paradox26
Recruitment thread link:  https://forums.giantitp.com/showthre...-3-5-adventure 

OOC thread link:  https://forums.giantitp.com/showthre...4#post25821334 
paradox26
The party gathers. Not all are known to each other, except perhaps by reputation. But you are all powerful enough to have been summonsed to the tower of Elminster Aumar himself, the Sage of Shadowdale. For whatever reason, you were gathered here. Some may have been travelling through the Dales, others may have been summoned by magic from far away.

But all of you are now gathered in his waiting room, looking around in disappointment at the humble surroundings. For such a powerful wizard, you would have expected much more fabulous decorations. Instead, it looks like nothing more than a quite nice commoner's cottage.

You find yourselves looking at each other, and you all try to decide who should talk first, to introduce yourselves to each other.
Palanan
“ Slànaliessë ,” Eryn says to the others, a politely neutral greeting in the elven-tongue.  “—I was expecting him to be in the tower.”

 Him  being Elminster, of course—the reason they were all here, likely only the latest of many odd little bands he had summoned over the years—and  the tower  meaning the peculiar twisting tower rising up from a small keep not far away, which the locals called the Tower of Ashaba, at the base of the bare granite mass known as Old Skull.

This rather modest dwelling lay further around the wide curve of Old Skull’s base, and a master archer’s bowshot from the settlement of Shadowdale Village—for some reason not on the banks of the River Ashaba itself, but at the edge of a great wood draped across the gently rippling terrain to the immediate east.

That dense forest was only the tip of a far deeper wood extending two hundred miles and more further east, if maps could be trusted, within which the lost elven-court of legend had once reigned.  Now—worse things dwelt there; and having seen the ruin of Tilverton on her journey through the Shadow Gap, she felt a whisper of a premonition, as if one of her mother’s foretellings had found its way to her.
Nines
  "Su's eath'she Adoe, bren nielen alura."  
Elven:  "He's always late, it never changes." 

The finely accented voice returns from the chair facing away from the entrance, towards the hearth. A solemn, brown wingchair of common leathers that has seen better days sits beside a dimly lit fire to quell the fall's morning chill. Upon it, a tall, fashionable, dark-haired gentleman of his mid forties has already doffed his cloak and has helped himself to the lone, sparse bookshelf in the proprietor's absence, barely looking up from his chosen tome as he speaks. At first the work seems to hold his attention, but before long he is idly flipping through the pages, looking for anything that might pique his interest.

After a brief silence he finally gives up on the book, setting it down on the side table and placing his hand to a mug of tea beside it. He relaxes back into his seat, strangely comfortable in another's home, before looking up to meet your gaze with emerald eyes and addressing you directly for the first time, overtop the beverage.

  "Desha, jen vian sehan?"  
Elven:  "So, how was your journey?" 
rax
 "Well, summoning us there would have been presumptuous of him, considering the tower is cousin Mourngrym's home,"  Aubryn replies to Eryn with a chuckle.

 "Have we met before? I thought I knew most of the regulars here in Shadowdale, but then it has been a few years since I last visited. I am Sir Aubryn Amcathra, knight of Cormyr and humble servant of the Lords of Waterdeep. A pleasure to meet you, Miss...?"  he continues, offering Eryn his hand in greeting.

 "And you, sir? I don't believe I've had the pleasure of your acquaintance before either?"  he says to the man in the chair.
BelGareth
Adama was contemplating the purpose of a mountain when he got the call, his thoughts on the roots, and heart of the thing a curious blend of anthropomorphism and weave enhanced logic which threatened to sway one way or another as he tried to peel back the mysteries of the universe.

And it was all interrupted with the most polite *ping* noise, Adama first ignored it for the better part of several hours, but there was a spiritual element to the summons, and he instantly knew who sent it, which made it almost impossible to ignore. Almost, he tried his best, but after a few days, his concetration abated and he allowed himself to look. A small ethereal pangolin looked up from the ground at him, it's outline was that of a ghost, it's form ethereal and flickering, as if it were not real, and it wanted to go back to whence it came. Smiling he nodded to the little creature  "Yes?" 

