Rhenner, I think we found out the tortures of the crevice." 

 "But--but can't leave...!"  She struggles against Mithril.
Dusk Eclipse
 "I.... I need to recover that sword"  Stephan closes his eyes  "I'm sorry"  he says before diving deeper into the crevice, going as far as the magical tether allows him.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "I.... I need to recover that sword"  Stephan closes his eyes  "I'm sorry"  he says before diving deeper into the crevice, going as far as the magical tether allows him. 
 

Mithril shook Natalia.   "And what happens then?  You let them the eyes fall to the ground?  There is no BODY." 

Releasing Natalia, Mithril lowered herself closer to Stephan, keeping within the range of the others, but extending Stephans reach.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Stephan!"  Natalia moves to race after Stephan, but Mithril's words make her stop short. "I'll ask what wanted!  What do you want?"   she signs.   "To be free?"  
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Stephan!"  Natalia moves to race after Stephan, but Mithril's words make her stop short. "I'll ask what wanted!  What do you want?"   she signs.   "To be free?"   
 

Mithril turned back.   "Ask what the eyes want?  Eyes can't talk Natalia.  And if they could and they asked to die.  What then?  Would you kill them?  Or force them, socketless, bodyless, into the void below?  Rhenner, hold her back please, before she hurts herself." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril turned back.   "Ask what the eyes want?  Eyes can't talk Natalia.  And if they could and they asked to die.  What then?  Would you kill them?  
 

 
 "I..." 

 Or force them, socketless, bodyless, into the void below?  Rhenner, hold her back please, before she hurts herself." 

  "Mithril!  Please!"   She desperately signs to the eyes,   "Do you want to die?"  
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "I..." 
 "Mithril!  Please!"   She desperately signs to the eyes,   "Do you want to die?"   
 

 "Please what? Natalia, we are who knows how deep underground, over a giant chasm, being watched on all sides.  All this while something or someone is in peoples minds, the world is going mad and 3 of our friends LEFT US, WERE KILLED OR ARE MISSING! So please what?  Keep you from dying?  Keep you from doing something that will only make your life worse?  What do you want Natalia?" 
CWater
 "Natalia.."  Rhenner puts a hand on the girl's shoulder. He has been quiet 'til now, made speechless my the sight of the lonely eyes.  "...Put the blade down. It can't help this one." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Please what? Natalia, we are who knows how deep underground, over a giant chasm, being watched on all sides.  All this while something or someone is in peoples minds, the world is going mad and 3 of our friends LEFT US, WERE KILLED OR ARE MISSING! So please what?  Keep you from dying?  Keep you from doing something that will only make your life worse?  What do you want Natalia?"  
 

Natalia draws back as if stung.  "I--want stop! Want back! Want back where things simple, where we...and you were warmer...but...I know can't. I know..."  She looks down at her hands.  "Know not simple, but doesn't mean...can't help where or how...I know friends...know friends...why...can't leave..." 

 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "Natalia.."  Rhenner puts a hand on the girl's shoulder. He has been quiet 'til now, made speechless my the sight of the lonely eyes.  "...Put the blade down. It can't help this one."  
 

 "Nothing? Not...whole evil here?"  She closes her eyes and shudders.  "Not...strong enough..." 

As they dive after the sword, something Mithril said strikes her. Something or someone in peoples' minds? Peoples'. Plural. She thought it was just Hoodsie.
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Nothing? Not...whole evil here?"  She closes her eyes and shudders.  "Not...strong enough..."  
 

  "Yes.. That, and that we don't have enough knowledge." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "Yes.. That, and that we don't have enough knowledge."  
 

 "..."  Natalia winces with a small pained sound, and turns away.  "Then how...act at all?"  she whispers.

There's nobody in there. Somehow Natalia knows just what she ought to do, but...but she can't just leave them. And she doesn't know if she can help them the only way she can.
Admiral
The party continues descending, glancing around at the webs that stretch along the crevice for any sign of Stephan's lost weapon. They pass by half a dozen more sprawling cobwebs, each seeming more sinister after their discovery. While the spiders that crawl along most seem normal sized, a couple of times they see spiders nearly as big as Shiny skittering along, sometimes in pairs or triplets.

As they navigate around one particularly thick web, they are unsettled to see a pair of blue eyes embedded inside its cobwebs, staring out at them as well.

 
 Spoiler 

Another spot check.
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "..."  Natalia winces with a small pained sound, and turns away.  "Then how...act at all?"  she whispers.

There's nobody in there. Somehow Natalia knows just what she ought to do, but...but she can't just leave them. And she doesn't know if she can help them the only way she can. 
 

 "You do as the rest of us.  We warned you before and now again.  We can't interfere in the Crevice.  We risk so much already just being down here." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "You do as the rest of us.  We warned you before and now again.  We can't interfere in the Crevice.  We risk so much already just being down here."  
 

That's it. That's the thing. Talking as if ...as if she doesn't understand.  "I know! Understand! Younger, can't talk right, but...still not stupid. Just...when stronger, need to try..." 

 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 The party continues descending, glancing around at the webs that stretch along the crevice for any sign of Stephan's lost weapon. They pass by half a dozen more sprawling cobwebs, each seeming more sinister after their discovery. While the spiders that crawl along most seem normal sized, a couple of times they see spiders nearly as big as Shiny skittering along, sometimes in pairs or triplets.

As they navigate around one particularly thick web, they are unsettled to see a pair of blue eyes embedded inside its cobwebs, staring out at them as well.

 
 Spoiler 

Another spot check.
 
 
 

Natalia whimpers, a high groan, at the sight of the spiders. She can't help it, just they way the look sets her on edge.

 
 Spoiler: Spot: 
 (d20+13)[ 16 ] 

Dammit. Up to you, especially you Dusk.
 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "..."  Natalia winces with a small pained sound, and turns away.  "Then how...act at all?"  she whispers.

There's nobody in there. Somehow Natalia knows just what she ought to do, but...but she can't just leave them. And she doesn't know if she can help them the only way she can. 
 

Rhenner grits his teeth and Natalia can feel the grip he has of her shoulder grow tighter, though the cleric doesn't seem to notice it.


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "You do as the rest of us.  We warned you before and now again.  We can't interfere in the Crevice.  We risk so much already just being down here."  
 

  "She's right",  Rhenner says, but doesn't look at Natalia,   "Let's go." 
 
 Spoiler 
Spot:  (1d20+7)[ 9 ] 
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Natalia... just.... let's just find the sword and get out of here" 
 
 Spoiler: Spot 

I won't risk it, so I'm taking 10 for 21 total.
 
Admiral
After descending for about another twenty seconds, Stephan spots a stretch of web that seems to be gently quivering. Guessing that something might have fallen on it, his eyes follow it up, and he sees three spiders nearly the size of Shiny gathered around what looks like his sword.
Dusk Eclipse
 "Spiders.... big ones"  he points to the web and their occupants.
CoffeeIncluded
 "You want...to grab?"  Natalia stutters out. She was quiet the whole time they dove.
CWater
 "Allow me",  Rhenner says. Holding his holy symbol, he begins to cast a spell.  "Wise Fharlanghn, your faithful follower may have chosen to wander through this dark and horrible place, but he would like to do so without all these small cretins climbing all over him. In Your wisdom, would you grant this wish?" 

There is no shining light or other flashy effect, but suddenly all the spiders on and around the cleric are pushed away by an invisible force. It seems to move with him too, for when he floats closer to the sword, its guardians are also pushed back (and the many other smaller ones).

Rhenner picks up the sword and eyes it briefly. The way he holds it shows that he's not used to such a weapon.  "I do kind of like swords",  he says absent-mindedly,  "But back when I first joined the Church military the master-at-arms took one look at my fightning and told me to stick with something easier. ...He was probably right",  the medic concedes and hands the weapon back to Stephan.

 
 Spoiler 
Anyone who wishes to travel in a spider free zone can do so by staying close. (10 ft. radius)
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "He was right, you are holding it too low for you to use it effectively"  Stephan extends his hand  "May i?" 
Admiral
The web rocks back and forth furiously as the spiders large and small scurry away from the cleric, driven back by his magic.

As Rhenner draws close to the sword, he notices a third set of eyes a couple of yards from where the sword had fallen.
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "He was right, you are holding it too low for you to use it effectively"  Stephan extends his hand  "May i?"  
 

 "Sure, take it before I hurt myself",  Rhenner's tone suggest he's quoting someone, possibly the previously mentioned armsmaster.


 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 The web rocks back and forth furiously as the spiders large and small scurry away from the cleric, driven back by his magic.

As Rhenner draws close to the sword, he notices a third set of eyes a couple of yards from where the sword had fallen. 
 

 
 Spoiler 
What colour this time?😛
 


After noticing the eyes, Rhenner tries to avoid looking in their direction again, but he can't quite stop himself from stealing glances at them. Why do people look at things they know they don't really want to see?

 "...Right, weapons back. Time to go back up." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "..."  Natalia sucks in a breath from between her teeth. As Rhenner casts the spell and pulls the sword free she moves close to him where the spiders won't go and whispers,  "You think they watching? Telling?" 
 
 Spoiler 
not straight up, diagonally to save time.

And it's times like these I wish this was a real life game since Natalia has a lot of sound effects and it's hard to convey them online.
 
Admiral
The party begins to ascend, this time at a diagonal. They've lost about a minute, but based on their estimations from Zik's note should still be able to make it to the escape route.

As they ascend, the webs grow a bit thinner at first, but as they make their way deeper into the Crevice they appear to thicken again. Expanses of web come looming out of the darkness, forcing the party to navigate carefully through them. Anyone keeping their eyes out is greeted by the morbid appearance of further sets of eyes peering out at them within the webs- who knows how many more there are throughout the immense valley. Spiders scatter furiously when they draw close to a web thanks to Rhenner's spell, and Stephan's flaming sword lets them cut through obstacles when they're necessary, but the strangling effect of the surroundings is hardly lessened.

After a minute of flight the most horrifying tableau yet floats into view, when the party sees a humanoid figure sprawled out flat along a thick sheet of web, like a vision from a nightmare.
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "..."  Natalia sucks in a breath from between her teeth. As Rhenner casts the spell and pulls the sword free she moves close to him where the spiders won't go and whispers,  "You think they watching? Telling?"  
 

Rhenner shakes his head slightly.  "...I have no idea what's the point of this strange and sick magic, if there even is one. And we have no time to study it." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shrinks behind the eyes. Whether it's because of her inability to help or the realization of what they are or the worry that they're forced to report, she's not sure. Maybe it's all of them.

Until she sees the figure stretched out on the sheet of web and is abruptly back to her own nightmare, tangled and trapped and utterly helpless as the spiders creep closer...

 
 Spoiler: Question 
before Natalia grabs a greatsword and starts swinging, could you please tell more about the scene?
 
Athedia
Mithril gestured upward with one hand and held the back of Natalia's shirt with the other.   "We can't carry it, not to mention you said you would not get involved.  The spell will run out soon and while I can protect our fall I don't want to sleep down there." 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

I was thinking of letting the party approach and study it before describing it further but it makes sense that I should describe it first.
 


As the party approaches the figure, it seems hard to determine what it is, for reasons that soon become clear. It looks like it was once an unclothed drow, but that it has been stitched  into  the web- strands intersect and cross almost every inch of his flesh. The limbs are shortened- the hands and feet seem to have been stripped of their flesh, and even the bones beneath appear to be somehow dissolving as they are woven into the silk itself. Within his upper arms it seems like the strands of the web merge into the veins such that they can hardly be distinguished.

Most intricate is the web threaded into the victim's head, which seems to form an intricate fractal pattern. Somehow the dark elf's eyes are the only part of his corpse still perfectly intact, each serving as a hub from which strands radiate outward through and around the skull. The drow is unquestionably dead, but the scream of pain and horror frozen into his web-strewn face forces the viewer to wonder how long he'd stayed alive.
CWater
Rhenner stares at the sight completely motionless. It lasts until his eyes start to hurt for not blinking. He instinctively rubs them, then looks at the figure in the web again. Looking away from the separated eyes was hard, but this..

It's strange though. Somehow he realizes that this scene is utterly horrible and nauseating, yet he doesn't feel any of the usual horror, disgust, anger or pain. He doesn't think he actually feels anything.

  I'm not in a shock, am I? That would not be good...  
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  
 Spoiler 

I was thinking of letting the party approach and study it before describing it further but it makes sense that I should describe it first.
 


As the party approaches the figure, it seems hard to determine what it is, for reasons that soon become clear. It looks like it was once an unclothed drow, but that it has been stitched  into  the web- strands intersect and cross almost every inch of his flesh. The limbs are shortened- the hands and feet seem to have been stripped of their flesh, and even the bones beneath appear to be somehow dissolving as they are woven into the silk itself. Within his upper arms it seems like the strands of the web merge into the veins such that they can hardly be distinguished.

Most intricate is the web threaded into the victim's head, which seems to form an intricate fractal pattern. Somehow the dark elf's eyes are the only part of his corpse still perfectly intact, each serving as a hub from which strands radiate outward through and around the skull. The drow is unquestionably dead, but the scream of pain and horror frozen into his web-strewn face forces the viewer to wonder how long he'd stayed alive. 
 

No. Nonononono. That...they...they took...the eyes...the book...the eye are people they put them here and made them that and it was slow and  how could anyone do this?! 

With a low, pained, terrified groan Natalia spasms and throws up. fear and terror and nausea and growing rage at  how can anyone do this?!  well up inside her until, with a scream and vomit still on her chin, Natalia draws her weapon and rushes what's left of the drow.

 
 Spoiler: Question 
so if I wanted to attack the eyes, what would be needed?
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 No. Nonononono. That...they...they took...the eyes...the book...the eye are people they put them here and made them that and it was slow and  how could anyone do this?! 

With a low, pained, terrified groan Natalia spasms and throws up. fear and terror and nausea and growing rage at  how can anyone do this?!  well up inside her until, with a scream and vomit still on her chin, Natalia draws her weapon and rushes what's left of the drow.

 
 Spoiler: Question 
so if I wanted to attack the eyes, what would be needed?
 
 
 

Mithril looked at the body and sighed.  This religion was insane if this was the norm, but she couldn't help but wonder how the eyes were preserved.  At Natalia's comment she launched through the air grabbing Natalia.   "It's dead, DEAD.  Don't make me take us out of the spell.  I will do it Natalia.  Let them go." 
CoffeeIncluded
 " Please!"   Natalia begs, struggling against Mithril's grasp.  "Eyes aren't! One slice! End it!" 
Dusk Eclipse
The flaming sword trembled in Stephan's hands,  he thought he had seen every inch of depravity and lunacy the Drow were capable of while he was in the Shredder, but this was beyond his own nightmares, even beyond the reach of the head torturer's twisted concoctions.

 "Natalia. ... he is gone" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pants in Mithril's grasp, and it's not clear whether shes about to start crying or vomit again.

 "But what if eyes...mind behind still live? If that, then...then..." 

She looks down. What kind of maniac would do something like that? How did this...why would they allow this?
Admiral
From what little Mithril and Stephan can tell by studying the webbing, as well as the context, they guess it is unlikely to be arcane magic, though it may be divine. It's so unlike anything they've seen that they can't fathom how it might be crafted.

 
 Spoiler 

Of course, Mithril could cast Detect Magic to learn a bit more if she were so inclined. Can make a Knowledge (Religion) check as well.
 
Athedia
Mithril shuddered as she considered doing something completely distasteful to her.  First to check for magical traps she cast a basic spell, one that let her sense the magics in an area.

 
 Spoiler 
K Religion:  (1d20+10)[ 26 ] 
Casting Detect Magic

The reason Mithril is so against this is that she fears that these eyes are early warning systems.  Which I think so as well.
 
Admiral
Images and thoughts seem to float through Mithril's mind whose source she can't place... she recalls that Rhenner had mentioned the central obsession of the Church of Zyvonar being secrets, both discovering those of others and keeping their own. But another pair of phrases float through her mind...  "the web that traps secrets..."   "the Many Eyes see all..."  that she cannot recall him sharing. She realizes that perhaps the crystal mask she wears grants her knowledge she couldn't otherwise know, even hidden secrets of the church.

Once Mithril casts her spell, she is quickly overcome with the strength of the magic in front of her. Outside of perhaps the process of guildmarking, it may be the most powerful spell she's yet encountered. As she focuses, she realizes that the magic centers at the eyes but courses all the way through the web.

 
 Spoiler 

The aura is Strong (7th-9th level spell). Assuming she uses it for three rounds, she can make a Spellcraft check to attempt to determine its school.
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Images and thoughts seem to float through Mithril's mind whose source she can't place... she recalls that Rhenner had mentioned the central obsession of the Church of Zyvonar being secrets, both discovering those of others and keeping their own. But another pair of phrases float through her mind...  "the web that traps secrets..."   "the Many Eyes see all..."  that she cannot recall him sharing. She realizes that perhaps the crystal mask she wears grants her knowledge she couldn't otherwise know, even hidden secrets of the church.

Once Mithril casts her spell, she is quickly overcome with the strength of the magic in front of her. Outside of perhaps the process of guildmarking, it may be the most powerful spell she's yet encountered. As she focuses, she realizes that the magic centers at the eyes but courses all the way through the web.

 
 Spoiler 

The aura is Strong (7th-9th level spell). Assuming she uses it for three rounds, she can make a Spellcraft check to attempt to determine its school.
 
 
 

 "Traps... see all....   Mithril whispered the phrases under her breath.  Taking a deep breath she concentrated on the aura coming from the web

 
 Spoiler 
Spellcraft:  (1d20+17)[ 24 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Traps?"  Natalia yelps, looking around and triny to look at what's left of the drow without throwing up again. Are they really meant for surveillance?

 
 Spoiler: Ok I doubt I can but 
Could Natalia make any rolls? 😛

I'm sorry I'm making us lose so much time, everyone.
 
Admiral
Mithril carefully studies the auras coursing through the web. She hadn't studied an aura in practice since the illusion that hid the Mad Artificer's cave, and this is both a different kind of magic (that of the gods) and far more powerful than what she has command over. Were it not for her service to Boccob she might not recognize it at all... but any follower of the All-Seeing Eye recognizes the power of divination. Besides which it seems to share some features with her scrying spell, though barely recognizable in the many layers of complexity.

Studying the aura also gives the wizard a vague but potent sense of discomfort. she had read that while arcane magic was amoral in nature, powers granted by the gods could be aligned with good or evil powers. Sensing the aura of this magic leaves her with no doubt that it is corrupted to the core.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Mithril carefully studies the auras coursing through the web. She hadn't studied an aura in practice since the illusion that hid the Mad Artificer's cave, and this is both a different kind of magic (that of the gods) and far more powerful than what she has command over. Were it not for her service to Boccob she might not recognize it at all... but any follower of the All-Seeing Eye recognizes the power of divination. Besides which it seems to share some features with her scrying spell, though barely recognizable in the many layers of complexity.

Studying the aura also gives the wizard a vague but potent sense of discomfort. she had read that while arcane magic was amoral in nature, powers granted by the gods could be aligned with good or evil powers. Sensing the aura of this magic leaves her with no doubt that it is corrupted to the core. 
 

Mithril released Natalia and flew backward rapidly.   "We need to get out NOW. They know, they are watching us."   She could barely keep herself from flying out of the Crevice with all speed.  That spell was more powerful than anything she could muster, and anything she would want to touch.  But at the same time she fled because she was tempted to stay, to learn about this spell and how it worked.
CoffeeIncluded
They what? The eyes really are watching them the whole time? Natalia automatically puts her hands up over her face, her uncovered face with the gold-tinged skin and the broad nose and the brown eyes which never get quite as wide as her friends' that's free for anyone to see. Another spike of fear pushes up through everything she's feeling.  "Isn't...more reason to end, to...kill?"  The eyes, those damn eyes are everywhere. She looks around, feels her heart hammer in her chest as they close in. She needs to help but they're watching and they need to leave and is he really beyond help and how how how could they do this how can their society condone this  "How can be allowed?!" 

EDIT: But Mithril is terrified. Mithril is absolutely petrified and this is so, so rare to see Mithril so scared that it makes Natalia terrified as well. As bad as it is, whatever she found must have been even worse. She looks back to Mithril and silently asks, though it seems like the wizard already answered.
Admiral
Rhenner recalls from the religious texts he'd taken from the driders that the the church was obsessed with secrets, and that the collection of such secrets was the purpose of the Crevice and especially the Temples of the Unspoken that reside within it. The book had never mentioned the details of what went on within the valley.

 
 Spoiler 

 Described here )
 


He also recalls a word from the Arachnomicon that, even with his spell of comprehension, he couldn't translate, in the brief context of the fate of several heretics that were "put in Lolth's service at last." The prefix was familiar enough that he could barely interpret the word as roughly "silkification," and now he has little doubt what it means.
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 They what? The eyes really are watching them the whole time? Natalia automatically puts her hands up over her face, her uncovered face with the gold-tinged skin and the broad nose and the brown eyes which never get quite as wide as her friends' that's free for anyone to see. Another spike of fear pushes up through everything she's feeling.  "Isn't...more reason to end, to...kill?"   
 

 "Could be, but think of the wires in your own traps. You wouldn't want to slash at them wildly, would you? Of course this is magic and as such very shaky comparison, but there is a point in what the wizard's saying, in being cautious."  Rhenner's voice is strange.


 The eyes, those damn eyes are everywhere. She looks around, feels her heart hammer in her chest as they close in. She needs to help but they're watching and they need to leave and is he really beyond help and how how how could they do this how can their society condone this  "How can be allowed?!"  

 "Because the world is an insane place. It allows all kinds of things, as we can observe here for example, who do you think would prohibit them?" 
His tone is way too light for what he's saying. His head feels light too.

The cleric looks at Mithril who is already flying away.
 "I think we should follow her." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "Could be, but think of the wires in your own traps. You wouldn't want to slash at them wildly, would you? Of course this is magic and as such very shaky comparison, but there is a point in what the wizard's saying, in being cautious."  Rhenner's voice is strange. 
 

 "...Ah..."  It's not a word, more of a pained noise of acceptance.


  "Because the world is an insane place. It allows all kinds of things, as we can observe here for example, who do you think would prohibit them?" 
His tone is way too light for what he's saying. His head feels light too. 

 "Gods...they allow. It..."  she chokes on her words for a moment.  "Us." 

 The cleric looks at Mithril who is already flying away.
 "I think we should follow her."  

Natalia looks back at the eyes. But if Mithril's running, and  Mithril  is scared... She sighs, defeated, and wipes the vomit off her chin. They don't really have a choice, do they?

 
 Spoiler 
I guess we're going?
 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "...Ah..."  It's not a word, more of a pained noise of acceptance.



 "Gods...they allow. It..."  she chokes on her words for a moment.  "Us."  
 

  " 'Allow' is an interesting choice of word. I would think it's more like..."

 Or do I only want to think of it that way? Which of them is really worse in the end?  

But this is no place for a philosophical discussion. If Natalia is still hesitating, Rhenner grabs her arm, attempting to pull her along.
Admiral
The party ascends rapidly through the webs. As they move farther through the Crevice the forest of webs stays just as thick, but what worries them is that they more frequently spot pairs of disembodied eyes embedded in the silk- each of which they now know represents a soul that died in agony.

After nearly a minute they come across a badly dessicated skeleton, apparently at a more advanced stage of its integration into the web, its perfect eyes staring dully into space. They swerve to avoid the disturbing sight, but soon reach a pair of bodies next each other, one a nearly fresh corpse and the other barely a skull and ribcage. As they keep ascending through the Crevice the presence of both eyes and skeletons becomes disturbingly more frequent until every traveler would give anything to be able to fly with his eyes shut.

 
 Spoiler 

If you're wondering, in total you've seen about eight bodies in two minutes at varying stages of decay. Let me know if you do anything with them.

Spot and Listen checks all.
 
CWater
Rhenner glances around as they move forward. There doesn't seem to be an end to these tortured remains, is there.

 
 Spoiler: Checks 
Spot:  (1d20+7)[ 9 ] 
Listen:  (1d20+5)[ 11 ] 

Guess he's not really keen on looking around the place. I don't blame him though. :J
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's shaking at the sight of the corpses. There are so many, so many and they did this and they were allowed and probably  told  because who would think up something like that on their own? Who would listen to someone who told them to do this? Somebody who orders these things doesn't deserve to be in power! All those people...how could...

She couldn't do anything. But if the gods are allowing this, then they...they can't...

Natalia shakes and it's hard to tell whether she's sobbing or trying not to vomit again. Probably both.

 
 Spoiler: Checks 
Spot:  (d20+13)[ 24 ] 
Listen: Take 10 for 23
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Spoiler: Perception Rolls 

Spot  (1d20+11)[ 29 ] 
Listen  (1d20+11)[ 19 ] 
Not really in the mood to write up a description, sorry about that.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia can't tear her eyes away from the horrific sights, and she's paranoid enough to start at the slightest scuttle or breeze. She clings to Rhenner, taking shelter in his spell, and finally chokes out in a terrified whisper,  "I thought church fought against. Why not fight?"  She pauses, remembering the argument between Mithril and that dwarf.  "Or...not know what's below?" 
 
 Spoiler 
why not talk while waiting?
 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia can't tear her eyes away from the horrific sights, and she's paranoid enough to start at the slightest scuttle or breeze. She clings to Rhenner, taking shelter in his spell, and finally chokes out in a terrified whisper,  "I thought church fought against. Why not fight?"  She pauses, remembering the argument between Mithril and that dwarf.  "Or...not know what's below?" 
 
 Spoiler 
why not talk while waiting?
 
 
 

 "I don't know.."  Rhenner starts with the emotionless voice he's been sporting for the past minutes, but Natalia's question seems to poke at something that causes a trace of feeling to return to his face. It is not a nice one though.

 "I hope.. I  hope  they don't. That they really are honestly clueless."  Now his voice carries a hint of barely contained fury.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "I don't know.."  Rhenner starts with the emotionless voice he's been sporting for the past minutes, but Natalia's question seems to poke at something that causes a trace of feeling to return to his face. It is not a nice one though.

 "I hope.. I  hope  they don't. That they really are honestly clueless."  Now his voice carries a hint of barely contained fury. 
 

 "Yeah..."  Natalia closes her eyes against another tormented face,  "Hidden from truth, or truth hidden too. And gods..."  she squirms uncomfortably, remembering traces (but not much else) of her drunken rant to Cuthbert after Miriam's death, but...but what if they're apathetic? Or what if they're not strong enough to counteract this and all the other evil and the evil deities they've encountered patrons of?

Gah. Natalia shakes her head. It's also that the people are doing this, and why? Because they think it's what their deity wants? Because it's ordered?  "Not reason enough,"  she mutters to herself, though because the rest of her thoughts stayed in her head the context isn't quite clear.
Admiral
As they rise through the webs and past the horrifying inhabitants, Natalia hears what at first sounds like a distant wind, but soon can be distinguished as the sound of faint, incredibly labored breathing.

Stephan is the only one to notice that one of the apparent corpses, about fifteen yards away through the webs, has a chest that is just barely rising and falling.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia stills, stopping in her tracks as her eyes go wide.  "Breath,"  she whispers.  "Pained living breath!"  she shouts, looking around wildly for the source of the sound.

 
 Spoiler: Heh 
I had a feeling we'd find a live one. This should be interesting.

How thick are the webs here? Can we get to the person easily?
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "There!"  Stephan's manages to pinpoint the source of the breathing noises, pointing towards the body.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia whips her head around to where Stephan's pointing. Her expression hardens and becomes fixed, and without a word, with only a sound something like a clenched scream she begins flying as fast as possible towards the person in the webs. She only stops short if nobody follows her, and if that happens she turns to glare and say,  "Have to help!" 
Admiral
As Natalia approaches, she sees that the web has already deeply ingrained itself within the victim's (apparently a middle-aged male drow) body. As usual the eyes seem to be intricately merged with the web, with fractal patterns spiraling out. She also sees that parts of the drow's throat has already been weaved into the web- from what she knows of anatomy, it seems like his vocal cords have been entirely shredded, explaining why he can make no sound other than the faint rasp (not for nothing, she reflects, is it called the Quiet Crevice).

As she approaches she sees that thousands of tiny spiders are crawling over and through the drow, dissecting his flesh and knitting their webs even as she watches.

 
 Spoiler 

Geez, even I'm grossed out by now.

Let me know if other characters are approaching. Only Rhenner could scare away the spiders, or make heal checks to gauge the full extent of the damage.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 As Natalia approaches, she sees that the web has already deeply ingrained itself within the victim's (apparently a middle-aged male drow) body. As usual the eyes seem to be intricately merged with the web, with fractal patterns spiraling out. She also sees that parts of the drow's throat has already been weaved into the web- from what she knows of anatomy, it seems like his vocal cords have been entirely shredded, explaining why he can make no sound other than the faint rasp (not for nothing, she reflects, is it called the Quiet Crevice).

As she approaches she sees that thousands of tiny spiders are crawling over and through the drow, dissecting his flesh and knitting their webs even as she watches.

 
 Spoiler 

Geez, even I'm grossed out by now.

Let me know if other characters are approaching. Only Rhenner could scare away the spiders, or make heal checks to gauge the full extent of the damage.
 
 
 

She's going to throw up again. It's somehow even worse when he's still alive, and groaning, and his whole face (what's left of it anyway) is contorted in pain. And his throat...oh gods, his throat is completely torn open and all the fibers and sinews and so much red is splayed open for her to see and the spiders are  still eating...  Natalia's hands fly to her own throat and she whimpers. Being unable to speak properly is bad enough, but to be silenced entirely, by  that  no less?

 "RHENNER!"  she screams, horrified by the sight.  "Rhenner, help now!!!"  She runs forward to cut him free herself, but some notion of sense stops her. Even now, she can't tell where the drow ends and the web begins (and this is so so so much worse than her nightmares of struggling as the spiders approached, at least then her wrists were bound but her fingers were free and clear) and she might hurt him by mistake. So instead she signs desperately,   "We're not leaving you like this!"   interrupting the words to smash the spiders that crawl over him.
CWater
Rhenner flies after Natalia; the spell pushes away all the spiders, interrupting their 'work', so he doesn't have to watch the eating and webbing too closely. However, the sheer amount of arachnoids that flee out of the drow makes even the seasoned medic slightly ill. It is not that strange for corpses to be 'full of new life' but usually they are already dead at that point.

He takes a look at the damage the 'silkification' has already done, though is careful not to cut any strings, at least not yet.

 
 Spoiler 
Heal:  (1d20)[ 15 ]  can't remember the exact modifier right now. I'll look it up after I've posted this.

EDIT: It's +16, so add that to a total of  31. 
 
Admiral
Rhenner studies the victim and does not like what he sees. Multiple organs seem to have been entirely shredded and integrated with the web. Cutting him free safely could be risky and take time, and even then the ability to restore the drow is beyond his healing powers (the drow would certainly lose his eyes, voice and the use of his limbs). He would likely be able to keep the drow alive with regular attention and magical healing but hardly reduce his suffering.

 
 Spoiler 

A Regenerate spell would be needed to restore him.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's no medic, and she can't tell anything about the drow's injuries beyond the fact that they're extensive and horrifying. But she trusts Rhenner, and she has faith in his ability to diagnose, to treat, to heal.

But listening to the sounds he makes, the look in his face...Natalia turns to the half-elf slowly, afraid to speak. "...R-Rhenner?" 
CWater
The medic shakes his head.  "..The damage is too great. Even if we managed to cut him loose, he he would be blind",  Rhenner points to the eyes that are growing web, then the open throat,  "mute, and could likely not move at all. Even breathing would be painful. I... don't have the power to heal this." 

He floats still in the air for a moment, then asks,  "Can someone who speaks the local language come here? I don't know if he understands Common."

 Assuming he's in a state to understand anything.  
Athedia
Mithril floated a little closer shaking.   "We can't pause.  The spells are on all of these.  We need to get away.  They can SEE us." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 The medic shakes his head.  "..The damage is too great. Even if we managed to cut him loose, he he would be blind",  Rhenner points to the eyes that are growing web, then the open throat,  "mute, and could likely not move at all. Even breathing would be painful. I... don't have the power to heal this." 

He floats still in the air for a moment, then asks,  "Can someone who speaks the local language come here? I don't know if he understands Common."

 Assuming he's in a state to understand anything.   
 

 "What?"  Natalia stares at Rhenner, shakes her head. That can't be right.  "But...you've healed all. That bad? That...too...too late?" 

She looks back at the drow, barely visible under the webs consuming him, torn apart and pried open, dying by agonizing inches, and whispers,  "...Then what?" 

But Natalia already knows, and she screws her eyes shut and balls her hands into fists so tight her knuckles go white.

 
 Spoiler: Question 
Did he react at all to Natalia's signing, or our approach?
 


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril floated a little closer shaking.   "We can't pause.  The spells are on all of these.  We need to get away.  They can SEE us."  
 

 "But can't leave...until after...after..."  She can't quite bring herself to say it. She's not even sure she can make the words right to start with.
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "What?"  Natalia stares at Rhenner, shakes her head. That can't be right.  "But...you've healed all. That bad? That...too...too late?" 

She looks back at the drow, barely visible under the webs consuming him, torn apart and pried open, dying by agonizing inches, and whispers,  "...Then what?" 

But Natalia already knows, and she screws her eyes shut and balls her hands into fists so tight her knuckles go white. 
 

Rhenner just looks at her in the eyes and nods barely visibly.


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril floated a little closer shaking.   "We can't pause.  The spells are on all of these.  We need to get away.  They can SEE us."  
 

 "This won't take long. Less if we don't argue. Just ask him",  the healer throws a glance at the drow,  "if he would like us to end his suffering. ..We don't have the power to save him." 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 Rhenner just looks at her in the eyes and nods barely visibly.



 "This won't take long. Less if we don't argue. Just ask him",  the healer throws a glance at the drow,  "if he would like us to end the pain. ..We don't have the power to save him."  
 

Mithril nodded and spoke.    &lt;Undercommon&gt; "The elf can end your pain, give us a sign if your answer is yes." &lt;/UC&gt;  
CoffeeIncluded
 "Nrgh..."  Natalia codes her eyes and looks away. He's right, of course. All they can do now is end it.

That doesn't make things any less painful or bitter though.

It's not until Mithril asks the question whose words she can't understand but whose tone is clear that she says, quietly,  "If...can't hear, I...can sign."

 And what if that evil has reached his eyes already? If they're gone inside too?  
Admiral
The drow keeps wheezing faintly, but he gives no sign of having understood Mithril or Natalia's message, or indeed to have noticed their presence at all. Glancing at the elf's ears, Rhenner is unsure whether he can hear, or even if there's enough of him left to do anything but suffer and survive.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks down at the drow helplessly. And then, like Rhenner, her face settles into an expression of bitter resignation. But it's one thing to realize what you need to do, and another to do it entirely. She's killed so many, but this is different. It should be easier now, knowing that she'd end his misery and that there's nothing else to be done, but it's just as hard in a different way.

 
 Spoiler: Question 
Would Natalia (or someone else) be able to do a coup de grace?

Also, I changed Natalia's maneuvers--she can do that with few restrictions out of battle.

Night, guys!
 
CWater
  Can't even give him that decision.. The wizard could maybe read his mind, but there might not be any thoughts left.  

So there is no answer. But he cannot leave a living being like that, who knows how long he would still live on. The medic picks up the sickle from his bag and brings it close to the drow's neck. At least with his throat already torn open like that, it should not be difficult to finish it.

Rhenner makes sure that the drow is dead, before gesturing that they can move on.  "Don't talk to me."  is his response if someone tries to speak to him. He glances back and resists the urge to cover the corpse in a fireball. What would be the point.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
   Can't even give him that decision.. The wizard could maybe read his mind, but there might not be any thoughts left.  

So there is no answer. But he cannot leave a living being like that, who knows how long he would still live on. The medic picks up the sickle from his bag and brings it close to the drow's neck. At least with his throat already torn open like that, it should not be difficult to finish it.

Rhenner makes sure that the drow is dead, before gesturing that they can move on.  "Don't talk to me."  is his response if someone tries to speak to him. He glances back and resists the urge to cover the corpse in a fireball. What would be the point. 
 

As Rhenner draws his sickle and hovers over the drow, Natalia reaches out her hand and covers, closes it over his. His hand is larger but her fingers are comparatively longer, and she's able to wrap them around his hand and brush against the hilt. She's not guiding the blade, not is she forcing it. Even though they don't have much time, she doesn't choose. She's just...there.

They'll do this together.

 
 Spoiler 
well unless Rhenner takes too long but I rather like this image. What do you think?
 
Admiral
Natalia and Rhenner swing the sickle at the drow's throat at the same time. As the blade slices through the flesh, they each feel a burst of energy overwhelm them.

 
 Spoiler 
DC 23 Fortitude save each.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Aaagghh!"  Natalia screams as the energy overwhelms her and she struggles to fight it off.

 
 Spoiler: That's not good.  
hope Mithril is close!

Fort:  (d20+6)[ 19 ] 
 
Admiral
Though they manage to end the drow's suffering, the blast of negative energy overwhelms both Natalia and Rhenner. Staggering back, they feel weaker, even drained.

 
 Spoiler 

Natalia and Rhenner pick up one  negative level  each.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's scream dies away into pained panting. It feels like she's been stomped flat, had the blood drained from her until only fatigue remained. and she feels so lightheaded, so dizzy, so tired.

 "What...that?"  she's suddenly more scared than before. If that happens again it could kill her.
CWater
Rhenner grimaces as the energy saps his life force, leaving a throbbing pain in his limbs and chest. It even disturbs whatever part of his soul that stores the spells he's been granted, and he can feel the strongest slip away.

 "A trap.. And a warning. It was careless to touch it so nonchalantly." 
CoffeeIncluded
A trap.  "Sorry...Should have seen."  If anything, Rhenner looks even more drained than she is. She grabs Rhenner for support, and if Mithril is close by she leans herself on the mage's shoulder too--or at least tries.

 "No more...here...right?"  she whispers, looking down at what's left of the corpse. At least they were able to end his pain.

 
 Spoiler: Yeah... 
We should probably get out of here, right?
 
Athedia
Mithril backed away shaking her head.   "I warned you.  There is magic everywhere here.  In the webs, the eyes, the being.  I warned you.  They see us. They are watching us."   She was repeating the last two sentences over and over in a sort of mantra, as if she was trying to warn the past Natalia and Rhenner even more.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril backed away shaking her head.   "I warned you.  There is magic everywhere here.  In the webs, the eyes, the being.  I warned you.  They see us. They are watching us."   She was repeating the last two sentences over and over in a sort of mantra, as if she was trying to warn the past Natalia and Rhenner even more. 
 

Oh no. Did something happen to mithril, beyond the fear?  "Mithril!"  She waves a hand in front of the mage's face.  "Mithril! Know that, but we here! Leaving now!" 
Admiral
The party keeps flying upward, away from the corpses they'd passed and the one they'd made. Only a few minutes remain in Mithril's flight spell, but finally, to the party's relief, the web starts to grow less dense rather than more, and their travel is made a bit easier. As they ascend, they pass by more horrifying pairs of eyes, and a few bodies and skeletons of more recent victims- one nothing but a faint trace of bone within the webs.

Finally a solid wall looms ahead of them: what appears to be the ceiling of this cursed crevice. They continue moving along it- Zik's description indicates they should be close to the escape route by now.

 
 Spoiler 

Spot and Listen checks from folks.

Shiny:
Spot:  (1d20-2)[ 9 ] 
Listen:  (1d20-2)[ 11 ] 

Incidentally, about two and a half minutes left in Mithril's spell.

Please let me know if Rhenner has used his Restoration spell, and on whom.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Fatigue coats Natalia's terror as they ascend, and even the relief upon seeing the thinning webs isn't enough to assuage it. Still, just knowing they're going to be out of this horrible place soon is enough to let her breathe a sigh of relief, though she knows they're still in danger--and if Mithril's raw fear is right, then they might be in more danger than ever.

 
 Spoiler: Perception checks. 
Spot:  (d20+12)[ 24 ] 
Listen: Take 10 for 22.

Add +1 to the checks if Rhenner Restored Natalia on the way.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan had spent most of the trek through the crevice in deep silence, trying to mask the fear that grips him.  
 Spoiler 
I suck at descriptions!

Spot (1d20+11)[ 28 ] 
Listen  (1d20+11)[ 21 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Another wave of lightheaded dizziness rolls through Natalia when she moves her head too fast. Since that backlash from the web, everything has a washed-out feel to it, faint but definitely present.

They have to get out of here. She needs to get out of here and see the sun and feel warm grass and not be near so man DM spiders and...

...and they still have their mission with too many unknowns and something is getting in peoples' heads and the shadows are still chasing them. And Miriam is dead and Kurt is missing, trapped down here, and Stephan is here now and Mithril is terrified even as she withdraws into herself. Their rocks are gone and now she needs to be the rock and the light and she doesn't even know if she can be the latter.

These thoughts race in her mind as they fly up and out. She needs to talk to Mithril.

 
 Spoiler: Figured Roleplaying wouldn't hurt 
I mean, if you want to talk.
 
Admiral
The party soars beneath the rocky ceiling, much of which is covered in erratic webs, some of them descending to join the others. The rocks sometimes jut deeply downwards and other times gently rise, and the party starts to grow wary of their temporary flight. The horrid eyes appear unpredictably among the webs, staring out towards the party accusingly. From the apparent size of the crevice and the density of the eyes, there must be tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of victims embalmed within it.

As they pass beneath a sheer rock surface, Stephan and Rhenner notice a patch of web in the ceiling that seems different than the others: just a bit more sunken into the ceiling than the rest, as though it held something hollow. As they pause there, Stephan and Natalia can both hear a very faint whistling through the web, as if it hides a tunnel: perhaps the escape route that Zik's notes had revealed.

 
 Spoiler 

Good spot check, Dusk+CWater. (You can assume this information is shared with the party)
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia falls silent at all the eyes, shrinking back in horror now that she knows their origins. Nothing but eyes, thousands and thousands of eyes and there are  so many.  So many people behind those eyes, so many people who died horribly, perhaps even more than the horde...

And then Natalia thinks of the camp she exploded, all of those orcs exploding into ash anad chunks except for those perfect eyes and she falters and whimpers.

And hears a whistling noise from above. Natalia stops and jerks upwards towards the sound, devoutly grateful for anything to get her mind off of where it was headed.

She pauses and flies up to where Rhenner and Stephan pointed out the hollow, the same place where she heard the whine of flowing air. It's blocked off, and she gulps.

 "You think...safe to cut?"  Was it only when they touched the people that the spell responded so? They cut through the web before without a problem.
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan studies the webbing intensely  "I don't know.... but I don't want to take any more risk"  he pull out another bundle from his hip pouch and tosses it into the web.
 
 Spoiler 

Using another charge of the survival pouch (I think we are 2/5, but I'm not sure) to produce another small bonfire.
 
Admiral
Stephan's flame burns a small hole in the web: through it they can see only darkness, and just barely the web-lined edges of what looks like a tunnel.

 
 Spoiler 

Let me know if you want to expand the web with the flaming sword for three rounds like last time. Note that right now you have about 2 minutes left in Mithril's fly spell, plus or minus 18 seconds (you don't have timing devices).
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia peers through the gap in the web but can't see much beyond it.  "Need faster burn,"  she mutters. Then pauses, looking at Rhenner.  "What...about fireball?" 
CWater
Rhenner hasn't said a word since they left the drow dead in the web, and doesn't speak now either. But he nods to Natalia and picks up a fireball orb from his bag and throws it to the path in the web.

 
 Spoiler 
Using a 3d6 from the necklace that is in the bag.

Damage?:  (3d6)[ 16 ] 
 
Admiral
Rhenner's fireball burns brightly, and moments later almost nothing remains of the web. Luckily the party had flown a bit out of the way, because they can make out a rain of tiny falling cinders under where the web had been that likely represent hundreds of charred spider corpses.

The entire tunnel is now revealed: about thirty feet in diameter, heading straight up into the rock with no end in sight. The fireball had scorched the web several yards up into the tunnel, though it still appears to line the insides. The party ascends into the tunnel as quickly as they can.

 
 Spoiler 

Another set of Spot/Listen please. Will be out on a run for a bit.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shudders at the rain of charred spiders. But there's the exit. She swallows and flies upwards with her friends as fast as she can.

 
 Spoiler: Perception checks: 
Spot:  (d20+12)[ 14 ]  Darn.
Listen: Take 10 for 22
 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan flies up into the tunnel first, blazing sword ready to deal with anything that might threaten him or his companions.

 
 Spoiler: Perception Rolls 

Spot  (1d20+11)[ 27 ] 
Listen  (1d20+11)[ 15 ] 
 
CWater
 
 Spoiler: Sorry for being boring, can't think of any words 
Spot:  (1d20+7)[ 11 ] 
Listen:  (1d20+5)[ 22 ] 
 
Admiral
For some tense time the party ascends into the tunnel, wary of what may loom out of the darkness above or approach from below. Webs splay across the walls haphazardly.

Rhenner and Natalia are the first to hear the sounds of skittering coming from above. They have just barely enough time to shout out a warning before they can spot the source of the noise, and of the webs, bearing down upon them: two enormous spiders climbing along the edges of the web.

 
 Spoiler 

Two monstrous spiders, both  Huge  Gargantuan, please forgive the error.

Party gets one pre-init round, at which time the spiders are 40 feet away from the party. Share what you do, if anything, then roll initiative please.

Could someone remind me whether anyone in the party has HP damage? Did Rhenner heal what was left?

About three rounds have passed, so roughly 1:40 of flight left.
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

Oh, almost forgot. Initiative Shiny:  (1d20+2)[ 7 ] .

Pre-init action:
 


Shiny twists his hand towards the oncoming spiders, and casts a spell centered between them. A burst of dust appears centered between them.

 
 Spoiler 

In case you missed it from the last post, the spiders are Gargantuan, not Huge (such that they together take up basically the entire 40-foot tunnel).

Will save S1:  (1d20+5)[ 8 ] 
Will save S2:  (1d20+5)[ 14 ] 
 


The spiders seem to reel for a moment as they are blinded by Shiny's spell.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia screams as she sees the spiders bearing down on them. Quickly, her fingers trembling, she flies just a few feet to the spiders, preparing to draw a weapon or cast a spell or both, depending on the distance.

 
 Spoiler: Couple questions 
are the spiders 40 feet away now? Do you want us to roll initiative now?

I'll choose what Natalia does once I know.

Natalia's down 5 hp but that's because of the negative level.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Sighing in relief at the effectiveness of Shiny's spell, Natalia flies forward, drawing her bow and splaying her hand over her chest, quickly casting the words of the spell. They're huge, enormous, disgusting and terrifying and they're blocking the path. The sight of them sets her heart racing, but they need to get through, and fast. She can't let her friends down.

 
 Spoiler: Initiative 
 (d20+10)[ 25 ] 

Natalia moved so the spiders will be within 30 feet of her next turn. Is there map?
 


As she casts the spell she suddenly pauses in panic. Her magic's run dry--but how? How can this be? Unless the fatigue has reached deep into her mind where she finally found the magic...

The thought terrifies her even more.
CWater
The sudden appearance of enemies pushes any lingering unpleasant thoughts away from Rhenner's mind. When something is trying to kill you or your comrades, you brush aside such distractions and focus entirely on that threat; a lesson he hopes he has learned by now. The cleric detaches another fire orb (this time from the necklace he's wearing) and throws it at the overgrown arachnoids, then flies after Natalia, so that she is within the range of his spider repelling spell.

 
 Spoiler 
In case the spiders win initiative and get to attack first. She did roll quite well though.

Question: How much higher AC Natalia has than Stephan? Sorry, I assume it is, but I can't figure out exactly how much, her sheet confuses me. ^^'
(This is relevant info, so I know what to cast next round.)

Fireball damage:  (7d6)[ 24 ] 
Ref save DC 14 for half.
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

S1 Ref save:  (1d20+8)[ 11 ] 
S2 Ref save:  (1d20+8)[ 24 ] 
 


One of the spiders takes the full blast of Rhenner's spell, while the other just barely skitters out of the worst of it.
Dusk Eclipse
As soon as Rhenner's fireball subsides Stephan flies into the spiders never taking his eyes from the frantic movement of the spiders, using the momentum from is charge Stephan starts spinning becoming a flaming tornado of blades.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Swift Action: Enter Punishing Stance (AC lowes to 18)
Move Action: Move Adjacent to both spiders or if possible get into a possition that I'm flanked by both of them 😉
Tumble check to avoid AoO  (1d20+13)[ 23 ] 
Standard Action: Initiate  Mithril Tornado 
Attack vs Spider 1 (PA -5/+10)  (1d20+10)[ 20 ] 
Crit Cofirm  (1d20+13)[ 33 ] 
Damage  (3d6+15)[ 26 ] +[roll]1d6] Fire Crit damage  (2d6+10)[ 14 ] 

Attack vs Spider 2 (PA -5/+10)  (1d20+10)[ 21 ] 
Crit Cofirm  (1d20+13)[ 31 ] 
Damage  (3d6+15)[ 22 ] +[roll]1d6] Fire Crit damage  (2d6+10)[ 19 ] 
non-action: Designate the healthiest spider as Dodge Target.
 
Athedia
Mithril hung back, letting her circlet refresh one last time.  She was keeping a watchful eye on the others as she cast her spell.  They had to hurry or fall and who knew how far down.  And those eyes...

 
 Spoiler 
MM: at weakest spider
Damage:  (5d4+5)[ 19 ]  and last refresh from circlet
 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan dismisses the flaming greatsword with a hand gesture before drawing the dragonsplits and starts stabbing the wounded spider
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Free Action: Store the greatsword in the Glove of Master Strategist
Free Action 2: Draw Dragonsplits use them with piercing damage for crit range 19-20
Full Attack on Spider 1, if Stephan kills the spider then continue attacking the other one
Main Hand Attack 1   (1d20+12)[ 15 ] 
Crit Confirm  (1d20+15)[ 25 ] 
Damage  (2d6+4)[ 11 ]  Crit  (2d6+4)[ 10 ] 

Off-hand Attack 1  (1d20+12)[ 13 ] 
Crit confitm  (1d20+13)[ 16 ] 
Damage  (2d6+2)[ 8 ]  Crit  (2d6+2)[ 7 ] 

Attack 2  (1d20+7)[ 25 ] 
Crit Confirm (1d20+10)[ 21 ] 
Damage  (2d6+4)[ 14 ]  Crit  (2d6+4)[ 12 ] 
 
Admiral
Stephan's first swing is barely controlled, but as his quarry is blind it finds its mark. His third swing deals another wound.

 
 Spoiler 

Still bloodied, alive. Luckily blindness leaves the spider both flat-footed and -2 to AC.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia follows with a quick flurry of arrows to the wounded spider, edging forward and preparing to draw her blades.

 
 Spoiler: Attack! 
and afterwards Natalia 5 foot steps closer to them.

Attack:  (d20+12)[ 16 ] 
Crit:  (d20+12)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 3 ]  plus sneak attack  (6d6)[ 20 ] 

Attack:  (d20+7)[ 17 ] 
crit:  (d20+7)[ 8 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 6 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 13 ] 
 
Admiral
With Natalia's second arrow, the spider screeches and tumbles down the tunnel, the rest of the party having to swerve sharply to the side to avoid it.

 
 Spoiler 

Something (unmodified):  (1d20)[ 8 ] 
 
Admiral
As the spider collapses past Stephan, he spots something above the spiders that had been hidden from view by the spiders: a pair of spider like creatures clambering along the walls. Looking closer he sees they somehow have the upper bodies of female drow.

One of them waves out her hand towards the party, and they feel a wave of corruption overtake them.

 
 Spoiler 

Unholy Blight. Everyone  (5d8)[ 26 ]  damage, DC 18 Will save for half and to avoid being sickened for  (1d4)[ 1 ]  rounds.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia doubles over, agonized by the wave of malevolence that falls over her--and everyone else, it seems. It's as if the evil in here was concentrated into a nearly tangible form and hurled straight at her.

 
 Spoiler: Will save: 
 (d20+4)[ 7 ]  This is gonna hurt.

Yeah, knew it.
 


Natalia curls over in pain, sickened to her stomach, overwhelmed by the evil in the spell.
Dusk Eclipse
Stephans feels how the tendrils of magic try to dig deep into his being, but years of training allowed him to endure through the pain and sickness, though even then he feels how the dark magic saps his health.
 
 Spoiler 

Immediate Action : Use Moment of the Perfect mind
Roll see  this  post
 
Athedia
Mithril gasped a deep breath as she felt the tendrils of magic work their way into her mind.  They hurt but she could see Natalia was in much more agony than she was.
Admiral
The blind spider lashes out at where he'd felt Stephan to be.

 
 Spoiler 

On Stephan:

Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 31 ]  Crit:  (1d20+15)[ 30 ] 
Damage:  (2d8+10)[ 18 ]  Crit:  (2d8+10)[ 12 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 
If hits, Fort save DC 20 or 2d6 poison.

Meta FYI: Looks like you're very lucky the other drow's Dispel Magic on Glitterdust didn't work.

Party's initiative.
 
Admiral
Shiny casts a spell of speed across all of the party.

 
 Spoiler 

 Haste . Will also hopefully help us speed us through this tunnel before we fall to our dooms.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia doubles over crying out in agony, and even when the initial sickening miasma leaves she still feels weak and shaken and faintly ill. She glances around at her friends, all of whom seemed to endure the attack better than her, except for Shiny, who also spasms in pain. It's hard to force her right hand under control, but they need to get through this spider and kill the driders. Fast.

 
 Spoiler: Question before I go 
How far away is Natalia from the spider and the two driders?
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia grabs Shiny's hand, letting him know that she's still here, reaches out to briefly hold Mithril and Rhenner and Stephan even though they weren't as badly hurt. She then grits her teeth, grabs her bow again, and fires three arrows at the spider. She doesn't trust herself to get close enough to that thing, doesn't think she can dodge in her state where she's holding her gut after every nocked arrow.

 
 Spoiler: Attack 
Yeah Natalia isn't getting close for the moment. 5 foot step though.

Attack:  (d20+11)[ 15 ] 
Crit:  (d20+11)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 8 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 22 ] 

Attack:  (d20+11)[ 24 ] 
Crit:  (d20+11)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 6 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 25 ] 

Attack:  (d20+6)[ 21 ] 
Crit:  (d20+6)[ 10 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 4 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 10 ] 
 
Admiral
All three of Natalia's arrows hit weak points on the spider, but it remains alive even after the barrage.

 
 Spoiler 

Bloodied.
 
CWater
This wave of evil... The way it looks for any trace of goodness in their souls and attempts to harm them through it.. the feeling is sickeningly familiar. Rhenner clenches his fist as he steels his mind against this unholy magic. The cleric manages to fight off the worst of its effects, though he still feels weakened.

 "WiseDwellerontheHorizon",  he starts to pray, flying upward so the enemies will also come to the spell's reach, and hasted by Shiny's spell so the words sound like gibberish,  "pleaseprotectuswearytravellersandweakentheenemies  whoseektoblockourpath." 
 
 Spoiler 
It's surprisingly hard to write without automatically putting the space between every word.😛

Casting Prayer.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Silenty thanking Shiny and Rhenner for the spell support before continuing his furious attacks on the spider.
 
 Spoiler 

Full round attack on the spider, if Stephan kills it he 5 ft. step next to the drider (if possible) and continue attacking it
Attack 1  (1d20+14)[ 33 ] 
Crit Confirm  (1d20+17)[ 24 ] 
Damage  (2d6+5)[ 11 ]  Crit  (2d6+5)[ 12 ] 
 Haste  Attack  (1d20+14)[ 34 ] 
Crit Confirm  (1d20+17)[ 18 ] 
Damage  (2d6+5)[ 9 ]  Crit  (2d6+5)[ 14 ] 

Off-hand Attack  (1d20+14)[ 17 ] 
Crit Confirm  (1d20+17)[ 22 ] 
Damage  (2d6+3)[ 12 ]  Crit  (2d6+3)[ 11 ] 

Attack 2  (1d20+9)[ 25 ] 
Crit Confirm  (1d20+12)[ 14 ] 
Damage  (2d6+5)[ 12 ]  Crit  (2d6+5)[ 15 ] 

Non-action: Designate Drider1 as Dodge target (20 AC vs. her, 19 vs. Others)
 
Admiral
Stephan's first swing badly wounds the spider, and the second is driven expertly into one of its many eyes. The second spider falls, forcing the party to dodge it once again.

 
 Spoiler 
Two spiders down. Mithril's turn.
 
Athedia
Mithril pulled out the rod from her belt and focused as another arrow of acid was cast from her fingers.  It flew toward the closest drider, made stronger by the power from the rod.

 
 Spoiler 
Rod Metamagic Empower (2/3)

I think ranged touch attack modifier is +9 with Haste and Prayer

Acid Arrow (this +3 rounds)
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (2d4)[ 5 ]  *1.5
 
Admiral
One of the driders points towards Natalia and casts a spell.

 
 Spoiler 

This is D1, who cast unholy blight before.

Natalia: DC 17 Fort save or be stricken blind.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 One of the driders points towards Natalia and casts a spell.

 
 Spoiler 

This is D1, who cast unholy blight before.

Natalia: DC 17 Fort save or be stricken blind.
 
 
 

Natalia shouts and claps her hands to her eyes.

 
 Spoiler: Fort save  
 (d20+6)[ 7 ] 

Why me?

*facepalm* why me?
 


Natalia lifts her hands from her eyes, only to see...nothing. Nothing but dark.  "HELP!!!"  she screams.  "BLIND! HELP!" 
Admiral
Once Natalia is blind, the drider who'd cast the spell gives a signal to the other.

 
 Spoiler 

Aww, Natalia's big chance to recognize Drow Sign Language and she's too blind to appreciate it.

In answer to your last question: you dealt a similar amount of damage to the spiders, though I suspect Natalia was slightly ahead. Just as importantly, based on your fighting styles it's a very safe bet Stephan has a higher Fort save, meaning Natalia is the one to go after first.

(Metagame, Stephan tends to get attacked and spelled more than Natalia does, though this is natural from the way fights play out).
 


The second drow casts a spell towards the other warrior, Stephan.

 
 Spoiler 

Same save for Stephan.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan's hearts jumps when he notices darkness creeping from the corner of his eyes, threatening to blind him as they did to Natalia, but by either sheer will or more likely stubborness he beats the darkness back. He shakes his head to dissipate the last remains from the spell before taunting the malformed witches in undercommon  "Is that the best you've got?" 
 
 Spoiler 

Fort Save  (1d20+12)[ 24 ] 
 
Admiral
Once Shiny sees that Stephan is unaffected, he floats over to Natalia.  "Think I can help you with that,"  he says in a friendly tone.

 
 Spoiler 

 (1d20+9)[ 27 ] 

See that? Dice taketh away and dice giveth.
 


Natalia's blindness lifts, and the first thing she sees is Shiny sticking out his tongue at her. The gnome winks and floats back.

 
 Spoiler 

It is the party's initiative. As I am in an airport please don't make me make a map.

Right now I believe Stephan is 20 feet from the driders, Natalia is 25 feet from them.
 
CWater
Rhenner turns to glance at Natalia when she screams, but Shiny quickly there to fix her. Turning his attention back to the driders, he grabs his morningstar and flies towards the one that cast the blight and blinded Natalia.  "I've... had enough of your kind and your wicked gods!"  He swings the weapon at the creature.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (1d20+10)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 8 ] 
Dodge still against this drider.

Yes, the not-so-good-at-fighting cleric just attacked an enemy by himself. I know he's supposed to have high Wis, but he's also kind of  angry  right now.😛
 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan is surprised at Rhenner's sudden outburst, but not one to waste such opportunities Stephan flies right behind the cleric ready to attack the Drider
 
 Spoiler 

Move Action: Move Adjacent to D1, I don't want to flank with Rhenner so Natalia has a flanking partner in her turn
Tumble  (1d20+13)[ 15 ] 
Standard Action: Initiate Wolf's Fang Strike
Attack 1 (PA -2 / +2)  (1d20+12)[ 22 ] 
Crit confirm  (1d20+15)[ 28 ] 
Damage  (2d6+7)[ 10 ]  Crit Damage  (2d6+7)[ 12 ] 

Attack 2 (PA -2 / +2)  (1d20+12)[ 31 ] 
Crit confirm  (1d20+15)[ 17 ] 
Damage  (2d6+7)[ 14 ]  Crit Damage  (2d6+7)[ 18 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia first hears the cheerful confident voice of Shiny piercing through the black, and then her sight suddenly returns. The first thing she sees is the gnome winking and sticking his tongue out at her. With a choked sound of relief she quickly hugs him, pressing her palms against the rough brown cloth and holding the red warmth of his body close. Behind her she hears Rhenner rush the drider with an uncharacteristic fury, unleashing all his pent-up grief and rage as Stephan follows.

Her eyes narrow. With a snarl of,  "You're dead!"  she draws her blades and flies at top speed towards the drider that blinded her, slipping around her to stab her in the back with the blinding speed that Stephan taught her.

 
 Spoiler: Attack! 
Flank and wolf fang strike. No tumble since I autopass. Also, AC jumps to 23 and I'm no longer nauseated. I've factored in all the attack bonuses and the -1 from the negative level too.

Attack:  (d20+15)[ 29 ] 
Crit:  (d20+15)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (d6+6)[ 8 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 24 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+6)[ 12 ] 


Attack:  (d20+15)[ 32 ] 
Crit:  (d20+15)[ 31 ] 
Damage:  (d4+6)[ 8 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 22 ] 
Crit damage:  (d4+6)[ 10 ] 

EDIT: If the first one drops it then attack the second, as always, though I doubt one will do it.
 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler: Acid Arrow Damage 2 rounds left 
 (2d4)[ 2 ]  *1.5
 


Mithril saw the one drider was being handled and attacked the other with one of her remaining spells.  Hopefully, Boccob willing, it would have an effect.

 
 Spoiler 
MM w/ rod
SR CL Check:  (1d20+9)[ 22 ] 

MM Damage:  (5d4+5)[ 17 ]  *1.5
 
Admiral
Rhenner just barely misses the drider that had blinded , but Stephan and Natalia converge on her with a flurry of attacks. Stephan thrusts a pair of blades through her side and Natalia drives her swords into her neck. Combined with the damage from Mithril's earlier acid attack, the drider collapses and drops off of the wall.

 
 Spoiler 

Wolf Fang Strike specifically notes that both attacks must be against the same creature (and that if it drops it to negative HP you can't make another attack), so even if one had killed her Natalia can't follow up with an attack on the other drider.
 


The other servant of Lolth rears back on her many legs, and lashes out towards Natalia.

 
 Spoiler 

Touch attack:  (1d20+6)[ 9 ] 
If hits, DC 17 Will save.

ETA: Not your day, drider.
 
CWater
Rhenner circles to get behind the second drider and swings his morningstar again.

 
 Spoiler 
Moving to the other side of the drider so the fighters can flank off Rhenner again.
Dodge against the remaining drider, AC 22.
Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 27 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 12 ] 

I am not sure how everyone are positioned so this is an assumption.
 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 Rhenner circles to get behind the second drider and swings his morningstar again.

 
 Spoiler 
Moving to the other side of the drider so the fighters can flank off Rhenner again.
Dodge against the remaining drider, AC 22.
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

I am not sure how everyone are positioned so this is an assumption.
 
 
 

The cleric lands a well placed blow that lands with a solid crack in the drider's head.

 
 Spoiler 
Good hit.

Bloodied.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia ducks the spell, and sighs in relief as the drider's arm wooshes over her head. As Rhenner flies around to bash it, Natalia widens her eyes, remembering what Ildan said about the cleric guardians. She falls upon the drider with a fury, screaming in her odd cadence as she wildly attacks, punctuating each word with another stab.

 "YOU-"  *stab*  "-HURT-"  *stab*  "-ENOUGH-"  *stab*  "-PEOPLE!!!"  *stab stab*

 
 Spoiler: Attack! 
Also let me guess, that was another Bestow Curse? 😁

Sneak attack! 5 foot step and/or anklet and/or Island of Blades if necessary.

I've been waiting for this. Let's hope the statement is dramatically appropriate. 😁

Attack:  (d20+15)[ 17 ] 
Crit:  (d20+15)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (d6+6)[ 7 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 26 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+6)[ 7 ] 

Attack:  (d20+15)[ 17 ] 
Crit:  (d20+15)[ 34 ] 
Damage:  (d6+6)[ 11 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 17 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+6)[ 8 ] 

Attack:  (d20+15)[ 24 ] 
Crit:  (d20+15)[ 32 ] 
Damage:  (d4+6)[ 10 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 14 ] 
Crit damage:  (d4+6)[ 7 ] 

Attack:  (d20+10)[ 30 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (d6+6)[ 10 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 17 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+6)[ 7 ] 

Attack:  (d20+10)[ 26 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (d4+6)[ 10 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 25 ] 
Crit damage:  (d4+6)[ 8 ] 

Natalia really likes the number 6. 😛
 
Admiral
Natalia's first two swings miss the drider cleric, but her third and fourth slash through weak points in her underbelly. Coughing, she loses her grip and falls down the tunnel as well.

 
 Spoiler 

Out of combat for now.

CR 11; everyone will now be awarded 1080 XP.
 
CWater
Rhenner watches as the last drider falls down to the darkness.

 "I hope there is a hell for you too",  the cleric mutters.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia relaxes, sighing in relief even as the weariness and pain settles deeper in her bones. She watches the drider fall and suppresses a sudden urge to spit. Were they the ones who put the people in the webs in the first place?

 "Can't...hurt anymore,"  she mutters. But there are others, aren't there. Even though they can't seek them out, they're out of time.

She pauses. The pain caused by that spell isn't going away though the nausea did. It must have hurt something internally, and she and Shiny were hurt the most. This crevice must have been affecting Shiny more than he let on  "What...was evil wave?"  she asks.

 
 Spoiler: question 
What's the tunnel look like? Is there a straight shot up and out? Can we see the exit?

By the way, just to clarify, Natalia isn't trying to suss out anything by that question; she just wants to know what the heck that spell was. Like I said, I think it's thematically appropriate that she failed the will save against unholy blight so badly because of how obviously affected she's been by everything in the Crevice.
 


EDIT: Natalia flies over to give Shiny a hand.  "You okay? Saw spell hurt,"  she says, helping to support him if he needs it.
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 She pauses. The pain caused by that spell isn't going away though the nausea did. It must have hurt something internally, and she and Shiny were hurt the most. This crevice must have been affecting Shiny more than he let on  "What...was evil wave?"  she asks.  
 

 "An evil spell",  Rhenner replies with a frown,  "That uses unholy power to find any goodness in your soul and hurt you through it. ...It is possible to lessen the effect by steeling your mind against it."

 Or just not have a soul so vulnerable to it in the first place.  
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "An evil spell",  Rhenner replies with a frown,  "That uses unholy power to find any goodness in your soul and hurt you through it. ...It is possible to lessen the effect by steeling your mind against it."

 Or just not have a soul so vulnerable to it in the first place.   
 

Natalia grimaces. So Rhenner and Mithril were able to steel themselves against the evil in this spell to an extent, as they have all along. And Stephan...she looks over at the warrior. He's probably inured himself to it now, from all that time in the pit. But she doesn't know him that well. And her and Shiny...she places a hand on the gnomes arm.  "You okay?"  she asks.

This place is awful. and even if Rhenner and Mithril and Stephan are stronger than her that doesn't mean they can or should.  "Leave hurry fast, right?"  she asks, brushing her hand against everyone else. Here, alive, and almost out.
CWater
  That spell hurt all of us,   the cleric thinks, taking a look around. But they are also in a hurry, he doesn't know exactly how much longer Mithril's flight spell will last, but doesn't think they have very long. And even if that wasn't a concern, they'd still better get out of this place as soon as possible. But, it's also not sure they'll be allowed to leave the crevice as easy as they entered, and thus continuing forward wounded might be unwise.

Rhenner lifts his holy symbol so he can see the emblem inscibed on it. He has never cast this sort of curative spell before, but he thinks he might be able to now. It would certainly be faster than to heal everyone individually.  "Fharlanghn, please give me strength."  Channeling the strongest spell he has, a wave of positive energy emanates from him, healing the entire party.

 
 Spoiler 
Dispel Evil to CLW, Mass, everyone heals  (1d8+19)[ 25 ] .
Rhenner, Mithril and Stephan are at full HP. Natalia and Shiny might be left with a single digit of damage.

EDIT: Or not.😁
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia exhales as Rhenner's spell very nearly heals her--and all of her friends at the same time. The weariness from the trap in the webs is still giving her a headache, but the internal wounds are gone.  "Thank you,"  she breathes.

Hang on, headache.  "Mithril?"  she asks as they start to fly.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia exhales as Rhenner's spell very nearly heals her--and all of her friends at the same time. The weariness from the trap in the webs is still giving her a headache, but the internal wounds are gone.  "Thank you,"  she breathes.

Hang on, headache.  "Mithril?"  she asks as they start to fly. 
 

 "What?  We need to hurry Natalia, my spell won't last much longer." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "What?  We need to hurry Natalia, my spell won't last much longer."  
 

 "It...what you...in shouts before..."  She pauses and looks back at the web, swallowing. She can't quite admit that not all her fear is from the eyes, much less say it out loud, and so she says,  "If eyes have ears too, then...not best time, right? Then later? Promise?" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "It...what you...in shouts before..."  She pauses and looks back at the web, swallowing. She can't quite admit that not all her fear is from the eyes, much less say it out loud, and so she says,  "If eyes have ears too, then...not best time, right? Then later? Promise?"  
 

 "I have no idea what you mean.  And there is no later if we don't get out soon!" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shakes her head as they ascend out of the cave.  "Then leave now, and promise answer later?" 
Admiral
The party ascends rapidly through the tunnel. After about half a minute Shiny's spell of speed wears off, and they are left rising more slowly, aware that only a little time is left in Mithril's spell.

Suddenly their journey comes to an abrupt stop as they seem to reach the end of the tunnel, with nothing above them but a rough rocky ceiling. They cannot help but panic for a moment before they notice something to their right: a thick iron gate that appears to lead down a long, dark corridor, about ten feet in width. A large iron lock seals the gate.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia swallows as she inspects the gate. Sure she or shiny might be able to open it, but what if there are traps? ANd how long would it take?

 
 Spoiler: Question 
how long would a search check for traps take? Open lock? Both?
 
Athedia
Mithril reached out and grabbed Natalia and Shiny's shoulders,  "Rhenner, get Stefan!" .  Focusing on the spot on the other side of the gate she muttered a few words before she and the two with her appeared on the other side.

 
 Spoiler 
Dimension Door, I can take three, but I am pretty sure Rhenner has DD as well
 
Admiral
Mithril disappears from view after grabbing Natalia and Shiny, and moments later she appears within the corridor, on the other side of the gate.
CWater
Rhenner casts the same spell so he and Stephan can follow them.
Athedia
Mithril stumbled against the wall, now back on solid ground.  Holding onto the stone she took deep breathes, still afraid.
CoffeeIncluded
 "...Or that,"  Natalia says, shaking her head to get her bearings and looking around while waiting for Rhenner and Stephan to appear. As she looks around, she thinks about the shadows she pulled over herself. Sure they snapped back, but what if they could move as well as hide? Shadows flicker, after all...

 "You okay?"  she asks Mithril, seeing the mage stumble.

 
 Spoiler 


But you didn't know that and I don't think she did either, so thank you! 😁

Anyway, what's on the other side?
 
Athedia
 "Fine, I'm fine.  Just tired."   Mithril spoke quickly and wouldn't look at Natalia, still holding the wall.   "Everyone through?" 
Admiral
The party finds themselves in a wide corridor with stone walls and floor: though for the moment they can still float, they settle down onto the ground before proceeding down the corridor. This area is mostly free of the cobwebs that had haunted them throughout the crevice, but spiders still skitter across the floor outside the range of Rhenner's spell. After about thirty seconds, they feel themselves grow abruptly heavier as Mithril's spell of flight ends.

As they proceed down the corridor, they begin to notice inscriptions along the walls: some in Undercommon, but others are in the secret script of Abyssal. These inscriptions are interspersed with what appear to be religious drawings: spiders and webs appear most often, but so do iconic depictions of murder and sacrifice. Splayed across one wall is a particularly notable stone depiction of a humanoid figure splayed out on a web- engraved lines radiate out from his eyes and integrate with the art for dozens of yards around the image.

 
 Spoiler 

Shiny has Tongues active- am I right that Mithril is the other one who does?

Also, let me know a marching order, please.
 


After about a minute of progressing down the corridor, they see an open door on the right.
CWater
It takes some adjusting to get back to walking on a steady ground after the long flight. Rhenner catches himself floating subconsciously upwards a few times before the spell finally runs out.

The anger that woke up during the fight hasn't checked out yet, but for some reason the gruesome depictions on the walls seem almost comical to him. Some part of his mind assumes that this is perhaps not a very good sign considering his overall sanity, but there is little to be done about that at the moment, no?
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia doesn't say anything to Mithril, but holds out a hand.

feeling the spell run out she lands gracefully, on her tiptoes and then easing onto the ground, sighing in relief once she's back on stable land. As Natalia walks she cautiously tests pulling the shadows over herself, seeing if she can vanish from view this time or if the magic is still in effect.

Of course, the murals and carvings and statues fill her with revulsion and disgust, and she avoids them to the point where it takes a moment for her to notice the door. Naturally, the moment Natalia does see it she presses herself flat against the wall, trying to see if she can look in without being spotted.

 
 Spoiler: Marching order and other stuff 
Natalia can go first. How long has it been since the start of the spider fight?

Also, she's testing out the shadow cloak to see if she can turn invisible--and by extension if shiny can use the spell again. Is invisibility back on?
 
Athedia
Mithril dropped back to walk beside Rhenner.  Quietly she spoke,  "It may have just been all those eyes, but when you teleported past the door... did you feel anything? 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril dropped back to walk beside Rhenner.  Quietly she spoke,  "It may have just been all those eyes, but when you teleported past the door... did you feel anything?  
 

Silently welcoming the distraction from the unpleasant surroundings, Rhenner looks at the wizard questioningly.  "No... nothing out of the ordinary. Though I don't think I've ever cast the spell while paying so little attention to it before, so I might not have noticed.. Why?" 
Athedia
 "Nothing, must just have still been unnerved by the eyes and panicking about falling that's all.  At least that is done now." 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Nothing, must just have still been unnerved by the eyes and panicking about falling that's all.  At least that is done now."  
 

 "Perhaps.. But what is it excatly that you felt? -Or thought you did?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia notices Stephan and everyone eying the door, but she doesn't like the idea of everyone piling up on one side. Mahbe if she could cross without being seen...She looks back at everyone and whispers,  "Stephan, look this side,"  before closing her eyes and reaching for the shadows. Riding them. Not trapped in them. Shadows flicker but she's real. And...flicker... there.  To the other side of the door so she and Stephan can look in on opposite sides.

 
 Spoiler 
Natalia shadow jaunts to the other side of the door a few feet down the hall and looks inside from that side (still pressing herself flat) so Stephan can look inside from his side?

I'm posting this now since a club meeting is about to start.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan nods and carefully makes his way to the door.
 
 Spoiler: In case they are relevant 

Spot: (1d20+11)[ 27 ] 
Listen  (1d20+11)[ 28 ] 
 
CWater
Rhenner waits Mithril to reply, but when she does not do so, he continues,  "Okay, maybe it was nothing, you're the better judge of that. But I'd not dismiss it just because only you sensed it. The magic we use is fundamentally very different, and while our spells can give the same result, how they actually work is not necessarily the same." 
Admiral
As Mithril and Rhenner whisper to each other, Natalia and Stephan approach the door. Natalia uses one of her newer tricks to teleport to the other side of the door, before the two warriors glance inside.

The room is about twenty feet square and fifteen feet tall, and its walls are covered with cobwebs, but webs somewhat more organized than they'd seen in the crevice. In the upper corners of the room are a pair of thickly woven hammocks, similar to the kind they'd seen in the drider shrine early in their voyage in the underdark, and next to them they can see small crevices. The room appears empty of creatures except for the thousands of tiny spiders that skitter around the webs.
CoffeeIncluded
Nothing--at least, nothing she can easily see. Natalia licks her lips and glances to her friends, whispering,  "Think theirs?"  If this room belonged to the driders they killed, then it's probably empty now. Unless there's another Ildan trapped in there. Or traps. Cautiously, she takes out the detect magic crystal and concentrates, searching for anything...and listening for anyone.

 
 Spoiler 
Natalia takes a look with the detect magic crystal; it should cover pretty much the whole room. Do you need anything else, since she's also checking to see if anyone's nearby or inside the room? Basically she wants to take a quick look before stepping inside. Should/can she search too?
 


And there's also the fact that, well, she doesn't really want to go in at the moment...

 
 Spoiler: Other question 
Is there anything on the floor or door?
 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan enters the room carefully; it seems empty, but with drows one can't really be sure.  "It.... it seems empty, well except for spiders  realizing that spiders could mean anything down here he quickly ammends  "normal spiders I mean" .  He does a quick search of the room trying to find anything unusual

 
 Spoiler 

Search (1d20+8)[ 19 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Stephan!"  Natalia whispers, hurrying after him as he heads in. He wasn't there the first time, didn't accidentally trigger a trap in the middle of a flailing panic. But this place might be trapped as well, and so she gulps and heads inside to search for traps and anything else before he can stumble into them.

 
 Spoiler: Search 
Take 10 for 26.
 
Admiral
As Natalia scans the room, she recognizes the presence of magic. As she focuses further, she recognizes that the small alcove next to the hammock in the ceiling seems to have at least one magical aura in it. Swerving around, she observes something similar in the other hammock.

 
 Spoiler 

Total of four rounds (two rounds for each nook, to spot the location of the magic).

By the way, Cat's Grace wears off about now.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia blinks at the sight of the magic.  "Alcove, hammock. Hold magic,"  she mutters, pointing to each in turn. She balls her fists, takes a deep breath, and heads over to where the spiders are. Seeing them swarm everywhere, and not hearing anyone nearby in trouble, her resolve falters for a moment.  "Rhenner? Can you...spider ward? Something up where nest, alcove and hammock...hold magic." 

Once Rhenner comes in (assuming he does), she searches the room, and where she saw the magic.

 
 Spoiler: Quick clarification 
I'm going to bed (technically should have 15 minutes ago, ah well, but once Rhenner comes in with the repel vermin spell (assuming he does), then Natalia searches those areas, concentrating on the alcove and hammock.  She takes 20 for 36.  If she sees or hears anyone, especially if they're in Ildan's situation, then she jumps in to help.

Night!
 
CWater
Rhenner follows the two warriors to the room and the spiders skitter away from him, repelled by the spell. He looks up to where Natalia is pointing.  "That is rather high up.. be careful",  he says, assuming she's going to climb up for them like in the other driders' cave.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Thanks,"  she says to Shiny when he casts the spider climb spell on Rhenner, who clambers his way up the wall.  "You okay? From all..."  she twists her hands awkwardly, suddenly remembering that Shiny was there in the room with her too.

A sudden rustling momentarily distracts her and Natalia calls up,  "Rhenner, found something?" 
CWater
Rhenner sighs,  "Fine, I'll go have a look. Watch for the spiders."  With the help of the Shiny's spell he climbs up the wall and examines the alcove.  "Yes, there is something here." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "What there?"  Natalia asks.
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "What there?"  Natalia asks. 
 

  "Not going to examine it up here",  the half-elf replies and climbs back down with the loot.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia blinks at at all the gold and platinum pieces glimmering at them from the sack. She pokes through it experimentally--the coins make a very satisfying jingling sound and feel cool and smooth and bluish-black against her fingers. Her fingers close against a pair of goggles--they must be the source of the magic item she saw.

  "Look! Coins and...glasses!"  She puts them on and squints at how sharp and detailed everything suddenly becomes. Ach, sharp enough to almost give her a headache, especially if she stares at something bright.  "Want try?"  Natalia passes the goggles to anyone who wants to look.
CoffeeIncluded
As Natalia puts away the gold, her hand brushes against the textbook on traps. All the traps done by surface cultires, but nothing on underdark traps. And she saw the intricate craftsmanship, the way they like to chain one trap into the next. Another thought bubbles into her mind again: what a waste. She sighs.  "Wish...other drow like Ildan. Work together. Teach him halfling traps for drow traps. Chain and trick, stronger both than alone..." 

She looks up at the webbed hammocks and thinks of the nightmarish torture they saw. How could a whole society be this psychotic? What made them like this? And what's worse...

 "Who made evil, crazy? Because..."  she sifts her hand through the gold again, letting ue pieces fall through her open fingers.  "Made. Doesn't need be."  It's like what she said to Sonorus. How could anyone make a place this demented? How could it even  exist?  "How not fall apart?"  
CWater
Rhenner just shrugs and shakes his head a little, then rubs his forehead like he has a headache.
CoffeeIncluded
Yeah...There probably isn't an answer, is there. There never is, she's quickly learning.  "Rhenner, I...about everything..."  She trails off, not really sure what to say. And then an idle thought slips through her mind.  "Wait, Rhenner...if no knowing evil gods, then...how did you know? Sounded like...earlier knowing, up above?" 
 
 Spoiler 
If this is wrong please let me know so I can edit it.
 
CWater
Rhenner looks up when Natalia asks the question, but takes his time to reply.  "I didn't know... about all this",  he looks around, but it's clear he doesn't mean this room,  "A whole..."   He searches for words without finding them, and starts another sentence instead,  "That smuggler, Ildan, couldn't explain how it's possible, a whole society following the teachings of an evil mad goddess. Maybe, born here, he doesn't understand the question any more than we understand the answer." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs and leans against Rhenner. She can't think of any reasonable explanation for why this place is so insane, so horribly and capriciously violent, and so  regimented  in it. If nothing else, how has it not fallen apart by now? She tries searching for the words, sometimes even getting as far as opening her mouth and waving her hands with a few uttered syllables, but eventually she gives up and says,  "I hope...see Ildan again. On good terms. Need speak anyway, to find...other sneaking friend."  She pauses, changing her words at the last moment, remembering the eyes. Her last few words are rough, and Natalia blinks back tears as she adds, in a lower voice,  "And Kurt safe." 
CWater
Rhenner pats Natalia's shoulder, not saying anything.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia curls up against Rhenner's touch, finding comfort in it even though she presses her head against her knees, wraps her arms around her legs.  "Never thought...all this when left home...why you leave?" 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia curls up against Rhenner's touch, finding comfort in it even though she presses her head against her knees, wraps her arms around her legs.  "Never thought...all this when left home...why you leave?"  
 

 
 Spoiler 
Natalia really likes to cling to people, doesn't she?😛

Though one note, Rhenner is not sitting down, unless they are going to rest here, which I doubt.
 

 "You ask a cleric of Fharlanghn why he travels?",  Rhenner replies and manages to smirk a little.  "Why come here exactly, that... is a bit more complicated." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  
 Spoiler 
Natalia really likes to cling to people, doesn't she?😛

Though one note, Rhenner is not sitting down, unless they are going to rest here, which I doubt.
 

 "You ask a cleric of Fharlanghn why he travels?",  Rhenner replies and manages to smirk a little.  "Why come here exactly, that... is a bit more complicated."  
 

 "Guess answers self, like why chose Gond,"  Natalia says with a soft chuckle.  "Though...why Fharlanghn? Wander first or after?"  Why had Miriam followed Cuthbert anyway? Was it only because she was led to? How would things have changed if she chose a god that cared? She closes her eyes. The questions are painful, and it's not like they can ever be answered.

 
 Spoiler 
Natalia likes physical contact. She finds it comforting, and it helps keep her grounded and focused in a way. I think her synesthesia also plays into it.

But sure, we can do this standing.
 
CWater
 
 Spoiler 
Nothing wrong in liking hugs.🙂 Though it's good that Rhenner does not find touching others as awkward as I do. Would be pretty hard to be a medic otherwise. ^^
 

 "It was my own choice, guess it was the idea of seeing the world, being free, that I first liked as a child. Of course, there are more aspects to the faith, which I learned later, but I appreciate them",  he touches the holy symbol hanging on his neck,  "And I've been able to keep this faith, despite everything." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "So your faith a choice,"  Natalia says. She looks up at the webbings on the walls.  "You think...here, choice or forced?"  Or only as much a choice as was available, the illusion of one...ugh. She doesn't know enough to say.

 "Despite all..."  Natalia folds her arms and looks up again.  "Just...promise me...not martyr to faith? Ties to us too? Please?" 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "So your faith a choice,"  Natalia says. She looks up at the webbings on the walls.  "You think...here, choice or forced?"  Or only as much a choice as was available, the illusion of one...ugh. She doesn't know enough to say.  
 

 "Based on what we've learned from the residents, I doubt they have many options." 

  "Despite all..."  Natalia folds her arms and looks up again.  "Just...promise me...not martyr to faith? Ties to us too? Please?"  

 "Think I told you before, I'm not saintly enough for personal sacrifices",  Rhenner says with a friendly smirk.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "Based on we've learned from the residents, I doubt they have many options."  
 

Natalia nods. But how in the hells did this even start?


  "Think I told you before, I'm not saintly enough for personal sacrifices",  Rhenner says with a friendly smirk. 

 "Good,"  Natalia says and for the first time in this conversation there's a note of conviction in her voice.  "Better...good enough, and alive, than...dead saint. Especially if...not back after." 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Good,"  Natalia says and for the first time in this conversation there's a note of conviction in her voice.  "Better...good enough, and alive, than...dead saint. Especially if...not back after."  
 

Rhenner's expression turns back to serious.   It has still been so little time for them.   He gently pats the girl's head.  "Everyone...have the right to that choice. Assuming they are given one",  he adds bitterly,  "But it's never easy.. To lose and be forced to let go." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks back at Rhenner when he starts patting her head.  "I know. But still...always felt she saw...as..."  she waves her hands, trying to collect the words, but can only say,  "Punishment for framed crimes. All of it."  She looks down, running her fingers over the loops of copper.  "Glad you not martyr." 
CWater
Rhenner doesn't really understand what Natalia means with her garbled speech, so he says nothing about it.

Letting his gaze wander around the room, he asks,  "Assuming we're out of the crevice and manage to reach the city.. What do we do next?"  directing the words to the whole group. He throws a glance at Stephan, the warrior doesn't even know what their goal here is, does he?

  And yet he chose to follow us. Got no sense of self-preservation, does he?  
Dusk Eclipse
 "City? What City?" 
 
 Spoiler 

Yeah... I got nothing 😳
 
CoffeeIncluded
He doesn't know?! But...he couldn't have. They never told him the whole story, did they. How can they do it here, in this place? Natalia looks around the room. There may not be eyes but there might be invisible ears, and so she whispers,  "Drowtown. Tol'Garun. Can't say all...because may be unseen ears, but...answer to questions there. Ildan said friend help us...repeat your fleeing, our freeing Orgun mission. Not same, but...same idea."  She answers the last bit vaguely, pointedly staring at the walls outside. There's a reason her words are even more circumspect and tangled than usual even though she's concentrating on them.
Admiral
Once they've searched the room and collected its treasure, the party heads cautiously back into the hallway and progresses onward. Natalia notices that her new glasses let her see farther and more clearly than ever before.

The sketchings along the corridor grow more complex- and more gruesome- as they move forward. Mithril and Shiny alone can read the cryptic inscriptions- and from what Mithril can tell, the gnome seems to avert his eyes uncomfortably. The vast majority of inscriptions are poetic prayers of the same violent nature she'd grown sadly accustomed to in these dark tunnels. However, as she keeps reading she gets the sense that the writing is not just religious iconography, but that it might serve a hidden purpose- as though the poems were threads woven into the tapestry of an enormous spell, perhaps the same spell that infected every fiber of the webs below. From what she reads, she suspects they might be progressing deeper and deeper into the divine magic's clutches.

 
 Spoiler 

Spot and Listen checks all around, folks. Also remind me if anyone has Daylight active, please, or if you're relying on torches.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia regrets putting on the lenses almost immediately. The inscriptions get worse and worse the deeper down they go, and even as she shrinks away from them the lenses "gift" her with the ability to see every last detail. She can't read what they're saying, or feel the magic in the air, but she sees Shiny shy away and she can feel the oppressiveness growing, constricting her like a vine tightening around her chest. Are they headed deeper? She thought they were almost out...

 
 Spoiler: Perception checks: 
Spot: Take 10 for 27!
Listen:  (d20+12)[ 15 ] 

And Natalia has deeper darkvision up.

According to Zik's notes, how far do we have left to go?
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 He doesn't know?! But...he couldn't have. They never told him the whole story, did they. How can they do it here, in this place? Natalia looks around the room. There may not be eyes but there might be invisible ears, and so she whispers,  "Drowtown. Tol'Garun. Can't say all...because may be unseen ears, but...answer to questions there. Ildan said friend help us...repeat your fleeing, our freeing Orgun mission. Not same, but...same idea."  She answers the last bit vaguely, pointedly staring at the walls outside. There's a reason her words are even more circumspect and tangled than usual even though she's concentrating on them. 
 

Stephan quirks an eyebrow at Natalia's jumbled explanation, ever since he met with them understanding what Natalia said was difficult, even at the best of times, but this was more... complex than ever.  "I see" . Even though he thinks he might have gotten the gist of it, they were probably going to meet with someone in Tol'Garum, but for what? He wasn't sure.


 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Once they've searched the room and collected its treasure, the party heads cautiously back into the hallway and progresses onward. Natalia notices that her new glasses let her see farther and more clearly than ever before.

The sketchings along the corridor grow more complex- and more gruesome- as they move forward. Mithril and Shiny alone can read the cryptic inscriptions- and from what Mithril can tell, the gnome seems to avert his eyes uncomfortably. The vast majority of inscriptions are poetic prayers of the same violent nature she'd grown sadly accustomed to in these dark tunnels. However, as she keeps reading she gets the sense that the writing is not just religious iconography, but that it might serve a hidden purpose- as though the poems were threads woven into the tapestry of an enormous spell, perhaps the same spell that infected every fiber of the webs below. From what she reads, she suspects they might be progressing deeper and deeper into the divine magic's clutches.

 
 Spoiler 

Spot and Listen checks all around, folks. Also remind me if anyone has Daylight active, please, or if you're relying on torches.
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler 

Spot  (1d20+11)[ 12 ] 
Listen  (1d20+11)[ 31 ] 

If it matters Stephan can speak and read undercommon too. And I think we might have light up at the least, not sure if daylight.