The little messenger bobbed at the recognition, like a little bow, and then spoke  "Your attendance is requested in the dale for an important matter"  it said simply, nodding it's little head like a humble servant not sure of the exact social interaction for this occasion so it just kept bowing.

Adama frowned, trying to recall the last time such a summons had happened but shook his head, better to leave such notions to those who cared for vainglory, he was summoned, and so his study upon the countenance of the mountain will have to wait until such time as he could return.

Nodding to the little messenger he replied in kind  "Tell him I will be present" , the little messenger bowed one last time before fading into the ethereum like blue smoke in the wind.

~

Adama stepped out of the portal to just outside the dale, a favor from a friend owed, he didn't mind the expenditure of such a thing, if  He  was asking for his assistance, then it felt like an even trade.

Walking the short distance, he saw he was expected and was ushered to the waiting room where others had already gathered, he bowed low to everyone with a humble greeting referring to the questions that hung in the air  "Like the lotus emerging from muddy waters, enlightenment reveals the hidden depths within. Beyond the veil of appearances, there exists a realm of profound wisdom and eternal truth. Peel away the layers of illusion, and you shall witness a world unseen, where the essence of existence is unveiled, and the mysteries of the universe are whispered in sacred silence." 
 "I am Adama, of the East sun, Ancestor to  Ciraxis the Great ice dragon , it is a pleasure to meet you all, though what for we shall see." 
Palanan
“So you’re the charmer,” Eryn allows an almost-smile to Sir Aubryn, allows her hand to be briefly taken.  “Erynessë.”  She remains in an easy slouch in the chair, worn boots casually crossed.

She is the shortest of all the group apart from the dwarf, slight and lean beneath the dusty-green of her traveling clothes.  Brown hair, gathered in a brief braid at the back of her neck; a hint of a freckle or two; and oddly hued eyes like liquid amber—not the usual shade of ordinary eyes, but with an almost luminous translucence, like amber in morning sunlight.

“And you’re—” she glances longer at the philosophical latecomer— “ ancestor  to an ice dragon?  That would be quite a feat.”
Goby
Weary from a long journey across the south of the great desert, through the Stonehands, and along the road into the Dalelands, an attractive dwarven female finds herself taking rest in the Old Skull Inn in Shadowdale.  Thirsty for a drink or several but still focused on why she journeyed so far from home , she strikes up a conversation with the barkeep, asking about local adventuring groups.  She wanders briefly between a few different groups in the bar, before settling at a corner table with a local musician, who looks up in surprise as the dwarf takes a seat.

  “That table said ye might know something about those seeking to learn about the rumors of strange things in the desert?”  , she says without any greeting.    “I’ve travelled a long way, guided by the inspiration of the Luckmaiden, to find others willing to investigate.”  

After a brief discussion, the bard wearing a silver crescent moon pin that the dwarf fails to notice hands her a letter and describes the location of a nearby tower on the western side of town.

After a few more drinks and night’s rest, the next day she heads to this tower, instructed to meet some local wizard who seems to be important in this area.  Entering the tower, she finds an eclectic mix of characters, apparently introducing themselves.

  “I seem ta have found the right place.  Name’s Doria, I come from the north.  Which one of ye is Elminster?”  , she asks the group, then listens to their introductions.

She speaks quickly and briefly, not fully at ease in the strange room.  Wearing a traveling hat over her long, braided auburn hair, her well made cloak doesn’t fully cover the spikes on her armor.  Along with the large axe strapped at her hip, her appearance suggests that she’s more comfortable out in the wild.
Nines
His attention centers on the sound of the voice, turning from his tea after a brief pause to quietly clear his throat.  "Hlandrar,"  the gentleman replies to the querying knight,  "Ixtalan Hlandrar, though most people call me 'Professor' these days." 

He stops for a moment, looking about the room, as if the pull of some distant memory had just returned to him and taken him away briefly, before continuing,  "I thought I'd seen the last of these halls, but Tymora it would seem.. has other ideas."  