Edit a Nat 1 and a nat 20... did I please or anger the RNGoddess?🤨
 
CWater
Rhenner tries not to look at the gruesome pictures on the walls, he's seen enough already, though he still gets a unwilling glimpse now and then.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot:  (1d20+7)[ 17 ] 
Listen:  (1d20+5)[ 17 ] 

Rhenner lost his torch earlier, so he's not carrying light right now.
 
Athedia
Mithril paused near each of the inscriptions reading their dark text.  She kept glancing behind her at the chasm, as scary as it had been it still may be safer.   "Maybe this was the wrong idea... Maybe we should go back and leave.  Just get out of here." 
 
 Spoiler 
Listen:  (1d20+3)[ 11 ] 
Spot:  (1d20+3)[ 4 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Can't,"  Natalia whispers, shivering.  "No flight back, right?" 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler: Stephan only 

As the party walks, Stephan suddenly halts, almost out of instinct. He hears the breath of multiple people ahead of them, perhaps between a hundred and two hundred paces. Even he is surprised at first that he can make them out at this distance, until he gets the sense their breathing are especially loud... perhaps even eager. Memories of the most barbaric warriors of the arena, and how they almost panted with anticipation of the upcoming fight, return to him.
 
Dusk Eclipse
without noticing Stephan starts to creep towards the source of the noise, he evens his breath, slow his steps, for one moment he isn't deep underground in the Drow's domain, he is back at his family estate learning to stalk with his father, but then the breathing becomes louder...almost like panting and then he isn't in the woods, he is back at the arena  "It can't be...." 
 
 Spoiler 

Move Silently  (1d20+12)[ 23 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "What hear?"  Natalia breathes, watching Stephan shift his stance to a lighter, more careful one.

 
 Spoiler: Question 
Can Natalia start sneaking too?
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Breathing.... like.... back at the arena. 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Oh no,"  Natalia whispers. She holds out a hand to steady Stephan's arm.  "It okay...Here, not there. Won't let them hurt, promise... 
Athedia
  Is he having flashbacks?  An insane warrior... well he will fit in with the rest of us nicely I guess.  
Admiral
As the party pauses and whispers among themselves, they hear a pair of battle cries from ahead.

 
 Spoiler 

Stephan hearing it saved you from getting them a surprise round, but didn't get a surprise round for the party, so initiative it is.

Everyone roll for initiative. (As usual, I would roll for everyone myself but am stalling so I can finish some work, like a pro). Anyone ahead of enemies can go once they're ready (though I'd recommend checking to see if your allies can/want to go first, esp if they have buffs they might cast).

Enemies:  (1d20+1)[ 19 ] 
Shiny:  (1d20+2)[ 9 ] 
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Oh no,"  Natalia whispers. She holds out a hand to steady Stephan's arm.  "It okay...Here, not there. Won't let them hurt, promise...  
 

Stephan's arms instinctively flinches at Natalia's contact, he has to remind himself he is out of the arena. He nods in thanks to Natalia  "Thank you"  he turns his head towards the source of the noise  "Be ready to jump in"  he whispers before walking towards battle cries.


 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 As the party pauses and whispers among themselves, they hear a pair of battle cries from ahead.

 
 Spoiler 

Stephan hearing it saved you from getting them a surprise round, but didn't get a surprise round for the party, so initiative it is.

Everyone roll for initiative. (As usual, I would roll for everyone myself but am stalling so I can finish some work, like a pro). Anyone ahead of enemies can go once they're ready (though I'd recommend checking to see if your allies can/want to go first, esp if they have buffs they might cast).

Enemies: [roll0]
Shiny: [roll1]
 
 
 


 
 Spoiler 

Move Action: Move as close as possible to the source of the battle cries
Swift action: Initiate Pearl of Black doubt
Ready Action: Use Rabid Wolf Strike to attack anything that attacks Stephan first.
Don't act surprised about this 😛
 
Admiral
Stephan, his reflexes honed from experience in war, is the first to react to the battle cries, charging in front of the party. Out of the darkness comes the sound of clanking metal, and moments later a pair of soldiers, both wearing heavy metal armor and brandishing intimidating greataxes, appear. Their breastplates are emblazoned large icons depicting a great spider. From Rhenner's study of the church, he suspects these may be the warrior guardians of the Temples: the dreaded Paladins of Slaughter.

 
 Spoiler 

Party's initiative.

Map will be up in half an hour. But in the meantime if you'd like to act: the corridor is 10 feet wide, Stephan is standing 25 feet in front of the rest of the party (I've fudged his movement a little so he can still be  hasted ), and the two drow are currently 35 feet from Stephan (had to spend their round closing the distance).

Hell, if someone else wants to create the map (replacing our old one perhaps) based on that description they're welcome to do so.

Shiny uses up an L4 below (his L3s are gone).
 


Shiny reacts to these new enemies, casting a spell of speed on the party.
CWater
Those sigils on their armour.. That cursed book mentioned the evil knights that guard the spider queens realm. The thought stirs both fear and anger in Rhenner's mind. Quickly, he moves next to Natalia and casts a protective spell.  "Be careful, you have a good heart, and if those are what I think, I bet they can power their attacks with pure evil against you. The same way good paladins can, to strike down evil enemies, only in reverse." 
 
 Spoiler 

Casting Protection from Evil on Natalia.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan eyes the so called "Paladin of Slaughter" in utter distaste, he knows their type, big, petty cruel drows who relish on inflicting pain and suffering, well he will see how they like when it is given back to them. With the enhanced speed provided by Shiny's spell he crosses the distance between him and the Drows in a blur, stopping right in front of the leftward one just moment, as if daring him to attack him, before suddenly pivoting and crossing towards the right one, his blades tracing silvery blurs as he probes their defences.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 

I know the actions looks complicated so I'll explain step by step what am I trying to do
non-action: Designate D1 as  Dodge Target and activate  Elusive Target's   Negate Power Attack  option.
Move Action: In two parts, first move to (I,24) and then to (J,24) trying to provoke an AoO from D1 (It will make sense in a moment)
Standard Action: Initiate  Mithral Tornado  to attack both Drows at once, but I'm using  Stormguard Warrior   Combat Rhythm  option to make non-damaging touch attacks, so next turn I get a +5 damage bonus on each of the Paladin of Slaugter

Attack vs. Drow 1  (1d20+17)[ 30 ]  vs touch armour no damage
Attack vs. Drow 2  (1d20+17)[ 26 ]  vs touch armour no damage

 
 Spoiler: Open if D1 decides to take the AoO 

If D1 does attemp an attack of opportunity Stephan will try to use the  Cause overreach  option to try to trip D1, if the attack roll of D1 is higher or equal to 22 Stephan will use  Wall of Blades  to make it miss (as per the maneuver he can decide to use even after knowing the result of the attack). I will pre-roll both the Wall of Blades and the trip attemp to make things go smoother (I hope)

Immediate Action: Wall of Blades  (1d20+15)[ 21 ] 
Trip Attack  (1d20+15)[ 19 ]  vs touch AC
Strength roll to trip  (1d20+3)[ 7 ] 
 


Yes I know it is a complex turn, but common, it is badass!
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Thanks!"  Natalia says when Rhenner casts his spell on her. Evil paladins? Every thing she heard about paladins said they're paragons of good, justice, and righteousness, if a bit too self-righteous and uptight for her personal preference. Here, even that idea has been turned on its head, twisted and warped into a parody of itself? What kind of sick ideals are these guys paragons of? She probably already knows, and she doesn't feel like she should be as surprised as she is.

Those thoughts pass through her tangled mind in a flash, and wink to the background at the sight of Stephan rushing forward, deliberately opening himself to an attack before jabbing out with the flat of his blade.

 "What doing?!"  Natalia shouts and she's already halfway there, drawing her blades and ducking under the opening Stephan makes, lashing out in two blindingly swift blows and taking advantage of the momentary confusion.

 
 Spoiler: Attack 
compared to Stephan Natalia's attack is simple. Run forward, island of blades maneuver as a swift action to flank with Stephan against the drow right in front of her; then wolf fang strike sneak attack. I'm keeping Faraday in my back pocket for now.

Attack:  (d20+12)[ 22 ] 
Crit:  (d20+12)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 10 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 21 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+5)[ 6 ] 

Attack:  (d20+12)[ 30 ] 
Crit:  (d20+12)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 9 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 25 ] 
Crit damage:  (d4+5)[ 9 ] 

Ac is 24.
 
Admiral
Stephan charges at the warriors before making a sudden unexpected sidestep. As he does, both the drow swing their axes towards him.

 
 Spoiler 

Ack, I'm afraid (unless someone corrects me) that both D1 and D2 get an AoO, since they both threaten both spaces (and Stephan is moving out of a threatened space). Normally I'd give you the chance to take the action back, but you've already rolled.

D1 Attack:  (1d20+10)[ 26 ]   (1d20+10)[ 30 ] 
D1 Damage:  (1d12+16)[ 19 ]   (1d12+16)[ 25 ]  This is 10 too much; I forgot about Negate Power Attack.
Something else:  (2d6)[ 7 ]   (1d6)[ 6 ] 
Str check against tripping:  (1d20+3)[ 13 ] 

D2 Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 24 ]   (1d20+9)[ 28 ] 
D2 Damage:  (1d12+18)[ 30 ]   (1d12+18)[ 28 ] 

Ouch. Total of 46 damage to Stephan.
 


As the first drow's greataxe makes contact with Stephan, energy crackles along it and seems to pulse through both of the combatants. Stephan's wounds grow even deeper, but so it seems is the drow wounded by his own weapon.

The paladin Natalia attacks stumbles against her precise strikes, but remains standing.

 
 Spoiler 

D2 is bloodied.

Just Mithril and Rhenner left. Stephan is in bad shape.
 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
Massive headcold and sore throat right now, having a lot of trouble figuring out how to write a post. they have spell resistance so no dawn burst.  Daylight should work.  Pick up pebble and daylight it.  Throw it toward drow if she can.
 
Admiral
Mithril casts her spell of daylight and tosses the pebble towards the battle.

The two drow recoil, squinting, from the bright light. Snarling in blind fury they swing their axes at Natalia. On their first swings, each calls out what sounds like a twisted prayer.

 
 Spoiler 

 Smite good 

Natalia dealt a good amount of damage, and Stephan proved immune to a power attack, so afraid she's the target for now.

D1:
Attack:  (1d20+14)[ 19 ]   (1d20+14)[ 28 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+25)[ 37 ]   (1d20+25)[ 38 ]   (1d20+25)[ 40 ] 
Viciousness: to Natalia:  (2d6)[ 7 ]  to self:  (1d6)[ 2 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 2 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 10 ]   (1d20+7)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+14)[ 16 ]   (1d12+14)[ 18 ]   (1d12+14)[ 25 ] 
Viciousness: to Natalia:  (2d6)[ 9 ]  to self:  (1d6)[ 1 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 2 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+2)[ 19 ]   (1d20+2)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+14)[ 22 ]   (1d12+14)[ 18 ]   (1d12+14)[ 19 ] 
Viciousness: to Natalia:  (2d6)[ 6 ]  to self:  (1d6)[ 5 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 2 ] 

D2:

Attack:  (1d20+14)[ 33 ]   (1d20+14)[ 28 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+24)[ 30 ]   (1d12+24)[ 31 ]   (1d12+24)[ 35 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+6)[ 15 ]   (1d20+6)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (1d12+14)[ 25 ]   (1d12+14)[ 25 ]   (1d12+14)[ 16 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 
 
Dusk Eclipse
Now that the Drows are focused on Natalia Stephan presses his attack on the first "Paladin"

 
 Spoiler 

Full Attack on D1
Attack 1  (mainhand) [PA -2/+2]  (1d20+11)[ 17 ] 
Crit  (1d20+13)[ 17 ] 
Damage  (1d6+11)[ 13 ]  Crit  (1d6+11)[ 17 ] 

Attack 2 (Offhand) [PA -2/+2]  (1d20+11)[ 25 ] 
Crit  (1d20+13)[ 24 ] 
Damage  (1d6+11)[ 13 ]  Crit  (1d6+11)[ 16 ] 
 Haste  [PA -2/+2] (1d20+11)[ 29 ] 
Crit  (1d20+13)[ 15 ] 
Damage  (1d6+11)[ 17 ]  Crit  (1d6+11)[ 12 ] 

Attack 2 [PA -2/+2]  (1d20+6)[ 16 ] 
Crit  (1d20+9)[ 16 ] 
Damage  (1d6+11)[ 14 ]  Crit  (1d6+11)[ 16 ] 

If it kills D1 switch Dodge Target to D2; I'm also assuming the "twisted prayer" was just flavour  text for the Smite Good attempt, but in case it matters shouldn't Stephan understand them? Well assuming they spoke in Undercommon and not abyssal.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Stephan! What doing?!"  Natalia shouts as Stephan directly goads the drow into attacking him, and gets an axe to the face for his trouble. Sudden fear grips her--is she going to have to keep Stephan alive too? How, how can...

And then Natalia sees the bright pebble soar overhead and she's there, instantly reacting, twisting her body aside. It's not a moment too soon, because as she leaps and rolls aside one snarling drow swings an axe inches from her face, and the other, blinded by the light, furiously attacks the space where she was. If not for Mithril's light, he would have lopped her head clean off.

The thought makes her shudder, and Natalia calls back,  "Thank you Mithril! Saved me!"  before furiously striking the one with the vicious axe.

 
 Spoiler: Attack! 
attacking d1, then d2 if d1 goes down ad Natalia still has attacks left. The paladins are flat footed an have -2 to ac.

Attack:  (d20+10)[ 14 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 9 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 19 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+5)[ 8 ] 

Attack:  (d20+10)[ 30 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 11 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 25 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+5)[ 10 ] 

Attack:  (d20+10)[ 21 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 29 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 8 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 21 ]  plus spell storing shocking grasp (move to a hit if this misses):  (d6)[ 2 ] 
Crit damage:  (d4+5)[ 7 ] 

Attack:  (d20+5)[ 8 ] 
Crit:  (d20+5)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 10 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 20 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+5)[ 9 ] 

Attack:  (d20+5)[ 22 ] 
Crit:  (d20+5)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 8 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 20 ] 
Crit damage:  (d4+5)[ 9 ] 
 
Admiral
Stephan strikes with two of his slashes, though the other two bounce off the drow's heavy armor.

 
 Spoiler 

The short prayer was Abyssal (the Latin to Undercommon's English and Elven's Italian in the drow's version of Vatican City). Though I suppose both Mithril and Shiny can understand Abyssal through the  tongues  spell.

 
 Spoiler: Abyssal 

It was one of the twelve versions Abyssal possesses of the imperative verb "Die!", modulated to indicate it was addressing a Good mortal.
 

 
Admiral
Natalia swings at the most threatening drow: her first strike misses, but then with a pair of well-aimed stabs to the vulnerable points in his armor he collapses to the ground.

With the aid of Shiny's spell, she turns to the other drow in a flurry of blades, and on her last desperate attempt she pierces his neck and he falls as well.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia leans over, catching her breath and looking around as the blood drips off her blades. That axe came much closer to killing her than she liked. Too close. When did she become a full time frontliner?   I wish you were still here, Kurt.  
 
 Spoiler: Question 
any others?
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Stephan, search other?"  Natalia quickly asks, leaning down, quickly searching the body of the first "paladin" she killed. She's twitchy and constantly looking for danger as she pats him down, making sure to get the axe if nothing else--she recognizes it as the same kind that the Orc in the Linwood caves wielded, so long ago.

 
 Spoiler: Search! 
sorry about the double post but I need to roll:  (d20+16)[ 19 ]  for d1.

If nothing else, she takes the axe. Maybe shove the body in a bag if she rolls really badly and can't find anything else.
 
CWater
Rhenner moves closer to the victorious fighters and uses the healing wand to heal Stephan wounds.

 
 Spoiler 
Rolling a few times. Use as many as he has time for, or is enough to heal all 16 HP.

CLW:
 (1d8+1)[ 9 ] 
 (1d8+1)[ 7 ] 
 (1d8+1)[ 5 ] 
 (1d8+1)[ 7 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Something seems to strike Natalia as she searches the body of the first twisted paladin, though she's too nervous to really give a good look.  "Hey...what day it?" 
CWater
 "Sorry, what?"  Rhenner says, looking confused. He's been glaring at the dead drow paladin's corpse, and is unsure what Natalia said this time.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Day, today!"  Natalia says, her voice slightly manic. If Rhenner or anyone looks over, they can see her shoulders shaking...from laughter.

 "Think...my birthday." 
 
 Spoiler: Not out of the blue 
back in Deldon Natalia said she was almost 20, and that was a few days ago.
 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Day, today!"  Natalia says, her voice slightly manic. If Rhenner or anyone looks over, they can see her shoulders shaking...from laughter.

 "Think...my birthday." 
 
 Spoiler: Not out of the blue 
back in Deldon Natalia said she was almost 20, and that was a few days ago.
 
 
 

  Says the girl innocently while crouching over an enemy she just cut down. One who had probably butchered hundreds in his own life.

...What is wrong with this world? 


"That's...nice",  is all Rhenner says.

 
 Spoiler 
I've been rereading the game threads, and counting by the times we have rested/prepared spells, it's pretty close to a week since you entered Deldon.🙂
 
CoffeeIncluded
There's almost a grin on Natalia's face as she stares at her bloody hands. The crevice, the eyes, the tortured victims, these twisted paladins and the spiders  everywhere...  The rogue starts giggling as she waves her hands in the air.  "Twenty--happy birthday!" 
 
 Spoiler 
thanks, CWater! And I should probably stop now so I don't use up too much time in initiative. And yes, Natalia is very aware of how warped this all is.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 Rhenner moves closer to the victorious fighters and uses the healing wand to heal Stephan wounds.

 
 Spoiler 
Rolling a few times. Use as many as he has time for, or is enough to heal all 16 HP.

CLW:
 (1d20+8)[ 28 ] 
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
 
 
 

Stephan nods gratefully  "Thank you"  he then gives a the Drow Paladin a quick search aided by the speed enchantment.

 
 Spoiler: Search Check 

 (1d20+8)[ 28 ] 
 


 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 There's almost a grin on Natalia's face as she stares at her bloody hands. The crevice, the eyes, the tortured victims, these twisted paladins and the spiders  everywhere...  The rogue starts giggling as she waves her hands in the air.  "Twenty--happy birthday!" 
 
 Spoiler 
thanks, CWater! And I should probably stop now so I don't use up too much time in initiative. And yes, Natalia is very aware of how warped this all is.
 
 
 

Stephan decides to avoid commenting, it wouldn't be nice to ruin Natalia's cheerful attitude, even since he had come to the thrice dammed Underdark these kind of moments were scarce   "Since when have you cared about that?"   a cynical voice ask in his head. He doesn't answer back, whether he can't or won't even Stephan doesn't really know .
Athedia
Mithril stared at the dead drow and then at Natalia.   "Let's hope we survive to your next." 
Admiral
Upon searching the drow, Stephan finds a belt that he recognizes as a prized item among the few fighters at the Institute: it grants increased strength to its wearer.

 
 Spoiler 

Belt of Giant Strength +2, a +1 greataxe and a +1 vicious greataxe is the loot.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril stared at the dead drow and then at Natalia.   "Let's hope we survive to your next."  
 

Natalia smiles, uncomfortably close to one of Rhenner's trademark smirks.  "good that this far..." 

 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Upon searching the drow, Stephan finds a belt that he recognizes as a prized item among the few fighters at the Institute: it grants increased strength to its wearer.

 
 Spoiler 

Belt of Giant Strength +2, a +1 greataxe and a +1 vicious greataxe is the loot.
 
 
 

Natalia looks over at the belt, then at the axes. Exactly the same as the Linwood orcs...did they have a belt like that as well? She can't remember right now, and isn't sure if she wants to.

If there's time, she shoves the axes into her bag.

 
 Spoiler 
I'm assuming dusk wants to don the belt now.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan takes the belt, recognizing it from way back in the institute, those belts were pretty popular, but he had never paid much attention to them; now however was a different story, he knew he needed every advantage he could get.

 "He won't need it anymore"  he whispers to no one in particular as he buckles the belt, he immediately feels a rush of strength surging from it, his weapon, his armour, everything seemed lighter than just a second before.  "Now I understand why they were so popular" 
Admiral
Once the party has collected the weapons and belt from the paladins, they peer forward into the corridor, which seems to narrow gradually as it progresses. As they explore forward, within a few dozen yards they see a solid iron door loom out of the darkness. The door bears a large, now familiar, icon of a spider surrounded by insignias of eyes.

The obscure markings along the walls of the corridor grow more intense and complex as they head down the corridor, and seem to blend with the door as they meet it.

 
 Spoiler 

Party is able to reach the door safely.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Those markings have to mean something, especially with the way they blend with the door. They could very easily be hiding something in their intricate lines, and the eyes only make her more suspicious. Natalia's mouth is dry as she looks up at the door; she swallows and licks her lips to no effect. She turns around and says in a quiet voice,  "Watch back,"  before searching for any tricks or traps.

 
 Spoiler: Searching 
Take 20 to search the door, and around it, for a  36. 

Also, did we have time to take 20 on the corpses? I won't push you on this though. Oh, and I'm headed to class soon (it's from 1:25 to 2:40) so I might not be able to respond immediately.
 
CWater
 "Wait",  Rhenner stops Natalia before she approaches the ominous door. Quickly, the cleric scribes a rune on her back with a finger.  "May the Watcher of the Roads bless you",  he mutters under his breath. The symbol glows for a moment, then fades away from sight.

He also casts a small spell, granting the trapmaster a tiny bit of divine guidance.

 
 Spoiler 
Protective ward (Protection domain's grated power). +6 on next save (any). Lasts 1 hour or until discharged.

Guidance. +1 to one skill check, attack roll or save. Has to be used within the next minute.
 
Admiral
Natalia steps forward as the others step back, takes her tools, and begins examining the runes and symbols along the outside of the door. Nervous, she beckons Shiny to help, and the gnome comes over to peer over her shoulder intently.

On her first pass, she doesn't recognize anything dangerous, although she has the feeling that she's too nervous and could be overlooking something.

 
 Spoiler 

Re OOC: You're saying you want to activate the Goggles' True Seeing before you take 10? (Note that it would help if an illusion is hiding something, but would not in any way reveal magic auras or anything like that).
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Natalia steps forward as the others step back, takes her tools, and begins examining the runes and symbols along the outside of the door. Nervous, she beckons Shiny to help, and the gnome comes over to peer over her shoulder intently.

On her first pass, she doesn't recognize anything dangerous, although she has the feeling that she's too nervous and could be overlooking something.

 
 Spoiler 

Re OOC: You're saying you want to activate the Goggles' True Seeing before you take 10? (Note that it would help if an illusion is hiding something, but would not in any way reveal magic auras or anything like that).
 
 
 

Natalia swallows--she's sure she's missing something. Nervously she tries again. Chain traps. The drow chain traps and all the runes are messing up her sense of touch, making the colors blend and change so sharply.

Just before she tries again, she takes the crystal and focuses, looking for magic woven onto--or into, or maybe even through--the door.

 
 Spoiler: Oh, wait 
f they won't help with magic stuff then use the detect magic crystal instead before taking 10. Sorry!
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia staggers back a step, holding a hand to her forehead.  "Urgh..."  All those pulsing waves of magic only served to make her headache worse. Biting her lip, the rogue steps back and asks her friends,  "Can't find, but think might trap...magic  everywhere,  can't tell what."  She hands the crystal to her friends.  "Could...be eye magic, trap magic, both, but...can't feel magic like thread. Can't tell."  She looks back at the door.  "Want you check, can see magic? Or...I try door, and...risk own?" 
 
 Spoiler: What do you guys want to do? 
Do you (Mithril or Rhenner or Shiny if he has spellcraft ranks) want to detect magic and piece out what's with the door? Or roll Search again? Or just go through?

I'm sorry this is getting so protracted, guys.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan who had been observing Natalia work, extends his hand towards her  "May I?"  he gestures towards the crystal  "I may not be a spellcaster, but I know how spells tend to work"  he says as he studies the weaves of magic permeating the hallway and the door.

 
 Spoiler 

Spellcraft  (1d20+9)[ 27 ] 
Stephan might be an impulsive bastard, but he is a scholarly impulsive bastard!😛
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

Just posting this here so it's on the record. Goes before Natalia's last post.

Also interested to see what others want to do. If no one cares I'd leave it to Natalia.
 


As Natalia uses her magic crystal and scans the door, she finds that the entire structure seems to be pulsing with magical auras, as though they were flowing through the walls. With the crude device she's not able to distinguish any particular magic along the door.

So she returns to searching, more systematically this time, and Shiny does his best to help.

 
 Spoiler 

Shiny Aid: [roll0] (was a 14 OOC).
 


Natalia still can't find anything along the door.

As Stephan takes the crystal and examines the door, he also sees that the magical auras knit a deep web through and around it. However, upon careful examination he realizes not all the magical auras are of the same class. While most of the magic along the walls is a blend of divination and transmutation, he spots two points along the edge of the door, at asymmetrical points on the upper right and lower left, that are of the conjuration school.

 
 Spoiler 

Good roll from Stephan.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Divination,but that is to be expected... "  Stephan mumbles, mostly to himself but anyone can understand him   Is that Transmutation? Not really standard but I can see why....  he continues his assessment of the web of spells,   "How fitting. Heh"  , until he finds something even more out of the ordinary  "Is that conjuration?"  he removes the crystal for a second, polishes it with the cloth of his cloak and checks again   "It is conjuration"  

He clears his throat before speaking  "We definitely should be careful here, even more than usual"  his gaze turns stern  As far as I could tell the door is secured by a combination of Divination spells, most likely to alert if anyone passes through here, Transmutation, probably to enhance or defend either the traps or the door itself, but here comes the tricky part. There are two sources of conjuration magic.  he closes his eyes in slight resignation  "I'm not sure what they are for though; they could be summoning spells to deal with intruders, or perhaps they could shoot at us with acid or something I can't tell from the auras alone." 
CoffeeIncluded
Stephan knows the magic too, well enough to identify it at least. Natalia shuffles a bit awkwardly, though she snaps to attention when he says what he found. Divination, what scared Mithril so much. Transmutation and conjuration...she freezes. Unbidden, flashes of the twisting snake sigil that bound her and separated her from the world, a statue until her friends found the wand to restore her, of the explosive runes scattered throughout that twisted spellbook come to mind. She shudders, turns back to the door as her mouth dries again. The conjuration's probably the most important bit from the way he said it, and transmutation...well, everything she's seen of drow style traps shows that they like to chain them together.  "Where see conjuration, Stephan?" 

Once Stephan points out the spots, Natalia nods a,  "Thanks,"  too nervous to smile. She then focuses on those spots, hoping to find something--and hoping even more that she can safely disable it.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
I'm about to go to bed but don't want to hold anyone up if you're all on after this.

Natalia's going to focus on the spots that Stephan found. I don't know whether you'll be using search or disable device or whatever, or how the modifiers might change, but I trust you. Her search modifier is +16 and her disable device modifier is +18 (masterwork thieves tools). Basically I don't want to hold you up, so you can post her rolls (or take 10s or whatever) and results if that happens. If not I'll do it when I get up.

Night everyone!
 
CWater
Rhenner raises an eyebrow when Stephan not only knows how to use the magic detecting chrystal, but also has the skill to analyze the results. He hadn't expected that from a swordsman, even if they had the mark of the Institute.
Admiral
Once Stephan points out the locations of the likely traps, Natalia is able to spot them: runes worked subtly into the stonework that would trigger if the door were opened.

 
 Spoiler 

You can go ahead and try Disabling them if you want. Of course one can't take 20 on Disabling.

Where does the rest of the party want to stand?
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks at the the runes. Now the Stephan's pointed the out, she can see how the pattern is slightly different from the rest of the ones on the door. She swallows and takes out her tools, saying,  "Eye backlash hurt, not sure if...stand back, unless shiny want help?"  before leaning over and trying to scratch out the runes.

 
 Spoiler: Disable device  
let's see if taking 10 for a 28 will disable them (if it doesn't I don't think I'll fail by 5 or more). It's a 30 if shiny wants to help and succeeds on the aid a other. I really hate negative levels.
 
Athedia
Mithril took Rhenner's arm and pulled the cleric back a good distance.   "I don't like this.  We should leave."   She examined the walls as she backtracked, hoping to identify something that could tell her what was going on.

 
 Spoiler 
Knowledge Religion:  (1d20+10)[ 12 ] 
 
CWater
 "..."  Rhenner follows Mithril's gaze, though he can't understand the language of the writings. And perhaps as an attempt of his mind to try to defend his sanity, the gruesome pictures become just a mix of colours. And light and dark.

 "Maybe",  he replies quietly in an almost absent-minded tone,  "But we lack the means to go back. All we can do is either stop here or go forward." 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia looks at the the runes. Now the Stephan's pointed the out, she can see how the pattern is slightly different from the rest of the ones on the door. She swallows and takes out her tools, saying,  "Eye backlash hurt, not sure if...stand back, unless shiny want help?"  before leaning over and trying to scratch out the runes.

 
 Spoiler: Disable device  
let's see if taking 10 for a 28 will disable them (if it doesn't I don't think I'll fail by 5 or more). It's a 30 if shiny wants to help and succeeds on the aid a other. I really hate negative levels.
 
 
 

The rest of the party steps back about 30 feet, and Natalia sets to work on the trap. She decides on a place to break it, but moments later catches herself- she realizes that strategy won't work.

 
 Spoiler 

Taking 10 didn't disable it and didn't set it off. (Incidentally, are you counting Guidance? It only helped with one check unless Rhenner cast it again).

Shiny can't assist, Disable Device is trained only (and he would rather step back anyway, since he doesn't have the protective wards she does).
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia grits her teeth. Ugh. She knows they book went over something like this, and it's not too different from the drider spell book trap! But this is a different spell, and stone is harder to break than paper, and whatever that backlash from the web did not only made her weaker, but also fogged her mind as well.

This node seems to be important...if she blocks it it would either disable the trap, or set if off. Maybe do nothing, but...she has to try.

 
 Spoiler: Disable device  
here goes...and no, no guidance. It would be +19 but I have that negative level.

Wish I had that chronocharm of the laughing rogue.

Disable device:  (d20+18)[ 27 ] 

Please tell me that's not enough to set it off. Should I roll again?
 
Admiral
Natalia again moves her blade towards a point on the runes, but second guesses herself once more and stops.
CoffeeIncluded
Sweat drips down the side of Natalia's head as she tries again. Is it just her or are the nodes vibrating, like a living thing? This is so different from the mechanical traps she's used to.

 
 Spoiler: Disable device? 
I think I might roll a few checks in case I fall within the fail-but-not-triggered range, just to save time. Especially since I'm about to go to office hours and may not be able to reply immediately. Of course, stop at the first success or catastrophic failure, even if that's the first. Is this okay?

Here goes...

 (d20+18)[ 33 ]  first attempt, if fail but not detonated then:
 (d20+18)[ 19 ]  second attempt, if fail but not detonated then:
 (d20+18)[ 21 ]  third attempt, if fail but nt detonated then:
 (d20+18)[ 32 ]  fourth attempt, if fail but not detonated then:
 (d20+18)[ 20 ]  fifth attempt and I should hope it's one or the other by this point! 😛

...I hope the first attempt works.

 
Admiral
Natalia takes a deep breath and cuts into the first rune. The whole party tenses, but nothing happens, and through the crystal Stephan sees the trap's magical aura wink out.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia feels the knot of magic tense then fall apart as she blocks the tune. She herself also tenses, then sighs in relief.  "That it?"  Did she manage to unravel it all?

 
 Spoiler: Question 
assuming that's it and you can answer at this time, out of curiosity what was the trap? If you can't answer at this time that's fine. But is the trap disarmed?
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

Trap was disarmed, but according to Stephan there's another one on the other side of the door. Not out of the woods yet.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Traps on traps. She could learn so much from them, it's so much faster learning the basics and then making new discoveries than cobbling it together who cloth yourself. This blocked one, but there's still another.  "One more,"  she says, almost to herself as she shifts over to the other one on the other side of the door. It's pretty high up, and Natalia has to stand on her tiptoes, wobbling slightly as she attempts to block the other vibrating knot of magic.

 
 Spoiler: Disable device: 
As before, posting a few in a row in case the first few lie within the "fail within 5 so the trap doesn't go off" range, while ignoring subsequent rolls once I get a definitive result one way or the other. That way I don't need to make multiple posts. Here goes... *gulp*

 (d20+18)[ 31 ] 
 (d20+18)[ 32 ] 
 (d20+18)[ 20 ] 
 (d20+18)[ 30 ] 
 (d20+18)[ 37 ] 

EDIT: I sure hope a 31 or 32 are enough! 😛
 
Admiral
Natalia carefully places her knife on one of the runes, and with her breath held makes an incision. The moment she does she regrets it as she feels a flash of colors within her fingertips- the synesthesiac sensation of a spell activating.

In a moment of insight she holds back her panic and slashes through the rune, letting her senses guide through the heart of the spell. Moments later the feeling of the spell is gone, and the rune in front of her is inert.

 
 Spoiler 

Not exactly what a 31 (too low)+32 (makes it) would mean, but I like my interpretation.

1000XP added for Natalia for disabling the traps, 200XP for each of the rest of the party to spread the love a bit.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Oh no. That pricking feel of magic being forced up her arm (sharp and purple, not the gentle tangled purple of her own magic but darker, clammier, more black and blue) is almost familiar. Like the snake sigil that bound her--did she trip it by mistake? Panic claws up her, but in an instant, she remembers, takes a deep breath, and pushes in, skimming through the tiny gaps of the magic, running along the waves, right to the heart. Which she puts out.

Just as soon as the tingling started, it vanished, and the trap lies silent and still. Natalia sighs, and rests back onto her whole feet.  "Both unwoven. Think that it." 

She needs to get back to her books. Even with all the fighting she can't let her studies, the machines she loves fall by the wayside.

 
 Spoiler: Whee! 
Yay! I really do like that interpretation! And extra exp. Extra exp is always nice. Oh, that reminds me--did we get exp for fighting the paladins?

Should Natalia go through the door first?
 

 "Should...go through?" If everyone else agrees, then Natalia cautiously, carefully opens the door.
Admiral
Natalia checks the lock on the door for traps, and finds none. She extracts her tools and starts to pick it, but quickly determines that the lock is likely beyond her abilities no matter how long she takes.

After she lets Shiny know this, the gnome cracks his fingers, points at the door, and casts his spell. The door creaks slowly open with a quiet rumble, and the light from Mithril's spell floods in to illuminate a round stone chamber with a dome ceiling, about 40 feet in diameter.

 
 Spoiler 

Basing this on your OOC post.

Order of walking in?
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Thanks,"  Natalia whispers to Shiny as he opens the door. How much magic does he have left?

The question falls silent in her mind as the door opens onto the large stone chamber. It's oddly silent here. She stops breathing for a moment--they have to be close to the center of the complex.

 
 Spoiler: Order 
I guess Natalia will go first unless Stephan wants to? She has dakrvision; what else is the room like?
 
Admiral
As Natalia enters the room, she sees a door across from her, of a similar size, shape and design to the door they'd just broken through. To the right she spots another exit: a set of steep stairs that ascend upwards into the rock.

The floor is covered with what looks at first like the inscriptions of cobwebs, a design that's been common in their journey through the crevice. But upon closer examination the party spots what looks like insignias representing landmarks and cities, it becomes clear that the scratches on the floor are not random, but compose a detailed map: a map of the hundreds of thousands of tunnels and settlements in the Underdark. Looking up, it becomes similarly clear that the

The room is dead silent, until it is broken by a shriek from within the party. As Mithril enters the room, she shudders and screams, her body convulsing and seizing involuntarily as she clutches at her face.

 
 Spoiler 

Need a Will DC 20 save from Mithril (give her first chance to post/react).
 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
Will Save vs DC 20:  (1d20+9)[ 17 ] 
 


Mithril watched nervously as first Natalia unlocked the door and then Shiny opened it.  She still felt the desire to leave this place, but it was safer to stay with the others.  Cautiously she stepped into the room, when it happened.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 As Natalia enters the room, she sees a door across from her, of a similar size, shape and design to the door they'd just broken through. To the right she spots another exit: a set of steep stairs that ascend upwards into the rock.

The floor is covered with what looks at first like the inscriptions of cobwebs, a design that's been common in their journey through the crevice. But upon closer examination the party spots what looks like insignias representing landmarks and cities, it becomes clear that the scratches on the floor are not random, but compose a detailed map: a map of the hundreds of thousands of tunnels and settlements in the Underdark. Looking up, it becomes similarly clear that the

The room is dead silent, until it is broken by a shriek from within the party. As Mithril enters the room, she shudders and screams, her body convulsing and seizing involuntarily as she clutches at her face.

 
 Spoiler 

Need a Will DC 20 save from Mithril (give her first chance to post/react).
 
 
 

After the initial shock of Mithril's seizure, it becomes clear that she is clutching at the crystal mask on her face, trying to tear it off.

 
 Spoiler 

Mithril takes  (1d4)[ 4 ]  Wisdom damage.
 
Athedia
Mithril managed to pull the mask off, panting as she did so.  She stays bent over for a little before looking up enough for the group to see her wild eyes.   "They know, they eyes they see.  Everything.  Past, present, future.  They are not a security system, they knew we were coming before we did.  It all funnels here, all the knowledge.  Like a spiders web, this is where they wait.  They could, can, will see everything forever.  I don't know how, I don't, this mask... I saw, don't remember but saw everything.  All the secrets all the knowledge, everything.  We can't go on, we just can't.  They already know.  They know of us, of Deldon of everything.  They know everything." 
CoffeeIncluded
Two ways out, but which one leads to Tol'Garun? Natalia steps on te webs, lifts up her foot to see the pattern. A map--maybe this will show the way out.

And then Mithril's scream pierces the air.

 "MITHRIL!"  Natalia leaps to the wizards side as she seizes and writhes, scrabbling at the mask on her face.  "Mithril!"  What have you done let her go take me!   the moment Mithril yanks the mask off her face (and if for some reason Mithril can't the. Natalia does), Natalia takes it and throws it aside. She grabs Mithril by the shoulders, holding on, shaking her a little bit as the frantic questions tumble from her lips.  "What happened? You okay? What, who did?!" 

The mages response doesn't help, and only makes Natalia more frightened. Nutspeak is hers, and so she understands, but that just makes her more confused at the whole answer. Her feat only makes things worse, and are they trapped? She holds Mithril close, in something like an embrace as the questions tumble out,  "what mean they see forever? What know of Deldon, beyond? Wait for what? Are...we flies?"  She looks back at te mask lying innocently on the ground, the spider eyes everywhere.  "Mithril, what mind behind eyes? What body, hands, voice? Just see, or speak, act? Mithril, what happen...what...mask show?!" 
Athedia
 "Everything..."   Mithril picked the mask back up but didn't put it on.   "There was everything." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Everything? What in everything?"  still not letting go, She runs her fingers over the mask, over Mithril's hand. Dare she try it herself?

 
 Spoiler 
dinner brb
 


EDIT: Natalia swallows and looks up at Mithril.  "My gift...hurt you,"  and the guilt is palpable in her voice. She got this for Mithril and it ended up hurting her.  "Please, let me...need know, even...through hurt..."  There's so much going on, and so little she knows. So little they know. She needs to find out. Even if it's going to hurt her. But it's like her mind can get much more tangled than it is.
Admiral
As Natalia comforts Mithril, the party looks around. Just like the map of the Underdark on the floor, the ceiling appears to bear a map as well; but based on some of the landmarks they can spot, this one is of the surface of Eldgar. They see the tremendous city of Providencia at the center, the city of Cardonne, where they'd entered the continent, in the southeast, and the sandstone city of Marvel in the southwest. Oddly, one small point of the map, around where Woodhelm meets the plains, seems to be violently scratched out, as if by a creature's claws.
CWater
Rhenner puts his hand on Mithril's shoulder and tries to get a look of her face, especially her eyes.  "You're not making much sense. What did that mask do to you?" 
 
 Spoiler 
He'd be interested in taking a closer look of the maps in the room, but this is kind of distracting him atm.
 
Athedia
Mithril shook her head strongly and clutched the mask tighter.   "No.  You can't.  Please, you really can't." 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 Rhenner puts his hand on Mithril's shoulder and tries to get a look of her face, especially her eyes.  "You're not making much sense. What did that mask do to you?" 
 
 Spoiler 
He'd be interested in taking a closer look of the maps in the room, but this is kind of distracting him atm.
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler 
Sorry for the double post
 

 "The mask didn't do anything.  It just allowed me... to see.  Not like this was supposed to be seen, more like, well like quick pictures and all at once." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril shook her head strongly and clutched the mask tighter.   "No.  You can't.  Please, you really can't."  
 

Natalia moves her hand to Mithril's shoulder, idly playing with the ends of the mage's hair. Every few moments she checks herself and stops, then a few moments after that, because she's not really paying attention, she runs her fingers over the strands again.  "Then...what pictures saw? Mithril, I...drow, that axe, if...if not your light, then..."  She makes a swift cutting motion along her throat.  "Dead. Killing strike, if he...saw me. Alive because you but, if...if not...I don't know what here, or why, but...almost died."  She closes her eyes.  "If I...then...At least...want to know. Please." 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia moves her hand to Mithril's shoulder, idly playing with the ends of the mage's hair. Every few moments she checks herself and stops, then a few moments after that, because she's not really paying attention, she runs her fingers over the strands again.  "Then...what pictures saw? Mithril, I...drow, that axe, if...if not your light, then..."  She makes a swift cutting motion along her throat.  "Dead. Killing strike, if he...saw me. Alive because you but, if...if not...I don't know what here, or why, but...almost died."  She closes her eyes.  "If I...then...At least...want to know. Please."  
 

 "Sometimes you just can't know."   Mithril sat a while longer and then tucked the mask into her shirt where Natalia couldn't get it.
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  
 Spoiler 
Sorry for the double post
 

 "The mask didn't do anything.  It just allowed me... to see.  Not like this was supposed to be seen, more like, well like quick pictures and all at once."  
 

 "...You said 'they know everything'. What do you mean by that?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Why?"  Natalia sits for a little longer before speaking up again.  "Mithril, I...we...look around. We all here, all together. Same success, same failure."  She looks down at her hands.  "Drow traps, kobold traps, halfling traps, human traps. All strong sometimes, weak sometimes. But...same strong, same week. But put traps, put hands, put minds together, and...strengths together, stronger than what weak. If we...share knowing, share strengths, then stronger than alone. Five minds, five ideas, five answers. Please. See or tell, but...need to know. Whether...minds voice whispers in, or...spider eyes trapping. Because then...find way out. Mithril, please,"  she begs.

 
 Spoiler: On Natalia saying "minds voice whispers in" 
Mithril did say that something was getting into peoples' minds, and Natalia's asking about that. She's not specifically asking about the Voice (unless Mithril explicitly mentioned that; I need to check after I shower) and she definitely doesn't know the Voice is in Mithril's head. This is a Nutspeak way of asking about what Mithril mentioned during the argument.
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "...You said 'they know everything'. What do you mean by that?"  
 

 "This."  Mithril gestured to the web under her feet.   "The eyes are everywhere in the crevice and they see for miles and through the ages." 

 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Why?"  Natalia sits for a little longer before speaking up again.  "Mithril, I...we...look around. We all here, all together. Same success, same failure."  She looks down at her hands.  "Drow traps, kobold traps, halfling traps, human traps. All strong sometimes, weak sometimes. But...same strong, same week. But put traps, put hands, put minds together, and...strengths together, stronger than what weak. If we...share knowing, share strengths, then stronger than alone. Five minds, five ideas, five answers. Please. See or tell, but...need to know. Whether...minds voice whispers in, or...spider eyes trapping. Because then...find way out. Mithril, please,"  she begs.

 
 Spoiler: On Natalia saying "minds voice whispers in" 
Mithril did say that something was getting into peoples' minds, and Natalia's asking about that. She's not specifically asking about the Voice (unless Mithril explicitly mentioned that; I need to check after I shower) and she definitely doesn't know the Voice is in Mithril's head. This is a Nutspeak way of asking about what Mithril mentioned during the argument.
 
 
 

 "This isn't something that should be shared.  I should not have seen it Natalia.  And I spent my life training to resist magics.  You don't have that experience." 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "This."  Mithril gestured to the web under her feet.   "The eyes are everywhere in the crevice and they see for miles and through the ages."  
 

Rhenner is quiet for a moment, digesting this idea.  "...Far and wide then. But perhaps not with perfect perception all the time. Otherwise, how would we have managed to get this far. If they knew everything we did and when, why hasn't a battalion of soldiers stopped us from getting here? Why let us learn even this much?"  He shakes his head a little.

 "Anyway, I think the effects of that magical backlash or whatever it was still linger on you. Let's see if this could help, take at least some of it away."  The cleric touches Mihril's forehead and mutters a few words to cast the same spell on her that he used on little Whiskers some days ago.

 
 Spoiler: Spell 
Lesser Restoration:  (1d4)[ 2 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "This."  Mithril gestured to the web under her feet.   "The eyes are everywhere in the crevice and they see for miles and through the ages."  
 

 "But Mithril, what seen? What...they see? What looking for, and...who looks?" 

 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 Rhenner is quiet for a moment, digesting this idea.  "...Far and wide then. But perhaps not with perfect perception all the time. Otherwise, how would we have managed to get this far. If they knew everything we did and when, why hasn't a battalion of soldiers stopped us from getting here? Why let us learn even this much?"  He shakes his head a little. 
 

Natalia's quiet, though she nods in response to Rhenner.  "Rhenner right. Can't see everything or know us here, but...looking for something, right? But what?" 

  "This isn't something that should be shared.  I should not have seen it Natalia.  And I spent my life training to resist magics.  You don't have that experience."  

She doesn't really have a response for that. True, Natalia's evaded magical effects before, but more often than not she's the first to succumb. But Rhenner's spell protected her--should she take the risk?  "Mithril, Rhenner cast protection spell, but...if not...if too danger for me, then please, say. Should not have seen, but now...you know. If know, then use, right? And why shouldn't seen?"  She shakes her head--she's not making much sense and she knows it.  "Mithril, you said eyes see all. But...do eyes act? What, who, are hands, bodies, minds, voices behind eyes?"  Natalia falls silent for a moment. The next thing she says is quieter, almost musing to herself.  "Eyes see all, you said voices in all heads, voice in Hoodsie head...same body, share or know minds?" 
Athedia
 "I don't know.  Please stop asking.  I don't remember anything.  It was as if 500 plays were being acted around me, but I only got to see a few seconds of each and could not hear what was being said.  But this, this is how the drow knew of Deldon's weakness, maybe even how the Voice knows what is happening.  I have a feeling even Boccob doesn't know the extent of this web.  And his books should cover all the world." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Oh."  Natalia looks down at her hands. She closes her eyes and rubs her hands all over as many different textures and materials she can find, really digging in. The colors flash and change and blend together faster than she can keep track, and she tells Mithril as much. Yeah. She kind of understands.

How could the eyes extend so far?  "Do eyes have ears outside?"  The full scope is becoming clearer to Natalia, and it is terrifying.  "And Voice follows ears for mouths?"  Natalia doesn't know Boccob well, but he's supposed to be the god of all magic, right? Isn't he supposed to know everything?  "Mithril, can you...you learned of web. But Boccob not knowing? Can...how tell him? Any clerics know or find? Docor? Avaralynn?"  She turns to Rhenner.  "Ask other gods?" 
 
 Spoiler: Night everyone! 
I need to get to bed. Ah I wish Mithril made the will save or she wanted to try with someone else (I think Natalia has a +12 right now and Rhenner's is probably higher) but oh well. This is definitely interesting.

Admiral, how much of this is yours and how much is Zman's?
 
CWater
Not really feeling like cornering Mithril more, at least not now when she's so shaken (and scared?), Rhenner gets up and looks around in the chamber. Divination to spy on everything.. All those eyes in the web.. How many thousands of people were sacrificed to make this, how many are there  right now , dying a slow agonizing death?

...
There's the anger again. To distract himself, the cleric walks to the middle of the room to get a better look of the map of Eldgar on the ceiling.   Do you know about all this, Fharlanghn? What would it mean to You?  

He throws a glance at Stephan, who hasn't said a word since they came in.  "Seems like you've got yourself caught in one hell of a mess by travelling with us." 
 
 Spoiler 
Note that to my knowledge Rhenner doesn't know that the others were planning on meeting up with the Hulburg group in Woodhelm (or what their deal is). Oh, suspicious Lucius..😛

I'm also a little unsure of what he knows about the Hooded orc. I don't think they've explicitly talked about that, but it's not really a secret (?) so someone could have told him.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia grits her teeth, fisting her hands against the fabric of her pants. Dammit, she hates feeling helpless like this!  "Mithril..."  I wish I know what was going on, how to help you, what to know.   "Well...find boccob cleric, tell what seen..."  She's not particularly religious--she follows Gond but isn't devout the way Rhenner and Mithril are, the way Miriam was (though who knows what might happen in the future), but she knows how important religion is to her friends.  "Together. Even if see all, can't see...every, always. We here..." 

After some time Natalia gets up, keeping an eye on Mithril, getting a silent affirmation that she can examine the too. Once she does she inspects the room, the map above and below, the clawed-out section. And the eyes everywhere, each of them belonging to a person who died horribly...Anger smolders in her, and she asks Rhenner,  "Did your god...wander here too?" 
 
 Spoiler: Looking around 
what does Natalia find and what rolls does she need?
 
Athedia
 "Boccob knows now.  And the Institute said there was no real place for Boccob in the Church." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "how you know boccob knows?Wonder if...same for Gond. Walling knowledge, so stupid..."  Natalia says as she searches, running her fingers along the clawed-out spot (can she tell what did that, or how long ago?), looks at both maps, searches the room. Patterns and secrets. What's hidden here, and what can she find?

Natalia points at the staircase.  "If we under, then up to out, right?" 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 After some time Natalia gets up, keeping an eye on Mithril, getting a silent affirmation that she can examine the too. Once she does she inspects the room, the map above and below, the clawed-out section. And the eyes everywhere, each of them belonging to a person who died horribly...Anger smolders in her, and she asks Rhenner,  "Did your god...wander here too?"  
 

 "Fharlanghn has been to many places throughout the worlds. He's wise and has vast knowledge, as great as Boccob's. ...Though perhaps of a different kind",  the cleric admits.  "But does he know about this place and what they... do here, I cannot say."  Rhenner shrugs.  "I'm just one cleric, insignificant in the grand scheme of things." 

 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Boccob knows now.  And the Institute said there was no real place for Boccob in the Church."  
 

Rhenner snorts,  "There is no place in the Church for many things",  he mutters.


 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "how you know boccob knows?Wonder if...same for Gond. Walling knowledge, so stupid..."  Natalia says as she searches, running her fingers along the clawed-out spot (can she tell what did that, or how long ago?), looks at both maps, searches the room. Patterns and secrets. What's hidden here, and what can she find? 
 

Rhenner notices Natalia paying attention to the spot that has been scratched out.  "What's so special about the edge of Woodhelm?",  he asks, directing his question to no one in particular,  "Do they not want to keep an eye on that region, or what might be the reason to remove it..." 
 
 Spoiler 
I'd ask to make a Knowledge check, but Rhenner has no ranks in either Nature or Geography (going to put some in the latter when it's less pricey!), and that area is not part of the civilization (if I understoof correctly), I doubt he'd know much about it.😛
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "Fharlanghn has been to many places throughout the worlds. He's wise and has vast knowledge, as great as Boccob's. ...Though perhaps of a different kind",  the cleric admits.  "But does he know about this place and what they... do here, I cannot say."  Rhenner shrugs.  "I'm just one cleric, insignificant in the grand scheme of things."  
 

 "Maybe, but...still do lots, right? And...if you first here, then important. Still should tell. And even if small, still important, still useful..."  Natalia looks down, as if she's reciting or repeating that last statement more than creating it herself.

 Rhenner snorts,  "There is no place in the Church for many things",  he mutters. 

 "Like what? Was Church always closed?" 

 Rhenner notices Natalia paying attention to the spot that has been scratched out.  "What's so special about the edge of Woodhelm?",  he asks, directing his question to no one in particular,  "Do they not want to keep an eye on that region, or what might be the reason to remove it..." 
 
 Spoiler 
I'd ask to make a Knowledge check, but Rhenner has no ranks in either Nature or Geography (going to put some in the latter when it's less pricey!), and that area is not part of the civilization (if I understoof correctly), I doubt he'd know much about it.😛
 
 

Natalia shrugs.  "Don't know. Never even seen."  She looks over at Rhenner, the darker shade of his skin, his green eyes. He said he was half wood elf, right?  "Have you?"  She looks back at the scratches, places a hand over them.  "But important..." 
 
 Spoiler 
Same here--I assume a Knowledge (local) check's no good. Rhenner's half-wood elf though; is he from the area?
 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Maybe, but...still do lots, right? And...if you first here, then important. Still should tell. And even if small, still important, still useful..."  Natalia looks down, as if she's reciting or repeating that last statement more than creating it herself.  
 

 " 'Important' is a very relative concept",  Rhenner says, staring at the map above, then shifting his gaze to the one of the Underdark.


  "Like what? Was Church always closed?"  

 "If it ever wasn't, it's been too long to matter anymore. 

 Natalia shrugs.  "Don't know. Never even seen."  She looks over at Rhenner, the darker shade of his skin, his green eyes. He said he was half wood elf, right?  "Have you?"  She looks back at the scratches, places a hand over them.  "But important..."  

 
 Spoiler: EDIT 
See post below.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  " 'Important' is a very relative concept",  Rhenner says, staring at the map above, then shifting his gaze to the one of the Underdark. 
 

 "..."  Natalia stares at the scratches on the wall.

  "If it ever wasn't, it's been too long to matter anymore.  

 "But...why? Had to start somewhere....What happens if we break?" 

  
 Spoiler 
Rhenner's eyes are grey! (Fun fact though,  mine  are green.😛
 

 "No, not really",  he replies,  "Guess that will remain a mystery then. Unless someone else has any ideas?"  

 
 Spoiler 
Whoops, sorry!
 

 "You think Mithril..."  Natalia breaks off her question mid-sentence, unwilling to push the wizard.  "Or maybe Stephan? Shiny?"  She looks to each of them in turn.  "Or search answers here?" 
Admiral
Natalia and the others walk around the chamber, examining the carvings in the floor and ceiling. They can vaguely see the path they've taken towards the Crevice in the Underdark map on the floor, and nearby find what looks like what is probably Grunt's Grotto, where they'd taken the portal and lost Kurt. To the best of their examination it looks like Deldon lies off the map

The walls are covered in further Abyssal spell inscriptions like the ones in the corridor: just like the other inscriptions they've seen it makes frequent use of eyes and webs.

They take careful note of the locations shown in the map on the ceiling, and especially the location of the scratched-out portion. Otherwise, they find nothing in the room particularly worth taking.

 
 Spoiler 

I assume they want to take 20 on searching, which will take about 3 minutes.

Note that you can't touch the dome ceiling (unless you asked Shiny for  spider climb ) since at its lowest it's about 8 feet up and rises to about 15 feet tall in the middle.
 
CoffeeIncluded
If Deldon isn't on the map, then is the underdark map one that depicts the territory of these drow? But then what could the map of the surface world mean in that context? Probably nothing good, although--Natalia's fingers curl around the daylight pebble. If Mithril's spell could blind the drow, then what would the sun do?

The inscriptions make her shudder--she can't read them but considering what they've seen so far she can guess. Nevertheless she asks,  "Shiny, what they say?"  Though from her time it's clear she won't really press for an answer.

More worrying is finding a way out; Zik's notes weren't clear on this point. But they're  under the crevice. Natalia points at the staircase and asks,  "Up and out?" 
CWater
 
 Spoiler: Small retcon 
Okay, got this matter cleared, so reposting this part.
 


 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia shrugs.  "Don't know. Never even seen."  She looks over at Rhenner, the darker shade of his skin, his green eyes. He said he was half wood elf, right?  "Have you?"  She looks back at the scratches, places a hand over them.  "But important..."  
 

 "No, not really",  Rhenner replies,  "I did grow up there",  he points to a town more to the northern part of the forest area,  "But I didn't wander in the woods much, and besides there are no settlements in the part of Woodhelm where those scratches are. ...At least none that answer to the guilds, I don't know about barbarians." 

He shrugs.  "Guess that will remain a mystery then. Unless someone else has any ideas?" 

 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "But...why? Had to start somewhere....What happens if we break?"  
 

 "Break?",  Rhenner looks confused.


 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Natalia and the others walk around the chamber, examining the carvings in the floor and ceiling. They can vaguely see the path they've taken towards the Crevice in the Underdark map on the floor, and nearby find what looks like what is probably Grunt's Grotto, where they'd taken the portal and lost Kurt. To the best of their examination it looks like Deldon lies off the map

The walls are covered in further Abyssal spell inscriptions like the ones in the corridor: just like the other inscriptions they've seen it makes frequent use of eyes and webs. 
 

  All part of the spell, huh? Wonder what would happen if some were erased.   He recalls the backlash from the web when they ended the drow's life, and what Mithril has been saying about this spell's power. He clenches his fist in frustration.


 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 More worrying is finding a way out; Zik's notes weren't clear on this point. But they're  under the crevice. Natalia points at the staircase and asks,  "Up and out?"  
 

 "I would assume so. Or does anyone object?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  
 Spoiler: Small retcon 
Okay, got this matter cleared, so reposting this part.
 

 "No, not really",  Rhenner replies,  "I did grow up there",  he points to a town more to the northern part of the forest area,  "But I didn't wander in the woods much, and besides there are no settlements in the part of Woodhelm where those scratches are. ...At least none that answer to the guilds, I don't know about barbarians." 

He shrugs.  "Guess that will remain a mystery then. Unless someone else has any ideas?"  
 

 "oh. But...maybe tribe dealings too, like drow and horde?"  What about those Druid terrorists? Though that seems like a bit of a stretch, especially with te flame powder.


  "Break?",  Rhenner looks confused.


  All part of the spell, huh? Wonder what would happen if some were erased.   He recalls the backlash from the web when they ended the drow's life, and what Mithril has been saying about this spell's power. He clenches his fist in frustration. 

 "If break rules of wall." 

Natalia looks at the webs, then down at Rhenner's fist.  "Hopefully end evil. How...can this...run but not break?"  Rhenner's eyes are cold again. His anger is quieter than hers.  maybe when stronger...can burn ourselves."  Oh, she hopes. all evil, all the evil and injustice she's seen here.
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "oh. But...maybe tribe dealings too, like drow and horde?"  What about those Druid terrorists? Though that seems like a bit of a stretch, especially with te flame powder.  
 

 "But why would they remove that part from the map? According to what we've learned, they want to know  everything ",  the cleric's tone is absent.  "Could they have found something they didn't want to see... Or maybe someone just had a moment of madness." 

  "If break rules of wall." 

Natalia looks at the webs, then down at Rhenner's fist.  "Hopefully end evil. How...can this...run but not break?"  Rhenner's eyes are cold again. His anger is quieter than hers.  maybe when stronger...can burn ourselves."  Oh, she hopes. all evil, all the evil and injustice she's seen here. 

Rhenner doesn't respond.   Wasn't I young and idealistic like that once too?   He eyes the map that resembles a web on the floor.   If I could just...   He shakes his head.

 "This place is making me sick. Let's move on." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "But why would they remove that part from the map? According to what we've learned, they want to know  everything ",  the cleric's tone is absent.  "Could they have found something they didn't want to see... Or maybe someone just had a moment of madness."  
 

Natalia looks around, moves her hands in a circle around the room. Skepticism is etched on her face.   What could people this awful not want to see?  

 Rhenner doesn't respond.   Wasn't I young and idealistic like that once too?   He eyes the map that resembles a web on the floor.   If I could just...   He shakes his head.

 "This place is making me sick. Let's move on."  

 "Yeah..."  He's probably been sick for a long time, only he leashes his anger, holds it under. But it froths as much as hers, doesn't it? Her mind goes back to the arena, replays the scene in her mind in exquisite detail even as the shame washes over her. She needs to check her rage too. But she doesn't want to get numb.
Admiral
Having searched the room thoroughly, the party decides to proceed up the steps.

The well-worn stairs lead up only thirty or forty steps, twisting as they go, before they reach a small landing that leads to a sparse chamber. In the chamber they find a table, a small shrine, a small bookshelf, and rigs to hold and maintain suits of armor. From the appearance of the room it would seem this was the residence of the paladin guards they'd encountered. The party finds three books on the bookshelf, and recognize two of them as the same holy texts possessed by the first driders they'd encountered in the Underdark. Other than that, the room is astonishingly bare.

More notable is what they find in the landing. Looking up, the party sees that the chamber has no ceiling, but rather extends upward in a long, dark tunnel about ten feet in diameter. The edges of the tunnel are mostly smooth; the accursed inscriptions that had lined the tunnels so far seem to no longer be necessary.

 "My spell could let us climb up there,"  whispers Shiny, seeming a bit daunted by the path.  "I wouldn't have much magic remaining, though... unless someone were willing to carry me." 
 
 Spoiler 

Metagame: Shiny could use all 5 of his remaining L2s to grant everyone in the party  spider climb , but since he's also out of L3s and missing 1 of his 5 L4s, he wouldn't mind getting the chance to save one of his L2s by clinging to someone's back. He could also go in a bag of holding for up to 10 minutes if there's room, though then he'd be useless in a fight.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks at the shrine (what does it look like?) worth obvious revulsion and disgust. If she can, she knocks it to the floor. She also looks at the third book and holds it out questioningly. Should they take it and learn more? Or do they know enough already?

Up...that must be the way out. But it's quiet and smooth and...the inscriptions are gone? Still, they don't have much time.

 "I can tie,"  Natalia says.  Too heavy, but I know knot." 
 
 Spoiler 
Natalia will tie shiny to the back of anyone who volunteers (not her, she'll be encumbered and mist of her class skills depend on her not being encumbered). Also, Natalia will test her cloak of deception to see if she can turn invisible.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "I'll carry Shiny"  Stephan gives the gnome storyteller a quick glance  "he doesn't look too heavy" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "I help,"  Natalia says, hoisting Shiny up on Stephan's back so he is facing out behind the warrior, tying him into place with her ropes. She slings him in a sort of harness, securing it in several places so he can't slip out--and in fact, if he does then the way his body would press against the rope would only serve to tighten the knots. Natalia does leave his hands and arms free so he can cast spells without any problems.

 
 Spoiler: Use rope 
Natalia takes 20 for a 35. I'm assuming we have the time and everyone's okay with this?
 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia looks at the shrine (what does it look like?) worth obvious revulsion and disgust. If she can, she knocks it to the floor. She also looks at the third book and holds it out questioningly. Should they take it and learn more? Or do they know enough already? 
 

Considering what they are already carrying, does one more matter? Rhenner shrugs and takes the book from Natalia and puts it in his nothing-bag with the others.
Athedia
 "Shouldn't we rest?  We don't know what lies ahead and we are already weakened."   Mithril was hesitant, wincing as Natalia knocked over the shrine.  Carefully she knelt by the newly created rubble and started to clean it up, returning what she could to the table.     We already killed them, why should we desecrate their quarters."  
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Shouldn't we rest?  We don't know what lies ahead and we are already weakened."   Mithril was hesitant, wincing as Natalia knocked over the shrine.  Carefully she knelt by the newly created rubble and started to clean it up, returning what she could to the table.     We already killed them, why should we desecrate their quarters."   
 

 "This doesn't seem like a very safe place to stay",  Rhenner says, sounding slightly sour. He stares at Mithril when she picks up the pieces of the statue.

 "Why?"  he asks eventually.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "This doesn't seem like a very safe place to stay",  Rhenner says, sounding slightly sour. He stares at Mithril when she picks up the pieces of the statue.

 "Why?"  he asks eventually. 
 

Mithril paused for a second before continuing to tidy.   "We killed them and left them to rot.  If they believe in this religion they should not be punished for their faith, and I do not wish to anger their gods and spirits." 
CoffeeIncluded
Ow. Natalia shakes her hand--that hurt her more than she thought it would have. She didn't mean to knock it over, though she'd be lying if she said it didn't give her any satisfaction. She doesn't entirely expect Mithril to start cleaning it up though...it does make sense for her. The rogue is silent for a moment as Mithril responds, but eventually says,  "...Maybe. Want to yes too, but...can't. Can only see hurt, how faith only for pain."  Though she does have a point with angering the gods, and Natalia shudders.  "But I..."  No need to do any more, right? Is that what Mithril is thinking?

 
 Spoiler 
Sorry, I'm kind of in a foul mood right now.
 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril paused for a second before continuing to tidy.   "We killed them and left them to rot.  If they believe in this religion they should not be punished for their faith, and I do not wish to anger their gods and spirits."  
 

Rhenner continues to stare.  "Even... after all you've seen this faith do?" 
  I... really don't understand her. And why is it that her acts of kindness are what puzzle me the most? ...Like with that drow prisoner.  
 
 Spoiler 
Heh, I like it how the things Mithril says confuse Rhenner and challenge his way of thinking.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril paused for a second before continuing to tidy.   "We killed them and left them to rot.  If they believe in this religion they should not be punished for their faith, and I do not wish to anger their gods and spirits."  
 

Stephan can't help but snort at Mithril's words  "We are way past the point were not angering Lolth would have been possible"  he shakes his head in amusement  "Besides had we not killed them it would have been us rotting in the floor." 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 Rhenner continues to stare.  "Even... after all you've seen this faith do?" 
  I... really don't understand her. And why is it that her acts of kindness are what puzzle me the most? ...Like with that drow prisoner.  
 
 Spoiler 
Heh, I like it how the things Mithril says confuse Rhenner and challenge his way of thinking.
 
 
 


 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Stephan can't help but snort at Mithril's words  "We are way past the point were not angering Lolth would have been possible"  he shakes his head in amusement  "Besides had we not killed them it would have been us rotting in the floor."  
 

 "But the men were not ruled by their faith anymore than we are.  And killing invaders was their job, I do not blame them for such actions." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Wait, paladins...follow faith, cause, right? If twisted paladins same, then also followers...of evil seen?"  And at that point, is it much different from being ruled by faith?  "Rhenner, what know of...warped paladins?" 
 
 Spoiler 
do either of our characters know of the "code" of a paladin of slaughter? Natalia doesn't, but I think learning about the code would reinforce her view.
 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Wait, paladins...follow faith, cause, right? If twisted paladins same, then also followers...of evil seen?"  And at that point, is it much different from being ruled by faith?  "Rhenner, what know of...warped paladins?" 
 
 Spoiler 
do either of our characters know of the "code" of a paladin of slaughter? Natalia doesn't, but I think learning about the code would reinforce her view.
 
 
 

 "The... Arachnomicon describes them as warriors who have dedicated their life to death and destruction, and to never to do a single act of kindness, show mercy or really do anything we'd consider 'good'. Well, the list in that passage of the book was hardly exhaustive, but that's what I think was the point."

"...Why anyone would commit themselves to such a cause, is beyond my understanding." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "The... Arachnomicon describes them as warriors who have dedicated their life to death and destruction, and to never to do a single act of kindness, show mercy or really do anything we'd consider 'good'. Well, the list in that passage of the book was hardly exhaustive, but that's what I think was the point."

"...Why anyone would commit themselves to such a cause, is beyond my understanding."  
 

What. That's impossible. No, that's beyond impossible. That... "crazy! No sense! Stupidest thing heard! How even  exist?!  If no mercy, then kill all allies training! If no kindness, then...own kind die too! And this to serve Lloth? All to serve her?! This place psychotic! How...still standing?!"  This place is ****ing insane! If people like  that  are respected then how in the world has this society not destroyed itself centuries ago?!
Dusk Eclipse
 "As ah....enlightening this conversation is  Stephan starts  "We should decide what to do, if we go up the shaft we risk encountering more drows or worse, but if we stay and rest here we risk  them  finding us first" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses, looking up at the chute.  "Didn't Ildan say...need friend for prison sneak? Maybe...knows safe rest too? And...want out of here, away spiders,"  she adds with a shudder.

 
 Spoiler 
Busy submitting my vet school supplemental applications. Some aren't available yet and one is due in a couple weeks so I'm gonna hold on to it for a few more days, but three are due on October 2 so they're going out now.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan shrugs (which is surprisingly difficult when wearing the make-shift harness)  "Maybe, do you have a way to contact him?"  he asks without bothering to mask his distaste for the Drow.
CoffeeIncluded
Oh. That...is a problem.  "Rhenner, Mithril, do you...have sending spell? Or water not poured today?"  If they don't then that's a paradox. She pauses at Stephan's expression, and wants to clarify it.  "You saw Ildan. He...not of Lloth. Webbed by them instead. We...saved from driders.  And he taught me how to speak clearly with my hands, "  she adds, signing.

She hope's she's right to trust him, but she's starting to think that maybe that hope is part of trusting someone too. Maybe.

 
 Spoiler 
So once Admiral's back we're headed up and out? And I'm definitely feeling better today.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "I'll trust you, not him"  Stephan concedes after mulling over his answers,  "And I don't understand what you just said with your hands" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "I'll trust you, not him"  Stephan concedes after mulling over his answers, 
 

Natalia nods. Stephan didn't pull him from the drider webs, and if she were locked in that arena for months she probably would be a lot more hesitant to trust another drow too. Everything they've been doing down here...it's absolutely sick. Ildan can't possibly be the only half-decent person down here...can he? There have to be others who don't want any part of this society but are trapped in it too, right?


  "And I don't understand what you just said with your hands"  

 "It...sign speech. Words with hands. Easier than talking, for me. Something...good from here,"  she adds with a cracked smile.

 "Anyway, we...head up, right?" 
Admiral
Once the party is ready to climb, Shiny pulls a small handful of spiders from the pouch at his side.  "You're lucky I had a few to spare,"  Shiny notes as he hands them out.  "I've almost run out, and I haven't seen any spiders in days. Though I suppose I haven't looked very hard." 

As Natalia, Mithril, and Stephan eat the spiders, he casts a spell on each of them in turn, then lets himself get tied to the warriors back and wraps his arms around him. The party begins to scale the wall, climbing into the dark tunnel.

 
 Spoiler 

Fun fact: I've been having Shiny et al eat dead spiders rather than the more amusing live spiders actually required by the spell's text. But if one had to eat a live spider, Rhenner wouldn't have been able to get the spell, because he has Repel Vermin! Or more precisely, he would have needed to eat a Large Monstrous Spider whole, as thats the only thing that could penetrate the barrier. Oh dear.

Giving everyone a chance to react/myself a chance to finish some work/a chance to check the order you're climbing in.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia stares at Shiny when he gives his remark, in a look of utter disbelief.  "If you think these spiders butterflies, then...please say your...spell spiders actually butterflies."  Why can't they actually be butterflies? But nope. Shiny's offering spiders. With a grimace she closes her eyes and chokes it down, visibly gagging before she rubs her tongue on a clean spot of her sleeve.  "Please say there way around spiders,"  she mutters.

When they finally start climbing, Natalia goes in front as fear and tension curl in her again.

 
 Spoiler: Marching order 
If Shiny is tied to Stephan's back then I don't think Stephan should be in front. And man, that's a great mental image.

Do you need anything else from her?
 


EDIT:

 
 Spoiler 
beyond that, same marching order as always?
 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Once the party is ready to climb, Shiny pulls a small handful of spiders from the pouch at his side.  "You're lucky I had a few to spare,"  Shiny notes as he hands them out.  "I've almost run out, and I haven't seen any spiders in days. Though I suppose I haven't looked very hard."  
 

A wan smirk finds its way to Rhenner's face.  "Ah, I'm afraid that's my fault. They don't like me for some reason, and keep running away." 

 As Natalia, Mithril, and Stephan eat the spiders, he casts a spell on each of them in turn, then lets himself get tied to the warriors back and wraps his arms around him. The party begins to scale the wall, climbing into the dark tunnel. 

He follows to the others to the tunnel, muttering a silent prayer under his breath.   If this is not the right way, or even if it is but... No. No reason to think like that. We'll find the way out, we must.  
 
 Spoiler 

 Fun fact: I've been having Shiny et al eat dead spiders rather than the more amusing live spiders actually required by the spell's text. But if one had to eat a live spider, Rhenner wouldn't have been able to get the spell, because he has Repel Vermin! Or more precisely, he would have needed to eat a Large Monstrous Spider whole, as thats the only thing that could penetrate the barrier. Oh dear. 

...I think I'll refrain from commenting on that. :J
But yes, dead spiders, much nicer!
 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan looks as if he is going to comment on Shiny's inane comment, but he stops himself takes a spider and bites it, brazing himself for the horrible taste to come, but he is  surprised, the spider doesn't taste bad, actually it has a taste between fish and chicken that isn't unpleasant at all.  ".... it is actually tasty"  he says surprised.


 
 Spoiler 

Marching oder: I suggest Natalia -&gt;  Stephan/Shiny.-&gt; Mithril-&gt;Rhenner

Also I haven't had spider, but I've eaten fried crickets so I think the taste might be similar 😛.... of course they were salted and covered in chili powder so... yeah.
 
Admiral
The climb up the tunnel seems to last forever. Mithril's spell of daylight helps illuminate the path, and Shiny's spell makes it easy to find a foothold, and yet the climb still seems draining. From the party's best guess they may have climbed a mile or a mile and a half, and they are glad to put that much distance between themselves and the horrors they've witnessed so far, but they wonder what lies ahead. They've reached the end of the clues they could gather from Zik's notes, so they could find anything in the next stage of their journey.

At long last the end of the tunnel fades into view above them. Beyond the lip of the tunnel they can see only a wider chamber, with no details in view yet.

 "Here come the heroes
Come up the drain like vermin
Come to save the day." 

The voice, a woman's voice in a sing-song, mocking tone, echoes from the space above them, sounding both distant and close.
CWater
Rhenner freezes. That was no same kind of guard like the knights and monsters before.   Those had charged at us right away, simply wanting to kill us.   A chill ran down his spine.   This one doesn't sound that easily amused.  
Dusk Eclipse
Stepha  (1d20+11)[ 16 ]   tenses as soon as the voice reaches his ears, during his time in the arena he had learned that voices in the underdark were bad and female voices were even worse. He forces himself to calm down bbefore trying to find the source

 
 Spoiler: perception 

Spot  (1d20+11)[ 24 ] 
Listen  (1d20+11)[ 21 ] 
 
.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia freezes in terror as the voice lazily drifts towards her ears.  Oh no. Mithril was right. They do know were here and they've probably got a trap sat up for us.  She starts hyperventilating, gulping down ragged breaths of air and frantically trying to get herself under control.   Breathe Natalia. We've gotten out of worse, haven't we? We can do this we have to do this.   

Her heart is still racing and she's still shaking and terrified but Natalia whispers,  "Ways to trick taunter?"  as she frantically looks and listens.

 
 Spoiler: Question for admiral  
ca I please make spot and listen checks?
 
Admiral
As the party hesitates, wary of moving forward, more words wander down towards them.  "You might as well come forward. Above or below, within or without, you have never left my sight. This has always been where our paths would cross."  The voice sounds distant, as if echoing across a wide chamber.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses, her mouth dry. She licks her lips to no effect ad whispers,  "You think...mind behid eyes?"  They're going to have to show themselves, aren't they.

 
 Spoiler: Sense motivd 
Sense motive:  (d20+5)[ 8 ] 

I'm about to have an exam so back later.
 
CWater
 "...Maybe."

 'Paths would cross'? Interesting choice of words, like a suggestion that ours might not  end  here. ...And it sounds like she's been watching us even before we came to the Underdark. Though I wonder that mean all of us, or only some.. 

"What do we do?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Well...if only seek blood, then battle by now, right? Just...blast off walls."  She moves one hand, indicating how they're all clinging to the side of the tunnel.  "Though...above, below, within, without? What mean exactly? Above all way to surface, and...within, without what? Crevice and underdark our outside?"  Natalia closes her eyes. She definitely looks pale from fright.  "Either way...no hiding if seen, right?" 

After a long moment Natalia sighs in resignation and gulps.  If nobody stops her,  she calls out through her hands to slightly muffle her voice,  "Who...are you?" 
Athedia
Mithril froze at the sound, she had been right.  Why in all the gods names had she HAD to be correct this time?  But, as her hands tightened on the rocks before her and the mask dangling around her neck, not worn after that moment in the room, she knew one thing.  She wanted, no she needed answers.  To the mask, to the presence, to every twisted and wrong thing about this place that was beyond the grasp of her knowing.  As Natalia spoke, Mithril surged ahead.  Climbing straight to the woman's voice above.
Admiral
As Mithril clambers out above the tunnel, peering over the rock edge, she sees that she is at the center of a spacious cylindrical chamber, about two hundred feet in diameter and fifty feet tall, that she quickly recognizes as a cathedral. In some ways it reminds her as a smaller version of Moradin's temple in Deldon, but the icons of Moradin's hammer and anvil of Moradin have been replaced by the familiar spiders, eyes, and webs. Across the walls are engraved a series of intertwined hieroglyphics of the most complex form she'd seen yet in the chamber below, each with Abyssal prayers inscribed along it in a rich tapestry of perversion. At one side of the room she sees a vast, twisting machine that takes her a moment to recognize as an organ, and next to it she sees an open iron gate leading to a winding staircase continuing upwards.

On the other side of the chamber she sees an alcove, set into the wall twenty five feet above the floor, where all the symbols and icons seem to converge. In the alcove there stands a figure in a dark cloak, facing away. Something seems misshapen about the figure's cloak.

 
 Spoiler 

Mithril and anyone else who climbs up above the tunnel to follow her: Spot checks.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Shiny, you better hang on tighter"  Stephan says befire he starts following Mithril as fas as possible, whatever that thing is, he knew it wasn't something any of them could face alone.

 
 Spoiler 

Spot  (1d20+11)[ 30 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "No!"  Natalia screams, scrambling out of the cavern after Mithril, nearly stumbling at the sight of the twisted cathedral. She whips her head around, taking in the spiders, the webs...and the figure on the altar. Something's off about her, and she's probably not friendly. If that's even her--it's impossible to tell from the acoustics and Natalia wouldn't be surprised if there were yet another trap.

Natalia steps in front of Mithril and shifts into a defensive stance, looking around and readying herself for an attack.  "Who...are you?"  she asks again, calling out to the air.

 
 Spoiler: Spot check  
 I've been having bad luck lately (I didn't roll above a 12 all day Sunday and the rest of the team really needed me in the fight so I'm a bit miffed about that) but Stephan rolled well. So hopefully I'll do well.

 (d20+17)[ 18 ] 

...I really should know at this point, why did I forget? I'm referring to an inside joke between me and Dusk, by the way.

After this Natalia takes 10 for a 27. She can do that as a standard action while people talk or are scrambling up there or something (see the rules for retrying), and there's no reason she wouldn't.
 
CWater
Rhenner follows the others up to the cathedral, whispering a prayer as he climbs the last few feet. When he reaches the end of the tunnel he blinks and looks around in disbelief. The chambers of the drider clerics they'd encountered before had been simple, as the shrine below them, and he hadn't thought the followers of this insane evil god to have the skill or interest to build things much more complicated. Yes, there was the web spell, but magic was a very different matter. But how they used this craftsmanship... No, he couldn't say he understood anything of this mad place.

The cleric eyes the cloaked figure in the alcove.   Was that the one who spoke?  
 
 Spoiler 
Spot:  (1d20+7)[ 16 ] 
 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
Spot Check:  (1d20+1)[ 10 ] 
 


Mithril's eyes kept moving from the figure to the church and back.  As the others climbed up, she stepped forward.   "Are you the one that wove the seeing spell? If you are I doubt we could do anything to even touch you, it would be death to try."   She said the last part as a slight warning to her comrades who seemed ready to jump into yet another battle.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  
 Spoiler 
Spot Check: [roll0]
 


Mithril's eyes kept moving from the figure to the church and back.  As the others climbed up, she stepped forward.   "Are you the one that wove the seeing spell? If you are I doubt we could do anything to even touch you, it would be death to try."   She said the last part as a slight warning to her comrades who seemed ready to jump into yet another battle. 
 

 "..."  Natalia winces.  "Even if...Can't just leave you,"  she whispers to Mithril.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril's eyes kept moving from the figure to the church and back.  As the others climbed up, she stepped forward.   "Are you the one that wove the seeing spell? If you are I doubt we could do anything to even touch you, it would be death to try."  
 

 "All that there is, was and will be was woven by the same seamstress, in the great web you call reality,"  the woman in the alcove replies in an uncanny, dreamlike voice.

 "Even the smallest spider can sense the slightest tremblings of its own web, across any distance. Imagine then what can the Spider Queen sense, of all those millions who wriggle within her construction?" 

Shiny, fearful, loosens the ropes and lets himself drop off of the warrior. Stephan studies the shape of the mysterious woman's cloak, and is the first to realize why it seems oddly shaped. Seconds later the cloak unfolds itself, and four tremendous spider legs emerge from her back, each longer than she is tall. They bend and fold with tremendous dexterity as the woman turns around, until they rest along the stone wall along the alcove. Now the party can see the woman's face- she appears to be a drow, but this is hardly noticeable next to the horror of her features. She bears eight eyes, inlaid in a symmetric pattern around her face, each one solid black and bulging- the unmistakable appearance of a spider's countenance.

 "Why do  you  think the Spider Queen lets her prey live as long as she does?"  she asks aloud thoughtfully.  "Does she enjoy the way we dance about in our traps? Does it amuse her, the way your dancing so amuses me?" 
 
 Spoiler 

I'd post a picture of spiders with eight eyes, but honestly they gross me out a bit. Google and have fun.

I'm not a big believer in retrying spot checks; I prefer to count a spot check as the "cumulative" seeing things for as long as they are worth seeing. Similarly if there are other things to spot in the immediate future I'll use these rolls until the nature of the check changes.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "All that there is, was and will be was woven by the same seamstress, in the great web you call reality,"  the woman in the alcove replies in an uncanny, dreamlike voice.

 "Even the smallest spider can sense the slightest tremblings of its own web, across any distance. Imagine then what can the Spider Queen sense, of all those millions who wriggle within her construction?"  
 

 "Then who the seamstress?"  Natalia asks, hoping the tremor in her voice isn't too obvious.  "Not Lloth."  She shakes her head. It simply doesn't make sense for it to be the evil deity--if she were, then why would her subjects be sequestered into the Underdark, instead of living on the surface where good food can grow and the water isn't poison and there are fewer monsters out to kill you?  "And...different web meant?"  She's afraid to press that point.


 Shiny, fearful, loosens the ropes and lets himself drop off of the warrior. Stephan studies the shape of the mysterious woman's cloak, and is the first to realize why it seems oddly shaped. Seconds later the cloak unfolds itself, and four tremendous spider legs emerge from her back, each longer than she is tall. They bend and fold with tremendous dexterity as the woman turns around, until they rest along the stone wall along the alcove. Now the party can see the woman's face- she appears to be a drow, but this is hardly noticeable next to the horror of her features. She bears eight eyes, inlaid in a symmetric pattern around her face, each one solid black and bulging- the unmistakable appearance of a spider's countenance.

 "Why do  you  think the Spider Queen lets her prey live as long as she does?"  she asks aloud thoughtfully.  "Does she enjoy the way we dance about in our traps? Does it amuse her, the way your dancing so amuses me?"  

Natalia staggers back at the sight of the woman, the  thing  that is talking to them, taunting them. She claps a hand over her mouth, nearly throwing up. However, she manages to force back the nausea into an audible gag. There is no way this is going to end well for her and her friends. She's clearly taunting them, laughing as she and her friends dangle like... "Puppets,"  she muses.  "Puppets don't fight back."  They don't fight, they can't hurt, they're not a threat. And Lloth just likes watching people squirm in agony, draws it out because she doesn't see them as a threat, doesn't she. Is that why she hasn't attacked yet either?

Anger flares in the rogue's chest--Natalia wants to prove how wrong they are at dismissing her and her friends like that. Not now. But eventually.

She pauses.  "We..."  We. Is she in a trap too? And if so, what does she think of that?  "Who...are you? When look, and why look us?"  She still hasn't answered her question and that's making Natalia a little bit annoyed under the terror and the nausea.

EDIT: Natalia looks back at Mithril, the mask hanging from her neck. What did she say, she saw everything at once?  "What...you do to Mi--her?" 

  
 Spoiler 

I'd post a picture of spiders with eight eyes, but honestly they gross me out a bit. Google and have fun.

I'm not a big believer in retrying spot checks; I prefer to count a spot check as the "cumulative" seeing things for as long as they are worth seeing. Similarly if there are other things to spot in the immediate future I'll use these rolls until the nature of the check changes.
 
 

 
 Spoiler 
Even in an extended situation, like say if an ambush or something happens? And you think spiders are gross?
 
CWater
The woman's grotesque appearance startles Rhenner too, somehow she's more disturbing to look than the driders, even though there is technically less spider. Probably because of the eyes.  "...A Priestess of Shadow",  Rhenner mutters, recalling what he had read from the driders' other book,  "collector of knowledge." 

He steps closer to Natalia placing a hand on her shoulder.  "I can see you're angry",  he says quetly in a strained voice,  "But please, listen to Mithril. Don't pick a fight with her." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 The woman's grotesque appearance startles Rhenner too, somehow she's more disturbing to look than the driders, even though there is technically less spider. Probably because of the eyes.  "...A Priestess of Shadow",  Rhenner mutters, recalling what he had read from the driders' other book,  "collector of knowledge."  
 

Well, that's one answer. It doesn't really help. And the other questions? Did she just come here to taunt them?


 He steps closer to Natalia placing a hand on her shoulder.  "I can see you're angry",  he says quetly in a strained voice,  "But please, listen to Mithril. Don't pick a fight with her."  

Natalia looks over at Rhenner, grits her teeth.  "Wasn't,"  she whispers.  "This...fight can't win, right?"  And even if they could, the price would probably too high. Now, at least. There's always a later, a time for the so-called fly to bite back.  "But if she picks..."  She's not going to leave them. She can't.
Dusk Eclipse
 "A collector of knowledge?"  Stephan asks taking his eyes of the spider priestess  "What type of knowledge, what do you know about us?" 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "A collector of knowledge?"  Stephan asks taking his eyes of the spider priestess  "What type of knowledge, what do you know about us?"  
 

 "I've watched your paths...."  the priestess intones lazily, swaying from side to side,  "...coiling across each other, the web of your destinies, less connected then you would like to think... I know you like you barely know yourselves, and will never know each other..." 

Her spider legs arch against the wall and lift her so that she is suspended away from it. She looks down at Stephan to continue.  "Like the reckless bravado, descending into the Underdark to "test his skill". Can't tell them how you  really  ended up in that arena, can you? For what good is a sellsword who can't keep his vow?" 
 "Or the cowardly rogue- so afraid of helplessness and death, but so not afraid of killing the helpless."  Her head rolls back in spasms as she addresses Natalia, seeming only half present.  "Has your honor always been so stunted? Or when she broke your speech, did she break that too?" 

Her eyes drift over to Rhenner.  "Those gods you've looked so hard for, weary traveler... Were you satisfied by the sight of skeletons spun into silk? Do you even know what it is you've learned, and will you take responsibility for the consequences? Either way, the Spider Queen thanks you for your service." 

By now she has descended most of the way down the wall, step by crooked step. Her smile grows wicked when her eyes fall on Mithril.  "The wizard understands as the rest cannot. Creeping through the minds of others is nothing new to you, is it? Do you even feel guilt for it anymore? Did you feel thrilled when you saw with the million eyes? And did you feel you deserved it when the voices came to whisper inside your head?" 

Lastly she turns to Shiny.  "Ah, the gnome with a thousand last names, every one a story,"  she intones mockingly.  "Have you ever told them the story of your first-" 

The priestess's voice goes quiet, such that one could almost think she'd stopped talking, but for the moving of her lips and the sound of the rushed incantation from within the party. And then Shiny bolts out in front, sprinting towards the priestess and the sphere of silence he'd cast around her. He wields his rapier in his outstretched hand, his eyes wide with desperation.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "I've watched your paths...."  the priestess intones lazily, swaying from side to side,  "...coiling across each other, the web of your destinies, less connected then you would like to think... I know you like you barely know yourselves, and will never know each other..." 
Her spider legs arch against the wall and lift her so that she is suspended away from it. She looks down at Stephan to continue.  "Like the reckless bravado, descending into the Underdark to "test his skill". Can't tell them how you  really  ended up in that arena, can you? For what good is a sellsword who can't keep his vow?"  
 

Natalia flicks her eyes to Stephan. What's she playing at, is she trying to drag out their secrets, sow doubt in each other? Spiders and webs, she can see the webs spinning and they have to burn them away quickly--

  "Or the cowardly rogue- so afraid of helplessness and death, but so not afraid of killing the helpless."  Her head rolls back in spasms as she addresses Natalia, seeming only half present.  "Has your honor always been so stunted? Or when she broke your speech, did she break that too?"  

Natalia flinches from the creature's accusation as if it were a physical blow, but it's the final comment that truly stuns her. Natalia's a coward, she knows this even as it cuts like a knife. Natalia's never been honorable like Miriam or Kurt, at least not in the traditional sense, and any chance of that was obliterated by her flamepowder bomb, but the last?  "What you mean she broke?"  she shouts, sweat suddenly beading between her shoulder blades.  "Nuts...all I know!"  The woman is lying. She was born broken, born to be Nuts. She can't have been made that way. She simply can't.


 Her eyes drift over to Rhenner.  "Those gods you've looked so hard for, weary traveler... Were you satisfied by the sight of skeletons spun into silk? Do you even know what it is you've learned, and will you take responsibility for the consequences? Either way, the Spider Queen thanks you for your service."  

Natalia promised Rhenner, and she promised Mithril, and as the woman taunts each of her friends in turn that's the main thing holding her back from shutting that mouth up.


 By now she has descended most of the way down the wall, step by crooked step. Her smile grows wicked when her eyes fall on Mithril.  "The wizard understands as the rest cannot. Creeping through the minds of others is nothing new to you, is it? Do you even feel guilt for it anymore? Did you feel thrilled when you saw with the million eyes? And did you feel you deserved it when the voices came to whisper inside your head?"  

Mithril is hurting and Mithril's been hiding and Mithril's shut herself out even as Natalia bangs on the door. And yet she still shifts protectively in front of the Mage.  "Leave alone! How dare!"  How dare she  twist the knife, hurt Mithril even more! Even if...even if...is...is that why? In her head...the voice is after Mithril now?! She's making it up, she's twisting the words, but...but...Though Natalia still stands guard, still remains in her defensive stance, she asks in a low worried voice,  "Mithril...how much sealed? Please..."  I'm right here--how much are you hiding? Please let me in!  

 Lastly she turns to Shiny.  "Ah, the gnome with a thousand last names, every one a story,"  she intones mockingly.  "Have you ever told them the story of your first-" 
The priestess's voice goes quiet, such that one could almost think she'd stopped talking, but for the moving of her lips and the sound of the rushed incantation from within the party. And then Shiny bolts out in front, sprinting towards the priestess and the sphere of silence he'd cast around her. He wields his rapier in his outstretched hand, his eyes wide with desperation. 

 "SHINY!"  Natalia screams as the gnome rushes forward, desperate. What did he want to shut up? What was she going to say? What is he hiding?  What's true? 

It doesn't matter, not then and not there because instead she's right there, yanking Shiny by the collar of his shirt, dragging him back, shouting to him,  "Don't! Please, remember what said! Even if many masks, same face to us! Always help, never hurt. Trust you! I trust you!"  What's true and what's not can come later. Right now,  how dare she.  Fear and guilt and shame and confusion and frustration and rage roll together in Natalia, all directed right at the twisted drow.

EDIT:
 
 Spoiler 
Is this long post ok? And we're rolling initiative, aren't we. 😛
 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan stares in silent shock,  how could she know? , but he is brought out of his stupor by Shiny's suden rush  "Shiny!" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "I've watched your paths...."  the priestess intones lazily, swaying from side to side,  "...coiling across each other, the web of your destinies, less connected then you would like to think... I know you like you barely know yourselves, and will never know each other..." 

Her spider legs arch against the wall and lift her so that she is suspended away from it. She looks down at Stephan to continue.  "Like the reckless bravado, descending into the Underdark to "test his skill". Can't tell them how you  really  ended up in that arena, can you? For what good is a sellsword who can't keep his vow?" 
 "Or the cowardly rogue- so afraid of helplessness and death, but so not afraid of killing the helpless."  Her head rolls back in spasms as she addresses Natalia, seeming only half present.  "Has your honor always been so stunted? Or when she broke your speech, did she break that too?" 

Her eyes drift over to Rhenner.  "Those gods you've looked so hard for, weary traveler... Were you satisfied by the sight of skeletons spun into silk? Do you even know what it is you've learned, and will you take responsibility for the consequences? Either way, the Spider Queen thanks you for your service." 

By now she has descended most of the way down the wall, step by crooked step. Her smile grows wicked when her eyes fall on Mithril.  "The wizard understands as the rest cannot. Creeping through the minds of others is nothing new to you, is it? Do you even feel guilt for it anymore? Did you feel thrilled when you saw with the million eyes? And did you feel you deserved it when the voices came to whisper inside your head?" 

 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Mithril is hurting and Mithril's been hiding and Mithril's shut herself out even as Natalia bangs on the door. And yet she still shifts protectively in front of the Mage.  "Leave alone! How dare!"  How dare she  twist the knife, hurt Mithril even more! Even if...even if...is...is that why? In her head...the voice is after Mithril now?! She's making it up, she's twisting the words, but...but...Though Natalia still stands guard, still remains in her defensive stance, she asks in a low worried voice,  "Mithril...how much sealed? Please..."  I'm right here--how much are you hiding? Please let me in!   
 

Lastly she turns to Shiny.  "Ah, the gnome with a thousand last names, every one a story,"  she intones mockingly.  "Have you ever told them the story of your first-" 

The priestess's voice goes quiet, such that one could almost think she'd stopped talking, but for the moving of her lips and the sound of the rushed incantation from within the party. And then Shiny bolts out in front, sprinting towards the priestess and the sphere of silence he'd cast around her. He wields his rapier in his outstretched hand, his eyes wide with desperation. 
 


Mithril stayed quiet as the priestess flung her barbs.  Who was she to deny them?  Even as Natalia stepped forward to defend her, she stayed silent.  She fingered the mask around her neck, looking down.  As Shiny dashed out she moved, trying to pull him back.   "Shiny!"  Standing in front of the gnome she glared up at the priestess.   "Have you had your fun? And did you want an answer to your questions?  For me to tell them the truth?  Fine.  It is a burden, breaking the boundaries of the mind is not tidy work.  My guilt or lack of it is my own, some use physical pain to break through, to outsiders my method appears 'kinder'.  If I could have had the sight without the pain, I would have stayed.  Now leave Shiny alone.  You won, you broke the lies we tell to keep ourselves together." 
CWater
  The more she sees her words shock or hurt us, the more entertained she is.   Rhenner glares at the half-spider priestess, with a look of disdain and anger on his face.

  She thinks all of it is amusing. Funny.   



Still, he's surprised when Shiny charges at the mocking priestess. Out of everyone in their party, the cleric didn't expect him to be the first one to try it.
Admiral
Even in his frenzy Shiny cannot outrun Natalia, and the trapsmith grabs him from behind as he rushes towards the priestess. For a moment the gnome glances back, and Natalia realizes he has never looked so scared.

Moments later the priestess smiles even more widely, and raises her hands in front of her. Even embedded within Shiny's silence she makes a few purposeful motions only Natalia recognizes. Then her giant spidery legs clatter along the wall as she climbs back up, just barely out of range of Shiny's spell, speaks a single unrecognizable word and vanishes from sight.

 
 Spoiler: Natalia only 

 "&lt;DSL&gt;You'll hear the truth about him soon enough.&lt;/DSL&gt;" 
 


For a few moments the party is alone in the chamber. Seconds later a rumbling noise emerges from the tunnel in the center of the room, which soon becomes clear is the sound of many skittering limbs approaching.
CoffeeIncluded
 "What you mean soon enough?!"  Natalia shouts as the drow vanishes.  "Answer us!" 

Shiny's still in her arms, struggling and terrified. What's his story, just what is he running from? Natalia pulls him closer, saying into his ear,  "Shiny! Shiny, it okay, we--" 

And then her thoughts are interrupted by the sound of skittering coming up the tunnel. Her eyes go wide and she nearly drops the gnome as she says one word.  "Trap." 
 
 Spoiler 
Where can we escape? And how was this?
 
CWater
 
 Spoiler 
To try to see what the priestess cast:
Spellcraft:  (1d20+8)[ 16 ] 
 


Hearing the noise from the tunnel, Rhenner throws a glance back, before backing away from the pit.
 "I wonder if that is a hint for us to leave."

"I still have the spider repelling spell for a while longer. Of course, it only works on the small ones. ...And assuming those even are spiders. That doesn't seem to be a prerequisite for having extra limbs around here." 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Spoiler 

Spellcraft  (1d20+9)[ 14 ] 
The awkward moment when a non-spellcaster has a better mod than a dedicated spellcaster. 😛
And the more akward moment where I can't figure out what to say/do
 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler: Spellcraft 
Spellcraft:  (1d20+17)[ 30 ] 

And Mithril could roll a 1 and do better than the two of you 😛
 
Admiral
Mithril recognizes the spell as  word of recall .
CoffeeIncluded
 "Where go?"  Natalia shouts, panting as she looks around.  "Invisible? Coward!" 

She looks back in fear at the scuttling things which sound closer by the minute.  "...leave ourselves?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Where go?"  Natalia shouts, panting as she looks around.  "Invisible? Coward!" 

She looks back in fear at the scuttling things which sound closer by the minute.  "...leave ourselves?"  
 

The sound of legs makes Stephan's skin crawl, there has to be a way out of here. "That would be the smart thing to do, but where can we g...  Stephan stops mid word as he manages to spot a little alcove, just next to the organ  "There! A staircase."  the swordsman points with his hand.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 The sound of legs makes Stephan's skin crawl, there has to be a way out of here. "That would be the smart thing to do, but where can we g...  Stephan stops mid word as he manages to spot a little alcove, just next to the organ  "There! A staircase."  the swordsman points with his hand. 
 

It takes Natalia a moment to find the staircase hidden in the shadows. The light from the torches is still messing with the darkvision and makes it harder to see shadows sometimes. But it's there, and as the skittering gets closer she's ready to run.
Admiral
The party runs towards the staircase: it appears to have an iron gate, but the door is wide open. Looking back, a huge spider climbs out of the tunnel and start shuffling towards them, followed closely by two more, with every appearance that more spiders are coming behind them. A small mob of smaller spiders weave around their feet, forming a strange carpeting across the temple floor.

The stone steps appear very old, but not particularly well-worn, and lead upward in a twisting pattern. From the echoes from their steps it seems likely it will continue for some time.

 
 Spoiler 

Big spiders are size Huge.

Keep running up?
 
CoffeeIncluded
A low moaning sound comes out of Natalia's mouth as she sees the first spiders, turning higher and higher pitched as more of the spiders pour out.

 "Stop!"  she shrieks.  Spider flood stop! Where river from?!"  Nearly crying, Natalia flings some caltrops behind her and races up the steps as fast as she can.
Admiral
The party races up the steps, Shiny hurriedly casting a spell that lets him keep up with the others. The steps twist and turn at odd intervals on the way up. After a few minutes of frantic climbing, the sounds of the spiders starts to recede into the background: from what it sounds like the party is not being followed.

Just as they feel the relief of escape, the party runs into what looks like a sudden dead end in the staircase, where the path is blocked by an iron ceiling. Upon examination it appears to be a solid gate, one that opens upward like a cellar door.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 The party races up the steps, Shiny hurriedly casting a spell that lets him keep up with the others. The steps twist and turn at odd intervals on the way up. After a few minutes of frantic climbing, the sounds of the spiders starts to recede into the background: from what it sounds like the party is not being followed.

Just as they feel the relief of escape, the party runs into what looks like a sudden dead end in the staircase, where the path is blocked by an iron ceiling. Upon examination it appears to be a solid gate, one that opens upward like a cellar door. 
 

Natalia's running away from the spiders at top speed, screaming all the while. Until she runs into the ceiling.

 "AHHHHHHHHHHHH--OW!" 

Natalia smacks her head into the iron door with an echoing  *clang!*  She stumbles, her right leg buckling underneath her, and starts to tumble down the stairs. Crying out in terror, she flails out her arms and her left hand catches a jut in the wall, stopping her short.

 "Ow..."  Dragging herself up, shaking herself off, Natalia runs back up the stairs and searches the door for any catch or anything else.  "Please, please open,"  she whimpers to herself.

 
 Spoiler: Search 
Take 20 for a 36, but if I can't then take 10 for a 26.
 
CWater
For a moment Rhenner is afraid that Natalia is going to come tumbling down all the stairs, but she manages to stop her fall. He climbs up the last steps to the shut door and the frantic girl.  "Natalia, calm down. They don't seem to be following us anymore." 
 
 Spoiler 
I think Rhenner is starting to consider if he should prepare Calm Emotions from now on.😛
 


He eyes the door.  "I can't say I like how we've been chased to this, but there doesn't seem to be another way, unless we want to go back. Do you think you can open it?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 For a moment Rhenner is afraid that Natalia is going to come tumbling down all the stairs, but she manages to stop her fall. He climbs up the last steps to the shut door and the frantic girl.  "Natalia, calm down. They don't seem to be following us anymore." 
 
 Spoiler 
I think Rhenner is starting to consider if he should prepare Calm Emotions from now on.😛
 
 
 

Natalia breathes heavily as the fear drains from her face and is replaced by embarrassment.  "S-sorry,"  she mutters, unable to look Rhenner in the eye and instead glaring down at her traitorous leg that caused her to stumble.  "It just..." 
  "Or when she broke your speech, did she break that too?"  
 "Nothing. But...Rhenner?"  she leans in close to whisper to him.  
 Spoiler: Rhenner only please (and admiral too I guess) 
 "When safe, can...please talk, check? Important." 
 


 He eyes the door.  "I can't say I like how we've been chased to this, but there doesn't seem to be another way, unless we want to go back. Do you think you can open it?"  

Natalia looks at the door again, and if it's safe runs her hands over it, feeling for hinges, flaws, and cracks.  "Don't know if lock, and no warp or amoke spell left, right? Can...look for flaw, lock or pry but if smooth...ah! Blast powder!"  She opens her bag to show the gray powder inside, a tool of last resort.

 
 Spoiler: Question  
if there's no other way to open the door (and I want to try) then what do I need to roll to determine how to blast the door open?
 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia breathes heavily as the fear drains from her face and is replaced by embarrassment.  "S-sorry,"  she mutters, unable to look Rhenner in the eye and instead glaring down at her traitorous leg that caused her to stumble.  "It just..." 
  "Or when she broke your speech, did she break that too?"  
 "Nothing. But...Rhenner?"  she leans in close to whisper to him.  
 Spoiler: Rhenner only please (and admiral too I guess) 
 "When safe, can...please talk, check? Important." 
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: To Coffee 
Rhenner doesn't really understand what Natalia means with this, but nods anyway.  "If we get out of here alive, we can even discuss the colour of water for how long you wish." 
 


 Natalia looks at the door again, and if it's safe runs her hands over it, feeling for hinges, flaws, and cracks.  "Don't know if lock, and no warp or amoke spell left, right? Can...look for flaw, lock or pry but if smooth...ah! Blast powder!"  She opens her bag to show the gray powder inside, a tool of last resort.

 
 Spoiler: Question  
if there's no other way to open the door (and I want to try) then what do I need to roll to determine how to blast the door open?
 
 

Rhenner's eyes widen when Natalia brings out the powder.  "You're thinking of using  that ?!! Are you sure it won't break this whole structure?!",  He taps the stone wall.  "And that stuff is also rather  loud ",  he adds, remembering the blast of the torture chamber in the arena.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  
 Spoiler: To Coffee 
Rhenner doesn't really understand what Natalia means with this, but nods anyway.  "If we get out of here alive, we can even discuss the colour of water for how long you wish." 
 
 
 

Natalia sighs in relief, though she still looks worried.  "Thanks." 

 Rhenner's eyes widen when Natalia brings out the powder.  "You're thinking of using  that ?!! Are you sure it won't break this whole structure?!",  He taps the stone wall.  "And that stuff is also rather  loud ",  he adds, remembering the blast of the torture chamber in the arena. 

 "Yes, if that or spiders,"  Natalia says, running her fingers along the door again.  "And...remember Ildan trap, my trap? Break parts, trigger whole...but that much powder. If less, maybe weaken, crack steel...if right."  She bites her lip, shakes her head.  "Not thinking first, but last, because danger...and noise." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia runs her fingers over the door again, and stops when she brushes against a catch.  "...Or that,"  she says a little sheepishly, taking out her tools and getting to work. It takes her longer than she likes, and her arms soon ache from reaching up and bending in an awkward position to pick the lock. Every few seconds she glances behind her, nervously looking or listening for any sign of the spiders. But as she works her mind wanders, racing through every one of the mutant drow's taunts, circling around the things Mithril, and Shiny hid, running back and forth on what that woman hinted about Natalia herself. And she knew Natalia knew sign language too, she realizes as her picks nearly slip from the lock, which means she also knows about Ildan, and the driders they killed, and their plan... But if she knows all those things, why isn't she  doing  anything about them?

All these thoughts run through her mind in the blink of an eye, and just as quickly dance to other thoughts as well. But she can't escape what was said in that room. Shiny...and Mithril. How many people's minds had Mithril infiltrated? What did she find? And what's worse, doesn't that mean that the voice has been invading her mind too?   Mithril, Shiny, why didn't you tell us? What's going on?  

Lies keeping them together. It makes her feel horrible and empty, exactly as the sneering priestess wants them to feel, and...and...

  "I told you because you asked me- you asked me if it was true. Haven't been asked that a lot, though you're not the first I've told. Most visitors wouldn't have the stones. Most dwarves just accept it as they hear it, or come up with their own version." 
 "Thank you, mayor Marcos. ...wait. You think I have courage to ask that?" 
 "You're shaking in your boots, but you still run towards the axe because it's pointed at your friend? You think I'm a tyrannical maniac, but you let yourself get locked alone in a room with me, just so you can tell me that to my face? Hell, you hear about a starving dwarf fortress on the edge of the world and decide that's the place you want to be?"  He looks over his shoulder.  "What else would you call it?" 

...

 "Mithril, please...let me in!"   

...And all she's doing is dipping choice truths in bitter venom, and the lies are only serving to wedge them apart.

 "No,"  Natalia says, almost sighing as she bends her head and turns back, now looking at her friends as much as the winding staircase behind them.  "Truth binds stronger." 
 
 Spoiler: Figured this was a good place 
I figured this was a decent place to put in that post, and have Natalia think as she's picking the locks. She's taking 20--I hope we're not interrupted!

Is this ok?
 
Admiral
Natalia works carefully at the lock mechanism: while not as complicated as the trapped gate that had guarded the mysterious chamber earlier, it still takes a few minutes for her to master, enough time for her mind to wander. Finally the lock clicks and she feels the door unlock.

It takes the combination of her strength and Stephan's to push the heavy door open from below. As it cracks open, it reveals what appear to be damp corridors, marked by regularly placed columns in each direction. Their limited understanding from Zik's notes and Ildan's descriptions indicate they have reached the lower catacombs of Tol'Garun, finally escaping the accursed Crevice. Upper portions of the city are accessed by staircases.

 
 Spoiler 

Spot and Listen checks from group.

Shiny spot:  (1d20-2)[ 9 ] 
Listen:  (1d20-2)[ 3 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
The door clicks open, and Natalia sighs in relief. She doesn't let it through her system until they enter the dank catacombs  of Tol'Garun itself. It's almost as if a weight was lifted ever so slightly off her shoulders, so great is her relief to be out of that place. But they're still watching, and she and her friends are still in danger. If anything, she's more nervous than ever.

 
 Spoiler: Perception checks.  

Spot: take 10 for 27.
Listen:  (d20+12)[ 21 ] 

Guys? I don't want to be the only one playing here.
 
CWater
Rhenner climbs up after the others and takes a look around.

 
 Spoiler 
Spot:  (1d20+7)[ 13 ] 
Listen:  (1d20+5)[ 20 ] 

I'm somewhat busy with studies and other stuff at the moment, but I'll try to keep dropping by.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan had been slient ever since their enciunter with the spider priestess; if she knew about that... What else did she know? He helps Natalia push thr door mechanically, not really paying much attention to anything and if anyone talks to him he barely acknowledges them with simple grunts or phrases.

However once they reach the catacombs he starts paying more attention, they might have left the crevice behind, but they are not safe, not as long as they stay underground.

 
 Spoiler: perception 

Spot  (1d20+11)[ 19 ] 
Listen take 10 for 21 total.
 
Athedia
Mithril had stayed quiet, mulling over the spider priestess.  She had to have a stronghold somewhere here, but obviously she had been willing to let the group go so why would she interfere again?  Looking through the doorway she wondered how the rest of the group was dealing with the taunts.

 
 Spoiler 
Listen:  (1d20+2)[ 14 ] 
Spot:  (1d20+2)[ 9 ] 
 
Admiral
As the party climbs through the doorway, they see markings on the gate: an insignia of a spider surrounded by eyes, now easily recognized as the sigil of the Crevice. Presumably the markings serve as a warning not to enter.

But Natalia also notices some markings along the outer seam of the door: a simple magical trap, small and apparently designed to be hidden. Upon examination, it appears to be some kind of remote alarm: there is little question that by opening the door they've triggered it.

The party hurries forward, searching for path that will take them farther upwards into the city. Their steps, even hushed, echo through the corridors, and they have the acute sense of how the light from Mithril's spell makes them a target. The chambers they pass through vary in their size and complexity: some are large, ornate with inscriptions, and seem designed for rituals, much like the Crevice they passed through, while others are narrow utility tunnels. At a few points they even pass by dark rivers that appear to be sewage. And yet no routes appear that lead upward into the city, and the party begins to worry just how they could possibly progress.

 
 Spoiler 

If you'd like a sense of what it looks like, see images (it varies as a combinatio

 
 Spoiler 

 
 
 
 

 


Suddenly, as they are moving through a wide corridor, Stephan and Natalia hear breathing from the chamber ahead: from their best attempts to focus it sounds like multiple individuals. As the party stops, a pair of drow archers step out from either side of the door and take aim.

 
 Spoiler 

Map will be up tomorrow, but initiative:

Everyone but Rhenner before enemies.

Shiny:  (1d20+2)[ 12 ] 
Natalia:  (1d20+8)[ 25 ] 
Stephan:  (1d20+2)[ 20 ] 
Mithril:  (1d20+2)[ 20 ] 
Rhenner:  (1d20+3)[ 6 ] 
Enemies:  (1d20+3)[ 9 ] 
 
Admiral
As the drow appear in front of them, Shiny reacts quickly, placing his hand on Natalia and casting a spell. The rogue vanishes from sight.

 
 Spoiler 

Since Shiny's out of L3's I would rather cast this than Haste right now.

Can't put map up right now, but know that Natalia is 30 feet from the two archers. The corridor is 15 feet wide where you are and 10 feet wide where the archers are. You can't see anything in the chamber where the archers are. (Heck, if someone wants to edit the map to that effect based on the description I have no objection).
 
CoffeeIncluded
More spiders?! It's almost ridiculous at this point, but that's not what grabs the rogue's attention.  "Uh-oh,"  Natalia mutters when she sees the alarm runes.  "They heard." 
All of a sudden the race through the corridors becomes much more terrifying and oppressive. The invisible timer ticks down in her mind as they run up and down the catacombs, searching for an exit before the drow reinforcements come down on their heads. It's hard to see far, even with the light, but her ears sense them first. Too late--they've been found.

Shiny claps his hand on her back and she feels herself become invisible again. She's back in the arena again, tearing her way through foes and--no. She's not them. She controls the shadows. They're not her.

 "Thanks,"  Natalia breathes to Shiny before she runs forward and attacks.

 
 Spoiler: Attack! 
Assuming this is Greater Invisibility. Wolf Fang Strike! They're flatfooted since Natalia won initiative and is invisible.

Attack:  (d20+12)[ 19 ] 
Crit:  (d20+12)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 8 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 20 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+5)[ 9 ] 


Attack:  (d20+12)[ 17 ] 
Crit:  (d20+12)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 9 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 23 ] 
Crit damage:  (d4+5)[ 9 ] 

Hope I do well, and goodnight!

EDIT: Dammit, I hope it's enough with them flatfooted.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan continues running towards the archer, with a snap of his fingers the flaming greatsword appears on his hand; using his own momentum Stephan spins trying to split the drow in twain.  &lt;UC&gt;   Scorch!  &lt;/UC&gt; 
 
 Spoiler 

non-action: Designate D1 (whoever it is) as Dodge Target
Free Action: Draw greatsword from Glove of Master Strategist
Free Action 2: Ignite Flaming greatsword
Move Action: Move Adjacent to the archers trying to get both of them within his threatened area
Standard Action: Initiate  Mithril Tornado 
Attack vs. D1 (PA -4/+8)  (1d20+12)[ 22 ] 
Crit Confirm [roll]1d20+15[roll]
Damage  (2d6+15)[ 21 ] + (1d6)[ 2 ]  (fire) Crit  (2d6+15)[ 27 ] 
Attack vs. D2 (PA -4/+8)  (1d20+12)[ 23 ] 
Crit Confirm [roll]1d20+15[roll]
Damage  (2d6+15)[ 20 ] + (1d6)[ 4 ]  (fire) Crit  (2d6+15)[ 23 ] 
 
Admiral
The invisible Natalia drives a pair of blades into one of the drow, deeply wounding him. Stephan runs up next to her and slashes his blade in a wide arc. He cuts through the neck of the one Natalia had wounded, dropping him immediately, then slashes through the chest of the other.

To the warriors' horror, in the wide chamber behind the archers they can see six more drow guards standing with blades ready- and from the corridor on the other side of the chamber they can hear the footsteps of more approaching.  "&lt;Undercommon&gt;Drop your weapons!&lt;/Undercommon&gt;"  yell several of the soldiers in unison.

 
 Spoiler 

One archer is down, next one isn't yet bloodied.

Just Athedia; I can wait. Need a bit of time to put up map with new drow.
 
Athedia
Mithril pushed both hands forward then separated them, her old 'friends' lashing out of the ground in response.   "This doesn't buy us much time! Anyone have a plan?"   Shouting over the tentacles she thanked Boccob for the Tongues spell.   &lt;Undercommon&gt;"No thanks! How about you drop yours first!"&lt;/UC&gt;  
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril pushed both hands forward then separated them, her old 'friends' lashing out of the ground in response.   "This doesn't buy us much time! Anyone have a plan?"   Shouting over the tentacles she thanked Boccob for the Tongues spell.   &lt;Undercommon&gt;"No thanks! How about you drop yours first!"&lt;/UC&gt;   
 

 "Not die!"  Natalia shouts as she pulls her blades out of the drow's body, swallowing roughly at the sight of all the reinforcements. What had he said? Once the alarm's tripped the guards will keep coming until she and her friends are overrun?
Admiral
The horrible tentacles sprout from the ground, lashing themselves around the waiting drow.

 
 Spoiler 

Just barely managed to get all drow within tentacles. Grapple checks:

D2:  (1d20+11)[ 24 ]  Opposed:  (1d20+17)[ 29 ] 
D3:  (1d20+10)[ 17 ]  Opposed:  (1d20+17)[ 31 ] 
D4:  (1d20+10)[ 13 ]  Opposed:  (1d20+17)[ 27 ] 
D5:  (1d20+12)[ 27 ]  Opposed:  (1d20+17)[ 34 ] 
D6:  (1d20+10)[ 28 ] Opposed:  (1d20+17)[ 28 ] 
D7:  (1d20+12)[ 28 ]  Opposed:  (1d20+17)[ 31 ] 
D8:  (1d20+13)[ 30 ]  Opposed:  (1d20+17)[ 24 ] 
 
Admiral
Most of the remaining drow struggle further against the tentacles.

 
 Spoiler 

D2:  (1d20+11)[ 24 ]  Opposed:  (1d20+17)[ 25 ] 
D3:  (1d20+10)[ 20 ]  Opposed:  (1d20+17)[ 31 ] 
D4:  (1d20+10)[ 13 ]  Opposed:  (1d20+17)[ 32 ] 
D5:  (1d20+12)[ 31 ]  Opposed:  (1d20+17)[ 33 ] 
D6:  (1d20+10)[ 16 ]  Opposed:  (1d20+17)[ 36 ] 
D7:  (1d20+12)[ 24 ]  Opposed:  (1d20+17)[ 20 ] 
 


Only one of the drow manages to escape. He moves towards the warriors, staying clear of the tentacles so far, and reaches out towards them with a whisper. A brief flash appears, and then Natalia is surrounded with faintly glowing light, revealing her. Moments later, the drow who had been behind him breaks free of the tentacles and steps out into the safe spot as well.

 
 Spoiler 

That's D8, followed by D7.
 
Admiral
Moments later, the footsteps from the corridor grow louder- and the ground seems almost to vibrate as they do.

Out steps what at first appears to be a giant wearing heavy metal armor- until it becomes clear as he steps into the light that it is not wearing armor, but is in fact  made  entirely of it, his joints glistening as he walks. It is shortly followed by a second construct of just the same appearance. The two stop at the back of the room as if taking up guard positions. They are shortly followed by a cloaked, female drow who races in behind them, stopping and looking back at the direction she'd come.

 
 Spoiler 

Party's turn.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks down in horror as the soft green glow illuminates her whole body, revealing her position and form. Could all drow do that or is it just that one?! The sound of heavy clanking draws her attention upwards and her eyes widen at the sight of the iron giants marching in, with the female drow behind them, and even more in tow. There's too many, those giants make it too many and she and her friends could take them all but not if they keep coming...

 "If we surrender,"  she suddenly shouts in Elven (no point in concealing herself now),  "Then...you just kill us? Or what?"  Or would they drag them to the prison? Or worse...to the webs...?!

 
 Spoiler: Knowledge (Arcana) 
Knowledge:  (d20+3)[ 4 ] 

*sigh* Guess someone else will have to tell her then.
 
Admiral
 "&lt;Elven&gt;No promises!&lt;/Elven&gt;"  hisses the drow around the corner- even separated by him from the tentacles Natalia can hear the smugness in his voice.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "&lt;Elven&gt;No promises!&lt;/Elven&gt;"  hisses the drow around the corner- even separated by him from the tentacles Natalia can hear the smugness in his voice. 
 

Natalia sighs. It's harder when she talks to them first. But the webs temper that--both the fury and the fear. She is NOT going there.  "Then...Sorry, but want live!"  I am NOT dying on my twentieth birthday!  "Didn't want this fight!"  And she attacks, quickly lashing out against the drow closest to her in a flurry of stabs so he can't chase after them. After, she turns and shouts in Common (not Elven like before),  "Think run?!"  and if the party is fleeing she goes with them, stepping and suddenly using the momentum to leap out after them.

 
 Spoiler: Attacks and stuff 
If the first hit downs d2 then she runs for it, assuming everyone else is too. D2's grappled, flatfooted, yadda yadda.
Attack:  (d20+10)[ 23 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 28 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 6 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 17 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+5)[ 11 ] 

Attack:  (d20+10)[ 16 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 8 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 20 ] 
Crit damage:  (d4+5)[ 7 ] 

Attack:  (d20+5)[ 25 ] 
Crit:  (d20+5)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 6 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 25 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+5)[ 9 ] 

Attack:  (d20+5)[ 24 ] 
Crit:  (d20+5)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 7 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 27 ] 
Crit damage:  (d4+5)[ 6 ] 

If everyone is fleeing, Natalia 5 foot steps back and then uses Sudden Leap to catch up with them, moving a number of feet equal to this jump check.
Jump:  (d20+11)[ 26 ] 

And I made about a dozen typoes when doing this post. I'm going to bed. Goodnight.
 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia sighs. It's harder when she talks to them first. But the webs temper that--both the fury and the fear. She is NOT going there.  "Then...Sorry, but want live!"  I am NOT dying on my twentieth birthday!  "Didn't want this fight!"  And she attacks, quickly lashing out against the drow closest to her in a flurry of stabs so he can't chase after them. After, she turns and shouts in Common (not Elven like before),  "Think run?!"  and if the party is fleeing she goes with them, stepping and suddenly using the momentum to leap out after them.

 
 Spoiler: Attacks and stuff 
If the first hit downs d2 then she runs for it, assuming everyone else is too. D2's grappled, flatfooted, yadda yadda.
Attack: [roll0]
Crit: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2] plus sneak attack: [roll3]
Crit damage: [roll4]

Attack: [roll5]
Crit: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7] plus sneak attack: [roll8]
Crit damage: [roll9]

Attack: [roll10]
Crit: [roll11]
Damage: [roll12] plus sneak attack: [roll13]
Crit damage: [roll14]

Attack: [roll15]
Crit: [roll16]
Damage: [roll17] plus sneak attack: [roll18]
Crit damage: [roll19]

If everyone is fleeing, Natalia 5 foot steps back and then uses Sudden Leap to catch up with them, moving a number of feet equal to this jump check.
Jump: [roll20]

And I made about a dozen typoes when doing this post. I'm going to bed. Goodnight.
 
 
 

With several strikes Natalia slays the drow trapped in the tentacles, then leaps backwards to escape the fight.

 
 Spoiler 
Anyone have anything they want to do before running? I can roll for Mithril's Black Tentacles damage or she can.
 
CWater
Before he turns to run, Rhenner quickly drinks a vial of antitoxin. What he's seen so far has told him these drow have an unhealthy fondness fo poison use.

 
 Spoiler 
Thought I could as well use one of those. Though I still hope we can get away. ^^'

About the golems (though I doubt I'll beat Dusk's check)
Knowledge (arcana):  (1d20+7)[ 27 ] 
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

While I'm here and have it prepared, I'll roll Mithril's Black Tentacles damage:

D3:  (1d20+10)[ 21 ]  Opposed:  (1d20+17)[ 18 ]   (1d6+4)[ 7 ] 
D4:  (1d20+10)[ 18 ]  Opposed:  (1d20+17)[ 22 ]   (1d6+4)[ 5 ] 
D5:  (1d20+12)[ 15 ]  Opposed:  (1d20+17)[ 26 ]   (1d6+4)[ 5 ] 
D6:  (1d20+10)[ 15 ]  Opposed:  (1d20+17)[ 35 ]   (1d6+4)[ 8 ] 

Athedia should please let me know if she'd rather roll it herself in the future.
 
Admiral
As Natalia finishes her strikes she turns and leaps away from the tentacles, and not a moment too soon it seems- already she sees the drow on the other side of the tentacles peering straight at her, and starting the intricate hand motions of an arcane spell.

Natalia already makes it some distance up the corridor before it occurs to her that the drow's actions may not have been those of a spell- rather, they exactly resemble one of the gestures Ildan had taught her.

 "&lt;DSL&gt;Stand Back.&lt;/DSL&gt;" 

Moments later, a burst of red light comes from behind the party, and looking back they see a raging inferno overtake the full area of the tentacles spell, reminiscient of those from Rhenner's necklace. Moments later, the fire disappears, and is immediately replaced by a thick green fog, again filling the space of the tentacles such that the party can see nothing beyond where the corridor ends. From within it they hear the anguished cries and choking coughs of the soldiers.

 
 Spoiler 

DC 25 Spellcraft could recognize it as:

 
 Spoiler: No peeking 

Cloudkill
 

 


Through the fog the party can barely see two of the guards that had escaped the tentacles try to move through.

 
 Spoiler 

D8:  (1d20+13)[ 21 ]  Opposed:  (1d20+17)[ 27 ] 
D7:  (1d20+12)[ 22 ]  Opposed:  (1d20+17)[ 35 ] 
 


Both flail desperately as they are snatched from the fresh air mere steps away, pulled back into the strange green nightmare.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia is partway down the hall when what the drow was actually saying registers in her mind.  "Stand back?!"  she says out loud, more for the benefit of her friends than herself. She slows up, turning to them, explaining as rapidly as possible,  "She knew my...sign speech knowing! Told us, but..." 

And then her thoughts and sentence are interrupted by a giant explosion and a billowing sickly green gas that covers the drow...a gas that is doing  something  horrible to the drow inside, if the screams and chokes and coughs are any indications. Even at this distance her eyes are starting to water and her skin is starting to itch. And then come the iron beasts, and the sickening sound of bones snapping, and screams in Undercommon, anguished desperate pleas that know no language barrier.

 "What?"  Natalia almost whispers, still stumbling backwards.  "Her own? But...who? Why? How...know I know?"  Does she know Ildan? Or is she part of the church who saw our secrets? Or something else entirely?  
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia is partway down the hall when what the drow was actually saying registers in her mind.  "Stand back?!"  she says out loud, more for the benefit of her friends than herself. She slows up, turning to them, explaining as rapidly as possible,  "She knew my...sign speech knowing! Told us, but..." 

And then her thoughts and sentence are interrupted by a giant explosion and a billowing sickly green gas that covers the drow...a gas that is doing  something  horrible to the drow inside, if the screams and chokes and coughs are any indications. Even at this distance her eyes are starting to water and her skin is starting to itch. And then come the iron beasts, and the sickening sound of bones snapping, and screams in Undercommon, anguished desperate pleas that know no language barrier.

 "What?"  Natalia almost whispers, still stumbling backwards.  "Her own? But...who? Why? How...know I know?"  Does she know Ildan? Or is she part of the church who saw our secrets? Or something else entirely?   
 

Mithril had been watching the tentacles tearing apart the drow, forgetting the location for a short while.  At Natalia's warning she snapped out of it, stumbling back enough that the spell did not hit her.   "That spell, I know it."   She stared in amazement for a second before the total knowledge of the spells effects came back to her.   "GET BACK!"  She ran from the cloud, grabbing at those around her to try to pull them away.   "It spreads, and doesn't stop spreading." 
CWater
Hearing the sudden cries Rhenner glances back.  "What... Did they attack their own? Why..",  he stares at the cloud in disbelief before being pulled away  by Mithril.
Dusk Eclipse
 "Because they are insane, common let's go"  Stephan answers in grim voice as he begins to run.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril had been watching the tentacles tearing apart the drow, forgetting the location for a short while.  At Natalia's warning she snapped out of it, stumbling back enough that the spell did not hit her.   "That spell, I know it."   She stared in amazement for a second before the total knowledge of the spells effects came back to her.   "GET BACK!"  She ran from the cloud, grabbing at those around her to try to pull them away.   "It spreads, and doesn't stop spreading."  
 

Natalia doesn't need to be told twice. She races alongside Mithril, fleeing the poisonous vapors.  "What poison gas, Mithril?"  she cries out.


 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 Hearing the sudden cries Rhenner glances back.  "What... Did they attack their own? Why..",  he stares at the cloud in disbelief before being pulled away  by Mithril. 
 


 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "Because they are insane, common let's go"  Stephan answers in grim voice as he begins to run. 
 

Natalia looks back, bewildered. [color="darkorchid"]"She...looked me, then signed. Knew I know finger speech, then turned on own. Not just insane, but why?"[/quote] She doesn't know, and doesn't like that one bit.
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
Is spider climb still active and how tall is the ceiling?
 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  
 Spoiler 
Is spider climb still active and how tall is the ceiling?
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler 

Spider climb will be active for over an hour more, and the ceiling is thirty feet high for a good distance down the corridor.
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  
 Spoiler 

Spider climb will be active for over an hour more, and the ceiling is thirty feet high for a good distance down the corridor.
 
 
 

Mithril looked at the cloud behind them and then at the wall.   "Up! It is heavy, stays low."   She went to the wall and started to climb, relieved that Shiny had cast the spell on them.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods and scrambles up the wall after Mithril. If Shiny is next to her she grabs him before climbing, not stopping until she's safe on the ceiling. Only then does she dare to look around.

 
 Spoiler: Question and stuff 
if Natalia can't climb up the wall while holding shiny then she puts him into the bag of holding for now and takes him out once she's on the ceiling. Probably pass him off to Stephan, assuming he climbs up too. Or Stephan can grab him. Of course if shiny doesn't want to come up Natalia won't grab him, but then he'll be separated so...in either case I don't want to hold shiny too long outside the bag since I think I lose a lot of my class abilities when I do so.

Are you all coming up on the roof too? I think it's smart since then the cloud kill will just pass us by.

And question: can Natalia see the woman from her angle on the ceiling.
 
CWater
Trusting the mage to know how this twisted magic works, Rhenner climbs up after the others.   But what in the gods' name is happening there?   he wonders, looking back to where they came.
Admiral
The party clambers quickly up to the ceiling of the corridor, rising above the green cloud floating towards them.

 
 Spoiler 

Some stuff:

 (1d20+9)[ 24 ]   (1d4)[ 1 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 26 ]   (1d4)[ 3 ] 
 (1d20+12)[ 15 ]   (1d20+17)[ 34 ] 
 (1d20+13)[ 25 ]   (1d20+17)[ 20 ] 
 (1d20+9)[ 25 ]   (1d4)[ 2 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 22 ]   (1d4)[ 1 ] 
 (1d20+12)[ 21 ]   (1d20+17)[ 35 ] 
 (1d20+13)[ 33 ]   (1d20+17)[ 20 ] 
 


As the party is climbing the wall, one of the drow bursts forth from the gas, appearing weak and injured. He races down the corridor, glancing over his shoulder briefly, ignoring the party in his hasty retreat.

 
 Spoiler 

Party is 20 feet up the wall now, cloud is (let's say) 30 feet from you and moving slowly. Anything you want to do?
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia climbs further up the wall, wanting to get as far above the cloud as possible. She instinctively draws her bow as the first drow bursts out of the cloud, but holds her tongue and fire when she sees him racing past, wounded and terrified. She shares a silent look with her friends, wondering whether or not they should shoot him down.

 
 Spoiler: Questions 
Would I sneak attack him? And Dusk said Stephan would grab Shiny; is that this round?

And since the ceiling is 30 feet high is Natalia able to see over the top of the cloudkill to the drow who cast it?
 
Admiral
Shiny, holding on to Stephan as the soldier climbs, gestures towards the drow and tries casting a spell.

 
 Spoiler 

Gonna try Distract Assailanting him to give Natalia a sneak attack. If it doesn't take, will follow it immediately with Glitterdust (last L2 of the day).

CL check:  (1d20+9)[ 15 ] 
Will save:  (1d20+4)[ 12 ] 
 
Admiral
As his first spell fails to penetrate the drow's defenses, Shiny casts another in quick succession.

 
 Spoiler 

Glitterdust:

Will:  (1d20+4)[ 8 ] 
 


Blinded, the drow keeps stumbling down the hallway.

 
 Spoiler 

Natalia is in range for a ranged sneak attack now.

ETA: Green cloud hasn't moved enough to see anything on the other side from the party's vantage point yet. I'll notify you when it does.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs even as her lips twitch up. She nocks an arrow and fires through the vertigo of being on the ceiling, hoping it's enough to take him down quickly. They probably can't afford to leave him alive anyway. That doesn't exactly help.

 
 Spoiler: Attack 
I think he also has a cumulative -4 to ac on top of being flatfooted. Tell me if I can make another attack, I'm not 100% sure. Crazy busy and really frazzled right now.

Attack:  (d20+11)[ 12 ] 
Crit:  (d20+11)[ 29 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 1 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 32 ] 
Crit damage:  (d8)[ 7 ]   (d8)[ 3 ] 

...really? Really? You gotta be kidding me.

Guess I'll run after him and keep firing or something. He's at half speed now. How many times should I roll?
 
CWater
Rhenner watches Natalia shoot the arrow, though apparently the unusual position is making it hard for her to aim.  "So you are going to kill him?" 
CoffeeIncluded
As both arrows miss Natalia grits her teeth like she's about to start screaming.  "Well...can't escape, right? And going...die from what seen. At least...arrow fast, make sure..." 
Dusk Eclipse
 "He is dead no matter what"  Stephan shakes his head  "And we will join him if we don't move, I doubt that someone who is willing to sacrifice so many soldiers just for a chance to get us will be content with us simply leaving." 
CWater
Rhenner looks at the rogue for a few seconds, then shifts his gaze to the fleeing drow.  "...change in such a small time. But given the circumstances... I suppose it's not surprising",  he says with maybe a hint of bitterness.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 Rhenner looks at the rogue for a few seconds, then shifts his gaze to the fleeing drow.  "...change in such a small time. But given the circumstances... I suppose it's not surprising",  he says with maybe a hint of bitterness. 
 

 "Look!"  she says, clutching her bow and pointing at the drow, now stumbling along, slower than the rapidly approaching gas.  "Can't outrun...this faster."  And it's true, if she shoots him down he'll die much faster than whatever's going on in that cloud, or with the iron giants. But...but Rhenner's also right. Part of her, a dark ugly shadow-rearing part, brings up the images of the crevice, all the people in pain, asks what he would have done to her and her friends, mutters that he's probably done so much evil that he deserves worse.

  SHUT UP! EVEN IF HE'S HORRIBLE DON'T THINK THINGS LIKE THAT!  
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "He is dead no matter what"  Stephan shakes his head  "And we will join him if we don't move, I doubt that someone who is willing to sacrifice so many soldiers just for a chance to get us will be content with us simply leaving."  
 


 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Look!"  she says, clutching her bow and pointing at the drow, now stumbling along, slower than the rapidly approaching gas.  "Can't outrun...this faster."  And it's true, if she shoots him down he'll die much faster than whatever's going on in that cloud, or with the iron giants. But...but Rhenner's also right. Part of her, a dark ugly shadow-rearing part, brings up rye images of the crevice, all the people in pain, asks what he would have done to her and her friends, mutters that he's probably done so much evil that he deserves worse.

  SHUT UP! EVEN IF HE'S HORRIBLE DON'T THINK THINGS LIKE THAT!   
 

 "So it's practically another mercy kill then?Although we did blind him in the first place, but that's merely details."  Rhenner's eyes follow the drow as he moves slowly forward.  "I wonder what he'd choose, given the chance.. My guess is a curse back at us if we asked, and for  that  I couldn't exactly blame him." 
Athedia
Mithril let the others argue about the drows fate while she climbed up further.  Looking back to assure herself they were distracted she started to make her way over the cloud, toward the person who had cast it.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "So it's practically another mercy kill then?Although we did blind him in the first place, but that's merely details."  Rhenner's eyes follow the drow as he moves slowly forward.  "I wonder what he'd choose, given the chance.. My guess is a curse back at us if we asked, and for  that  I couldn't exactly blame him."  
 

Natalia grits her teeth and blurts out,  "Then what you do?!"  before scrambling back down the wall towards the drow. She pulls back the bow, he's right in her sights even as the poison gas rolls down behind them. Take the shot, it's easy, he's right in her sights even as he runs away...

Runs away to do what? Report them, get reinforcements, try to kill them again.

But he's running away.

 "You surrender?!"  she shouts out to the retreating drow.
Admiral
The drow keeps running and panting, not even acknowledging Natalia's shout.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler: If it matters 
She shouted that in Elven, by the way.
 
CoffeeIncluded
So that's that. It's just the same as they would have done to her and her friends. But she's supposed to be better. But she doesn't really have a choice. Not here. Not on their turf. And it is a mercy, really, if the screams in the cloud and the webs she saw are any indication. And this place is psychotic, and who knows what he's done?

Aim, draw, and fire. That's all she needs to do to kill this drow and stop the threat.

Aim. Draw.

Fleeing.

Her nocked arrow wavers.

Aim. Draw.

He's terrified. Even if...and her mind breaks off into a thousand different places.

Behind her the gas cloud rolls closer. Whatever it's made of, even here it's making her eyes water, her skin and throat itch.

Her arms spasm and her fingers twitch.

Fire.

 
 Spoiler: Attack  
I rolled for what Natalia would do. Hopefully this actually hits and doesn't ruin the dramatic effect.

Attack:  (d20+11)[ 19 ] 
Crit:  (d20+11)[ 29 ] 
Damage:  (d8)[ 6 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 12 ] 
 
Admiral
Natalia's arrow, accidentally released, flies into the drow's back. He stumbles, but continues staggering on.

 
 Spoiler 

Aww, sorry if that's a touch anticlimactic.
 


Moments afterward, an strange orb flies by Natalia, missing her by only a few feet.

 
 Spoiler 

Ranged touch:  (1d20+13)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (15d6)[ 48 ] 

See, it happens even to NPCs!
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia slumps, her breathing harsh and ragged. She isn't sure if she can fire again. And then the giant orb misses her by just a few feet, and she's scrambling forward and up the wall again. What the heck was that?! It nearly took her arm off!

 
 Spoiler: Crap 
What did the orb look like? Where did it come from? Did she see who cast it?

Is anyone else gonna attack him? And yes, that is anticlimactic.
 
Admiral
The orb just barely misses the fleeing drow.

As the party glances behind Natalia, they see a pair of drow women standing a few yards in front of the cloud of green gas, having quite literally appeared out of nowhere. One of them is younger, and the party recognizes her as the elf from the other side of the tentacles, the one who had signed at Natalia. The second drow is much older, her stony faced cracked with wrinkles as she bears a countenance of complete seriousness. This elf wears a dark cloak of exquisite craftsmanship and a pair of rings on her hands, one of which is outstretched towards the escaping soldier. Apparently the two of them had teleported across the cloud of gas.

The older woman frowns as she watches the guard continue to race away, disappointed at her spell having missed.  "We'll have to stop him,"  she says sternly and efficiently.  "This opportunity is too rare and important to waste with our demise."  With her eyes fixed on the fleeing guard, it takes a moment to realize she is speaking in the Common tongue, and therefore addressing the party.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses a step or two up the wall; she only turned to walk up it after running for several feet. She slowly turns around, her eyes huge as she takes them in. The attack was meant for the fleeing drow. These two women are on her side--or at least, not actively trying to kill her and her friends at the moment. She stares open-mouthed at the two drow, and all the implications of what they're saying.  "Who...are you?"  she croaks.  "What opportunity?"  But her fingers are flying, allowing her to ask more at once.   "What's so important about our meeting? Why aren't you trying to kill us? How do you know I know sign language?"   Her speech slows as her fingers close along the bow again; she sheepishly realizes that the drow is sort of "suggesting" that they finish off the fleeing guard.

 
 Spoiler: Question 
Am I in range of a sneak attack? I sort of went diagonally and am not really on the wall yet. And is there an initiative order now?

And should I attack or does someone else want to attack before I try again?
 
Athedia
Mithril stayed on her perch above the cloud.   "I can't do much to help.  You people have a weird resistance to my skills and I spent all day practicing being a bat.  Though I would prefer not being dissolved alive by your cloud." 

She backed away from the edge of the cloud and made a gesture and muttered some words to herself as the stones began to leak.  The droplets came out fast as if from an aquifer hidden behind the wall and smelled of stagnation and mud.  But they collected, not as water normally does but building into a wall between her and her companions and the acidic cloud.
Admiral
Mithril summons a wall of water directly behind the two drow, right in front of the cloud. The gas pools pools against the other side of the wall of water- ripples run along the surface but the water halts the cloud's motion.

 
 Spoiler 

We'll see how Stephan does before the drow react to anyone.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Using the momentary surprise brought by Natalia's failed attack and the sudden spell orb, Stephan hurls himself from the ceiling, landing next to the fleeing drow, his blades ablaze befoe striking  twice.
 
 Spoiler 

Since apparently Stephan has two rounds worth of actions, I hope this is ok.
First round
Swift action: initiate Punishing Stance (-2 AC +1d6 damage)
free action: store the greatsword in the glove of master strategist
Move action: mov towards drow
Standard action: continue moving towards drow.

2nd round
Free action: Draw both dragonsplits (least crystal of return in both of them
Swit action: cast  Blades of fire  from wands in wand chamber, targetting th dragonsplits (+1d8 fire damage, duration 1 round)
Move action: jump downwards towards the drow. Jump  (1d20+4)[ 13 ]  (to reduce falling damage[/roll]
Tumble  (1d20+13)[ 15 ]  (to further reduce falling damage)
Standard action: Inititate Wolf's fang strike
Attack 1 (PA -2/+2)  (1d20+11)[ 31 ] 
Crit confirm  (1d20+14)[ 16 ]  (20 x3)
Damage  (2d6+7)[ 14 ] + (1d8)[ 3 ] (fire) Crit damage  (2d6+14)[ 20 ] 

Attack 2 (PA -2/+2)  (1d20+11)[ 22 ] 
Crit confirm  (1d20+14)[ 33 ]  (20 x3)
Damage  (2d6+5)[ 11 ] + (1d8)[ 7 ] (fire) Crit damage  (2d6+10)[ 17 ] 
 
Admiral
Stephan drops from the ceiling and swings his blade in a descending arc, using the momentum of his fall to carve into the blind drow's neck. Blood spurts from the elf as he collapses.

 
 Spoiler 

Stephan takes  (1d6)[ 6 ]  nonlethal and  (1d6)[ 1 ]  lethal damage from the fall.
 


The mysterious older drow nods, satisfied, as she sees Mithril's wall of water block the progress of the gas, and Stephan slay the last remaining guard. She walks briskly towards the body, closely followed by the second.

 "A contradiction, is it not? The typical soldier is ready to die in battle on the orders of his superior. Yet he is so unwilling to die at her hands."  She looks down at the corpse thoughtfully.  "Did he not recognize why the latter can be as necessary as the former? It is a problem I have given some thought to." 

She looks behind her as a dark shape looms in the water, the ground vibrating with footsteps. With a burst the first iron golem steps through the wall, water sleekly running off of it. A few moments later the second one follows, and both of them stand ready.  "The golems are one facet of my solution,"  the woman notes.  "They make good soldiers- and poor witnesses." 
 
 Spoiler 

I find it too difficult to imagine a 5000lb Iron Golem trapped in a wall of water, so I'm giving them a pass since it's not combat...
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia steps off the wall cautiously, moving into a wary, guarded stance. She hopes her body language is clear as she listens to the drow's words. And stays silent. The answer seems so obvious to her that it doesn't need explaining. That a loyal soldier is so disposable to her doesn't make her feel much better about her own prospects. But these two don't seem to be about to kill them right now at least.

 "Why...bring soldiers then?"  she asks, fighting her instincts that are screaming "CRAWL UNDER ROCK" as she waits for an explanation.

 
 Spoiler 
this is interesting. I'm wondering how theyll respond to all my questions.
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Stephan drops from the ceiling and swings his blade in a descending arc, using the momentum of his fall to carve into the blind drow's neck. Blood spurts from the elf as he collapses.

 
 Spoiler 

Stephan takes [roll0] nonlethal and [roll1] lethal damage from the fall.
 


The mysterious older drow nods, satisfied, as she sees Mithril's wall of water block the progress of the gas, and Stephan slay the last remaining guard. She walks briskly towards the body, closely followed by the second.

 "A contradiction, is it not? The typical soldier is ready to die in battle on the orders of his superior. Yet he is so unwilling to die at her hands."  She looks down at the corpse thoughtfully.  "Did he not recognize why the latter can be as necessary as the former? It is a problem I have given some thought to." 

She looks behind her as a dark shape looms in the water, the ground vibrating with footsteps. With a burst the first iron golem steps through the wall, water sleekly running off of it. A few moments later the second one follows, and both of them stand ready.  "The golems are one facet of my solution,"  the woman notes.  "They make good soldiers- and poor witnesses." 
 
 Spoiler 

I find it too difficult to imagine a 5000lb Iron Golem trapped in a wall of water, so I'm giving them a pass since it's not combat...
 
 
 


 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia steps off the wall cautiously, moving into a wary, guarded stance. She hopes her body language is clear as she listens to the drow's words. And stays silent. The answer seems so obvious to her that it doesn't need explaining. That a loyal soldier is so disposable to her doesn't make her feel much better about her own prospects. But these two don't seem to be about to kill them right now at least.

 "Why...bring soldiers then?"  she asks, fighting her instincts that are screaming "CRAWL UNDER ROCK" as she waits for an explanation.

 
 Spoiler 
this is interesting. I'm wondering how theyll respond to all my questions.
 
 
 

Mithril stayed high up, out of the range of the golems grasp.   "I can think of a few reasons.  First, they want us to be weakened, or use our last spells.  But then they would have simply let the tentacles handle the soldiers.  So I would say it was less suspicious for them to leave with a squad and they can simply say we killed them and escaped."  She looked down at the woman.   "And I wouldn't say it was a contradiction, one never expects betrayal from one they trust, and while your lot do like backstabbing there must be a limit." 
Admiral
 "We didn't  bring  soldiers,"  the old elf responds.  "We caught up with them." 

She looks up at the remaining members of the party, who are still arrayed along the walls.  "My name is Lysandra Dalael, of the Lords of the Underdark. We need to move quickly- more will be coming, and as I said your presence is a rare opportunity. You and I share a common enemy." 
 
 Spoiler 

If you're wondering, in my view the word "Lord" in Undercommon is non-gender-specific.
 
CWater
Rhenner also climbs back to the ground, helping Shiny down too so he doesn't fall.

 
 Spoiler 
I'm assuming Shiny didn't hang on to Stephan when he charged after the drow?😛
 


He goes to check that Stephan didn't hurt himself when he took a tumble after cutting the drow, but leaves it be once he's seen it's just a scratch. He then turns back to look at the drow pair, but doesn't say a word.
Athedia
Mithril stayed on the wall even as her friends climbed down.   "Is it the Voice?  We assumed he worked with you." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks up and down the hall. There's nothing now, but Lysandra's right, there probably are more coming. Certain death now or possible death later? And a certain opportunity? She sighs and steps forward, off the wall.  "No choice, right? And...what common?"  she asks.   "And I have to ask: What about after?"   she signs, still wary. She goes still at Mithril's question.
Admiral
Lysandra's eyes flare briefly at Mithril's mention of the word "voice."  "That is not the name we call him by. But yes- in their madness the rest of the Lords have chosen to ally themselves with a stranger in their pursuit of our nation's power- a treason I suppose I am now guilty of as well. But only I recognize what is obvious: that this stranger, this Voice, takes no allies, and that his power is not ours to use. So once again it falls on me to save our nation from ruin." 

Lysandra gestures to the young drow at her side.  "This is Eldra, my apprentice. She will stay behind and remove any remaining trace that she or I was here. There are others establishing an alibi for the two of us many miles away."  She gestures down the hallway.  "But we must move very quickly." 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan flicks the blood of his blades before re-sheathing them.  "And why should we trust you?"  
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's eyes widen at Lysandra's mention of the Voice, and their reasons for the temporary alliance.  "If wanted us dead now...we'd be, right?"  It would have been difficult to defeat all those soldiers, and these two women and their golems slaughtered them all with barely a struggle.

EDIT: Natalia sighs--they really don't have much of a choice. And maybe this could work out. Maybe. Hopefully.

 
 Spoiler: Question 
Can I make a knowledge check?
 
Admiral
 "The routes out of the catacombs are few and well-hidden,"  Lysandra says.  "You stand no chance of escaping them on your own. I wish I could say that it is your choice whether to stay behind and be captured by the guards, but your capture and interrogation would jeopardize my own plans as well. So I suppose I am threatening you,"  she says with an impatient frown.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs and steps forward.  "Guess best choice to hurry with,"  she says, as much to her friends as the drow.

 
 Spoiler: Guys? 
I think we should get going with these drow. It's clear that we're not against each other at the moment; if they wanted us dead they would have killed us by now.
 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia sighs and steps forward.  "Guess best choice to hurry with,"  she says, as much to her friends as the drow.

 
 Spoiler: Guys? 
I think we should get going with these drow. It's clear that we're not against each other at the moment; if they wanted us dead they would have killed us by now.
 
 
 

Rhenner nods slightly.

 
 Spoiler 
Yeah, I agree.
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "The routes out of the catacombs are few and well-hidden,"  Lysandra says.  "You stand no chance of escaping them on your own. I wish I could say that it is your choice whether to stay behind and be captured by the guards, but your capture and interrogation would jeopardize my own plans as well. So I suppose I am threatening you,"  she says with an impatient frown. 
 

Stephan sighs, he doesn't like this, it is obvious that no-one else does, but she is right; they have no way to navigate this gods-forsake catacombs on their own.  "And I suppose you won't be willing to share your plans with us." 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Stephan sighs, he doesn't like this, it is obvious that no-one else does, but she is right; they have no way to navigate this gods-forsake catacombs on their own.  "And I suppose you won't be willing to share your plans with us."  
 

 "To the contrary,"  Lysandra responds, her tone an uncanny cross between a those of a judge and a schoolteacher,  "sharing my plans is exactly what we are going to do." 

She waits a moment as the party climbs down.  "Your hesitation is understandable. There was a time, long ago, when I shared the hatred for surfacefolk that is common among my comrades. As the centuries passed I grew to recognize such petty prejudice for the weakness it is. There are enough threats to Zyvonar- other drow nations, barbarians, disobedient citizens- to invent enmity where it does not exist. Prejudice is thus one of many indulgences I have forsaken in service of my nation."  She takes one last stonefaced look at the corpse of the guard as they walk down the corridor.  "Mercy is another." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia listens to Lysandra, eyes widening with every word. She gets it! She actually understands! The rogue starts laughing , throwing her hands out.  "Yes! You get it! Finally! Thank you!"  This might actually end up okay!
Admiral
Lysandra leads the party around the corner, and down a different corridor than the one they had originally come from. The two iron golems dutifully follow shortly behind. "I learned of your approach only recently, and our information was quite scarce. I had Eldra place warning runes on several of the possible routes you could take, in the hopes I could find you before the guards did."  The party moves quickly down a series of labyrinthine tunnels.

 "I should explain how such knowledge came to me. Within the Lords of the Underdark, I am tasked with the gathering and management of intelligence the nation's enemies both outside and within its borders. I perform this duty through a collaboration with the Church of Zyvonar."  She lets slip an expression of distaste.  "Lolth is a deity of chaos, and her followers possess a similarly unruly attitude. But even chaos has its uses as a tool for something greater. In this case, my contacts within the Church told me that several travelers from the surface world were approaching, who worked against the same threat we face." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Lysandra leads the party around the corner, and down a different corridor than the one they had originally come from. The two iron golems dutifully follow shortly behind. "I learned of your approach only recently, and our information was quite scarce. I had Eldra place warning runes on several of the possible routes you could take, in the hopes I could find you before the guards did."  The party moves quickly down a series of labyrinthine tunnels.

 "I should explain how such knowledge came to me. Within the Lords of the Underdark, I am tasked with the gathering and management of intelligence the nation's enemies both outside and within its borders. I perform this duty through a collaboration with the Church of Zyvonar."  She lets slip an expression of distaste.  "Lolth is a deity of chaos, and her followers possess a similarly unruly attitude. But even chaos has its uses as a tool for something greater. In this case, my contacts within the Church told me that several travelers from the surface world were approaching, who worked against the same threat we face."  
 

Natalia follows along quietly, eyes flitting around as she listens to Lysandra's explanation.

 "What...said or known of us? Of Voice too?"  She pauses at the tangled words that come out of her mouth again, and follows the rest of her questions with sign language.   "How much did you and they learn about us? And do you mean you don't follow Lloth or the church?"  
 
 Spoiler: Also: 
Sense Motive (if it's ok):  (d20+4)[ 23 ] 
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Lysandra leads the party around the corner, and down a different corridor than the one they had originally come from. The two iron golems dutifully follow shortly behind. "I learned of your approach only recently, and our information was quite scarce. I had Eldra place warning runes on several of the possible routes you could take, in the hopes I could find you before the guards did."  The party moves quickly down a series of labyrinthine tunnels.

 "I should explain how such knowledge came to me. Within the Lords of the Underdark, I am tasked with the gathering and management of intelligence the nation's enemies both outside and within its borders. I perform this duty through a collaboration with the Church of Zyvonar."  She lets slip an expression of distaste.  "Lolth is a deity of chaos, and her followers possess a similarly unruly attitude. But even chaos has its uses as a tool for something greater. In this case, my contacts within the Church told me that several travelers from the surface world were approaching, who worked against the same threat we face."  
 

 "They already know of your betrayal. And of our arrival.  The web and eyes would have told them that much.  And the Voice has a larger reach than you might think."   Mithril walked beside the drow woman, finally allowing Whiskers to poke his head out.   "Did the Lords send the group that attacked Deldon?  And have they been conversing with someone in prison?" 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "They already know of your betrayal. And of our arrival.  The web and eyes would have told them that much.  And the Voice has a larger reach than you might think."  
 

 "The Quiet Crevice is located where it is for a reason,"  Lysandra replies.  "A cloak of a rare kind of faezress lies around it, which its clerics have shaped into a sort of lens. It sharpens divinations aimed outside of it, and blurs those pointed within it- the ideal hiding place for the nation's secrets."  She gestures at the catacombs around her.  "We remain within this protection for some distance more- the Voice cannot see us here." 
 "And you misunderstand, young wizard,"  Lysandra notes.  "Whether the Priestesses of Shadow know of our meeting is irrelevant, for the same reason I am the only one they told of your approach, and the same reason they allowed you to pass unharmed- they are loyal to me. I am the reason they see the things they can." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia gapes in shock.  "All them, even spider woman?! Why...taunt then?"  she exclaims. And then she pales as the rest of that registers. Is Lysandra also behind all the horrible things they saw in the crevice too, all the people suffering and the demons and those "paladins"? But they attacked her and her friends, didn't let them pass by...

 "Lysandra?"  she asks before slipping back into sign, choosing her words carefully.   "What about the demons and the...paladins? They attacked us, so if they're not loyal to you, then who do they follow?"   she pauses.  "Wait...You let them see all lives? You...know our secrets, stories all? How? And...how long watching?" 
 
 Spoiler: Sorry for shortness 
having dinner with friends, will edit later.
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "The Quiet Crevice is located where it is for a reason,"  Lysandra replies.  "A cloak of a rare kind of faezress lies around it, which its clerics have shaped into a sort of lens. It sharpens divinations aimed outside of it, and blurs those pointed within it- the ideal hiding place for the nation's secrets."  She gestures at the catacombs around her.  "We remain within this protection for some distance more- the Voice cannot see us here." 
 "And you misunderstand, young wizard,"  Lysandra notes.  "Whether the Priestesses of Shadow know of our meeting is irrelevant, for the same reason I am the only one they told of your approach, and the same reason they allowed you to pass unharmed- they are loyal to me. I am the reason they see the things they can."  
 

 "He reaches further than you think, don't underestimate him." 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "The Quiet Crevice is located where it is for a reason,"  Lysandra replies.  "A cloak of a rare kind of faezress lies around it, which its clerics have shaped into a sort of lens. It sharpens divinations aimed outside of it, and blurs those pointed within it- the ideal hiding place for the nation's secrets."  She gestures at the catacombs around her.  "We remain within this protection for some distance more- the Voice cannot see us here." 
 "And you misunderstand, young wizard,"  Lysandra notes.  "Whether the Priestesses of Shadow know of our meeting is irrelevant, for the same reason I am the only one they told of your approach, and the same reason they allowed you to pass unharmed- they are loyal to me. I am the reason they see the things they can."  
 

 "hmp, so either we work for you or we die, whether by your hand, the hands of the other lords or this voice."  Stephan let's out a grim laugh  "seems we are screwed either way." 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "hmp, so either we work for you or we die, whether by your hand, the hands of the other lords or this voice."  Stephan let's out a grim laugh  "seems we are screwed either way."  
 

 "If you do not stop this threat,"  Lysandra intones with utter sincerity,  "it makes utterly no difference whom you stand with. All in this reality are in danger." 

 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia gapes in shock.  "All them, even spider woman?! Why...taunt then?"  she exclaims. And then she pales as the rest of that registers. Is Lysandra also behind all the horrible things they saw in the crevice too, all the people suffering and the demons and those "paladins"? But they attacked her and her friends, didn't let them pass by...

 "Lysandra?"  she asks before slipping back into sign, choosing her words carefully.   "What about the demons and the...paladins? They attacked us, so if they're not loyal to you, then who do they follow?"   she pauses.  "Wait...You let them see all lives? You...know our secrets, stories all? How? And...how long watching?" 
 
 Spoiler: Sorry for shortness 
having dinner with friends, will edit later.
 
 
 

 "Taunt? Demons?"  Lysandra asks, raising her eyebrows. Then she grasps her forehead with frustration.  " The damn fools , playing games with the fate of the nation- I had told her to let you pass unseen. But followers of Lolth worship conflict and chaos above all else; I suppose they couldn't resist."  She suddenly stops, turns towards a solid wall, and speaks a few obscure words. She then takes a step forward and vanishes into the wall, leading the party into another one of the illusory tunnels the drow seem so fond of. As they pass through Natalia spots several traps that appear to have been disarmed with her phrases. The golems continue tramping behind as the party progresses.

 "Then I suppose you observed how their magic works. The Crevice cuts first to the deepest secrets and most hidden weaknesses- whether those held in an individual's heart or protected by a rival nation. To those who worship chaos these secrets are invaluable, for they are the fuel of conflict- but they have their uses to me as well. It is this power over the secrets of others that has let the nation of Zyvonar survive- it is  by far  our most valuable asset. Wars have been won, and peace maintained, on the strength of these secrets we collect. The cost of this power is great, but it is no more than I swore to myself I would pay."  She continues walking steadily down the corridor, eyes straight ahead.  "Prisoners of war, though those are an inconsistent supply... criminals, or those who can be explained away as criminals... when necessary, the weakest among the citizenry, those who will do a greater service to our nation in their death than they ever could have in life. With these costs I purchase our nation's survival." 
CWater
Rhenner stops walking suddenly, quickly leaving him behind unless the others notice.
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "If you do not stop this threat,"  Lysandra intones with utter sincerity,  "it makes utterly no difference whom you stand with. All in this reality are in danger."  
 

 "I haven't tried to kill have I?"  Stephan says flatly.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "If you do not stop this threat,"  Lysandra intones with utter sincerity,  "it makes utterly no difference whom you stand with. All in this reality are in danger."  
 

 "Sorry,"  Natalia says quickly.  "He from arena, only know pain here..."  She tugs Stephans arm and whispers in his ear,  "Please, not time!" 

  "Taunt? Demons?"  Lysandra asks, raising her eyebrows. Then she grasps her forehead with frustration.  " The damn fools , playing games with the fate of the nation- I had told her to let you pass unseen. But followers of Lolth worship conflict and chaos above all else; I suppose they couldn't resist."  She suddenly stops, turns towards a solid wall, and speaks a few obscure words. She then takes a step forward and vanishes into the wall, leading the party into another one of the illusory tunnels the drow seem so fond of. As they pass through Natalia spots several traps that appear to have been disarmed with her phrases. The golems continue tramping behind as the party progresses.

 "Then I suppose you observed how their magic works. The Crevice cuts first to the deepest secrets and most hidden weaknesses- whether those held in an individual's heart or protected by a rival nation. To those who worship chaos these secrets are invaluable, for they are the fuel of conflict- but they have their uses to me as well. It is this power over the secrets of others that has let the nation of Zyvonar survive- it is  by far  our most valuable asset. Wars have been won, and peace maintained, on the strength of these secrets we collect. The cost of this power is great, but it is no more than I swore to myself I would pay."  She continues walking steadily down the corridor, eyes straight ahead.  "Prisoners of war, though those are an inconsistent supply... criminals, or those who can be explained away as criminals... when necessary, the weakest among the citizenry, those who will do a greater service to our nation in their death than they ever could have in life. With these costs I purchase our nation's survival."  

So they're true, and she knows what the woman told her, but what does that--wait, what?! Natalia stops short next to Rhenner, utterly shocked. She grabs Rhenner's arm and stumbles forward, blurting out in horror and disgust,  "Wait, YOU put people in webs?!"  How could she do something like that, leave them to die so horribly? And then say people were only useful like that?!

 
 Spoiler 
Korra time! Back later!

Natalia isn't looking for a fight but she couldn't let that go.
 
CWater
Rhenner doesn't respond to Natalia's tug, he simply stands there.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia tugs harder on Rhenner's arm.  "Rhenner! Please, you there?" 
CWater
Rhenner doesn't look at Natalia, his eyes are cold and their gaze locked on Lysandra. The arm the rogue is trying to pull is stiff, clenched in a tight fist.  "Remind... me again. Why... are we going",  his voice is but a hiss, and it's like he has to force every word out,  "...with them." 
Athedia
 "What did you expect Natalia?  She already said she ran intelligence."   Mithril glanced back at Rhenner and paused.   "You wanted proof of the dark gods, well tell the Church to pay attention, this is their power."  She then went to catch up with Lysandra.  "I have no clue what Boccob would say to this arrangement, but he did say that even he was concerned with the unbalance of the land.  My companions may not agree but I have seen through the web, patchy and painful but I know the power it holds.  I do not want it in the Voice's grasp.  Though"  Here her voiced dropped to a whisper so the others couldn't hear.   "Could you advice me later on some things of concern to me?" 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 [COLOR="#9933ff"]
So they're true, and she knows what the woman told her, but what does that--wait, what?! Natalia stops short next to Rhenner, utterly shocked. She grabs Rhenner's arm and stumbles forward, blurting out in horror and disgust,  "Wait, YOU put people in webs?!"  
 

 "Supplied people,"  Lysandra corrects.  "The priestesses and their aberrations constructed the webs themselves."  Glancing back at the horrified faces of several of the party, she stops, tapping her foot.  "I told you I had discarded indulgences such as prejudice and mercy. Morality is another luxury I cannot afford- as is patience with the moral judgments of others." 

 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "I have no clue what Boccob would say to this arrangement, but he did say that even he was concerned with the unbalance of the land.  My companions may not agree but I have seen through the web, patchy and painful but I know the power it holds.  I do not want it in the Voice's grasp.  Though"  Here her voiced dropped to a whisper so the others couldn't hear.   "Could you advice me later on some things of concern to me?"  
 

Lysandra's thin-lipped frown softens almost imperceptibly.  "There is no worship of gods other than Lolth within the boundaries of this nation, nor do I have the inane temperament necessary for devotion. But I have heard stories of the gods of the surface. Boccob seems a rare deity, to recognize that reality is not shaped by the wishes and stories of good or evil- only by power."  Her expression hardens again.  "We have little time as it is- if there is to be an opportunity to speak, you'll have to convince your comrades to move more quickly." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 Rhenner doesn't look at Natalia, his eyes are cold and their gaze locked on Lysandra. The arm the rogue is trying to pull is stiff, clenched in a tight fist.  "Remind... me again. Why... are we going",  his voice is but a hiss, and it's like he has to force every word out,  "...with them."  
 

 "Because...because..."  she pauses and looks down at the ground. She can't get past it either, leaving someone to die like  that...  Even thinking about it makes her want to vomit and scream again. What would Miriam have done? Miriam, so straight and moral would have condemned it, would have refused to stand for it, called for justice then and there...

...And would have shattered the tenuous alliance and gotten them all killed.

Natalia folds in defeat, and her voice is choked.  "Because...need knowing, and no other way now. I wish..." 

 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "Supplied people,"  Lysandra corrects.  "The priestesses and their aberrations constructed the webs themselves."  Glancing back at the horrified faces of several of the party, she stops, tapping her foot.  "I told you I had discarded indulgences such as prejudice and mercy. Morality is another luxury I cannot afford- as is patience with the moral judgments of others."  
 

 "But that not morality, and not even merciless"  Natalia says, quieter than before.  "Just cruelty, to kill like that, so painful and slow...Even if need people for this--"  and she refuses to believe there's no other way to get the same effect, that their option is the only one,  "Why not kill first? Or at least...make unaware?" 

 Lysandra's thin-lipped frown softens almost imperceptibly.  "There is no worship of gods other than Lolth within the boundaries of this nation, nor do I have the inane temperament necessary for devotion. But I have heard stories of the gods of the surface. Boccob seems a rare deity, to recognize that reality is not shaped by the wishes and stories of good or evil- only by power."  Her expression hardens again.  "We have little time as it is- if there is to be an opportunity to speak, you'll have to convince your comrades to move more quickly."  

She lowers her head again.  "Rhenner, I...don't like either...But I think only road..."  She tries to pull him along again.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "Supplied people,"  Lysandra corrects.  "The priestesses and their aberrations constructed the webs themselves."  Glancing back at the horrified faces of several of the party, she stops, tapping her foot.  "I told you I had discarded indulgences such as prejudice and mercy. Morality is another luxury I cannot afford- as is patience with the moral judgments of others." 



Lysandra's thin-lipped frown softens almost imperceptibly.  "There is no worship of gods other than Lolth within the boundaries of this nation, nor do I have the inane temperament necessary for devotion. But I have heard stories of the gods of the surface. Boccob seems a rare deity, to recognize that reality is not shaped by the wishes and stories of good or evil- only by power."  Her expression hardens again.  "We have little time as it is- if there is to be an opportunity to speak, you'll have to convince your comrades to move more quickly."  
 

 "Knowledge, not power.  Though they tend to go hand in hand."   Mithril nodded at the Lysandra's words and went back to Rhenner.   "Rhenner, we are going to die down here without her help.  We are weakened, tired and believe me following her is better than dying.  Yes, she sent people to their deaths, but do you honestly believe your Church, the Institute, the Firm, do you think their hands are clean?  At least she is honest with us, someone that hasn't happened in a long time." 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Knowledge, not power.  Though they tend to go hand in hand."   Mithril nodded at the Lysandra's words and went back to Rhenner.   "Rhenner, we are going to die down here without her help.  We are weakened, tired and believe me following her is better than dying.  Yes, she sent people to their deaths, but do you honestly believe your Church, the Institute, the Firm, do you think their hands are clean?  At least she is honest with us, someone that hasn't happened in a long time."  
 

 "Many... send people to die. She... sends people to hell and considers it a... transaction",  the clerics voice is barely steady.


 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 She lowers her head again.  "Rhenner, I...don't like either...But I think only road..."  She tries to pull him along again. 
 

Rhenner finally lets Natalia to pull him along, but the hand stays a fist.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "Many... send people to die. She... sends people to hell and considers it a... transaction",  the clerics voice is barely steady.

Rhenner finally lets Natalia to pull him along, but the hand stays a fist. 
 

Natalia nods, but all she can say is,  "...I know."  Her words are thick, it's clear she agrees, that she has so much to think and say about how Lysandra views the "value" of people, of lives, but she doesn't have the words.
Admiral
As the party starts walking again Lysandra turns and continues leading them, now up a set of stone steps.

 "The Church's information said you were traveling here on a mission against our common enemy. I have allies in the Underdark in this fight (some less reliable than I'd like), but I have little information,  and even less influence, on how the resistance is progressing in the surface world."  The party approaches an iron gate- she waves her hand and casts a pair of spells, one of dispelling and the other designed to unlock and open the door, without breaking her stride.

 "So tell me: what have you seen, and what brings you here?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Let's see"  the swordsman shrugs  "the inside of your cells,  the arena; you could use with cleaning it by the way, I lost the count of how many times I almost slipped in a patch of drying blood"  he begins to enumerate.   " we had a  lovely  trek through the crevice, you ought to call an exterminator we ran into some mutated vultures on the way."  he continues  "Oh and we had the  pleasure  of seeing the results of what I assume is your handiwork. "  Stephan can't help but shudder at he memory of corpses, gradually becoming one with the web, eternal spies...guardians for the twisted desires of a twisted deity and her insane followers.
Admiral
 "The arenas do not fall under my domain,"  Lysandra replies sharply.  "As you know I put prisoners to better use than that. But I don't ask what you've seen in the underworld, but rather on the surface. Your kind rarely descend into our domain, no more often than we walk the surface. You must have had a reason." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia shudders at yet another reminder of the webs, then grimaces even more at Lysandra's response. Better use...  "And can't even...end it without cost,"  she mutters, looking down at her tired body, weary beyond what it should have been thanks to whatever was in that magic.  "And what resistance? Why not...you know, or should, if know so much...about our pasts?"  Even things we don't know, apparently. What did that woman mean when she said my speech was broken?   She blinks.  "Wait, you not know why we here, but all else? Or...want to hear from us?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Well, then you should pass on the message" Stephan replies without missing a beat,  though his speech is softer than before.
 "A challenge brought me here,  your warriors are renowned even up there; as much as I hate to admit it, they deserve their reputation, they managed to capture me after all   he finishes bitterly.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 As the party starts walking again Lysandra turns and continues leading them, now up a set of stone steps.

 "The Church's information said you were traveling here on a mission against our common enemy. I have allies in the Underdark in this fight (some less reliable than I'd like), but I have little information,  and even less influence, on how the resistance is progressing in the surface world."  The party approaches an iron gate- she waves her hand and casts a pair of spells, one of dispelling and the other designed to unlock and open the door, without breaking her stride.

 "So tell me: what have you seen, and what brings you here?"  
 

 "The orcs are gathering, banding together until the leadership of someone we only know as The Hooded One.  Rumors say he is a half-orc, but they and others like them, the giants and their kin, all follow him.  Our country, well Natalia and my continent, Rhenner and Stephan are from here and I never know with Shiny, it has been attacked by their combined forces.  We were sent over here because information said that he had traveled here.  From there we have been trying to learn what we can, and what we know is he works under the Voice, and their forces can predict our movements and carry a powder that can destroy mountains.  But you should know that, a handful of drow were sent up to Deldon to blow it and us sky high.  We came down seeking answers." 
CoffeeIncluded
Well, it's not as if they were going to be able to hide anything from her anyway. Natalia licks her lips and adds,  "Heard someone here...made lords plan attack. You know anything?" 
 
 Spoiler: Question 
can Natalia make a knowledge check to find out more about Lysandra? Also, did you see my ooc edit?
 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia shudders at yet another reminder of the webs, then grimaces even more at Lysandra's response. Better use...  "And can't even...end it without cost,"  she mutters, looking down at her tired body, weary beyond what it should have been thanks to whatever was in that magic.  "And what resistance? Why not...you know, or should, if know so much...about our pasts?"  Even things we don't know, apparently. What did that woman mean when she said my speech was broken?   She blinks.  "Wait, you not know why we here, but all else? Or...want to hear from us?"  
 

 "It is to the advantage of diviners such as the Priestesses of Shadow to appear all-knowing,"  Lysandra replies,  "but that is not the case. The Crevice often uncovers the deepest secrets and leaves the simplest hidden. And if you've speaken to a Priestess, you know how maddeningly cryptic they can be."  She pauses.  "And yes, if I do know things I have not mentioned, it is to my advantage to confirm you'll tell me the truth without prompting." 

ETA:


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "The orcs are gathering, banding together until the leadership of someone we only know as The Hooded One.  Rumors say he is a half-orc, but they and others like them, the giants and their kin, all follow him.  Our country, well Natalia and my continent, Rhenner and Stephan are from here and I never know with Shiny, it has been attacked by their combined forces.  We were sent over here because information said that he had traveled here.  From there we have been trying to learn what we can, and what we know is he works under the Voice, and their forces can predict our movements and carry a powder that can destroy mountains.  But you should know that, a handful of drow were sent up to Deldon to blow it and us sky high.  We came down seeking answers."  
 

 "The Hooded One... orcs and giants..."  The drow lord's tone is ambiguous, giving no indication of whether she'd heard this before.  "I am aware of the operation in the dwarf town of Deldon but not privy to its details- covert missions such as those are handled by Alquin, another of the Lords. But there may be ways to learn more. What answers are you looking for?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "It is to the advantage of diviners such as the Priestesses of Shadow to appear all-knowing,"  Lysandra replies,  "but that is not the case. The Crevice often uncovers the deepest secrets and leaves the simplest hidden. And if you've speaken to a Priestess, you know how maddeningly cryptic they can be."  She pauses.  "And yes, if I do know things I have not mentioned, it is to my advantage to confirm you'll tell me the truth without prompting."  
 

Cryptic? Most of what she said seemed fairly clear, if taunting by leaving the core of the truth maddeningly out of reach. [color="darkorchid"]"Even unknown secrets? And they told you all...they told is?"[/quote]

Maybe she's asking too many many questions, but the joyful relief at finally finding someone else down here who understood how pointless mindless hatred is was quickly overshadowed by the webs.


  "The Hooded One... orcs and giants..."  The drow lord's tone is ambiguous, giving no indication of whether she'd heard this before.  "I am aware of the operation in the dwarf town of Deldon but not privy to its details- covert missions such as those are handled by Alquin, another of the Lords. But there may be ways to learn more. What answers are you looking for?"  

Well, it's not as if they were going to be able to hide anything from her anyway. Natalia licks her lips and adds,  "Heard someone here, prisoner...made lords--Alquin--plan attack. You know anything?" 
 
 Spoiler: Question 
can Natalia make a knowledge check to find out more about Lysandra? Also, did you see my ooc edit?
 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Well, it's not as if they were going to be able to hide anything from her anyway. Natalia licks her lips and adds,  "Heard someone here, prisoner...made lords--Alquin--plan attack. You know anything?"  
 

 "A prisoner?"  She looks over at Mithril.  "You had said something about our prison as well. I have the resources to extract someone from the Spider Pit, but would need more information on whom- no relevant prisoner comes to mind. Unless of course you mean-" 

She stops walking- only for a brief pause before she continues, but compared to the unerring brisk pace she'd maintained until now the transition is jarring. Again she puts her hand to her forehead in frustration.  "I'd simply assumed you knew, but I suppose why would you, how could you... perhaps I have overestimated your allies on the surface, but no time for that now..."  She glances back towards them.  "'Prisoner'- whom did you hear that from?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "A prisoner?"  She looks over at Mithril.  "You had said something about our prison as well. I have the resources to extract someone from the Spider Pit, but would need more information on whom- no relevant prisoner comes to mind. Unless of course you mean-" 

She stops walking- only for a brief pause before she continues, but compared to the unerring brisk pace she'd maintained until now the transition is jarring. Again she puts her hand to her forehead in frustration.  "I'd simply assumed you knew, but I suppose why would you, how could you... perhaps I have overestimated your allies on the surface, but no time for that now..."  She glances back towards them.  "'Prisoner'- whom did you hear that from?"  
 

Well, that clearly got to her. Just who is this prisoner?  "Who the prisoner?"  she asks.  "Why important, and what mean "assumed...knew"?"  In response to her second question Natalia tries explaining the details repeatedly, but every single time her words get tangled immediately. She soon gives up, gritting her teeth in frustration, and signs the answer, again mentally thanking Ildan for teaching her a way to speak clearly.   "We captured one of the drow who attacked Deldon and interrogated him. He said that a prisoner was behind the decision to attack, but nothing else. We don't know who this prison is or what information he has or why he's so important. But you know?"  
CWater
Rhenner tries to follow the conversation, but doesn't join. Keeping his rage down is taking most of his concentration.
Admiral
 "Rumors among the enlisted,"  Lysandra mutters, mostly to herself.  "Equal parts fact and fiction, knowing less than they think, and yet more."  For a moment she continues staring into space as she composes her answer.

 "Ten months ago our nation was threatened by a revolt: the province of Golgarreth attempted to secede, violently."  She makes no acknowledgment of her abrupt segue.  "My intelligence gathering at the time had been focused on other drow nations, so we were caught largely unaware. Zelzon, the Lord in charge of our military operations, took three legions to the province, retook the capital, and crushed the rebellious forces. But the general did so almost too easily- and afterwards, he admitted to us he'd received advice from some outsider, whose knowledge was faster and more precise than what we could gleam from the web. Afterwards, we learned that the loyal resistance in the province had been coordinated by a similarly mysterious force. Even odder, we found that several of the warlords who'd opposed us had been fed counsel as well, but it had led them into a carefully constructed trap when the general arrived. Our victory was not ours- it had been painstakingly arranged. That was how we learned of the whispers." 
 "The Lords were willing to make use of such power, but not without understanding where it came from. Alquin thought it might be one of the local crime lords, whose interests in Golgarreth's future coincided with ours. But as the voice began appearing in the heads of others in our government it became clear his interests extended far beyond this one province. Some theorized it was a rival nation trying to play us to their own ends. One Lord thought the voice was a rival deity trying to turn our loyalty from Lolth, and another thought it may be an demon agent of Lolth herself, making her favorite nation known."  Lysandra allows herself a skeptical grunt.  "So it fell to me, and the greatest weapon we had, to learn the true nature of this voice. I told a Priestess of Shadow of our theories, and asked her who the stranger was and what he was trying to accomplish. She withdrew into her web of secrets, and emerged with our enemy's deepest one." 
 "'He is not a king, or a lord, or a demon, or a god,' she told me. 'He is a prisoner. And this is his attempt to escape.'" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "Rumors among the enlisted,"  Lysandra mutters, mostly to herself.  "Equal parts fact and fiction, knowing less than they think, and yet more."  For a moment she continues staring into space as she composes her answer.

 "Ten months ago our nation was threatened by a revolt: the province of Golgarreth attempted to secede, violently."  She makes no acknowledgment of her abrupt segue.  "My intelligence gathering at the time had been focused on other drow nations, so we were caught largely unaware. Zelzon, the Lord in charge of our military operations, took three legions to the province, retook the capital, and crushed the rebellious forces. But the general did so almost too easily- and afterwards, he admitted to us he'd received advice from some outsider, whose knowledge was faster and more precise than what we could gleam from the web. Afterwards, we learned that the loyal resistance in the province had been coordinated by a similarly mysterious force. Even odder, we found that several of the warlords who'd opposed us had been fed counsel as well, but it had led them into a carefully constructed trap when the general arrived. Our victory was not ours- it had been painstakingly arranged. That was how we learned of the whispers." 
 "The Lords were willing to make use of such power, but not without understanding where it came from. Alquin thought it might be one of the local crime lords, whose interests in Golgarreth's future coincided with ours. But as the voice began appearing in the heads of others in our government it became clear his interests extended far beyond this one province. Some theorized it was a rival nation trying to play us to their own ends. One Lord thought the voice was a rival deity trying to turn our loyalty from Lolth, and another thought it may be an demon agent of Lolth herself, making her favorite nation known."  Lysandra allows herself a skeptical grunt.  "So it fell to me, and the greatest weapon we had, to learn the true nature of this voice. I told a Priestess of Shadow of our theories, and asked her who the stranger was and what he was trying to accomplish. She withdrew into her web of secrets, and emerged with our enemy's deepest one." 
 "'He is not a king, or a lord, or a demon, or a god,' she told me. 'He is a prisoner. And this is his attempt to escape.'"  
 

 "A prisoner.... I don't assume you mean of the mortal kind, no mortal would be able to have this power.  But he is clever, even those who do not listen will doubt their sanity and no longer be trusted.  Who imprisoned him and how might he escape?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia falls silent at lysandras tale. The implications terrify her, maybe even more than anything else.  "Whispers in many heads above too,"  Natalia says.  "Orcs and more, but...Mithril knows most."  Please Mithril, stop hiding.  "But whispers guide wars above too. As if...if wants blood, wants war."  it doesn't make any sense. What would be the goal of it.  "Is blood the...key to jail? Why choose fights? Or is blood...goal once free? And Voice...prisoner of what? Chained where? Who and why--those secrets too?" 

Why does Lysandra need her and her friends anyway?

Natalia tugs on Rhenner's arm.  "Rhenner, I know fury at evil, I feel same thing, same burn, you know that, but...you said rot in church. I think this...maybe related."  she's stunned by her own sudden pragmatism, and more than a little saddened and disgusted. But there's nothing else smart that they can do right now, is there? And with...everything else...that's happened, she can't let her passions run wild, right?
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia tugs on Rhenner's arm.  "Rhenner, I know fury at evil, I feel same thing, same burn, you know that, but...you said rot in church. I think this...maybe related."  she's stunned by her own sudden pragmatism, and more than a little saddened and disgusted. But there's nothing else smart that they can do right now, is there? And with...everything else...that's happened, she can't let her passions run wild, right? 
 

Rhenner looks away.   When have I said that? I can't remember.. It's hard to think, I should calm down. But..   But the rage won't disappear, and it has nowhere to go. All he can do is to keep it down, contain it, tell himself that there is a reason for this, that he can see when he's mind is more calm.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia places a hand on Rhenner's shoulder. It's shaking too.

 
 Spoiler: On what Natalia and Rhenner said 
I don't think Rhenner said the church is rotten, but don't other about Nutspeak!
 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "A prisoner.... I don't assume you mean of the mortal kind, no mortal would be able to have this power.  But he is clever, even those who do not listen will doubt their sanity and no longer be trusted.  Who imprisoned him and how might he escape?"  
 