Before the poised, silken timber of his voice drops, his gaze narrowing, and ending somewhat solemnly,  "Let us hope that She is in good spirits... for all of our sakes." 
rax
 "Ah, a learned man, then. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Professor. May I ask what your field of study is?"  Aubryn answers Ixtalan.

 "And you sir, you have dragon blood? Then we have something in common,"  he says to Adama, flashing a fang-toothed smile at the mystic and wiggling a clawed hand in greeting.

 "Welcome, Doria, I can say for certain that I am  not  Elminster. I can't speak for these others, though. The good mage does have a fondness for making a dramtatic entrance - he could be any one of them...or maybe even that comfy chair the professor is parked in!"  Aubryn greets the dwarf with a laugh.
BelGareth
Adama looked at the woman with a quizzical look, and then a look of realization came over him, his face visibly changed, and another person seemingly came from underneath and took over, he looked back at the woman with a warm smile. " My apologies...Erynessë? I forgot I was channeling an ancestor, they can get....unruly at the best of times"  he says with a sardonic smile.

He turns to the newcomer and appraises them up and down, he nods to the 'Professor' and regards the Aubryn with a raised eyebrow  "For whom is your sire?"  he asks in all earnest. You can tell he wants to do something, but in the mixed company, and in a powerful wizards vicinity, he thought better of it.
paradox26
A door in the wall opens by itself. The door is well oiled and it takes a moment before the movement becomes obvious to you. The door is lower than most, forcing you to duck uncomfortably to enter. Just what you would expect of the mischievous Old Sage of Shadowdale.

You all carefully pass through the doorway, breaking off your conversations, and find yourselves in a better decorated, but still reasonably humble, room. A meershaum pipe hangs in midair in the corner of the room, smoking gently. When everyone is in the room, a man appears at the end of the pipe. He is an elderly, grey bearded man, still hale and hearty, but the weight of the years has started to hang more heavily upon him than you suspect had previously been the case.

 "Greetings, my young friends. I do not know all of you personally. Or, rather, you do not all know me personally,"  the distinction is noticeable, and makes you all pause to think, then he continues,  "I have need of assistance, and most of my usual factors are either unavailable, or else they are not powerful enough to face the beings I suspect of being behind the problems we are now facing." 
 "I would normally dissemble, but time is short. I suspect that the shades of Anauroch are meddling in Myth Drannor. I need you to go to the Windsong Tower in the city and see what they might be doing there. Then follow any threads you might uncover and deal with them. I cannot go personally because I am too closely watched. If I appear there, my enemies will take the opportunity to strike, and a battle such as that could destroy Myth Drannor,  he says.  "I can transport you to the edge of Myth Drannor, but magic there can still be a little unstable, so it is not a good idea to send you further into the city." 

He puts his pipe in his mouth, claps his hands together, and looks at you all.  "So. Ready to go, or do you have questions to which I do not have answers?"  he asks.
Goby
  "Wizards, always showing off..."   she thinks as the mage appears behind his pipe.

After listening to his explanation, having journeyed such a long way she was hoping to hear more, but who knows the ways of wizards?

  "What's a shade of Anauroch?  I've heard rumors of some powerful forces in the desert, but I know not of these shades."  
Nines
Ixtalan paused to get up from his seat, adjusting his garments assiduously for mobility, and retrieving his cloak over his arm from the back of the chair, before walking cordially astride Aubryn, answering,   "I teach, actually. Advanced Magical Survival, out of Our Lady's College in Silverymoon." , and adding briskly before departing at the door,  "Which, I fear, may be the order of the day before we're through".  The professor was the last to enter, ducking under the doorframe made difficult by his considerable height.
*****

 "Hello again, old friend." , Ixtalan addressed the piping minstrel. It was a warm greeting of long years, despite the external circumstances cloying at them, under which it took place.  "You do not look two cycles hence, since last our parting. Our Lady's grace is surely upon you."  It was a fine pleasantry, but Ixtalan's demurs to politeness ended shortly thereafter, his face becoming dour as he continued.

 "This is a nasty business that you've asked of me,"  Ixtalan spoke with a familiarity of the subject matter untold in Elminster's words, as if he had heard something else entirely.  "You know full well how I feel about putting boots on the ground for this. Mine in particular."  Ixtalan broke off, annoyed at the tolerant silence of a longtime friend, as he made his peace known.  "I'm retired, remember?"  He said shortly, trying to get a response, and failing.  "I've spent a decade.. washing the blood off  that  name."  He said, switching tact and referring to something else,  "..and you would ask me to sully it again."

    *Sigh* "Perhaps Arunsun was right when he approached me..."  He said, pacing now, and more to the air than anyone else, audibly airing his exasperation.  "But my loyalties have always been to the Silverhand,"  He quickly countered his own thought, adding a slicing hand motion and turning sharply on his heel.  "I could not change that, even had I wanted to. We've been through too much... lost too many..."  he said, facing away from the seated mage, and his expression falling dark at the mention of the departed. His grievances exhausted, Ixtalan went silent, left only with the memories of past griefs to sober him.

After a moment, he visibly composed himself, his resolve once more upon him like a mantle, in a way only a proper gentleman could, before turning to meet the Sage's patient gaze.  "Very well. I will get them in and out...alive. I can't promise you more than that, but..."  after a significant pause, as if it was a decision that could not be undone, and harkening with the finality of a man uttering an oath, concluding,

 "..I shall do no less." 
rax
 To Adama 
 "My sire? Oh no, to my knowledge I am not directly descended from any dragon. Or perhaps there was some drop of dragon blood in me already, but mine was more of a  metaphysical  transformation. I was a man, and now I am a manly dragon!"  Aubryn laughs.

 To Elminster 
 "These shades are nothing but trouble. If not for their plots, Tilverton would still be a thriving town instead of a crater! I, for one, will stop them if I can,"  Aubryn says angrily.

 "However, I know little of Myth Drannor or this Windsong Tower. What can we expect to find there?"  he asks Elminster.
paradox26
Elminster takes a few puffs of his pipe, then says,  "I apologise. Shades are creatures of a city long thought lost. They were part of the EMpire of Netheril long ago, before the desert Anauroch came into being. They became deeply tied to the Plane of Shadow, and ended up there before the end of the Empire. They recently returned, and their floating city flies once more over Faerun. They are beings granted certain powers in any conditions short of direct daylight. They are powerful, with many skilled spellcasters in particular amongst their number." 

He turns to Ixtalan and says,  "Master Lune, I appreciate the assistance you can offer. Your skills will be greatly useful, though I fear magic may not be the most reliable ally in this quest. Be aware that you may need to come up with flexible solutions to your issues, all of you. The Netherese Empire failed because of the failure of magic. That was caused by an Archmage named Karsus challenging the Gods, but magic was failing for some in the EMpire even before then. It is possible it may happen again." 
 "Windsong Tower was a school of magic within Myth Drannor. The tower consists of a central tower, with structures in the boughs of a massive oak, structures in the boughs of the Shadowsong Tree, and extra-dimensional spaces. Entry to the school is mainly by portal using a special ring, a Windsong Towerkin ring, that serves as a special portal key. I have one here for you to take, so you can enter the Tower. You will have to enter the Tower by going to Myth Drannor, then find a portal. Once you get there the portals will be activated by the ring and you can get inside. A Towerkin Ring will divert any portal within five miles of the Tower to bring you to the Tower instead. As for what you might find within the Tower, well, it is a mage's tower. It could contain virtually anything, and the more outlandish it is, the more likely it is to be there."  He then hands each of you a thin, elaborately carved, ring made of gold and made to look like ivy leaves.
rax
 "Thank you for the summary, Lord Elminster. I have heard that the elves are reclaiming Myth Drannor, but I take it that the tower is not known to be in use by any beings friendly to our cause?"   Aubryn adds.
Palanan
For some moments Eryn listens quietly to the others—listens to the oddly rambling "teacher," and the cryptic comments from Sir Charmer.