 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia falls silent at lysandras tale. The implications terrify her, maybe even more than anything else.  "Whispers in many heads above too,"  Natalia says.  "Orcs and more, but...Mithril knows most."  Please Mithril, stop hiding.  "But whispers guide wars above too. As if...if wants blood, wants war."  it doesn't make any sense. What would be the goal of it.  "Is blood the...key to jail? Why choose fights? Or is blood...goal once free? And Voice...prisoner of what? Chained where? Who and why--those secrets too?"  
 

 "I told you,"  Lysandra replies,  the Crevice sometimes cuts to the deepest secrets while leaving the simplest unrevealed- especially against an entity as secretive as this one. We do not know his name, nor where and how he is imprisoned. But there is no doubt about what we have learned."  She pauses.  "Against my advice, the other Lords continued to build an alliance with the stranger, but addressed him only as the Prisoner. Such is the habit of our race, drawn to taunt even our allies." 
 "There is one other piece of information that the Crevice gleaned- that we were not the first drow nation the voice had spoken to or the only one we are in contact with. For at least a year he has been in contact with the northern drow nation of Szithlin, which borders the nation of Ackosar. The other Lords reasoned that since Zyvonar and Szithlin had never engaged in direct combat, that the Prisoner's alliance with both of us was not a cause for concern- as though warfare were the only form of conflict."  Lysandra's voice drips with scorn.  "The Priestess told me that the Prisoner's interest in Szithlin was 'far more valuable' than his interest in us. But that was all she learned." 
 
 Spoiler 

More tomorrow, though folks can also react.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "I told you,"  Lysandra replies,  the Crevice sometimes cuts to the deepest secrets while leaving the simplest unrevealed- especially against an entity as secretive as this one. We do not know his name, nor where and how he is imprisoned. But there is no doubt about what we have learned."  She pauses.  "Against my advice, the other Lords continued to build an alliance with the stranger, but addressed him only as the Prisoner. Such is the habit of our race, drawn to taunt even our allies." 
 "There is one other piece of information that the Crevice gleaned- that we were not the first drow nation the voice had spoken to or the only one we are in contact with. For at least a year he has been in contact with the northern drow nation of Szithlin, which borders the nation of Ackosar. The other Lords reasoned that since Zyvonar and Szithlin had never engaged in direct combat, that the Prisoner's alliance with both of us was not a cause for concern- as though warfare were the only form of conflict."  Lysandra's voice drips with scorn.  "The Priestess told me that the Prisoner's interest in Szithlin was 'far more valuable' than his interest in us. But that was all she learned." 
 
 Spoiler 

More tomorrow, though folks can also react.
 
 
 

Natalia can't help but roll her eyes at the taunting commen, but she still listens attentively to what Lysandra says. And when she finishes, the rogue tugs on Rhenner and Stephan's arms.  "Hey, doesn't other drow nation...work with Eldgar?"  her eyes widen. If the Voice was playing all these sides, then...  "That may be why more value! Voice whispered to orcs across sea, orcs here, and...other ears too."  She looks straight at Mithril with that last comment.  "So that why you alone. But...why ally us? Why with surface, and...why us? Reasons beyond Deldon?" 
Admiral
 "Whatever the plans  are,"  Lysandra responds,  "they involve the surface as much as our realm. Whoever moves against those plans acts in my interest. Besides which,"  she adds,  "I possess a weapon that is of no use to me, but that I suspect would be more useful in your hands." 

She makes a sharp turn, and the tunnel around them gets rough and rocky, appearing to be hardly maintained if at all. The path gets rougher and more treacherous, and at one point Lysandra halts and holds up her hand as the group hears something in the distance ahead- a noise that sounds more like a wild beast than guards. After five minutes of navigating the path, the drow lord stops, gets her bearings, and presses her hand to the stone wall next to her. Unlike the earlier illusions, this one appears to be solid, but the party notices her cast an arcane spell while shaping a small lump of clay in her other hand. Several feet of stone open like a gate, revealing a small, roughly shaped chamber behind it, about ten feet square.

 "I couldn't risk carrying it,"  Lysandra explains drily, pointing ahead. On the floor of the chamber there is a roughly rectangular object wrapped in cloth.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "Whatever the plans  are,"  Lysandra responds,  "they involve the surface as much as our realm. Whoever moves against those plans acts in my interest. Besides which,"  she adds,  "I possess a weapon that is of no use to me, but that I suspect would be more useful in your hands."  
 

 "You said...allies above. So knew us coming before, beyond Deldon?"  or is she overreaching? And a weapon, that's...interesting.


 She makes a sharp turn, and the tunnel around them gets rough and rocky, appearing to be hardly maintained if at all. The path gets rougher and more treacherous, and at one point Lysandra halts and holds up her hand as the group hears something in the distance ahead- a noise that sounds more like a wild beast than guards. After five minutes of navigating the path, the drow lord stops, gets her bearings, and presses her hand to the stone wall next to her. Unlike the earlier illusions, this one appears to be solid, but the party notices her cast an arcane spell while shaping a small lump of clay in her other hand. Several feet of stone open like a gate, revealing a small, roughly shaped chamber behind it, about ten feet square.

 "I couldn't risk carrying it,"  Lysandra explains drily, pointing ahead. On the floor of the chamber there is a roughly rectangular object wrapped in cloth. 

What the hell was guarding beyond? Natalia is more than relieved when they stop, and she watches lysandras spell with interest. To move stone at her command...she saw a spell like that in her trapsmith book. Maybe she could do that.

She looks back at her friends and Lysandra and returns her gaze to the package. Cautiously, she steps inside and inspects the package before gingerly picking it up.

 
 Spoiler: What she does 
detect magic crystal and take 10 on search for 27 I think.
 
CWater
 "You seem to place a lot of trust on 'surface folk' you've only heard of from chaotic priestesses",  Rhenner snarks,  "Generously giving them weapons and all." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses as she picks up the package. It's a book, she can tell even before unwrapping it. It has the right shape, and she can feel the pages and spine through the packaging.

Rhenner's right. She's putting an awful lot of trust in them.  "You...expect job, too important,"  she says.  "Or know us, allies from before to know too?"  she shakes her head and looks at her friends.  "Is Nutspeak bad as sounds?"  she asks helplessly.

 
 Spoiler: Guys 
am I posting too much? It's just that Athedia and I are the only ones really talking here and she's busy this week so I'm not sure what to do.
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 
You could always just wait.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  
 Spoiler 
You could always just wait.
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler 
yeah, but then I feel bad about leaving CWater hanging. Should I delete that post?
 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "You seem to place a lot of trust on 'surface folk' you've only heard of from chaotic priestesses",  Rhenner snarks,  "Generously giving them weapons and all."  
 

 "Generosity has nothing to do with it,"  Lysandra replies. Her tone could not sound less like Rhenner's sarcasm, such that it's not even clear she understands the verbal construction.

As Natalia unwraps the book, the party sees what looks like an ornately decorated book with a deep blue cover whose pages gleam like gold, but she cannot open it. Mithril, standing next to Natalia, is the first to recognize it: it looks exactly like the book they had uncovered in Alabaster's tomb, which she had brought to Avaralynn. From the front cover stares Boccob's All-Seeing Eye.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia stares wordlessly at the book until Mithril snatches it from her hands or she gives it to her. Is this... how?  she runs her hands over the book, feeling for scratches and marks. Is it another, or the same?

 "How?"  she whispers.
Dusk Eclipse
 "A book?"  Stephan ask  "Tha is your secret weapon? "  he wavs his hands in exhasperation  "A.freaking.book!" 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "A book?"  Stephan ask  "Tha is your secret weapon? "  he wavs his hands in exhasperation  "A.freaking.book!"  
 

Rhenner throws a glare at the warrior.  "And I was starting to think you weren't just a dumb fighter." 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "Generosity has nothing to do with it,"  Lysandra replies. Her tone could not sound less like Rhenner's sarcasm, such that it's not even clear she understands the verbal construction.

As Natalia unwraps the book, the party sees what looks like an ornately decorated book with a deep blue cover whose pages gleam like gold, but she cannot open it. Mithril, standing next to Natalia, is the first to recognize it: it looks exactly like the book they had uncovered in Alabaster's tomb, which she had brought to Avaralynn. From the front cover stares Boccob's All-Seeing Eye. 
 

Mithril grabbed the book from the wrapping and brandished it at Lysandra's face, her voice turning to a snarl as her grip tightened on the book.   "How did you get this?  I returned this to him, I saw his messenger leave with Henry's head and this! I sacrificed my one chance to bring him back for this book.  And you 'possess' it."  She brought the book down staring into the drow leaders eyes.   "You claimed to respect Boccob, so explain to me how this got down here." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "A book?"  Stephan ask  "Tha is your secret weapon? "  he wavs his hands in exhasperation  "A.freaking.book!"  
 

 "Not any book!"  Natalia explains, still staring at it.  "Boccob's book! All spells ever, by...his hand. Saw before, and now here..."  Here, what happened before...oh no...


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril grabbed the book from the wrapping and brandished it at Lysandra's face, her voice turning to a snarl as her grip tightened on the book.   "How did you get this?  I returned this to him, I saw his messenger leave with Henry's head and this! I sacrificed my one chance to bring him back for this book.  And you 'possess' it."  She brought the book down staring into the drow leaders eyes.   "You claimed to respect Boccob, so explain to me how this got down here."  
 

Wait, what exactly happened in the temple when she wouldn't--couldn't enter? She rejoined Mithril after the matter ended and she told her. But Mithril didn't hide things then. She wasn't shadowed. Still...

Hold on, that scratch wasn't in that place.  "Mithril!"  she says quickly.  "Not same book! Of kind, but not...one before! But...still Boccob book,"  she says, almost wondering.  "How?"  she asks Lysandra, and everyone else as well.  "Why?" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 [COLOR="#9933ff"]Hold on, that scratch wasn't in that place.  "Mithril!"  she says quickly.  "Not same book! Of kind, but not...one before! But...still Boccob book,"  she says, almost wondering.  "How?"  she asks Lysandra, and everyone else as well.  "Why?"  
 

 "Not the? How? And that doesn't answer why someone like her has one." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Not the? How? And that doesn't answer why someone like her has one."  
 

 "Don't know, but look,"  Natalia points at a blank section of the book.  "Was scratch on Alabastor's here, but not this."  She pauses.  "Don't know, but...said allies, right. You think...?"  She looks back at Lysandra, wondering what the woman will say.
Admiral
Lysandra raises her eyebrows very slightly at the party's reaction.  "So you have seen one of these before. I had suspected as such, or perhaps hoped." 
 "I took possession of this artifact sixty years ago. It had been hidden deep in the Underdark, protected and guarded by powerful forces, but the Crevice saw through as it always does. It took a great cost in drow lives to obtain it, and a greater cost to hide from my comrades that I had done so, for the possession of such an item is considered heresy. But then,"  she notes with a philosophical air,  "I suppose all knowledge from the Crevice comes at the greatest cost." 

She peers down at the tome thoughtfully.  "The rumor in the surface world is that these books contain a limitless collection of arcane magic penned by the Archmage himself. But Boccob does not strike me as some wizard's apprentice, transcribing spells to bequeath them to the mortal realm. If these books truly were written by a god, I expect their nature to be something far more important."  She shakes her head.  "Whatever is contained within, it is not for me to know: I spent decades trying and failing to open the tome. When I was younger I would have destroyed the book, but I have grown to accept that not all power is meant for me to wield. I could not have guessed that I would find myself allied with a follower of Boccob... but here we are." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Lysandra raises her eyebrows very slightly at the party's reaction.  "So you have seen one of these before. I had suspected as such, or perhaps hoped." 
 "I took possession of this artifact sixty years ago. It had been hidden deep in the Underdark, protected and guarded by powerful forces, but the Crevice saw through as it always does. It took a great cost in drow lives to obtain it, and a greater cost to hide from my comrades that I had done so, for the possession of such an item is considered heresy. But then,"  she notes with a philosophical air,  "I suppose all knowledge from the Crevice comes at the greatest cost." 

She peers down at the tome thoughtfully.  "The rumor in the surface world is that these books contain a limitless collection of arcane magic penned by the Archmage himself. But Boccob does not strike me as some wizard's apprentice, transcribing spells to bequeath them to the mortal realm. If these books truly were written by a god, I expect their nature to be something far more important."  She shakes her head.  "Whatever is contained within, it is not for me to know: I spent decades trying and failing to open the tome. When I was younger I would have destroyed the book, but I have grown to accept that not all power is meant for me to wield. I could not have guessed that I would find myself allied with a follower of Boccob... but here we are."  
 

Sixty years... "Hid by whom, and why?"  But now it's here, another copy of the book found its way back into Mithril's hands. Did she even open it the first time? She ignores Lysandra's comment for the moment, her repeated justifications of the crevice (but if Boccob is the god of knowledge and magic, wouldn't he be able to make a better crevice that wouldn't need people to die so horribly?) and says to Mithril,  "Maybe...you meant to have book."  And then she turns back to Lysandra and asks, again,  "How learn of us? Only from Deldon, or knew us before? And...how much known? Only what spider priest taunted?" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Lysandra raises her eyebrows very slightly at the party's reaction.  "So you have seen one of these before. I had suspected as such, or perhaps hoped." 
 "I took possession of this artifact sixty years ago. It had been hidden deep in the Underdark, protected and guarded by powerful forces, but the Crevice saw through as it always does. It took a great cost in drow lives to obtain it, and a greater cost to hide from my comrades that I had done so, for the possession of such an item is considered heresy. But then,"  she notes with a philosophical air,  "I suppose all knowledge from the Crevice comes at the greatest cost." 

She peers down at the tome thoughtfully.  "The rumor in the surface world is that these books contain a limitless collection of arcane magic penned by the Archmage himself. But Boccob does not strike me as some wizard's apprentice, transcribing spells to bequeath them to the mortal realm. If these books truly were written by a god, I expect their nature to be something far more important."  She shakes her head.  "Whatever is contained within, it is not for me to know: I spent decades trying and failing to open the tome. When I was younger I would have destroyed the book, but I have grown to accept that not all power is meant for me to wield. I could not have guessed that I would find myself allied with a follower of Boccob... but here we are."  
 

Mithril had quieted down and slipped the book into her pack.  She nodded at Lysandra's comment.   "The same is true for all knowledge, it is a lonely path. I thank you for not destroying his book, though I would not be surprised if Boccob himself had hidden it away to see what would happen." 

 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Sixty years... "Hid by whom, and why?"  But now it's here, another copy of the book found its way back into Mithril's hands. Did she even open it the first time? She ignores Lysandra's comment for the moment, her repeated justifications of the crevice (but if Boccob is the god of knowledge and magic, wouldn't he be able to make a better crevice that wouldn't need people to die so horribly?) and says to Mithril,  "Maybe...you meant to have book."  And then she turns back to Lysandra and asks, again,  "How learn of us? Only from Deldon, or knew us before? And...how much known? Only what spider priest taunted?"  
 

 "Well I don't know if that is possible.  Remember, I couldn't open the book before, things have not changed since."  
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril had quieted down and slipped the book into her pack.  She nodded at Lysandra's comment.   "The same is true for all knowledge, it is a lonely path. I thank you for not destroying his book, though I would not be surprised if Boccob himself had hidden it away to see what would happen." 
 "Well I don't know if that is possible.  Remember, I couldn't open the book before, things have not changed since."   
 

Oh right, Mithril couldn't open it last time either.  "But how know that same? So much...else changed..."  Natalia trails off for a bit before she seems able to speak again.  "And if same twice, and you hold more knowing, then...maybe hold book again...for reason?" 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Lysandra raises her eyebrows very slightly at the party's reaction.  "So you have seen one of these before. I had suspected as such, or perhaps hoped." 
 "I took possession of this artifact sixty years ago. It had been hidden deep in the Underdark, protected and guarded by powerful forces, but the Crevice saw through as it always does. It took a great cost in drow lives to obtain it, and a greater cost to hide from my comrades that I had done so, for the possession of such an item is considered heresy. But then,"  she notes with a philosophical air,  "I suppose all knowledge from the Crevice comes at the greatest cost."  
 

 "And you're not the one paying",  Rhenner says grimly.


 She peers down at the tome thoughtfully.  "The rumor in the surface world is that these books contain a limitless collection of arcane magic penned by the Archmage himself. But Boccob does not strike me as some wizard's apprentice, transcribing spells to bequeath them to the mortal realm. If these books truly were written by a god, I expect their nature to be something far more important."  She shakes her head.  "Whatever is contained within, it is not for me to know: I spent decades trying and failing to open the tome. When I was younger I would have destroyed the book, but I have grown to accept that not all power is meant for me to wield. I could not have guessed that I would find myself allied with a follower of Boccob... but here we are."  

The book is curious, Rhenner admints. Even if it's not from the god he follows, coming across an artifact is rare and should have some significance. In fact, he would have thought that it would be those once in a lifetime occurences, and yet these folks seemed to have found one like it once already. What did that mean?
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 Rhenner throws a glare at the warrior.  "And I was starting to think you weren't just a dumb fighter."  
 

Stephan ignores the glare, he is used to those kind of comments from people at the Institute, however he had to admit that if Lysandra is telling the truth and the book was penned by Boccob himself, it was definitely something incredibly powerful and  dangerous .
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "And you're not the one paying",  Rhenner says grimly. 
 

Natalia nods.

 The book is curious, Rhenner admints. Even if it's not from the god he follows, coming across an artifact is rare and should have some significance. In fact, he would have thought that it would be those once in a lifetime occurences, and yet these folks seemed to have found one like it once already. What did that mean? 


 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Stephan ignores the glare, he is used to those kind of comments from people at the Institute, however he had to admit that if Lysandra is telling the truth and the book was penned by Boccob himself, it was definitely something incredibly powerful and  dangerous . 
 

Stephan and Rhenner's response piques a question from Natalia.  "You of Church and Institute,"  she asks while waiting for Lysandra to respond.  "And Boccob has...foot in both. What...know of book?" 
 
 Spoiler 
How's everyone doing? Anyone wanna chat OOC or something?
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia nods.




Stephan and Rhenner's response piques a question from Natalia.  "You of Church and Institute,"  she asks while waiting for Lysandra to respond.  "And Boccob has...foot in both. What...know of book?" 
 
 Spoiler 
How's everyone doing? Anyone wanna chat OOC or something?
 
 
 

 "Boccob has no place in the Church, the library is his temple.  And I will take possession of the book, it should be kept away from those who don't follow Boccob.  I will look for answers in my prayers.  Lysandra?"  Mithril nodded to a corner of the room away from the others and went there waiting for the drow woman to follow her.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Boccob has no place in the Church, the library is his temple.  And I will take possession of the book, it should be kept away from those who don't follow Boccob.  I will look for answers in my prayers.  Lysandra?"  
 

 "And that why split no sense. Your Boccob, my Gond...gods of knowing, making, but still gods. Church and institute both in them...weaker when split. Remember Hulburg temple?" 

 Mithril nodded to a corner of the room away from the others and went there waiting for the drow woman to follow her. 

 "Mithril..."  Natalia reaches out, lightly touches her arm.  "We same now. Need knowing together...if keep Voice jailed." 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "And that why split no sense. Your Boccob, my Gond...gods of knowing, making, but still gods. Church and institute both in them...weaker when split. Remember Hulburg temple?" 
 "Mithril..."  Natalia reaches out, lightly touches her arm.  "We same now. Need knowing together...if keep Voice jailed."  
 

 "Am I not allowed discussion of my art with another skilled in its workings?  Let us be.' 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Am I not allowed discussion of my art with another skilled in its workings?  Let us be.'  
 

 "..."  Natalia's expression falls with her hand.  "But...need group answers..."

 You never minded when I looked over your shoulder as you read the magic. And...are you just trying to hide something from us again? Mithril, I know, we know. She told us. What's happening to you? 

"Come back,"  she whispers. And what's happening to her? She should believe in Mithril more...

 
 Spoiler: Hang on 
Aren't we still traveling to Tol'Garun? And isn't Lysandra still answering our questions?
 
Admiral
Lysandra raises her eyebrows curiously when Mithril asks for a moment alone, but grants it.

 
 Spoiler 

Mithril is welcome to talk privately either in the main thread or by PM; Athedia's choice.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sighs, clenching her fist with a grimace. But she doesn't intervene, even as she wonders if that's the right way to go about this.

 
 Spoiler: Just so you know 
I promise I won't listen in, whether IC or OOC.

And we're back! That was weird. I hope nobody lost their posts or anything. And oh, are you gonna hold conversations in parallel? Since we still have some questions to ask Lysandra too and I think we need to keep moving as well?
 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Sixty years... "Hid by whom, and why?"  But now it's here, another copy of the book found its way back into Mithril's hands. Did she even open it the first time? She ignores Lysandra's comment for the moment, her repeated justifications of the crevice (but if Boccob is the god of knowledge and magic, wouldn't he be able to make a better crevice that wouldn't need people to die so horribly?) and says to Mithril,  "Maybe...you meant to have book."  And then she turns back to Lysandra and asks, again,  "How learn of us? Only from Deldon, or knew us before? And...how much known? Only what spider priest taunted?"  
 

 "I know at least enough about you to trust you with what I have shared,"  the drow lord replies mysteriously.  "What else I know of you... may not be in my interest now to divulge. Suffice to say it would be unwise to cross me." 
 "In that vein..."  she thinks for a moment, apparently conflicted on what to reveal.  "The tome's former guardians were old and powerful residents of the Underdark. I would rather not have their demise credited to me. I am not sure they had any more ability to take advantage of the book than I did." 
 "But enough of that- our time is limited, as my absence will be noted before long. If our fortuitous meeting is not to be entirely wasted, you'll need to escape the city- you can rest safely here, but lingering further than that risks everything. If I were you, I would return to your surface world." 
 
 Spoiler 

Happening in parallel.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "I know at least enough about you to trust you with what I have shared,"  the drow lord replies mysteriously.  "What else I know of you... may not be in my interest now to divulge. Suffice to say it would be unwise to cross me."  
 

Natalia swallows roughly. Is Lysandra talking about what the priestess was taunting with them in the chamber or something else? Or both? But she needs to ask her something now, something that's been on her mind since the moment Mithril said the eyes had been watching them the whole time.  "Lysandra?"  she asks, and then switches to sign language. She needs to say this right.   "You all know I know sign language. That means you know how I learned it, don't you?"  

  "In that vein..."  she thinks for a moment, apparently conflicted on what to reveal.  "The tome's former guardians were old and powerful residents of the Underdark. I would rather not have their demise credited to me. I am not sure they had any more ability to take advantage of the book than I did."  

She gives Lysandra a long, confused look but says nothing. There's not enough context for her, and hopefully there won't need to be.


  "But enough of that- our time is limited, as my absence will be noted before long. If our fortuitous meeting is not to be entirely wasted, you'll need to escape the city- you can rest safely here, but lingering further than that risks everything. If I were you, I would return to your surface world." 
 
 Spoiler 

Happening in parallel.
 
 

Natalia sighs a bit in relief at that--she's exhausted, both from fighting and whatever that backlash was in the Crevice.  "Think rest good, especially...if out as hard as in. Where stay though?" 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia swallows roughly. Is Lysandra talking about what the priestess was taunting with them in the chamber or something else? Or both? But she needs to ask her something now, something that's been on her mind since the moment Mithril said the eyes had been watching them the whole time.  "Lysandra?"  she asks, and then switches to sign language. She needs to say this right.   "You all know I know sign language. That means you know how I learned it, don't you?"   
 

 "&lt;DSL&gt;Do I?&lt;/DSL&gt;"  Lysandra responds in kind, her face entirely expressionless. Natalia cannot tell whether the response is a question or a taunt.


 Natalia sighs a bit in relief at that--she's exhausted, both from fighting and whatever that backlash was in the Crevice.  "Think rest good, especially...if out as hard as in. Where stay though?"  

 "You can stay in this chamber,"  she says, glancing around with distaste.  "You remain within the shroud of the Crevice's protection against divination. But I'll have to seal up most of the entrance, save for a vent for air." 
 "Once I leave, you won't see me again... at least if you're lucky. Does one of you have the power to move the rock back once you've rested? And much more importantly- does one among you have the power to enchant creatures to do your bidding?"  Something in her eyes suggests she may already know the answers.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "&lt;DSL&gt;Do I?&lt;/DSL&gt;"  Lysandra responds in kind, her face entirely expressionless. Natalia cannot tell whether the response is a question or a taunt. 
 

Natalia stares at Lysandra. She could be taunting her, but what if she's not? In either case, she can't let Ildan get hurt, get thrown to the crevice because of her.   "Sign language lets me speak normally. You've seen enough to know how important this is to me,"   she signs.   "You need our help, and so do we. I'll help you. But I won't let you hurt my friends." Harm Ildan and the deal is off,   Natalia thinks, leaving that last sentence in her head. She hopes that's clear to Lysandra.

Nevertheless, the moment she can, Natalia whispers to Rhenner,  "Need to warn him." 

  "You can stay in this chamber,"  she says, glancing around with distaste.  "You remain within the shroud of the Crevice's protection against divination. But I'll have to seal up most of the entrance, save for a vent for air." 
 "Once I leave, you won't see me again... at least if you're lucky. Does one of you have the power to move the rock back once you've rested? And much more importantly- does one among you have the power to enchant creatures to do your bidding?"  Something in her eyes suggests she may already know the answers. 

 "Wait, which way out? How leave to woods above? And..."  Wait a second.  "I chamber map in crevice...forest above burned from stone. Why?" 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "You can stay in this chamber,"  she says, glancing around with distaste.  "You remain within the shroud of the Crevice's protection against divination. But I'll have to seal up most of the entrance, save for a vent for air." 
 "Once I leave, you won't see me again... at least if you're lucky. Does one of you have the power to move the rock back once you've rested? And much more importantly- does one among you have the power to enchant creatures to do your bidding?"  Something in her eyes suggests she may already know the answers. 
 

 "I can move the rock."  Rhenner replies, though his attitude towards the drow hasn't gotten any friendlier. He throws a quick glance at Shiny, but does not care to say anything more. Someone else will answer quick enough.
Admiral
Shiny hasn't spoken to Lysandra, or indeed said much since the encounter in the Crevice, but he raises his hand with a puzzled expression when she asks about the spell. The drow lord nods.

 "We stand at the outskirts of Tol'Garun, and what lies ahead is a... stable. When the city tried to expand into this territory, we came into conflict with its prior inhabitants- pests, really. Large buglike beasts- in your language I believe they are called 'Umber hulks.' At first we considered exterminating the creatures to make way, until our general found a much better use for them: they are the rare creature that can efficiently burrow through solid rock, making them ideal for both civic construction and warfare. Unfortunately the beasts turned out to be difficult to tame..."  she shakes her head in frustration,  "So we keep them confined in the prison ahead, sealed in adamantine-lined pens they cannot escape. When we need them to perform a task, we enchant them to perform it for as long as we need them. Such were many of our tunnels initiated and the most difficult sieges breached." 
 "If you have the power to breach the stable and enchant one of the beasts, having it lead you southwest and upwards, it could serve as the perfect escape- not just from the city, but from the entire Middledark." 
CoffeeIncluded
Umber hulks...the name sounds familiar. Oh no. She clenches her eyes shut and clutches her head in her hand as memories come flooding back, unbidden. There aren't many but they're chaotic and confused, a jumble of fear and pain and senses completely rewired, of deranged hallucinations and nothing making sense. For some reason she'd had a much worse reaction than everyone else.  "Sure there...no other way? And...what if either us learns more?" 
 
 Spoiler: Couple questions  
can Natalia make a knowledge check on these guys? And did Lysandra respond to her questions/comments last post?
 
Dusk Eclipse
 "So we only need to break into a compund which you use to house beast strong enough to tunnel through solid rock, get one of them and use it to tunnel through the rockbed"  he shakes his head and turns towards Lysandra  "Do you have directions other than 'ahead'?" 
CWater
Rhenner leaves the others to discuss the details and wanders to the other side of the chamber, where he slumps down to sit his back against the wall.   I'd really like to just sleep. But I need to think..  
 
 Spoiler: Question 
How big is this chamber btw? (Just curious.)
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "So we only need to break into a compund which you use to house beast strong enough to tunnel through solid rock, get one of them and use it to tunnel through the rockbed"  he shakes his head and turns towards Lysandra  "Do you have directions other than 'ahead'?"  
 

 "And they...do something to mind...scramble brain with a look,"  Natalia says, a bit more quietly than before.
Dusk Eclipse
 "Wonderful, just wondeful"  Stephan begins to pace around the room  "Not only are these Umber hulks strong they also can mess with our minds." 
 
 Spoiler 

Yeah Stephan is sort of having a crisis right now 😛
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "Wonderful, just wondeful"  Stephan begins to pace around the room  "Not only are these Umber hulks strong they also can mess with our minds." 
 
 Spoiler 

Yeah Stephan is sort of having a crisis right now 😛
 
 
 

Natalia slides against the wall as Stephan paces back and forth, Shiny goes silent, Rhenner slumps to the ground in a breakdown, and Mithril is closing herself off. It's like water running through her fingers, and she desperately tries to hold on.  "What about...magic out? Teleport?"  she asks Lysandra, on top of everything else.
Athedia
 "No!"   Mithril looked panicked at the word teleport.   "I really don't feel like that would be a good idea." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "No!"   Mithril looked panicked at the word teleport.   "I really don't feel like that would be a good idea."  
 

Natalia jumps, startled by Mithril's sudden outburst.  "Wha? Why?" 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia stares at Lysandra. She could be taunting her, but what if she's not? In either case, she can't let Ildan get hurt, get thrown to the crevice because of her.   "Sign language lets me speak normally. You've seen enough to know how important this is to me,"   she signs.   "You need our help, and so do we. I'll help you. But I won't let you hurt my friends." Harm Ildan and the deal is off,   Natalia thinks, leaving that last sentence in her head. She hopes that's clear to Lysandra.  
 

Lysandra narrows her eyes at Natalia, but does not reply.


  "Wait, which way out? How leave to woods above? And..."  Wait a second.  "I chamber map in crevice...forest above burned from stone. Why?"  

 "The stewards of the Crevice had their secrets even from me. But in that case..."  she pauses a moment in thought.  "The priestess who maintained the chamber you speak of spoke once of a diviner on the surface world- someone whose power to see the world's secrets rivaled the Church's own. This was many years before the Prisoner made his entrance into our minds. I have never considered the surface world a threat, and I've always thought the Priestess feared nothing... but even she seemed a bit cowed by this force. The Crevice had protections in place against this diviner- I am given to understand the scratches in the map was one such ward." 

 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Sure there...no other way? And...what if either us learns more?"  
 


 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "So we only need to break into a compund which you use to house beast strong enough to tunnel through solid rock, get one of them and use it to tunnel through the rockbed"  he shakes his head and turns towards Lysandra  "Do you have directions other than 'ahead'?"  
 

 "There is no other way,"  Lysandra answers coolly.  "I do not imagine you made the choice to navigate the horrors of the Crevice lightly- you know that the other entrances and exits to the city are sealed by guards. And if what you say is true- that you slew demons and paladins within the Crevice- they will not allow you passage through again." 
 "Once you have risen to the level of the Upperdark, a mile and a half above our current depth, you may be able to escape to the surface through magic. To attempt so now would be folly- the faezress surrounding us allows short passage but scrambles longer travel." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Lysandra narrows her eyes at Natalia, but does not reply. 
 

Natalia's mouth goes dry and she swallows roughly, but she still shifts her shoulders back and keeps eye contact with Lysandra. Even though fear rushes through her, she doesn't back down.


  "The stewards of the Crevice had their secrets even from me. But in that case..."  she pauses a moment in thought.  "The priestess who maintained the chamber you speak of spoke once of a diviner on the surface world- someone whose power to see the world's secrets rivaled the Church's own. This was many years before the Prisoner made his entrance into our minds. I have never considered the surface world a threat, and I've always thought the Priestess feared nothing... but even she seemed a bit cowed by this force. The Crevice had protections in place against this diviner- I am given to understand the scratches in the map was one such ward."  

 "Hm..."  it's probably something entirely unrelated, but Natalia's gaze still flicks over to Mithril for a moment.


  "There is no other way,"  Lysandra answers coolly.  "I do not imagine you made the choice to navigate the horrors of the Crevice lightly- you know that the other entrances and exits to the city are sealed by guards. And if what you say is true- that you slew demons and paladins within the Crevice- they will not allow you passage through again." 
 "Once you have risen to the level of the Upperdark, a mile and a half above our current depth, you may be able to escape to the surface through magic. To attempt so now would be folly- the faezress surrounding us allows short passage but scrambles longer travel."  

She sighs. Though it's not like they were looking for a fight!  "Will you...make path to hulk clear? Or...this all?"  is that it?

 
 Spoiler: Aww 
wanted to say more but out of time right now. Is this it, are we resting now?
 
Admiral
 "I cannot be involved,"  the drow lord replies.  "I've risked enough- if any witnesses saw me and survived, all would be lost." 
CoffeeIncluded
She'd been expecting that and it makes sense, but that doesn't mean she has to like if.  "So not see again, "  she says,  "But hear or tell if news?" 
 
 Spoiler 
am I speaking too much? I feel like with everyone else out out of it at the moment Natalia feels like sje has to step up. Even if she doesn't know what to do.
 
Admiral
 "If you learn something of importance you can try to reach me with a  sending  spell. If your information is in the interest of Zyvonar, you will be rewarded with information in kind. However, I must beseech you not to speak my true name outside of this shielded territory- certainly not to any allies on the surface, and not even among yourselves. The Prisoner's methods of scrying are powerful, and you never know when he may be listening." 
 "If there is nothing else, I will leave you to your rest. I can tell you a little of the umber hulk stable you approach... but not all that I know, for if your assault shows inside information the Lords may suspect a traitor,"  she adds flatly.  "Work carefully: it goes without saying that if you are captured, I will see to it you do not survive long enough to be interrogated. As additional disincentive against that outcome, I promise you that your deaths will be painful and prolonged."  Her voice never wavers from the same practical drawl.

 
 Spoiler 

Let me know if anyone has questions or other plans. Otherwise she fills you in a little bit on what lies ahead, then you can sleep.
 
CWater
Rhenner looks back at the drow when they make their exit. He's not sure what to think, it feels like there's a whirlwind inside his head, throwing thoughts around with no hope of order.

 "So? We're going to do what she says?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "gee, thanks,"  she mutters, though she pales and nods. It's not until Lysandra leaves that she lets herself relax.

 
 Spoiler 
don't think there's much more for natalia to say.
 


 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 Rhenner looks back at the drow when they make their exit. He's not sure what to think, it feels like there's a whirlwind inside his head, throwing thoughts around with no hope of order.

 "So? We're going to do what she says?"  
 

Natalia slides down the wall until she's crouched against the floor.  "Don't think choice,"  she says, rough and quiet.  "And...same foe." 

She reaches over and touches Rhenner's arm.  "Rhenner, you think she...knows of Ildan? If knows my sign speech, may know how learned. Can...up use sending spell, warn?" 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia slides down the wall until she's crouched against the floor.  "Don't think choice,"  she says, rough and quiet.  "And...same foe."  
 

 "Yes, so I gather",  Rhenner replies wryly. He's quiet for a moment.   No, I'm tired. I just want to sleep.   And yet, he continues,  "Seems like this mess you're caught in is really something rather important. Now, I've heard bits and pieces of what's it's about, this Voice that speaks to people's minds and wars that have been started as a result. But it seems very confusing, to say the least. Any chance you could clarify what's going on? And what's your part in all of it?" 

 She reaches over and touches Rhenner's arm.  "Rhenner, you think she...knows of Ildan? If knows my sign speech, may know how learned. Can...up use sending spell, warn?"  

Rhenner sighs,  "I can see you're concerned. But what would such a warning achieve? He's already a criminal as is, and should know how to stay out of the local lords' reach. Also, even if this  Lysandra ",  Rhenner's tone grows colder when he says the drow lord's name,  "knew that he helped us, why would she care about a single smuggler? On the contrary, contacting him now that we've met her could in itself be dangerous for him, if she found out about it. Sure you noticed how paranoid she was about people finding out of her involvement. And with this web magic around",  the cleric shrugs,  "how can we know anything stays secret." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "Yes, so I gather",  Rhenner replies wryly. He's quiet for a moment.   No, I'm tired. I just want to sleep.   And yet, he continues,  "Seems like this mess you're caught in is really something rather important. Now, I've heard bits and pieces of what's it's about, this Voice that speaks to people's minds and wars that have been started as a result. But it seems very confusing, to say the least. Any chance you could clarify what's going on? And what's your part in all of it?"  
 

 "It..."  Natalia pauses and looks around helplessly. Damn her nutspeak!  "it...first heard in Linwood Orc caves. Half Orc Hoodsie looked down pit, heard...voice in head. Then told others here in Eldgar, so followed. We think...voice behind Horde, helped with blast powder secrets. Then through Hords to Deldon, and you know rest. Voice led drow there, and hoodsie in forest. There more, but..."  she motions to hsd pith and larynx in a pained, futile gesture. then she pauses an lowers her hands.  "And I think Mithril...knows more, heard more." 

 Rhenner sighs,  "I can see you're concerned. But what would such a warning achieve? He's already a criminal as is, and should know how to stay out of the local lords' reach. Also, even if this  Lysandra ",  Rhenner's tone grows colder when he says the drow lord's name,  "knew that he helped us, why would she care about a single smuggler? On the contrary, contacting him now that we've met her could in itself be dangerous for him, if she found out about it. Sure you noticed how paranoid she was about people finding out of her involvement. And with this web magic around",  the cleric shrugs,  "how can we know anything stays secret."  

She sighs, and her voice cracks as she speaks.  "But still worried! Don't know if...they'll chase because saw him, if...I made worse! So...want to warn, not of Lysandra, but...that Crevice maybe saw. It...not right to leave after that danger."  Natalia slumps over, burying her head in her lap and folding her arms over it.

She looks up at Rhenner's final statement and something seems to harden.  "You right. No secrets from them, but...secrets between us. Secrets only weaken."  she shifts up and looks to everyone in turn.  "No more lies." 
Admiral
A few moments of silence pass.

 "Now, if you want to kick me out,"  Shiny suddenly says indignantly,  "you could at least have the decency to say so directly." 
Athedia
 "Goodbye Lysandra.  Good luck on your end." 

 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 She looks up at Rhenner's final statement and something seems to harden.  "You right. No secrets from them, but...secrets between us. Secrets only weaken."  she shifts up and looks to everyone in turn.  "No more lies."  
 

 "Pretty words,  but not practical.  Secrets allow people to continue on each day and it is silly to think otherwise.  Tonight, or today I can't tell anymore, we rest.  When we wake we shall get one of those creatures and escape this beastly place." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 A few moments of silence pass.

 "Now, if you want to kick me out,"  Shiny suddenly says indignantly,  "you could at least have the decency to say so directly."  
 

Natalia draws back as if stung.  "No! Shiny, I said...trust you. But...they know, so probably better...to share on own terms, than...spilled on theirs."  She looks down at the ground.  "Trust me, first way better." 

 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Goodbye Lysandra.  Good luck on your end." 
 "Pretty words,  but not practical.  Secrets allow people to continue on each day and it is silly to think otherwise.  Tonight, or today I can't tell anymore, we rest.  When we wake we shall get one of those creatures and escape this beastly place."  
 

 "And if they hurt us, whole mission?! Nrgh!"  She makes a growling noise at the back of her throat.   Please let me in! I just want to help!  
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "It..."  Natalia pauses and looks around helplessly. Damn her nutspeak!  "it...first heard in Linwood Orc caves. Half Orc Hoodsie looked down pit, heard...voice in head. Then told others here in Eldgar, so followed. We think...voice behind Horde, helped with blast powder secrets. Then through Hords to Deldon, and you know rest. Voice led drow there, and hoodsie in forest. There more, but..."  she motions to hsd pith and larynx in a pained, futile gesture. then she pauses an lowers her hands.  "And I think Mithril...knows more, heard more."  
 

 "...Alright."  Rhenner leaves it at that.


 She sighs, and her voice cracks as she speaks.  "But still worried! Don't know if...they'll chase because saw him, if...I made worse! So...want to warn, not of Lysandra, but...that Crevice maybe saw. It...not right to leave after that danger."  Natalia slumps over, burying her head in her lap and folding her arms over it.  

 "We'll just have to trust in his ability to take care of himself. Besides, he wanted nothing more to do with us." 

 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Pretty words,  but not practical.  Secrets allow people to continue on each day and it is silly to think otherwise.  Tonight, or today I can't tell anymore, we rest.  When we wake we shall get one of those creatures and escape this beastly place."  
 

  I really don't have the energy to argue with you.   Rhenner rubs his forehead.  "Right. You... seem to be somewhat familiar with these creatures then. What are they like?" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia draws back as if stung.  "No! Shiny, I said...trust you. But...they know, so probably better...to share on own terms, than...spilled on theirs."  She looks down at the ground.  "Trust me, first way better." 
 "And if they hurt us, whole mission?! Nrgh!"  She makes a growling noise at the back of her throat.   Please let me in! I just want to help!   
 

 "Natalia, you have all this talk about it being on our terms.  Well if you are going force it out of me wouldn't those be your terms not mine? I don't care if they use the web, but if you want me to trust you I need the space to do that.  I know little to nothing about Rhenner and Stephan or even Shiny and I am happy that way.  They have proven themselves by saving my life.  I don't need or want to hear their secrets." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "...Alright."  Rhenner leaves it at that.


 "We'll just have to trust in his ability to take care of himself. Besides, he wanted nothing more to do with us."  
 

 "I hope." 

   I really don't have the energy to argue with you.   Rhenner rubs his forehead.  "Right. You... seem to be somewhat familiar with these creatures then. What are they like?"  

Natalia shudders.  "They...insect things, burrow from ground. And...do something with eyes, scramble mind with a look..." 

 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Natalia, you have all this talk about it being on our terms.  Well if you are going force it out of me wouldn't those be your terms not mine? I don't care if they use the web, but if you want me to trust you I need the space to do that.  I know little to nothing about Rhenner and Stephan or even Shiny and I am happy that way.  They have proven themselves by saving my life.  I don't need or want to hear their secrets."  
 

Natalia stares open-mouthed at Mithril, and everyone can see realization creep onto her face, quickly mixed with guilt. Her eyes go wide and she whispers,  "I...I didn't..."  She falls silent for some time.

Finally, she says, more clearly.  "You...you're right. I...didn't think...should have."  She closes her eyes, opens them again.  "Mithril, Shiny...I'm sorry. Mithril, I'm sorry. Should have..."  It's not just her, it's me too. What have I been doing?! "  The rogue reaches out to touch Mithril and Shiny, then drops her hand.  "I...want you to trust. And shouldn't have forced. You right. I...I'm sorry. Won't press again, but...here. Whenever ready, if...you want." 
CWater
The conversation dies down and Rhenner dozes off, only to wake up soon again to a numbing pain. Cursing under his breath he removes the offending armour before trying to rest again. While his mind is restless, the sleep deprivation makes him fall asleep quickly.
CoffeeIncluded
 "I'm sorry,"  Natalia says quietly as everyone drifts asleep. Fear and tension keep her awake far longer than they should, but Natalia hasn't slept well in a long time and so exhaustion eventually drags her under too.
Dusk Eclipse
Pointedly ignoring his companion's discussion, it seemed quite personal and despite the fact that he owed them his life, it didn't feel right for the human to intrude.  "I'll take the first guard, you should get some sleep"  he tells them.
Stephan props himself against a wall of the chamber they found themselves in, with one leg raised in front of him to support his arms and head, it wasn't a comfortable stance by any means, but it allowed the swordsman to jump into action at a moments notice. Lysandra has said they would be safe in there, but he didn't trust the Drow Lord's word, after all how could he?
CWater
Rhenner gets up early to take the last watch of the 'night', and when others start to show signs of waking up sets out to pray, for spells and peace of mind. The prayer lasts longer than usual, but his head feels a little clearer afterwards.

Next the cleric walks over to Natalia with a small jar of glittering dust in hand.  "Morning. Is that ache from the web spell still bothering you?",  he does a quick checkup,  "Seems so.. While it might go away on its own given a little time, it might also lash out one more time to leave permanent damage, I've seen that happen. So, better to remove it while it's still possible. Now, try not to inhale",  he opens the jar and sprinkles the dust on Natalia,  "Fourth time I've cast this spell while down here",  he mutters to himself before proceeding to cast the spell of restoration.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia thankfully can't remember her dreams, and just wakes up with a crushing feeling on her chest. As she breathes it slowly goes away, but she still feels unnaturally drained and sluggish from yesterday.

Rhenner's spell is a welcome sight and as he casts the spell and she feels the weariness and block lift she says,  "Thank you."  but as he runs his hands over her to inspect her she remembers what the priestess said yesterday. A pit forms in her stomach even as she remembers the spells and feels a surge of relief at finding the mental connections repaired and she whispers,  "Rhenner, did you...feel any wrong...when checking?" 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia thankfully can't remember her dreams, and just wakes up with a crushing feeling on her chest. As she breathes it slowly goes away, but she still feels unnaturally drained and sluggish from yesterday.

Rhenner's spell is a welcome sight and as he casts the spell and she feels the weariness and block lift she says,  "Thank you."  but as he runs his hands over her to inspect her she remembers what the priestess said yesterday. A pit forms in her stomach even as she remembers the spells and feels a surge of relief at finding the mental connections repaired and she whispers,  "Rhenner, did you...feel any wrong...when checking?"  
 

 "Wrong?",  Rhenner looks puzzled,  "Can't say I noticed anything else, you seem healthy, save for that spell effect, which is now gone too. What do you mean?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's voice drops lower, full of fear and...a bit of shame?  "It...back in crevice,taunts of shattered speech. Said...'when she broke speech'. But...thought born Nuts, not made."  her voice breaks, it takes her a while to work up the courage to ask,  "Can...you tell?" 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia's voice drops lower, full of fear and...a bit of shame?  "It...back in crevice,taunts of shattered speech. Said...'when she broke speech'. But...thought born Nuts, not made."  her voice breaks, it takes her a while to work up the courage to ask,  "Can...you tell?"  
 

Right, that spider priestess and her mocking speech.  "Whether your speech is like it is by itself, or caused some how?",  Rhenner shakes his head,  "I don't know. I've never heard of anything like that. Usually it is possible to detect the presence of spells, even if theit effect has made permanent. And I'd think your wizard friend would have noticed if there was a spell cast on you." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 Right, that spider priestess and her mocking speech.  "Whether your speech is like it is by itself, or caused some how?",  Rhenner shakes his head,  "I don't know. I've never heard of anything like that. Usually it is possible to detect the presence of spells, even if theit effect has made permanent. And I'd think your wizard friend would have noticed if there was a spell cast on you."  
 

Natalia bites her lip and looks down. She motions for Rhenner.

 
 Spoiler: Rhenner 
 "But what finders magic, or...what only healers see? I...scared, need know. And you good healer...can you see? Please?" 
 


But it probably is nothing, if Miriam didn't notice...
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia bites her lip and looks down. She motions for Rhenner.

 
 Spoiler: Rhenner 
 "But what finders magic, or...what only healers see? I...scared, need know. And you good healer...can you see? Please?" 
 


But it probably is nothing, if Miriam didn't notice... 
 

Rhenner looks apologetic.
 "I didn't prepare the spell today, I'm afraid. But we can see some other day, and if you are so worried, you could also go to one of the bigger temples, once we get back to the surface. I'm only one medic, and while I don't think I'm entirely useless in my profession",  a small smirk passes by his face,  "There are stronger clerics, who possess more knowledge too." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler: Hang on, I'm confused  
what spell issue is Rhenner talking about? Natalia's asking about an examination and a heal check.
 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  
 Spoiler: Hang on, I'm confused  
what spell issue is Rhenner talking about? Natalia's asking about an examination and a heal check.
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Okay, I was confused myself. I thought she wanted him to cast Detect Magic or something.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler: Oh, sorry 
sorry about the confusion. Does that make things clearer for you and easier for Rhenner? Is that going to change anything Rhenner does?
 
s

EDIT:

 
 Spoiler 
And Natalia has the detect magic crystal anyway. Does this help?

 "What spell?"  Natalia asks.  "If looking magic, I have crystal. But...what if...not magic? Broken speech like broken bones? Or born broken?"  she shakes her head, obviously distressed.
 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  
 Spoiler: Oh, sorry 
sorry about the confusion. Does that make things clearer for you and easier for Rhenner? Is that going to change anything Rhenner does?
 
s

EDIT:

 
 Spoiler 
And Natalia has the detect magic crystal anyway. Does this help?

 "What spell?"  Natalia asks.  "If looking magic, I have crystal. But...what if...not magic? Broken speech like broken bones? Or born broken?"  she shakes her head, obviously distressed.
 
 
 

 "I'm not... Well, who knows, we live in a strange world."  Rhenner takes the crystal.  "I can look, but I warn you that I don't expect to see anything unexpected." 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Sorry, I'm not sure what's the point with the spoilers.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Thanks,"  Natalia says, shrugging off her coat and repositioning herself so Rhenner can examine her more easily. And she hopes Rhenner won't find anything.

 
 Spoiler: Point 
Natalia's trying to keep the conversation private, for the moment at least.
 
CWater
 A moment later:* 

..Right, there was that other thing he'd forgotten about. Rhenner picks up something from his bag, then heads across the small cavern to where Mithril is sitting.

On the way he stops to poke the still sleeping Stephan.  "Hey, time to get up. Such a beautiful day, and you wouldn't want to miss another good chance at getting yourself killed?" 

Upon reaching Mithril, Rhenner sits down next to the wizard.  "Sorry to disturb your studies, there was something I may have promised to your little greedy companion, but then entirely forgot about it."  The cleric opens the bottle of holy water and pours some of the contents to a small cup.  "Not going to give him everything, this is all I have left, and besides it wouldn't be good to spoil him too much." 

* 
 Spoiler 
Once he's finished examining Natalia.
 
Athedia
 "I am afraid you are a little late for that.  But thank you, it is a great help." 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "I am afraid you are a little late for that.  But thank you, it is a great help."  
 

 "Just trying to prevent the little sneaker from helping himself to it again when I'm not looking",  Rhenner replies with a small lopsided smile.  "There... was also one other thing I wanted to ask you." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia puts her coat back on once Rhenner fails to find anything.  "Thanks,"  she says.  "Maybe she...spun words, twisted like webs." 

As Rhenner gives Whiskers the holy water Natalia helps rouse Shiny and Stephan.  "Ready for sunlight?"  she asks, only now letting the hope creep back into her voice.
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan awakens at Rhenner's prodding, for a brief moment he considers returning the comment, but he decides against it, after all he had just woken up, opportunities to retort back will surely come. He takes a moment to limber himself up, doing some light stretches to return the feeling to his abused limbs.


 Natalia puts her coat back on once Rhenner fails to find anything. "Thanks," she says. "Maybe she...spun words, twisted like webs."

As Rhenner gives Whiskers the holy water Natalia helps rouse Shiny and Stephan. "Ready for sunlight?" she asks, only now letting the hope creep back into her voice. 

 "As I'll ever be"  he answers Natalia back in kind.

 
 Spoiler: Maneuvers readied 

Figured I should also post them here
Moment of the Perfect Mind
Wall of Blades
Insightful Strike
Mithril Tornado
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "Just trying to prevent the little sneaker from helping himself to it again when I'm not looking",  Rhenner replies with a small lopsided smile.  "There... was also one other thing I wanted to ask you."  
 

 "I will try.  And I don't think anything can prevent that, not even death from my experience." 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "I will try.  And I don't think anything can prevent that, not even death from my experience."  
 

 "Hmm...",  Rhenner eyes the white-furred weasel,  "Maybe I'll have to ask Natalia to device a small weaseltrap." 
 "I'm just kidding!",  he assures quickly,  "Anyway..",  he gestures to the wands Mithril has on her belt,  "I heard some wizards- You make those yourself?" 
 
 Spoiler 
We talked about this once OOC?
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "Hmm...",  Rhenner eyes the white-furred weasel,  "Maybe I'll have to ask Natalia to device a small weaseltrap."  
 

 "Don't think...Mithril would let. Or Whiskers let me use...his light after,"  Natalia pipes up as she tests her balance, the movement of her body and blades.
Admiral
Soon the party is prepared for their journey, one that they hope will end in their escape from the neverending night of the Underdark. They gather around in a small cluster, and each drinks a potion of darkvision- save Mithril, who casts the spell using her own arcane power.

Then Shiny casts a pair of spells- the first on himself, creating a small region of silence just large enough to contain the others. This is shortly followed by a spell on a pebble from the ground, which generates a sphere that turns the whole party invisible- they are now fully undetectable.

 
 Spoiler 

Up to Rhenner to Stone Shape open the "door" and progress down the corridor. Let me know if anyone has any other buffs or preparations.
 
CWater
Rhenner touches the wall that blocks them from the tunnel.  "Fharlanghn, we are ready to continue our journey. Please, open the path to us." 
He uses the spell to move enough of the stone away for the party to pass through.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "Hmm...",  Rhenner eyes the white-furred weasel,  "Maybe I'll have to ask Natalia to device a small weaseltrap." 
 "I'm just kidding!",  he assures quickly,  "Anyway..",  he gestures to the wands Mithril has on her belt,  "I heard some wizards- You make those yourself?" 
 
 Spoiler 
We talked about this once OOC?
 
 
 

 "I did, it takes time, money and takes a toll on me but they are more useful than you would think." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "I helped design,"  Natalia says with a bit of pride, readying herself as Rhenner lowers and opens the stone wall.  "See...etched wood?" 
CWater
 "I see...",  the cleric is quiet for a moment,  "Ever made one that is powered by a different type of magic than your own?" 
Athedia
 'Is that even possible?"  Mithril looked at Rhenner with a confused expression.  She got what he was asking but she had never thought about it before.
CWater
Rhenner nods.  "I think so. I read about it once and it seemed plausible to me. You just need another caster for the spell and... Actually, I believe I still have that book somewhere, you're free to take a look if you're interested."  
 
 Spoiler 
A lot of Rhenner's knowledge comes from random books he's read.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Wait,"  Natalia chimes in after Rhenner opens the wall and she chugs the potion, shaking her head as the darkness shifts to colorless outlines of the walls, the slightly blurred heat of her friends, interrupted by flashes of color when she presses her hands against anything other than air.  "Can you...spell traps too?"  There was something in her book on that, wasn't there? She needs to get back to those textbooks, and the sooner, the better.

 
 Spoiler: Question 
Can Mithril (or Shiny, or Rhenner) put spells in Natalia's traps in the same way? I think they can but I don't have the exact text right now. Oh, and she's taking Trapsmith next level. 😛
 
CWater
 "That I don't know about.. I suppose it could be." 

Rhenner looks around in the dark tunnel, where he's now able to see thanks to the potion. It's odd, this sight without light.  "No shadows in the darkness..",  he mutters to himself.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "That I don't know about.. I suppose it could be."  
 

 "Want try?"  Natalia whispers, a bit of eagerness sparking in her.  "I'll look when...back in light." 

 Rhenner looks around in the dark tunnel, where he's now able to see thanks to the potion. It's odd, this sight without light.  "No shadows in the darkness..",  he mutters to himself. 

Was she the one who said that first? It feels strange to hear someone else saying it. If they're less than an hour away from the stables Natalia drinks an antitoxin and offers her remaining ones to the rest of the group. She looks around carefully, and if nobody's there, begins creeping to the stables with everyone else.

 
 Spoiler 
Are you waiting for us to do something or are you just busy?
 
Admiral
Rhenner places his hand against the stone, and it slowly rises to make way. The party makes sure they've picked up every trace from inside the chamber, and heads out into the tunnel.

The tunnel is roughly hewn, but wide- presumably to allow the enchanted monsters space to walk each way along it. For a few minutes the path descends, then ascends again.

Suddenly the sound of footsteps other than their own echoes along the tunnel, reaching their ears. It sounds at first like a guard patrol, but the sound of rumbling footsteps echoes under it. Sure enough, when the six drow guards come into view, they are closely followed by a hulking beast with tremendous bug eyes, shambling along apparently mindlessly.

 
 Spoiler 

You've only got 60 feet of darkvision with the potions. But you can cast a spell or do something for one round before you see them.

Two drow wear breastplates, two wear what appears to be a chain shirt, and the fifth and sixth wear cloaks.

If/when you choose to act, you'll get a pre-initiative round then we'll roll init.
 
CoffeeIncluded
There's no need to creep along in the radius of Shiny's spells, but Natalia does it anyway. She can't shake the need. The walls are rough, even through her boots, but that makes it easier for sound to travel and when she hears movement up ahead she stops short for a moment.  "Bug without break-in?"  she whispers, drawing her blades and casting her cat's grace spell in one movement. And sure enough, there's the six guards and the shambling umber hulk.  "Lucky."  For them, not for those drow with the hulk.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
Natalia draws her blades and edges closer, to the edge of the spells' radii, then casts an Arcanist Glove's Cat's Grace. She's also preparing to drink a Protection Against Evil potion.

Oh yeah, and Natalia has Darkstalker, so if the Umber Hulk has tremorsense she can still hide from it with a successful check; it needs to make a perception check against her.
 
Dusk Eclipse
As the group moves Stephan keeps himself near the front, looking for any kind of trouble. Sometime later he (and everyone else) manage to get a glimpse of what appears to be a scouting patrol. He slows his breath and starts making slow deliberate steps, subtly trying to put himself between the Drows and his allies. He take a swig of the potion Natalia had given him earlier and waits.


 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Move to the front of the party so the enemies have to pass through him before getting to the casters
Standard: Drink the Protection from Evil potion.
 
CWater
Rhenner casts a spell on himself that has the same effect as the potions the others drunk.
 
 Spoiler 
Casting Protection from Evil.
 
Admiral
As the soldiers approach, their enchanted prisoner in tow, Shiny casts a spell, and the party feels a wave of energy rush through them.

 
 Spoiler 

In Pre-init round, Shiny casts Haste.
 
Admiral
As the enemies approach closer, Shiny springs into view as he casts a spell that spreads sparkling dust over them.

 
 Spoiler 

I figured within the surprise round, the meleers would like some (potentially) blinded enemies. DC 17 because they're flatfooted.

Will saves:
D1:  (1d20+4)[ 8 ] 
D2:  (1d20+4)[ 5 ] 
D3:  (1d20+9)[ 19 ] 
D4:  (1d20+3)[ 13 ] 
 


Three of the soldiers, two of the ones in breastplates and one wearing lighter armor, clutch their eyes.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler: Wait, we get a surprise round too? 
if so can I use that round to drink the protection from evil potion?

And sweet, thanks! That was a great glitterdust and I will absolutely be making the most of it!
 


Natalia can't help but grin as shiny casts the spell that surges her wit speed and then follows with a particularly effective glitterdust. Quickly, she downs her protection from evil potion and feels the ward settle over her.

 
 Spoiler: Question 
since Natalia has dark stalker do you need anything for the hulk?
 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan inhales deeply a before stepping forward and making to precise slashes into the minute gaps in the blinded Drow's defences, he also makes sure to take special notice of the warrior that managed to shrug off Shiny's spell.
 
 Spoiler 

5ft step to be adjacent to D1 &amp; D2
Standard Action: Initiate Mithril Tornado
Attack vs. D1 (PA -3/+3) [roll]1d20+15[roll]
Crit Confirm [roll]1d20+18[/roll]
Damage [roll]1d6+8[/roll] Crit (20 x 3) [roll]2d6+16[/roll]

Attack vs. D2 (PA -3/+3) [roll]1d20+14[roll]
Crit Confirm [roll]1d20+17[/roll]
Damage [roll]1d6+8[/roll] Crit (20 x 3) [roll]2d6+16[/roll]
Non-action: Designate the non-blinded Drow (D4 I think) as Dodge Target)
AC is 22 vs. everyone but non-Blinded Drow-Warrior (hereby known as NBDW) in which case it is 23)
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Spoiler: :Headdesk: 

Sorry for the double post, but I forgot you can't edit rolls into a post 😳

Attack vs. D1 (PA -3/+3) [roll]1d20+15[roll]
Crit Confirm  (1d20+18)[ 28 ] 
Damage  (1d6+8)[ 9 ]  Crit (20 x 3)  (2d6+16)[ 18 ] 

Attack vs. D2 (PA -3/+3) [roll]1d20+15[roll]
Crit Confirm  (1d20+18)[ 29 ] 
Damage  (1d6+8)[ 14 ]  Crit (20 x 3)  (2d6+16)[ 22 ] 
 
CWater
Rhenner takes out a piece of parchment from his pocket and reads:  "...the path has no end, the journey ends only if you close your eyes, not as in life's end, but to the world..." 
 
 Spoiler: Spell 
Casting Recitation. +2 to attack rolls and saves to allies (+3 to Rhenner), -2 to enemies in 60 ft. radius.
 
Admiral
Stephan springs into view as he slashes his sword through each of the drow at the front of the guards, wounding both.

 
 Spoiler 

Mithril's pre-initiative turn. Just so I'm ready with it (though normally I shouldn't roll it until everyone's gone), here's the initiative rolls:

Natalia:  (1d20+9)[ 27 ] 
Rhenner:  (1d20+3)[ 8 ] 
Stephan:  (1d20+6)[ 19 ] 
Mithril:  (1d20+2)[ 6 ] 
Shiny:  (1d20+2)[ 10 ] 
Enemies:  (1d20+3)[ 23 ] 

After Mithril's turn whoever beats the enemies can go. ETA: Just Natalia.

Incidentally, I am counting Stephan's attack as having happened after Rhenner's recitation buff, just because that's optimal.

The drow that remained unblinded is wearing a cloak. There isn't space to jump over the Hulk.
 
Athedia
Mithril slapped a hand on herself as the others prepared for action, a shimmer of armor appearing on her skin.  She knew it would last longer than it should, that much knowledge gave her comfort.  Her other hand was releasing the dagger from it's hold and tossing it in the air to split into copies of itself.

 
 Spoiler 
Mage Armor Extended and Cloud of Knives.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia steps forward and quickly lashes out in five swift, devastating strikes. She turns visible after the first one but keeps going.

 
 Spoiler: attack! 
Natalia 5 foot steps then attacks. D2 then d1 if he goes down.

Attack:  (d20+15)[ 25 ]  add +2 because invisible.
Crit:  (d20+15)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 9 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 22 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+5)[ 9 ] 

Attack:  (d20+15)[ 30 ] 
Crit:  (d20+15)[ 29 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 7 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 25 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+5)[ 9 ] 

Attack:  (d20+15)[ 23 ] 
Crit:  (d20+15)[ 30 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 9 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 27 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+5)[ 11 ] 

Attack:  (d20+15)[ 33 ] 
Crit:  (d20+15)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 6 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 15 ] 
Crit damage:  (d4+5)[ 6 ] 

Attack:  (d20+10)[ 15 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 25 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 10 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 23 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+5)[ 10 ] 

Attack:  (d20+10)[ 17 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 7 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 26 ] 
Crit damage:  (d4+5)[ 6 ] 
 


After she strikes she shouts in elven,  "We...just want hulk! Give and we leave!" 
Admiral
With Natalia's third strike she drops the drow in front of her, then swings her blade into the next one.

 
 Spoiler 

D2 is down.

Pretty sure you said five but attacked six times! Which attack was the extra?
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 With Natalia's third strike she drops the drow in front of her, then swings her blade into the next one.

 
 Spoiler 

D2 is down.

Pretty sure you said five but attacked six times! Which attack was the extra?
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: Oh, sorry! 
I was on my phone and must have pasted the attack sequence one too many times by mistake. Just remove the last one and subtract 5 from the fourth attack (the one I got a 33 on).
 
Admiral
After slaying the first drow, Natalia cuts a pair of deep slashes into the second.

 
 Spoiler 

D2 down, D1 bloodied.
 


The cloaked figure behind the guards recoils from the sudden attack, but as he recovers he moves his fingers in the motion of a spell.

 
 Spoiler 

Something:
D2 R:  (1d20+9)[ 10 ] 
D2 GD:  (1d20+9)[ 15 ] 
D4 R:  (1d20+9)[ 29 ] 
D4 GD:  (1d20+9)[ 28 ] 
Shiny R:  (1d20+9)[ 21 ] 
Shiny ZS:  (1d20+9)[ 16 ] 
Shiny H:  (1d20+9)[ 16 ] 
Natalia R:  (1d20+9)[ 26 ] 
Natalia H:  (1d20+9)[ 28 ] 
Natalia CG:  (1d20+9)[ 18 ] 
Stephan R:  (1d20+9)[ 19 ] 
Stephan H:  (1d20+9)[ 16 ] 
Mithril R:  (1d20+9)[ 24 ] 
Mithril H:  (1d20+9)[ 13 ] 
Mithril CK:  (1d20+9)[ 25 ] 
Mithril MA:  (1d20+9)[ 21 ] 
Rhenner R:  (1d20+9)[ 17 ] 
Rhenner H:  (1d20+9)[ 10 ] 
Rhenner PfE:  (1d20+9)[ 27 ] 
Pebble:  (1d20+9)[ 25 ] 

To be continued.
 


Rhenner feels his prayer lose its power over Shiny, Natalia, Mithril, and one of the drow, and feels his own protection spell vanish. Shiny's field of silence breaks.

 
 Spoiler 

Incase you were wondering, my ruling for Dispel Magic is in a caster level tie, it chooses the highest spell level. After that ties are my discretion. As it happens it got a lot of your Recitation (sorry! he was  aiming  for the glitterdust).
 
Admiral
From behind the hulk comes the sound of a spell, and then the blinded drow make their move, both attacking Natalia.

 
 Spoiler 

D1 (still has Recitation affecting):
Attack:  (1d20+13)[ 23 ]   (1d20+13)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+11)[ 20 ]   (2d6+11)[ 19 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+13)[ 26 ]   (1d20+13)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+11)[ 18 ]   (2d6+11)[ 19 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 21 ]   (1d20+8)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+11)[ 17 ]   (2d6+11)[ 21 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 

D4:
Attack:  (1d20+14)[ 30 ]   (1d20+14)[ 26 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+8)[ 15 ]   (2d6+8)[ 12 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 2 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+14)[ 30 ]   (1d20+14)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+8)[ 11 ]   (2d6+8)[ 17 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 14 ]   (1d20+9)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+8)[ 16 ]   (2d6+8)[ 18 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 

Man, that blindness sure is something. Looks like 1 hit for 15.
 
Admiral
The mage gives a harsh whisper behind him, then the horrid creature behind the guards turns its gaze on the rogue.

 
 Spoiler 

Confusion gaze against Natalia (she'd been the most apparent threat so far). DC 15 Will save.

After that, party's turn.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "No..."  Natalia whimpers as a blow forces her to stumble and see the umber hulk focus its gaze on her,  again.  She clutches her head, trying to resist.

 
 Spoiler: Save 
 At least Calm Emotions works on Confusion, should it come to that.

And wow, I wasn't expecting to see you here today, Admiral! I guess the deadline's going well?

What's everyone's plan for this? Whether or not I make my save, I'll hold back to see what you all do, since Natalia may do one of a few things. Speaking of, could she see or hear behind the hulk?

Anyway, will:  (d20+7)[ 25 ] 

HAH!
 


Madness creeps in on the corners of her mind, but she's here. She's here and her friends are here and they're almost out of the underdark. With a wrenching sound she closes her eyes and forces her head away.  "NO!" 

And as she breaks her gaze and realizes her mind is still intact her voice and expression turn triumphant.
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan twirls his blades before unleashing a flurry of steel on the still standing drow; remembering Natalia's prior advice of the Hulk's ability Sephan begins to pay attention to the insect-like monster.
 
 Spoiler 

Action: Full Attack D1 if he falls, 5 ft step forward and continue attacking D3
Attack 1 (Pa - 3/+3)  (1d20+13)[ 31 ] 
Crit confirm  (1d20+16)[ 30 ]  (20 x 3)
Damage  (1d6+8)[ 14 ]  Crit  (2d6+16)[ 22 ] 

Attack 2 (Pa - 3/+3)  (1d20+13)[ 16 ] 
Crit confirm  (1d20+16)[ 29 ]  (20 x 3)
Damage  (1d6+8)[ 11 ]  Crit  (2d6+16)[ 24 ] 

Off-hand Attack 1 (Pa - 3/+3)  (1d20+13)[ 32 ] 
Crit confirm  (1d20+16)[ 22 ]  (20 x 3)
Damage  (1d6+6)[ 9 ]  Crit  (2d6+12)[ 16 ] 

Attack 3 (Pa - 3/+3)  (1d20+8)[ 13 ] 
Crit confirm  (1d20+11)[ 12 ]  (20 x 3)
Damage  (1d6+8)[ 10 ]  Crit  (2d6+16)[ 23 ] 

non-action Switch Dodge Target to Umber Hulk
"free" Action Spellcraft check to identify the non-dispel magic effect, if he cans, if not feel free to ignore this
Spellcraft  (1d20+9)[ 11 ] 
 
Athedia
Mithril reached out and copied the motions of the spell the drow had cast targeting the area the drow were in.  She sent one of her knives hurtling toward the drow Natalia was fighting as well to weaken it further.

 
 Spoiler 
First I don't know what to add to the knives right now, especially since DnDtools is over.  Until I finish my flash cards for each of the spells I might need to have some help with the spells.

Using Dispel Magic centered on the Umber Hulk (Area Dispel)

D1:  (1d20+9)[ 22 ] 
D2:  (1d20+9)[ 17 ] 
D3:  (1d20+9)[ 22 ] 
D4:  (1d20+9)[ 10 ] 
D5:  (1d20+9)[ 13 ] 
D6:  (1d20+9)[ 21 ] 
UH:  (1d20+9)[ 20 ] 

If any fail then repeat if there are any lower level spells on them.

Dispel Magic

When dispel magic is used in this way, the spell affects everything within a 20-foot radius.

For each creature within the area that is the subject of one or more spells, you make a dispel check against the spell with the highest caster level. If that check fails, you make dispel checks against progressively weaker spells until you dispel one spell (which discharges the dispel magic spell so far as that target is concerned) or until you fail all your checks. The creature’s magic items are not affected.

For each object within the area that is the target of one or more spells, you make dispel checks as with creatures. Magic items are not affected by an area dispel.

For each ongoing area or effect spell whose point of origin is within the area of the dispel magic spell, you can make a dispel check to dispel the spell.

For each ongoing spell whose area overlaps that of the dispel magic spell, you can make a dispel check to end the effect, but only within the overlapping area.

If an object or creature that is the effect of an ongoing spell (such as a monster summoned by monster summoning) is in the area, you can make a dispel check to end the spell that conjured that object or creature (returning it whence it came) in addition to attempting to dispel spells targeting the creature or object.

You may choose to automatically succeed on dispel checks against any spell that you have cast.
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 


D1: (1d20+9)[22]
D3: (1d20+9)[22]
D4: (1d20+9)[10]
Followup:  (1d20+9)[ 10 ] 
D5: (1d20+9)[13]
D6: (1d20+9)[21]
UH: (1d20+9)[20]
 
Admiral
Mithril feels her spell work on several of the drow, and most importantly the hulking creature. The beast raises its head in sudden freedom.

Shiny sees the opening the wizard had granted him, and casts his own enchantment at that moment.  "&lt;Terran&gt;Kill your captors and escape with us to the Upperdark!"&lt;/Terran&gt;"  he shouts at it.

 
 Spoiler 

Suggestion Will save:  (1d20+6)[ 15 ] 

If people are willing to forgive me a retcon, I did not mention that Shiny cast Tongues when we were preparing earlier, but it is obvious he would have had to to enchant Umber Hulks. Please let me know if anyone has an issue with this retcon (I like to think I'm usually happy to make similar reasonable allowances).
 


The creature nods its head and raises its limbs in a motion of understanding.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia can't understand what Shiny's saying, but she can't miss the way the umber hulk snaps to attention and then turns to face the drow surrounding it instead of her. Even through it all she can't help but smile a bit, though it's sad.  "Should have surrendered,"  she mutters, then attacks the blinded drow who wounded her before turning on the mage, if possible.

 
 Spoiler: Attack! 
Natalia killed D2 and stephan killed D1, so now Natalia's going to anklet, then attack D4 (the warrior), and once she downs him unload any remaining hits on D3. No sneak attack on D3, sadly, but since D3's wedged between Natalia and the umber hulk he needs to make concentration checks to cast spells anyway. And when does the Umber Hulk go, before or after the drow? Oh, and doesn't Mithril still have her cloud of knives damage? Anyway, attack!

Attack:  (d20+13)[ 28 ] 
Crit:  (d20+13)[ 27 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 8 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 21 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+5)[ 7 ] 

Attack:  (d20+13)[ 17 ] 
Crit:  (d20+13)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 10 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 23 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+5)[ 9 ] 

Attack:  (d20+13)[ 22 ] 
Crit:  (d20+13)[ 28 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 6 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 21 ] 
Crit damage:  (d4+5)[ 7 ] 

Attack:  (d20+8)[ 13 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 6 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 23 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+5)[ 7 ] 

Attack:  (d20+8)[ 28 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 8 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 26 ] 
Crit damage:  (d4+5)[ 9 ] 
 
CWater
Rhenner watches the ongoing battle before him, momentarily lost in thought.
Admiral
With Natalia's final strike she drops the drow soldier in front of her.

 
 Spoiler 

Need to split up Hulk and rest of enemies in their initiative block. They still remain adjacent in the full block.

Hulk:  (1d20+1)[ 15 ] 
Other:  (1d20+3)[ 22 ] 
 
Admiral
From behind the beast comes the sound of a spell being cast.

 
 Spoiler 

CL check:  (1d20+9)[ 27 ] 
 
Admiral
The beast again jerks its head, and Shiny feels his power over it shatter. The mage in front of Natalia casts another spell on the creature, shouting a command in Terran.

 
 Spoiler 

His own Suggestion. This poor guy's getting yanked around quite a bit.

 (1d20+6)[ 10 ] 
 
Admiral
The mage's spell fails. From behind the creature, the party can hear the sound of blades slashing towards the hulk.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 17 ]   (1d20+15)[ 30 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+13)[ 24 ]   (2d6+13)[ 16 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+10)[ 27 ]   (1d20+10)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+13)[ 18 ]   (2d6+13)[ 19 ] 
 
Admiral
The hulk swings around and smashes its claws and teeth into the drow in reciprocation.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 30 ]   (1d20+11)[ 27 ] 
Damage:  (2d4+6)[ 10 ]   (2d4+6)[ 13 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 19 ]   (1d20+11)[ 23 ] 
Damage:  (2d4+6)[ 12 ]   (2d4+6)[ 12 ] 

Haste attack:
Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 27 ]   (1d20+11)[ 28 ] 
Damage:  (2d4+6)[ 10 ]   (2d4+6)[ 10 ] 

Bite:
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 19 ]   (1d20+9)[ 11 ] 
Damage:  (2d8+3)[ 8 ]   (2d8+3)[ 14 ] 
 
CWater
Rhenner snaps back to reality and quickly berates himself. This is not the time to let thoughts drift around. Even though half their enemies are now dead... or dying...
The cleris takes note of the spells coming from behind the hulk, and moves closer to the battle, until he can reach to touch Natalia's shoulder.  "Watch out, I'll move us to the other side",  he says and casts a spell to do just that.

 
 Spoiler 
Dimension Door with a 180? degree turn so that Natalia appears next to the enemies and Rhenner does not, if possible. (Hey, she's the fighter here, he's just a medic.😛)

If Stephan would like to move to the other side too, Rhenner will take him along.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Thanks!"  Natalia says as she orients herself after the teleportation. She was actually just about to do that herself. Two drow next to her, and one mage left fighting her friends, and the wild umber hulk...so Shiny used a spell?  "Stephan! Can you...finish last? Shiny, silver words without magic?!"  And with that, she reaches into the darkness , takes a deep breath, pulls the shadows over herself, and attacks in five lightning-quick strikes. With the fifth she feels the shades pull up and sees herself come into view again.

 
 Spoiler: Attack! 
D1 is still left fighting Stephan, Shiny, and Natalia, right? And there's only two that Natalia's fighting? In that case she uses Cloak of Deception (Greater invisibility which gives +2 attack and denies enemies their dex bonus to AC against me--which means sneak attack--until the end of her turn) to attack the warrior which the umber hulk just went after, then unloads any remaining strikes on the other mage on her side. She's threatening the mage and I assume that since the umber hulk is also attacking the drow that she's flanking with it. Because of that I added another +2 flanking bonus; remove that if it's necessary.

Attack:  (d20+15)[ 17 ] 
Crit:  (d20+15)[ 32 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 7 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 14 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+5)[ 6 ] 

Attack:  (d20+15)[ 32 ] 
Crit:  (d20+15)[ 18 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 9 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 16 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+5)[ 10 ] 

Attack:  (d20+15)[ 34 ] 
Crit:  (d20+15)[ 31 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 6 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 22 ] 
Crit damage:  (d4+5)[ 9 ] 

Attack:  (d20+10)[ 25 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 25 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 9 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 15 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+5)[ 8 ] 

Attack:  (d20+10)[ 22 ] 
Crit:  (d20+10)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 8 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 17 ] 
Crit damage:  (d4+5)[ 6 ] 
 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan nods in acknowledgement as Rhenner and Natalia disappear from his field of vision, he steps forward and continues to rain blow after blow on the remaining drow.

 
 Spoiler 

non-action: Switch Dodge target to remaining Drow, D3 I think.
non-action #2: 5-ft. step adjacent to D3
Full Attack
Main Hand 1(PA -3/+3)  (1d20+12)[ 23 ] 
Crit confirm  (1d20+15)[ 16 ]  (19-20 x 2)
Damage  (1d6+10)[ 15 ]   (1d6+10)[ 12 ] 
Main Hand Haste (PA -3/+3)  (1d20+12)[ 22 ] 
Crit confirm  (1d20+15)[ 21 ]  (19-20 x 2)
Damage  (1d6+10)[ 13 ]   (1d6+10)[ 13 ] 

Off Hand Main Hand 1(PA -3/+3)  (1d20+12)[ 14 ] 
Crit confirm  (1d20+15)[ 24 ]  (19-20 x 2)
Damage  (1d6+8)[ 9 ]   (1d6+8)[ 12 ] 

Main Hand (PA -3/+3)  (1d20+7)[ 23 ] 
Crit confirm  (1d20+10)[ 22 ]  (19-20 x 2)
Damage  (1d6+10)[ 11 ]   (1d6+10)[ 13 ] 

If D3 is not an arcane spellcaster then reduce damage of all attacks by 2 points (FE: Arcanists)
 
Athedia
Mithril reached into her pouch wishing Whiskers still had his collar.  Grabbing a copper piece she muttered over it and held it up illuminating the area.

 
 Spoiler 
Daylight on a copper piece
 
Admiral
With a flurry of strikes Stephan badly wounds the mage next to him, and moments later Mithril's dagger flies into his neck to deal the killing blow. On the other side of the creature, Natalia slashes hurriedly at the wounded warrior, but finds he can fend off both the beast and her without being distracted, and while she badly injures him the strikes are not fatal.

Shiny repeats his enchantment and command.

 
 Spoiler 

He would try Diplomacy, except that he's already enchanted the creature, which makes him quite hostile to any bargaining.

Will save:  (1d20+6)[ 11 ] 
 
Admiral
The warrior next to Natalia raises his sword, but is suddenly blinded by the light from behind Mithril. Snarling, he swings at where he remembers her being.

 
 Spoiler 

D6 (warrior) attack on Natalia.

Attack:  (1d20+15)[ 33 ]   (1d20+15)[ 29 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+13)[ 16 ]   (2d6+13)[ 19 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 1 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+10)[ 13 ]   (1d20+10)[ 27 ] 
Damage:  (2d6+13)[ 20 ]   (2d6+13)[ 20 ] 
Miss on 1:  (1d2)[ 2 ] 
Looks like she lucked out.
 


Natalia can now see that the remaining mage, also blinded, is female. She faces her hand towards the hulk and casts a spell, careful in her motions to avoid drawing Natalia's blade. The air turns icy blue as she causes the entire corridor, all the way down to Mithril and Shiny, to be filled with a freezing, biting cold.

 
 Spoiler 

Cone of Cold. Damage:  (9d6)[ 31 ] , Reflex save DC 18 half.

Hulk:  (1d20+3)[ 16 ] 
Shiny:  (1d20+5)[ 19 ] 

Need Mithril and Rhenner Reflex.
 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler: Reflex save 
Wish me luck:  (1d20+6)[ 9 ]   This would eliminate almost all my health.  Also was my wisdom damage healed ever? I can honestly not remember
 
Admiral
Once again under Shiny's enchantment, but enraged by the icy attack, the hulk attacks the drow mage.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 19 ]   (1d20+11)[ 15 ] 
Damage:  (2d4+6)[ 10 ]   (2d4+6)[ 8 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 30 ]   (1d20+11)[ 28 ] 
Damage:  (2d4+6)[ 11 ]   (2d4+6)[ 12 ] 

Haste attack:
Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 13 ]   (1d20+11)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (2d4+6)[ 12 ]   (2d4+6)[ 11 ] 

Bite:
Attack: [roll]1d20+9[roll]  (1d20+9)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (2d8+3)[ 12 ]   (2d8+3)[ 14 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "MITHRIL!!!"  Natalia screams as she sees her take the brunt of the icy blast and stumble. Natalia only starts to breathe again once Mithril moves, and with a snarl she turns to the frenzied warrior and mage.  "Should have surrendered!"  she shouts as she lashes out in another flurry of blows, this time aiming at the mage first.

 
 Spoiler: Attack! 
The drow are still blinded, so that means flatfooted and -2 AC to boot, though I guess if the Barbarian has uncanny dodge then he only has the -2 to AC. I assume Natalia's still flanking with the umber hulk against  both  of them, not just the mage (this is especially important regarding the barbarian), but if she's not then she's bringing out Faraday. So either way she gets a flank. Unless, does the barbarian have Improved Uncanny Dodge? I assume Natalia would know whether or not her sneak attacks failed--did they?

Natalia's attacking the mage, then the barbarian once the mage goes down. Wish me luck!

Attack:  (d20+13)[ 28 ] 
Crit:  (d20+13)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 11 ]  plus Sneak Attack:  (6d6)[ 24 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+5)[ 6 ] 

Attack:  (d20+13)[ 19 ] 
Crit:  (d20+13)[ 33 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 7 ]  plus Sneak Attack:  (6d6)[ 21 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+5)[ 6 ] 

Attack:  (d20+13)[ 28 ] 
Crit:  (d20+13)[ 33 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 9 ]  plus Sneak Attack:  (6d6)[ 19 ] 
Crit damage:  (d4+5)[ 9 ] 

Attack:  (d20+8)[ 20 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 8 ]  plus Sneak Attack:  (6d6)[ 17 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+5)[ 11 ] 

Attack:  (d20+8)[ 17 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 22 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 9 ]  plus Sneak Attack:  (6d6)[ 29 ] 
Crit damage:  (d4+5)[ 9 ] 
 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan shrugs the biting cold conjured by the Drow Wizard, he studies the flailing movements of the Umber hulk with critical eye, to the onlookers it seems as if he is waiting for something, then suddenly he darts right past the aberration straight for the Drow Warrior0s throat, his right hand blade describing an almost perfect linear strike.

 
 Spoiler 

Because Rhenner needed more evidence that Stephan is a "suicidal idiot" 😛
Move Action:  Tumble   through  the Umber Hulk to (14,I) [assuming the Drow Wizard is dead] since the Drow(s) are blinded they can't make AoO so it should be DC 25. Tumble  (1d20+13)[ 25 ] 
If Stephan fails the check he stops next to the hulk and provokes an AoO, but due mobility he has AC 26 vs. said attack,
If he manages to go through, he initiates Insightful strike (normal attack, but deal damage equal to a concentration check result) targeting the Drow Barbarian.
Attack  (1d20+18)[ 33 ] 
Damage [roll]1d20+13[roll]
 
Admiral
With a pair of well-aimed strikes, Natalia drops the drow mage, then turns her attention to the other fighter. One slash hits, then another, before her last misses- and yet the barbarian is still just barely standing.

Suddenly what looks like a shadow flickers into the corner of Natalia's eye, sliding under the beast in front of her- it's not until the shape straightens that Natalia realizes it is Stephan, just barely avoiding the hulk as he rolls under it. The swordsman brings his blade in an arc across the blind barbarian's chest- and as blood splatters off of him the drow falls backwards.

 
 Spoiler 

Awesome.

Everyone gets 2160 XP. Stephan gets 100 bonus XP for being rad. Already added, the group is 800-1800XP away from leveling up.
 


The umber hulk turns his head slowly to look around at the party, and for a moment they worry he may attack- but Shiny's enchantment holds firm. With its enormous bug eyes showing what might be interpreted as a blank expression, the creature turns towards the stone wall at its left, places its claws on the stone, and starts digging. In moments it has opened a path of ten feet into the wall, scattering rubble across the tunnel behind it as it goes- the tunnel leading ever so slightly upward.

 
 Spoiler 

If you're looking to loot, you'll have to do it in a hurry. The Suggestion's control isn't well-tuned, so it's* unlikely to stop and wait, or follow orders. (Charm Monster would have been more successful in that regard, but Shiny couldn't risk the +5 bonus it would have gotten on the Will save. You might suggest doing it now, but be warned that a failed save might raise its suspicions enough to break the Suggestion. I find such enchantment spells potentially overpowered and so take a strict view of their limitations).

*If you want to figure out whether this is a male or a female Umber Hulk, you'll need a successful Knowledge (Dungeoneering) check (for aberrations). Until then I'm calling him/her "it".
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia stares at Stephan as he rolls under the hulk and spins upward, slashing in a brutal, fatal arc.  "...Thanks,"  she says when she finds her voice again. And then she sees Mithril stand, frosted over and badly hurt.  "Mithril!"  she shouts, running over.

A crumbling sound behind Natalia grabs her attention, and she turns around to see the umber hulk start digging into the wall. It's almost mechanical in its movements, and Natalia realizes that Shiny must have cast a spell over it again. Even with what it could do to her, she does feel bad for it, being yanked around like that. At least in a few minutes it--and they--will be free.

But they need to hurry.  "Help search?"  Natalia asks her friends as she rapidly rummages through the drow's bodies. Almost out. They're almost out of here.

 
 Spoiler: Treasure time! 
Natalia's searching 3 drow this round, because of Haste. She'll keep searching if she rolls crappily or nobody helps her out. There's 6 drow here, right?

Search:  (d20+17)[ 36 ] 
Search:  (d20+17)[ 25 ] 
Search:  (d20+17)[ 24 ] 

Say, what were the drow's classes and levels?
 
Athedia
Mithril stood shivering, her teeth chattering.   "C-cold."   She rubbed her hands together to warm them up as she attempted to help Natalia.   "W-we should l-leave m-most of it.  Esc-cape is m-more import-tant."  
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia holds Mithril, rubbing the mage's hands to warm her up.  "Rhenner,"  she pleads even as she searches and answers Mithril's question.  "Don't worry, fast but....deep. I good At this, promise." 
 
 Spoiler: Question  
do you need any
Search rolls for The other 3?
 
Athedia
 
 Spoiler 
Oh forgot my rolls
3 is it?
Search:  (1d20+4)[ 5 ] 
Search:  (1d20+4)[ 21 ] 
Search:  (1d20+4)[ 11 ] 
 
CWater
 "You took a direct hit",  Rhenner frowns when he sees the frostbites. He uses on charge from the healing wand on Mithril, then casts another spell to heal the rest of their injuries.  "It works slowly, but you'll feel better in a minute or two." 

He quickly checks that all the drow are dead, and then goes to stand by the tunnel the hulk has made.  "I'll seal this end once we're all in. Hopefully that will hide the tunnel. At the very least it'll slow anyone who'd like to follow us." 
 
 Spoiler: Healing 
CLW on Mithril (wand):  (1d8+1)[ 2 ] 
Vigor, Mass Lesser: Natalia, Mithril, Stephan and Shiny get fast healing that heals 7 HP on the first round and 1 HP on 18 following rounds (~2 min.) for a total of 25 HP.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan joins the search effort, he nods thankfully at Rhenner as the cleric's magic warms his body.
 
 Spoiler: Search Rolls 

 (1d20+8)[ 15 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 20 ] 
 (1d20+8)[ 20 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia smiles in thanks at Rhenner's spell. This healing glow is slower and gradual--sure enough, when she looks down the front of her shirt she sees the wound slowly knit itself together. It's so bizarre.
CWater
Rhenner just stands by the new tunnel while the others search, fiddling with his holy symbol and mouthing a prayer with eyes closed.
Admiral
Natalia quickly fills her hands with scrolls from the mage and potions and weapons from the warriors, careful to pick up a dusty red stone she'd seen fall when the caster died.

As Mithril pulls open the female wizard's robe to grab scrolls from the pockets inside, she is momentarily shocked when the embroidery of her robe seems to take on new, and horrifying, shapes. On one arm she spots what seems to be a goblin skeleton, and on the inner lining she spots the zombified corpse of a human- and these shapes seem to protrude from the robe, almost eager to be freed. When she lets go, the embroidery slips back into a similar, but entirely unremarkable, pattern.

 
 Spoiler 

Couldn't resist. Obviously Mithril can do with it as she wishes, including showing it around or leaving it behind, but the others haven't seen it.

Rules note: someone using the robe would need a spell such as Command Undead to give commands to the zombies. See  http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Robe_of_Bones 
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Natalia quickly fills her hands with scrolls from the mage and potions and weapons from the warriors, careful to pick up a dusty red stone she'd seen fall when the caster died.

As Mithril pulls open the female wizard's robe to grab scrolls from the pockets inside, she is momentarily shocked when the embroidery of her robe seems to take on new, and horrifying, shapes. On one arm she spots what seems to be a goblin skeleton, and on the inner lining she spots the zombified corpse of a human- and these shapes seem to protrude from the robe, almost eager to be freed. When she lets go, the embroidery slips back into a similar, but entirely unremarkable, pattern.

 
 Spoiler 

Couldn't resist. Obviously Mithril can do with it as she wishes, including showing it around or leaving it behind, but the others haven't seen it.