But Eryn’s concerns are more practical, and finally she speaks up.  “Do you have a map of Myth Drannor?  And something on this Windsong/Shadowsong tree?  I’m not quite clear what that is exactly, or how the school is different from the tower, or whether the tower is the same as the tree.

“Or...what precisely we should be doing there.  Is it too soon to ask for an actual plan?  I usually work with teams I know, and those teams come up with plans.  —Or are we still at the planning-to-plan stage?”

 . 
rax
 "As I understand the situation, Lord Elminster suspects that shades have infiltrated Windsong Tower and are using at as a base for some sort of mischief in Myth Drannor. Our mission is therefore to enter the tower, gather intelligence, and put a stop to their plans if possible,"  Aubryn relays his understanding of the mission to Eryn.

 "As for planning, I'd say we're in the midst of doing just that,"  he chuckles.  "As you say, a map of some sort would certainly be helpful, but I suspect from Lord Elminster's summary that we're going to have to go in blind. Or am I fortunate enough to be mistaken on that count?"  he asks Elminster.
Palanan
Eryn gives a brief glance of appreciation to Sir Charmer for his concise summary.

—Then, to Elminster: “How long do we have?  Because if we have the time, we should find an archive or a library with the layout of Myth Drannor.  Otherwise we really are going in blind, and we might find ourselves trapped before we ever see this tree.”

She paused, glances around the small company.  “Before we go any further here—are we all committed?  I’m used to working with people I know and trust.   He —” a nod to Elminster— “may know some of us, but I don’t know any of you.  I’d like to hear that we’re all willing to do this—and if so, what each of us brings to this particular cattle raid.”

 . 
BelGareth
Adama listens carefully as Elminster of all people was briefing them for their mission, his own questions were echoed in timely fashion by the others present, and he was comfortable letting them be the voice of them.

He raised an eyebrow at the...emotional outburst of the Professor, it seemed a long winded way to say yes to Adama, but he knew some people needed to say an awful lot to say a little, if not a little showboating to everyone present, yes, we get it, you are friends with Elminster. Humility was not apparently in this ones vocabulary.

How ironic.

Turning to Auburn, he nodded  "Just as Impressive in my opinion, you have broken from your mortally shackled shell, and become something new, something  better "
 
Listening again to the back and forth, he nods at the wise words of Aubryn, and then turns to listen to Erynessë.

 "In the contemplative stillness of this moment, let us not hasten to assumptions, but rather embrace the wisdom of patience and discernment. As we heed the call of Lord Elminster, let us acknowledge the significance of time's subtle dance. Trusting that our needs shall be met, and the ring bestowed upon us, we shall proceed with serene deliberation, for the path unfolds gracefully in the embrace of the present."  He finishes with a raised eyebrow towards the great mage.
Palanan
As Adama orates about patience and stillness, Eryn allows the briefest release of breath, eyes widening ever so slightly at the prose on time and dancing, then closing at the mention of the path unfolding.

Another brief sigh; then she angles her head slightly to look up at the much taller Elminster, and waits for the others to declare themselves.
Nines
Ixtalan was silent while the group queried Elminster and deliberated amongst themselves. His return to the field of play had not been an easy one, as he suspected, but he would have to press on, there was too much at stake. If what he had heard in Berdusk was accurate, then there was little time to delay.

 "I will take care of entry and reconnaissance,"  He finally interjected.  "There are no need for maps."  Ixtalan said flatly.  "I am accustomed to operating alone or in small number behind enemy lines, for extended periods of rescue or retrieval. Maps are luxuries, to be sure, but far from necessary."  He further explained, while exhibiting the stiff air of a soldier, previously unseen in his carefully poised demeanor.

  So it begins,   he thought,    time to take the gloves off, then.    Ixtalan softly snapped the fingers of his left hand at his side, and the small room was briefly filled with the low, slinking sounds of metal links and the stretching hiss of fast-tying leather. Where once was the dapper, bespoke-garbed professor, fit for a night on the town, now stood the same man garbed in white metal pauldrons, blue-tinted chainmail, and brownskin leather armguards and breeches, much more akin to that of a borderland ranger from some far-off locale, perhaps the northern regions.

At the sound of the commotion, a deft, black corvid ejects itself from the seemingly flush saddle pocket astride his hip, before flapping it's way up to Ixtalan's shoulder to perch there. The glint of something shiny in it's beak catches the light, as the creature drops the object into the armored instructor's waiting hand. Crossing his breast with his newly gauntleted left hand to place it on the side of honor, he dons a small, circular pin bearing a silver crescent moon and harp upon a royal blue field.   "This is Allan. He will be joining us."  Ixtalan said perfunctorily, slightly nodding to the bird as he finishes affixing it.   "Codename is Lune by the way, address me as such in earshot of anyone outside our number."  He said, making eye contact with each in turn to attain their attention, in a manner reminiscent of a field officer.

Once he had passably assembled the floor, he began to explain,   "I work with a group of like-minded individuals, who have extensive experience in these sorts of covert matters."  Ixtalan divulged briefly, before continuing,   "You see, 'Hlandrar' will also be staying here in Shadowdale, to enjoy the wine country for his fall sabbatical. My contact Elinor is watching over the simulacra in town from afar as we speak."  Before adding as an aside,   "That's a favor I will surely have to repay, but we couldn't take the chance that my absence would alert the Shadovar to our interests here."  
  "Apologies for the cloak and dagger,"   He added genuinely,   "but it was a necessary ruse for my return to the fold, and to be sure of your identities."   Ixtalan added, preparing to relay the mentionable parts of his debriefing.   "Those of the Netherese are a voyeuristic lot, and the prying eyes of the Shades are multitude."   He forewarned, adding,   "Something as innocuous as a name can hold power, either for or against them."  he explained, adding a hand for emphasis.   "Just as I have no doubt Elminster picked each of you, in no small part because you are not on any of the Princes' magical watchlists."   he said, looking around the room, before ending,  "If we're lucky, and exercise a certain amount of finesse, they won't know what hit them."   Ixtalan concluded to the gathered, before nodding to El.


 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Action summary:
Ixtalan:
  Swift: expend Swift Ready *FoW p.117;
    Don: sanctified elven chain of Lliira,
    Don: ward cestus (2)
  Move: equip Harper pin

Allan (raven familiar):
  Move: retrieve item (Harper pin)
  Move: grant item (Harper pin); Ixtalan
 
rax
Aubryn starts a little as Ixtalan undergoes his transformation, but as he reveals himself to be a Harper, he first begins to chuckle, then roars with mirth before finally pulling himself together and giving the man a slow clap.

 "A Harper! Of course you are, my good man! The dramatic reveal alone gives it away, though I must say you missed a trick or two. No stirring musical accompaniment, no flash or smoke, not even a twirl of the cloak to properly impress your cleverness upon us! You'll have to work on that, I think!"  Aubryn notes with a wicked grin.  "I do like the code name, though.  Loon  - how very appropriate!" 
 "Now, regarding the question of maps, I am happy for you that you feel such things are unnecessary luxuries, but I do not recall asking your opinion on the matter. You may well feel supremely comfortable in sneaking about wizards' towers uninvited, but the more one knows of the layout of the battlefield beforehand, the less time will be needed to scout the terrain on site. Now, there either is a map or there isn't, and if there is, I see no wordly reason why we should refuse to bring it and use it until such a time as circumstances prove that it is more of a hindrance than an aid." 

With that, he reiterates his question to Elminster.  "Well, which is it Lord Elminster? Do you know of a map of Windsong Tower and where we might find it or not?" 