Rules note: someone using the robe would need a spell such as Command Undead to give commands to the zombies. See  http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Robe_of_Bones 
 
 
 

Mithril recoiled before quickly stopping herself.    Deep breath Mithril, at the very least you would keep this away from the Drow, that is something.    Pulling it off the corpse she shoved it and the scrolls into her pack and hurriedly stood.   "Let's go.  Someone is going to notice that thing missing soon enough." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "What find, Mithril?"  Natalia asks, standing up.  "I...scrolls, potions, blades, and...this."  she tosses the blades to Stephan and holds out her hand, which contains the dusky rose stone she snatched up. Much to her surprise, the stone shoots up and starts circling her head. Natalia backs away in shock but the stone changes its trajectory to follow her. But it doesn't seem hostile. In fact, every time it moves past her field of vision she becomes slightly more aware of movement in her surroundings.

 "You right, no time,"  she replies, running to catch up to the hulk.  "Hurry out!" 

THe hulk is moving slowly, and so she easily catches up to it, backing into the tunnel as fast as she can.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Hurry!"  Natalia shouts as she catches up to the hulk and motions for everyone to follow. And then she pauses as the shades of darkvision catch bumps and scratches on the hulk, slashing wounds from its fight just now. Natalia's not sure, but she thinks its...fingers? claws? may be stiff from frostbite.

 "It hurt!"  she calls back to everyone as they catch up.  "Think should heal...while climb out." 
 
 Spoiler: Post because there's a roll in here. 
If nobody's going to heal the hulk, Natalia gives it a CLW potion.

Healing:  (d8+1)[ 9 ] 
 
Athedia
 "Natalia, it might hurt us as soon as we get free of here.  I would let it be." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia frowns.  "But...it injured too. Maybe won't if we help. And also...what if another fight, and it still hurt? Then we stuck in stone." 

EDIT: Natalia gives the hulk the healing potion.

 
 Spoiler: Question  
how does it react?
 
CWater
When the whole party has moved to the tunnel, Rhenner stands still for a moment looking back at the corpses they left behind. He shakes his head, trying to lose the bothersome thoughts, and starts casting a spell to seal the new tunnel from the old path.

When that's done, he casts another spell to slightly increase his speed, then proceeds to catch up with the others.

 
 Spoiler: Spells 
Wall of Stone and  Longstrider.
 


EDIT:

 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Natalia, it might hurt us as soon as we get free of here.  I would let it be."  
 


 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia frowns.  "But...it injured too. Maybe won't if we help. And also...what if another fight, and it still hurt? Then we stuck in stone."  
 

 "It might, or it might not. But in any case, it was hurt because of us. Shiny, could you tell the umber hulk that I'm going to heal it? I wouldn't want it to get startled and resist the spell." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 When the whole party has moved to the tunnel, Rhenner stands still for a moment looking back at the corpses they left behind. He shakes his head, trying to lose the bothersome thoughts, and starts casting a spell to seal the new tunnel from the old path.

When that's done, he casts another spell to slightly increase his speed, then proceeds to catch up with the others.

 
 Spoiler: Spells 
Wall of Stone and  Longstrider.
 
 
 

Natalia places a hand on Rhenner's shoulder once he catches up with everyone. Her expression is...almost flat. Certainly not as ecstatic as she is at the thought of returning to the surface.


 EDIT:


 "It might, or it might not. But in any case, it was hurt because of us. Shiny, could you tell the umber hulk that I'm going to heal it? I wouldn't want it to get startled and resist the spell."  

 "Could you...say this healing potion too?"  Natalia asks, holding out the flask.
Admiral
Shiny grimaces, looking worried, as he looks towards the hulk that is grinding away at the tunnel in front of them.  "I don't know that talking to or touching it at all is a good idea... just because I'm the one who cast the spell doesn't mean it'll listen to me. Enchantment is a bit... delicate."  He bites his lip with an unusually pensieve expression, but a moment later it is gone.

As Natalia approaches with a healing potion she is almost knocked back as the hulk continues grinding forward, ignoring her.

 
 Spoiler 

I'm afraid the potion is unlikely to work as that wasn't part of the suggestion, and it would require an attack roll to shove it down the creature's throat. (Anyway, why not save the potion? The wand of CLW would do as much, and potions have the benefit that they can be used by anyone). Rhenner still has the option of trying to heal it- you don't know what will necessarily happen.

Besides the Wall of Stone, any other measures to prevent or detect followers?
 
CWater
Rhenner frowns, but doesn't take out the healing wand. He's not happy about it, but he knows little of this sort of spells and he doesn't want to risk breaking the enchantment when they have no other way out of this tunnel.

 
 Spoiler 
No other spells he would cast right now.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia dusts herself off once the hulk knocks her back, and sadly watches it mechanically bore through the tunnel.

 "Why even enchant?"  she asks--more musing, almost.  "Would think freedom and...your words would convince." 

As they move through the tunnel Natalia sets up some hasty traps. bags of caltrops, some scattered in plain sight, some hidden, some positioned to make it look like they went down side tunnels (or recesses that look like sealed tunnels). A few tripwires set to trigger poison-tripped crossbows, courtesy of the spiders and drow they encountered down here. And, if she can find a vulnerable enough portion of rock, a small blast powder mine hidden away. She weaves the traps together, so setting off one will trigger others, and does her best to make sure you need to disable them one at a time.

 
 Spoiler 
okay then. And Natalia's going to set a bunch of traps. She's going to try to chain them together like how she's seen with the other drow traps here too. How many can I make without falling too far behind and what rolls do you need?

Also, did Natalia find any knockout poison on these guys?
 
CoffeeIncluded
As they make their slow pace through the tunnel a thought strikes Natalia.  "Rhenner, why follow Fha-"  she stops, stumbling over the words,  "Fala-"  she trips again,  "Fhar-"  she sighs and gives up,  "Wander god?" 

EDIT:  "Stephan, what you?"  she asks.
Dusk Eclipse
 "What about me?"  Stephan answers with a growl,  he was tired and while he didn't receive the brunt of the attacks he still got wounded ans therefore he wasn't in the best of the moods.   "I don't follow any god in particular, though I guess I respect St. Cuthberth and Wee Jas the most.   a ghost of a smile creeps through his face as he remembered.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "What about me?"  Stephan answers with a growl,  he was tired and while he didn't receive the brunt of the attacks he still got wounded ans therefore he wasn't in the best of the moods.   "I don't follow any god in particular, though I guess I respect St. Cuthberth and Wee Jas the most.   a ghost of a smile creeps through his face as he remembered. 
 

Natalia flinches slightly at Stephan's curt remark, but she recovers easily. However, at the mention of Saint Cuthbert sue looks noticeably more downcast in light of triggered memories.  "Oh. Why...them both?" 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan didn't intend to be so harsh with Natalia, he adopts an apologetic face and tone as he answers her question.  "The Exxets may not be paladins in shining armour, but if there is something that we can´t abide is letting a wrong go unpunished, it is natural that we have followed the tennets of St. Cuthbert."  he smiles a little  "As for the Stern Lady, I guess I find her approach to magic much more relate-able than Boccob's, knowledge is useless if you can´t use it. "  he looks at Mithtil at this point  "no offence 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Stephan didn't intend to be so harsh with Natalia, he adopts an apologetic face and tone as he answers her question.  "The Exxets may not be paladins in shining armour, but if there is something that we can´t abide is letting a wrong go unpunished, it is natural that we have followed the tennets of St. Cuthbert."  
 

Natalia relaxes at Stephan's apology, and gives a gesture of "no offense". [color="darkorchid"]"True, but...found that cuthbert not share...same justice to own followers.[/quote] She's also remembering something, but it doesn't seem to be as


 he smiles a little  "As for the Stern Lady, I guess I find her approach to magic much more relate-able than Boccob's, knowledge is useless if you can´t use it. "  he looks at Mithtil at this point  "no offence  

Natalia tilts her head curiously.  "I follow Gond...because machines like what like. Because doing important, and anyone...can invent. Even...me. But...not know much of Wee Jas. what you know?" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Stephan didn't intend to be so harsh with Natalia, he adopts an apologetic face and tone as he answers her question.  "The Exxets may not be paladins in shining armour, but if there is something that we can´t abide is letting a wrong go unpunished, it is natural that we have followed the tennets of St. Cuthbert."  he smiles a little  "As for the Stern Lady, I guess I find her approach to magic much more relate-able than Boccob's, knowledge is useless if you can´t use it. "  he looks at Mithtil at this point  "no offence  
 

 "Some knowledge should never be used."   Mithril spoke quietly playing with the rough hem of her shirt.   "But he leaves us to figure that out for ourselves." 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia relaxes at Stephan's apology, and gives a gesture of "no offense".  "True, but...found that cuthbert not share...same justice to own followers.  She's also remembering something, but it doesn't seem to be as

Natalia tilts her head curiously.  "I follow Gond...because machines like what like. Because doing important, and anyone...can invent. Even...me. But...not know much of Wee Jas. what you know?"  
 

 In all honestly not much, I respect her, because without the guidance of her followers I would not be who I am now.   he pauses for a moment before continuing  "I have always had a fascination with magic, I spend a long part of my childhood studying and reading my mother´s old tomes.... somehow I understood them, and that was enough for me to get into the institute; however no matter how hard I tried I was never able to cast a single spell."   this time he actually smiles  "I was about to drop out, when I met her, Seline Barbados, I mean... I already sort of knew her, she was the daughter of a close friend of my mother's, but we never really talked before."   Stephan plays with the hilt of his blades as he continues  "Her family had followed the Ruby Sorceress teachings for generations, and despite my "magical defficiency" she encouraged me to continue, to keep pushing, she took me to the temples to hear lectures about magic and it's nature, she helped me develop my own style of swordsmanship, fighting against several Fiendish wolf is great training"  he  chuckles at the memories.  "I definitely owe Seline more than I owe Wee Jas, but honouring her patron is the least I can do."  he finishes, a hint of regret making it's way to his voice


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Some knowledge should never be used."   Mithril spoke quietly playing with the rough hem of her shirt.   "But he leaves us to figure that out for ourselves."  
 

 "I suppose you are right, as I said I don't agree with it, but I understand" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Some knowledge should never be used."   Mithril spoke quietly playing with the rough hem of her shirt.   "But he leaves us to figure that out for ourselves."  
 

Natalia shifts closer to Mithril but says nothing despite providing a place for her to lean on.


 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  In all honestly not much, I respect her, because without the guidance of her followers I would not be who I am now.   he pauses for a moment before continuing  "I have always had a fascination with magic, I spend a long part of my childhood studying and reading my mother´s old tomes.... somehow I understood them, and that was enough for me to get into the institute; however no matter how hard I tried I was never able to cast a single spell."   this time he actually smiles  "I was about to drop out, when I met her, Seline Barbados, I mean... I already sort of knew her, she was the daughter of a close friend of my mother's, but we never really talked before."   Stephan plays with the hilt of his blades as he continues  "Her family had followed the Ruby Sorceress teachings for generations, and despite my "magical defficiency" she encouraged me to continue, to keep pushing, she took me to the temples to hear lectures about magic and it's nature, she helped me develop my own style of swordsmanship, fighting against several Fiendish wolf is great training"  he  chuckles at the memories.  "I definitely owe Seline more than I owe Wee Jas, but honouring her patron is the least I can do."  he finishes, a hint of regret making it's way to his voice


 "I suppose you are right, as I said I don't agree with it, but I understand"  
 

Natalia blinks--she completely understands.  "My teachers...brought Gond with knowing machines. Torin and Karik, also from Institute. I...always loved magic, machines, but...could never touch magic. Never even allowed. So tinkered, built. Made better bakery. When Torin and Karik came...saw me, saw skill, and...taught me. The traps, the machines, how fight too. They gave me...so much. So Gond because fits, but Gond to thank them too."  She grins at the memory, a broad smile spreading across her face.

The traps Natalia lays down are varied and frequent. Two or three concealed tripwire crossbows, with each bolt coated in drow knockout poison. The hundred caltrops she bought for Soshima finally come to use. Some are openly scattered, others placed by tripwires. Some are coated in drow or spider poison if Natalia can do that safely, and she places smokesticks triggered to break near those. The smoke will conceal the caltrops, and so anyone following will stumble and step on them. There's also a particularly nasty trap Karik showed her which she puts a twist on. A tripwire or something of that nature, a floor coated with oil, and alchemists fire. And, if it's safe, a blastpowder mine.

 
 Spoiler: craft Rolls 
if you need any more please tell me.

Crossbow with poisoned bolt 1:  (d20+18)[ 35 ] 
Crossbow with poisoned bolt2:  (d20+18)[ 22 ] 
Smokestick and poisoned caltrops 1:  (d20+18)[ 31 ] 
Smokestick and poisoned caltrops 1:  (d20+18)[ 30 ] 
Natalia uses about 15-20 caltrops, depending on the length of the corridor.
Crossbow with poisoned bolt 3:  (d20+18)[ 37 ] 
Alchemists fire+Oil trap (and yes there are caltrops there too if possible; it's slippery oil like the grease spell and fire on top of that and then maybe caltrops too):  (d20+18)[ 21 ] 
Blastpowder mine set to collapse the tunnel if and only if she's sure it's safe:  (d20+18)[ 34 ] 
 
Admiral
The party proceeds to follow the tunneling creature, Natalia laying down traps and caltrops along the way in an attempt to slow the journey of anyone following. The hulk is sloping only gradually upward, perhaps at a 10 degree angle, but they trust his sense of how best to proceed upwards towards the Middledark.

Twenty tense minutes of digging pass, when suddenly Natalia can just barely hear the faint echoes of an explosion come from behind her- probably the detonation of the firepowder trap, which she'd left fifteen minutes ago, signaling the approach of something or someone behind them. The party tenses at this, but there's nothing they can do but wait for the beast to dig farther.

Ten minutes later, the party is bracing for the approach of someone behind them, when suddenly the hulk breaks through something ahead of them, and the party finds themselves in a small open clearing, about thirty feet in radius, with three paths leading out of it. The hulk seems barely to look around before crossing the clearing and tunneling into directly into the rock on the opposite side.

 
 Spoiler 

If you're wondering, a Dungeoneering or Architecture Engineering check (not a Knowledge Underdark check though) could get a sense of whether the tunnel is artificially constructed or naturally occurring. Survival check could also tell whether it's frequently used.

Also let me know if you've got other spells you're interested in slowing down or misleading followers (that's not a pointed hint, I just don't recall everyone's strategies).
 
CoffeeIncluded
The sound of the mine going off sends Natalia flinching, and she spends the rest of her trip through he tunnel walking backwards, weapons out and ready if she sees the drow charging forward. This means that she nearly trips as they suddenly enter an open room, but she rights herself quickly. At once she's looking around, trying to find out more about this chamber, and if one of these routes leads up and out.

 
 Spoiler: Knowledge 
knowledge: a+e:  (d20+5)[ 13 ] 

Aww, ah well. EIther way, gotta go and more traps!
 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan's ears perk up at the faint, but immediately recognizable sound of explosion  "So they found our tracks..." ; once they reach the "clearing" Stephan begins to inspect the tunnel entrances, trying to find one that would be their best option to escape without further fighting.

 
 Spoiler 

Survival  (1d20+10)[ 30 ]  (add +2 if this counts as finding or following tracks)
ETA: And the balance of the universe has been restored.
 
Admiral
Stephan examines the stone floor, and it speaks to the ranger within him. The chamber is traveled, but not very frequently- perhaps it is on the farther outskirts of the drow city they are trying to escape. Of the three paths, he easily finds two that are more worn with both steps and the faint outline of wheels. The third path seems the least traveled.

Based on his examination, he determines his best chance to plant fake tracks would be on the least traveled path, where he could leave signs that are subtle enough to be believable. On the other hand, that route would be the most difficult to journey down without being followed.

 
 Spoiler 

From this roll he'll get a +4 circumstance bonus if he wants to plant fake tracks. Of course you could also take one of the routes and leave the Hulk to dig on its own.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan paces in front of the tunnel entrances for a few moments, trying to get the best sense of which way to go.  "Ok... this is what we can do"  he frowns in concentration.  "I think our best option is taking this tunnel here"  he points towards the one that is neither the most used nor the least. Anticipating the confused looks he continues  "Look, even if I planted fake tracks leading towards the other tunnels, if they are smart they would think that we will go through the least common one, and while nobody would expect us going through the most used one, we would have to risk encountering more patrols".  he pauses a moment.  "Though I don´t know if that tunnel will get us close to the surface."  he finally admits.


 
 Spoiler 

K: Dungeoneering  (1d20+3)[ 21 ] 
K:Architecture  (1d20+3)[ 10 ] 
Both are untrained btw.
 
CoffeeIncluded
If only Kurt were here; he'd know which tunnel was the right one.  "I can trap, make look...false path and block real. But...best go down what know up, not guess."  She peers down the tunnel for any clues, maybe a direction in which groundwater runs (downhill, always downhill).

 
 Spoiler 
natalia got a 15 on that check (it's ooc); does that help?
 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan nods his head  "You set that trap, I'll see if I can misdirect them a little"  Stephan starts working on the fake trail while hiding their own.
 
 Spoiler 

Take 10 for total mod of 24
 
CoffeeIncluded
First Natalia sets up the smokestick and poisoned-caltrop trap and flamepowder mine down the fake tunnel, just far enough that the drow have to enter the tunnel to set it off. Then she heads back to the front, to the tunnel they just exited that leads to the chamber. Collapsing the tunnel would definitely slow their pursuers down, but can she do it without bringing down the tunnel around them?

The echo of footsteps--whether real or in her mind--makes Natalia's decision for her. She audibly gulps and closes her eyes, sets her face.  "In tunnel, now! I follow after!"  If she fails, better that the rubble fall on her and not everyone else.  "Go!" 

She sets the powder from memory, remembering how Ildan had placed small packets in several different spots, weakened the foundations and walls and ceiling and then let gravity do the rest. She'd always learned by seeing, by feeling, but she's always solidified her learning with reading and practice, and she's never had the chance to do either with this yet. But as she backs out of the tunnel, lights the charges, she never once exhales.

  Please Gond, let this work.  
 
 Spoiler: Roll 
I hope this works...If not, I hope nobody else gets hurt because of this.

 (d20+18)[ 35 ] 

EDIT: Yippee! I just let out a HUGE sigh of relief!
 
Admiral
The party makes their preparations swiftly. Stephan steps across the threshold of one of the paths, leaving a few subtle clues, before doubling back on his own steps to leave a false trail. Natalia attaches a chain of firepowder vials along the upper arch of the tunnel, making more liberal use, perhaps, than she'd need to with more practice and proper tools. As she runs after them upon setting the fuses, she hears the loud blast behind her and feels the heat rush up the tunnel towards her, followed by the rumble of the tunnel's collapse.

The party quickly reaches the Umber Hulk and continues climbing. Twenty more tense minutes pass- clambering over the shuffle of rocks the hulk leaves in its wake is difficult work- but at least they hear no one following them, and they feel themselves continue to ascend through the rock.

Suddenly they break out onto a new clearing, this one wider and more open than the last. This one looks like a natural cave, with stalactites and stalagmites towering around the space. As soon as it breaks into the space, the hulk clambers straight to the other side, where to the party's relief it looks like the solid stone has been replaced by thick soil- something the hulk can more quickly and easily tunnel through.

 
 Spoiler 

Spot and Listen checks all around.

Shiny:
Spot:  (1d20-2)[ -1 ] 
Listen:  (1d20-2)[ 9 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
The sound of explosions and falling stone send Natalia running even faster, but her face splits into a broad grin when they stop. She hazards a glance over her shoulder to see that the tunnel has perfectly collapsed in on itself. Hah! It worked! Natalia pumps a fist in the air in triumph as she catches up to the others.

Nobody's coming, and the ground is getting softer beneath their feet even as she scrambles over rocks--did it work? There's dirt all around them now, not stone.  "Are we...in Upperdark? Or still Middle?"  she asks, looking around. The hulk is still digging into dirt though.

 
 Spoiler: Checks 
Spot: Take 10 for 28 (hah!)
Listen:  (d20+13)[ 23 ] 

Any way to tell if we're in the Middledark?
 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan looks with interest the way Natalia rigs the tunnels to collapse behind them,  "Impressive"  he admits  "That certainly will delay them at the very least." 
 
 Spoiler 

Spot (1d20+11)[ 21 ] 
Listen  (1d20+11)[ 15 ] 
 
CWater
Rhenner taps the ground with his foot, looking absent-minded.  "If we are close enough to the surface, where this strange magic doesn't tamper with spells... I might be able to move us away from here. Never done that before, but I think I can now"   The cleric frowns and concentrates on the spell he has in store,  "Or wait.. No, I think we are too many of us." 
 
 Spoiler 
You once said that Mithril and Rhenner would be able to tell when the spells would work, is this still true?

Spot:  (1d20+7)[ 15 ] 
Listen:  (1d20+5)[ 19 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Stephan looks with interest the way Natalia rigs the tunnels to collapse behind them,  "Impressive"  he admits  "That certainly will delay them at the very least."  
 

 "Thanks,"  she whispers, standing up a little straighter in pride.  "First time worked, hope worked all way. You...seen these traps before?" 
Dusk Eclipse
 "Not really,  most traps I'm familiar with are meant for animals, not humanoids"  Stephan answers  "I was never good setting them either, I prefer to stalk my prey"  he answers with a smirk.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "Not really,  most traps I'm familiar with are meant for animals, not humanoids"  Stephan answers  "I was never good setting them either, I prefer to stalk my prey"  he answers with a smirk. 
 

 "Traps...for humanoids too. Same as...stalking, I...stalk too,"  Natalia shakes her head, not quite liking the words,  "But also need know traps to stop. Traps...flush stalkers and prey."  She pauses, thinking back to Deldon and the drow invaders, still finding it hard to believe that was only a couple of weeks ago.  "Stalk and traps why we down here." 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan tilts his head in slight confusion, Natalia was a really interesting girl and he had to admit hea was growing fond of her...actually everyone was growing on him,  not everyone would have helped him as much as they had, but sometimes Natalia just said the strangest things  "I... uh.... I meant I prefer to stalk animals while hunting." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Stephan tilts his head in slight confusion, Natalia was a really interesting girl and he had to admit hea was growing fond of her...actually everyone was growing on him,  not everyone would have helped him as much as they had, but sometimes Natalia just said the strangest things  "I... uh.... I meant I prefer to stalk animals while hunting."  
 

 "...Oh."  Natalia flushes bright red and stares at the ground.  "I...Trap when hunting too. Thought you saying other thing."  She plays with her stone necklace again, holds the cool smooth black stone in her palm.  "I sorry, my words...not always right." 
CWater
 "Could you kids save your courting until we have gotten out of the area that is trying to kill us in a hundred of ways?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "C-Courting?"  Natalia stammers, jerking her head back to Rhenner, not quite able to look at Stephan. The thought flashes through her mind that he might be snarking again, and for a briefer moment she contemplates shooting back an equally snarky retort involving him and Mithril, but she clamps down on that thought before it can go any further.  "Wasn't courting, just--Wait, Stephan know why we here?"  she abruptly adds, eager to leap onto a different topic.

 
 Spoiler 
Do Rhenner and Stephan know that Natalia's gay? Either way that comment definitely took her off guard!
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "Could you kids save your courting until we have gotten out of the area that is trying to kill us in a hundred of ways?"  
 


 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "C-Courting?"  Natalia stammers, jerking her head back to Rhenner, not quite able to look at Stephan. The thought flashes through her mind that he might be snarking again, and for a briefer moment she contemplates shooting back an equally snarky retort involving him and Mithril, but she clamps down on that thought before it can go any further.  "Wasn't courting, just--Wait, Stephan know why we here?"  she abruptly adds, eager to leap onto a different topic.

 
 Spoiler 
Do Rhenner and Stephan know that Natalia's gay? Either way that comment definitely took her off guard!
 
 
 

Stephan bites back a chuckle at the snarky half-elf's comment  "Well we aren't at mortal danger right  now "  he says with some mirth in his voice that fells flat as soon as he sees Natalias's reaction.

 "Ummm not really, I mean you told me something about a Drow attack on... Del...Delodna or something along those lines"  he answers

 
 Spoiler 

Stephan doesn't know for certain, but he has suspicions, after all Natalia is waaaaaaay too attached to Mithril for a...... normal(?) friendship, or at least he thinks that way.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Stephan bites back a chuckle at the snarky half-elf's comment  "Well we aren't at mortal danger right  now "  he says with some mirth in his voice that fells flat as soon as he sees Natalias's reaction. 
 

 "It okay,"  Natalia quickly says at the expression on his face. She's definitely growing to like Stephan despite his incredible foolhardiness, just not like that.  "And you right, safe now is...safest here." 

  "Ummm not really, I mean you told me something about a Drow attack on... Del...Delodna or something along those lines"  he answers.

 
 Spoiler 

Stephan doesn't know for certain, but he has suspicions, after all Natalia is waaaaaaay too attached to Mithril for a...... normal(?) friendship, or at least he thinks that way.
 
 

Natalia frowns.  "It Deldon. And...I can't say all straight, but...Drow attack Deldon, creep and stalk to hunt food. Destroy food we...picked for them. They...Blastpowder, tick tock boom. I...couldn't stop ticking, but hid clock so boom elsewhere, safe. Prisoner..."  She winces, drifts off just long enough that it's clear there's more she's not telling, beyond what she can't say, before continuing,  "said Drowtown sent to Deldon, prisoner gave order. But...remember Lysandra? Prisoner Voice, not in Spider Pit." 
 
 Spoiler: Heh 
There's no way Natalia would be able to explain it all, not with Nutspeak. Anyone else want to continue?

And thanks!
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "It okay,"  Natalia quickly says at the expression on his face. She's definitely growing to like Stephan despite his incredible foolhardiness, just not like that.  "And you right, safe now is...safest here." 

Natalia frowns.  "It Deldon. And...I can't say all straight, but...Drow attack Deldon, creep and stalk to hunt food. Destroy food we...picked for them. They...Blastpowder, tick tock boom. I...couldn't stop ticking, but hid clock so boom elsewhere, safe. Prisoner..."  She winces, drifts off just long enough that it's clear there's more she's not telling, beyond what she can't say, before continuing,  "said Drowtown sent to Deldon, prisoner gave order. But...remember Lysandra? Prisoner Voice, not in Spider Pit." 
 
 Spoiler: Heh 
There's no way Natalia would be able to explain it all, not with Nutspeak. Anyone else want to continue?

And thanks!
 
 
 

Mithril spoke up for the first time in a while.   "It's an old dwarven mining colony.  We broke a siege of organized Horde and discovered the Drow plot to blow up the food supply, food we had brought to help them survive a little longer.  We killed the drow before they could succeed, well most of them.  Our prisoner told us of the Drow's "Prisoner" and we thought it was a flesh and blood captive.  Turns out we were wrong and we lost a good friend down here in the search."   She felt at the magic again to see how it was, when could they leave?
CWater
 "Wrong or not, you did learn something of this conspiracy."

"Natalia, Mithril and Shiny have come to Eldgar from across the sea in search for answers",  he says to Stephan,  "I only met them in Deldon, maybe... a week ago. It's hard to tell time under here." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril spoke up for the first time in a while.   "It's an old dwarven mining colony.  We broke a siege of organized Horde and discovered the Drow plot to blow up the food supply, food we had brought to help them survive a little longer.  We killed the drow before they could succeed, well most of them.  Our prisoner told us of the Drow's "Prisoner" and we thought it was a flesh and blood captive.  Turns out we were wrong and we lost a good friend down here in the search."   She felt at the magic again to see how it was, when could they leave? 
 

Natalia smiles and nods. Yes, that was definitely a good summary, though it left out her freak out with the mayor, and Mithril's own approaching darkness.


 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "Wrong or not, you did learn something of this conspiracy."  
 

 
 "True, chained voice important to learn. But more questions on answers. Who chained, where and why? Why whispers below, above too? And...how to silence?" 

 "Natalia, Mithril and Shiny have come to Eldgar from across the sea in search for answers", 

 
  he says to Stephan,  "I only met them in Deldon, maybe... a week ago. It's hard to tell time under here."  

 "Voice whispered across sea too, called here,"  the rogue adds. Has it really only been a week? It feels like months, maybe even years. Time has less meaning here.
Admiral
As the party follows the Umber Hulk to the other side of the cave, Natalia spots something odd about one of the rocks along the wall- its texture is just slightly different, and it seems oddly posed for a natural stone formation.

As she slows and focuses on it, a burst of motion startles her as long tendrils burst from the sides of the "rock" and lash out towards her. The strands whip towards her, Stephan, and Shiny with a sickening snap. Moments later the shape stands more upright, and reveals the gaping maw of a predator.

 
 Spoiler 

Visual aid:

 
 Spoiler 
 
 


Strand Natalia:  (1d20+13)[ 29 ] 
Strand Stephan:  (1d20+13)[ 19 ] 
Strand Shiny:  (1d20+13)[ 16 ] 

Anyone hit please make a Fortitude save.

Natalia's Spot check meant the monster had to strike early, when it could attack only three of us and we're pretty far away.

Knowledge (Arcana) may tell you more about it. Please know that I have actually modified this monster  greatly  from the standard version based on some experience and preferences, so bringing in meta knowledge would be not only discouraged but counterproductive.

Finally, once that's handled, Init rolls:

Natalia:  (1d20+7)[ 23 ] 
Stephan:  (1d20+3)[ 14 ] 
Enemy:  (1d20+5)[ 19 ] 
Mithril:  (1d20+2)[ 10 ] 
Shiny:  (1d20+2)[ 15 ] 
Rhenner:  (1d20+3)[ 22 ] 
 
CWater
 "What did you say about mortal danger again!"  Rhenner shouts and instinctively takes a step back.

 
 Spoiler 
Knowledge (arcane):  (1d20+7)[ 25 ] 

Unless the check reveals something that would make the following a bad idea (like immunity to fire or something..):
 Fireball:  (9d6)[ 37 ] 
Ref save for half 
 

 
The cleric removes the bead with the darkest colour from the necklace and throws it at the creature. 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 As the party follows the Umber Hulk to the other side of the cave, Natalia spots something odd about one of the rocks along the wall- its texture is just slightly different, and it seems oddly posed for a natural stone formation.

As she slows and focuses on it, a burst of motion startles her as long tendrils burst from the sides of the "rock" and lash out towards her. The strands whip towards her, Stephan, and Shiny with a sickening snap. Moments later the shape stands more upright, and reveals the gaping maw of a predator. 
 

Natalia slows, holds up a hand with a finger outstretched.  "Wait, Think see--Aaahh!!!"  Whatever she was about to say is cut off by a tendril lashing at her, binding her tight with a whip-like crack and snap. The... thing  it's attached to, a moving rock with tentacles and an overly-toothed mouth, slowly rises and begins pulling herself (and Shiny and Stephan, she sees out of the corner of her eyes), towards it.


 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "What did you say about mortal danger again!"  Rhenner shouts and instinctively takes a step back. 
 

 "Know!"  Natalia shrieks, struggling and flailing against the tendrils binding her tight, inexorably pulling her closer towards that mouth. Her feet scrabble against the ground, this is just like the choker again! Except...that her neck is free, and so are her hands.

With a shout, Natalia flashes her daggers down and cuts into the tendrils. If she's freed, she cuts away the tentacles binding Shiny, then Stephan.

 
 Spoiler: Attack 

Knowledge (Arcana):  (d20+4)[ 23 ] 
Fort save:  (d20+6)[ 25 ] 

Natalia's going to attack the tendrils binding her. If she's freed, she then tries to free Shiny, then Stephan, in that order. If she's not she uses the anklet to get out and move back a bit. Does it look like the monster can attack further away than the three of them are or are they at the limits of its range?

I assume it's not flatfooted but if it is tell me and I'll roll sneak attack.

Attack:  (d20+8)[ 22 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 9 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 6 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+5)[ 9 ] 

Attack:  (d20+8)[ 15 ] 
Crit:  (d20+8)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 7 ] 
Crit damage:  (d4+5)[ 8 ] 

Attack:  (d20+3)[ 7 ] 
Crit:  (d20+3)[ 19 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 6 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+5)[ 6 ] 

Attack:  (d20+3)[ 10 ] 
Crit:  (d20+3)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 6 ] 
Crit damage:  (d4+5)[ 9 ] 

Wow next turn I'm definitely doing Cat's Grace.
 


EDIT: I FORGOT TO ADD THE MAGIC WEAPON BONUS AND WEAPON FOCUS THAT SWORDSAGE GIVES ME. PLEASE ADD +2 TO MY ATTACK ROLLS.
Dusk Eclipse
 "I take that back!"  Stephan answers just before he is snared by the tendril  "Damn"  Stephan struggles  but he somehow manages to take out his swords and attempts to sever the tentacles restraining him.

 
 Spoiler 

Fort save  (1d20+12)[ 27 ] 

Full attack to the tendrils

Attack 1  (1d20+12)[ 15 ] 
Crit  (1d20+15)[ 19 ]  (slashing so crit range 20 x 3)
damage  (1d6+5)[ 6 ]  crit  (2d6+15)[ 26 ] 

Attack 2  (1d20+12)[ 32 ] 
Crit  (1d20+15)[ 22 ]  (slashing so crit range 20 x 3)
damage  (1d6+3)[ 5 ]  crit  (2d6+9)[ 18 ] 

Attack 1  (1d20+7)[ 17 ] 
Crit  (1d20+10)[ 29 ]  (slashing so crit range 20 x 3)
damage  (1d6+5)[ 6 ]  crit  (2d6+15)[ 20 ] 
 
CWater
 Edited action: 
Rhenner grabs his morningstar and tries to cut the strands holding Shiny.

 
 Spoiler 
Because you melee fighters are going to charge it anyway, aren't you?😏

This is the first time Rhenner has used full attack, ever. Weird.

Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 28 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+3)[ 11 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+4)[ 6 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+3)[ 6 ] 

Oh, and Dodge against the roper.
 

 "It's resistant to magic, like the drow are",  he warns the others,  "and don't try to use lighting at all." 
Admiral
Natalia slashes at the strand attached to her.

 
 Spoiler 

Opposed attacks:
 (1d20+9)[ 25 ] 
 (1d20+9)[ 29 ] 
 (1d20+9)[ 13 ] 
 (1d20+9)[ 20 ] 
 


She is too disoriented by the strand to aim at it well, and the strand dodges each of her swings.
Admiral
Rhenner in turn slashes at the strand holding Shiny.

 
 Spoiler 

Opposed 1:  (1d20+9)[ 20 ] 
Opposed 2:  (1d20+9)[ 27 ] 
 


Rhenner's morningstar slams into the strand, its spike piercing through the tentacle and severing it.
Admiral
The creature lunges closer to the party, and as it does it yanks Stephan and Natalia, still attached to their strands, forward towards its gaping maw.

At the same time it extends a new strand, directed at the recently freed Shiny.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack on Shiny:  (1d20+13)[ 30 ] 

If hits, Shiny's new Fort save:  (1d20+6)[ 7 ]  or  (1d3)[ 2 ]  more Str damage.
 


Stephan slashes at the strand attached to him. His second attack hits, but makes it only halfway through the tentacle.

 
 Spoiler 

Putting Stephan's turn here: I'm sorry but I can't have Stephan change his action (e.g. run in and attack) since he's already rolled. Also, no crit damage on Sunder.

Opposed:
 (1d20+9)[ 24 ] 
 (1d20+9)[ 12 ] 
 (1d20+9)[ 28 ] 
 


Shiny is ensnared again, and as the suckers lash into his skin he collapses to his knees.

 
 Spoiler 

Even if he's freed, he won't be able to move because he's carrying too much for his Str 4.
 
Admiral
Though he's being pulled in and is deeply weakened, Shiny manages to twist his hand in the air and summon a cloud of sparkling dust above the creature.

 
 Spoiler 

Glitterdust, No SR.

Will save:  (1d20+9)[ 26 ] 
 


It covers the beast in a shimmering glow, but otherwise leaves him unaffected.
Athedia
Mithril gauged the distance between the Roper and her and stepped backward before twisting her wrist and calling the dark tentacles from underneath to combat it.   "Get back here!  I can move us to the other side of the cave! 
 
 Spoiler 
Moving to I 27
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia gasps as Shiny is caught again and sinks to his knees. She needs to stop it now, but how to get close without being attacked by those tentacles again? She quickly glances around at the cavern, with tunnels and stactites and stalagmites everywhere. Of course. Whispering out the cats grace spell as fast as she can, Natalia practically dives behind a nearby stalagmite and begins creeping as quietly as possible towards the Roper, hoping that it won't notice her.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
Natalia casts Cat's Grace and then begins sneaking closer to the Roper, making sure that she's within 30 feet of it and clear of the black tentacles (and that she can get to the thing and not have black tentacles in her way) by next turn.

Hide:  (d20+17)[ 18 ] 
Move silently:  (d20+22)[ 24 ]  (wow)

Well at least this means Dusk should roll well. 😛 (that was a joke, Admiral). And I'm glad that her modifers are so damn high.
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

Tentacles Grapple:  (1d20+17)[ 19 ] 
Opposed Grapple:  (1d20+20)[ 29 ] 

Will roll Spot and Listen against Natalia after Rhenner's turn.
 
Admiral
The roper slowly extracts itself from the tentacles, stomping through them gradually. As it moves it drags Stephan and Shiny along with it, though it is too preoccupied to shorten its strands further.

 
 Spoiler 

Double move to escape black tentacles, see map.

Party's turn. Natalia doesn't know if the creature knows where she is, and won't until/if she attacks.
 


Shiny twists his hand in midair once more, grimacing with the effort of holding even one hand aloft.

 
 Spoiler 

One more shot at Glitterdust.

Will save: [roll]1d20+9[roll]
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

Fixed roll:  (1d20+9)[ 23 ] 
 


Once again the creature fights off Shiny's spell.
CoffeeIncluded
It's not working. Looks like she's got the best chance. With a wordless yell Natalia rushes out of the shadows, pulling the heat and lightning out of her chest with a shout of,  "FARADAY!"  She watches the sparks coalesce into the little beast behind the Roper as she flashes her blades and attacks in two lightning-fast strikes, practically body-slamming the Roper as she slams into the beast.


 
 Spoiler: Attack! 

Damn, both the tentacles and Shiny's glitterdust failed. Hopefully this works; I've got one more maneuver left for free sneak attacks next turn! Natalia uses Distracting Sparks for flanking and Wolf Fang Strike to get two attacks.

Attack: (d20+14) [31] 
Crit confirm: (d20+14) [16] 
Damage: (d6+5) [6]  plus sneak attack: (6d6) [25] 
Crit damage: (d6+5) [8]
 
Attack: (d20+14) [23] 
Crit confirm: (d20+14) [25] 
Damage: (d4+5)[7] plus sneak attack: (6d6) [17] 
Crit damage: (d4+5) [8] 
 
Dusk Eclipse
Carefully timing his moments with the faint tugs of the Roper's tendrils, Stephan maneuvers himself just besided the creature and proceeds to deliver a single linear strike into the Roper's body

 
 Spoiler 

non-action: Designate Roper as Dodge Target (AC 21)
move action: Tumble to (L,5)  (1d20+13)[ 29 ] 
Standard Action Initiate Insightful strike (if attacks hit, the damage is replaced by the result of a concentration check)
Attack  (1d20+15)[ 18 ] 
Crit confirm  (1d20+18)[ 20 ]  stabbing so crit range is 19-20 x 2
Damage  (1d20+13)[ 20 ]  Crit  (1d20+13)[ 21 ] 
 
Admiral
As Natalia lunges towards the creature, she summons a small elemental of lightning behind it. But as the elemental fizzes into existence, one of the tentacles of Mithril's spell suddenly lashes at it.

 
 Spoiler 

Grapple:
Tentacle:  (1d20+17)[ 35 ] 
Elemental:  (1d20-3)[ 16 ] 
 


The elemental is engulfed by the tentacle, leaving the creature unthreatened. Natalia manages to stab into it, but as it is undistracted she leaves only a small wound in its hide. Stephan's attack bounces off the creature as well.

 
 Spoiler 

Rhenner and Mithril have their turn.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler: Huh? 
Natalia didn't put the elemental in the tentacles. I'm pretty sure she can still flank with the elemental in K15; we've done placement like that before.
 
CWater
Rhenner moves after Shiny, who's being dragged away and casts a spell to restore some of his drained strength.

 
 Spoiler: Spell 
Lesser Restoration:  (1d3)[ 3 ] 
 
Athedia
Mithril let loose a bolt of acid, headed straight for the Roper's face.   "It is intelligent, does anyone speak Undercommon?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Acid Arrow
Ranged Touch:  (1d20+7)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (2d4)[ 3 ]  + 3 more rounds
 
Admiral
Natalia's first slash cuts deep into the distracted creature, though her second bounces off its rock-like hide. Mithril's acid spell strikes it soon afterwards, and sizzles along it.

The predator roars and tugs Stephan towards its open mouth, as it gnashes its horrible stalagmite-like teeth.

 
 Spoiler 

Bite attack on Stephan:

Attack:  (1d20+19)[ 38 ] 
Damage:  (3d6+8)[ 20 ] 
If hits, Reflex save from Stephan, please.
 


At the same time, it uses its other tentacle to drag Shiny closer to it, and then extrudes a new strand to grab Natalia.

 
 Spoiler 

On Natalia:  (1d20+14)[ 15 ] 
 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan grunts in pain as the Roper bites into him.
 
 Spoiler 

Holy carp... it has a huge attack bonus
Ref  (1d20+16)[ 22 ] 
 
Admiral
Stephan feels the creature's jaws clamp down deep into his flesh, but with a skilled twist he narrowly avoids getting tugged entirely into the Roper's horrible jaws.

 
 Spoiler 

Metagame info: one of the things I changed about the Roper is that I want tentacles to matter more than "Things that pull you into melee." After all, melee fighters would want to be in melee anyway. Thus, he gets an attack bonus on biting (not saying how large) when an opponent he's fighting is tentacled. Not to mention worse stuff if he'd failed that Reflex.

Party's turn.
 


Desperately pulling with what little strength he has, and his eyes wide with fear as he sees the creature's teeth crash into Stephan, Shiny casts another spell.

 
 Spoiler 

Still spamming Glitterdust, cuz it's what we got.

Will:  (1d20+9)[ 12 ] 
 


Shiny's spell finally takes full effect as the beast squints, blinded.
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan steps back while holding back the urge to scream, that bite almost tore through his armour, but thankfully the enchanted metal protecting him.  With some effort he manages to bring his weapons up and starts attacking the tendril once more, trying to free himself from it.

 
 Spoiler 

5 ft. Step to (K,16) to flank with Natalia
Full Attack, attacking the Tendrils until he cuts it off, then switching to attacking the Roper

Attack 1  (1d20+14)[ 17 ] 
Crit confirm  (1d20+17)[ 36 ] 
Damage  (1d6+5)[ 11 ]  Crit Damage  (1d6+5)[ 11 ] 

Off-hand Attack  (1d20+14)[ 31 ] 
Crit Confirm  (1d20+14)[ 23 ] 
Damage  (1d6+3)[ 4 ]  Crit Damage  (1d6+3)[ 5 ] 

Attack 2  (1d20+9)[ 13 ] 
Crit Confirm  (1d20+12)[ 14 ] 
Damage  (1d6+5)[ 6 ]  Crit Damage  (1d6+5)[ 9 ] 

If he can't flank substract 2 from the Attack rolls.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's eyes widen as the beast bites down on Stephan, and very nearly swallows. Right then the roper lashes out a tentacle, slow enough for her to tuck and roll out of the way. Shes about to pull the shadows over her as she springs to her feet, but in the same moment sees Shiny's glitterdust take effect and Stephan desperately step where faraday was to try and cut himself free.  "Hold on!"  Natalia shouts, her pulse racing as she strikes the roper again and again.

 
 Spoiler: Roguebuckler to the face!!! 
so in addition to the blinding (flatfooted and -2 ac to the roper) Natalia's flanking with Stephan (I think. If not, remove it). Let's see how he likes this and I hope it works!

Attack:  (d20+14)[ 17 ] 
Crit:  (d20+14)[ 30 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 10 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 22 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+5)[ 8 ] 

Attack:  (d20+14)[ 33 ] 
Crit:  (d20+14)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 7 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 24 ] 
Crit damage:  (d4+5)[ 8 ] 

Attack:  (d20+9)[ 22 ] 
Crit:  (d20+9)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 11 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 20 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+5)[ 8 ] 

Attack:  (d20+9)[ 20 ] 
Crit:  (d20+9)[ 24 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 6 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 21 ] 
Crit damage:  (d4+5)[ 8 ] 
 
CWater
Rhenner keeps moving after Shiny and tries to cut him loose again.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 14 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+3)[ 11 ] 
 
Admiral
 
 Spoiler 

Opposed Stephan for slashing at tentacle (takes -2 from blindness):
 (1d20+7)[ 23 ] 
 (1d20+7)[ 25 ] 
 (1d20+7)[ 23 ] 

Opposed Rhenner slash:
 (1d20+7)[ 26 ] 

Oof...
 


Stephan's second swing manages to connect with the tentacle, but cannot cut it entirely free of him. Rhenner cannot quite hit the swinging tentacle as he had before.

Two of Natalia's strikes hit weak points in the predator, leaving it wounded.

 
 Spoiler 

Shiny will Haste next turn, that'll help.

Mithril's turn (don't forget acid damage)
 
Athedia
Mithril sent out another bolt to follow the previous, this one with a little more power behind it.   "Seriously can ANYONE speak Undercommon?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Empower Rod and Circlet
Attack:  (1d20+7)[ 21 ] 
Damage:  (2d4)[ 5 ] *1.5
If it hits do I do the *1.5 to each roll?

Previous Attack:  (2d4)[ 5 ]  +2 more rounds
 
Admiral
Roaring, the creature attacks Stephan again, using the tentacles to tug him towards its mouth.

 
 Spoiler 

Attack:  (1d20+19)[ 33 ]  Crit:  (1d20+19)[ 27 ] 
Damage:  (3d6+8)[ 21 ]  Crit:  (3d6+8)[ 13 ] 
Reflex save if hits.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Dammit, still not enough. She needs to end this now!  "NO!"  Natalia shouts as she pulls the shadows over herself and lashes out in a flurry.  L

 
 Spoiler: more Roguebuckler to the face!!! 
so in addition to the blinding (flatfooted and -2 ac to the roper) Natalia's flanking with Stephan (I think. If not, remove it). And now she's also using Cloak of Deception for another +2 to attack. Let's see how he likes this and I hope it works!

Attack:  (d20+16)[ 31 ] 
Crit:  (d20+16)[ 30 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 9 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 19 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+5)[ 8 ] 

Attack:  (d20+16)[ 28 ] 
Crit:  (d20+16)[ 17 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 9 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 27 ] 
Crit damage:  (d4+5)[ 6 ] 

Attack:  (d20+11)[ 31 ] 
Crit:  (d20+11)[ 13 ] 
Damage:  (d6+5)[ 8 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 23 ] 
Crit damage:  (d6+5)[ 6 ] 

Attack:  (d20+11)[ 27 ] 
Crit:  (d20+11)[ 16 ] 
Damage:  (d4+5)[ 8 ]  plus sneak attack:  (6d6)[ 22 ] 
Crit damage:  (d4+5)[ 6 ] 
 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril sent out another bolt to follow the previous, this one with a little more power behind it.   "Seriously can ANYONE speak Undercommon?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Empower Rod and Circlet
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 25 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+3)[ 6 ] *1.5
If it hits do I do the *1.5 to each roll?

Previous Attack:  (1d20+4)[ 10 ]  +2 more rounds
 
 
 

 "I think she means you",  Rhenner comments, directing his words at Stephan and his morningstar at the strands still holding Shiny. The small enchanter was starting to get unnervingly close to the large jaws.

 
 Spoiler 
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 25 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+3)[ 6 ] 

Attack:  (1d20+4)[ 10 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+3)[ 7 ] 
 
Athedia
Mithril ran forward casting a spell toward her friends.   "We could have left it alive to attack those who followed us.  But if you are all so sure." 
 
 Spoiler 
Move up to I 21
Haste on everyone but Mithril (she is to far away)

1st Attack:  (2d4)[ 8 ]  +1 round
2nd Attack:  (2d4)[ 8 ]  *1.5 maybe? +2 round

I keep double checking and those are two seperate rolls.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pulls her blades out of the roper as it goes limp and shouts back--shouting because of the adrenaline still running through her veins-- "It trying eat us! Nearly...ate Stephan, Shiny!" 

As she speaks she helps pull Shiny and Stephan free from the tendrils of the roper.

 
 Spoiler: Question 
Out of curiosity, what would have happened had Stephan failed the reflex save?
 
Admiral
Rhenner frees Shiny from the creature's grasp. As Natalia slashes into the beast, it shudders one final time and then collapses. The strand that held Stephan, and that had nearly pulled him into the creature's jaws, loosens.

Looking around the creature's corpse, the party sees the scattered remains of skeletons from its previous victims- it seems the beast regurgitated the bones rather than digesting them. The only one that is recognizable looks like it must have been dead for months or even years, and vaguely resembles an undergnome. Still, scattered around the bones are the remains of the corpses' treasures.

 
 Spoiler 

Would anyone else like to roll the treasure? It's a CR 11, 50% chance from DMG and 50% chance from Magic Item Compendium. If no one wants to, I'm happy to do so.

Stephan still has 20 damage I believe. Other than that, you're welcome to continue after the Umber Hulk (once Mithril has dismissed the Black Tentacles and you can continue)
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Everyone okay?"  Urgh. It's just like the choker, and same as before Natalia's glad that they were able to stop this beast in time. She quickly grabs whatever items she can, while at the same time trying to arrange the small bones into a more respectable position. For some reason touching them makes her shudder more than she thought it would, and Natalia's not quite sure whether it's only because the skeleton's stature disturbingly reminds her of Shiny or something else.

 
 Spoiler: Treasure Time!  
I'll roll the treasure, if you're all cool with that. Just let me reply and post OOC!
 
Athedia
 "We could have fled and left it as a trap."   Mithril knelt down and helped Natalia, being sure to dismiss the tentacles before doing so.   "But good hit there.  Rhenner, is Shiny okay?" 
Admiral
Shiny stumbles out of the tentacle that Rhenner had severed.

 "Thank you for your concern, Mithril Mettleminder,"  he says politely.  "I confess the tentacles had quite an unwelcome ennervating effect when they first grabbed me. But thanks to our friendly cleric's spell, I've actually ended up more powerful than ever before. For example, I now have the strength to hold up my eyelids, which may not seem impressive if you don't know how overwhelmingly sleepy I am."  Indeed, the cleric's spell seems to have restored most, though perhaps not all, of the gnome's usual strength and enthusiasm.

Among the bones, Natalia recovers a single scroll, which she soon realizes is beyond her skill to decipher. She hands it to Mithril, who with a little study recognizes that it's a much more powerful spell than the kind she is accustomed to- though she could almost certainly make use of it if she chose to. But what strikes her is that the scroll is inscribed in blood, presumably the wizard's own. This is a dark tradition she had heard was sometimes made use of in the Underdark, but which is illegal, or at least strongly frowned upon, above ground.

 
 Spoiler 

Meta: If you're wondering, one of the reasons for this fluff is that I'd prefer for you to use the spell rather than sell it to the Institute. So much more fun! It doesn't mean you have to give it up or anything like that.
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Shiny stumbles out of the tentacle that Rhenner had severed.

 "Thank you for your concern, Mithril Mettleminder,"  he says politely.  "I confess the tentacles had quite an unwelcome ennervating effect when they first grabbed me. But thanks to our friendly cleric's spell, I've actually ended up more powerful than ever before. For example, I now have the strength to hold up my eyelids, which may not seem impressive if you don't know how overwhelmingly sleepy I am."  Indeed, the cleric's spell seems to have restored most, though perhaps not all, of the gnome's usual strength and enthusiasm.

Among the bones, Natalia recovers a single scroll, which she soon realizes is beyond her skill to decipher. She hands it to Mithril, who with a little study recognizes that it's a much more powerful spell than the kind she is accustomed to- though she could almost certainly make use of it if she chose to. But what strikes her is that the scroll is inscribed in blood, presumably the wizard's own. This is a dark tradition she had heard was sometimes made use of in the Underdark, but which is illegal, or at least strongly frowned upon, above ground.

 
 Spoiler 

Meta: If you're wondering, one of the reasons for this fluff is that I'd prefer for you to use the spell rather than sell it to the Institute. So much more fun! It doesn't mean you have to give it up or anything like that.
 
 
 

 "Oh.. We should save this for a... special occasion. Before then, who can keep this hidden the best?" 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan arcs an eyebrow at Mihtril's sudden change of theme  "I'm good at hiding, but I have the suspicion that Natalia is better than me" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "We could have fled and left it as a trap."   Mithril knelt down and helped Natalia, being sure to dismiss the tentacles before doing so.   "But good hit there.  Rhenner, is Shiny okay?"  
 

 "It trying...to eat us! Couldn't flee if...Stephan, Shiny stuck,"  Natalia says.  "But...thanks." 

 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Shiny stumbles out of the tentacle that Rhenner had severed.

 "Thank you for your concern, Mithril Mettleminder,"  he says politely.  "I confess the tentacles had quite an unwelcome ennervating effect when they first grabbed me. But thanks to our friendly cleric's spell, I've actually ended up more powerful than ever before. For example, I now have the strength to hold up my eyelids, which may not seem impressive if you don't know how overwhelmingly sleepy I am."  Indeed, the cleric's spell seems to have restored most, though perhaps not all, of the gnome's usual strength and enthusiasm.

Among the bones, Natalia recovers a single scroll, which she soon realizes is beyond her skill to decipher. She hands it to Mithril, who with a little study recognizes that it's a much more powerful spell than the kind she is accustomed to- though she could almost certainly make use of it if she chose to. But what strikes her is that the scroll is inscribed in blood, presumably the wizard's own. This is a dark tradition she had heard was sometimes made use of in the Underdark, but which is illegal, or at least strongly frowned upon, above ground.

 
 Spoiler 

Meta: If you're wondering, one of the reasons for this fluff is that I'd prefer for you to use the spell rather than sell it to the Institute. So much more fun! It doesn't mean you have to give it up or anything like that.
 
 
 

 "You okay,"  Natalia breathes in relief.  "Don't know how I...fled enn--nener--weakening. Maybe too scared, so already awake,"  she jokes.

There's a decent amount of gold spat up, but this scroll is utterly bewildering, way more powerful than anything she's ever seen. Confused, she hands it to Mithril and asks,  "Any sense?" 

 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Oh.. We should save this for a... special occasion. Before then, who can keep this hidden the best?"  
 

The sly smile on Mithril's face startles Natalia. Just what's in that scroll?  "Think I, but...what it?" 

 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Stephan arcs an eyebrow at Mihtril's sudden change of theme  "I'm good at hiding, but I have the suspicion that Natalia is better than me"  
 

Natalia colors, smiling in pride.  "Then we hide and flee, right? Back to sun?" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 [COLOR="#9933ff"]The sly smile on Mithril's face startles Natalia. Just what's in that scroll?  "Think I, but...what it?" 
Natalia colors, smiling in pride.  "Then we hide and flee, right? Back to sun?"  
 

 "A very powerful spell, changes you entirely, turns you to metal with the power that entails.  But it only works on the caster and is far beyond the reach of most mages that exist.  Whoever wrote this, they were very powerful.  But the church and institute can't see this scroll, the ink... they wouldn't like what the creation of the needed." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "A very powerful spell, changes you entirely, turns you to metal with the power that entails.  But it only works on the caster and is far beyond the reach of most mages that exist.  Whoever wrote this, they were very powerful.  But the church and institute can't see this scroll, the ink... they wouldn't like what the creation of the needed."  
 

Natalia's eyes widen and her eyebrows shoot straight up.  "You mean like iron giants of Lysandra?"  And then a nasty thought strikes her.  "If scroll so strong, and made so bad, then how in dust here? You think...not his? He took, then eaten?"  She points at the skeleton and looks up at Mithril in fear. What if this scroll was stolen? What if it was stolen from  Lysandra,  years and years ago?
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia's eyes widen and her eyebrows shoot straight up.  "You mean like iron giants of Lysandra?"  And then a nasty thought strikes her.  "If scroll so strong, and made so bad, then how in dust here? You think...not his? He took, then eaten?"  She points at the skeleton and looks up at Mithril in fear. What if this scroll was stolen? What if it was stolen from  Lysandra,  years and years ago? 
 

 "It isn't hard for us to get killed.  All the spells in the world but you saw what almost happened to Shiny.  And this Roper might have been picking off a strangler back then." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "It isn't hard for us to get killed.  All the spells in the world but you saw what almost happened to Shiny.  And this Roper might have been picking off a strangler back then."  
 

 "I know,"  she says, subdued as she looks at the ground. But it was different this time. Nobody was badly hurt and nobody died. It's not like the choker and not like the ogres.

 "You think group stole, then fled, and he...too slow?"  But the undergnome must have been eaten months or years ago; if this scroll is Lysandre's would she even be actively searching for it anymore? If this is even hers?

 "But should go, no straggling, right?"  Natalia says as she moves to hurry out of the cave.

 
 Spoiler: So 
Time to keep running for it, right?
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "I know,"  she says, subdued as she looks at the ground. But it was different this time. Nobody was badly hurt and nobody died. It's not like the choker and not like the ogres.

 "You think group stole, then fled, and he...too slow?"  But the undergnome must have been eaten months or years ago; if this scroll is Lysandre's would she even be actively searching for it anymore? If this is even hers?

 "But should go, no straggling, right?"  Natalia says as she moves to hurry out of the cave.

 
 Spoiler: So 
Time to keep running for it, right?
 
 
 

 "Doubt he stole it.  Or if it was a he who made it.  It is hard to steal from someone who can make things of this power. And we are in the Underdark after all." 
Admiral
The party continues following the Umber Hulk, ascending into the rock. Scrambling over the flood of pebbles and rubble is difficult and increasingly tiring. After twenty minutes of climbing, it feels like they can hardly do so any more. Slowly, however, it seems like the sound of the creature's claws cutting through the earth is different. It looks like the hulk had broken out of the solid rock into a layer of thick soil, one in which he and the group can tunnel much faster and more easily.

Mithril and Rhenner can still sense the presence of faezress, but it seems already to be weakening. After fifteen more minutes of climbing, during which they can barely keep pace with the hulk ahead of them, they break out into a wide open cave, a welcome rush of cool air greeting them. The hulk continues stomping forward towards the other side, but Mithril and Rhenner can sense that they can finally use their magical powers of travel.

 
 Spoiler 

Welcome to the Upperdark. Where are we teleporting?

Of course, feel free to finish upgrading your char sheets first.
 
CoffeeIncluded
They're still underground, but now the earth around them looks like dirt rather than solid stone, and Natalia doesn't have to be a dwarf to feel the lightness in her chest and around her.  "Are we...up enough for warp?"  she asks Mithril and Rhenner as she scrambles after the hulk into the cavern, grinding earth into her pants and palms.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 They're still underground, but now the earth around them looks like dirt rather than solid stone, and Natalia doesn't have to be a dwarf to feel the lightness in her chest and around her.  "Are we...up enough for warp?"  she asks Mithril and Rhenner as she scrambles after the hulk into the cavern, grinding earth into her pants and palms. 
 

Mithril couldn't help but smile as she felt the clogging fareze lift.   "Yes. Yes we are."   She stopped smiling a second later.   "Uh, Rhenner?  Did we ever decide where we were going?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Yes!"  Natalia does a little jig of happiness that only slows at Mithril's second question.  "Uh, thought meeting with Hulburg in woods?" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Yes!"  Natalia does a little jig of happiness that only slows at Mithril's second question.  "Uh, thought meeting with Hulburg in woods?"  
 

 "Which woods?  I don't want to end up in Horde territory." 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril couldn't help but smile as she felt the clogging fareze lift.   "Yes. Yes we are."   She stopped smiling a second later.   "Uh, Rhenner?  Did we ever decide where we were going?"  
 

 "I don't think so, perhaps we didn't believe we'd actually make it this far",  Rhenner replies with a smirk,  "But seriously speaking, it's easier to move somewhere you have been to before. Which places of Eldgar have you passed through? Perhaps we can find a location we're both at least somewhat familiar with." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Which woods?  I don't want to end up in Horde territory."  
 

 "Uh, where we said meeting, in south here?"  Natalia rolls out a map and points.

 
 Spoiler: Seriously though 
Didn't we say where we were meeting?
 


EDIT: Natalia pauses and rolls up her map.  "If not, then where?" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Uh, where we said meeting, in south here?"  Natalia rolls out a map and points.

 
 Spoiler: Seriously though 
Didn't we say where we were meeting?
 


EDIT: Natalia pauses and rolls up her map.  "If not, then where?"  
 

 "Marvell sounds good.  I don't doubt Rhenner knows where it is." 
Admiral
Shiny shrugs and nods.  "I've been afraid to bring this up,"  he notes,  "but I left my only pair of underwear last time we were there. Wouldn't mind getting it back." 
 "Now who's going with who?" 
 
 Spoiler 

Who is Mithril taking as opposed to Rhenner? Could matter with dice.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Marvell sounds good.  I don't doubt Rhenner knows where it is."  
 

 "There good, and near horses, place to rest and learn,"  Natalia says, nodding vigorously. Really anywhere out of here in the sun would be good.


 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Shiny shrugs and nods.  "I've been afraid to bring this up,"  he notes,  "but I left my only pair of underwear last time we were there. Wouldn't mind getting it back."  
 

 "...Not borrowing mine,"  she says to Shiny, scrunching up her face in mild disgust.


  "Now who's going with who?" 
 
 Spoiler 

Who is Mithril taking as opposed to Rhenner? Could matter with dice.
 
 

Natalia takes a swift step towards Mithril, casts an awkward glance at the mage.

 
 Spoiler 
Natalia will go with Mithril if that's okay? Maybe Stephan should go with Rhenner so if we get split up each person has a bodyguard?
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Shiny shrugs and nods.  "I've been afraid to bring this up,"  he notes,  "but I left my only pair of underwear last time we were there. Wouldn't mind getting it back." 
 "Now who's going with who?" 
 
 Spoiler 

Who is Mithril taking as opposed to Rhenner? Could matter with dice.
 
 
 

Mithril nose wrinkled at Shiny's comment.   "Rhenner can take you.  Natalia?   Mithril offered the rogue a hand.   "Stephan should probably go with you, just in case something goes wrong.  He can defend Shiny and you."   Mithril didn't want to admit it but she was afraid, afraid that the shifting would come back that she would be sent off course.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia takes Mithril's hand with a smile and holds it tight.

 
 Spoiler 
Ready when you are!
 
CWater
 "Yes, I've been to Marvell a few times. The Church library there is decent." 
 
 Spoiler 
Sounds good to me.
 
Admiral
Mithril takes Natalia's hand, while Shiny and Stephan take Rhenner's. The party takes one last look around the cave, at the deep and terrible Underdark, so much larger than the plane of the surface, whose depths they had barely begun to explore.

Then Mithril, and then Rhenner, vanish into thin air.

 
 Spoiler 

I'll roll Teleport for Rhenner since CWater is busy, Athedia can roll for Mithril.

 (1d100)[ 85 ] 

ETA: Oh sorry you're here after all! Still, roll worked out.
 
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan nods at the plan  "As long as it is above ground, I don't care where you take me" 
Athedia
Mithril nodded at the others.   "See you soon." 
 
 Spoiler 
 (1d100)[ 54 ] 
 
Admiral
Underground, the light from Mithril's spell had seemed bright as day... and yet it was only a memory of the sun that the party was comparing it to. The hot desert sun above them feels so different- so harsh and terrible, and yet after all those days in strangling darkness not unwelcome.

Rhenner, Shiny and Stephan squint as they glance around at the surface of the desert. Perhaps a thousand yards away they see the forbidding walls of the sandstone city of Marvell- right where Rhenner had imagined them, as he recalled his occasional caravan rides into the city.

The three look around. But Mithril and Natalia are nowhere to be seen.

 
 Spoiler 

To be continued.
 
Admiral
A flash of silver surrounds Mithril and Natalia as the wizard casts her spell. It had always been a part of the wizard's short-range teleport spells, but it had been so brief she had hardly noticed it, and now it seems longer, to stretch for long seconds, as the two feel stretched far beyond their own bodies. Perhaps it was simply the distance they were traveling, reasoned Mithril-

But the wizard's thoughts are stopped when something slams hard into her chest. She loses her breath as she feels her ribs shatter, and looks down to see some hulking figure has tackled her.

Next to her, Natalia feels Mithril pulled violently away.

 
 Spoiler 

Mithril damage:  (2d6)[ 7 ] 

Reflex save from Natalia, please.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia feels confident at first, but then this fades to confusion, then doubt, then outright fear. Something doesn't feel right...

And then she feels Mithril yanked away.

 "Mithril!!!"  she screams, not even sure if she  has  a voice to scream with in this void between planes, as she tries to hold on.

 
 Spoiler: Reflex save: 
 (d20+15)[ 24 ] 

Given the choice, Natalia stays with Mithril, even if that means failing the save. No I don't know what the consequences will be but she's not leaving Mithril if she can help it!
 
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Underground, the light from Mithril's spell had seemed bright as day... and yet it was only a memory of the sun that the party was comparing it to. The hot desert sun above them feels so different- so harsh and terrible, and yet after all those days in strangling darkness not unwelcome.

Rhenner, Shiny and Stephan squint as they glance around at the surface of the desert. Perhaps a thousand yards away they see the forbidding walls of the sandstone city of Marvell- right where Rhenner had imagined them, as he recalled his occasional caravan rides into the city.

The three look around. But Mithril and Natalia are nowhere to be seen.

 
 Spoiler 

To be continued.
 
 
 

 "Shouldn't Mithril and Natalia be here with us?" 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "Shouldn't Mithril and Natalia be here with us?"  
 

 "Yes, they should",  Rhenner replies with obvious worry in his voice,  "Especially since Mithril began casting the spell before I did." 
Admiral
The figure grabs Mithril and twists, taking her back and wrapping his arm into a chokehold. Mithril starts to feel torn away by the figure grappling her, pulled into the endless silver void. Her mind seems to work on its own, the crushing pain and panic feeling so distant. That void has a name, doesn't it... something she'd read, and something she'd seen before... What lies in that void, hadn't she studied that once...

But she feels a sharp jolt as Natalia strengthens her grip so hard it hurts, and she hears a scream that shatters the distance. The wizard is pulled back from the figure, so hard that she feels like she'll be ripped in half-

And then Mithril feels the bright sun in her eyes and is returned to her body, feeling her spell complete itself, just in time to slam into a bed of rough, warm sand. She sees Natalia lands next to her, but before she can feel relief she feels an elbow tighten around her throat, and just barely recognizes that the creature had followed her through.

 
 Spoiler 

Initiative rolls from Mithril and Natalia.

Enemy:  (1d20+4)[ 6 ] 
 


As Rhenner, Shiny, and Stephan scan the surrounding desert with panic, they see three figures appear out of nowhere and collapse into the sand about five hundred feet away.
Athedia
Mithril couldn't breath. At first from the pain in her lungs but now from the chokehold around her neck.  But Natalia was there, Natalia was always there for her.
 
 Spoiler 
Initiative:  (1d20+2)[ 12 ] 
 
CoffeeIncluded
Hold on hold on HOLD ON!!!  "MITHRIL, NO!!!"  she screams, holding her friend tight, yanking back and tipping down, down, down...

down into the sunlight and the sand with a crash. The beautiful wonderful bright desert sun and blue blue sky dazzle in her eyes and she coughs but there's something on Mithril something attacking her and so in a moment Natalia's flipped to her feet and readied herself to strike

 
 Spoiler: Initiative: 
The bag of holding that we destroyed?! Does this have something to do with that?

Initiative:  (d20+8)[ 28 ] 
 
Athedia
Mithril managed to shout out out a quick command before the chokehold could tighten.    Please let this work   She aimed her sights a short distance beyond Natalia.

 
 Spoiler 
Trying to DDoor away
 
Admiral
Mithril imagines a point about a thousand feet from where she is, then vanishes from within the creature's grasp, holding on to Natalia's hand and pulling the rogue with her. She feels the grappler slip off...

But something once again feels off about her spell, something twisting and pulling at it. But finally she and Natalia materialize on a new patch of sand, free of their attacker- but she doesn't feel as though they'd landed alone.

 
 Spoiler 

Answer to teleporting problems may not have been more teleporting.
 


Looking up, the two women see a circle of six strangers standing around them, resembling the one who had grappled Mithril, apparently having materialized with them in this new location. Each looks down with narrowed, cold eyes. Several have a pair of blades ready, or teeth bared.

 
 Spoiler 

Good time for a Knowledge (The Planes) check from Mithril.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's eyes widen in terror at the sight of six more of the creatures surrounding them. She steps in front of Mithril and raises her blades in a clearly defensive stance.  "Who you?"  she cries out.  "Why fight us?!" 
 
 Spoiler 
Dammit Mithril. Okay, I REALLY need to go to bed. Night! How far away are we from everyone else?
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Mithril imagines a point about a thousand feet from where she is, then vanishes from within the creature's grasp, holding on to Natalia's hand and pulling the rogue with her. She feels the grappler slip off...

But something once again feels off about her spell, something twisting and pulling at it. But finally she and Natalia materialize on a new patch of sand, free of their attacker- but she doesn't feel as though they'd landed alone.

 
 Spoiler 

Answer to teleporting problems may not have been more teleporting.
 


Looking up, the two women see a circle of six strangers standing around them, resembling the one who had grappled Mithril, apparently having materialized with them in this new location. Each looks down with narrowed, cold eyes. Several have a pair of blades ready, or teeth bared.

 
 Spoiler 

Good time for a Knowledge (The Planes) check from Mithril.
 
 
 

Mithril looked up and met the eyes of the closest creature.  Why had she teleported again, why was that her first response in a panic?  She clung even tighter to Natalia's hand scared at what might happen.
 
 Spoiler 
Knowledge Planes:  (1d20+5)[ 15 ] 
 
Admiral
Mithril is deeply scared, but it doesn't quite stop her from studying the creatures standing around her. They stand tall and look almost human, but seem impossibly gaunt (her first thought is that they most resemble Lucius from the Hulburg party). Their hair is a bold red, and their ears are as pointed as an elf.

 "Did you think you could escape us?"  one asks in a hiss, one that appears to be the leader.

With a jolt her studies return to her- these are the Githyanki, residents of the Astral Plane.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Mithril is deeply scared, but it doesn't quite stop her from studying the creatures standing around her. They stand tall and look almost human, but seem impossibly gaunt (her first thought is that they most resemble Lucius from the Hulburg party). Their hair is a bold red, and their ears are as pointed as an elf.

 "Did you think you could escape us?"  one asks in a hiss, one that appears to be the leader.

With a jolt her studies return to her- these are the Githyanki, residents of the Astral Plane. 
 

 "Escape?"  Mithril couldn't keep the quiver out of her voice.   "Please, why have you been chasing me?  What did I do?"  The hand that wasn't grabbing Natalia's held her ribs as she winced at the pain of talking.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia squeezes Mithril's hand even tighter, and as the mage winces in pain behind her she steps to guard her even more from these strange creatures with flaming red hair stretched out like a rope.  "Who...are you, and why chase? Mithril...did nothing, we...did nothing!"  It's a plea as much of a denial, Natalia begging them to explain what's going on , what happened and what did they do, to talk things out instead of attacking. Oh, how close are they to Rhenner and Stephan and Shiny with his silver tongue?
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Escape?"  Mithril couldn't keep the quiver out of her voice.   "Please, why have you been chasing me?  What did I do?"  The hand that wasn't grabbing Natalia's held her ribs as she winced at the pain of talking. 
 

 "Don't play dumb,"  the githyanki leader hisses.  "When you made war on the clan of Githom-val, you brought down ruin upon yourself and your own."  From a pouch at his side he draws a small dagger- not in a threatening motion, but a revelatory one. Mithril recognizes it when she sees it: it is the blade she had formerly had attached to a spring mechanism on her wrist, that had been lost when she and Natalia destroyed the bag of holding containing-

 "Your attack failed,"  the leader hisses at Mithril.  "Whatever fiery ruin you tried to unleash on our fortress, you missed it by nearly half a league. But we found what you left behind,"  he says, waving the dagger.  "And then you foolishly dared to cross into our realm again, long enough for us to track you." 

Natalia can see Stephan, Shiny, and Rhenner a few hundred yards behind the leader,  racing towards them as fast as they can.

 
 Spoiler 

I'm assuming the three other party members would run towards the commotion. I don't think they have DDoor or another way to reach it more quickly.
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "Don't play dumb,"  the githyanki leader hisses.  "When you made war on the clan of Githom-val, you brought down ruin upon yourself and your own."  From a pouch at his side he draws a small dagger- not in a threatening motion, but a revelatory one. Mithril recognizes it when she sees it: it is the blade she had formerly had attached to a spring mechanism on her wrist, that had been lost when she and Natalia destroyed the bag of holding containing-

 "Your attack failed,"  the leader hisses at Mithril.  "Whatever fiery ruin you tried to unleash on our fortress, you missed it by nearly half a league. But we found what you left behind,"  he says, waving the dagger.  "And then you foolishly dared to cross into our realm again, long enough for us to track you."  
 

Mithril froze her eyes fixed on the dagger.   "No.... we didn't.  It wasn't an attack.  We didn't know.  It was our only choice." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "Don't play dumb,"  the githyanki leader hisses.  "When you made war on the clan of Githom-val, you brought down ruin upon yourself and your own."  From a pouch at his side he draws a small dagger- not in a threatening motion, but a revelatory one. Mithril recognizes it when she sees it: it is the blade she had formerly had attached to a spring mechanism on her wrist, that had been lost when she and Natalia destroyed the bag of holding containing-

 "Your attack failed,"  the leader hisses at Mithril.  "Whatever fiery ruin you tried to unleash on our fortress, you missed it by nearly half a league. But we found what you left behind,"  he says, waving the dagger.  "And then you foolishly dared to cross into our realm again, long enough for us to track you." 

Natalia can see Stephan, Shiny, and Rhenner a few hundred yards behind the leader,  racing towards them as fast as they can.

 
 Spoiler 

I'm assuming the three other party members would run towards the commotion. I don't think they have DDoor or another way to reach it more quickly.
 
 
 

Natalia gasps and sways on the spot, nearly falling to her knees in horror. It wasn't destroyed, it went somewhere, and still went off...

 "No...Oh no. Not an attack, an accident. My fault."  She pauses and takes a deep shuddering breath before continuing.  "Drow attacked us, left...that bomb. I tried to shut down, but couldn't. No time, so...placed in bag of holding, told Mithril to stab bag. Thought destroyed, not...sent elsewhere, not sent to you. Didn't know..."  She steps in front of Mithril again.  "My fault, not hers!"  she cries. It happened because she was weak, not strong enough to stop the bomb.  "I'm sorry! Please, how...can fix?" 

She looks up to see Shiny, Rhenner, and Stephan racing towards them and cries out,  "Shiny, Rhenner, please, need talking now! Stephan, TALK, NOT FIGHT! ALL THIS A MISTAKE! HELP!" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia gasps and sways on the spot, nearly falling to her knees in horror. It wasn't destroyed, it went somewhere, and still went off...

 "No...Oh no. Not an attack, an accident. My fault."  She pauses and takes a deep shuddering breath before continuing.  "Drow attacked us, left...that bomb. I tried to shut down, but couldn't. No time, so...placed in bag of holding, told Mithril to stab bag. Thought destroyed, not...sent elsewhere, not sent to you. Didn't know..."  She steps in front of Mithril again.  "My fault, not hers!"  she cries. It happened because she was weak, not strong enough to stop the bomb.  "I'm sorry! Please, how...can fix?"  
 

 "But Natalia, he is right.  I stabbed the bag.  I sent it to them.  I should have known, should have realized what would happen." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "But my idea first!"  Natalia cries.  "And my fault, for...not stopping in time!" 
Admiral
The leader's eyes narrow, but for some reason he looks to his left. A cloaked githyanki stands next to him, watching the two humans, and she turns and nods her head gently. The leader's eyebrows raise as if slightly surprised, then he turns back.

 
 Spoiler 

I'd have you roll Will saves, but you're telling the truth so it wouldn't really make a difference, and besides which this cleric is quite good at Discern Lies.
 


The leader turns back to Natalia.  "This weapon you claim was an accident. What manner of weapon could do this?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Flamepowder,"  Natalia says, slightly calmer.  "If fire touch, then...boom. Look."  She takes a pinch of powder and puts it on a flat stone nearby. Then, carefully, she lights a splinter and tosses it onto the pinch. It goes off wth a flash of fire and a sharp pop.

 "That a pinch, bomb had pounds. Made so...fire touched powder after time, all boom." 
 
 Spoiler 
I haven't heard back from cornell yet. I don't think I got in. I've wanted this since I was six. I don't know what to do.
 
Admiral
The githyanki glance at each other after Natalia explodes the small sample of firepowder. They then take a look over their shoulders, where Shiny, Stephan and Rhenner are rapidly approaching.

The leader turns back towards Natalia and Mithril.  "Your clumsiness nearly destroyed half our clan. Death would be the usual punishment for such incompetence."  He glances back again at the three approaching party members, then reaches out his open hand towards Natalia.  "In this case, a tribute will suffice. Five pounds of your powder, and we will leave you to your doomed world. Otherwise, you court war with the Githom-val." 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 The githyanki glance at each other after Natalia explodes the small sample of firepowder. They then take a look over their shoulders, where Shiny, Stephan and Rhenner are rapidly approaching.

The leader turns back towards Natalia and Mithril.  "Your clumsiness nearly destroyed half our clan. Death would be the usual punishment for such incompetence."  He glances back again at the three approaching party members, then reaches out his open hand towards Natalia.  "In this case, a tribute will suffice. Five pounds of your powder, and we will leave you to your doomed world. Otherwise, you court war with the Githom-val."  
 

Mithril put her hand in front of Natalia pushing her back.  "And why should we trust this powder to you?  That you will not bring war on us with it?  How do we know you aren't with Him?"   Now she was able to breathe she felt braver and angry.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 The githyanki glance at each other after Natalia explodes the small sample of firepowder. They then take a look over their shoulders, where Shiny, Stephan and Rhenner are rapidly approaching.

The leader turns back towards Natalia and Mithril.  "Your clumsiness nearly destroyed half our clan. Death would be the usual punishment for such incompetence."  He glances back again at the three approaching party members, then reaches out his open hand towards Natalia.  "In this case, a tribute will suffice. Five pounds of your powder, and we will leave you to your doomed world. Otherwise, you court war with the Githom-val."  
 

Natalia freezes, terrified that she's made some sort of mistake. Mithril's right, but they owe them so she's about to give the powder but even so something doesn't add up.  "What mean doomed world?"  she asks.

 
 Spoiler 
There's more but I'm curently a sobbing mess so please someone else
 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril put her hand in front of Natalia pushing her back.  "And why should we trust this powder to you?  That you will not bring war on us with it?  How do we know you aren't with Him?"   Now she was able to breathe she felt braver and angry. 
 

 "To destroy you, the Githom-val would not need any weapon we do not already have,"  the leader hisses.  "We do not ask for your trust. We demand your compliance." 

 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia freezes, terrified that she's made some sort of mistake. Mithril's right, but they owe them so she's about to give the powder but even so something doesn't add up.  "What mean doomed world?"  she asks. 
 

 "We do not share your world,"  the leader replies,  "and we will not share its folly or its fate. The githyanki have survived for eons in the realm between realms, because we have not done as your world has, and sought out its own demise." 
 "Of this we will speak no more, for such threats are not to be spoken of."  The leader stretches out his hand.  "The powder, now." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "To destroy you, the Githom-val would not need any weapon we do not already have,"  the leader hisses.  "We do not ask for your trust. We demand your compliance."  
 

 "If give, can we...teleport safe?" 

  "We do not share your world,"  the leader replies,  "and we will not share its folly or its fate. The githyanki have survived for eons in the realm between realms, because we have not done as your world has, and sought out its own demise." 
 "Of this we will speak no more, for such threats are not to be spoken of."  The leader stretches out his hand.  "The powder, now."  

Natalia's eyes go huge. What do they know, and why are they being so circumspect? Is it only because of this harshness about them, or something else?

 "I give, but...please, listen one moment,"  she says, indeed weighing out the powder as she speaks.  "If not to me, then...friends who speak better. Even if different worlds, can travel between. Our flamepowder an accident, but what if another attacks on purpose? If doombringers sent powder to us, can they...send to you?"  It's a serious question, and if the Githyanki know something...Where's Shiny?

 
 Spoiler 
I'm not rolling diplomacy but would someone else be able to explain? Is it clear what Natalia's saying?
 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "If give, can we...teleport safe?"  
 

 "We will leave you and yours be, even as you flit through our kingdom like blind moths." 

  "I give, but...please, listen one moment,"  she says, indeed weighing out the powder as she speaks.  "If not to me, then...friends who speak better. Even if different worlds, can travel between. Our flamepowder an accident, but what if another attacks on purpose? If doombringers sent powder to us, can they...send to you?"  It's a serious question, and if the Githyanki know something...Where's Shiny?  

 "Those who attack us,"  he replies harshly,  "are our concern. May you be wise enough not to make it yours." 
 
 Spoiler 
I'm not rolling diplomacy but would someone else be able to explain? Is it clear what Natalia's saying?
 

 
 Spoiler 

Clear to me and them I think!
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "We will leave you and yours be, even as you flit through our kingdom like blind moths."  
 

Natalia nods in appreciation, even though she needs to suppress the urge to roll her eyes. Still, she looks at Mithril, squeezes her hand, and smiles.


  "Those who attack us,"  he replies harshly,  "are our concern. May you be wise enough not to make it yours." 
 
 Spoiler 
I'm not rolling diplomacy but would someone else be able to explain? Is it clear what Natalia's saying?
 

 
 Spoiler 

Clear to me and them I think!
 
 

 
 Spoiler: Guys? 
Natalia's saying that soon it might become everyone's issue so it might be good for everyone to share what they know. Natalia WILL give the flamepowder without much issue despite some of her misgivings though, unless someone else stops her.

What do you think of having Shiny use diplomacy here? I think it might be a good idea. I'm also kind of holding back at the moment so Athedia has the chance to reply.
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "We will leave you and yours be, even as you flit through our kingdom like blind moths." 
 "Those who attack us,"  he replies harshly,  "are our concern. May you be wise enough not to make it yours."  
 

 
 Spoiler 
I am saying this because I KNOW how painful cracked and broken ribs are.  (I was a soccer goalie and a girl tried to kick the ball as I slid in and grabbed it.  I don't remember what happened next)
 


Mithril could feel the energy that had been numbing the pain in her side start to wear off and she let herself settle onto the ground, holding her side.   "Just give it to them.  Even if they don't know it He knows of them now.  They have brought doom on themselves." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler 
Ow, that sucks. How badly hurt were you?
 

 "Mithril!"  Natala reflexively exclaims as the mage sinks to the ground. She rapidly finishes weighing the powder and practically thrusts it at the Githyanki. Immediately after she tries to help Mithril to her feet, or support her however she can. The whole time she looks for Rhenner.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  
 Spoiler 
I am saying this because I KNOW how painful cracked and broken ribs are.  (I was a soccer goalie and a girl tried to kick the ball as I slid in and grabbed it.  I don't remember what happened next)
 


Mithril could feel the energy that had been numbing the pain in her side start to wear off and she let herself settle onto the ground, holding her side.   "Just give it to them.  Even if they don't know it He knows of them now.  They have brought doom on themselves."  
 

 "You speak of things you don't understand, human,"  the leader hisses at Mithril. He snatches the powder out of Natalia's hand, just as Shiny, Rhenner and Stephan arrive behind them, holding off from engagement.  "Of all those who bring down doom upon themselves... but we will linger in this plane no longer."  The githyanki grasp hands, and pass back into the space between spaces.

 
 Spoiler 

Party is reunited and alone.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia supports Mithril, staring at the blank space where the Githyanki were moments ago.  "What they know?"  she asks quietly, only snapping out of it when she sees everyone else clearly.  "Rhenner, need help!" 
 
 Spoiler 
So now what?
 
CWater
Rhenner is relieved that two are okay, though he has no clue on what just happened. He kneels down next to Mithril,  "What happened to you?" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "You speak of things you don't understand, human,"  the leader hisses at Mithril. He snatches the powder out of Natalia's hand, just as Shiny, Rhenner and Stephan arrive behind them, holding off from engagement.  "Of all those who bring down doom upon themselves... but we will linger in this plane no longer."  The githyanki grasp hands, and pass back into the space between spaces. 
 

Mithril watched them go, no longer talking from the pain in her side.


 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia supports Mithril, staring at the blank space where the Githyanki were moments ago.  "What they know?"  she asks quietly, only snapping out of it when she sees everyone else clearly.  "Rhenner, need help!"  
 

 "They think they know everything."   She reached down to her side and managed to grasp the belt.  (2d6)[ 6 ]   "He can take his time." 

 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 Rhenner is relieved that two are okay, though he has no clue on what just happened. He kneels down next to Mithril,  "What happened to you?"  
 

 "The bomb, in Deldon.  It was sent sideways into the Astral Plane.  It didn't get destroyed." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril watched them go, no longer talking from the pain in her side.



 "They think they know everything."   She reached down to her side and managed to grasp the belt. [roll0]  "He can take his time."  
 

Natalia shifts her weight so Mithril can reach the belt more easily. Only when she heals herself does the rogue say,  "But sounds like more knowing. Want...check in library?" 

  "The bomb, in Deldon.  It was sent sideways into the Astral Plane.  It didn't get destroyed."  

 "Exploded near fort. Githyanki...thought we attacked, tried...taking Mithril. I...pulled back, landed here, told what mistake."  What would have happened if her reflexes weren't quick enough? Natalia shudders and holds Mithril tighter.
Dusk Eclipse
 "Githyanki?.... what in the nine hells are Githyanki?" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "Githyanki?.... what in the nine hells are Githyanki?"  
 

 "Beings that live on the Astral Plane.  They caught me when I passed through." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "I...pulled away. They know something, but no speaking it,"  Natalia says. She looks back at Marvell.  "What now? Shop, search, wait?" 
CWater
As Mithril seems to be alright, the cleric gets back up.  "It doesn't really make sense to stay here."  He nods towards the city gates.  "Should we go?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Wait."  Natalia motions for Mithril and Rhenner to come closer. Whe they are she whispers,  "Could you...do me help, favor?" 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Wait."  Natalia motions for Mithril and Rhenner to come closer. Whe they are she whispers,  "Could you...do me help, favor?"  
 

Rhenner shrugs,  "Probably. What is it about?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler: Rhenner and Mithril (and Admiral) Only 
 "I...want to see doctor, but...worried. Could you...come with me?" 
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  
 Spoiler: Rhenner and Mithril (and Admiral) Only 
 "I...want to see doctor, but...worried. Could you...come with me?" 
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: For Rhenner, Natalia (And of course Admiral) 
 "Why? Of course but are you sick?" 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Spoiler: Rhenner, Mithril, and Admiral: 
 "...Maybe."  Natalia plays her spindly fingers together.  "What spider woman said, I...want to check." 
 
CWater
 
 Spoiler 
 "That's probably a good idea. As is taking Mithril with you, the support of a... friend is important. But I don't really know much about this kind of condition, and this is a very personal matter for you." 
 

 "Anyway, let's not linger here any longer."  The cleric starts walking towards the city.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  
 Spoiler: Rhenner, Mithril, and Admiral: 
 "...Maybe."  Natalia plays her spindly fingers together.  "What spider woman said, I...want to check." 
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler: Rhenner, Mithril, and Admiral: 
 "She was just trying to scare you, she was making things up.  But I will go with you." 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  
 Spoiler 
 "That's probably a good idea. As is taking Mithril with you, the support of a... friend is important. But I don't really know much about this kind of condition, and this is a very personal matter for you." 
 

 "Anyway, let's not linger here any longer."  The cleric starts walking towards the city. 
 

 
 Spoiler 
 "Okay. Thanks, I promise I let know when can. And...thanks, Mithril. I hope." 
 

 "Where meet up later?" 

Natalia looks at everyone, then smiles at Mithril and heads into the city of sandstone, looking around. As long as Mithril wants to come with her and doesn't protest, Natalia can't bring herself to let go. Not after everything that happened.

 
 Spoiler: Question for Admiral 
What do I need to do to find a doctor?
 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  
 Spoiler 
 "Okay. Thanks, I promise I let know when can. And...thanks, Mithril. I hope." 
 

 "Where meet up later?"  
 

Rhenner is quiet for a while and just gives Natalia a long look.

 "...I guess we can all stay in the same inn",  he says with a small smile.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 Rhenner is quiet for a while and just gives Natalia a long look.

 "...I guess we can all stay in the same inn",  he says with a small smile. 
 

 "Of course stay together,"  Natalia says, returning the smile.

 
 Spoiler: CWater? 
maybe It's because I'm socially blind, but what did Rhenner mean by the look? Did I do something wrong?
 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Of course stay together,"  Natalia says, returning the smile.

 
 Spoiler: CWater? 
maybe It's because I'm socially blind, but what did Rhenner mean by the look? Did I do something wrong?
 
 
 

 "Right. Well, I'll meet you guys there. Unless someone else needs to have a word with the smith as well." 
 
 Spoiler 
Oh, nothing like that. It was just that a thought passed through his head.🙂 You can have Natalia ask him about it later if you want.
 
Admiral
The party proceeds together towards the tall sandstone walls of the city. As they approach, Mithril, Natalia and Shiny get the sense that the walls are patrolled by more guards, who eye them with more suspicious glances, than when they had last seen the city a few weeks earlier.

Once the party has shown their guildmarks, the iron gates creak open and the party enters. The bustle of the inside of the small city startles them- Rhenner and Stephan hadn't even been to a city above ground in months, and the return to civilization is jarring.

Mithril, Rhenner and Natalia first head to the Firm's offices, where they keep a stock of appraisers, to sell the magical weapons and trinkets they'd accumulated. A middle aged halfling examines each of the items in turn, some through an artificer's lens much like the party's own. At the end he scribbles out a receipt, and the party leaves much richer.

 
 Spoiler 

All your items get sold. Good to have the guilds.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia removes her glove so the guards can inspect the mark, but she keeps an eye on the wall sentries the whole time. There are more guards now than just a few days ago, aren't there? Still, the bustle of the crowd reminds her that they're back in civilization, and Natalia runs off to a bench to flop down on it and soak up the hot desert sun for a few minutes before continuing on. People and food and stalls on the main road with canvas to provide shade and the sky is open and blue and  nobody's trying to kill them.  Even as they walk to the Firm to sell their loot Natalia runs off to a food cart and returns a few minutes later with enough skewers of grilled spiced meat and vegetables for everyone. She tears into hers with abandon, hot and juicy and spicy and most importantly not hardtack and dried fish and old cheese.

Just being on the surface and in the sunlight and  safe  is enough to lift Natalia's spirits, and the absurd amount of money that the Firm gave them for their items--only a portion of what they found!--only serves to lift her spirits even more. But even this joy doesn't quell her inquisitiveness, and as the deal's being done she looks around for a calendar or some way to tell how long they were gone. And she asks someone about the increased security presence in her own halted, stuttering way.

 
 Spoiler: Couple questions: 
At least she's having a good time.

Natalia's looking for a calendar or something to mark the date--how long were we underground/in the Underdark? Also, anything needed for the next bit of her itinerary?
 
Athedia
Mithril walked along quietly, showing her mark when she passed through the gates.  She still couldn't get the Gith out of her mind.  The way they had tracked her, a shiver overtook her even the warm desert air.  And they would have gotten her if Natalia had not held on.  She looked down at her hand, no longer the soft and inkstained hands of the girl from before.  Now there were callouses from ropes, rocks and other rough materials, a few scars that magic hadn't healed over showed as well.  Whiskers emerged from her pack, he had missed so much his sleep.  At least that had never changed, while his coat was different the same lazy weasel accompanied her still.  She stroked his head as he lay around her neck, uncomfortably warm but safe feeling.

When they got to the Firm building she let Rhenner and Natalia deal with the selling of items and division of the gold.  She accepted her share gratefully but still preoccupied. She removed her circlet from her head, rubbing the crescent moons on either side of the central star.  She needed to visit the Institute, and hopefully they would have what she needed.  Then she would return here with what gold she had left.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia runs over to offer Mithril a skewer of grilled meat and vegetables, but her smile falters at the expression on Mithril's face.  "Hey...you okay?"  she asks, holding one hand over Mithril's. They're firmer than she remembers, although with fewer callouses than her own palms.  "Don't worry,"  she says, looking up.  "I...Not letting go." 
CWater
Rhenner shows his guildmark without really thinking about it and walks into the city. It's an odd feeling, to see all these people going about their business as normal, a bit as if the past few months had been a dream, and he'd just woken up. But most of all, there were no walls surrounding everything. Oh sure, the city walls, but even those only rose up a little from the ground level. His vision didn't get blocked right after a few feet. Rhenner stops in his tracks to stare at the sky, and stays like that for a while, not even noticing the strange looks he gets.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia heads over to where Rhenner is, stopping short when she sees him staring at the sky. She pauses and wordlessly hands a shish kabob over to Rhenner. Only when he takes it does she quietly say,  "It so blue, right?" 
 
 Spoiler: Guys? 
you all still here, you want to Roleplay or something? This seems like a good time for it.

Admiral, you said two days ago that you would be on yesterday morning but you haven't been on since. Is everything okay?
 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia heads over to where Rhenner is, stopping short when she sees him staring at the sky. She pauses and wordlessly hands a shish kabob over to Rhenner. Only when he takes it does she quietly say,  "It so blue, right?" 
 
 Spoiler: Guys? 
you all still here, you want to Roleplay or something? This seems like a good time for it.

Admiral, you said two days ago that you would be on yesterday morning but you haven't been on since. Is everything okay?
 
 
 

Natalia has to wave the food literally in front of the cleric's nose, before he reacts and his thoughts decend back to the ground level.  "Hm, what? Yeah, I suppose it is." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia takes a huge bite out of the shish kabob, savoring the spicy juicy meat, the crunch of grilled vegetables.  "I...never want shadows again. You...don't think we back there, do you?"  There's a pleading note in her voice.
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia takes a huge bite out of the shish kabob, savoring the spicy juicy meat, the crunch of grilled vegetables.  "I...never want shadows again. You...don't think we back there, do you?"  There's a pleading note in her voice. 
 

 "You never know where the road takes you",  Rhenner shrugs,  "But one can hope."

 And some shadows don't disappear that easily.  
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "You never know where the road takes you",  Rhenner shrugs,  "But one can hope."

 And some shadows don't disappear that easily.   
 

Natalia looks back down at the ground.  "I hope. Rhenner..."  she looks at him, then pulls the shadows over her again. For just a moment, she fades from view.  "Shadows followed me out. Good for fight, but when else? You...think can leash? Can help?"  
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia looks back down at the ground.  "I hope. Rhenner..."  she looks at him, then pulls the shadows over her again. For just a moment, she fades from view.  "Shadows followed me out. Good for fight, but when else? You...think can leash? Can help?"   
 

Rhenner sighs.

 "I still have a few things that I want to get done today. We should get going, I've gazed at the blue sky enough for today." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 Rhenner sighs.

 "I still have a few things that I want to get done today. We should get going, I've gazed at the blue sky enough for today."  
 

 "You searching new steel, right? Could I...with you?"  Natalia looks down at her hands.  "My weapons only kill, so much killing when...stopping enough. So...maybe if new weapons, whack but not stab, then...less dying." 

Leasing the shadows is something she's going to have to do herself, isn't it. The realization is cold in her gut.
Dusk Eclipse
Stephan can't help to comment "A weapon is meant to kill, Natalia; that is something you should know that already, even when you are protecting you shouldn't draw a weapon if you are not prepared to take a life". 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
 Stephan can't help to comment "A weapon is meant to kill, Natalia; that is something you should know that already, even when you are protecting you shouldn't draw a weapon if you are not prepared to take a life".  
 

 "Then how protect? Can't...fight with fists!"  She holds them up to demonstrate--they're small, and shake a bit.  "Know swords kill, Stephan. That why...getting not-swords. Saps. Hurt, but if hit right...not kill. Not like swords. So if steal another hulk...they still walk away."  The last sentence is almost a whisper, said more to the ground than anything else.
CWater
 "They were in our way, so we killed them. Isn't that how it goes?",  Rhenner says, sounding somewhat bitter.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Know,"  Natalia says.  "Which why look for weapons that beat, not kill. So...no killing if only in way." 
Dusk Eclipse
 "It is your call in the end"  Stephan shrugs  "In anycase I need to go to a smith too, so I guess I'll accompany you".  
CoffeeIncluded
 "What...you getting?"  Natalia asks. His blades seemed fine--is he looking to put magic into them?

EDIT: Still, it's nice to have more people going with her, which is why even with the heavy subject matter Natalia seems more relaxed as they all head to the smith.
Admiral
Natalia and Stephan pick up some of the magic items on their lists, then head out to look for new weapons. They quickly get directed to separate markets: Natalia, looking for simple well-crafted saps, heads to the Firm's shops, where she finds a pair of perfect clubs that seem well suited to her style. Stephan, in turn, steps into the basements of the local Institute's offices, where professionals imbued blades with powerful magic.

Afterwards Natalia and Rhenner head to the Church, as Natalia had asked Rhenner to help her gain admittance (as she's not a guild member). They face no small amount of bureaucratic difficult at the front desk- not helped by Natalia's speech impediment- but finally obtain her a guest pass that allows her some limited movement around the Church.

 
 Spoiler 

For right now let's let them get separated. Natalia wants to visit Aicha now?
 


--------

Once Rhenner has signed Natalia in, he walks through the main cathedral- whose opulence strikes him as terribly indulgent- to find the temple of Fharlanghn so that he might pray to his deity.

 "Brother Rhenner..."  comes a soft, simpering voice.

Rhenner turns and sees the person he most dreads coming across in his visits to the Church. Dannos, the middle-aged priest of Pelor, stands next to a raised pool of holy water, just finishing washing his hands. The deep blue color of his humble but perfectly tailored robes denote his high status in the church, and his blonde hair, speckled with gray, is arranged in a ponytail down his back.

 "I see you've returned to civilization." 
 
 Spoiler 

I'm PMing a reminder to CWater now of the backstory re: Dannos we'd come up with. CWater is welcome to share  as much or as little  of the backstory as she wants, either IC or OOC. We can even have the conversation by PM but I think it would be cooler to have it here.
 


--------

Stephan walks into the magical armory. He'd spent time in magical armories just like this, though in other cities, as an apprentice during his time training as a battlemaster in the Institute. The guild treated the crafting of magical weaponry far more seriously than the honing of personal martial skill; the warrior resented them for it but still took advantage of their gifts.

The chief artificer, a burly dwarf with burns along his right arm, immediately spots Stephan and steps towards him.  "And what can I do- oi!"  he says suddenly.  "Don't I know you from someplace?" 

Indeed, after a few moments Stephan recognizes the dwarf as Bulworth- an armorer who'd built custom blades for his father a decade earlier. Any trip his family took to Marvell would include at least one visit with the talented artificer.

 
 Spoiler 

As usual Dusk is welcome to make up other details of backstory.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Thanks,"  Natalia says to Rhenner as they go their separate ways in the church. Still, she frowns as she turns the slip of paper over in her hands. Why did it need to be so difficult for her to even have this limited movement around the church? It's not...it shouldn't be like this. It doesn't really feel right.

Still, she has the pass so she can explore right now, and intends to make the most of it. Natalia's shoes echo against the marble as she walks to the side of the main cathedral, opulent but thankfully not twisted like its mirror underground. The echoes die away as she turns down a side hallway, then stop as she does the moment she realizes she's totally lost. The Church would have to have offices, side cathedrals, maybe a place to eat, libraries...that's it! Aicha would probably be in a library, wouldn't she?

Natalia runs up and down the hallways a bit until she finally bumps into an acolyte; only her quick reflexes let her catch the young cleric before he falls to the ground. As she pulls him up she asks,  "Where...the library?" 
 
 Spoiler 
I hope this wasn't too presumptuous! And Athedia, is Mithril coming, since she was with Natalia talking to Aicha?
 
CWater
Getting all the items is a small hassle, and ordering the new armour takes most time, though Rhenner isn't really in the mood for arguing, and accepts the smith's price with minimal haggling. When done with shopping he meets up with Natalia (and Mithril?) again.


 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Afterwards Natalia and Rhenner head to the Church, as Natalia had asked Rhenner to help her gain admittance (as she's not a guild member). They face no small amount of bureaucratic difficult at the front desk- not helped by Natalia's speech impediment- but finally obtain her a guest pass that allows her some limited movement around the Church. 
 


 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Thanks,"  Natalia says to Rhenner as they go their separate ways in the church. Still, she frowns as she turns the slip of paper over in her hands. Why did it need to be so difficult for her to even have this limited movement around the church? It's not...it shouldn't be like this. It doesn't really feel right. 
 

 "Don't mention it. Just remember to behave, so you won't get me into trouble. For example don't break any altars here",  the cleric adds with a small smile.  "Good luck in finding your friend." 

 Once Rhenner has signed Natalia in, he walks through the main cathedral- whose opulence strikes him as terribly indulgent- to find the temple of Fharlanghn so that he might pray to his deity.

 "Brother Rhenner..."  comes a soft, simpering voice.

Rhenner turns and sees the person he most dreads coming across in his visits to the Church. Dannos, the middle-aged priest of Pelor, stands next to a raised pool of holy water, just finishing washing his hands. The deep blue color of his humble but perfectly tailored robes denote his high status in the church, and his blonde hair, speckled with gray, is arranged in a ponytail down his back.

 "I see you've returned to civilization." 
 
 Spoiler 

I'm PMing a reminder to CWater now of the backstory re: Dannos we'd come up with. CWater is welcome to share  as much or as little  of the backstory as she wants, either IC or OOC. We can even have the conversation by PM but I think it would be cooler to have it here.
 
 

 
 Spoiler 
I'd prefer to have it here too. And I have the old PMs stored!🙂

Sorry that this response is so short.
 


Rhenner stops dead in his tracks.   What the hell are you doing in here!?   is his first thought, and it is very close that he doesn't also blurt it out loud.  "Brother Dannos..." 
 "My faith requires me to wander",  he replies in a sour tone, but his thoughts are worried.
Dusk Eclipse
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 --------

Stephan walks into the magical armory. He'd spent time in magical armories just like this, though in other cities, as an apprentice during his time training as a battlemaster in the Institute. The guild treated the crafting of magical weaponry far more seriously than the honing of personal martial skill; the warrior resented them for it but still took advantage of their gifts.

The chief artificer, a burly dwarf with burns along his right arm, immediately spots Stephan and steps towards him.  "And what can I do- oi!"  he says suddenly.  "Don't I know you from someplace?" 

Indeed, after a few moments Stephan recognizes the dwarf as Bulworth- an armorer who'd built custom blades for his father a decade earlier. Any trip his family took to Marvell would include at least one visit with the talented artificer.

 
 Spoiler 

As usual Dusk is welcome to make up other details of backstory.
 
 
 


 "It has been a long time Bulworth, but not that long... then again last time I came here I was just a child"  he smiles fondly  "But even if you don't recognize me, perhaps you do remember this"  Stephan says as he draws his blades and presents them to the Dwarf smith.

 
 Spoiler 

The implication here being that it was Bulworth that made Stephan's blades, do remember that they are special swords, designed for Stephan combat style, even if he hadn't perfected it till... today (IG 😛)
 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 Rhenner stops dead in his tracks.   What the hell are you doing in here!?   is his first thought, and it is very close that he doesn't also blurt it out loud.  "Brother Dannos..." 
 "My faith requires me to wander",  he replies in a sour tone, but his thoughts are worried. 
 

 "Yes, I suppose it must,"  the senior cleric replies, with a pious smile that looks as insincere as Rhenner's most biting sarcasm.

 "Fharlanghn, the Dweller on the Horizon. Impartial and indifferent, never caring what consequences his actions might have. It must be comfortable, to be so free of responsibility. And did I hear from Brother Hartley that your wanderings had brought you to the fortress of Deldon?" 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Dusk Eclipse 
  "It has been a long time Bulworth, but not that long... then again last time I came here I was just a child"  he smiles fondly  "But even if you don't recognize me, perhaps you do remember this"  Stephan says as he draws his blades and presents them to the Dwarf smith.

 
 Spoiler 

The implication here being that it was Bulworth that made Stephan's blades, do remember that they are special swords, designed for Stephan combat style, even if he hadn't perfected it till... today (IG 😛)
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler 

Whoops, forgot about this or would have combined with the above.
 


Bulworth grasps the hilt of each of the blades and feels their weight. After an instant his eyes light up- it seems his memory is better for weapons than for faces.

 "Aye! Dragonhilts, folded steel, hollow core, with a fine balance."  He swings them through the air with a casual precision that impresses even the experienced swordfighter.  "A light magical enhancement, too. Yes, that'd make you..."  he blinks in recollection,  "Stephan, of the house-" 

He halts suddenly, and the blood drains out of his face. He somewhat clumsily returns the blades to Stephan's hands.  "Er... would ye' wait just a moment... I'll be back before... err..." 

He shuffles off abruptly.
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "Yes, I suppose it must,"  the senior cleric replies, with a pious smile that looks as insincere as Rhenner's most biting sarcasm.

 "Fharlanghn, the Dweller on the Horizon. Impartial and indifferent, never caring what consequences his actions might have. It must be comfortable, to be so free of responsibility. And did I hear from Brother Hartley that your wanderings had brought you to the fortress of Deldon?"  
 

  ! How does he- Well, there's no sense in denying it.. 

"True, there are many places in this region that I have never been to. Since I now have all this free time, I thought I might visit them. Though I admit that my stay in Deldon turned out to be longer than planned."  Rhenner keeps his voice calm, though he's not quite able to keep the frost from his tone.

 "And your interpretation of Fharlanghn is interesting, Brother, I might almost believe that you had studied the Archmage instead. I'm afraid you could find many who would disagree with your assessment, and rather argue that His neutrality does not stem from indifference, but that in His long existence He has understood that  even the wisest don't know everything, or can always tell right from wrong.  Only through a long journey made with open eyes can one ever hope to even get closer to the truth about our worlds. So He does not give answers or orders, only protects us on the way." 

Rhenner knows that it's not perhaps wise to get into this argument, but the words slip from his mouth before he can stop himself.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
   ! How does he- Well, there's no sense in denying it.. 

"True, there are many places in this region that I have never been to. Since I now have all this free time, I thought I might visit them. Though I admit that my stay in Deldon turned out to be longer than planned."  Rhenner keeps his voice calm, though he's not quite able to keep the frost from his tone.

 "And your interpretation of Fharlanghn is interesting, Brother, I might almost believe that you had studied the Archmage instead. I'm afraid you could find many who would disagree with your assessment, and rather argue that His neutrality does not stem from indifference, but that in His long existence He has understood that  even the wisest don't know everything, or can always tell right from wrong.  Only through a long journey made with open eyes can one ever hope to even get closer to the truth about our worlds. So He does not give answers or orders, only protects us on the way." 

Rhenner knows that it's not perhaps wise to get into this argument, but the words slip from his mouth before he can stop himself. 
 

 "Your words are wise beyond your years, Brother,"  the cleric responds in the same measured tone.  "Even the wisest do not know everything. And so I wonder, even if you count yourself among the wisest, whether you think you know so much that you can make the most important of decisions by yourself. I wonder whether you are willing to risk values you do not even realize are at stake, and whether the Wanderer will protect you where you seem intent on going."  His voice is less ambiguous now, it has the makings of a threat.
Admiral
After no small amount of searching and bothering, Natalia finds the local Church library. She quickly finds she isn't permitted in, even with her pass- the chief librarian, a skinny but intimidating Elvish woman, blocks her path firmly. But over the librarian's shoulder, she sees the familiar diminutive half-elf figure of Aicha huddled among a pile of books.
CoffeeIncluded
 "What? Why?"  Natalia asks as she tries to make her way past the elven librarian. Why are they so obsessed with hiding knowledge from anyone not in the church? Why is there such a stark divide between the guilds, on the higher levels at least? What happened? Honestly Natalia would raise a bigger stink but Mithril is still with her, and the mage has barely said a word since they negotiated with the githyanki. Natalia has barely let go of her hand since, let alone allow her out of her sight.

But then Natalia sees something move behind the librarian, and she cranes her neck over the elven woman's shoulder to see Aicha, on the floor, surrounded by stacks of books that encircle her.

 "Aicha!"  she shouts, waving her free hand wildly in the air.  "It us! Remember? Natalia, Mithril!" 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "Your words are wise beyond your years, Brother,"  the cleric responds in the same measured tone.  "Even the wisest do not know everything. And so I wonder, even if you count yourself among the wisest, whether you think you know so much that you can make the most important of decisions by yourself. I wonder whether you are willing to risk values you do not even realize are at stake, and whether the Wanderer will protect you where you seem intent on going."  His voice is less ambiguous now, it has the makings of a threat. 
 

  Haven't I heard that warning before. 

"I am not so arrogant that I would consider myself wise",  Rhenner replies, trying to keep his voice as neutral as possible,  "I am simply wandering, trying to find my path in this life."

"But I must say I'm surprised to meet a brother of your rank here, on the edge of civilization." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Can you...please let through?"   Natalia asks the librarian, stealing a glance at Mithril who's still silent.  "Friend Aicha there! We helped...safe to Marvell." 
Admiral
Natalia and Mithril find themselves pushed out of the library, the large carved doors slamming shut in front of them. Just as Natalia weighs the consequences of banging on the door and shouting some more, it suddenly swings open again, so abruptly that the rogue's reflexes are the only thing saving her from a bruised nose.

The familiar diminutive half-elf stands before them, clutching her battered notebook, and for some indecipherable reason hopping on one leg.  "Oooh!"  she exclaims.  "I see you, and have two things to say but I don't know what they are, I only know the number- sometimes it happens that way. No, three things to say! But why three? Because there's something I mustn't forget even if I forget everything else..."  Aicha pauses, then enters a measured recitation.  " All those many things you remember are useless, young lady, if you forget your-  OH!"  She descends into an awkward curtsy, made all the more clumsy by the fact she is still standing on one leg.  "My manners. It is nice to see you again, Natalia and Mithril." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Nice...seeing you too, Aicha,"  Natalia says as she returns the curtsy. Though she's careful to keep both feet firmly planted on the ground. She really is happy to see the tiny half-elf again.  "Glad you here, and well? How Marvell for you?"  And is there any reason in particular she's hopping about on one leg?

She smiles a bit at Aicha's comments about manners.  "It okay. I...not much manners either. Mithril can...have manners for both us."  She smiles at the wizard next to her.  "What things forgot? Maybe...can help remember." 
 
 Spoiler 
Oh, I like Aicha. And if you're so eager about this then I'm really excited to see what's coming next.
 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Nice...seeing you too, Aicha,"  Natalia says as she returns the curtsy. Though she's careful to keep both feet firmly planted on the ground. She really is happy to see the tiny half-elf again.  "Glad you here, and well? How Marvell for you?"  And is there any reason in particular she's hopping about on one leg? 
 

 "I came back here when I left Soshima,"  Aicha replies,  "and I haven't left since."  Her voice falls to a whisper.  "I think I like it more here than driving the mules. But monks aren't supposed to complain about our work."  Her second foot absently drops down to the floor as her hopping comes to an end.  "But Zenn asked to be sent back to Soshima, he said he had work to do there." 

 She smiles a bit at Aicha's comments about manners.  "It okay. I...not much manners either. Mithril can...have manners for both us."  She smiles at the wizard next to her.  "What things forgot? Maybe...can help remember."  

Aicha's eyes glaze over for a moment, and then she opens her notebook and starts flipping through. Natalia notices that the book, which hadn't even been half full when she saw Aicha using it two weeks ago, is now almost filled with her notes.  "Kennyl taught me to keep an index at the end,"  she says thoughtfully as she scans.  "You can't always keep things straight in your head, but on paper nothing's stopping you. Kennyl's the librarian, she's the smartest person here, sorry she didn't let you in- ah, here it is."  She flips back through the book, reads the page, and looks up.

 "You were going to Deldon, weren't you? After you left Soshima?"  Natalia sees, before Aicha brings the book back to her chest, that the page has  DELDON  written across the top, and thinks she sees a list of the party's names scribbled on the side.  "I heard about the siege being broken last week, we record all the  Sending  spells that come through this office. That was you?"  She seems to turn a bit red.

 
 Spoiler 

A correction: upon rereading the initial thread, I've discovered Aicha is an elf, not a half-elf. Whoops!
 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
   Haven't I heard that warning before. 

"I am not so arrogant that I would consider myself wise",  Rhenner replies, trying to keep his voice as neutral as possible,  "I am simply wandering, trying to find my path in this life."

"But I must say I'm surprised to meet a brother of your rank here, on the edge of civilization."  
 

 "The servants of Pelor go where we are needed,"  Dannos replies diplomatically.  "The war of the barbarians is of great concern to the Church. The threat they pose to innocent settlers is horrible enough, but the threat to our continent's values is truly catastrophic."  His last words seem momentarily sincere, before returning to his simpering tone.  "And I recognize that I do not always have the luxury of choosing my own path." 
 "Speaking of which-"  the cleric bows deeply in farewell.  "There is much work to be done." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "I came back here when I left Soshima,"  Aicha replies,  "and I haven't left since."  Her voice falls to a whisper.  "I think I like it more here than driving the mules. But monks aren't supposed to complain about our work."  Her second foot absently drops down to the floor as her hopping comes to an end.  "But Zenn asked to be sent back to Soshima, he said he had work to do there."  
 

 "Why not?"  Natalia asks.  "I...not think complain if you say like this more. Say, why...you choose monkdom anyway?"  And Zenn...her stomach twists at the sound of his name. She can't bring herself to ask about him, not right now.


 Aicha's eyes glaze over for a moment, and then she opens her notebook and starts flipping through. Natalia notices that the book, which hadn't even been half full when she saw Aicha using it two weeks ago, is now almost filled with her notes.  "Kennyl taught me to keep an index at the end,"  she says thoughtfully as she scans.  "You can't always keep things straight in your head, but on paper nothing's stopping you. Kennyl's the librarian, she's the smartest person here, sorry she didn't let you in- ah, here it is."  She flips back through the book, reads the page, and looks up.

 "You were going to Deldon, weren't you? After you left Soshima?"  Natalia sees, before Aicha brings the book back to her chest, that the page has  DELDON  written across the top, and thinks she sees a list of the party's names scribbled on the side.  "I heard about the siege being broken last week, we record all the  Sending  spells that come through this office. That was you?"  She seems to turn a bit red.

 
 Spoiler 

A correction: upon rereading the initial thread, I've discovered Aicha is an elf, not a half-elf. Whoops!
 
 

Wow, just what has Aicha been searching over these past couple weeks? Probably everything, knowing her, and she wishes she could see the church library for herself.  "It okay,"  Natalia says reflexively at Aicha's apology, even though it isn't as okay as she'd like to say. And then she mentions Deldon--was it really a week ago? Only a week when...when...

 "..."  Natalia falls silent and drops her head to the ground. Her next words are in a whisper.  "...Yes. What...you hear?" 
 
 Spoiler 
It's okay, I forgot too. How did your interview go?
 
Athedia
Mithril spoke for the first time in a while. "Partly, though we lost a few.  Miriam and Kurt are no longer with us, though Kurt is alive just lost."
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Why not?"  Natalia asks.  "I...not think complain if you say like this more. Say, why...you choose monkdom anyway?"  And Zenn...her stomach twists at the sound of his name. She can't bring herself to ask about him, not right now. 
 

Aicha scratches her head.  "I didn't really... well... choose it, from the start..."  She turns red very quickly and it's clear she doesn't want to talk about it.


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril spoke for the first time in a while. "Partly, though we lost a few.  Miriam and Kurt are no longer with us, though Kurt is alive just lost." 
 

Aicha seems to stifle a gasp when she hears this.  "I'm sorry,"  she says quietly, her gaze dropping to the floor.  "A lot of people have been... well... they raided the Goldari camp where they were keeping the hostages."  Her voice is now a whisper.  "They were... umm... I really thought the Goldari would keep them alive, that he'd still be alive, I had it all figured out. Look, it's all on this page..."  She starts flipping frantically through her notebook again.

 
 Spoiler 
See  here  and  here  for what she's referring to.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Aicha scratches her head.  "I didn't really... well... choose it, from the start..."  She turns red very quickly and it's clear she doesn't want to talk about it. 
 

Natalia quickly nods and turns quiet, away from the subject.


 Aicha seems to stifle a gasp when she hears this.  "I'm sorry,"  she says quietly, her gaze dropping to the floor.  "A lot of people have been... well... they raided the Goldari camp where they were keeping the hostages."  Her voice is now a whisper.  "They were... umm... I really thought the Goldari would keep them alive, that he'd still be alive, I had it all figured out. Look, it's all on this page..."  She starts flipping frantically through her notebook again.

 
 Spoiler 
See  here  and  here  for what she's referring to.
 
 

Her acknowledgement of Aicha's sympathy is almost mechanical, but it's the elf's sudden non-sequitur that briefly gets Natalia's attention again. And then holds it. Aicha's mind is strange like hers, but strange in a different way, running down different paths altogether (unlike hers, which sometimes seems to splinter and shatter), but...the Goldari...Natalia's mind flits back to the conversation, Aicha's worry about the paladins and cleric taken hostage, the tone in her voice when she spoke of the cleric, the almost desperate certainty in her voice, the  fingers...  Oh no. Oh no.

Natalia gasps, small and sharp and unstifled, and she runs forward, throwing her arms around Aicha and hugging her tight.  "I'm so sorry,"  she sobs.

 
 Spoiler: Hang on 
Are the Goldari part of the Horde or a Giant tribe? Oh, she's saying that the paladins and cleric were found dead? Oh no, the cleric was like her best friend or boyfriend or someone else close to her, wasn't he.
 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "The servants of Pelor go where we are needed,"  Dannos replies diplomatically.  "The war of the barbarians is of great concern to the Church. The threat they pose to innocent settlers is horrible enough, but the threat to our continent's values is truly catastrophic."  His last words seem momentarily sincere, before returning to his simpering tone.  "And I recognize that I do not always have the luxury of choosing my own path." 
 "Speaking of which-"  the cleric bows deeply in farewell.  "There is much work to be done."  
 

 "I suppose there is",  Rhenner replies and forces himself to return the gesture, though even his best effort is more of a nod than a bow.

He continues his search of a temple or shrine of Fharlanghan, with even more troublesome thoughts in his head than a moment ago.   I've got to get some order into this, I can't think about everything at the same time, or I'll never make sense of anything.  
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia quickly nods and turns quiet, away from the subject.

Her acknowledgement of Aicha's sympathy is almost mechanical, but it's the elf's sudden non-sequitur that briefly gets Natalia's attention again. And then holds it. Aicha's mind is strange like hers, but strange in a different way, running down different paths altogether (unlike hers, which sometimes seems to splinter and shatter), but...the Goldari...Natalia's mind flits back to the conversation, Aicha's worry about the paladins and cleric taken hostage, the tone in her voice when she spoke of the cleric, the almost desperate certainty in her voice, the  fingers...  Oh no. Oh no.

Natalia gasps, small and sharp and unstifled, and she runs forward, throwing her arms around Aicha and hugging her tight.  "I'm so sorry,"  she sobs. 
 

Aicha holds in a choked cry as Natalia grabs her.  "Everyone's in Marvell's lost... someone... to the barbarian wars..."  She sniffles, then straightens.   "Not everyone actually, but about, um, a third. I worked it out from the casualties... ninety thousand reported dead in last two years, sixty eight thousand of them from the Church, twenty two thousand of them civilians... but, well, about a third of people living here lost someone close to them. For those living in the frontier villages it goes up to half."  Thinking about statistics, even the most morbid kind, seems to relax her.  "That's making a lot of assumptions about the distributions, though. I wanted to take a survey to check my math but they said no." 
 
 Spoiler: Hang on 
Are the Goldari part of the Horde or a Giant tribe? Oh, she's saying that the paladins and cleric were found dead? Oh no, the cleric was like her best friend or boyfriend or someone else close to her, wasn't he.
 
[/QUOTE]

 
 Spoiler 

Goldari are a giant tribe, and one of the nastiest among them. Yep, it seems clear from context that the cleric+paladins were found dead.
 


 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "I suppose there is",  Rhenner replies and forces himself to return the gesture, though even his best effort is more of a nod than a bow.

He continues his search of a temple or shrine of Fharlanghan, with even more troublesome thoughts in his head than a moment ago.   I've got to get some order into this, I can't think about everything at the same time, or I'll never make sense of anything.   
 

Rhenner passes through the church and finds the temple of Fharlanghan. One of the odd pleasures of Fharlanghan's temples is that, due to the followers' nomadic habits, the shrines have no permanent caretaker, instead hosting whichever clerics were passing through the city at that moment. This meant Rhenner never knew whom he would find in such a temple, even if he'd visited it a hundred times before.

When Rhenner arrives, what surprises him most is not what visitors he sees but how many. Even at the busiest time of day, he might expect to see at most half a dozen clerics praying at the temple in a city this size. But today he sees almost twenty, enough to fill the pews nearly to capacity. Among them he sees one he recognizes, a middle-aged human woman he'd met in the frontier desert village of Omark, near the western shore, about two or three years ago.

 
 Spoiler 

CWater is welcome to invent the backstory if he introduces himself.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia holds Aicha, letting her cry it out. Though she's somewhat confused by the monk's sudden shift into morbid statistics she doesn't say anything. After all, it's...not exactly like she's one to talk about coping skills. But it's  what  Aicha's saying that makes Natalia sputter and choke.

 "Nin-- Ninety thousand?! "  Natalia reflexively pulls back from Aicha slightly, places her hands on the elf's shoulders as she locks eyes with her.  "Aicha, is this...why all guards outside? This bad?! Two years?! What happened here?" 
 
 Spoiler: Clarification 
From what I remember, although we're aware of the barbarian wars and the Horde gathering strength, was it clear that things were this bad? And is this the part of the conversation with Aicha that you're so looking forward to?

Anyway, I need to sleep now. Night!
 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia holds Aicha, letting her cry it out. Though she's somewhat confused by the monk's sudden shift into morbid statistics she doesn't say anything. After all, it's...not exactly like she's one to talk about coping skills. But it's  what  Aicha's saying that makes Natalia sputter and choke.

 "Nin-- Ninety thousand?! "  Natalia reflexively pulls back from Aicha slightly, places her hands on the elf's shoulders as she locks eyes with her.  "Aicha, is this...why all guards outside? This bad?! Two years?! What happened here?"  
 

 "Oh?"  the elf asks, startled out of her thoughts.  "Yes, it's been getting worse... four villages were raided this week by the Horde, two by giant tribes... I wanted to find a pattern of what's to be attacked next, I thought that would help, but I can't... I haven't..."  Looking closely Natalia can see the light wrinkles around her eyes, the sign of long nights spent reading.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia stares in horrified disbelief at the news. That many in one week? That would explain the guards outside, but that many? Is it because Hoodsie teleported here? Is this the next step of the plan, whatever it might be?

And Aicha...Aicha just wants to help but theres nothing clear. It...it's so much how Natalia feels right now, mirrored on the elf's face.

 "Aicha,"  she says, abrupt but kind and keeping herself there as support. She doesn't want to be alone right now. She needs help finding the answers, need someone to lean on the whole way through. Maybe Aicha's re same way.  "What...you find, and where attacked? We..."  Natalia pauses and trails off. The past week flits through her mind again--Miriam and kurt, the horrors of the underdark, Ildan and Stephan, the arena and what she did there, the demons, the Crevice, the map on the wall, the spiders, the book on Lloth Rhenner found, the Crevice, those drow devoted to evil, the driders, the Crevice, Lysandra, the Crevice.

And the argument Mithril had with the dwarf from the Church, who didn't even know the evil gods existed...

What might Aicha know? What would happen if she doesn't?
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Rhenner passes through the church and finds the temple of Fharlanghan. One of the odd pleasures of Fharlanghan's temples is that, due to the followers' nomadic habits, the shrines have no permanent caretaker, instead hosting whichever clerics were passing through the city at that moment. This meant Rhenner never knew whom he would find in such a temple, even if he'd visited it a hundred times before.

When Rhenner arrives, what surprises him most is not what visitors he sees but how many. Even at the busiest time of day, he might expect to see at most half a dozen clerics praying at the temple in a city this size. But today he sees almost twenty, enough to fill the pews nearly to capacity. Among them he sees one he recognizes, a middle-aged human woman he'd met in the frontier desert village of Omark, near the western shore, about two or three years ago. 
 

  So many?! That's unusual... And of course right now when I'd preferred some peace and solitude to think everything through, to make some sense of it all. If there is any point-   He spots the familiar face.

Slowly he turns to the altar of his god and mutters a short prayer.  "If I am ever in much doubt, You find a way to remind me. Fools are those who think You are uncaring." 

He tries to move silently, so not to disturb those in prayer and stops next to the woman he recognised. He's a little unsure of what to say, though a simple greeting is probably the best to start with.  "...Hi, Kyrna. The road has been long." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Mithril?"  Natalia asks, lowering her voice,  "Think...should talk elsewhere?"  What would Aicha say to what she wants to tell her? Would the monk believe her? She remembers just how badly Rhenner reacted when he read what was in that spider book, the Arachnomicon or whatever it's called, as if he'd never even  heard  of evil gods before? AIcha wouldn't react just as loudly, would she?

 
 Spoiler: Can't remember 
Is Mithril the only one who knows about Rhenner's secret book of evil gods, or that it's a secret?

Also this is a question for Mithril; I know you're busy Admiral.
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Mithril?"  Natalia asks, lowering her voice,  "Think...should talk elsewhere?"  What would Aicha say to what she wants to tell her? Would the monk believe her? She remembers just how badly Rhenner reacted when he read what was in that spider book, the Arachnomicon or whatever it's called, as if he'd never even  heard  of evil gods before? AIcha wouldn't react just as loudly, would she?

 
 Spoiler: Can't remember 
Is Mithril the only one who knows about Rhenner's secret book of evil gods, or that it's a secret?

Also this is a question for Mithril; I know you're busy Admiral.
 
 
 

 "Not here at least.  This place makes me nervous, though to be fair, pretty much everywhere is unsafe now."  Mithril looked at some of the statues in the hall shaking her head.   "We have information that may help you.  But it is going to take some believing on your part, and I don't think the Church would like it, or the Institute for that matter." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Not here at least.  This place makes me nervous, though to be fair, pretty much everywhere is unsafe now."  Mithril looked at some of the statues in the hall shaking her head.   "We have information that may help you.  But it is going to take some believing on your part, and I don't think the Church would like it, or the Institute for that matter."  
 

Natalia unconsciously tenses at Mithril's casual admission of how unsafe she feels, though if what she and others have been saying are true.

 "...Mithril right, about believing,"  she says to Aicha. And then she says to Mithril, more quietly,  "I...I want you safe. I'll...keep you safe."  Even though even as she says it, Natalia knows that unless she can climb into Mithril's mind and stand as guard, or sneak up on the Voice and silence him, or tear the webs of the Crevice apart strand by strand, there's only so much she can do. But she needs to do what she can. There isn't even a question about it.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
   So many?! That's unusual... And of course right now when I'd preferred some peace and solitude to think everything through, to make some sense of it all. If there is any point-   He spots the familiar face.

Slowly he turns to the altar of his god and mutters a short prayer.  "If I am ever in much doubt, You find a way to remind me. Fools are those who think You are uncaring." 

He tries to move silently, so not to disturb those in prayer and stops next to the woman he recognised. He's a little unsure of what to say, though a simple greeting is probably the best to start with.  "...Hi, Kyrna. The road has been long."  
 

The cleric turns her head and smiles.  "Rhenner,"  she says, her voice warm.  "No road is too long that crosses yours."  She bows in greeting, then the two step a bit out of the way of the rest of the temple so they can speak without disturbing others.

 "I see your surprise at the size of my present party,"  she notes as she gestures towards the mass of clerics in the temple.

----------------


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Not here at least.  This place makes me nervous, though to be fair, pretty much everywhere is unsafe now."  Mithril looked at some of the statues in the hall shaking her head.   "We have information that may help you.  But it is going to take some believing on your part, and I don't think the Church would like it, or the Institute for that matter."  
 

Aicha raises her eyebrows at the mention of information, but seems concerned.  "I don't like to make trouble..."  she says nervously, tapping her foot lightly.  "Kennyl wouldn't like it... and I owe the Church everything I..."  She turns quiet.
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 The cleric turns her head and smiles.  "Rhenner,"  she says, her voice warm.  "No road is too long that crosses yours."  She bows in greeting, then the two step a bit out of the way of the rest of the temple so they can speak without disturbing others. 
 

 "Do you throw this cheese at everyone you know, or is it just me?",  Rhenner responds dryly with a lopsided smile,  "Yeah, good to see you too." 

  "I see your surprise at the size of my present party,"  she notes as she gestures towards the mass of clerics in the temple. 

 "Yes..",  he replies and throws a glance back at the way they came,  "Has... something happened? May Fharlanghan forgive me for being too cynical to believe that people would just suddenly flock to his temples." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Aicha raises her eyebrows at the mention of information, but seems concerned.  "I don't like to make trouble..."  she says nervously, tapping her foot lightly.  "Kennyl wouldn't like it... and I owe the Church everything I..."  She turns quiet. 
 

Natalia opens her mouth to ask Aicha what exactly she means by that, but Before a sound can come out memories of her last attempt to spill secrets flood through her mind. She can't do that again.

 "If you owe, then...also own talking. Won't ask until you ready...want share. But Aicha, if you think just knowing trouble...who Kennyl? and...what you think we say?"  Would Aicha have come across something already, but was told to  keep quiet?
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 [COLOR="#4169E1"]
 "Yes..",  he replies and throws a glance back at the way they came,  "Has... something happened? May Fharlanghan forgive me for being too cynical to believe that people would just suddenly flock to his temples."  
 

 "Much has happened,"  says Kyrna, suddenly frowning. She and Rhenner step out of the way so they can speak without disturbing anyone.  "So much work for us wanderers..." 
 "You've heard of the growing raids on frontier villages, I'm sure,"  Kyrna continues.  "Many in the Church take on the task of fighting the barbarians- the followers of Heironeous, St. Cuthbert, and Thor leading the charge. Others bring food to those who are resisting, or lay the dead to rest." 
 "But what of the innocent civilians who have fled their homes in terror? Some have spent their whole lives on the plains, and know nothing of the rest of the continent. When they abandon their homes and set out for the horizon, they come under the watch of Fharlanghn."  She gestures back to the mass of clerics.  "My party here is currently shepherding three hundred such refugees- this is the largest of many trips we have made from the desert, passing through Marvell before continuing north. We do what we can to find them new homes, though some choose a life of wandering as you and I have. We are called the Exodus." 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "Much has happened,"  says Kyrna, suddenly frowning. She and Rhenner step out of the way so they can speak without disturbing anyone.  "So much work for us wanderers..." 
 "You've heard of the growing raids on frontier villages, I'm sure,"  Kyrna continues.  "Many in the Church take on the task of fighting the barbarians- the followers of Heironeous, St. Cuthbert, and Thor leading the charge. Others bring food to those who are resisting, or lay the dead to rest." 
 "But what of the innocent civilians who have fled their homes in terror? Some have spent their whole lives on the plains, and know nothing of the rest of the continent. When they abandon their homes and set out for the horizon, they come under the watch of Fharlanghn."  She gestures back to the mass of clerics.  "My party here is currently shepherding three hundred such refugees- this is the largest of many trips we have made from the desert, passing through Marvell before continuing north. We do what we can to find them new homes, though some choose a life of wandering as you and I have. We are called the Exodus."  
 

 "I see... How bad has it gotten in such a short time."  Rhenner shakes his head.  "I hope you'll find them a safer place, wherever that is. Do you know... How bad is it really? Are the guilds in danger of losing the frontier?" 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "I see... How bad has it gotten in such a short time."  Rhenner shakes his head.  "I hope you'll find them a safer place, wherever that is. Do you know... How bad is it really? Are the guilds in danger of losing the frontier?"  
 

 "Did the guilds ever truly possess it?"  Kyrna asks thoughtfully, appearing to question herself more than Rhenner.  "There was a time I would have said yes, as though the sigils on the backs of the settlers' hands were meaningful. But how little time it has taken for it all to fall apart..." 
 "Settlers moved out to the frontier because it was nearly free of the iron grip of the guilds, and now they bear the costs of that freedom. I wonder... if the desert is taken by the barbarians, will there ever be another safe place like it? Somewhere that each wanderer can make her own way, with no care for the whims and interests of the powerful." 
 "I remember such a wanderer on the frontier,"  she continues, and already she has guided Rhenner away from anyone that might hear their conversation, and is speaking in a lower whisper.  "In the desert village of Omark, lying drunk in the gutter. He bore the mark of the Church on his hand, but it granted him no comfort, for I've never seen a soul so lost."  She peers into his eyes sympathetically.

 "In the party of the Exodus, we help the lost to find their new path. Have you found yours yet?" 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia opens her mouth to ask Aicha what exactly she means by that, but Before a sound can come out memories of her last attempt to spill secrets flood through her mind. She can't do that again.

 "If you owe, then...also own talking. Won't ask until you ready...want share. But Aicha, if you think just knowing trouble...who Kennyl? and...what you think we say?"  Would Aicha have come across something already, but was told to  keep quiet? 
 

 "I don't know,"  she says, starting to grow increasingly nervous. She keeps glancing down at the sigil of the Institute on Mithril and Natalia's hands, and begins tugging on her own hair.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Aicha..."  Natalia raises her hand to place it on Aicha's shoulder or something of that nature, but she hesitates, unsure if that would help. She lowers her voice and speaks as slowly and carefully as she can.  "I...not know about guilds, why...guild divide. But what we face...not care about guilds, not care that...knowing divided. If we want win...then...need work...together." 
 
 Spoiler: Sense motive: 
 (d20+6)[ 13 ] 

I hope I'm doing the right thing here.
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "I don't know,"  she says, starting to grow increasingly nervous. She keeps glancing down at the sigil of the Institute on Mithril and Natalia's hands, and begins tugging on her own hair. 
 

Mithril saw Aicha's eyes flickering to the mark on their hands and realized something.   "Our marks... because we joined the Institute you can't share with us.  Amusing, I almost lost this arm you know, and the mark on it.  It was almost sucked away with a bomb some drow made.  Then I could have gotten another mark, like yours.  Would you talk to me then?  Is it these brands that keep you from helping us save these lands?  I don't care about the Firm or Syndicate or Church or even the Institute.  My home is across the ocean."   She shook her head and turned away.   "Natalia, it is useless.  She likes the library and her numbers, she doesn't understand the truth beyond them." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Mithril!"  Natalia turns around in shock at Mithril's cutting remark.  Where did that come from?  "That...where need say that? Aicha trying, and..."  She shakes her head.  "But right about marks. Aicha, we...have Church friend. He saw same, heard same, knows same. But we friends...I thought,"  the last two words are almost a whisper.  "And this beyond guilds and marks. Didn't...guilds drive off Necromancer by...working together?" 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "Did the guilds ever truly possess it?"  Kyrna asks thoughtfully, appearing to question herself more than Rhenner.  "There was a time I would have said yes, as though the sigils on the backs of the settlers' hands were meaningful. But how little time it has taken for it all to fall apart..." 
 "Settlers moved out to the frontier because it was nearly free of the iron grip of the guilds, and now they bear the costs of that freedom. I wonder... if the desert is taken by the barbarians, will there ever be another safe place like it? Somewhere that each wanderer can make her own way, with no care for the whims and interests of the powerful." 
 "I remember such a wanderer on the frontier,"  she continues, and already she has guided Rhenner away from anyone that might hear their conversation, and is speaking in a lower whisper.  "In the desert village of Omark, lying drunk in the gutter. He bore the mark of the Church on his hand, but it granted him no comfort, for I've never seen a soul so lost."  She peers into his eyes sympathetically.

 "In the party of the Exodus, we help the lost to find their new path. Have you found yours yet?"  
 

A snide reply is already on the tip of the cleric's tongue, but at the last moment he ushers it away. There were moments when sarcasm wasn't the right tone.  "I'm... not sure. For some time, I thought I had. But now, I fear I'm wandering in the wilderness again."  Rhenner's eyes turn cold and his gaze wanders around the uneven spots in the wall.  "What I had seen before, was but a glimpse of the true horrors our worlds hold. But even if I know of it, what am I supposed to do with that?" 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril saw Aicha's eyes flickering to the mark on their hands and realized something.   "Our marks... because we joined the Institute you can't share with us.  Amusing, I almost lost this arm you know, and the mark on it.  It was almost sucked away with a bomb some drow made.  Then I could have gotten another mark, like yours.  Would you talk to me then?  Is it these brands that keep you from helping us save these lands?  I don't care about the Firm or Syndicate or Church or even the Institute.  My home is across the ocean."   She shook her head and turned away.   "Natalia, it is useless.  She likes the library and her numbers, she doesn't understand the truth beyond them."  
 

Aicha seems to recoil from Mithril's harshness, looking fragile.  "Drow- saving- what? No, you don't-"  She chokes on her words, seeming embarrassed.  "I have to..."  she starts, before turning and running back in the direction of the library, hustling through the large oak doors.


 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 A snide reply is already on the tip of the cleric's tongue, but at the last moment he ushers it away. There were moments when sarcasm wasn't the right tone.  "I'm... not sure. For some time, I thought I had. But now, I fear I'm wandering in the wilderness again."  Rhenner's eyes turn cold and his gaze wanders around the uneven spots in the wall.  "What I had seen before, was but a glimpse of the true horrors our worlds hold. But even if I know of it, what am I supposed to do with that?"  
 

Kyrna looks thoughtfully at Rhenner.  "You could come with us,"  she entreats him.  "Many among us- both the clerics and the refugees we protect- have seen much of the horrors of the world. There is still much good we can do." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia sees an echo of herself in Aicha's wounded expression. Shooting a look of,   why did you do that?   to Mithril, she hurries after Aicha and tries to catch her.


 
 Spoiler: Well that's just great 
Is there any way Natalia can grab her or anything?
 
Admiral
Aicha twists out of Natalia's reach as she runs into the library, the elf's body language making it clear that she doesn't want to be followed.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Aicha, wait--"  Natalia starts, reaching out when the elf slams the door in her face. The rogue stands there a moment, arm outstretched, then turns to Mithril and asks--nearly shouts, voice laced with frustration-- "Why do that?!" 
 
 Spoiler: Okay then 
Now what? Would she accept a note given to her later or something?
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Aicha, wait--"  Natalia starts, reaching out when the elf slams the door in her face. The rogue stands there a moment, arm outstretched, then turns to Mithril and asks--nearly shouts, voice laced with frustration-- "Why do that?!" 
 
 Spoiler: Okay then 
Now what? Would she accept a note given to her later or something?
 
 
 

 "She is to afraid to help.  How many times have I, have WE, almost died?  And she has notebooks?  I have work to do."  Mithril turned and left the guild, heading over to the Institute.
CoffeeIncluded
 "That still no need to yell! Mithril, she...wanted to help, but afraid. Needed talking, not shouting!"  And how she's shouting.  "Almost died...too many times. Need all help can get, so why shoo away?"  Is it because you're afraid too?  

When Mithril heads off to the guild, leaving Natalia alone, she pauses, then scribbles something in a note, asking the librarian to make sure Aicha gets it (or giving it to Aicha herself if possible). She stands in the Church that doesn't want her because of a mark on her hand she had to take and lets out a long sigh. Then she heads off to the Institute to look for...something. Anything.

 
 Spoiler: The note. 
It says something like:

Aicha,

I'm sorry about what just happened, and I'm sorry about Mithril. I didn't want this to happen. A lot of things happened and she's...I'd rather not talk about it. I'm not sure myself. I still want to talk to you, if you want. I want to hear what you have to say. We can meet later, alone, if that makes you feel better.

Natalia
 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Kyrna looks thoughtfully at Rhenner.  "You could come with us,"  she entreats him.  "Many among us- both the clerics and the refugees we protect- have seen much of the horrors of the world. There is still much good we can do."  
 

 "I don't doubt there is..."  Rhenner says, leaning his back against the wall.  "I really don't know where I'll go from here. There are things I have learned, even more than what I was searching for, but on the otherhand, there's so much I still don't understand. I must meditate on it all, and I fear it might take a while, I haven't had much peace in the past couple of weeks." 

He stands up straight again.  "But I promise I'll give your offer some thought. To be honest, sometimes I feel like I'm nearing a crossroads, but then again I might have already passed it a long time ago." 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "I don't doubt there is..."  Rhenner says, leaning his back against the wall.  "I really don't know where I'll go from here. There are things I have learned, even more than what I was searching for, but on the otherhand, there's so much I still don't understand. I must meditate on it all, and I fear it might take a while, I haven't had much peace in the past couple of weeks." 

He stands up straight again.  "But I promise I'll give your offer some thought. To be honest, sometimes I feel like I'm nearing a crossroads, but then again I might have already passed it a long time ago."  
 

 "So it often is,"  the other cleric nods.  "May Fharlanghn guide your journey."  She bows and returns to her prayer.
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "So it often is,"  the other cleric nods.  "May Fharlanghn guide your journey."  She bows and returns to her prayer. 
 

 "May He watch over your party as well",  Rhenner replies and likewise resumes praying.
CoffeeIncluded
Mithril said she needed to put some of her experience, her life, into her wands. And Natalia wants Mithril to make a wand just for her. It doesn't seem quite right, that she'd only have to pay money while Mithril would have to give a piece of her life, every time. There must be a way to share that burden. And after some searching, Natalia finds it. It looks like a regular talisman, but it seems just a bit heavy once Natalia picks it up and firmly wraps her fingers around it. She smiles and thanks the salesman. This should be perfect.

 
 Spoiler 
Buying the  XP transfer talisman  now since I'm not sure we'll be able to later/it would be appropriate, what with this big thing in the works. Also, do we know about Shiny taking the magic item creation feat IC? I can't recall, it's been so long.
 
Athedia
Mithril found her way to one of the Institutes workshops.  There she showed her circlet and explained what she wanted done.

 
 Spoiler 
I left her fuming on the street.  Figured she should be going somewhere.  Since this is where she was heading I moved her.
 
Admiral
The party finishes their shopping, then heads back to the inn for the night. They make their plans for the next day: to contact the other party, and to complete some spell studies and preparations- then settle in for the night, Rhenner and Shiny taking one room, and Mithril and Natalia another.

As the first time they've been in comfortable beds in weeks, their sleep is peaceful. But it does not last long.

As the first rays of sunlight creep through the window, both rooms are awakened as the door opens with a terrific bang.

 "Mithril Rola and Natalia Bolts, citizens of the Harnell Institute,"  comes the booming voice of their adversary barging in. After a moment's disorientiation, they realize that the man entering, along with the four soldiers in cloaks that flank behind him, bear the purple and blue coloring that marks them as warmages of the Institute. The leader holds a pair of gold-colored chains at his side.

 "You are under arrest." 

Guards burst into the other room as well-  "Rhenner Calami of the Threadmyr Church,"  one recites.  "Under the terms of the Guildpact of 923, we place you under arrest. Your guild has been notified, and a representative will meet you at the Guildhall to serve as your counsel." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia hesitates upon seeing Mithril return; her outburst at Aicha still hangs heavy in her mind. But the rogue still holds out the talisman and says,  "You said...pay wand making with life, right? I...got this. So...others can pay toll. Not always you."  

===

The pounding on the door jolts Natalia out of her first thankfully dreamless sleep in days, and she almost--but not quite--turns it to a roll before she hits the ground. In an instant she's reflexively on her feet, blades drawn in a defensive stance. And then she hears what they're saying.

Arrest?  Under arrest?!   "What?!  Why?! "  they must be imposters, this has to be a mistake.

 
 Spoiler 
well ****. I didn't see this coming. And neither does Natalia--she uses thr true seeing ability of the eyes of truth to see if this an illusion.

And what about shiny?
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 The party finishes their shopping, then heads back to the inn for the night. They make their plans for the next day: to contact the other party, and to complete some spell studies and preparations- then settle in for the night, Rhenner and Shiny taking one room, and Mithril and Natalia another.

As the first time they've been in comfortable beds in weeks, their sleep is peaceful. But it does not last long.

As the first rays of sunlight creep through the window, both rooms are awakened as the door opens with a terrific bang.

 "Mithril Rola and Natalia Bolts, citizens of the Harnell Institute,"  comes the booming voice of their adversary barging in. After a moment's disorientiation, they realize that the man entering, along with the four soldiers in cloaks that flank behind him, bear the purple and blue coloring that marks them as warmages of the Institute. The leader holds a pair of gold-colored chains at his side.

 "You are under arrest." 

Guards burst into the other room as well-  "Rhenner Calami of the Threadmyr Church,"  one recites.  "Under the terms of the Guildpact of 923, we place you under arrest. Your guild has been notified, and a representative will meet you at the Guildhall to serve as your counsel."  
 

Mithril shoved herself upright, throwing her blanket over the lump that was Whiskers to hide him.  She looked for her backpack with her spellbooks in it, sitting just out of reach on the end of the bed.  Was this what she had been promised?  The thing she would regret?   "Why?  What did we do?"  She looked over at Natalia and then back of the chains.  Chains... who did they plan to chain?   "Please, what law did we break?"   Hopefully Rhenner and Shiny were safe.
CWater
After praying long in the temple, Rhenner finally manages to clear his mind somewhat and he feels more relaxed than in the whole week. He also concludes that there are some things he'd like to talk to the others about later in the evening. But when he gets to the inn, he realizes how utterly tired he is, and goes straight to bed.

He gets a good nights sleep too, and then the guards burst into the room.  "Ever heard if knocking?",  he mutters, still in the middle of focusing on being awake. Under arrest? And they were from the Institute too, not the Church. He wasn't sure if that was a good or bad sign all things considered.  "Am I at least entitled to know on what charge?",  he says sitting up.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril shoved herself upright, throwing her blanket over the lump that was Whiskers to hide him.  She looked for her backpack with her spellbooks in it, sitting just out of reach on the end of the bed.  Was this what she had been promised?  The thing she would regret?   "Why?  What did we do?"  She looked over at Natalia and then back of the chains.  Chains... who did they plan to chain?   "Please, what law did we break?"   Hopefully Rhenner and Shiny were safe. 
 

 "You'll be informed of the charges,"  says the officer sternly, as he steps forward towards the two women, his officers moving behind to flank him,  "once you are processed in the Guildhall. Get dressed, and quickly."  They stand ready with chains to place on their wrists.


 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 After praying long in the temple, Rhenner finally manages to clear his mind somewhat and he feels more relaxed than in the whole week. He also concludes that there are some things he'd like to talk to the others about later in the evening. But when he gets to the inn, he realizes how utterly tired he is, and goes straight to bed.

He gets a good nights sleep too, and then the guards burst into the room.  "Ever heard if knocking?",  he mutters, still in the middle of focusing on being awake. Under arrest? And they were from the Institute too, not the Church. He wasn't sure if that was a good or bad sign all things considered.  "Am I at least entitled to know on what charge?",  he says sitting up. 
 

 "You'll be informed when you are processed at the Guildhall,"  he answers. He steps over to Rhenner to place a set of chains on his wrists.

Another officer steps forward to arrest Shiny- Rhenner absently notes that the guard refers to him as Shiny Mindmelder.

 
 Spoiler 

If you're wondering, that was how  Shiny originally introduced himself. 
 
CoffeeIncluded
When the guards move to flank them, Natalia unconsciously steps back to guard Mithril. Her eyes flit back and forth, resting on the officers back and front, and the chains. Horror and disbelief and humiliation well up in her. She leans over her shoulder and asks Mithril,  "Go with?"  Though it's not like they have much of a choice. This has to be a mistake.

 
 Spoiler 
natalia will help dress Mithril and go quietly.

EDIT: Natalia doesn't sleep without her armor anymore.
 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "You'll be informed when you are processed at the Guildhall,"  he answers. He steps over to Rhenner to place a set of chains on his wrists.

Another officer steps forward to arrest Shiny- Rhenner absently notes that the guard refers to him as Shiny Mindmelder.

 
 Spoiler 

If you're wondering, that was how  Shiny originally introduced himself. 
 
 
 

Rhenner throws a quick look around the room, but doesn't like his and Shiny's chances against a bunch of Institute warmages, especially without having all their equipment on. He asks permission to put on more clothes and find his shoes first.  "Or are you going to drag me to the street barefoot?",  he adds sarcastically, trying to hide his nervousness about the situation. But he lets the guards chain him without further protest.
Athedia
Mithril looked at the chains in the guards hand and back up at them.  She started shaking noticeably at the thought of restraints.   "Please don't cuff us. Please." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia pauses at the sight of Mithril, terrified. She holds the mage's shoulder, pulls her in closer as she looks up at the officers.  "We...go. But please...no chains. Bad...memories."  It's only a guess, but...
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 Rhenner throws a quick look around the room, but doesn't like his and Shiny's chances against a bunch of Institute warmages, especially without having all their equipment on. He asks permission to put on more clothes and find his shoes first.  "Or are you going to drag me to the street barefoot?",  he adds sarcastically, trying to hide his nervousness about the situation. But he lets the guards chain him without further protest. 
 

 "Do it quickly,"  the official says,  "and no sudden moves."  It's clear that each of the guards is ready to cast spells if Rhenner or Shiny resists.

Shiny looks reluctant, but bites his lip and a moment later looks serene. He tosses his tunic on over his undershirt. Then with an expression as neutral as if he were purchasing some fruit, he stands up and holds out his hands to be chained. One of the guards cuffs them both behind his back.

 
 Spoiler: CWater Only 

Rhenner couldn't help but notice that when the door first burst open, Shiny's eyes were wild with fear, and when they arrested Rhenner first he seemed to be relieved.
 


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril looked at the chains in the guards hand and back up at them.  She started shaking noticeably at the thought of restraints.   "Please don't cuff us. Please."  
 

 "Keep your mouth shut,"  the leader snaps,  "Don't make it any more difficult for yourself."  A female official steps forward to take Natalia's weapons and cuff her. From her blue glowing eyes, Natalia and Mithril can tell she is using Arcane Sight to inspect them for hidden weapons or other devices.

 
 Spoiler 

Do they let themselves be cuffed?

I just noticed that Natalia said she'd drawn her weapons- I hope this isn't Coffee's own impulse when law enforcement breaks down the door because it's probably not the wisest course of action!
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia quickly moves to sheath her blades before they can wrest them from her hands.  "Please,"  she begs,  "My...friend. Any...other way?"  And what about Shiny and Rhenner? And Stephan? She looks over at Mithril and silently pleads.

 
 Spoiler 
I kinda want to wait to see what Mithril does too. Also no I would not draw my weapons but I'm not Natalia, who is several miles past "jumpy" and accelerating. Like I said, she doesn't sleep without armor anymore.
 
Athedia
Mithril stumbled backwards, shaking her head.   "No. For Boccobs sake please!"  She thought of Henry, tied up when his head was cut off.  She thought of the slavers.  She heard the promise echoing in her head.  Tears were in her eyes as she saw Natalia be cuffed.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's eyes go wide as she sees the cuffs go down on her wrists, hears Mithril's terrified cry behind her, feels the helplessness wash over her like water.

 "Mithril!"  she screams, stepping back and raising her hands in defense.  "Please, another way!" 
Admiral
When the cuff goes on Natalia's first wrist, she feels a strange, suffocating feeling take over her mind, as if her access to magic were ripped through.

 
 Spoiler 

When wearing a cuff, one needs to make a Will Save DC 24 in order to cast a spell.
 


When Natalia makes a sudden motion away from the officer cuffing her, the guard responds by widening her eyes and thrusting a hand towards her.

 
 Spoiler 

Readied Action Hold Person on Natalia: Will DC 17 or be frozen in place.
 


The other mages surge forward in a practiced maneuver towards both Mithril and Natalia as they appear to resit.  "Don't do it!"  two shout as they all raise their hands threateningly, ready to cast spells.  "You're only hurting yourself!" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia gasps like a drowning person the moment a cuff goes on her wrist. Darkness in her mind, suffocating the magic she took so long to touch...and then she feels her body lock in place.

 
 Spoiler: ****! 
I was hoping they'd think Natalia was a straight roguebuckler and just put the regular cuffs on her.

Will save:  (d20+5)[ 20 ] 
 


EDIT: Natalia wrenches her body free of the magic and practically throws herself around Mithril, shielding the wizard as she herself shakes and tries to hold her voice level.  "Mithril, please, please, I...here, right here, please, no fight...this all a mistake please, I'm...right here,"  she begs.
Athedia
 "We didn't even do anything."  Mithril hugged Natalia and cried.   "Why did we ever leave?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "We didn't even do anything."  Mithril hugged Natalia and cried.   "Why did we ever leave?"  
 

Natalia holds Mithril tighter and lets the tears fall down her cheeks.  "Don't know, this all wrong! But..."  a chill runs through her, and she leans over and whispers,  "Mithril, I think...rhenner. SHiny, they cuffed too. Can't...leave them..." 
Admiral
As Mithril and Natalia retreat to the corner of the room, the battlemages rush towards them menacingly-

 "Hold, HOLD!"  one suddenly shouts, and the others pause. A middle-aged human wizard steps forward, gesturing at the others to step back. He is not the one who had earlier addressed them, and yet by his attitude it's clear he is senior. He nods to Mithril and Natalia, hand held out, face down, in a calming gesture.

 "Now I can tell you're scared,"  he says to Mithril and Natalia. He speaks in a slow, rural drawl, and while his tone is civil he is not smiling.  "But I'll tell you why we're puttin' cuffs on, and that's because  you're  scary too. Take it from me, arrestin' mages is just about the scariest work there is." 
 "That's why I prepare a spell every morning,"  he continues,  "called  feeblemind.  Hit someone with that..."  he shakes his head purposefully, looking straight at Mithril,  "they aren't... scary... any more." 
 "So put on the cuffs. Whatever you did, the folks at the Institute will give you a fair shake, they always do. But you  don't  want to give us trouble here."  He tilts his head.  "Or I have to get scary myself." 
CoffeeIncluded
At the very mention of the spell, Natalia's blood turns to ice. She doesn't know exactly what that spell does, but oh she can guess. And it terrifies her down to her very core, the very thought of Mithril reduced to a drooling ruin, of herself brought even lower than she already is. She looks back at Mithril and shakes her head, squeezes Mithril's hand, pleads for her to go, to not destroy herself even though she knows how hard it is to think through the fear.

 
 Spoiler: Question 
can Natalia use her swordsage abilities with the cuffs on? And can she tell anything else about the cuffs by studying them?
 
Athedia
Mithril had read of the spell he mentioned and froze up.   "Can I put them on, or Natalia.  Please... I won't fight anymore."    She looked down at the shift she wore and turned pink.  At least it was something.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril had read of the spell he mentioned and froze up.   "Can I put them on, or Natalia.  Please... I won't fight anymore."    She looked down at the shift she wore and turned pink.  At least it was something. 
 

One of the mages starts to scoff at the request, but the wizard in front silences him with a gesture. He motions for the cuffs to be handed to Natalia.

 "Behind her back, slowly. Then yourself."  he instructs.  "If you try anything, you'll regret it."  His voice is gentle but firm.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods, her face grim as she accepts the cuffs. She can't help but swallow and blink away tears as she walks behind Mithril and asks for her hand. They and the cuffs feel so heavy as she gently moves Mithril's hands behind her back and cuffs them together, trying to position them so they don't chafe her skin.  "They...block magic. I...I'm sorry..."  Natalia says in a low shaky voice as she cuffs Mithril. But she still can't help but study them a bit as she does so. Once that's done Natalia takes a deep breath and either cuffs herself or lets them finish the job.

she also helps Mithril get dressed, or at least places her coat over her.
 
 Spoiler: Well then... 
Well that could have gone better. But it could have gone much much worse so I guess we ended up relatively okay.

Could Natalia tell anything else about the cuffs when she put them on?
 
Admiral
As the cuffs lock onto Mithril's wrists, she feels access to her own magical abilities torn away. Several of Institute's battlemages move forward and finish cuffing Natalia, while others ruffle through and confiscate their possessions; throwing the items that aren't already in a bag of holding into one.  "Take all the evidence,"  they hear the leader instruct,  "we're bringing it all in." 

In the other room, Rhenner and Shiny are cuffed, feeling their own magical abilities stifled, and their possessions are collected. Afterwards they are walked out into the hallway, running into Mithril and Natalia being escorted out.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 As the cuffs lock onto Mithril's wrists, she feels access to her own magical abilities torn away. Several of Institute's battlemages move forward and finish cuffing Natalia, while others ruffle through and confiscate their possessions; throwing the items that aren't already in a bag of holding into one.  "Take all the evidence,"  they hear the leader instruct,  "we're bringing it all in." 

In the other room, Rhenner and Shiny are cuffed, feeling their own magical abilities stifled, and their possessions are collected. Afterwards they are walked out into the hallway, running into Mithril and Natalia being esc 
 

Evidence? Natalia turns to Mithril and mouths the word. What does that mean? What are they being charged for, if anything?

Nothing. That's the cold realization that runs through Natalia when she sees Shiny and Rhenner being escorted out of their room in chains. She calls out their names, reaches for them as chains jangle against her wrist. All of them, arrested--and what about Stephan? Hopefully he escaped this, if he just joined up with them and then decided to head home. But why were all of them arrested? There can't be any good reason. Unless someone's trying to get them out of the way.

When all four of them are close enough to whisper, she does just that.  "What happened? You think...someone's...clearing board?" 
 
 Spoiler: esc? 
I think you accidentally a part of the post, Admiral. 😛

Anyway, now what? This can't be good.
 
Athedia
Mithril blanched at the mention of evidence.  Was it the spellbooks she had taken?  She concentrated trying to give whiskers the feeling of hiding.  She couldn't risk them finding him.
CWater
Rhenner also pales slightly when the warmages collect their 'evidence'. These were Institute folks though, he wasn't sure what they considered illegal or what were they looking for. When he sees Mithril and Natalia being likewise escorted away, he is troubled by the wizard's teary look.  "What's..."

 wrong? I mean beside this arrest and the fact they're going to go through our things? Dumb question.  
 
 Spoiler 
Noisy cat woke me. 🫤 Trying to get back to sleep.
 
CoffeeIncluded
She can't get her hands up to support Mithril, not with them chained behind her back. So instead Natalia leans into Mithril slightly and tries to use her chin as a substitute. She looks at Rhenner and shakes her head slightly, only saying,  "Chains,"  as an explanation. Natalia then turns back to the guards. Now what?

 
 Spoiler 
I don't think I should say any more; I feel I should leave any further explanation to Mithril. And I am definitely anticipating whatever may happen next.
 
Admiral
The party is pushed down the stairs of the inn. Mixed alongside the fear, Mithril feels a sudden burst of scrabbling desperation, and with a sinking feeling she knows that the guards searching their room have found Whiskers as well.

The four travelers are held for a moment in the lobby until the rest of the battlemages step downstairs, then they are led out to a waiting horse-driven wagon with an iron door. They are shoved into the back, along with a pair of mages to watch them, including the one who had threatened Mithril directly. The carriage sets off towards the Guildhall.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 The party is pushed down the stairs of the inn. Mixed alongside the fear, Mithril feels a sudden burst of scrabbling desperation, and with a sinking feeling she knows that the guards searching their room have found Whiskers as well.

The four travelers are held for a moment in the lobby until the rest of the battlemages step downstairs, then they are led out to a waiting horse-driven wagon with an iron door. They are shoved into the back, along with a pair of mages to watch them, including the one who had threatened Mithril directly. The carriage sets off towards the Guildhall. 
 

 "Whiskers! Don't hurt him!"  She looked behind her up the stairs.  She continued to go forward after the exclamation and climbed into the back quietly.
CWater
Rhenner doesn't say anything on the way, and neither on the carriage ride unless he's spoken to.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia is quiet the entire ride, though she stays close to everyone and carefully observes everything that's going on.
Admiral
The wagon is only a bit bumpy as it rolls through the sandy streets of Marvell. The party can hear a few other horses passing by along the way; the city has not yet awoken. The two guards that sit in the wagon seem content to stay grimly silent, and the ten minute ride to the Institute Guildhall seems to pass agonizingly slowly.

The party sees the Guildsquare through the barred windows, then suddenly passes into shadow, and they see the briefest glimpse of portcullis descending behind them: it seems their wagon has entered the guildhall. The horses stop, and the guards stand as the doors open. The party is escorted out onto the sandy floor as they find themselves in a sort of loading dock. A couple of battlemages, also in cloaks, line the walls and guard the entrance behind them.

The party is led to a gate, and after a brief exchange with the guard, where the officer recites each of their names, escorted into the corridors. It appears the rest of the arresting party had followed them on horseback, though only two follow them into the building along with the other pair of guards. One is carrying their possessions, held in a couple of bags of holding: and at his side Mithril sees a small cage in which she can glimpse her scrambling familiar.
Admiral
The party is led through series of foreboding corridors and stone stairways, into the dungeons within the Guildhall. At two points they reach a locked iron gate. Each time the officer in charge presses his own guildmark against a seal on the door, and the door swings open through some magical recognition.

Finally they come across a musty stone room, where a middle dwarf sits at a desk. He looks up as the guards enter, then stands- he wears the robes of a mage but has an intimidating stature for someone his height, with wide shoulders and muscle that seems to strain the cloth with its bulk. A solid iron door is set in the wall behind him.

 "Hrm. You'd be the folks from the Dragon's Head Inn, then?"  he asks in a gruff voice, sounded disinterested.  "I'm Yarryn, the magistrate of the Marvell office of the Harnell Institute. We'll bring you through processing in a moment. But I'll take it you know why you're here?" 
CWater
 "No, we do not know. We were resting after a long tiring journey when these folks burst in",  Rhenner gestures at the guards, and his tone is more annoyed than usual, though he tries to keep it polite,  "And they refused to tell us anything of what we supposedly have done. I hope you can shed some light on the matter." 
Athedia
Mithril let Rhenner do the talking, glaring at the floor.  Know why they were there? The men had said they would be informed.  Someone was behind this, they must have angered someone.
Admiral
 "You don't know why you're here, eh?"  Yarryn mutters skeptically.  "Don't know why you're here... Well, I suppose you'll find out soon enough in interrogation. I'll take all of that, leave it on the table,"  he instructs the guard next to the prisoners, who puts the crate of evidence and the cage containing Whiskers on the desk.

 "You'll be processed in the prison wing,"  says the Magistrate as he steps towards the solid iron door. He presses his guildmark against a seal on the center of the door and makes a loud grinding noise: what sounds like powerful warding magic giving way. The door opens to reveal to a deep black mist.

 "Don't go getting any ideas,"  he states, waving his finger.  "Best and brightest of the Institute secured this wing, and that's saying something."  He picks up the crates of evidence and jerks his head towards the door, and the party still handcuffed, follow him in.  "Abjurations keyed to those cuffs on your wrists, enchantments in the interrogation room to keep you from lying. The whole wing is protected against every form of outside scrying..." 

They cross the threshold, stepping through the mist into a shadowy room, as the door slams behind them-

 "...and  that , to answer your question,"  the dwarf finishes, his gruff voice taking on a note of amusement,  "is the reason you're here."  He abruptly places the boxes of evidence on the stone floor, then walks away down a corridor leading from the room, abandoning the party.

For a surreal, confused moment the party is alone. Then out of a different corridor steps a tall figure, approaching them with efficient purpose. As she emerges from the shadows the party sees she is an elderly human, wearing navy silken robes and with raven black hair. Natalia and Mithril are most surprised of all, for they recognize her.

 "Natalia... Shiny... Rhenner..."  she addresses each of them in turn. She waves her hand in a small motion and the chains fall off each of their wrists, as easily as if they were a child's toy.

 "Servant of Boccob..."  finishes Avaralynn, the High Priest, as her eyes land on Mithril.

 "You need to trust me now." 
CoffeeIncluded
With every step into the guildhall, every step deeper into the dank and dark, Natalia becomes more and more terrified until she's shaking like a leaf. They won't answer any wiestipns. WHat will they do to her friends, their stuff, Whiskers? What will happen when they try to interrogate her and nothing understandable comes out of her mouth? What will they do to her then?

And then they're pushed into swirling black, and left alone woth nothing but their thoughts. And then, all of a sudden, avaralynn steps forward. That explains...well, nothing axtuallg. Natalia gapes at avaralynn in shock, ad finally manages to muster one word.

 " WHAT."  
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "You don't know why you're here, eh?"  Yarryn mutters skeptically.  "Don't know why you're here... Well, I suppose you'll find out soon enough in interrogation. I'll take all of that, leave it on the table,"  he instructs the guard next to the prisoners, who puts the crate of evidence and the cage containing Whiskers on the desk.

 "You'll be processed in the prison wing,"  says the Magistrate as he steps towards the solid iron door. He presses his guildmark against a seal on the center of the door and makes a loud grinding noise: what sounds like powerful warding magic giving way. The door opens to reveal to a deep black mist.

 "Don't go getting any ideas,"  he states, waving his finger.  "Best and brightest of the Institute secured this wing, and that's saying something."  He picks up the crates of evidence and jerks his head towards the door, and the party still handcuffed, follow him in.  "Abjurations keyed to those cuffs on your wrists, enchantments in the interrogation room to keep you from lying. The whole wing is protected against every form of outside scrying..." 

They cross the threshold, stepping through the mist into a shadowy room, as the door slams behind them-

 "...and  that , to answer your question,"  the dwarf finishes, his gruff voice taking on a note of amusement,  "is the reason you're here."  He abruptly places the boxes of evidence on the stone floor, then walks away down a corridor leading from the room, abandoning the party.

For a surreal, confused moment the party is alone. Then out of a different corridor steps a tall figure, approaching them with efficient purpose. As she emerges from the shadows the party sees she is an elderly human, wearing navy silken robes and with raven black hair. Natalia and Mithril are most surprised of all, for they recognize her.

 "Natalia... Shiny... Rhenner..."  she addresses each of them in turn. She waves her hand in a small motion and the chains fall off each of their wrists, as easily as if they were a child's toy.

 "Servant of Boccob..."  finishes Avaralynn, the High Priest, as her eyes land on Mithril.

 "You need to trust me now."  
 

Mithril stared at Avaralynn.  She had not seen the High Priestess for some time.   "Before you said I would learn the right questions to ask.  The one that I know most fully is this.  Who can I trust?  My experience says no-one."   Turning her back Mithril started to sort through the boxes of evidence trying to understand what they were.  "Did you orchestrate this whole thing?" 
CWater
Rhenner had no clue what was going on before, but now he's completely out of it. What was this now. Who was this person? Mithril and Natalia seemed to know her...

  What on earth have I been dragged into?   he wonders, rubbing his wrists now that they are free from the chains.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril stared at Avaralynn.  She had not seen the High Priestess for some time.   "Before you said I would learn the right questions to ask.  The one that I know most fully is this.  Who can I trust?  My experience says no-one."   Turning her back Mithril started to sort through the boxes of evidence trying to understand what they were.  "Did you orchestrate this whole thing?"  
 

 "Your arrest? Yes."  Avaralynn answers, standing before them with her hands at her side. She speaks efficiently, as if time is a factor.  "There was a great risk all four of you were being watched. You have left a trail here..."  She holds out her palm, and inside are four simple golden rings.  "Here is where that trail goes cold. Put these on, and then take my hand." 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "Your arrest? Yes."  Avaralynn answers, standing before them with her hands at her side. She speaks efficiently, as if time is a factor.  "There was a great risk all four of you were being watched. You have left a trail here..."  She holds out her palm, and inside are four simple golden rings.  "Here is where that trail goes cold. Put these on, and then take my hand."  
 

 "Oh."  Mithril relaxed and took one of the rings.  It would make sense, especially if their enemies were watching.  If nothing else, Avaralynn was far to powerful to fight.  "Are we... teleporting?  The githyanki... well you know." 
CWater
 "Excuse me for interrupting",  Rhenner says,  "but I don't believe we have met before. I don't wish to sound rude, but I find it hard to trust someone who's name I don't even know."

"Though I suppose you do know her?",  this last question is directed the people he did know by name.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "Excuse me for interrupting",  Rhenner says,  "but I don't believe we have met before. I don't wish to sound rude, but I find it hard to trust someone who's name I don't even know."

"Though I suppose you do know her?",  this last question is directed the people he did know by name. 
 

 "Avaralynn. She speaks for Boccob." 
CoffeeIncluded
Oh, that would make more sense. Especially with everything they learned in the underdark. Natalia takes one f the rings and puts it on her finger.

 "Mithril, gith...promised. Think you safe. And you...can trust me." 

She pauses at Rhenner's question. Oh right, they're the only two who know about avaralynn, right? There's a pause--the first meeting was painful. She doesn't want to say much, for what might bring up in Mithril.  "Met in hulburg...an ally."  At least, Natalia's almost certain she's on their side.
CWater
That name... sounds vaguely familiar, though very faintly so, and if it wasn't for the second sentence Rhenner wouldn't have been able to place it.  "You mean... that what you meantioned...",  he doesn't really know how to continue.  "..."  He tries a few times, but seems like he is not able to form the words.

If that was true... A person who really spoke for a god... He wasn't really sure how he should feel about that.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks up at Avaralynn. The exact significance of what Rhenner and Mithril are saying is lost on her but it's clear that avaralynn is much more than the vanishing cleric of Hulburg.   "Have you...followed us? What... You know, or guilds know?" 
Admiral
 "The question is not what I know,"  Avaralynn answers urgently, as the party takes the rings from her palm,  "it is what you know... and what you will now learn. Take your things... and take my hand." 

Once each of the party has put the rings on, she grasps the hands of Mithril and Rhenner, who grasp those of Natalia and Shiny, as each picks up a crate that had been carried in with them. And they feel themselves slipping through space...

 
 Spoiler 

To be continued tomorrow.
 
CoffeeIncluded
What they know? But they each know different things. Natalia knows she's missing something--a lot of things--and it seems like Mithril knows the most, but is keeping it all locked away, keeping herself locked away.  "Avara--"  she starts, but then she's whisked through space and suddenly gone.
Admiral
...as the party gets their bearings, they find themselves in a well-lit room. The mahogany paneling on the walls immediately distinguishes it from the sandstone architecture of Marvell. After a moment's more study of the room, Mithril and Shiny realize they have traveled very far indeed, for it is familiar to them from a fateful meeting several weeks earlier.

Avaralynn still stands before them, but the party realizes they are not alone. Seated at a desk in the center of the room is a slender, elderly white-haired human: Asdyr, the Minister of Intelligence. On the wall behind him is a map of the nation of Hulburg. In another corner there stands an muscular elf they do not recognize, who on his hunting cloak wears a brooch with a strange symbol: a harp contained within a crescent moon. And sitting in the other corner of the room...

 
 Spoiler 

To be continued.
 
Cavelcade
...is Kurt! He seems stunned to see them actually alive - or possibly relieved might be a better word for it, his eyes going over each member of the group swiftly but thoroughly as he looks them over. He has his greatsword, but it's bound with a peaceknot for now. He looks very, very tired for a moment, before his face lights up in a grin.  "You're all alive! Thank the gods, you're all still  alive !"  His laughter is relieved, by the fresh scars on his face and the worn look to his clothes, he's obviously not had an easy time of it since he parted ways with the group - but he doesn't say anything more, looking to Avaralynn instead.  "Thank you for this..."  Turning to the Minister for Intelligence, then.  "...and you too. I couldn't have tracked them down by myself." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "KURT!!!"  it doesn't matter if they're in Hulburg or Marvell or anywhere. The fear on Natalia's face is gone in an instant, and she rushes over to Kurt, throwing her arms around him.  "Where--how--KURT!!!"  her voice is shaky, half laugh and half sob as she hugs the dwarf. He's here, he's really here and Natalia has no idea how and she wants to know but doesn't care because Kurt is back.
Athedia
Mithril stood a little stunned at the sudden transportation.  There was no tugging this time, a sensation that was a little odd.  She looked around for a little trying to get her bearings when she spotted Kurt at the same time as Natalia's shout.  She joined her in the hug.  For once something had gone right.
CWater
 "Good to see you got out of there as well",  Rhenner says, sounding relieved as well, though he skips the group hug.  "Where are we?" 
Admiral
 "You are in the city-state of Hulburg,"  says the white-haired man seated at the table, whom Kurt, Mithril and Shiny know from their last meeting. He speaks in a clipped tone, and the party gets the sense he chooses his words carefully.  "You will return to your mission in Eldgar soon, but not to the same place you were taken from. If our adversary knew of this meeting, much would be lost, so we have taken every precaution." 
 
 Spoiler 

If you want you can catch up with Kurt first, or can talk/ask questions.
 
CWater
  The city-state-   For the third time today, Rhenner is caught completely off guard.  "We're... on your home continent?!" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods, though she barely turns her head.  "Yes. Land where evil gods known. Ask, and we answer."  at the mention of precautions, Natalia asks,  "What shields?" 

But mostly she confirms that Kurt is there, and she asks how he got back.

 
 Spoiler 
phones nearly dead and this whole day is a mess. Sorry!
 


Edit: at some point Natalia asks Kurt,  "Kurt, how....you get back?"  and where are Hilton and karn? Still, Kurt is here and that's what's most important. She only breaks her gaze to turn to avaralynn and the white haired man.  "Thank you! What...your name?" 
 
 Spoiler: Cavelcade 
where are they? And Kurt is level 10 like the rest of us, right?
 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia nods, though she barely turns her head.  "Yes. Land where evil gods known. Ask, and we answer."  at the mention of precautions, Natalia asks,  "What shields?"  
 

Rhenner would like to, there's a lot the people of this land could know that he doesn't. But he has the feeling they have been brought here for another, possibly more important reason.

He turns to face the man sitting at the table.  "By this adversary, I assume you mean this Voice Mithril keeps bringing up?" 
Cavelcade
Kurt smiles broadly, eyes shining a bit as the normally taciturn dwarf shows some real emotion in the hug, grabbing the two girls tight around the waist and lifting them off the ground for a moment before settling them back down on their feet and restoring a little decorum to himself, a faint blush detectable beneath his fine beard.

With the mention of the enemy, hidden but guiding all that's happening against them it feels like, he becomes more serious again, looking over at him.  "It must be important..." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia doesn't want to let go of Kurt, not when he sets her down, not when he speaks. Not after what happened last tknw she let go.

 "it is,"  she says.  "We...learned of voice and prisoner. What...you learned?" 
Admiral
The white-haired man at the desk leans forward.  "I am Asdyr, Minister of Intelligence for Hulburg. But I speak now as a member of a far more important organization- what you might call a conspiracy." 

Avaralynn speaks now.  "We fight in a war. We are far from alone in this; millions on this planet are engaged in the same struggle, and many more innocents stand to be consumed by it. But we are among the few who recognize that it is indeed a single conflict- who see the true nature of the War of the Whispers." 

Asdyr addresses the party again.  "By necessity, most of the operatives who represent our interests must be kept in the dark about our operation's true purpose. But it is our understanding you may have gained new information, and some new leverage in this war... and it is time you are brought into the conspiracy." 
 "The rings we have handed you are called Rings of Greater Mind Shielding. Among other advantages, they make the wearer impossible to locate through scrying, invisible to remote viewing, and impervious to mind reading. Guard them carefully: each is worth more than all the gold in Hulburg's coffers, and as this war grows in scope they will become more valuable still."  The party notices that Asdyr and the mysterious elf each wear, though Avaralynn's hands are bare.  "They are perhaps the only weapon we have found truly effective against our adversary. You are not the first of our agents to gain this trust, but they are few."  He gestures to the five of them.  "Your membership will almost double their number." 
 "We cannot trust you everything we know, nor do we know everything we wish we did, but we will grant you whatever you need to continue. But first, we need to know what you have learned in your own travels in the Land of Guilds." 
Cavelcade
His hand on Coffee's on his shoulder, he pats it lightly, drawing in a deep breath. "That people can change."  He rests both hands on the hilt of his sword then, watching and listening closely as the Minister speaks, his fingers tracing patterns on the leather slowly, stroking his beard slowly. Many questions spring into his own mind, but as for what he learned that might be important for these people...

 "The Voice is the enemy of order, or freedom. It gives strategy to the orcs, seems to set up alliances that shouldn't happen, and is involved with slave traffickers. In fact it seemed to have its hand in every single trouble we ran into...taking advantage of the weakness and greed of those it dealt with, it made them more effective than they'd ever be on their own."  He smiles a bit, remembering his own small victories.  "But it didn't seem to care when I turned a slaver into a hero, so it doesn't keep track of every one of its pawns individually, just the big ones." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's eyes widen at the explanation of what the rings are. She turns the gold band over and over in her hand. Where and how did they get so many of these? But with what they heard about the Voice, this should be priceless.  "What of...mind talking?"  she asks them.  "Mind bond?"  Did Lysandra have one of these too?

EDIT: Natalia nudges Mithril with her elbow and grins, pointing at the ring.

It's Kurt's comment that makes her more consciously take notice of the slavers' absence.  "Kurt, Hilton and Karn...what...happened? And Voice whispers to them too?"  Turned a hero--did it really work?

In response to Asdyr's question, Natalia takes a deep breath. She can't explain everything, not with her impediment, but maybe she can get the ball rolling.  "Guilds...hate each other. Especially Church and Institute. Large walls between, and too afraid to open windows to share. Less knowing too. Church...not know evil, evil gods. Don't know if church heads know, but most Eldgar...not know. Even when evil gods underfoot. Not...sure why. And Horde, Giants, all together, led by whispers. Raids worse each day. And we...found more of Voice. He...in chains."  There's more, about the flamepowder and the drow and the attacks getting worse--and is the Voice playing both sides? She'd suspected but it seems more likely with Kurt's comment.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 The white-haired man at the desk leans forward.  "I am Asdyr, Minister of Intelligence for Hulburg. But I speak now as a member of a far more important organization- what you might call a conspiracy." 

Avaralynn speaks now.  "We fight in a war. We are far from alone in this; millions on this planet are engaged in the same struggle, and many more innocents stand to be consumed by it. But we are among the few who recognize that it is indeed a single conflict- who see the true nature of the War of the Whispers." 

Asdyr addresses the party again.  "By necessity, most of the operatives who represent our interests must be kept in the dark about our operation's true purpose. But it is our understanding you may have gained new information, and some new leverage in this war... and it is time you are brought into the conspiracy." 
 "The rings we have handed you are called Rings of Greater Mind Shielding. Among other advantages, they make the wearer impossible to locate through scrying, invisible to remote viewing, and impervious to mind reading. Guard them carefully: each is worth more than all the gold in Hulburg's coffers, and as this war grows in scope they will become more valuable still."  The party notices that Asdyr and the mysterious elf each wear, though Avaralynn's hands are bare.  "They are perhaps the only weapon we have found truly effective against our adversary. You are not the first of our agents to gain this trust, but they are few."  He gestures to the five of them.  "Your membership will almost double their number." 
 "We cannot trust you everything we know, nor do we know everything we wish we did, but we will grant you whatever you need to continue. But first, we need to know what you have learned in your own travels in the Land of Guilds."  
 

Mithril looked down at the ring with relief.  She had been hoping for something anything like this.  With this she was safe again.   "Who else knows?  Your other agents?"   She looked at Avaralynn's hands and back at everyone else's.   "And how is it that Avaralynn doesn't wear one?  Is she not in as much danger as we are?" 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril looked down at the ring with relief.  She had been hoping for something anything like this.  With this she was safe again.   "Who else knows?  Your other agents?"   She looked at Avaralynn's hands and back at everyone else's.   "And how is it that Avaralynn doesn't wear one?  Is she not in as much danger as we are?"  
 

Avaralynn smiles at Mithril.  "These rings offer great protection, but Boccob's magic offers protections that are greater still." 
 
 Spoiler: Metagame 

 Just gonna leave this here 
 

 "But tell us more,"  she adds.  "It is my understanding you were underground for the last week. What did you find there?" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Avaralynn smiles at Mithril.  "These rings offer great protection, but Boccob's magic offers protections that are greater still." 
 
 Spoiler: Metagame 

 Just gonna leave this here 
 

 "But tell us more,"  she adds.  "It is my understanding you were underground for the last week. What did you find there?"  
 

 "We met some drow on our travels.  And... they have eyes everywhere.  Literally.  The center of the web, I couldn't see or understand most of it.  There was so much pain at seeing and using it.  It existed beyond our control."   She picked up her bag.   "I have some things that I must consult with you on.  Not all the drow seek to harm us, as corrupt as their governance is, for some the Prisoner reaches to far.  And the Whisperer, the Voice is a prisoner, that much we know." 
CoffeeIncluded
 "What found..."  Natalia slowly curls up into a little ball.  "Awful..."  she's devoutly thankful when Mithril takes over for her.

Edit: natalia does eventually pipe up and say,  "Chained voice whispers to drow too." 
CWater
Rhenner lets the others describe their dark journey through the Underdark. Matters concerning the whole world... What to think of that? Seems he's been dragged into something even the powerful and knowledgeable didn't understand (he didn't doubt that this priestess was high in her god's favour), and he wasn't really sure how or why he'd got there.


 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 In response to Asdyr's question, Natalia takes a deep breath. She can't explain everything, not with her impediment, but maybe she can get the ball rolling.  "Guilds...hate each other. Especially Church and Institute. Large walls between, and too afraid to open windows to share. Less knowing too. Church...not know evil, evil gods. Don't know if church heads know, but most Eldgar...not know. Even when evil gods underfoot. Not...sure why. And Horde, Giants, all together, led by whispers. Raids worse each day. And we...found more of Voice. He...in chains."  There's more, about the flamepowder and the drow and the attacks getting worse--and is the Voice playing both sides? She'd suspected but it seems more likely with Kurt's comment. 
 

 "Whether most higher-ups in the Church know about the evil gods, I don't know, but at least one is trying very hard to keep this truth hidden. That I know for certain, from personal experience",  the cleric says, eyeing the protective ring he was given,  "But I don't know if that is of any significance to you." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "Whether most higher-ups in the Church know about the evil gods, I don't know, but at least one is trying very hard to keep this truth hidden. That I know for certain, by personal experience",  the cleric says, eyeing the protective ring he was given,  "But I don't know if that is of any significance to you."  
 

Natalia can't hide her shock at that. Or...not quite shock, but more astonishment.  "Rhenner, what you mean?! Who...and why?" 
Cavelcade
Kurt fingers his ring slowly, then slips it on, seeming to grimace a bit before accepting the necessity. What that might mean is unclear, as he listens to them speaking about their experiences under the ground, curious about what they had achieved since they'd parted ways. He blinks a bit at Natalia's question, then shakes his head.  "No. I don't think anyway. That's what I mean...it doesn't keep track of everyone, just the people who are, uh, useful to it. Or dangerous."  He glances at Mithril as he says it, then at Avaralynn.

 "I freed slaves. I meant to meet you all sooner but I couldn't just...leave them. I'm sorry. I only came here because Hilton was able to take over for me."  He laughs a bit, rubbing the back of his head.  "I was never meant for leading people, anyway." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
 Kurt fingers his ring slowly, then slips it on, seeming to grimace a bit before accepting the necessity. What that might mean is unclear, as he listens to them speaking about their experiences under the ground, curious about what they had achieved since they'd parted ways. He blinks a bit at Natalia's question, then shakes his head.  "No. I don't think anyway. That's what I mean...it doesn't keep track of everyone, just the people who are, uh, useful to it. Or dangerous."  He glances at Mithril as he says it, then at Avaralynn. 
 

 "So, if voice follows us, whispers to us, it because...he fears us? What we can do?"  and now Natalia allows herself a hint of a feral grin. If what they're doing is working, if they really are tightening his chains by inches...well, best to give him something to be really scared about.


  "I freed slaves. I meant to meet you all sooner but I couldn't just...leave them. I'm sorry. I only came here because Hilton was able to take over for me."  He laughs a bit, rubbing the back of his head.  "I was never meant for leading people, anyway."  

Natalia shakes her head.  "No, Kurt, it okay. You...amazing."  Better than me anyway. What did I do after we got separated?   It's the second part that makes her take notice.  "Hilton?! What...he do, for you to trust as head?" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "So, if voice follows us, whispers to us, it because...he fears us? What we can do?"  and now Natalia allows herself a hint of a feral grin. If what they're doing is working, if they really are tightening his chains by inches...well, best to give him something to be really scared about.



Natalia shakes her head.  "No, Kurt, it okay. You...amazing."  Better than me anyway. What did I do after we got separated?   It's the second part that makes her take notice.  "Hilton?! What...he do, for you to trust as head?"  
 

 "I would trust Hilton.  He has the knowledge of his old thoughts, but he is brave and committed to his new cause.  Kurt was right to attempt reform.  Instead of a leader of men, he is a teacher."   Mithril smiled at the dwarf.

 "The Prisoner is clever, perceptive.  He mostly likely will realize we have some form of these rings.  I do not think he fears us, not yet.  We are still pawns to him, but ones that have so far almost slipped to the other side of the board.  Once we get there, then we become a threat."  She studied the map in front of them.  The elf still hadn't spoken, this was unnerving.   "You know us now.  But who are you?" 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia can't hide her shock at that. Or...not quite shock, but more astonishment.  "Rhenner, what you mean?! Who...and why?"  
 

 "A cleric called Dannos, a trusted and respected member of the Church",  Rhenner's voice is coated with bitterness,  "Seems he has made his life mission to make sure no word of the existence of evil gods is ever spread in Eldgar, especially not among the citizen of the Church." 
 "As for why, well, I've been trying to find out for over two years. Ever since I was... removed from active service." 

 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
 Kurt fingers his ring slowly, then slips it on, seeming to grimace a bit before accepting the necessity. What that might mean is unclear, as he listens to them speaking about their experiences under the ground, curious about what they had achieved since they'd parted ways. He blinks a bit at Natalia's question, then shakes his head.  "No. I don't think anyway. That's what I mean...it doesn't keep track of everyone, just the people who are, uh, useful to it. Or dangerous."  He glances at Mithril as he says it, then at Avaralynn.

 "I freed slaves. I meant to meet you all sooner but I couldn't just...leave them. I'm sorry. I only came here because Hilton was able to take over for me."  He laughs a bit, rubbing the back of his head.  "I was never meant for leading people, anyway."  
 

 "That more talky young human, bit of a shady character",  Rhenner says, trying to recall those first days he travelled with this group,  "I must say I'm surprised. And at least you also managed to save people on your journey."  He has newly-found respect for the dwarven warrior.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "A cleric called Dannos, a trusted and respected member of the Church",  Rhenner's voice is coated with bitterness,  "Seems he has made his life mission to make sure no word of the existence of evil gods is ever spread in Eldgar, especially not among the citizen of the Church." 
 "As for why, well, I've been trying to find out for over two years. Ever since I was... removed from active service."  
 

Natalia can't conceal her shock.  "Why? That no sense! Hiding truth only hurts! I...fight in shadow, but gods need...fight in light."  That's something Miriam would say, right? It disturbs her a bit, that she's no longer quite sure.  "And when you learned, he...removed you?"  But  why?  Unless...Unless...

Natalia stops, goes utterly still. Then she flails her hands in a quick, jerking movement, as if she can't quite decide whether to clap her hands or snap her fingers.  "Mithril, you said in Crevice...Voice whispers to heroes, right? And we know Voice whispers to evil, plays both sides, sets up fights."  She's pacing now, walking back and forth in brisk lines.  "Voice whispers to giants, orcs, drow. Plays both sides, makes fights...makes fights worse."  She points to Kurt.  "If Voice whispers to slavers, then what if whisper to Crusaders too? And...if Voice whispers to heroes, why not...whisper Church against Institute?"  Almost there...  "Or...whisper Dannos too? Strengthen evil, keep Eldgar not knowing it." 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia can't conceal her shock.  "Why? That no sense! Hiding truth only hurts! I...fight in shadow, but gods need...fight in light."  That's something Miriam would say, right? It disturbs her a bit, that she's no longer quite sure.  "And when you learned, he...removed you?"  But  why?  Unless...Unless... 
 

 "More like that I wouldn't give up on the subject, refused to accept other explanations. Back then", Rhenner sighs,  "I didn't realize that is wasn't really a matter of convincing anyone, nothing I could have said would have make any difference. If I hadn't-"  he stops suddenly, but continues soon,  "If I hadn't  known , been so sure myself, I probably would have given up on the matter." 

 Natalia stops, goes utterly still. Then she flails her hands in a quick, jerking movement, as if she can't quite decide whether to clap her hands or snap her fingers.  "Mithril, you said in Crevice...Voice whispers to heroes, right? And we know Voice whispers to evil, plays both sides, sets up fights."  She's pacing now, walking back and forth in brisk lines.  "Voice whispers to giants, orcs, drow. Plays both sides, makes fights...makes fights worse."  She points to Kurt.  "If Voice whispers to slavers, then what if whisper to Crusaders too? And...if Voice whispers to heroes, why not...whisper Church against Institute?"  Almost there...  "Or...whisper Dannos too? Strengthen evil, keep Eldgar not knowing it."  

 "That is very unpleasant thought" , Rhenner says frowning,  "Especially since he's in Marvell now, saw him there just yesterday at the Church." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "More like that I wouldn't give up on the subject, refused to accept other explanations. Back then", Rhenner sighs,  "I didn't realize that is wasn't really a matter of convincing anyone, nothing I could have said would have make any difference. If I hadn't-"  he stops suddenly, but continues soon,  "If I hadn't  known , been so sure myself, I probably would have given up on the matter."  
 

Natalia says nothing at first, simply clenches her fists and grits her teeth.  "That so...How you learn? Aicha afraid to tell too...  She's still pacing, her thoughts are buzzing, not ignorance but a conspiracy, conspiracies  everywhere, all the way down... 

Natalia stares at Mithril with sudden realized--no, recognized and reflected--fear and clutches the ring tighter.


  "That is very unpleasant thought" , Rhenner says frowning,  "Especially since he's in Marvell now, saw him there just yesterday at the Church."  

Already somewhat ashy out of the sun, Natalia's complexion goes even paler.  "Why there?! Was he...expecting us?" 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia says nothing at first, simply clenches her fists and grits her teeth.  "That so...How you learn? Aicha afraid to tell too...  She's still pacing, her thoughts are buzzing, not ignorance but a conspiracy, conspiracies  everywhere, all the way down...   
 

 "I don't think that's really relevant",  Rhenner replies in a somewhat strained voice and rubs his forehead.


 Natalia stares at Mithril with sudden realized--no, recognized and reflected--fear and clutches the ring tighter.

Already somewhat ashy out of the sun, Natalia's complexion goes even paler.  "Why there?! Was he...expecting us?"  

Rhenner looks doubtful,  "That seems unlikely. We didn't even know we would go there until a moment before we teleported. We also don't know if he even knows who you are, although... He knows Hartley, and said they had been in contact, so he might have heard about you from him. Then again, you can only say so much with Sending." 
Cavelcade
Kurt smiles at the words of his friends, surprised and gratified to have even Mithril supporting him about Hilton, he hadn't expected that. When she calls him a teacher, he looks down, blushing and coughing awkwardly. He listens in silence to the rest of the discussion, he hadn't been present for a lot of what they did, and he's curious about what they mean - the Voice is a prisoner too? That's something to take heart from, as far as he's concerned. Better that than freed.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "I don't think that's really relevant",  Rhenner replies in a somewhat strained voice and rubs his forehead. 
 

 "Might be, if others know, but...forced silent."  Natalia chews her lower lip. Does Aicha know, or suspect? What about others? And what else does Dannos do to those who find out?


 Rhenner looks doubtful,  "That seems unlikely. We didn't even know we would go there until a moment before we teleported. We also don't know if he even knows who you are, although... He knows Hartley, and said they had been in contact, so he might have heard about you from him. Then again, you can only say so much with Sending."  

 "What if following tracks though? Or...follow horde, prevent knowing from survivors?"  She shakes her head. There's still too little she knows. She turns to avaralynn and the others, including the mysterious elf.  "Who you? And...what you know?"  She didn't mean to sound so abrupt.

 
 Spoiler: Remind me 
Who's Hartley again? And I guess I'm sort of waiting for them to respond too.
 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "Might be, if others know, but...forced silent."  Natalia chews her lower lip. Does Aicha know, or suspect? What about others? And what else does Dannos do to those who find out?



 "What if following tracks though? Or...follow horde, prevent knowing from survivors?"  She shakes her head. There's still too little she knows. She turns to avaralynn and the others, including the mysterious elf.  "Who you? And...what you know?"  She didn't mean to sound so abrupt.

 
 Spoiler: Remind me 
Who's Hartley again? And I guess I'm sort of waiting for them to respond too.
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler 
He's a dwarven priest of Pelor from Deldon.  Mithril and Rhenner talked to him a few times. 
 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Hartley...Deldon dwarf, right? If he say we go Underdark, then...what if Dannos know evil there, evil we found?" 
 
 Spoiler 
thanks for the explanation! And if think now Natalia now believes  that the voice got to Dannos too.
 
CoffeeIncluded
During the lull in the conversation Natalia realizes that she only knows Avaralynn. Who is the white-haired man with the look of a hungry eagle? It seems like Shiny, Mithril, and Kurt know him--was he the one who told them about the mission in the first place.  "Are you...quest giver?"  she asks Asdyr (though she doesn't know his name, at least not well) to confirm.

 
 Spoiler 
Just realized that Natalia's never actually MET Asdyr, since she was sort of unconscious from spider poison and crawling her way back from the giant camp at the time, and Asdyr wasn't there to see the party off to Eldgar. So she only got a summary of the first few pages of the campaign reboot. Which is a shame, because  look at the second paragraph!  Seriously I just saw this now which is why I posted.
 
Admiral
When Mithril mentions the "web" there seems to be a flash of sadness in Avaralynn's eyes, though it quickly disappears. And then at the mention of the Voice being a "prisoner," Avaralynn glances over at Asdyr. The Minister of Intelligence does not immediately react, but once the party is finished, he speaks up.

 "You said that our adversary is a 'Prisoner.' Where and when did you hear of this?"  His eyes study them more intently than ever.
CoffeeIncluded
Avaralynn knew about what they found? Actually...it's not that surprising. She knows a lot, and even if Boccob's book belonged  to someone else this time she might still have some sort of connection with it...

In either case, it's a bit comforting to see avaralynn agree about the webs. Boccob may be uncaring, but from what Natalia knows he cares enough to not do that.

 "Found in Drowtown, told by drow leader...together against voice, I think. Learned he chained, but whispered to drow through chains, so...she told us..."  Natalia tries to explain as best she can in her broken, halting speech, though she tries not to mention lysandras name (did Lysandra have one of these rings?). At the end Natalia asks,  "Avaralynn, did you...learn her too?" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 When Mithril mentions the "web" there seems to be a flash of sadness in Avaralynn's eyes, though it quickly disappears. And then at the mention of the Voice being a "prisoner," Avaralynn glances over at Asdyr. The Minister of Intelligence does not immediately react, but once the party is finished, he speaks up.

 "You said that our adversary is a 'Prisoner.' Where and when did you hear of this?"  His eyes study them more intently than ever. 
 

Mithril saw the sadness and nodded her head slightly.  The knowledge gained was immense, but even Boccob must know the cost was too great.  "As Natalia said, we met a friend.  This friend was... like minded in our goals.  But he seeks to free himself and I do not doubt that he will eventually succeed." 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril saw the sadness and nodded her head slightly.  The knowledge gained was immense, but even Boccob must know the cost was too great.  "As Natalia said, we met a friend.  This friend was... like minded in our goals.  But he seeks to free himself and I do not doubt that he will eventually succeed."  
 

 "A 'friend' is it now?",  Rhenner mutters in a bitter tone.
 "There was no details of where this Prisoner was trying to break free from",  he adds,  "Or why it calls for continents to bleed." 
Cavelcade
These parts of the story are news to Kurt, who watches the interaction curiously, but a little outside it all. His fingers are laced together in front of him, listening quietly to what they're saying, piecing together Natalia's broken fragments to try and form a bigger picture.

 "So, the Voice...or prisoner, they were caught by a spider?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril saw the sadness and nodded her head slightly.  The knowledge gained was immense, but even Boccob must know the cost was too great.  "As Natalia said, we met a friend.  This friend was... like minded in our goals.  But he seeks to free himself and I do not doubt that he will eventually succeed."  
 


Natalia looks at Mithril and shakes her head.  "On same side, so...ally. But not friend."  Why did Mithril say it like that? Or was it also a metaphor (was she rubbing off on the wizard? She suppresses a shudder at the thought.)?


 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
 These parts of the story are news to Kurt, who watches the interaction curiously, but a little outside it all. His fingers are laced together in front of him, listening quietly to what they're saying, piecing together Natalia's broken fragments to try and form a bigger picture.

 "So, the Voice...or prisoner, they were caught by a spider?"  
 

Her fingers race back and forth in the air, almost as if she were picking apart threads of a web of her own. They pause at Kurt's question. What did he mean by a spider?

 "Spider? If spider means drow, then...don't think. Not told like that. Told...Voice whispered to drow. Told to blast Deldon. That...what one we caught meant...by prisoner. Not in drow jail, but chained elsewhere, whispered to attack..." 
Admiral
There is a brief pause as Asdyr and Avaralynn glance at each other.

Asdyr starts, addressing the Priestess directly.  "This doesn't necessarily confirm anything. The information could have been planted, and there is no reason to believe it over our own-" 
 "It confirms everything,"  Avaralynn interrupts, in a voice full of age and wisdom that puts all doubt to rest.  "There exist diviners among the drow with the power to uncover the deepest and darkest secrets. We have every reason to believe they would know secrets beyond our powers. As for the possibility this information was planted..." 

She turns to the party.  "This 'ally' you met. Could they have taken your lives, if that were their intention?"  Their faces answer her, and she turns back to Asdyr.  "Our adversary would not have allowed this party to survive, were it in his power to kill them- not at this juncture, not for mere misinformation."  She offers no explanation for this declaration, but seems entirely confident in it.  "This knowledge is not his trap. It is his misfortune." 

The Minister nods in reluctant understanding, then leans back in his chair and rolls his eyes towards the ceiling, looking suddenly tired. For long moments he studies the plain paneling in the ceiling as if memorizing a speech inscribed upon them. Then he sits back up, looking fully alert again.

 "Fourteen months ago,"  he begins,  "I receive a report that a caravan traveling to Glister has been hijacked by a band of orcs. Four civilians dead, property lost totaling about three thousand gold. The same day, a village alongside the Galena Mountains is raided by giants, with five casualties. At the time I did not consider it an unusual day..."  He sighs.  "I sometimes envy the politicians, for whom a declaration of war is a grand occasion marked by much pomp and ceremony. I had so little warning, when first my city was touched by the War of the Whispers." 
 
 Spoiler 

To be continued later.
 
Admiral
 "The war grew slowly,"  the Minister of Intelligence continues,  "slowly enough that most of the purported 'leaders' among the Hulmasters did not recognize the threat posed to the entire region, even as we few men and women of action within the city saw the pattern. It's possible the threat could have been averted preemptively, with proper military action and help from the right nations. But we let our enemies stabilize their positions, and soon the whole region was in danger. Once I realized the kind of threat we were facing, I knew that our protection would not come from soldiers, but from answers." 
 "My allies were few. The politicians are useless, and the military clumsy. There are a few other people of action here- such as the Chief of the Warmages, and the party you know as R... but it is difficult to say whether their interests truly align with the city. So it was that I entrusted Hulburg's safety to outsiders, just as I entrust you now." 
 "The first of my allies came from a secret organization with much influence in this region. He is the source of more information about the orc and giant movements in this continent than the rest of my sources combined. That makes him the city is still standing." 

The Minister glances to the elf sitting along the wall, who has so far been quiet, though some have noticed he watches the conversation with great intensity. The elf smiles slightly, then raises his hands into a series of gestures- for a moment it looks as though he is casting a spell, but the motions are unfamiliar and odd. Suddenly Natalia realizes that she recognizes a few of the gestures.

 "Greetings,"  the Minister speaks, unexpectedly.  "I am Jandar, ranger of Faerun and an agent of the Harpers."  It takes a moment to realize that Asdyr is not speaking for himself, but rather interpreting the elf's hand motions. The elf's smile widens as he continues to sign.  "And this is Howl." 

To the party's surprise, out from under the desk Jandar is sitting on steps a slender wolf with silver fur. His steps are graceful, and even now that they can see him the party can hardly sense the wolf's breathing.

 
 Spoiler: For Coffee 

Natalia recognizes the names J-A-N-D-A-R and H-A-R-P-E-R-S spelled out using the same symbols as in drow sign language. She recognizes a few of the other signs, particularly conjunctions and other such signifiers, but sees it's mostly a different vocabulary than DSL.
 
Athedia
Mithril backed up and put a hand on the weasel on her shoulder.   "Greetings Jandar, who may I ask are the Harpers?" 
CWater
So they were in Faerun.. Rhenner greets Jander with a nod, but doesn't say anything. He doesn't know much of the continent, and really has no clue of the local power groups.
Cavelcade
Kurt jumped a bit as the wolf stepped out, then shakes his head and laughs softly at himself, looking at the wolf ruefully. He had been so intrigued by the storytelling that he hadn't kept a proper lookout to see what threats might be present in the room. If this had been a less friendly setting...then again, if they had not been friendly, it's probable he wouldn't have been given a choice about coming or not.

It's only once he's relaxed and took his hand from his sword hilt that he realised it went to it, a grimace his response to that.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia listens intently with growing fascination and unease at Asdyr's story, and just how deep the rabbit hole goes. She's listening so intently that doesn't notice the wolf under the desk until he pads his way towards his master (although some part of her, some deep lizard brain, was always sniffing and noticing these things). But if anything, she's even more startled by the sign language--there's an elven sign language on the surface too?

  "I'm Natalia,"   Natalia signs and spells out. But finger spelling takes too long and so she switches back to regular speech, supplementing it with sign where necessary.  "What...you learned? Why always orcs, giants, and all...over world?" 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril backed up and put a hand on the weasel on her shoulder.   "Greetings Jandar, who may I ask are the Harpers?"  
 

Jandar continues to sign as Asdyr speaks.  "The Minister of Intelligence would say that the Harpers are a semi-secret organization operating to maintain stability in the Faerun continent."  If Asdyr is at all embarrassed about interpreting about himself in the third person, he does not show it.  "I would simply say they are my friends, trying to do what good we can." 

Asdyr clears his throat and speaks for himself.  "You can speak comfortably to Jandar as you need to. While he cannot hear, he can read lips in eight languages- one of many skills that has served him and Hulburg well."  As he says these words, Jandar smiles at Natalia and gestures to her. While the vocabulary is different from the drow language she had briefly studied, she can guess that he's asking if she signs as well.

Asdyr continues.  "I know little of my other ally. If she ever tells you why she approached me, perhaps you could pass the information along."  The Minister's voice is suddenly severe as he glances towards Avaralynn, who matches his gaze without hesitation or discomfort.  "But in any case..."  he continues,  "one does not turn down help from a source such as her, whatever one's suspicions." 
 
 Spoiler 
More tomorrow, though people are welcome to respond.
 
Cavelcade
 "So if the Harpers are the group of people trying to keep things...steady - what do you call the other group, the ones trying to make things worse?"  Kurt coughs gruffly as he interrupts to ask his question.  "Or well, what do they call each other? It would be good to know I reckon."  Crossing his arms, looking at the others to see what they think.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia smiles and nods in response to Jandar's question, as well as signing an affirmation, as well as asking,   "Is it hard to read my lips; is signing easier?"  . But when she hears he's deaf, she pauses. That drider had struck her blind in the crevice, and Rhenner had restored her sight. If Rhenner wants to, would he be able to restore Jandar's hearing as well? She resolves to ask both of them the question after this meeting. But for now Natalia listens and asks, and signs,  "What else...you learned? Who the Voice in chains, and...why chained? Why and how orcs and giants...to free?"  Of course, her sign language is much more coherent.

She turns at Kurt's question and nods.  "Names good...to learn too. Names can track. And...Avaralynn on...our side." 

EDIT: Natalia turns to Rhenner and whispers,  "Rhenner, can you...fix deafness?"  She also signs to Jandar,   "Could I ask you something after the meeting?"   except for the comment to Rhenner, she makes sure to face Jandar the whole time she speaks.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Jandar continues to sign as Asdyr speaks.  "The Minister of Intelligence would say that the Harpers are a semi-secret organization operating to maintain stability in the Faerun continent."  If Asdyr is at all embarrassed about interpreting about himself in the third person, he does not show it.  "I would simply say they are my friends, trying to do what good we can." 

Asdyr clears his throat and speaks for himself.  "You can speak comfortably to Jandar as you need to. While he cannot hear, he can read lips in eight languages- one of many skills that has served him and Hulburg well."  As he says these words, Jandar smiles at Natalia and gestures to her. While the vocabulary is different from the drow language she had briefly studied, she can guess that he's asking if she signs as well.

Asdyr continues.  "I know little of my other ally. If she ever tells you why she approached me, perhaps you could pass the information along."  The Minister's voice is suddenly severe as he glances towards Avaralynn, who matches his gaze without hesitation or discomfort.  "But in any case..."  he continues,  "one does not turn down help from a source such as her, whatever one's suspicions." 
 
 Spoiler 
More tomorrow, though people are welcome to respond.
 
 
 

Mithril nodded at Jandar.  She continued to face him as she continued.  "Avaralynn has been there for me during very hard times.  Though I would like to know your suspicions." 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 EDIT: Natalia turns to Rhenner and whispers,  "Rhenner, can you...fix deafness?"  She also signs to Jandar,   "Could I ask you something after the meeting?"   except for the comment to Rhenner, she makes sure to face Jandar the whole time she speaks. 
 

Rhenner looks back at Natalia slightly questioningly.  "Yes... I can, assuming that the ears are not too damaged",  he replies. For a brief moment it looks like he's about to say something more, but then chooses not to.
CoffeeIncluded
 "Thanks,"  Natalia whispers to Rhenner. She pauses, waiting for him to say more, but when he doesn't she lets confusion cross her face. When Mithril vouched for Avaralynn Natalia nods vigorously in solidarity.  "She...helped us for long time."  She brought Whiskers back,   she thinks to herself, remembering Mithril's reaction when it happened.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia smiles and nods in response to Jandar's question, as well as signing an affirmation, as well as asking,   "Is it hard to read my lips; is signing easier?"  . But when she hears he's deaf, she pauses. That drider had struck her blind in the crevice, and Rhenner had restored her sight. If Rhenner wants to, would he be able to restore Jandar's hearing as well? She resolves to ask both of them the question after this meeting. But for now Natalia listens and asks, and signs,  "What else...you learned? Who the Voice in chains, and...why chained? Why and how orcs and giants...to free?"  Of course, her sign language is much more coherent. 
 

 "That is the question,"  Asdyr replies,  "one we now know to ask." 
 "This war has been fought on many battlefields and taken many lives, but it is mild compared to the true game that is being played. The Voice's influence grows not only through combat but through corruption, through manipulation in the corridors of power. I have reason to believe the city of Glister has fallen under his influence. At least one Hulmaster that I know of has been compromised." 
 "In this struggle of influence, the hardest thing to obtain is information about our adversary. We've tracked dozens of cases across the planet where our adversary has invaded someone's mind. Together they form a collage that tells us a small but precious amount about his powers and limitations. We know that these rings shield one from his sight, but lesser wards against scrying do not. We have reason to believe he cannot read someone's thoughts directly, only when they consciously respond to his queries. Based on painstaking collation of the precise times his influence has been felt, we do not think he can watch or whisper to two places at once- though we are confident he does not need time to rest. And some intelligence Jandar acquired at great difficulty led us to suspect the threat originated in Eldgar, which is why I sent you and the other party there." 
 "But there was one piece of information that did not entirely fit with the others. Our enemy's capabilities show he has tremendous magical powers, and his methods show a ruthless intelligence that rivals the greatest wizards alive. Yet not once in this war have we seen him interfere directly. Every motion that bears his signature can be traced to another voice in someone's mind. There have been major battles that can be traced to his influence, where he clearly expended valuable resources and political capital, that just barely turned against him- and he never did anything more than whisper." 

He coughs.  "My own interpretation was that our adversary is deeply cautious of being discovered, even to the point of paranoia.  This led me to suspect he was a public figure- a powerful wizard, perhaps allied with a rival nation's government... someone who would have much to lose by being discovered. Rarely have I wasted time on such a fruitless line of inquiry,"  he adds coldly.

 "Avaralynn had a different theory. Hers was that we were facing an enemy of unbounded power and unrivaled cunning... who was utterly, hopelessly,  crippled . Someone who chose this game of influence not by choice, but because that was his only avenue of attack. I resisted this interpretation at first... but yours is the third piece of intelligence that has suggested it. And yours is by far the most credible." 
 "The idea was not my own,"  Avaralynn says suddenly.  "Among Boccob's knowledge there exists a prophecy... the kind that cannot be spoken of, lest I bring it to pass. Suffice it to say that if I am right, the Lord of All Magic knew of this enemy, and passed down a warning against him." 
Athedia
Mithril nodded along to the information, her head shooting up at the mention of the prisoner's inability to read thoughts.   "Wait, he has to talk to get information?  He can't get it from just scrying our thoughts?"   A look of almost relief seemed to pass over her face as if this was the best news she had ever heard.  At Avaralynn's words she paused, an eyebrow raised.  "How horrible must this Prisoner be that even Boccob wishes to fight against it?" 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia quietly listens to Asdyr, though her face clouds over at the mention of Glister as she remembers the ill-fated rescue mission. And when he says that the voice cannot actively read minds and Mithril blurts out her question, she glances over and quickly squeezes her hand.

All this...troubling doesn't begin to describe it. An what's this about a prophecy?  "Boccob knows who chained? The who, how long, and...why speak to free now?"  If it's a prophecy, then that last one probably has something to do with stars aligning and a thousand years or something like that (always a hundred or thousand years, but never "twelve or so"). And the other stuff... "Who else whispered to, and...how, why he choose those ears? Why start...in Eldgar? And...any willing ears?" 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril nodded along to the information, her head shooting up at the mention of the prisoner's inability to read thoughts.   "Wait, he has to talk to get information?  He can't get it from just scrying our thoughts?"   A look of almost relief seemed to pass over her face as if this was the best news she had ever heard.  At Avaralynn's words she paused, an eyebrow raised.  "How horrible must this Prisoner be that even Boccob wishes to fight against it?"  
 

 "That was the first question I asked,"  the Minister says, looking again at Avaralynn, but the Priestess gives no reply.


 All this...troubling doesn't begin to describe it. An what's this about a prophecy?  "Boccob knows who chained? The who, how long, and...why speak to free now?"  If it's a prophecy, then that last one probably has something to do with stars aligning and a thousand years or something like that (always a hundred or thousand years, but never "twelve or so"). 

 "The prophecy is vague,"  Avaralynn answers,  "and I must be vaguer still. The knowledge of Boccob is a dangerous gift. I do not even know for certain that this is what the prophecy speaks of, and releasing such knowledge into the world can have dire consequences. The only thing I can say... if my interpretation of the warning is right, then he did not loosen his chains himself. Someone else is responsible for his return." 

 " "Who else whispered to, and...how, why he choose those ears? Why start...in Eldgar? And...any willing ears?"  

 "As I said before, we can't share everything we know,"  the Minister replies quietly,  "nor do we know everything we wish we did. There are many who work with the Voice willingly- likely the majority. Certainly those who have risen to leadership among the orcs and giants on his advice. Though this does not make them his allies,"  he muses.

 "We have reason to believe such corruption exists within the Guilds, though my intelligence in that continent is more limited. Have you encountered such influence?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 "Someone else?"  Natalia exclaims.  "Who? Why? Or this sealed by prophecy too?" 

Orcs and giants...  "Willing like Hoodsie? How he find, so many single ears?"  and Eldgar...she doesn't know. She only has guesses.  "Not sure,"  Natalia says.  "But..  She hands over the newspaper article clippings, the notes she and Mithril took of the tribes and chaos, while generally describing what she learned and some of the people she met. And then she says,  "Not sure if this true, but...church an institute hate each other. And...no knowing of evil gods in Eldgar. Ask Rhenner. Knowledge hidden, smashed. And...people who learn punished. Some clerics, strong clerics, work to hide knowing..."  But this is more Rhenner's place, isn't it?
CWater
Rhenner looks thoughtful, but doesn't reply anything at the moment. All of this is still quite... overwhelming. Besides, he knows little more than what he has already said. He throws a glance at Mithril, there was something she told him, very soon after they first met, when the party had just arrived at Deldon.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Orcs and giants...  "Willing like Hoodsie? How he find, so many single ears?"  and Eldgar...she doesn't know. She only has guesses.  "Not sure,"  Natalia says.  "But..  She hands over the newspaper article clippings, the notes she and Mithril took of the tribes and chaos, while generally describing what she learned and some of the people she met. And then she says,  "Not sure if this true, but...church an institute hate each other. And...no knowing of evil gods in Eldgar. Ask Rhenner. Knowledge hidden, smashed. And...people who learn punished. Some clerics, strong clerics, work to hide knowing..."  But this is more Rhenner's place, isn't it? 
 

The Minister listens carefully.  "In my research I have come across the Threadmyr Church's policies in this regard,"  he replies,  "though perhaps I have not given it enough thought. It seems unlikely that the policy is due to our adversary's influence, since history suggests it stretches back at least a century. All evidence suggests that the first time the whispers were heard was about nineteen months ago. But this does not mean it is not connected." 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 The Minister listens carefully.  "In my research I have come across the Threadmyr Church's policies in this regard,"  he replies,  "though perhaps I have not given it enough thought. It seems unlikely that the policy is due to our adversary's influence, since history suggests it stretches back at least a century. All evidence suggests that the first time the whispers were heard was about nineteen months ago. But this does not mean it is not connected."  
 

 "In Deldon, the priest there told me that the Church's great library might hold answers.  But I have no access, the mark they gave us binds more than it opens." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "In Deldon, the priest there told me that the Church's great library might hold answers.  But I have no access, the mark they gave us binds more than it opens."  
 

Natalia looks over at Mithril. When did this happen? "What he say? Wait, what if...Rhenner or Kurt read for us? We...read with them, through mind link?"   But she's right, and Natalia nods in agreement. The marks close so many doors. And it must be especially hard for boccobs worshippers, stuck in the middle between church and institute.


 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 The Minister listens carefully.  "In my research I have come across the Threadmyr Church's policies in this regard,"  he replies,  "though perhaps I have not given it enough thought. It seems unlikely that the policy is due to our adversary's influence, since history suggests it stretches back at least a century. All evidence suggests that the first time the whispers were heard was about nineteen months ago. But this does not mean it is not connected."  
 

 "Wait, this...silence since guilds made? Why choose silence, not knowing? And...how keep silence out without shutting off Eldgar from world?"  She looks over at Rhenner.  "Nineteen months...Rhenner, what happen in Eldgar then?"  

She's full of questions today, as these explanations onlysjed more shadows with their light. There are so many questions, how could they ever begin to find answers when they don't even know where the voice whispers from...wait.  "Asdyr, you say...some willing ears. How willing--find voice or...voice finds them? If catch willing ears, you think...maybe learn more of voice?" 
 
 Spoiler: Hope this is ok 
this isn't too much, is it?
 
Cavelcade
Kurt quietly listens to all that's been said, trying to tally it with what he's heard and learned from the others, giving Mithril a seemingly...relieved glance at the reassurance given about the Voice's ability to read minds depending on a willing participant. In his slow, methodical manner of thinking through problems, he's ignoring most of the other questions, chewing on his lips a bit and frowning at the floor, letting the conversation wash over him for the most part.

When Natalia rattles off a list of staccato questions, his attention is drawn back to what's going on in the room. Slowly, he raises his head then, rocking on his heels a little before settling himself and speaking up.  "If the problem is his chains have been loosened, then we need to tighten them up. So the only question that really matters is...how?"  A pause, as he thinks about the timeline for a moment.  "Are the Crusaders only 19 months old? Is that when the old Samurai went mad? Or are they not related to the Voice..." 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
 Kurt quietly listens to all that's been said, trying to tally it with what he's heard and learned from the others, giving Mithril a seemingly...relieved glance at the reassurance given about the Voice's ability to read minds depending on a willing participant. In his slow, methodical manner of thinking through problems, he's ignoring most of the other questions, chewing on his lips a bit and frowning at the floor, letting the conversation wash over him for the most part.

When Natalia rattles off a list of staccato questions, his attention is drawn back to what's going on in the room. Slowly, he raises his head then, rocking on his heels a little before settling himself and speaking up.  "If the problem is his chains have been loosened, then we need to tighten them up. So the only question that really matters is...how?"  
 

 "That is the question. You said there were drow who were on your side,"  Asdyr asks, turning to Natalia and Mithril.  "those who referred to our enemy as a 'prisoner.' We have no contact with the drow, certainly not under this continent, so any information from them is likely unique. Did they know anything else?" 

 A pause, as he thinks about the timeline for a moment.  "Are the Crusaders only 19 months old? Is that when the old Samurai went mad? Or are they not related to the Voice..."  

 "Men have been capable of tremendous evil long before any outside influence,"  Avaralynn replies sadly.  "And even if our adversary is vanquished this will not change." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "That is the question. You said there were drow who were on your side,"  Asdyr asks, turning to Natalia and Mithril.  "those who referred to our enemy as a 'prisoner.' We have no contact with the drow, certainly not under this continent, so any information from them is likely unique. Did they know anything else?"  
 

 "Well, she said...uprising info given to drowtown leaders, sounded like...played both sides, suddenly showed...ten months ago."  She stumbles through Lysandra's (though she never speaks her name) summary of how the Voice arranged the violent end to the secession attempt, how he manipulated the drow into seeking his council, and how Lysandra found he was a prisoner, but was the only one suspicious enough to look for outside help. And then something else bubbles into mind, Lysandra's last comment on the Voice and the other drow nation.  "She said, for year Voice spoke to Siz--Sith-- S-Z-I-T-H-L-I-N "  Natalia sighs as she gives up and spells out the name in sign.  "They...trade with Eldgar. Said Voice thought S...that country more...important to him, but...not sure why." 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
 When Natalia rattles off a list of staccato questions, his attention is drawn back to what's going on in the room. Slowly, he raises his head then, rocking on his heels a little before settling himself and speaking up.  "If the problem is his chains have been loosened, then we need to tighten them up. So the only question that really matters is...how?"  A pause, as he thinks about the timeline for a moment.  "Are the Crusaders only 19 months old? Is that when the old Samurai went mad? Or are they not related to the Voice..."  
 

Mithril shuffled her feet and muttered quietly.  " A year ago." "   She looked up and noticed the gazes now directed at her.  Clearing her throat, she spoke again. Louder this time.  "He went mad a year ago.  I promised not to tell." 
CoffeeIncluded
Everything in Natalia's mind goes blank, then crashes into her at once with a force that nearly makes her stagger. The old man, Shiro, the way he stank of sweat and drink, how he seemed like an infirm old man who then attacked her with blinding speed, the way other Soshiman leaders refused to even acknowledged what had happened (what if he had KILLED someone? What then?), the things Shiro said, the way...the way..Natalia stares wide-eyed and open-mouthed at Mithril and Kurt's admission.

 "Promised not tell what?" 
CWater
Rhenner's eyes widen at this last news,  "Shiro? The hero and founder of Soshima? Gone mad?!"  It was hard to believe, even if Rhenner knew that stories tended to idolize their heroes, Shiro had still played a great, possibly crucial part, in saving the continent twenty years ago. It was sad if madness had taken such a person, though based on the implications here... had he been helped to it?
Cavelcade
Kurt nods solemnly at the answer given, sighing heavily as he sits back. He sits up again when Mithril makes her admission, eyes wide as he focuses on her, surprised to hear this admission. But oddly...relieved as well, looking at the other faces in the room to see their reaction.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 Rhenner's eyes widen at this last news,  "Shiro? The hero and founder of Soshima? Gone mad?!"  It was hard to believe, even if Rhenner knew that stories tended to idolize their heroes, Shiro had still played a great, possibly crucial part, in saving the continent twenty years ago. It was sad if madness had taken such a person, though based on the implications here... had he been helped to it? 
 

Natalia nods, a grim expression on her face.  "remember blastpowder? After...after, way back, found Shiro, but didn't know Shiro. Saw old man, drunk, saying..."  what exactly did he say? It was even less coherent than her speech.  "No sense. Didn't know Shiro until...I went help, and he struck. Katana like lightning, too fast to block." 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia nods, a grim expression on her face.  "remember blastpowder? After...after, way back, found Shiro, but didn't know Shiro. Saw old man, drunk, saying..."  what exactly did he say? It was even less coherent than her speech.  "No sense. Didn't know Shiro until...I went help, and he struck. Katana like lightning, too fast to block."  
 

 "He attacked you?!",  Rhenner looks shocked.  "If the stories have even an ounce of truth in them, you're lucky to be alive."

"It... wasn't just the alcohol that made him crazed then?",  he adds after a moment,  "It affects some people that way." 
Cavelcade
Kurt shakes his head quietly at that, rubbing his head a little.  "It definitely wasn't the booze. Whatever...hm."  He trails off for a moment, pondering on what to say, then sighs and shakes his head again.  "It was not the alcohol that drove him mad. The Samurai made that clear..." 
Athedia
Mithril nodded at Avaralynn and then turned to speak to the group at large.   "This doesn't leave this room."   She took a deep breath, looking at Kurt for extra support.   "Kurt is right, alcohol did not play a role, the Voice did.  And He is hard to resist.  I should know, he has spoken to me twice now." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's mouth drops open and hangs open at moth told admission. It's not the rocking shock like before--some part of Natalia's mind was starting to suspect, she now realizes, and the creeping unconscious tendrils of suspicion were now a net to support and catch her. But it's like a rock dropping through her and dragging the rest of her along, having Mithril say it all, confirm it all, that the voice attacked Shiro, and attacked her as well.

Slowly Natalia becomes aware that her mouth is still hanging open, and she's gripping the edge of the chair so tight that her knuckles are turning white. She needs to say something.

 "Wh--"
 When did this happen? What did he do to Shiro? What did he say to you? What did he do to you? Why didn't you tell me? Why didn't you tell anyone except...?  

This isn't the time to accuse, or even sound like it. But other than that Natalia doesn't know what to do. Knowing that the Voice is in Shiro's head, probably drove him to that insanity, is bad enough, but that he's in  Mithril's  head too? If he's trying to drive her mad like Shiro too? The mental image forms in Natalia's mind, stubbornly sticking no matter how hard she tries to banish it. She strides over and grips Mithril like an anchor and instead says,  "Mithril, whatever said...did...right here. I right here, we...right here."  She pauses, almost daring their friends and companions to say otherwise.  "Won't let go." 
Cavelcade
Kurt gives the slightest of nods to her when she looks in his direction, silently supporting her choice to tell people. Even so, a light chill goes down his spine again at the thought of the Voice talking to her, trying to gain influence with her and with them. Silently, he curses again the circumstances that drove them apart, looking at Avaralynn appraisingly again, grateful to have been brought back to the others like this.

 "Natalia is right. About supporting you." 
CWater
Rhenner is silent, not entirely sure where to assign this information on the imaginary disturbing scale. Quite many things he's learned today have already received high ratings. He throws a glance at the wizard.   Is that why she is so... 

"This turned out to be quite a day",  he mutters.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods at Rhenner's comment, but she doesn't want to say anything just yet. This is...delicate, even she can tell, and saying or doing the wrong thing could hurt Mithril even more.

She just wishes she knew what the right thing to say actually is.

Still, a flicker of expression passes over her face, the knit response for the moment. Now what?

 
 Spoiler 
I'll say more when/if Mithril responds. She's treading on thin ice here and wants to be careful.
 
Admiral
Avaralynn looks on at Mithril's revelation, not appearing to react. Jandar's eyebrows raise only slightly as he reads her lips.

Asdyr leans forward, taking a quill from the desk.  "When did you hear this voice, and what did he say?"  the Minister asks matter-of-factly.  "The smallest detail could be essential for my records." 
CoffeeIncluded
At the question Natalia moves her hand to Mithril's shoulder for support. She doesn't put pressure, just lets her long fingers hand down and her palm just heavy enough that Mithril knows she's there, and hopes to give the wizard the strength she wishes she had. Beyond that, she waits and just offers the silent support--and an encouraging look if Mithril looks her way.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Avaralynn looks on at Mithril's revelation, not appearing to react. Jandar's eyebrows raise only slightly as he reads her lips.

Asdyr leans forward, taking a quill from the desk.  "When did you hear this voice, and what did he say?"  the Minister asks matter-of-factly.  "The smallest detail could be essential for my records."  
 

 "The first time?   Mithril pushed Natalia hand off her shoulder.   "I read Shiro's thoughts.  He was being driven mad with guilt over what Danton had become.  He trained him, taught him, gave him weapons.  Shiro was known as Crusader long before Danton.  The Voice fed that guilt, but never lied.  It seemed to have an ability to find the person's deepest secrets and force confessions.  It breaks people." 

She watched the quill take her words down.   "The second time.  The first time he spoke to me.  It was in Deldon.  I didn't say anything, we thought someone in the group had told the Voice.  That someone was a traitor.  After he spoke to me... I thought I had killed Miriam.  It was after the attack by the drow.  I was falling asleep.  He wasn't demanding, but almost fatherly.  He was offering advice, to leave this mission.  That by removing ourselves we would survive."    She rubbed her nose, remembering that night.   "I broke my nose to try to drive him out.  He just laughed.  Called this world a puzzle he was trying to figure out.  According to him, he had no enemies and no allies.  That I was just to short sighted to see the truth." 
 I heard him again last night.  And made a mistake.  He knows we know.  I called him prisoner, didn't say who gave us that name, but he knows that now.  He said...."   With that she looked down and clenched her fists.   "He said it was to late to remove myself.  But I could save the rest of you.  Just one movement of my wrist..."  She twisted her wrist and the black dagger popped out into her hand.   "It would have been so easy.  But I refused.  I still don't know if I doomed us with that gesture.  He said I would have another choice to make later.  That I would regret the choice I made last night."   She shuddered a little, looking over at Kurt.

 "The worst part was he was kind.  A part of me, even now wants to listen to him.  He didn't give me orders, just advice." 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "The first time?   Mithril pushed Natalia hand off her shoulder.   "I read Shiro's thoughts.  He was being driven mad with guilt over what Danton had become.  He trained him, taught him, gave him weapons.  Shiro was known as Crusader long before Danton.  The Voice fed that guilt, but never lied.  It seemed to have an ability to find the person's deepest secrets and force confessions.  It breaks people." 

She watched the quill take her words down.   "The second time.  The first time he spoke to me.  It was in Deldon.  I didn't say anything, we thought someone in the group had told the Voice.  That someone was a traitor.  After he spoke to me... I thought I had killed Miriam.  It was after the attack by the drow.  I was falling asleep.  He wasn't demanding, but almost fatherly.  He was offering advice, to leave this mission.  That by removing ourselves we would survive."    She rubbed her nose, remembering that night.   "I broke my nose to try to drive him out.  He just laughed.  Called this world a puzzle he was trying to figure out.  According to him, he had no enemies and no allies.  That I was just to short sighted to see the truth." 
 I heard him again last night.  And made a mistake.  He knows we know.  I called him prisoner, didn't say who gave us that name, but he knows that now.  He said...."   With that she looked down and clenched her fists.   "He said it was to late to remove myself.  But I could save the rest of you.  Just one movement of my wrist..."  She twisted her wrist and the black dagger popped out into her hand.   "It would have been so easy.  But I refused.  I still don't know if I doomed us with that gesture.  He said I would have another choice to make later.  That I would regret the choice I made last night."   She shuddered a little, looking over at Kurt. 
 

The Minister jots into a black leather notebook, writing every detail of what Mithril describes, taking a moment afterwards to learn the exact dates of the events.


  "The worst part was he was kind.  A part of me, even now wants to listen to him.  He didn't give me orders, just advice."  

 "I have heard that same description many times,"  the Minister says as he looks up from his notebook.  "We know he has fed military secrets and tactics into the minds of kings and generals. I suspect that many who hear him think themselves lucky. I cannot say for sure that they are wrong,"  he muses.  "In the short term, at least..." 

Jandar taps the table gently to summon attention, then begins signing. The Minister looks to him to interpret aloud.  "&lt;ESL&gt;Thirteen months ago, I was out on the moors of Thar with a platoon of Shieldsworn, transporting a prisoner- a high-ranking orc chieftain we'd been lucky to take alive. As we marched him along something odd happened- I could see from his eyes he was listening to someone (it's something I've learned to pick up on). I looked for someone in my own party he might be conspiring with, but couldn't find anyone. And then as we passed a cliff, he rolled off the horse that was carrying him, leapt off the ledge, and bashed his brains out on the rocks below."&lt;/ESL&gt;"  He looks grim as he signs  bashed , slapping his fist into his open palm.  "&lt;ESL&gt;That was the first clue to what we were facing. His suicide was a scene that would play out again and again, when we got too close to someone who knew too much. I am sorry that he tried it with you.&lt;/ESL&gt;" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "The first time?   Mithril pushed Natalia hand off her shoulder.   "I read Shiro's thoughts.  He was being driven mad with guilt over what Danton had become.  He trained him, taught him, gave him weapons.  Shiro was known as Crusader long before Danton.  The Voice fed that guilt, but never lied.  It seemed to have an ability to find the person's deepest secrets and force confessions.  It breaks people."  
 

Natalia looks down at her hand after Mithril pushes it off with an expression of confusion and hurt before the rest of what the wizard says makes her snap to attention. She read Shiro's mind? And he...he...

 "Crusaders?! He...knew Crusader founder? TRAINED Crusader founder?! Hate and death Crusaders?!"  Rage boils in her, shooting upward until her thoughts are a jumble. He trained the leader of those murderers?! And did nothing? With all the guild, he did NOTHING?! The crusaders were around for a while, long before the Voice, he could have done SOMETHING, fixed what he broke, stopped the killing! He could have done something, but instead...

 "What honor there?!"  And that's it! All the honor that Soshima talked about, all the honor that they were a paragon of it, there's no honor in this! If they actually had any honor he--they wouldn't run away from the madmen they created! They would have done something! So why didn't he? Where was his honor there, to stop the madness before it began, or at least stop it from getting worse?!

Does Natalia still have pity for what the Voice did to Shiro, driving him mad, feeding his guilt, turning him into that? Some. But right now she mostly has disgust for him, and the other heads of Soshima. If the timelines are right, he had the chance to stop it, so many chances, they could have stopped the slaughter. But instead they ran and hid and let the rot and horror spread and...and did  nothing , she read what they did, she heard what Zane and Torin and Karik said, Shiro and the other heads of Soshima did nothing while they talked about Soshiman honor and what an  honorable  man he was, how  honorable  their society was when they never owned up to what they did...

The rage bubbles over and Natalia spits. If that's what honor is then she wants no part of it.


 She watched the quill take her words down.   "The second time.  The first time he spoke to me.  It was in Deldon.  I didn't say anything, we thought someone in the group had told the Voice.  That someone was a traitor.  After he spoke to me... I thought I had killed Miriam.  It was after the attack by the drow.  I was falling asleep.  He wasn't demanding, but almost fatherly.  He was offering advice, to leave this mission.  That by removing ourselves we would survive."    She rubbed her nose, remembering that night.   "I broke my nose to try to drive him out.  He just laughed.  Called this world a puzzle he was trying to figure out.  According to him, he had no enemies and no allies.  That I was just to short sighted to see the truth."  

The seething rage is still there, but now shock and growing horror wells up to mix with it, a roiling tumult inside Natalia. He did this to Mithril, rummaged in her head for the plan (the thought makes her sick), told her too to run away (why did he tell Mithril to run, to stop? That's important, but Natalia can't put her finger on it with all the other thoughts racing tangled together), whispering sweet lies...

And all this time Mithril thought she killed Miriam...

 "...Not your fault,"  Natalia croaks.  "It..."  Whose fault was it though? Some days Natalia's sure it was all her fault, that she should have run faster, been there sooner, warped, jumped, learned to grasp the shadows faster. Other days she thinks it's the fault of Calric and Cuthbert, another supposed paragon of justice who had nothing for Miriam and so deserves nothing from Natalia, for driving Miriam to be a martyr. And she's not sure which is which.


  I heard him again last night.  And made a mistake.  He knows we know.  I called him prisoner, didn't say who gave us that name, but he knows that now.  He said...."   With that she looked down and clenched her fists.   "He said it was to late to remove myself.  But I could save the rest of you.  Just one movement of my wrist..."  She twisted her wrist and the black dagger popped out into her hand.   "It would have been so easy.  But I refused.  I still don't know if I doomed us with that gesture.  He said I would have another choice to make later.  That I would regret the choice I made last night."   She shuddered a little, looking over at Kurt.

 "The worst part was he was kind.  A part of me, even now wants to listen to him.  He didn't give me orders, just advice."  

The rage freezes. The creeping horror freezes. The revulsion towards the Voice freezes. Everything inside Natalia turns to ice at what Mithril says. Not that she told, but what he told her to do. That...that he told her to...to...

Her mind goes blank, absolutely refusing to complete the thought even as a thousand taunting horrors close in around her ears.

Natalia goes pale, absolutely ashen, and starts to shake. Her eyes go unfocused, like she's not really looking at anything. She reaches out to Mithril but after the previous rebuttal is afraid to close the distance. She frantically shakes her head, little nods of denial. She looks like she's about to throw up.
CWater
Rhenner rubs his forehead like he's having a headache again when Mithril shares details about the Soshiman leader.   Really, can one not trust anything in this mad world?  

When the wizard gets to her own conversations with the Voice, his hand's movement stops. What she says sends a chill down his spine, and he's surprised how angry this tale makes him.

Rhenner puts a hand on Natalia's shoulder, it looks like the girl is so shocked she's feeling physically unwell.  "You've carried a heavy burden alone",  he says to Mithril.
CoffeeIncluded
Asdyr's translation washes over Natalia, and she hunches over at the matter of fact account as she tries not to vomit. Wherever the words are registering, it's not in her conscious mind. She stiffens at Rhenner's hand on her shoulder, and when she turns around he can see her mouthing something. Though no words come out.

Alone. She was all alone. Why was she all alone in this? She shouldn't be alone. Natalia gives a little nod at Rhenner's statement, though she still looks ashen and nauseous. To save them. He told Mithril to...to...to kill herself...to save them...the thought fills her with sheer black horror.
Athedia
 "I thought you would kill me if you knew.  I told Kurt to do so.. if I went bad.  When he got left behind."  Her head dropped unable to make eye contact.   "I thought the voice knew of our agreement.  That it had sent the attack." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "I thought you would kill me if you knew.  I told Kurt to do so.. if I went bad.  When he got left behind."  Her head dropped unable to make eye contact.   "I thought the voice knew of our agreement.  That it had sent the attack."  
 

Natalia suddenly inhales, a sharp noise of sheer disbelief somewhere between a gasp and a cry. She whips around at lightning speed and practically shouts (though she manages to keep her voice mostly level),  "You thought--what?! Why?! Told Kurt to...to...you thought...you go bad? Thought we'd...kill you?!"  The shock, the hurt, the sheer disbelief and utter astonishment that Mithril would ever think they'd hurt her are clear on her face as tears well in her eyes.  "Mithril, I...I..."

 I love you. I love you and even if you don't love me back you still mean so much to me. You stayed by me, you know my voice, you... 

"I never would. Mithril, I...would never...hurt you. Never. And...neither would friends, I know. We...I...would never...hurt you. Never."  Natalia pauses, kneeling on the ground to put herself on Mithril's level, though she doesn't force Mithril to look at her.  "Kurt lost...not your fault. We knew...things down there..." 

She reaches out to Mithril, to embrace her, but pauses halfway through, her arms halfway outstretched.  "Can I...? Please?" 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "I thought you would kill me if you knew.  I told Kurt to do so.. if I went bad.  When he got left behind."  Her head dropped unable to make eye contact.   "I thought the voice knew of our agreement.  That it had sent the attack."  
 

 "...Why... why would you think... anyone here would want to kill you for a voice you don't want speaking to your mind?"  Rhenner sounds astonished. He hadn't thought that Mithril, the reserved wizard, could be this frail.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia suddenly inhales, a sharp noise of sheer disbelief somewhere between a gasp and a cry. She whips around at lightning speed and practically shouts (though she manages to keep her voice mostly level),  "You thought--what?! Why?! Told Kurt to...to...you thought...you go bad? Thought we'd...kill you?!"  The shock, the hurt, the sheer disbelief and utter astonishment that Mithril would ever think they'd hurt her are clear on her face as tears well in her eyes.  "Mithril, I...I..."

 I love you. I love you and even if you don't love me back you still mean so much to me. You stayed by me, you know my voice, you... 

"I never would. Mithril, I...would never...hurt you. Never. And...neither would friends, I know. We...I...would never...hurt you. Never."  Natalia pauses, kneeling on the ground to put herself on Mithril's level, though she doesn't force Mithril to look at her.  "Kurt lost...not your fault. We knew...things down there..." 

She reaches out to Mithril, to embrace her, but pauses halfway through, her arms halfway outstretched.  "Can I...? Please?"  
 

 
 Spoiler 
Mithril is still standing by the way
 


Mithril didn't respond still looking at the ground.    I don't deserve this response.  They should be angry, not apologetic.   

 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "...Why... why would you think... anyone here would want to kill you for a voice you don't want speaking to your mind?"  Rhenner sounds astonished. He hadn't thought that Mithril, the reserved wizard, could be this frail. 
 

At this Mithril looked up and her eyes looked like they had before she had brought the knife down on the drow prisoners fingers.   "Because I would have.  Especially since I tried to contact him every night we were in the Underdark." 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 At this Mithril looked up and her eyes looked like they had before she had brought the knife down on the drow prisoners fingers.   "Because I would have.  Especially since I tried to contact him every night we were in the Underdark."  
 

In the pause after this revelation, the Minister of Information interjects.  "I would not say that was wise,"  he states flatly,  "but at least I can say it was likely harmless. I've collected cases where people try to summon the Voice into their own mind, as one would pray to a deity, and none of them were successful. He seems to choose for himself where his attention lies. In any case, you are not the first to seek him out, once you had heard him."  His words may sound forgiving, but Asdyr's manner is as cold as ever. His eyes regard Mithril not sympathetically but curiously.
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 At this Mithril looked up and her eyes looked like they had before she had brought the knife down on the drow prisoners fingers.   "Because I would have.  Especially since I tried to contact him every night we were in the Underdark."  
 

 "Well, not all of us are as cold",  Rhenner replies, though his tone has a shred of chill in it,  "But something confuses me. You condemn your actions and yet you still acted that way. Why?" 
Cavelcade
Kurt sat quietly as she told her story, hands resting on his lap. What passed underneath at the revelations about Shiro and the Crusaders, about Soshima and their inaction, he doesn't show it on the surface except that his hands start to slowly clench until his knuckles pop loudly, causing him to blush, coughing awkwardly at having suddenly drawn attention to himself.

When she gets to the part about the Voice trying to make her kill herself, he stands up so fast the chair falls backwards with a clatter, his hand clenches tightly around the hilt of his blade and doesn't come off, indeed, Mithril hasn't seen him like this since the charge into Deldon, letting the rage in in this way.

 "If you want someone to drink poison, feed it to them with honey."  He growls the phrase out, one he'd heard long ago but never understood.

Then she mentions the agreement he'd made and he's shocked back to a semblance of clarity, although his hand remains firmly on the hilt. Still, he coughs awkwardly, frowning at the ground. When Rhennar questions her, he feels compelled to speak up, defend her.  "Do you always do the right thing? Some feelings are like caveins. They just swallow you up." 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "Well, not all of us are as cold",  Rhenner replies, though his tone has a shred of chill in it,  "But something confuses me. You condemn your actions and yet you still acted that way. Why?"  
 

Mithril looked straight at Rhenner.   "One can do something and still hate themselves for it.  Especially if you believe you are right.  I have a suspicion you are more familiar with this than you share.  I wanted to live.  Which is why I asked the most honorable man I knew to do what I could not.  I am not a good person anymore Rhenner.  Too much has changed." 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
 Then she mentions the agreement he'd made and he's shocked back to a semblance of clarity, although his hand remains firmly on the hilt. Still, he coughs awkwardly, frowning at the ground. When Rhennar questions her, he feels compelled to speak up, defend her.  "Do you always do the right thing? Some feelings are like caveins. They just swallow you up."  
 

Rhenner turns to face Kurt.  "That may be true, however, I still agree with the Minister, it shows very little wisdom regarding a very serious situation",  he looks back at Mithril,  "I would have expected more from you in such a matter." 

 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril looked straight at Rhenner.   "One can do something and still hate themselves for it.  Especially if you believe you are right.  I have a suspicion you are more familiar with this than you share.  I wanted to live.  Which is why I asked the most honorable man I knew to do what I could not.  I am not a good person anymore Rhenner.  Too much has changed."  
 

 "I believe you",  the cleric replies flatly,  "though I would not think you are purely wicked either. What kind of person you are  trying  to be, that I cannot tell."  He shakes his head slightly.  "I've learned you are not one to trust others, and for that I don't blame you. But I'm curious of what suspicions you have of me?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Please let me know if he's being too blunt/rude for your taste. I can adjust this.
 
Cavelcade
Kurt mutters a soft response to that, not quite meeting Rhennar's gaze.  "Wisdom isn't always easy to come by..." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  
 Spoiler 
Mithril is still standing by the way
 


Mithril didn't respond still looking at the ground.    I don't deserve this response.  They should be angry, not apologetic.    
 

Natalia doesn't move. She's still there.


 At this Mithril looked up and her eyes looked like they had before she had brought the knife down on the drow prisoners fingers.   "Because I would have.  Especially since I tried to contact him every night we were in the Underdark."  

Natalia's eyes widen in horror and shock. They look something like when she found Mithril, or when she woke up from her rage and found Rhenner had finished the undergnome in the Shredder.  "You  what? Why?!"  

 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "Well, not all of us are as cold",  Rhenner replies, though his tone has a shred of chill in it,  "But something confuses me. You condemn your actions and yet you still acted that way. Why?"  
 

  I think you're forcing yourself to be colder than you are,   Natalia thinks, though she doesn't say anything other than a half-murmured,  "Like flamepoweder...no other way, right?"  as she waits for Mithril's response.


 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
 When she gets to the part about the Voice trying to make her kill herself, he stands up so fast the chair falls backwards with a clatter, his hand clenches tightly around the hilt of his blade and doesn't come off, indeed, Mithril hasn't seen him like this since the charge into Deldon, letting the rage in in this way.

 "If you want someone to drink poison, feed it to them with honey."  He growls the phrase out, one he'd heard long ago but never understood.

Then she mentions the agreement he'd made and he's shocked back to a semblance of clarity, although his hand remains firmly on the hilt. Still, he coughs awkwardly, frowning at the ground. When Rhennar questions her, he feels compelled to speak up, defend her.  "Do you always do the right thing? Some feelings are like caveins. They just swallow you up."  
 

Natalia glances over at Kurt as he clenches his fists, and startles at the clatter when he jumps to his feet.  "Kurt right,"  Natalia says.  "I...know too. In Shredder, red just....red all over...And against Soshima horde..."  She closes her eyes and clenches her fists. She knows what she did, that it was necessary, but that didn't make it good...


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril looked straight at Rhenner.   "One can do something and still hate themselves for it.  Especially if you believe you are right.  I have a suspicion you are more familiar with this than you share.  I wanted to live.  Which is why I asked the most honorable man I knew to do what I could not.  I am not a good person anymore Rhenner.  Too much has changed."  
 

The words strike Natalia through the heart. And yet... "That still not why! Why you think it right to call down Voice? And why you say not good anymore?"  She shakes her head.  "Okay, may know why, but...why run down path? Why treat self like this?"  She herself isn't the delusional one, is she? She wants to put sense into Mithril, tell her of the guilt, the hatred she's held for herself since blowing up the orcs,, even as she knows she'd do it again because there's no other way, wants to tell her how much she understands, wants to tell her that's still no reason to stop trying to be good, that she thinks Shiro stopped being good the day he stopped trying...

But she knows the words won't come out, not unless Mithril reads her thoughts or communicates in her mind or someone casts that wonderful Tongues spell on her.


 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 Rhenner turns to face Kurt.  "That may be true, however, I still agree with the Minister, it shows very little wisdom regarding a very serious situation",  he looks back at Mithril,  "I would have expected more from you in such a matter." 
 "I believe you",  the cleric replies flatly,  "though I would not think you are purely wicked either. What kind of person you are  trying  to be, that I cannot tell."  He shakes his head slightly.  "I've learned you are not one to trust others, and for that I don't blame you. But I'm curious of what suspicions you have of me?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Please let me know if he's being too blunt/rude for your taste. I can adjust this.
 
 
 


 "Know...my thinking?"  Natalia was looking down at her hands, but now she looks up.  "Mithril, somewhere in you...same woman who helped ogre captives, who knows my voice. Why...deny? You not same from before, true. I not same after flamepowder bomb, nobody same from before. But...that not mean stop trying! Mithril, why stop? Why force this? Why shut out help? Even if not always trust, can trust us..." You can trust me.  "Please...let us in..."  What can I say? What can I do to help you, to make you stop being a martyr! Please, Mithril, don't do this! Don't force yourself down this path!  

 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
 Kurt mutters a soft response to that, not quite meeting Rhennar's gaze.  "Wisdom isn't always easy to come by..."  
 

 "No...it not..."  I don't know what I'm doing either. I know I need to do, but I don't know what to do. I need help. And so do you, so why do you deny it?  

The whole time, she's still there.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 Rhenner turns to face Kurt.  "That may be true, however, I still agree with the Minister, it shows very little wisdom regarding a very serious situation",  he looks back at Mithril,  "I would have expected more from you in such a matter." 
 "I believe you",  the cleric replies flatly,  "though I would not think you are purely wicked either. What kind of person you are  trying  to be, that I cannot tell."  He shakes his head slightly.  "I've learned you are not one to trust others, and for that I don't blame you. But I'm curious of what suspicions you have of me?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Please let me know if he's being too blunt/rude for your taste. I can adjust this.
 
 
 

 
 Spoiler 
He is blunt/rude.  That is his character.  It is perfect.
 

 "You hide from your own church, disbelieve their doctrine.  It is one thing for someone like me to doubt, but something sent you down this road. As for who I am trying to be... Life would be easy if I knew that.  For now I have a voice in my head, friends dying around me and I cannot leave because my god commands I stay.  I have never laid claim to being wise.  I know my books, my stories, my spells.  If I was wise I would have never left the safety of my parents shop, never snuck into the Temple to study magic.  Wisdom didn't send me down this road." 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  
 Spoiler 
He is blunt/rude.  That is his character.  It is perfect.
 

 "You hide from your own church, disbelieve their doctrine.  It is one thing for someone like me to doubt, but something sent you down this road. As for who I am trying to be... Life would be easy if I knew that.  For now I have a voice in my head, friends dying around me and I cannot leave because my god commands I stay.  I have never laid claim to being wise.  I know my books, my stories, my spells.  If I was wise I would have never left the safety of my parents shop, never snuck into the Temple to study magic.  Wisdom didn't send me down this road."  
 

Rhenner keeps his hand on Natalia's shoulder, unless she moves away, but keeps his gaze fixed on Mithril.

 "Is it wise to stay locked up in one's home either, never try to see farther than what one was born to",  Rhenner replies, not quite able to pass such a statement against his faith without a retort,  "How can you know staying home would have been better? This war might sweep over it too, and then you'd be powerless against it. Now you have a chance to make a difference, and possibly such a remarkable one that the opposition addresses you personally, trying to remove you before you can act against it." 

He glances around the room. They are in a foreign country, in a continent far away from his.  "Yes, I've worked against the Church's will, disobeyed, though more in secret than openly, for hopefully obvious reasons. Because I refuse to let the thruth be swept under the rug; I've seen what it can cause. Does that make me more untrustworthy to you, than the blind pawns that choose to blindly follow because they are told to even if they have evidence of that what they are being told is a lie?!"  He's speaking louder and more overwrought towards the end.

 
 Spoiler 
They are causing quite a scene right in front of their questgivers.😛 I wonder if the Minister is having second thoughts of trusting these folks with the safety of his city. ^^'
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia lets Rhenner keep his hand on her shoulder the rich is comforting. She's always been a physical person.

 "I not think...anyone knows what trying be. But...don't force self cold. Rhenner right, less wise to...do nothing. And..."  she pauses and trails off as herons races to fill the gaps.  "That it! Voice...afraid of you! Voice afraid of us, afraid of you! We...can't stop now!" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 Rhenner keeps his hand on Natalia's shoulder, unless she moves away, but keeps his gaze fixed on Mithril.

 "Is it wise to stay locked up in one's home either, never try to see farther than what one was born to",  Rhenner replies, not quite able to pass such a statement against his faith without a retort,  "How can you know staying home would have been better? This war might sweep over it too, and then you'd be powerless against it. Now you have a chance to make a difference, and possibly such a remarkable one that the opposition addresses you personally, trying to remove you before you can act against it." 

He glances around the room. They are in a foreign country, in a continent far away from his.  "Yes, I've worked against the Church's will, disobeyed, though more in secret than openly, for hopefully obvious reasons. Because I refuse to let the thruth be swept under the rug; I've seen what it can cause. Does that make me more untrustworthy to you, than the blind pawns that choose to blindly follow because they are told to even if they have evidence of that what they are being told is a lie?!"  He's speaking louder and more agitated towards the end.

 
 Spoiler 
They are causing quite a scene right in front of their questgivers.😛 I wonder if the Minister is having second thoughts of trusting these folks with the safety of his city. ^^'
 
 
 

 "You asked what person I am trying to be.  I answered.  At least then I would have died knowing my order in the world."   Mithril was barely holding herself back.   "Those pawns are people, Rhenner.  Frightened people looking for answers from the only source they have.  When I called out to the Voice it was because there was a chance he would listen.  I don't know what it is like having a god who cares.  The only time mine has ever stepped in was to give me commands when what I want is answers.  And his emissary, I don't even know if we can trust her, if she is another messenger of the Prisoner.  All I can do is follow blindly, believe what is told to me." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 He glances around the room. They are in a foreign country, in a continent far away from his.  "Yes, I've worked against the Church's will, disobeyed, though more in secret than openly, for hopefully obvious reasons. Because I refuse to let the thruth be swept under the rug; I've seen what it can cause. Does that make me more untrustworthy to you, than the blind pawns that choose to blindly follow because they are told to even if they have evidence of that what they are being told is a lie?!"  He's speaking louder and more overwrought towards the end.

 
 Spoiler 
They are causing quite a scene right in front of their questgivers.😛 I wonder if the Minister is having second thoughts of trusting these folks with the safety of his city. ^^'
 
 
 


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "You asked what person I am trying to be.  I answered.  At least then I would have died knowing my order in the world."   Mithril was barely holding herself back.   "Those pawns are people, Rhenner.  Frightened people looking for answers from the only source they have.  When I called out to the Voice it was because there was a chance he would listen.  I don't know what it is like having a god who cares.  The only time mine has ever stepped in was to give me commands when what I want is answers.  And his emissary, I don't even know if we can trust her, if she is another messenger of the Prisoner.  All I can do is follow blindly, believe what is told to me."  
 

 "I agree, that...better to bring out truth, expose Church that hides and lies, but...Mithril right. Pawns are people and...hard to look own answers. Hurts."  She pauses at Mithril's confession. Oh. Natalia's never expected a god to answer, and so she never cared beyond seeing what happened to others. But Mithril...

 "I...don't know either. Follow Gond, but look within. Especially...after Miriam..."  Natalia takes a moment to collect herself.  "Don't know if blind or not, but trying to see. Maybe...makes easier, maybe harder. Don't know. But...do know that Boccob Uncaring needs give caring now."  She glares at Avaralynn.  "Avaralynn, you...not by Mithril this time. Not seen pain. But I have. I...can't help."  She hangs her head as she confesses.  "Can't help like want, can't help like should no matter what try. But...Mithril needs you now. Needs something said. Now." 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "I agree, that...better to bring out truth, expose Church that hides and lies, but...Mithril right. Pawns are people and...hard to look own answers. Hurts."  She pauses at Mithril's confession. Oh. Natalia's never expected a god to answer, and so she never cared beyond seeing what happened to others. But Mithril...

 "I...don't know either. Follow Gond, but look within. Especially...after Miriam..."  Natalia takes a moment to collect herself.  "Don't know if blind or not, but trying to see. Maybe...makes easier, maybe harder. Don't know. But...do know that Boccob Uncaring needs give caring now."  She glares at Avaralynn.  "Avaralynn, you...not by Mithril this time. Not seen pain. But I have. I...can't help."  She hangs her head as she confesses.  "Can't help like want, can't help like should no matter what try. But...Mithril needs you now. Needs something said. Now."  
 

 "No."   Mithril looked over at Avaralynn.   "We talked.  She gave the only advice she can.  She isn't our friend Natalia, an ally but never a friend." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "No."   Mithril looked over at Avaralynn.   "We talked.  She gave the only advice she can.  She isn't our friend Natalia, an ally but never a friend."  
 

 "When you talked?"  Natalia grinds her teeth in frustration.  "Then what you want? Mithril, you...not along, please, I want help, we all want help but..."  I want to go back, I want us all to go back to before this mess but I can't, we cant.  "You safe now, with ring, right?"  She pauses. Now what?

Natalia glances over at Avaralynn, silently demanding answers.
Cavelcade
Kurt moves over between the two, radiating waves of anger that seem to spring forth at the mention of Miriam, a deeply hidden well of frustration flooding out.  "Aye, maybe all our wandering and pondering is for nothin, ye might be right the both of ye."  His voice is thick with his accent, normally barely noticeable.  "Stay home and learn nothin' or go out and kill, aye, seems like not much of a choice I suppose. But order in the world?" 

He turns to face Mithril, looking up at her, frustrated tears at the corner of his eye.  "What order are ya talking about? You think you'd be safe, safe as some girly in a bakery? That safety can be gone in a blink! The only order we have is the order we can put on our lives ourselves...that's what Miriam never damn well got! Always trying to force others into her kind of order..."  He curses in dwarven, both hands on his hilt - one hand pushing it in, the other trying to loosen it, ready himself..

 "Hilton understood it."  After a moment's silence where the internal battle to draw his blade in anger rages again, he settles himself.  "You can do what others tell you, be a slave or a slaver."  He spits to the side even saying it, turning to Rhennar.  "Because he dinnot even see that there was a choice for him. I gave him a chance and now he frees slaves. Frees them!"  A raw flash of a smile across his face at that, before gloom returns like a stormcloud.  "Because I killed a friend, I had to leave home. If I never left home, I'd nae have been around ta save him. If he had been branded by a guild he'd never have been a slaver, but he'd nae be freeing slaves now neither. He's alive because I put order on myself, and he survived because he did tha same. He's got a lot o' work to do but at least he's tryin'!"  He looks up at Rhennar with a mild frown on his forehead.  "You do good, I've seen that...but could you do wha' he went and did? It's not easy to make a new path either..." 

He looks embarrassed to have gone on so long. After an awkward shrug, he walks heavily back to his chair and rights it, slamming himself down into it and crossing his arms.  "I told ya before Mithril. If you go bad, I'll do what you asked if'n it can be done. I made a promise. But if ya weren't wise before then blooming start being wise now. Don't go talking to strange voices in yer head! I dinnae come back here to meet you to think about that, I came back because I wanted to help that nae ta happen!"  He looks down towards the end of that sentence, his voice becoming even thicker, harder to understand.
CWater
 
 Spoiler 
This first part would come before Kurt's intervention, is that okay?
 


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "You asked what person I am trying to be.  I answered.  At least then I would have died knowing my order in the world."   Mithril was barely holding herself back.   "Those pawns are people, Rhenner.  Frightened people looking for answers from the only source they have.  When I called out to the Voice it was because there was a chance he would listen.  I don't know what it is like having a god who cares.  The only time mine has ever stepped in was to give me commands when what I want is answers.  And his emissary, I don't even know if we can trust her, if she is another messenger of the Prisoner.  All I can do is follow blindly, believe what is told to me."  
 

Rhenner lets out a small hollow laugh.  "I really can't figure out how your mind works. On one moment you're speaking of willingness to cold-blooded murder, and on the next you are reprimanding me for referring to people as pawns",  he shakes his head,  "Let me clarify what I meant. I don't blame the people of Eldgar for believing in things that aren't true, no I don't even blame most of the clerics of the Church for that. They've never had a reason to question it, so why should they? But you saw the Crevice. If someone who had walked through a place like that were still insisting that there is no worship of evil, or the deity powering that is not evil, would you not consider them a blind fool?!" 

He takes a deep breath and is about to continue when he is interrupted by a dwarf that has clearly a will stronger than steel and an unshakable determination.

 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
 Kurt moves over between the two, radiating waves of anger that seem to spring forth at the mention of Miriam, a deeply hidden well of frustration flooding out.  "Aye, maybe all our wandering and pondering is for nothin, ye might be right the both of ye."  His voice is thick with his accent, normally barely noticeable.  "Stay home and learn nothin' or go out and kill, aye, seems like not much of a choice I suppose. But order in the world?" 

He turns to face Mithril, looking up at her, frustrated tears at the corner of his eye.  "What order are ya talking about? You think you'd be safe, safe as some girly in a bakery? That safety can be gone in a blink! The only order we have is the order we can put on our lives ourselves...that's what Miriam never damn well got! Always trying to force others into her kind of order..."  He curses in dwarven, both hands on his hilt - one hand pushing it in, the other trying to loosen it, ready himself..  
 

 "Well said",  Rhenner mutters to himself. His own anger that had been growing suddenly draining away.


  "Hilton understood it."  After a moment's silence where the internal battle to draw his blade in anger rages again, he settles himself.  "You can do what others tell you, be a slave or a slaver."  He spits to the side even saying it, turning to Rhennar.  "Because he dinnot even see that there was a choice for him. I gave him a chance and now he frees slaves. Frees them!"  A raw flash of a smile across his face at that, before gloom returns like a stormcloud.  "Because I killed a friend, I had to leave home. If I never left home, I'd nae have been around ta save him. If he had been branded by a guild he'd never have been a slaver, but he'd nae be freeing slaves now neither. He's alive because I put order on myself, and he survived because he did tha same. He's got a lot o' work to do but at least he's tryin'!"  He looks up at Rhennar with a mild frown on his forehead.  "You do good, I've seen that...but could you do wha' he went and did? It's not easy to make a new path either..."  

 "...That I cannot know",  Rhenner says,  "I'm fortunate enough to have been spared such life. I do know something, of having to change the path one is walking, but I can't say of my ability of faring in someone elses." 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "When you talked?"  Natalia grinds her teeth in frustration.  "Then what you want? Mithril, you...not along, please, I want help, we all want help but..."  I want to go back, I want us all to go back to before this mess but I can't, we cant.  "You safe now, with ring, right?"  She pauses. Now what?

Natalia glances over at Avaralynn, silently demanding answers. 
 

 "It is a great burden you all bear, having chosen this road,"  Avaralynn says seriously.  "And I cannot help bear it, for that is not my place in this war. Only you can help each other." 
 "As Kurt said, you will have to make your own path. And as Mithril said, I am your ally, but I am not your friend. None of us are." 

There is an awkward pause. Off to the side, Jandar makes a few motions that the Minister does not notice or interpret, but which from context look something like   "Except for me. I don't mind being a friend."  .
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  
 Spoiler 
This first part would come before Kurt's intervention, is that okay?
 




Rhenner lets out a small hollow laugh.  "I really can't figure out how your mind works. On one moment you're speaking of willingness to cold-blooded murder, and on the next you are reprimanding me for referring to people as pawns",  he shakes his head,  "Let me clarify what I meant. I don't blame the people of Eldgar for believing in things that aren't true, no I don't even blame most of the clerics of the Church for that. They've never had a reason to question it, so why should they? But you saw the Crevice. If someone who had walked through a place like that were still insisting that there is no worship of evil, or the deity powering that is not evil, would you not consider them a blind fool?!" 

He takes a deep breath and is about to continue when he is interrupted by a dwarf that has clearly a will stronger than steel and an unshakable determination. 
 

  "Because I think Mithril's forcing herself to be cold,"   Natalia thinks, and signs almost without thinking, and prays that someone notices. She's about to reply to Rhenner herself when Kurt's voice cuts through, thicker than she can ever remember.


 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
 Kurt moves over between the two, radiating waves of anger that seem to spring forth at the mention of Miriam, a deeply hidden well of frustration flooding out.  "Aye, maybe all our wandering and pondering is for nothin, ye might be right the both of ye."  His voice is thick with his accent, normally barely noticeable.  "Stay home and learn nothin' or go out and kill, aye, seems like not much of a choice I suppose. But order in the world?" 

He turns to face Mithril, looking up at her, frustrated tears at the corner of his eye.  "What order are ya talking about? You think you'd be safe, safe as some girly in a bakery? That safety can be gone in a blink! The only order we have is the order we can put on our lives ourselves...that's what Miriam never damn well got! Always trying to force others into her kind of order..."  He curses in dwarven, both hands on his hilt - one hand pushing it in, the other trying to loosen it, ready himself..

 "Hilton understood it."  After a moment's silence where the internal battle to draw his blade in anger rages again, he settles himself.  "You can do what others tell you, be a slave or a slaver."  He spits to the side even saying it, turning to Rhennar.  "Because he dinnot even see that there was a choice for him. I gave him a chance and now he frees slaves. Frees them!"  A raw flash of a smile across his face at that, before gloom returns like a stormcloud.  "Because I killed a friend, I had to leave home. If I never left home, I'd nae have been around ta save him. If he had been branded by a guild he'd never have been a slaver, but he'd nae be freeing slaves now neither. He's alive because I put order on myself, and he survived because he did tha same. He's got a lot o' work to do but at least he's tryin'!"  He looks up at Rhennar with a mild frown on his forehead.  "You do good, I've seen that...but could you do wha' he went and did? It's not easy to make a new path either..." 

He looks embarrassed to have gone on so long. After an awkward shrug, he walks heavily back to his chair and rights it, slamming himself down into it and crossing his arms.  "I told ya before Mithril. If you go bad, I'll do what you asked if'n it can be done. I made a promise. But if ya weren't wise before then blooming start being wise now. Don't go talking to strange voices in yer head! I dinnae come back here to meet you to think about that, I came back because I wanted to help that nae ta happen!"  He looks down towards the end of that sentence, his voice becoming even thicker, harder to understand. 
 

Natalia pauses, her frustration gradually clearing up and recessing to a dull pulse somewhere deep down. Kurt's accent, rough and thick, makes her listen all the more keenly. So that's what happened, to him and Hilton.

...He's right. Kurt's right, part of what he's saying is sort of what she's been trying to think and feel and say but couldn't quite grasp. But he's right. Miriam, the martyr who for all her goodness tried to make others like herself, the order in the world, the chances and choices people take. Where would she be, if not for a few choices? Or a wrenching off a darker path to something scary but...

Her thoughts swirl together into a tumult and funnel into action. Natalia steps forward and hugs Kurt quickly before stepping back.  "Thank you. For...coming back. I think...you the best of us all."  Ive missed you, we need you. You're the best of us all.  

  "Well said",  Rhenner mutters to himself. His own anger that had been growing suddenly draining away.



 "...That I cannot know",  Rhenner says,  "I'm fortunate enough to have been spared such life. I do know something, of having to change the path one is walking, but I can't say of my ability of faring in someone elses."  

 "I...not know either. But...I think being there, help, but not whispered honey lies like Voice. True help."  She holds up her hands and opens her mouth, then drops them helplessly.


 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "It is a great burden you all bear, having chosen this road,"  Avaralynn says seriously.  "And I cannot help bear it, for that is not my place in this war. Only you can help each other." 
 "As Kurt said, you will have to make your own path. And as Mithril said, I am your ally, but I am not your friend. None of us are." 

There is an awkward pause. Off to the side, Jandar makes a few motions that the Minister does not notice or interpret, but which from context look something like   "Except for me. I don't mind being a friend."  . 
 

 "That what I'm trying, what want! And if not your place, then what is!" 

The minister doesn't notice Jandar's motions, but Natalia does. She tilts her head, then whispers what she said to her friends (please let them still be friends after this, the treacherous thought says as it flits through her mind).
Athedia
Mithril opened her mouth to protest, then quickly shut it as Kurt spoke.   "I just wanted to protect you all.  After Henry....   She collapsed into a chair, exhausted.   "If Avaralynn directly intercedes... that might allow other gods to do the same.  War is killing to many already, but if the gods fight?  If even Boccob is taking direct action?  At least this doom we have a chance." 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril opened her mouth to protest, then quickly shut it as Kurt spoke.   "I just wanted to protect you all.  After Henry....   She collapsed into a chair, exhausted.   "If Avaralynn directly intercedes... that might allow other gods to do the same.  War is killing to many already, but if the gods fight?  If even Boccob is taking direct action?  At least this doom we have a chance."  
 

 "You wouldn't protect anyone by ending your own life",  Rhenner says, his voice somewhat hollow after the anger left so suddenly,  "Natalia would break if you did that, even I can see it. And I don't think any of your friends would wants such a sacrifice done for them. I wouldn't."

"You may be right about the gods interfering, I suppose there is a balance for them to maintain. Still, Boccob hasn't left you completely without aid, which is why it puzzles me why you talk of gods that care or don't. What I know of, He's helped you more than most followers, of any deity, ever receive." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril opened her mouth to protest, then quickly shut it as Kurt spoke.   "I just wanted to protect you all.  After Henry....   She collapsed into a chair, exhausted. 
 

 Oh.  Natalia turns to Mithril and sits next to her, staying on her level.  "...I know. It..."  It's all I want too.  "But...not like this. This...won't protect. Your dying...won't protect us. Won't...protect me."  She places a hand over Mithril's.  "Want...protect you too. Henry as much my fault...for giving bow...but...guilt still walks, right?"  she adds in almost a whisper. If she's anything like her, it would.  "I...know you want protect. But...not like this. Not by dying." 

  "If Avaralynn directly intercedes... that might allow other gods to do the same.  War is killing to many already, but if the gods fight?  If even Boccob is taking direct action?  At least this doom we have a chance."  

What? But if Avaralynn taking direct action would let the other gods take direct action, then...She slowly turns to Avaralynn.  "What..are you?" 

 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "You wouldn't protect anyone by ending your own life",  Rhenner says, his voice somewhat hollow after the anger left so suddenly,  "Natalia would break if you did that, even I can see it. And I don't think any of your friends would wants such a sacrifice done for them. I wouldn't."  
 

 

Natalia nods in agreement, unable to find the words. Because Rhenner's right. Mithril killing herself...her mind turns to a horrible yawning black emptiness at the thought. And it would hurt everyone else too.


 "You may be right about the gods interfering, I suppose there is a balance for them to maintain. Still, Boccob hasn't left you completely without aid, which is why it puzzles me why you talk of gods that care or don't. What I know of, He's helped you more than most followers, of any deity, ever receive." 

 She's still silent, but now it's because she doesn't know about the subject, simply trusts Rhenner on this topic.
Cavelcade
 "So what now?"   After taking some moments to compose his thoughts, he looks up to rejoin the conversation. "Now that we're done with fool ideas. Do we go back?" 
CWater
After a moment of awkward silence, Rhenner speaks up.  "Alright, a great danger to the world exists, that has been established. So what are we to do about it? What can we do? It seems he has been able to further his plans with little hindrance, least of all because no one really knows what they are. But what is your current plan to oppose him?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Rhenner not the first to bring up the book, I think. He didn't like Lysandra (to put it nicely), and that meeting is not the first thing on his mind right now.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia's still quietly lost in thought, and doesn't seem to react as Kurt and Rhenner turn to plans and ideas on what to do next. The thoughts tangle together in her mind, waves and torrents and tangled strings. And suddenly, one floats unbidden to the surface.

 "What of...Boccob's book?"  Natalia asks quietly.  "Lost and found again..." 
Athedia
 "Yes."  Mithril pulled the book out of her bag, placing it on the table.  She briefly smiled before stepping back.  "The gifter said that this may help in rebinding the Prisoner." 
Cavelcade
Kurt stares in shock at that, looking over at the trio with open curiosity.  "you found another one?!" 
Athedia
 "Given, not found.  Some people in the Underdark are... receptive to our cause." 
Admiral
Avaralynn raises her eyebrows and steps towards the book with a sudden urgency. She holds her hand above it and mutters a spell.

 "The book you brought me from Alabastor..."  Her voice has lost its hazy quality, and now sounds almost as clipped and efficient as the Minister's.  "...that one I may have expected; such were the rumors of the Mad Artificer. That you would come across a second one in the Underdark, two in one month- even two in one lifetime- that is  not  coincidence. Assuming it is not a trap."  She casts a second divination spell, one greatly beyond the party's knowledge, appearing to study the book carefully.  "Possessing the knowledge of Boccob is like having half the pieces of a puzzle..."  she adds thoughtfully, addressing no one in particular.

Within a minute or two she seems satisfied with her spells, picks up the book, and glances along each of its edges. Finally, to the party's surprise, she opens the front cover without trouble, and her eyes begin to skim the pages.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
 Kurt stares in shock at that, looking over at the trio with open curiosity.  "you found another one?!"  
 

 "From L--drow who told us voice chained."  She figured they could probably tell Kurt lysandras name, but not the rest.


 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Avaralynn raises her eyebrows and steps towards the book with a sudden urgency. She holds her hand above it and mutters a spell.

 "The book you brought me from Alabastor..."  Her voice has lost its hazy quality, and now sounds almost as clipped and efficient as the Minister's.  "...that one I may have expected; such were the rumors of the Mad Artificer. That you would come across a second one in the Underdark, two in one month- even two in one lifetime- that is  not  coincidence. Assuming it is not a trap."  She casts a second divination spell, one greatly beyond the party's knowledge, appearing to study the book carefully.  "Possessing the knowledge of Boccob is like having half the pieces of a puzzle..."  she adds thoughtfully, addressing no one in particular.

Within a minute or two she seems satisfied with her spells, picks up the book, and glances along each of its edges. Finally, to the party's surprise, she opens the front cover without trouble, and her eyes begin to skim the pages. 
 

The sudden change in demeanor grabs Natalia's attention, and her mouth falls open when avaralynn easily opens the book.  "H-How you do that?" 
Athedia
 "Avaralynn. It only holds one spell.  Far beyond my powers to cast right now."   She looked over at Natalia.   "The faithful of Boccob can open it, no-one else." 
Cavelcade
Kurt stares at her in shock, feeling overawed in a way he hasn't felt since before they left for Eldgar. Even charging into the besieging horde had only served to sharpen his mind, whereas this unnerves him. The presence of magic is a dangerous thing, he's reminded.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Avaralynn. It only holds one spell.  Far beyond my powers to cast right now."   She looked over at Natalia.   "The faithful of Boccob can open it, no-one else."  
 

 "One spell..."  Avaralynn echoes absently, her eyes never leaving the pages.  "Yes... and... no, not a spell, exactly..."  She flips through several more pages carefully, her eyes focused, seeming to drink in the power and potential held within the book.  "And not just..."  she starts to say, but trails off.

She runs her finger along one page. The party can just barely see inside the book, which is filled with what appear to be spell runes painted in dark blue ink.

 "Ah..."  she sighs, in what seems to be a combination of resignation and relief.  "I see."  She closes the book carefully, and when she looks up she has regained some of her usually serenity.

 
 Spoiler 

Want to let Natalia respond to Mithril and/or Avaralynn before going further.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Avaralynn. It only holds one spell.  Far beyond my powers to cast right now."   She looked over at Natalia.   "The faithful of Boccob can open it, no-one else."  
 

Natalia blinks in confusion at Mithril's statement.  "Makes sense that only boccobs faithful...open boccobs book, but...thought you couldn't open?"  Truth be told, that's why she was do surprised. Magic is...strange, and a bit scary, but since reaching a little of her own magic it makes a bit more sense. And it does make sense that only boccobs worshippers could use his book. But... "How know only one spell in pages? How there...only one spell in all pages?"  She's seen Mithril study; even the most complex spells only took up a few pages. And then she adds, with a bit of curiosity,  "What spell?" 

 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "One spell..."  Avaralynn echoes absently, her eyes never leaving the pages.  "Yes... and... no, not a spell, exactly..."  She flips through several more pages carefully, her eyes focused, seeming to drink in the power and potential held within the book.  "And not just..."  she starts to say, but trails off.

She runs her finger along one page. The party can just barely see inside the book, which is filled with what appear to be spell runes painted in dark blue ink.

 "Ah..."  she sighs, in what seems to be a combination of resignation and relief.  "I see."  She closes the book carefully, and when she looks up she has regained some of her usually serenity.

 
 Spoiler 

Want to let Natalia respond to Mithril and/or Avaralynn before going further.
 
 
 

Natalia's burning with questions but something in her stills them until avaralynn is done. It's probably the look on her face. But when she is, she asks,  "See what? What spell...and how not a spell at once?" 
 
 Spoiler 
with barely any battery left, here you go! Sorry about the wait; I was working with cows.
 
Athedia
 "It may be some ritual. I haven't had a chance to study it yet."   Mithril walked over to the book and opened the cover, flipping through the pages.   "As I said, this spell is beyond any power I can muster." 
CWater
Rhenner sits quietly while the others take out the book and study it. His expression is tense and he avoids eyecontact with anyone, glaringa at the walls, floor and ceiling instead, though he doesn't really register what he sees. His right hand clenches to a fist a couple of times during their conversation.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "It may be some ritual. I haven't had a chance to study it yet."   Mithril walked over to the book and opened the cover, flipping through the pages.   "As I said, this spell is beyond any power I can muster."  
 

Natalia's eyes bug out as Mithril causally opens the book and reads through it.  "You...can read book?! Since when?!"  It's not just shock that flares through Natalia. It's also a spike of hurt and...and betrayal. One more thing on so many things that Mithril never told her.

 "Why...lie to me? Why...hide again?"  She can't keep the hurt out of her voice this time.
Athedia
 "Why mention it?  I wanted to know what the spell or ritual required, I didn't even know if I would be able to open the book after that one time." 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia simply stares at Mithril in complete hurt and betrayal. It's not the book, so much as she's been hiding this too. For so long... Eventually she asks in a soft voice,  "...Why not? Why...hide this too, from start? How long? ...What spells need that mean keeping secrets?"  A note of anger forces its way into her voice as she speaks.

 
 Spoiler: Well this is not good 
Natalia's really hurt and betrayed here. She doesn't know why Mithril's doing this (well she kinda understands hiding the Voice, almost, but not this too) and she's kind of in the dark about it. Plus I want to see what Avaralynn has to say. 😛

Honestly I'm having a very difficult time with Natalia here. She's a mix of angry, betrayed, and wanting to know what's going on right now. If you guys have any suggestions or things I'm listening.
 
Admiral
Avaralynn looks curiously at Mithril for a moment as the wizard opens the book, but it is hard to read her expression, especially as Natalia makes her shocked exclamation.


 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia's burning with questions but something in her stills them until avaralynn is done. It's probably the look on her face. But when she is, she asks,  "See what? What spell...and how not a spell at once?"  
 

 "It is not a spell... or you could say it is a single spell... many wizards have guessed that these books hold  all  spells, and they are not entirely wrong. This book records the secrets of raw magic; specifically the building blocks of  Abjuration , the school of protection and warding. It is one of eight, I possess two others: one from Mithril, and one that was granted to me a very long time ago." 

Avaralynn looks first at Natalia, then at Mithril, then at each of the rest of the party in turn.  "Spells are made of magic, but magic is not...  made  of spells. A spell is but a small shadow of what magic truly is. Magic is the thread with which the gods wove the fabric of the universe."  She thinks for a moment, then straightens up.

 " Conjuration ,  Transmutation ,  Evocation ,  Abjuration ,  Enchantment ,  Illusion ,  Divination , and  Necromancy . These were the eight materials the gods used to craft our world. Creation, change, life, death... all that we are, and all that is around us, is constructed from these parts."  She recites her creation myth with utter confidence, such that skepticism seems to dissolve before her voice.

 "When the gods had finished their construction, they were greedy, and built themselves powers from these same components. The power to heal, to strengthen, to summon and command otherworldly beings... they reserved this for themselves, so that they could grant it to mortals as they pleased. But one god, the Archmage of the Deities, decided that this process of crafting magic should never be over. And so he blessed our world with access to these raw threads of creation. And mortals have found and made use of these threads, as the foundation of  arcane magic ." 
 "But these spells, the kind that fit in scrolls or spellbooks- they are  not  what the gods used to build our world, merely echoes thereof. Our world was forged with raw magic, whose potency is almost unimaginably greater. Think of a spell that conjures a single creature. Now think what magic it would take to conjure a planet. Think of the evocation of a ball of fire. Now imagine what it took to evoke the sun, and to keep it burning for eternity." 
 "Or... think of a primitive village in the desert, one that can draw water only from small, almost dry wells. In the minds of these people, water comes in buckets- limited by its very nature, needing constant replenishment. Think what they would think when they saw the ocean."  She smiles as she looks down at the tome.  "Mortal wizards have done so much, filling up spellbooks, studiously learning new tricks. But when it comes to true magic, we have barely dipped our toes in the water." 
 
 Spoiler 
Natch.
 

 "These books were the greatest secrets Boccob left to mortals. Whatever wizards may claim, most new spell research is done through trial and error- stumbling into the secrets of magic by accident. These books lay out their secrets in full. None but the gods could make full use of their power... but a sufficiently skilled wizard could draw from their secrets to craft new spells of epic strength."  She looks thoughtful as she flips through the pages one more time.  "It may be within my power to do so. I have done it once before." 
Athedia
 "What did you do then?"   Mithril paused.   "Wait, Abjuration.  That includes imprisonment spells, ones that lock the foes away for eternity?  Could, could we build one to rehouse the Prisoner?" 
Cavelcade
Kurt looks on uncertainly, stroking his beard a bit as he watches the discussion go on in silence. When it gets to the talk of magic and gods and creation he frowns, listening in and trying to follow her explanation. His brow gradually furrows, his discomfort growing bit by bit as she goes on, his imagination unable to contain the vastness of her explanation. Even her metaphor isn't helpful to him - to him, the villagers viewpoint makes complete sense. Water is a resource that must be carefully tended to in a mine if you want to be able to drink it, you can't drink the ocean. He shakes his head somewhat, sitting back with his arms crossed until Mithril gets to the point quite succinctly.

 "So we use this...ore of magic to forge new chains for the Prisoner? Is that what this means? 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia listens to Avaralynn's explanation carefully, trying her hardest to hang on to every word. It's difficult, but she thinks she's able to follow the metaphors, even if she cannot entirely understand them. She hasn't really heard the creation myth like this before. It seems like every religion has a slightly different one.

 "Wait,"  Natalia says, her fingers fluttering in mid-air as she tries to grab the words.  "You saying that....our magic, magic Mithril knows, I touch...are world's magic shades? And...in books...are real world's magic? And...you learned world's magic? Which books you have? And...what...of Rhenner's god magic?"  There's something else, something nudging at the corner of her mind, the book mithril found. Abjuration, abjuration, wards and...


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "What did you do then?"   Mithril paused.   "Wait, Abjuration.  That includes imprisonment spells, ones that lock the foes away for eternity?  Could, could we build one to rehouse the Prisoner?"  
 

Ah. Ah!


 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
 Kurt looks on uncertainly, stroking his beard a bit as he watches the discussion go on in silence. When it gets to the talk of magic and gods and creation he frowns, listening in and trying to follow her explanation. His brow gradually furrows, his discomfort growing bit by bit as she goes on, his imagination unable to contain the vastness of her explanation. Even her metaphor isn't helpful to him - to him, the villagers viewpoint makes complete sense. Water is a resource that must be carefully tended to in a mine if you want to be able to drink it, you can't drink the ocean. He shakes his head somewhat, sitting back with his arms crossed until Mithril gets to the point quite succinctly.

 "So we use this...ore of magic to forge new chains for the Prisoner? Is that what this means?  
 

 "Think so!"  Natalia exclaims, though she knows she might be getting ahead of herself.
Admiral
 It is  possible ...  Avaralynn replies cautiously.  "We are in uncertain territory. And whatever spell I can construct, we must find him first." 

She closes her eyes and thinks carefully.  "The 'prisoner'... you learned of this in the Underdark, from a divination. Is there anything else you can tell us of these diviners? Anything else you learned?" 
 
 Spoiler 

 Here's a hint .
 
CoffeeIncluded
Avaralynn can chain the Voice again! Though why couldn't she kill him and stop this from happening again? Natalia shakes her head.  "Don't think so. And...can't go back."  And even if we could, the only way I'd go back is to burn the whole Crevice down.   Her voice still sounds more than a bit subdued.  "Diviners strong, but such evil magic, and...can't go back."  Natalia falls silent and stares at her feet. Was there anything else, any possible other divination to find? She racks her twisted tangled mind for any possible answers, throws the mess in the air and runs through until something hits her.

Suddenly she runs into the answer, and looks up. It's tentative, and she can't remember every last thing, but... "Other diviners, not underground, but...in woods above. Remember her words, scratches in stone? Scratches shield against....scryer above? Think...forest seer might know? Do you know?" 
 
 Spoiler: Is this okay? 
Am I talking too much?
 
CWater
 "They had a map of Eldgar, in a room central to their hideous divination spell. One part of it on the edge of Woodhelm had beed scratched away."  Rhenner turns to Natalia,  "Was that what you're referring to?" 
 
 Spoiler 
Quick greetings from Dresden, Germany!

Sorry, I forgot the name of the forest and might not have the time to look it up. Rhenner would remember it.

EDIT: Ok, fixed it now.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia nods.  "That it. Said...str g divined there." 
Admiral
 "Asdyr..."  Avaralynn starts to say, but the Minister has already opened his desk drawer. He shuffles through a few papers then pulls out a large sheet, which he lays flat on the table. The party can see it is a detailed map of the continent of Eldgar.

 "Show us what was scratched out,"  the Minister says efficiently. Avaralynn watches the party intently.

 
 Spoiler 

You can locate and circle the approximate area.
 
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia looks at the others, then cautiously takes the own and looks over the map. Her mind has gone kind of blank, or rather it just doesn't want to think about what happened right now. It's strange, seeing where they walked put on the map. It didn't really capture what it was actually like on the ground. Her hand hovers over the forest, then tentatively circles the area clawed out as best as she can remember.

 "This place...clawed out,"  she adds.

 
 Spoiler: Hope this is okay 
Athedia's about to drown in finals and CWater is on vacation; I hope these posts were okay. Also, I think Natalia is trying to table the inevitable breakdown for later.
 
Admiral
Asdyr carefully places markers on the map to distinguish the radius Natalia and the rest of the party point out, then marks down the coordinates in his leather notebook. Members of the party who glance at the pages of Asdyr's notebook are surprised to see it appears entirely blank, and the Minister jots dutifully with what appears to be a dry quill. As Asdyr scans the pages to check his work he gives no indication that anything is unusual.

Avaralynn looks down at the map and her eyes seem to pierce through it.  "If that is what I think it is..."  she says quietly.  "Then it may have just what we need." 

Suddenly she steps over to the box of the party's possessions. She reaches in and gently extracts Mithril's crystal mask, which Natalia had purchased for her in Deldon.  "I saw this among your possessions. Am I right that it is yours?"  she asks, turning to Mithril.  "May I ask what you saw, when you first put it on?" 
 
 Spoiler 

 Ton  of work for right now, so I'm happy waiting until Athedia is done with finals for her response! (Others can respond too in the meantime).
 
CoffeeIncluded
The pages of the notebook are blank? Is it an invisible ink, or enchanted so only he can see what's written? Avaralynn's sudden comment and seeming non-sequitur make little sense to Natalia, and to be honest she's starting to get tired of constantly being out of the loop.  "Avaralynn, what you mean...what we need? What in the forest?"  she looks at the mask.  "It...from Deldon, gift from me to Mithril."  She wants Mithril to remember that, and some part of her wants avaralynn and everyone else to know it as well. What exactly had Mithril seen in it again?

 
 Spoiler: Admiral 
accordin to her roommate Athedia won't be back for about a week. My first final is next Monday so I wot be on too much the next couple weeks except for morning and night and I'll be out of commission this Thursday. CWater is on her way back from vacation. What should we do?
 
CWater
 "When we were in the map chamber, it gave her quite a scare",  Rhenner says absent-mindedly, recalling their entering of the room",  "or even more than just a scare actually. That web's magic interfered with the mask's, or something." 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Asdyr carefully places markers on the map to distinguish the radius Natalia and the rest of the party point out, then marks down the coordinates in his leather notebook. Members of the party who glance at the pages of Asdyr's notebook are surprised to see it appears entirely blank, and the Minister jots dutifully with what appears to be a dry quill. As Asdyr scans the pages to check his work he gives no indication that anything is unusual.

Avaralynn looks down at the map and her eyes seem to pierce through it.  "If that is what I think it is..."  she says quietly.  "Then it may have just what we need." 

Suddenly she steps over to the box of the party's possessions. She reaches in and gently extracts Mithril's crystal mask, which Natalia had purchased for her in Deldon.  "I saw this among your possessions. Am I right that it is yours?"  she asks, turning to Mithril.  "May I ask what you saw, when you first put it on?"  
 

 
 Spoiler 
Assuming she is talking about this.
 


Mithril took the mask out of Avaralynn's hand.   "Fragments really, with no picture or reason behind them.  The most vivid involved Boccob and many copies of this mask.  It looked like a ritual around his symbol, all these women.  It was gone as quickly as I saw it." 

 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "When we were in the map chamber, it gave her quite a scare",  Rhenner says absent-mindedly, recalling their entering of the room",  "or even more than just a scare actually. That web's magic interfered with the mask's, or something."  
 

 "It was pain."   Mithril remembered the flood of information from the Eyes, to much for her to bear.   "It acted as the lense for the network of Eyes.  I saw everything they saw.  Our minds aren't strong enough for that much information." 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  
 Spoiler 
Assuming she is talking about this.
 


Mithril took the mask out of Avaralynn's hand.   "Fragments really, with no picture or reason behind them.  The most vivid involved Boccob and many copies of this mask.  It looked like a ritual around his symbol, all these women.  It was gone as quickly as I saw it."  
 

Avaralynn nods slowly.  "I thought you might have... Or perhaps I dared to hope, or even fear."  Her eyes show sadness, but a moment later it is gone.  "These masks show different things to different people, and do not work for everyone. And what it showed you..." 
 "There was a coven of dividers, the All-Seers, that worshipped Boccob in their own way. Their knowledge of the universe was unrivaled, greater even than the divining powers of the drow. But they collect this knowledge for its own sake- never using it, never even leaving, not even to prevent the worst of catastrophes. It is one interpretation of Boccob's will... though not the only one. "

"I do not know if they still exist- in fact, I am aware of rumors among followers of Boccob that they have perished. That these crystal masks- this one and others- can be found in varied markets of the world is an ill omen, for they were crafted by this coven for their rituals and intended never to leave. I did not know until today where they made their home- I could not, for reasons you may one day understand. But I suspect that they lie within that very region- that the drow knew of their location, and that the scratches were part of some ward. And I suspect that if you go there, Servant of Boccob, this mask may lead you the rest of the way." 
 "And that must be your next step, should you accept the responsibility. For this coven gained their divining powers from another of these eight books: the one that holds the core building blocks of Divination. Whether the All-Seers have survived or not, I suspect that the book still resides there. And it is precisely what we will need, if I am to construct a spell powerful enough to find the Prisoner." 

  "It was pain."   Mithril remembered the flood of information from the Eyes, to much for her to bear.   "It acted as the lense for the network of Eyes.  I saw everything they saw.  Our minds aren't strong enough for that much information."  

 "Interesting..."  Avaralynn replies.  "The mask does not contain knowledge: it acts as a focus for projecting reality into the mind. Whatever divination magic the drow have must have been focused by it. I am not sure its ill effect is a matter of strength, however... so much as philosophy."  She appears deep in thought, but says no more.
Cavelcade
Kurt listens in silence to their talk about Mithril's pretty mask, of forests and maps he had not seen, and a web that in his mind seems to hold all the knowledge in the wide world. When silence falls again, he fiddles with the hilt of his blade and coughs gruffly.  "Well I mean you're going off course. To this forest. It must be done. But...you've grown so much stronger. Would my blade be of use if I came with you?" 

It seems odd to him suddenly that he's only just now noticing the growth in them. Almost something he can feel, and he put himself in the middle of it. Still has not learned to keep his cool.
CoffeeIncluded
Natalia listens quietly to Avaralynn's explanation. A long-gone cabal of diviners, who might have left behind exactly what they need...

It still doesn't make sense to her, if it's true, that they hoarded the knowledge and did nothing with it. But according Mithril an avaralynn that's what boccob is like. Gond is sort of the opposite, advocating actions and doing, and for the first time Natalia wonders if that philosophy affected her despite her relative lack of religious inclination.

The second comment makes her shiver from the memory of Mithril screaming on the ground in pain, but oddly enough it relieves her of some of her growing fear. Some, not all.  "You saying...mask funnels seeing magic, and...hurt Mithril because it evil and she not?" 

 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
 Kurt listens in silence to their talk about Mithril's pretty mask, of forests and maps he had not seen, and a web that in his mind seems to hold all the knowledge in the wide world. When silence falls again, he fiddles with the hilt of his blade and coughs gruffly.  "Well I mean you're going off course. To this forest. It must be done. But...you've grown so much stronger. Would my blade be of use if I came with you?" 

It seems odd to him suddenly that he's only just now noticing the growth in them. Almost something he can feel, and he put himself in the middle of it. Still has not learned to keep his cool. 
 

 "No!"  Natalia reflexively reaches out to Kurt like a drowning person would reach out for a piece of floating wood.  "Kurt, need you! I need you, we need you! You...strongest of us. Best of us. Better...than me, I know..."  She pauses, lowering her gaze and working her lips silently, trying to gauge how much to tell right now. Finally Natalia looks up and says in a quieter voice,  "When you...after you...gone...I...tried to be leader. Tried to fill your place. Could fight, but...not else. I...can't lead. Can't guide self all way, let alone others. Not like you. Kurt, you strong. Strong blade, strong mind, strong heart. Stronger than me."  Probably stronger than all of us.  "Need...your strength. And...you friend too." 

There's an unclenching inside Natalia that she doesn't notice until it's gone, a strange sense of lightness at being able to somewhat articulate something that's been plaguing her and gnawing at her and let it out, at least partially.
CWater
 "Someone with a strong sense of right and wrong is good to have along for that reason only",  Rhenner says.   Especially one that those two listen to.   He adds in his mind.  "And unless you have mysteriously forgotten which way to hold a sword, I doubt you'd be useless." 

He looks back at the map.  "Woodhelm, huh? It's been a while",  he mutters and scratches the back of his head slightly nervously,  "Even if it's just on the edge." 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Avaralynn nods slowly.  "I thought you might have... Or perhaps I dared to hope, or even fear."  Her eyes show sadness, but a moment later it is gone.  "These masks show different things to different people, and do not work for everyone. And what it showed you..." 
 "There was a coven of dividers, the All-Seers, that worshipped Boccob in their own way. Their knowledge of the universe was unrivaled, greater even than the divining powers of the drow. But they collect this knowledge for its own sake- never using it, never even leaving, not even to prevent the worst of catastrophes. It is one interpretation of Boccob's will... though not the only one. "

"I do not know if they still exist- in fact, I am aware of rumors among followers of Boccob that they have perished. That these crystal masks- this one and others- can be found in varied markets of the world is an ill omen, for they were crafted by this coven for their rituals and intended never to leave. I did not know until today where they made their home- I could not, for reasons you may one day understand. But I suspect that they lie within that very region- that the drow knew of their location, and that the scratches were part of some ward. And I suspect that if you go there, Servant of Boccob, this mask may lead you the rest of the way." 
 "And that must be your next step, should you accept the responsibility. For this coven gained their divining powers from another of these eight books: the one that holds the core building blocks of Divination. Whether the All-Seers have survived or not, I suspect that the book still resides there. And it is precisely what we will need, if I am to construct a spell powerful enough to find the Prisoner." 
 "Interesting..."  Avaralynn replies.  "The mask does not contain knowledge: it acts as a focus for projecting reality into the mind. Whatever divination magic the drow have must have been focused by it. I am not sure its ill effect is a matter of strength, however... so much as philosophy."  She appears deep in thought, but says no more. 
 

 "So my seeing things was good?  Why can't Rhenner or Shiny be the one to hear voices and see things for once?"   Mithril sighed and ran her hand through her hair.   "So are you bringing us back to town or straight to the woods.  Because I need a full nights sleep if we are going into dangerous territory." 

When Kurt asked his question, Mithril looked back surprised.   "Of course! Just, don't leave again.  Please." 
Cavelcade
Kurt relaxes his shoulders and grins a bit at the responses given to his statement. He'll have the trust to the ex-slavers to keep feeing the slaves who are in need. It might be that sticking with this group is what is important for now. His choice is made.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "Someone with a strong sense of right and wrong is good to have along for that reason only",  Rhenner says.   Especially one that those two listen to.   He adds in his mind.  "And unless you have mysteriously forgotten which way to hold a sword, I doubt you'd be useless." 

He looks back at the map.  "Woodhelm, huh? It's been a while",  he mutters and scratches the back of his head slightly nervously,  "Even if it's just on the edge."  
 

 "You think I strong? I...nothing to Kurt. You saw." 

Natalia catches Rhenner's second comment and looks at him curiously.  "You know place?" 

 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "So my seeing things was good?  Why can't Rhenner or Shiny be the one to hear voices and see things for once?"   Mithril sighed and ran her hand through her hair. 
 

 "Maybe...to show you better than you think?"  Natalia asks tentatively. But even as she says is she knows it's probably no help. Just that one evil spell--unholy blight?--from the drider left her weak and nauseous for the better part of an hour. Mithril must have suffered so much worse.  "...I'm sorry." 

  "So are you bringing us back to town or straight to the woods.  Because I need a full nights sleep if we are going into dangerous territory."  

Natalia's thoughts are interrupted by a ravenous gurgle from her stomach, and she places a hand to it in sudden hunger.  "And...breakfast?"  or maybe lunch? What time is it anyway? There are no windows in this room to mark the path of the sun.


 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
 Kurt relaxes his shoulders and grins a bit at the responses given to his statement. He'll have the trust to the ex-slavers to keep feeing the slaves who are in need. It might be that sticking with this group is what is important for now. His choice is made. 
 

Natalia returns his grin. Things are bad. She still knows too little, and this situation is much bigger than she ever thought, and Mithril is...

...but the voice seems to be scared of them, and they have a lead, and Kurt's back. That's something. And they'll have to make it enough.

 
 Spoiler 
I'm sure we can make it enough.

Anyway my first final is in literally 5 minutes. Wish me luck!
 
Admiral
The Minister nods.  "Then it's settled. You can rest, but not here in Hulburg- even with your rings there is too great a risk that your presence here, or your absence from Hulburg, may be discovered. Avaralynn can bring you into a town in Woodhelm where you can rest before starting your search." 
 "While you are in that region..."  he muses,  "you have the option of meeting with our other party in Eldgar. This morning's message from Lucius indicated that they are hunting a force of orcs not far from that territory, and your help may be useful. They  cannot  be brought along on this mission, however, nor can you speak to them of this meeting. Only one of them has been fully trusted in this conspiracy." 
 
 Spoiler 

That's the party's choice- you can meet up with the Hulburg party (Brander/Ezra/Calric Jr/Lucius) before going after the All Seers, or go straight to the diviner-hunting.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 The Minister nods.  "Then it's settled. You can rest, but not here in Hulburg- even with your rings there is too great a risk that your presence here, or your absence from Hulburg, may be discovered. Avaralynn can bring you into a town in Woodhelm where you can rest before starting your search." 
 "While you are in that region..."  he muses,  "you have the option of meeting with our other party in Eldgar. This morning's message from Lucius indicated that they are hunting a force of orcs not far from that territory, and your help may be useful. They  cannot  be brought along on this mission, however, nor can you speak to them of this meeting. Only one of them has been fully trusted in this conspiracy." 
 
 Spoiler 

That's the party's choice- you can meet up with the Hulburg party (Brander/Ezra/Calric Jr/Lucius) before going after the All Seers, or go straight to the diviner-hunting.
 
 
 

So they're not headed back to Marvell. They got everything they needed, right? Well, Natalia wanted to go to a Doctor but it seems like that's going to have to wait. It's not like she's going to get more Nuts in the meantime anyway.

It's the second thing that surprises her. The Hulburg group found Hoodsie and his followers?  "What message say? It Hoodsie? And...who knows secrets?"  she asks, hoping it's not Lucius.
Athedia
 "Which one?"   Mithril was a little annoyed she had not been able to get some of the items she had planned to buy while they were in town.
Admiral
 "The only one among them I trust with something so important,"  Asdyr replies.  "Lucius, my operative." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "The only one among them I trust with something so important,"  Asdyr replies.  "Lucius, my operative."  
 

The soft whapping noise is Natalia hitting the back of her head against the wooden chair she's sitting in.
Athedia
 "Lucius...no wonder he was in favor..."  Mithril cut herself short and looked around the room.   "Does he know we know?  Not to doubt your opinion on him, but he isn't exactly... diplomatic. 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "You think I strong? I...nothing to Kurt. You saw."   
 

 "In a fight you are",  Rhenner says shortly,  "Remember the arena." 

 Natalia catches Rhenner's second comment and looks at him curiously.  "You know place?"  

 "Not really.. Woodhelm is a large forest, and the site we're looking for is somewhat remote. However, I...",  he points in the direction of another section of the forest,  "did grew up there, in a town called Vindhult." 
 
 Spoiler: Admiral 
Is that an okay name? I realized I had forgotten to come up with one earlier.
 


 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 The Minister nods.  "Then it's settled. You can rest, but not here in Hulburg- even with your rings there is too great a risk that your presence here, or your absence from Hulburg, may be discovered. Avaralynn can bring you into a town in Woodhelm where you can rest before starting your search."  
 

Rhenner sighs mentally, as this means he's not allowed to take a look of the city on another continent (!), but he understands the Minister's reasoning.


  "While you are in that region..."  he muses,  "you have the option of meeting with our other party in Eldgar. This morning's message from Lucius indicated that they are hunting a force of orcs not far from that territory, and your help may be useful. They  cannot  be brought along on this mission, however, nor can you speak to them of this meeting. Only one of them has been fully trusted in this conspiracy." 
 
 Spoiler 

That's the party's choice- you can meet up with the Hulburg party (Brander/Ezra/Calric Jr/Lucius) before going after the All Seers, or go straight to the diviner-hunting.
 
 


 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "The only one among them I trust with something so important,"  Asdyr replies.  "Lucius, my operative."  
 

Rhenner can't help shortly glaring at the man for this assesment, but says nothing.



 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Lucius...no wonder he was in favor..."  Mithril cut herself short and looked around the room.   "Does he know we know?  Not to doubt your opinion on him, but he isn't exactly... diplomatic.  
 

 "You're one to talk",  Rhenner mutters.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Lucius...no wonder he was in favor..."  Mithril cut herself short and looked around the room.   "Does he know we know?  Not to doubt your opinion on him, but he isn't exactly... diplomatic.  
 

 "Not yet,"  the Minister answers. He seems unperturbed by the party's negative reactions.  "It's unlikely he would  want  to know until it became immediately relevant to his operation. Lucius takes the security of information very seriously." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "In a fight you are",  Rhenner says shortly,  "Remember the arena."  
 

Natalia falls silent and looks down into her lap. It's clear that she's remembering the arena, all steel and fury and darkness she didn't know she had, even though she doesn't want to. She's quiet for the rest of Rhenner's comments, though she listens. And if Kurt (or anyone) looks over, they can see that she's clenched her hands into fists that bunch up the fabric of her pants, and she's also giving Kurt a pleading look.


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Lucius...no wonder he was in favor..."  Mithril cut herself short and looked around the room.   "Does he know we know?  Not to doubt your opinion on him, but he isn't exactly... diplomatic.  
 

 "That...say lightly,"  she mutters to herself in a barely audible voice.


 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "Not yet,"  the Minister answers. He seems unperturbed by the party's negative reactions.  "It's unlikely he would  want  to know until it became immediately relevant to his operation. Lucius takes the security of information very seriously."  
 

This comment makes her look up.  "Why only he know? What...of others?"  What about Calric?

She then looks to the others.  "So...maybe we send Sending then? Ask if help needed before giving?"  But her voice is still quiet and her mind is clearly elsewhere. It's practically on autopilot.
Cavelcade
Kurt catches Natalia's look in his direction, but doesn't seem to know quite how to respond, looking to her for more information or any clue even.

At the mention of the other group he's mostly silent, uncertain about what's right to do. He has only one question that seems important to him:  "Did he ask for us? Or does he think they'll be okay..." 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
 Kurt catches Natalia's look in his direction, but doesn't seem to know quite how to respond, looking to her for more information or any clue even. 
 

Natalia looks incredibly guilty about something, like she needs to confess something to Kurt and ask for absolution and advice.
Admiral
 "Then we'll send such a message to Lucius,"  Asdyr replies.  "Once we have an update and their location, we'll know where to send you." 
 "If you'll excuse me, your absence from the Marvell guildhall is bound to be noticed soon. There are some arrangements Yarryn and I must make to expunge your arrest from the records, not to mention the memories of the arresting officers. I'd still ask that you avoid the city of Marvell for as long as possible, in case you are recognized by a stray witness. There is a room down the hall to the left where I've asked to have some food set up for you."  Asdyr's tone somehow suggests that meals are a foreign concept to him.

 "I can contact this Lucius through magic,"  Avaralynn speaks as the party stands,  "but will need the help of someone who has met him. Mithril, would you come with me?"  She gestures to the right as they approach the door.

 
 Spoiler 

This would be a good chance for Natalia to grab Jandar and/or Rhenner as they're leaving, if she wants to talk to him.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "Then we'll send such a message to Lucius,"  Asdyr replies.  "Once we have an update and their location, we'll know where to send you." 
 "If you'll excuse me, your absence from the Marvell guildhall is bound to be noticed soon. There are some arrangements Yarryn and I must make to expunge your arrest from the records, not to mention the memories of the arresting officers. I'd still ask that you avoid the city of Marvell for as long as possible, in case you are recognized by a stray witness. There is a room down the hall to the left where I've asked to have some food set up for you."  Asdyr's tone somehow suggests that meals are a foreign concept to him. 
 

If they're going to remove all traces and memory of her and her friends' arrest, then why did they need to arrest them in the first place? Couldn't Avaralynn have shown up in the hotel room and teleported everyone without giving her and her friends--especially Mithril--such a scare? In fact, remembering how utterly terrified Mithril was makes Natalia's eyes narrow, even with all these revelations and the hunger starting to shift in her stomach, and she asks,  "If...erase arrest, then why chain in first place? Other...less scary ways to bring us...here." 

  "I can contact this Lucius through magic,"  Avaralynn speaks as the party stands,  "but will need the help of someone who has met him. Mithril, would you come with me?"  She gestures to the right as they approach the door.

 
 Spoiler 

This would be a good chance for Natalia to grab Jandar and/or Rhenner as they're leaving, if she wants to talk to him.
 
 

In fact, as Jandar turns to leave, Natalia taps him on the shoulder and also motions for Rhenner to wait. She shuffles a bit nervously before saying,  "Jandar, down in Underdark, fought...driders. One...blinded me with spell, but Rhenner fixed."  She indicates Rhenner next to her.  "I...maybe Rhenner can...fix deafness, if...you want, Rhenner wants?"  Natalia looks at Rhenner. This wasn't too pushy or forward of her, was it? From what she knows of Rhenner, it seems like something he would want to do.

 "Jandar, do...you want?" 
 
 Spoiler: By the way 
Cwater said this was okay, so thank you CWater.
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "Then we'll send such a message to Lucius,"  Asdyr replies.  "Once we have an update and their location, we'll know where to send you." 
 "If you'll excuse me, your absence from the Marvell guildhall is bound to be noticed soon. There are some arrangements Yarryn and I must make to expunge your arrest from the records, not to mention the memories of the arresting officers. I'd still ask that you avoid the city of Marvell for as long as possible, in case you are recognized by a stray witness. There is a room down the hall to the left where I've asked to have some food set up for you."  Asdyr's tone somehow suggests that meals are a foreign concept to him.

 "I can contact this Lucius through magic,"  Avaralynn speaks as the party stands,  "but will need the help of someone who has met him. Mithril, would you come with me?"  She gestures to the right as they approach the door.

 
 Spoiler 

This would be a good chance for Natalia to grab Jandar and/or Rhenner as they're leaving, if she wants to talk to him.
 
 
 

Mithril nodded and followed Avaralynn out the door.  Turning back before they exited she smiled at Kurt.   "I am glad you are back.  Don't leave us again." 
Cavelcade
Kurt grins guiltily at Mithril's words, about to turn to Natalia when she speaks up, so instead he simply takes his leave, tired, hungry and with a lot to think about.
CoffeeIncluded
As Kurt leaves Natalia whispers,  "After this, can...we talk?" 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 If they're going to remove all traces and memory of her and her friends' arrest, then why did they need to arrest them in the first place? Couldn't Avaralynn have shown up in the hotel room and teleported everyone without giving her and her friends--especially Mithril--such a scare? In fact, remembering how utterly terrified Mithril was makes Natalia's eyes narrow, even with all these revelations and the hunger starting to shift in her stomach, and she asks,  "If...erase arrest, then why chain in first place? Other...less scary ways to bring us...here."  
 

 "And if you were being observed at that moment?"  Asdyr asks sternly, then shakes his head.  "I had to see to it the trail went cold there. Whatever our adversaries suspect, they will not know of our connection."  He then waves his hand as they leave the room, the door closing behind them.


 In fact, as Jandar turns to leave, Natalia taps him on the shoulder and also motions for Rhenner to wait. She shuffles a bit nervously before saying,  "Jandar, down in Underdark, fought...driders. One...blinded me with spell, but Rhenner fixed."  She indicates Rhenner next to her.  "I...maybe Rhenner can...fix deafness, if...you want, Rhenner wants?"  Natalia looks at Rhenner. This wasn't too pushy or forward of her, was it? From what she knows of Rhenner, it seems like something he would want to do.

 "Jandar, do...you want?"  

As they walk down the hall, Jandar watches her lips move. He makes a sort of shrugging motion as she mentions the spell, and stops midway down the hall. He begins to sign in what she recognized as drow sign language, as Asdyr is not around to interpret.

[B]"&lt;DSL&gt;I know the spell you speak of, of course.&lt;/DSL&gt;" He makes an audible grunt of frustration.  "&lt;DSL&gt;I do not like to sign this way. It is a tragic language, full of violence and death.&lt;/DSL&gt;"  Natalia notices he has to spell out the Elvish word for "tragic", and that he uses one of many words for "death."

 
 Spoiler 
I thought I posted that sentence a few weeks ago but cannot find it, perhaps I never did. If I did, someone please remind me and I'll delete the déjà vous.
 


Shiny steps past Natalia at that moment, and unbidden he grabs her arm and mutters an incantation. Suddenly she feels a flood of language and understanding fill her mind, and knows she can respond to Jandar in his own language. Shiny gives a brief wink as he disappears up the corridor.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "And if you were being observed at that moment?"  Asdyr asks sternly, then shakes his head.  "I had to see to it the trail went cold there. Whatever our adversaries suspect, they will not know of our connection."  He then waves his hand as they leave the room, the door closing behind them. 
 

Natalia frowns a bit, but nods in understanding.


 As they walk down the hall, Jandar watches her lips move. He makes a sort of shrugging motion as she mentions the spell, and stops midway down the hall. He begins to sign in what she recognized as drow sign language, as Asdyr is not around to interpret.

[B]"&lt;DSL&gt;I know the spell you speak of, of course.&lt;/DSL&gt;" He makes an audible grunt of frustration.  "&lt;DSL&gt;I do not like to sign this way. It is a tragic language, full of violence and death.&lt;/DSL&gt;"  Natalia notices he has to spell out the Elvish word for "tragic", and that he uses one of many words for "death."

 
 Spoiler 
I thought I posted that sentence a few weeks ago but cannot find it, perhaps I never did. If I did, someone please remind me and I'll delete the déjà vous.
 


Shiny steps past Natalia at that moment, and unbidden he grabs her arm and mutters an incantation. Suddenly she feels a flood of language and understanding fill her mind, and knows she can respond to Jandar in his own language. Shiny gives a brief wink as he disappears up the corridor. 

 
 Spoiler: Admiral 
No, you didn't. And I presume he cast Tongues on her? If so, then Natalia is going to be signing Elven Sign Language as she speaks. I'm typing it normally because it's a bit simpler.

How similar are the two languages? How difficult would it be for her to learn it?
 

 "Thank you, Shiny!"  Natalia shouts after him in joy as the understanding and smoothness fills her mind again.

 "It's okay; Shiny just cast a spell on me so I can speak normally and sign your language, at least for the next hour or so."  Partway through she catches herself and signs in Jandar's native language as she speaks. She's had the spell cast on her several times, and every times she exults in the same joy of being able to speak her mind and communicate clearly.  "A drow we helped in the Underdark taught me the language; I didn't know of any others. It's the only way I can communicate clearly without a spell."  Although it is somewhat annoying that the word for "help" in drow sign language means "provided tactical assistance". It's technically true, but so cold.

 "You know of the spell? Is there any reason you haven't used it?"  Did it not work on him for some reason?
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril nodded and followed Avaralynn out the door.  Turning back before they exited she smiled at Kurt.   "I am glad you are back.  Don't leave us again."  
 

Avaralynn walks with Mithril to the end of the hall, then turns into a small room, and shuts the door behind them. Orbs of light spring quietly into being around them without so much as a gesture from the priestess.

 "I confess, Servant of Boccob, I could contact the party without your help,"  she says softly.  "I had another reason to ask for your company." 
 "I didn't expect you would be able to open the Book of Boccob. You told your friends it was because only a follower of Boccob could do so, and that much is indeed true... but that is not the only requirement, for you'll recall you were unable to open the book you'd retrieved from the Mad Artificer. Something else has changed."  She looks sad.  "Perhaps you know what it is?" 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Avaralynn walks with Mithril to the end of the hall, then turns into a small room, and shuts the door behind them. Orbs of light spring quietly into being around them without so much as a gesture from the priestess.

 "I confess, Servant of Boccob, I could contact the party without your help,"  she says softly.  "I had another reason to ask for your company." 
 "I didn't expect you would be able to open the Book of Boccob. You told your friends it was because only a follower of Boccob could do so, and that much is indeed true... but that is not the only requirement, for you'll recall you were unable to open the book you'd retrieved from the Mad Artificer. Something else has changed."  She looks sad.  "Perhaps you know what it is?"  
 

 "My... priorities have changed.  I told the others as much, but I doubt they understood."   She looked at one of the orbs of lights, avoiding Avaralynn's face.   "I have seen evil on our side, participated in torture.  I have seen good men fail to act, good people cover up mistakes.  Neither path seems correct to me, both are filled with secrets and imperfections." 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia frowns a bit, but nods in understanding.



 
 Spoiler: Admiral 
No, you didn't. And I presume he cast Tongues on her? If so, then Natalia is going to be signing Elven Sign Language as she speaks. I'm typing it normally because it's a bit simpler.

How similar are the two languages? How difficult would it be for her to learn it?
 

 "Thank you, Shiny!"  Natalia shouts after him in joy as the understanding and smoothness fills her mind again.

 "It's okay; Shiny just cast a spell on me so I can speak normally and sign your language, at least for the next hour or so."  Partway through she catches herself and signs in Jandar's native language as she speaks. She's had the spell cast on her several times, and every times she exults in the same joy of being able to speak her mind and communicate clearly.  "A drow we helped in the Underdark taught me the language; I didn't know of any others. It's the only way I can communicate clearly without a spell."  Although it is somewhat annoying that the word for "help" in drow sign language means "provided tactical assistance". It's technically true, but so cold.

 "You know of the spell? Is there any reason you haven't used it?"  Did it not work on him for some reason? 
 

 "It is a common misconception,"  the elf replies in sign, which Natalia now understands in full.  "This spell does not grant hearing. Like the rest of this school of clerical magic, it heals wounds, and mends injuries."  The elf shows his teeth in a knowing smile.  "And I am neither wounded nor injured. I am whole, just as I have ever been." 
 
 Spoiler 

I don't know if this fits the official interpretation of the rules but it is my own.
 

 "And for that same reason, I would not accept the spell even if it did work. Do you understand why?"  He tilts his head to the side as he asks the question with his fingers.


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "My... priorities have changed.  I told the others as much, but I doubt they understood."   She looked at one of the orbs of lights, avoiding Avaralynn's face.   "I have seen evil on our side, participated in torture.  I have seen good men fail to act, good people cover up mistakes.  Neither path seems correct to me, both are filled with secrets and imperfections."  
 

Avaralynn nods with a sigh.  "Boccob's magic is not concerned with good or evil, law or chaos- only with their balance. The girl who came to me with the Book of  transmutation , who had trouble letting go of a lost friend: she could not have opened this. And though she was strong, and she was brave, I do not know whether she could make the choices you will have to make."  The priestess thinks carefully as she cradles the Book of Boccob.  "Or perhaps I am wrong. Your friends have walked a different path thus far... perhaps, for good or ill, I cannot see beyond my own choices." 
 "The friend you lost in the caves..."  she asks suddenly.  "Do you still think of him?"  Avaralynn does not look at Mithril as she speaks.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "It is a common misconception,"  the elf replies in sign, which Natalia now understands in full.  "This spell does not grant hearing. Like the rest of this school of clerical magic, it heals wounds, and mends injuries."  The elf shows his teeth in a knowing smile.  "And I am neither wounded nor injured. I am whole, just as I have ever been." 
 
 Spoiler 

I don't know if this fits the official interpretation of the rules but it is my own.
 

 "And for that same reason, I would not accept the spell even if it did work. Do you understand why?"  He tilts his head to the side as he asks the question with his fingers. 
 

Natalia translates to Rhenner unless Jandar objects, though her translation slows as she mulls over the implications of his words.  So he was born deaf, and he still sees himself as unhindered and whole. And  if she were born like this there would be no hope for her.

 "I understand and I don't understand,"  Natalia slowly says and signs in response to his question.  "You were born deaf, and dont see it as a disability. But I'm not entirely sure why. You couldn't hear me, but I can't speak right. I never could. I know what I want to say, but the words don't come out right. Even now with this spell my speech, how I talk, sounds wrong and it's hard to get the words out. I would give...a lot to be able to speak."  To not be Nuts.  "Why don't you?" 
 
 Spoiler 
this is interesting. And even if she speaks normally it won't be a panacea.
 
CWater
Rhenner just waits nearby, leaning his back to a wall and his arms crossed. He nods to Natalia when she translates, but doesn't join their conversation.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia translates to Rhenner unless Jandar objects, though her translation slows as she mulls over the implications of his words.  So he was born deaf, and he still sees himself as unhindered and whole. And  if she were born like this there would be no hope for her.

 "I understand and I don't understand,"  Natalia slowly says and signs in response to his question.  "You were born deaf, and dont see it as a disability. But I'm not entirely sure why. You couldn't hear me, but I can't speak right. I never could. I know what I want to say, but the words don't come out right. Even now with this spell my speech sounds wrong and it's hard to get the words out. I would give...a lot to be able to speak."  To not be Nuts.  "Why don't you?"  
 

Jandar shakes his head as he begins signing his answer.  "I don't focus much on what I can't do, I think about what I can."  He taps a small, silver cylinder on his belt with the appearance of a telescope.  "With this I can watch an orc camp from two miles away. I can watch every orc there for days, and read their secrets right off their lips. Would I have learned how to do that if I could hear?"  He shrugs.  "Probably not." 
 "Not to mention what you learn from watching faces close up. I mean really watching them. The Minister's file on your gnome friend said that he was a talkative sort. Did you notice he barely spoke today?"  He leans in a bit.  "Did you look in his eyes, and see that for weeks he's had trouble sleeping?"  His eyes glint with a moment of odd mischief.   "Did you know your eyes linger on Mithril long after she speaks, or whenever you're afraid?" 
 "If I could hear, I'd have learned other skills with my time. More useful skills?"  He shrugs.  "I don't know. Would it make my life easier?"  He scratches his head.  "Perhaps? Does it matter? If you could change how you felt about Mithril, would it make your life easier? Would you do so, if you could?" 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Jandar shakes his head as he begins signing his answer.  "I don't focus much on what I can't do, I think about what I can."  He taps a small, silver cylinder on his belt with the appearance of a telescope.  "With this I can watch an orc camp from two miles away. I can watch every orc there for days, and read their secrets right off their lips. Would I have learned how to do that if I could hear?"  He shrugs.  "Probably not." 
 "Not to mention what you learn from watching faces close up. I mean really watching them. The Minister's file on your gnome friend said that he was a talkative sort. Did you notice he barely spoke today?"  He leans in a bit.  "Did you look in his eyes, and see that for weeks he's had trouble sleeping?"  His eyes glint with a moment of odd mischief.   "Did you know your eyes linger on Mithril long after she speaks, or whenever you're afraid?" 
 "If I could hear, I'd have learned other skills with my time. More useful skills?"  He shrugs.  "I don't know. Would it make my life easier?"  He scratches his head.  "Perhaps? Does it matter? If you could change how you felt about Mithril, would it make your life easier? Would you do so, if you could?"  
 

Natalia falls silent for a while, in deep uncomfortable thought. It's like her mind has run up against a wall. What she can do instead of what she can't...she's never thought that way before. But then it's not like being Nuts gave her much opportunity to look at what she could do with it. It drove her away from most of her town, taught her to hide in the shadows, forced her...

...to practice at the gears and ropes and machines until even Torin and Karik were impressed, to prove that she wasn't helpless and someone to talk down to, to sneak and skull and hide, and brought her to people who seemed to fully understand her (although Mithril's recent behavior is making her become a little worried).

 "Growing up Nuts was...horrible,"  Natalia slowly says and signs.  "But it led me learning the skills that make me useful to my friends. It led me to sneak, and to traps and machines. And now that you ask it, I don't know if I would have known them as well if I were normal. I wish I didn't have that, but...I never thought about it that way before. And I don't know how to entirely answer your question. But...even if I become more okay with it, I don't think I'll be content with it like you are,"   she adds almost as an afterthought.

Jandar's comment on shiny makes her look at Rhenner and Kurt in alarm.  "I thought something was wrong, but he wouldn't say,"  she says an signs.  "I hope he does. I tried talking to him...I'll try again. BEtter this time." 

And then he mentions Mithril. Natalia goes still, and a red flus creeps up her neck and across her face. She smiles ruefully as she replies,  "Is it that obvious? She...doesn't care for me the same way, and it hurts to see her doing this to herself and going through all this pain and having people hurt her and seeing her shut out everyone and I don't know how to help her or if I even can! And I don't know if any woman I ever fall for will ever feel the same way towards me."  Her voice cracks a little and her fingers shake.  "I want to help Mithril. And I also don't want to be alone. I done know if either of these things are possible."  Natalia pauses.  "I don't know if I would change my feelings either. Not if I can help her. But I don't know if I can."   she pauses again, then throws up her hands in the air in frustration.  "I do and I don't, but not quote for the same reasons as my speech. I'm sorry, but I don't have a good answer right now." 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Avaralynn nods with a sigh.  "Boccob's magic is not concerned with good or evil, law or chaos- only with their balance. The girl who came to me with the Book of  transmutation , who had trouble letting go of a lost friend: she could not have opened this. And though she was strong, and she was brave, I do not know whether she could make the choices you will have to make."  The priestess thinks carefully as she cradles the Book of Boccob.  "Or perhaps I am wrong. Your friends have walked a different path thus far... perhaps, for good or ill, I cannot see beyond my own choices." 
 "The friend you lost in the caves..."  she asks suddenly.  "Do you still think of him?"  Avaralynn does not look at Mithril as she speaks. 
 

Mithril stared at the ground for a little, the silence becoming unbearable.   "Often.   His death... I had encouraged him, let him play at fighter.  When Morton died it was... normal.  He had dedicated his life to fight, he knew he was likely to die doing so.  But he... Henry.  Henry was young and bold and had the world ahead of him.  I should have done more.  I still have... well I had his horse.  Morton's horse too.  But maybe the dwarves have eaten her now."   She thought of him more than that, more than she wanted to admit.   "I see his face in dreams sometimes.  Just the frozen scream and the stump and nothing else.  I didn't know then, but this path is beyond dangerous, and I can never leave it.  But if I can keep people like him... maybe their fates will be better." 
CWater
Rhenner leaves Natalia with Jandar as their conversation turns longer. It saves Natalia the trouble of translating for him, and is besides somewhat personal in nature.

He doesn't really know what to do with himself, he's not tired and doesn't feel like sitting in a corner waiting for the moment to leave. He could be hungry, but for whatever reason that is not currently registering. There is an annoying bundle of negativity swelling at some part of his mind, frustration? anger?, he doesn't really know. In any case, he has a strong desire to break something. But since he has enough sense to guess that damaging their host's property would surely not go well with him, and they were forbidden to go out (with frustratingly good reason), the troubled cleric ends up just wandering around the building, killing time that way.
Cavelcade
Coming around a corner he bumps into Kurt coming the other way, the dwarf muttering an apology, stopping suddenly. He looks at the cleric thoughtfully, nodding some.  "Rhennar can I ask you some things about the journey? Things not important to the report but..."  He struggles for words to explain and gives up, hoping he'll get the message in general.
CWater
Kurt's sudden appearance surprises Rhenner who had been lost deep in thought, and it takes a moment for him to return to reality and register what the other said.

 "...Sure",  he finally replies, rubbing his forehead,  "What do you want to know?" 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
 Natalia falls silent for a while, in deep uncomfortable thought. It's like her mind has run up against a wall. What she can do instead of what she can't...she's never thought that way before. But then it's not like being Nuts gave her much opportunity to look at what she could do with it. It drove her away from most of her town, taught her to hide in the shadows, forced her...

...to practice at the gears and ropes and machines until even Torin and Karik were impressed, to prove that she wasn't helpless and someone to talk down to, to sneak and skull and hide, and brought her to people who seemed to fully understand her (although Mithril's recent behavior is making her become a little worried).

 "Growing up Nuts was...horrible,"  Natalia slowly says and signs.  "But it led me learning the skills that make me useful to my friends. It led me to sneak, and to traps and machines. And now that you ask it, I don't know if I would have known them as well if I were normal. I wish I didn't have that, but...I never thought about it that way before. And I don't know how to entirely answer your question. But...even if I become more okay with it, I don't think I'll be content with it like you are,"   she adds almost as an afterthought.

Jandar's comment on shiny makes her look at Rhenner and Kurt in alarm.  "I thought something was wrong, but he wouldn't say,"  she says an signs.  "I hope he does. I tried talking to him...I'll try again. BEtter this time." 

And then he mentions Mithril. Natalia goes still, and a red flus creeps up her neck and across her face. She smiles ruefully as she replies,  "Is it that obvious? She...doesn't care for me the same way, and it hurts to see her doing this to herself and going through all this pain and having people hurt her and seeing her shut out everyone and I don't know how to help her or if I even can! And I don't know if any woman I ever fall for will ever feel the same way towards me."  Her voice cracks a little and her fingers shake.  "I want to help Mithril. And I also don't want to be alone. I done know if either of these things are possible."  Natalia pauses.  "I don't know if I would change my feelings either. Not if I can help her. But I don't know if I can."   she pauses again, then throws up her hands in the air in frustration.  "I do and I don't, but not quote for the same reasons as my speech. I'm sorry, but I don't have a good answer right now."  
 

Jandar catches Natalia's hand while it swings through the air, and pats it in a calming motion. His eyes are soothing, and he lets go of her only to sign a response.

 "With your friend, I cannot help you. Though I have friends and colleagues, I have never minded being by myself,"  he replies.  "But as for your voice, I think you may have accepted it more than you know. Here, I'll show you why." 

Jandar swings his right hand in a motion that Natalia recognizes as the sign for the letter J. But as he does, he raises his left hand, and draws back the right in a motion that vaguely imitates an arrow being drawn from a bow. Through the spell Natalia recognizes this as the sign for  archer .

 "'Archer with a J'- that's my  name sign , what friends call me,"  Jandar continues.  "'Now you'll need one.'" 

He raises his hand into the sign for "N", then makes a small twisting motion, representing the sign for a mechanical nut. Then he shifts his hand into what she recognizes as a "B", and moves it in a zig zag motion.  Nuts with an N, Bolts with a B. 
 "If you hated being 'Nuts' so much,"  Jandar continues in sign,  "I don't think you would have put it on your jacket." 
 
 Spoiler 

 
 


 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril stared at the ground for a little, the silence becoming unbearable.   "Often.   His death... I had encouraged him, let him play at fighter.  When Morton died it was... normal.  He had dedicated his life to fight, he knew he was likely to die doing so.  But he... Henry.  Henry was young and bold and had the world ahead of him.  I should have done more.  I still have... well I had his horse.  Morton's horse too.  But maybe the dwarves have eaten her now."   She thought of him more than that, more than she wanted to admit.   "I see his face in dreams sometimes.  Just the frozen scream and the stump and nothing else.  I didn't know then, but this path is beyond dangerous, and I can never leave it.  But if I can keep people like him... maybe their fates will be better."  
 

Avaralynn sighs, suddenly looking old.  "You do your friend well to remember him so. Your path may not be... 'good'... but that does not make it meaningless. I am glad that you know that." 

The priestess puts her hand to her chin, and stares off into space.  "I remember... so  little ... of what I once was. What do I remember, really? I remember the stars forming in the skies, the planet being forged, the first life being born. No, I am no immortal,"  she adds quickly, as if answering Mithril's thoughts,  "though I am perhaps older than you would guess. These memories were not something I witnessed; they were a gift, the prize- and price- of my service to Boccob. As is my knowledge, however vague, of what is to come. Knowledge I would not wish on anyone." 

She shakes her head and returns to reality, looking over at Mithril.  "This reminds me. The story of creation that I told your friends, that is a... translation, of sorts. It is not how Boccob's most faithful speak to each other of the origin of magic; they tell the story a different way. Would you like to see it?"  she asks, almost casually.
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Avaralynn sighs, suddenly looking old.  "You do your friend well to remember him so. Your path may not be... 'good'... but that does not make it meaningless. I am glad that you know that." 

The priestess puts her hand to her chin, and stares off into space.  "I remember... so  little ... of what I once was. What do I remember, really? I remember the stars forming in the skies, the planet being forged, the first life being born. No, I am no immortal,"  she adds quickly, as if answering Mithril's thoughts,  "though I am perhaps older than you would guess. These memories were not something I witnessed; they were a gift, the prize- and price- of my service to Boccob. As is my knowledge, however vague, of what is to come. Knowledge I would not wish on anyone." 

She shakes her head and returns to reality, looking over at Mithril.  "This reminds me. The story of creation that I told your friends, that is a... translation, of sorts. It is not how Boccob's most faithful speak to each other of the origin of magic; they tell the story a different way. Would you like to see it?"  she asks, almost casually. 
 

 "Why offer to share this with me?  I kept secrets from everyone, almost turned my back on my mission simply because of the Prisoner's voice, something I knew to be serpent tongued.  I can not say I do not want to know, but now I wonder if I should want so much knowledge.  But if you trust me with this, I would like to hear." 
Cavelcade
Frowning, Kurt turns to walk with Rhennar in the same direction he'd be going, chewing on his words as he tries to work out what to ask. It's a delicate situation, but Natalia's request to talk has mad it feel a bit urgent he find out some more of what their quest was like, down in the dark.  "...how were they, down there? I mean, I've heard the reports and what Mithril said but you were with them from when they started going down to when they came back up. How did they change? Are things really as dark as they make me feel?" 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
 Frowning, Kurt turns to walk with Rhennar in the same direction he'd be going, chewing on his words as he tries to work out what to ask. It's a delicate situation, but Natalia's request to talk has mad it feel a bit urgent he find out some more of what their quest was like, down in the dark.  "...how were they, down there? I mean, I've heard the reports and what Mithril said but you were with them from when they started going down to when they came back up. How did they change? Are things really as dark as they make me feel?"  
 

 "I'm not sure if I am the right person to tell",  Rhenner replies,  "I had just met you all just before we entered that place, so what I know I learned there. Whether my impression of them is true or fair, I can't say. The circumstances on that journey... were what they were." 
 "Still, if you wish, I can tell you about that so fun trip in more detail than there was time or need in the meeting before, and then you can judge for yourself if there is a change",  while his tone is generally serious, he can't help the drop of sarcasm slipping into it.

 "That I have noticed myself though, that Natalia seems to know and speak of a different Mithril than who I have met, although I suppose her judgment on the matter could just be... clouded." 
Cavelcade
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "I'm not sure if I am the right person to tell",  Rhenner replies,  "I had just met you all just before we entered that place, so what I know I learned there. Whether my impression of them is true or fair, I can't say. The circumstances on that journey... were what they were." 
 "Still, if you wish, I can tell you about that so fun trip in more detail than there was time or need in the meeting before, and then you can judge for yourself if there is a change",  while his tone is generally serious, he can't help the drop of sarcasm slipping into it.

 "That I have noticed myself though, that Natalia seems to know and speak of a different Mithril than who I have met, although I suppose her judgment on the matter could just be... clouded."  
 

Kurt nods seriously at the words, his face registering no reaction in response to the sarcasm as he accepts the reasoning behind it.  "That's part of why I wanted to ask you. You've only known them while they were down there, so you can tell me how they were without comparing it to some idea from the past. I..." 

He rubs his face, a tired, troubled slump to his shoulders tells a story of days without sleep, nights without rest as he'd struggled with his own path out of the dark.  "You remember the slavers I - we - had with us when we got to Deldon? It's...odd. I brought them out of a sense of...well, I thought they could be saved."  Rubbing his eyes with the palms of his hands, he grunts, shaking his head at his choice of words.  "Or not saved ,maybe, just shown how to be better than they thought they were."  He reaches into the pocket of his tunic and takes out a silver, engraved ring, part of a matching set he'd bought when he got to the town he'd been transported from.  "Now Hilton carries one of these, and has others for if he can convince the others to stay. Something real, proof they can change for the better. For myself, you understand?"  Turning a searching gaze on the cleric's face to see if he does.  "A way of knowing you can be more than you started as." 

Slipping it away, he stretches out, shaking the tiredness from his limbs as he prepares for the next challenge.  "I didn't expect to come back to find that those two might have needed it more. Things seem balanced on a knife-edge...that's why I want to hear what you think of them. It's pointless to try and force a change but I want to know who these women have become." 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
 Kurt nods seriously at the words, his face registering no reaction in response to the sarcasm as he accepts the reasoning behind it.  "That's part of why I wanted to ask you. You've only known them while they were down there, so you can tell me how they were without comparing it to some idea from the past. I..." 

He rubs his face, a tired, troubled slump to his shoulders tells a story of days without sleep, nights without rest as he'd struggled with his own path out of the dark.  "You remember the slavers I - we - had with us when we got to Deldon? It's...odd. I brought them out of a sense of...well, I thought they could be saved."  Rubbing his eyes with the palms of his hands, he grunts, shaking his head at his choice of words.  "Or not saved ,maybe, just shown how to be better than they thought they were."  He reaches into the pocket of his tunic and takes out a silver, engraved ring, part of a matching set he'd bought when he got to the town he'd been transported from.  "Now Hilton carries one of these, and has others for if he can convince the others to stay. Something real, proof they can change for the better. For myself, you understand?"  Turning a searching gaze on the cleric's face to see if he does.  "A way of knowing you can be more than you started as."  
 

It takes a moment for Rhenner to reply.  "That you gave them another chance, that you believed they deserved such, I respect that. Too often people only seek to punish, to have revenge. I hope, seriously, that they'll hold on to that promise. Change for the better is what gives me hope in this mad world." 

 Slipping it away, he stretches out, shaking the tiredness from his limbs as he prepares for the next challenge.  "I didn't expect to come back to find that those two might have needed it more. Things seem balanced on a knife-edge...that's why I want to hear what you think of them. It's pointless to try and force a change but I want to know who these women have become."  

The medic in Rhenner picks up the signs of tiredness and is of the opinion that some good rest would be better than tales that could give reason to more troubles, but this time it's overruled.  "What to say...",  he sighs. It's strange, to describe someone to their old friend. How to scoop up the scattered thoughts and memories and make something coherent of it?

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
I'll continue once I get home, I'll need my computer for this.
 
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Jandar catches Natalia's hand while it swings through the air, and pats it in a calming motion. His eyes are soothing, and he lets go of her only to sign a response.

 "With your friend, I cannot help you. Though I have friends and colleagues, I have never minded being by myself,"  he replies.  "But as for your voice, I think you may have accepted it more than you know. Here, I'll show you why." 

Jandar swings his right hand in a motion that Natalia recognizes as the sign for the letter J. But as he does, he raises his left hand, and draws back the right in a motion that vaguely imitates an arrow being drawn from a bow. Through the spell Natalia recognizes this as the sign for  archer .

 "'Archer with a J'- that's my  name sign , what friends call me,"  Jandar continues.  "'Now you'll need one.'" 

He raises his hand into the sign for "N", then makes a small twisting motion, representing the sign for a mechanical nut. Then he shifts his hand into what she recognizes as a "B", and moves it in a zig zag motion.  Nuts with an N, Bolts with a B. 
 "If you hated being 'Nuts' so much,"  Jandar continues in sign,  "I don't think you would have put it on your jacket." 
 
 Spoiler 

 
 
 
 

A name sign...Natalia hasn't really heard of them before, but even now she can tell it's somewhat significant. And as he signs the emblem on the back of her coat she twists her neck to catch a glimpse of the marking in the leather. He's right, though maybe not in the sense he's thinking, she realizes in a flash.

 "I do hate the name, when people use it to call me crazy, helpless, incapable of anything,"  Natalia says and signs, twirling her finger by her forehead to show how people thought--and in some cases still think--of her.  "But I'm good with machines. Nuts and bolts. So...if I couldn't stop people from calling me Nuts, then maybe I could take it and turn it from something I'm not into something that I am and something I can do. And that Nuts isn't so bad."  She signs the name he gave her again again, the twisting metal and the jagged lightning bolt, and realizes that the signs are nearly identical in elven sign language and drow sign language. Natalia looks up at Jandar with a genuine smile.  "I still want to speak normally, but this made me think about some things I never even considered. Thank you, Jandar."  She starts to use his name sign, but only completes it if he indicates it's okay.

 
 Spoiler: Admiral 
Is this okay? I rather enjoy this conversation; did you enjoy Natalia's side of it too? I'm starting to realize more that part of her identity is that she isn't quite sure of who she is, and is only figuring it out piecemeal.

Also, how many different sign languages are there? And you saw my PM reply?
 
CWater
 "They are... complicated people, that much is clear",  Rhenner starts, still trying to find the words,  "Natalia... Most of the time she seems very nervous, and desperate to help anyone she thinks needs it. On the other hand, sometimes her fears get the best of her and she breaks. She's has strange manners and speech and ideas, but one gets used to those."  There is a pause.  "It's hard to believe that that worried girl is also a ruthless killer, and yet that is what she becomes in a fight. It scares Natalia herself, she wants to fight, but not lose her conscience. An admirable cause, in a way I suppose",  Rhenner says and one side of his mouth twitches to a brief mocking smile,  "And then she does things like shooting a running man in the back." 
 "Mithril... I don't understand. For the most part, she is cold, and apparently likes to keep her secrets. She can be ruthless too, and I fear at what lengths she would go, to reach a goal she'd think is important. She says she trusts no one, but it is hard for others to trust her either, or so I feel. Natalia keeps saying Mithril's a good person, yet I wouldn't put her in charge of a prisoner with information, for example",  Rhenner gives Kurt a long look,  "And yet sometimes she expresses sudden bouts of compassion and care, which suggests she's not completely indifferent to the feelings of others. First I thought she was a rational person, but later I started to wonder if she's entirely sane. She shuns from her comrades who wish to help, and then has no issue with dealing with a person who sends people to a fate worse than death."  This memory causes his anger to resurface and he grits his teeth, staying silent for a while.

But the hard expression fades after a moment, a longish moment, but a moment nevertheless.  "I'm being too harsh, maybe",  Rhenner sighs apologetically and shakes his head a little,  "And I'm giving you no context, which is not good either. Truth is I don't know where to begin, and reciting all the happenings of the whole journey would take longer than a rambling high priest's sermon." 
 
 Spoiler 
I don't want to Wall of Text too much, Kurt should have a chance to respond!

Rhenner is being a bit blunt, and his impression is maybe at fault in some regards. But this is how he currently sees things.
 
Cavelcade
 "Mithril keeps her own counsel but she feels more deeply than she lets on. You didn't see her reaction to Henry's death...I wonder. I think it eats at her. She was afraid of her own power too."  He pauses and looks at Rhennar speculatively.  "They hadn't decided what they wanted to be before going down. Have they now?" 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "Why offer to share this with me?  I kept secrets from everyone, almost turned my back on my mission simply because of the Prisoner's voice, something I knew to be serpent tongued.  I can not say I do not want to know, but now I wonder if I should want so much knowledge.  But if you trust me with this, I would like to hear."  
 

 "Even if that were true, this story cannot be betrayed so easily. If you have the power to perform it..."  as she speaks the orbs of light around them lower towards the floor and dim.  "...then you have earned the right to share it." 

Avaralynn places her palms together in front of her.  "The gods created mortals to be passive, powerless. We are created, then we are changed. We are consumed, or we are protected. We are commanded, and we are tricked. We are watched, then we die. That is all we are." 

The priestess tilts her head forward, and opens her empty palms to face Mithril.  "The Lord of All Magic made us more. He granted us power, the power to  act ." 
 "We  create ."  In Avaralynn's right hand there appears a small white marble.  Conjuration. 
 "Then we  change ."  The marble turns to black.  Transmutation. 
 "We  consume ."  Avaralynn flattens her palm, and the marble is surrounded by a bright and dense fire.  Evocation. 
 "Or we  protect ."  The flame ceases, and yet the marble is unscathed.  Abjuration. 
 "We  command ."  Avaralynn tosses the marble outward, and Mithril reaches out and catches it, her hand compelled by something beyond her will.  Enchantment. 
 "And we  trick ."  The priestess shows her palm, the marble still inside it- and looking down Mithril can see she has caught nothing but air.  Illusion. 
 "We  watch ."  Avaralynn tosses the marble in the air so high it nearly bounces off the ceiling, and without moving her eyes she reaches behind her own back and catches it smoothly.  Divination. 
 "Then we  kill ."  The marble shrivels, until it shrinks to nothing.  Necromancy. 
 "That is all we do." 

The priestess gazes down at her now empty hand.  "The story is a single spell... a deceptively powerful one, and one you cannot learn from books or instructors. It can be taught only to oneself. And as I said, if you can teach yourself to cast it, you have earned the right to share it."  She hesitates.  "I wonder... have you ever seen it performed before?"  And in the oddest way Mithril feels the spell looked somehow familiar, though for all her efforts she cannot remember where she might have seen it.

 
 Spoiler 

Greater Prestidigitation
Universal
Sor/Wiz Level 9
No V, S, M components
 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "Even if that were true, this story cannot be betrayed so easily. If you have the power to perform it..."  as she speaks the orbs of light around them lower towards the floor and dim.  "...then you have earned the right to share it." 

Avaralynn places her palms together in front of her.  "The gods created mortals to be passive, powerless. We are created, then we are changed. We are consumed, or we are protected. We are commanded, and we are tricked. We are watched, then we die. That is all we are." 

The priestess tilts her head forward, and opens her empty palms to face Mithril.  "The Lord of All Magic made us more. He granted us power, the power to  act ." 
 "We  create ."  In Avaralynn's right hand there appears a small white marble.  Conjuration. 
 "Then we  change ."  The marble turns to black.  Transmutation. 
 "We  consume ."  Avaralynn flattens her palm, and the marble is surrounded by a bright and dense fire.  Evocation. 
 "Or we  protect ."  The flame ceases, and yet the marble is unscathed.  Abjuration. 
 "We  command ."  Avaralynn tosses the marble outward, and Mithril reaches out and catches it, her hand compelled by something beyond her will.  Enchantment. 
 "And we  trick ."  The priestess shows her palm, the marble still inside it- and looking down Mithril can see she has caught nothing but air.  Illusion. 
 "We  watch ."  Avaralynn tosses the marble in the air so high it nearly bounces off the ceiling, and without moving her eyes she reaches behind her own back and catches it smoothly.  Divination. 
 "Then we  kill ."  The marble shrivels, until it shrinks to nothing.  Necromancy. 
 "That is all we do." 

The priestess gazes down at her now empty hand.  "The story is a single spell... a deceptively powerful one, and one you cannot learn from books or instructors. It can be taught only to oneself. And as I said, if you can teach yourself to cast it, you have earned the right to share it."  She hesitates.  "I wonder... have you ever seen it performed before?"  And in the oddest way Mithril feels the spell looked somehow familiar, though for all her efforts she cannot remember where she might have seen it.

 
 Spoiler 

Greater Prestidigitation
Universal
Sor/Wiz Level 9
No V, S, M components
 
 
 

Mithril watched the story, mesmerized by it.   "I don't know.  It feels like I have, but in the same way that I know I dream.  I have no memory beyond familiarity."   Mithril thought back on the story.   "In the magic I have studied, I have avoided the schools of Enchantment and Illusion, but I can not truely be in service to Boccob if I avoid them can I?" 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Cavelcade 
  "Mithril keeps her own counsel but she feels more deeply than she lets on. You didn't see her reaction to Henry's death...I wonder. I think it eats at her. She was afraid of her own power too."  He pauses and looks at Rhennar speculatively.  "They hasn't decided what they wanted to be before going down. Have they now?"  
 

 "That you must ask them, I cannot say. You may be right about Mithril though.. I remember her mentioning this friend who died, and the memory seemed painful to her. She seemed to think hos death was her fault." 
Cavelcade
 "It's something that must be seen I think. We'll see...hopefully."  He sighs again, that of a man with a job he'd been putting off at last competed and then let's out a jaw-cracking yawn.  "Ah, sorry. Now I really have to sleep. I'll talk to Natalia tomorrow..." 
CWater
 "Why? You look like you could well go for another full week without sleep",  comments the forever sarcastic cleric,  "Yeah, get some rest. I'm sure they'll hurry us back to the road soon enough."  He stops,  "Guess I'm caught in this mess now too",  he says, sounding a little nervous,  "And I thought I had run into trouble before... Now I know someone is plotting against half the world or so. Truth is, I feel like I'm far in over my head." 
Cavelcade
Kurt grunts, then laughs and shakes his head.  "Join the crew. I think if I stop feeling that way I'll have actually gone mad."  Chuckling, he shakes his head a bit the thought.

 "How else should a mortal feel when striving with the Gods?"  His tone starts off light, but falls to a dark place by the word Gods, obviously something that weighs on him, though he doesn't give Rhennar a chance to respond as he turns to go to his room.
Admiral
As Rhenner turns away from Kurt, weighed down with concern about the mission and his companions, he is startled when he nearly trips over a gnome who bursts out from around a corner: he couldn't hear a trace of him approaching.

 "Why, Rhenner Rightrider!"  Shiny exclaims.  "Here you are in a whole new continent and you haven't even bothered to go outside. What would Fargaffleliggle, patron god of tourism and ten-pin-bowling, think of that?"  he asks disapprovingly.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
 Mithril watched the story, mesmerized by it.   "I don't know.  It feels like I have, but in the same way that I know I dream.  I have no memory beyond familiarity."   
 

 "Hmm..."  Mithril cannot tell if Avaralynn looks disappointed or relieved.


 Mithril thought back on the story.   "In the magic I have studied, I have avoided the schools of Enchantment and Illusion, but I can not truely be in service to Boccob if I avoid them can I?"  

 "I don't know that I would say that..."  Avaralynn responds thoughtfully.  "It would not keep you from learning the spell. And the Uncaring is not one to tell his followers how to serve him." 
 "But I've found rewards in all schools of magic... indeed, even the divine magic so often neglected by his followers. It is a choice you should make for yourself." 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 As Rhenner turns away from Kurt, weighed down with concern about the mission and his companions, he is startled when he nearly trips over a gnome who bursts out from around a corner: he couldn't hear a trace of him approaching.

 "Why, Rhenner Rightrider!"  Shiny exclaims.  "Here you are in a whole new continent and you haven't even bothered to go outside. What would Fargaffleliggle, patron god of tourism and ten-pin-bowling, think of that?"  he asks disapprovingly. 
 

 "Thank you, I just almost had a heart attack",  Rhenner replies, choosing not to comment on Shiny's mangling of his god's name,  "But.. yes, in other circumstances I would take look outside, but as the Minister said, 'we are not really here'. I pray Fharlanghn understands."  The cleric does seem somewhat chagrined of this fact though.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "Thank you, I just almost had a heart attack",  Rhenner replies, choosing not to comment on Shiny's mangling of his god's name,  "But.. yes, in other circumstances I would take look outside, but as the Minister said, 'we are not really here'. I pray Fharlanghn understands."  The cleric does seem somewhat chagrined of this fact though. 
 

 "Oh, 'we're not really here...', as if that makes a difference,"  Shiny scoffs.  "If you play your cards right, you're never anywhere, or anyone, you don't want to be."  Quick as a flash he casts a spell on a copper piece he's holding, and Rhenner feels the familiar sensation of Shiny's  sphere of invisibility  draping over them, hiding them both from sight.

 "I've been here before, I know the way out,"  Shiny remarks with a mischievous grin.  "Now's your chance to see the other side of the world, if just for a few minutes. No one needs to know; no paranoid bureaucrats or voices in anyone's head. What do you say?" 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "Oh, 'we're not really here...', as if that makes a difference,"  Shiny scoffs.  "If you play your cards right, you're never anywhere, or anyone, you don't want to be."  Quick as a flash he casts a spell on a copper piece he's holding, and Rhenner feels the familiar sensation of Shiny's  sphere of invisibility  draping over them, hiding them both from sight.

 "I've been here before, I know the way out,"  Shiny remarks with a mischievous grin.  "Now's your chance to see the other side of the world, if just for a few minutes. No one needs to know; no paranoid bureaucrats or voices in anyone's head. What do you say?"  
 

Stunned silence.   This is a bad idea.. But it is a whole other  continent .. I agreed we should not go anywhere, I can see the sense in that.. He's right in that though, that it's almost sacrilegious to be this far and not even take a look... But still...  
Shiny can guess from Rhenner's changing expressions how curiosity and common sense fight over the matter. It's an even match, but when it finally comes down to it, curiosity has stronger leverage and gains the upper hand.

 "Okay, fine. But not far away, just to take a look." 
Athedia
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "I don't know that I would say that..."  Avaralynn responds thoughtfully.  "It would not keep you from learning the spell. And the Uncaring is not one to tell his followers how to serve him." 
 "But I've found rewards in all schools of magic... indeed, even the divine magic so often neglected by his followers. It is a choice you should make for yourself."  
 

 "I used to insult them as tricks and manipulations, but those can be done with the tongue as well as a spell."   Mithril shivered at the memory of the Prisoner.   "I see their use now.  All this choice, yet somehow I still feel trapped, like I am in an endless hedgemaze, except I don't think there is an exit."  Mithril looked pensive before getting back to the task at hand.   "You had a sending to do didn't you?  Would you like me here or gone?" 
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 Stunned silence.   This is a bad idea.. But it is a whole other  continent .. I agreed we should not go anywhere, I can see the sense in that.. He's right in that though, that it's almost sacrilegious to be this far and not even take a look... But still...  
Shiny can guess from Rhenner's changing expressions how curiosity and common sense fight over the matter. It's an even match, but when it finally comes down to it, curiosity has stronger leverage and gains the upper hand.

 "Okay, fine. But not far away, just to take a look."  
 

Shiny smiles his devious grin, then spins around and leads Rhenner down the corridor. The first door is locked, as is the gate they find at the bottom of the stairs, but Shiny's arcane spells make them open instantly. The cleric is concerned that Shiny makes no effort to move or speak quietly, until realizing that along with the invisibility Shiny has cast a spell to muffle their sounds.

The two sneak past a few guards; the compound is fairly well guarded, but after the challenge of sneaking through the Underdark this barely counts as a distraction. Within minutes, Shiny and Rhenner step out into the streets of the city of Hulburg.

They had left Marvell at the crack of dawn, and though Rhenner is well versed in how the time of day can vary between distant locations, he is still briefly surprised to find that the sun is now setting. Such a dance of time and space had seemed so theoretical to him before, as a student of the god of travel. The city is slowing down for the evening, with a few peddlers hurrying past them with sealed carts. The noise of a boisterous tavern floats to them through the air. The city is unimpressive by Eldgar's standards, with buildings shorter than Marvell's and far smaller than Cardonne's, yet to Rhenner the city could not feel more exotic, for every citizen that passes them by has their right hand bare.


 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  "I do hate the name, when people use it to call me crazy, helpless, incapable of anything,"  Natalia says and signs, twirling her finger by her forehead to show how people thought--and in some cases still think--of her.  "But I'm good with machines. Nuts and bolts. So...if I couldn't stop people from calling me Nuts, then maybe I could take it and turn it from something I'm not into something that I am and something I can do. And that Nuts isn't so bad."  She signs the name he gave her again again, the twisting metal and the jagged lightning bolt, and realizes that the signs are nearly identical in elven sign language and drow sign language. Natalia looks up at Jandar with a genuine smile.  "I still want to speak normally, but this made me think about some things I never even considered. Thank you, Jandar."  She starts to use his name sign, but only completes it if he indicates it's okay.  
 

Jandar smiles and bids Natalia farewell, and the rogue steps into the room that had been arranged for the party. She expected breakfast, but the food that is laid out on the table seems more suited to a late dinner. She reflects on this and realizes that with the time difference between here and Marvell, it must be late evening, and that in his paranoia the Minister would never arrange an asynchronous meal lest it give away the origin of his guests.

As she sits down, she glances at the crates containing their belongings, which have been stacked on the side of the table, and something catches her eye. In the corner of one box is an envelope she hadn't seen before, with her name inscribed on the front in a loopy scrawl. She immediately recognizes the handwriting, from the scrambled contents of Aicha's journal.
CoffeeIncluded
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Jandar smiles and bids Natalia farewell, and the rogue steps into the room that had been arranged for the party. She expected breakfast, but the food that is laid out on the table seems more suited to a late dinner. She reflects on this and realizes that with the time difference between here and Marvell, it must be late evening, and that in his paranoia the Minister would never arrange an asynchronous meal lest it give away the origin of his guests. 
 

Natalia's lost in thought at what Jandar said as she heads to the dining room, so reflective that she only barely registers the dinner laid out before her. It's odd, but after a moment it makes sense--if the sun moves across the sky then it's at different positions in different parts of the world at the same time. Though it's still a bit tricky to wrap her head around.

There's meat, and cheese, and vegetables, some sauces, and bread with chopped seeds and nuts. She takes a bread knife and carves out two slices of bread, then stacks one of them high with sliced turkey, hard cheese, vegetables (tomatoes and lettuce and squash, with some potatoes on the side), and then covers the whole thing with the other slice of bread. It's quick and easy to eat, and it looks like she could do it one-handed too.


 As she sits down, she glances at the crates containing their belongings, which have been stacked on the side of the table, and something catches her eye. In the corner of one box is an envelope she hadn't seen before, with her name inscribed on the front in a loopy scrawl. She immediately recognizes the handwriting, from the scrambled contents of Aicha's journal. 

 That  gets Natalia's attention. She's still holding the sandwich with one hand, but her other one snatches the envelope. She quickly inspects it, and if it passes muster she opens the envelope and reads what's inside while eating her sandwich.
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
 Shiny smiles his devious grin, then spins around and leads Rhenner down the corridor. The first door is locked, as is the gate they find at the bottom of the stairs, but Shiny's arcane spells make them open instantly. The cleric is concerned that Shiny makes no effort to move or speak quietly, until realizing that along with the invisibility Shiny has cast a spell to muffle their sounds.

The two sneak past a few guards; the compound is fairly well guarded, but after the challenge of sneaking through the Underdark this barely counts as a distraction. Within minutes, Shiny and Rhenner step out into the streets of the city of Hulburg.

They had left Marvell at the crack of dawn, and though Rhenner is well versed in how the time of day can vary between distant locations, he is still briefly surprised to find that the sun is now setting. Such a dance of time and space had seemed so theoretical to him before, as a student of the god of travel. The city is slowing down for the evening, with a few peddlers hurrying past them with sealed carts. The noise of a boisterous tavern floats to them through the air. The city is unimpressive by Eldgar's standards, with buildings shorter than Marvell's and far smaller than Cardonne's, yet to Rhenner the city could not feel more exotic, for every citizen that passes them by has their right hand bare. 
 

It's one of those things, so common in everyday life, that you don't really notice until it's removed. Sure, Rhenner had met people without guildmarks on their travel last week, travelled with a few too, but that still didn't compare to the strangeness of the scene before him. He wondered how was it for a merchant to greet a customer without the slightest hint of what they considered most important? Who would you ask for directions, when you couldn't guess right away who would care where the temples were, who should know the markets, or the places of study. Or if it so happened, who could point you in the direction where you could find things not advertised in broad daylight.

He hadn't thought of it much, a passing thought when he first met these foreigners he'd soon follow in Deldon, but there had been so much else to think about then that he'd not dwelled on it more. But here, in a land where people would have neither instant camaraderie or distrust towards one stranger met on spot than the other, the question resurfaced, pushing away the serious and heavy thoughts that had bothered him just a moment before.

He was supposed to just take a quick look and go right back in, but some of his intrinsic curiosity towards things uncommon lure him to take a few more steps away from the door. He hadn't realized how  long  it had been since he'd last been to a place entirely new (that wasn't also horrible and constantly out to get you anyway). To let new sights invite his mind to marvel and wonder.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
 It's one of those things, so common in everyday life, that you don't really notice until it's removed. Sure, Rhenner had met people without guildmarks on their travel last week, travelled with a few too, but that still didn't compare to the strangeness of the scene before him. He wondered how was it for a merchant to greet a customer without the slightest hint of what they considered most important? Who would you ask for directions, when you couldn't guess right away who would care where the temples were, who should know the markets, or the places of study. Or if it so happened, who could point you in the direction where you could find things not advertised in broad daylight.

He hadn't thought of it much, a passing thought when he first met these foreigners he'd soon follow in Deldon, but there had been so much else to think about then that he'd not dwelled on it more. But here, in a land where people would have neither instant camaraderie or distrust towards one stranger met on spot than the other, the question resurfaced, pushing away the serious and heavy thoughts that had bothered him just a moment before.

He was supposed to just take a quick look and go right back in, but some of his intrinsic curiosity towards things uncommon lure him to take a few more steps away from the door. He hadn't realized how  long  it had been since he'd last been to a place entirely new (that wasn't also horrible and constantly out to get you anyway). To let new sights invite his mind to marvel and wonder. 
 

 "It's something, isn't it? Being so far from home?"  comes Shiny's voice next to Rhenner, though the cleric barely notices the gnome's presence when there's a whole city to look upon.  "I remember when I first came to this continent..." 
CWater
 
 Originally Posted by Admiral 
  "It's something, isn't it? Being so far from home?"  comes Shiny's voice next to Rhenner, though the cleric barely notices the gnome's presence when there's a whole city to look upon.  "I remember when I first came to this continent..."  
 

 "You're not from here?",  Rhenner asks, with obvious surprise in his voice, though a significant part of him is still distracted by the surroundings. Still, he had thought everyone else of this party were from this land. Then again, if all his claims were to be believed, the eccentric gnome was both native and a stranger to a thousand places.  "Where do you come from then?",  he asks anyway, and glances at Shiny with an usual smirk on his face.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by CoffeeIncluded 
  That  gets Natalia's attention. She's still holding the sandwich with one hand, but her other one snatches the envelope. She quickly inspects it, and if it passes muster she opens the envelope and reads what's inside while eating her sandwich. 
 

As Natalia picks up the envelope, she sees a note attached to the back.   "From front desk of inn"   is written in cursive- presumably the envelope had been picked up as part of the evidence collected by the Institute mages after their arrest, though the envelope is still sealed.

As Natalia opens the note, she finds a letter wrapped around a folded piece of notebook paper. The outer letter bears the handwriting of Aicha, and the text is nearly as fretted as her speech, crammed and curving along edges of the page as though she sometimes forgets to start a new line, and Natalia reads it first.


 Natalia,

I got  your note . Don't worry about earlier in the Church, I just get nervous sometimes. I don't really know how to talk to everyone.

When I saw told you there were two things I had to tell you, but I only remembered one until I went back to my notes, because I'd forgotten to put it in the index like I'm supposed to do. The Church library has periodicals reaching back all the way to its start, it's really great, you should see it sometime. I've read through so many of them that sometimes it takes a while to remember them, because most of them aren't important. But this one is important, you really need to read it, it's something  we talked about  that reminded me of it. I just copied it down from the library, maybe there's some explanation, but I knew you had to see it.

It's about your friend, Shiny.

I'm sorry.

-Aicha 
CoffeeIncluded
Aicha sounds exactly the same on paper as she does when talking to her. Natalia smiles in relief at Aicha's forgiveness and the rambling explanation. And then she reads the last two sentences. A slice of turkey slips out of the sandwich and plops onto the plate as Natalia reads Aicha's note. Another cold chill settles over her and her fingers start to tremble as she picks up the article. She looks around furtively. Nobody's there, but that doesn't mean Shiny isn't. Should she read it? She can't unread it? But if it's here, in her pocket, unread? It'll eat at her.

And Shiny's been mentally crumbling too, hidden behind a facade of smiles and stories. She already made the decision to trust him.

 "I'm sorry, Shiny."  With a deep breath, she takes out the second note and begins to read.
Admiral
 
 Originally Posted by Athedia 
  "I used to insult them as tricks and manipulations, but those can be done with the tongue as well as a spell."   Mithril shivered at the memory of the Prisoner.   "I see their use now.  All this choice, yet somehow I still feel trapped, like I am in an endless hedgemaze, except I don't think there is an exit."  Mithril looked pensive before getting back to the task at hand.   "You had a sending to do didn't you?  Would you like me here or gone?"  
 

The priestess sighs.  "You should join your friends to eat, servant of Boccob. You have a long road ahead whichever you choose, and should maintain your strength." 

As Mithril turns to leave, Avaralynn holds up a hand.  "I know things seem dark, and they will get darker. It is in our enemy's interest to deceive you, and make the war appear hopeless. But you need to know that it is not so." 
 "The Voice sees and influences much. Some battles that seemed to go against him were later revealed to play into his hands. But I do  not  believe he foresaw, or desired, for us to find this book."  Avaralynn taps the side of the Book of Boccob.  "We may not know what his ultimate plans are... but we may soon know how to disrupt them." 
 "So have hope, servant of Boccob..." 

----------------


 
 Originally Posted by CWater 
  "You're not from here?",  Rhenner asks, with obvious surprise in his voice, though a significant part of him is still distracted by the surroundings. Still, he had thought everyone else of this party were from this land. Then again, if all his claims were to be believed, the eccentric gnome was both native and a stranger to a thousand places.  "Where do you come from then?",  he asks anyway, and glances at Shiny with an usual smirk on his face. 
 

 "Somewhere I can never, ever, return..."  comes the wistful reply.  The words sound oddly distant, as if carried by the wind .

 "Speaking of which... I haven't known you as long as I've known the others. But still, you'll be able to say goodbye to them for me, won't you?" 

As Rhenner turns his head at the odd non-sequitur, he is surprised to see that the gnome is no longer standing next to him. The cleric remains invisible, but looking down he sees that the Shiny had slipped the pebble with the invisibility spell into his pocket. Scanning the surrounding streets, the cleric sees nothing of the slippery gnome, who through wit or magic has vanished into the foreign cityscape.

----------------

Natalia opens the inner sheet of paper with trembling fingers. The contents have the format of a periodical similar to the ones Natalia had seen in the Institute library, but it is traced in pencil. As scattered as Aicha may seem, she does careful work as a monk. The top of the page has a date, marking it as almost thirty years ago.


   WANTED 

5000gp bounty by the Brearshaw Firm for the delivery, alive, of

 Shiny Axegrinder 

AKA

 Shiny Sharpsaw 

AKA

 Shiny Bonecutter 

For questioning regarding his participation in the criminal cannibalistic acts of the barbarian tribe calling themselves the IMMORTALS.
  

------------------

 "...we may yet  turn the tide ." 
   End of Act I   
 
 Spoiler 

Link to new thread, IC IX: Turning the Tide, will be added later.
 
flat_footed
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