Turning to Eryn, Aubryn continues.  "Miss Eryn, you asked if we are all committed. For my part, I was committed the moment I left Suzail, and since I trust the people who asked me to come and both they and I trust Lord Elminster's judgement, I am certain we all bring valuable and necessary skills to the table." 
 "As I said before, I am a knight of Cormyr, but my home is Waterdeep and there I have the honour of serving with the Gray Hands, so I too am used to working as part of a team. The Gray Hands are dispatched only when the City Watch or the City Guard cannot handle a threat to the city. Though I am well versed in mounted combat, there is little call for such within the city limits, so in the Gray Hands it is my honour to hold the enemy at bay and strike them down through force of arms." 
 "The magic I bear upon my person aids in this - I am hard to dislodge and neither darkness nor invisibility suffice for an enemy to hide from me. If they take to the air, I will pursue them. If they are incorporeal, my blows will simply strike them all the harder. In the Gray Hands, our mages will often support me with their magic as well as striking directly at the enemy. For example, we have found that a  haste  spell does much to improve my combat prowess against tougher foes." 
 "I also have some spells of my own - apart from minor cantrips, I am able to make a person double in size, to react with alacrity to any threat, and to switch places with a friendly target through teleportation. Oh, and I can generate images of myself to make it harder for an enemy to strike at me directly, though that spell is more difficult for me to cast while in armour." 
 "Does that satisfy your curiosity as to my capabilities?" 
Palanan
As the Professor takes center stage with his transformation, Eryn glances away in subdued annoyance at the showboating, examining the curiosities around the room while the performance goes on.

Once Sir Charming begins to speak, Eryn follows more closely; she suppresses a smile at  Loon , and when he mentions the importance of maps, Eryn nods slightly in agreement, and again more slowly as he declares his degree of commitment.

“It does indeed,” she allows to his final question, “and we should catch up about that transposition spell later.  —For now,” Eryn looks to the quietest member of their company, the northerner with the axe and spikes, and waits for her reply.
Goby
Doria remains silent as the others reveal more of themselves, listening to see if anyone has a plan for how to enter this strange magical tower.  Studying the rings given by Elminster, she examines the elven craftsmanship with curiosity, though with little knowledge of magic, she’s unsure of how to use it to enter a portal.

She nods in agreement with Eryn’s suggestion of a map, and the logic of explaining people’s commitment.    “A map would be a fine idea, I’ve only heard legends of the elven city, and know not of what’s there now.”   

As ‘Lune’, or whatever his name is, finishes his big reveal, she shrugs.    “This is what I get for dealing with humans, and foreign ones at that”   she thinks to herself.  But the Harper pin is something she respects, knowing some of the leaders of the Silver Marches to be a part of that group.

Pulling a hammer off her belt, she flips it in her hand, then looks down at her gear and smirks in feigned surprise as nothing changes in her appearance.    “Seems I’m still what I am, just a warrior with a big axe and no plan but to hit ‘em with it.  Dunno much about the magic stuff, that usually doesn’t bother me.  I’ve come far from Citadel Adbar on the northwest of Anauroch, with orders from me king to find out what threat lurks in the desert.  So I’m in for a good fight, and whatever challenge is at hand to stop these creatures from causing any trouble.

Hit ‘em hard and fast, that’s my way.  I fights best when I’m angry, and sometimes I can yell at people and get them to do what I want.  If that fails, then throwing ‘em thru a wall usually works.  The Luckmaiden has seen me thru many a fight so far.”  

She finishes, having said more than usual for her, and looks to see how the group reacts.
paradox26
Elminster replies,  "The tower is the interior of a great tree. Elves prefer to build in trees where possible. The school is housed in the tower, or tree, if you prefer to call it that. As for a map, you won't need one. Just go to Myth Drannor, find the nearest portal, and it will take you to where you have to go. As for the interior of the Tower, no one ever seemed to think it necessary to make a map of the interior of a single building. You won't get lost, I am sure. It is, after all, a single tree. Though it does have extradimensional rooms, but they don't go anywhere except the Tower, so you won't get lost going into them. As for time, I fear there is not much of it. The shades will not be wasting time, and if you take time to find a map, they may strike before you are done, whatever their plans might be." 
 " As for capabilities, you were each selected to be part of this group to operate as a team. Your abilities are varied, and should mesh well with each other. But it is good that you tell each other of your abilities now, rather than in the middle of a battle,"  he adds.
BelGareth
Adama smiles at the group, he could tell this was going to be interesting, but had an inkling, that once things got tight, they would all rise to the occasion, as was implied by their summoner.

Nodding at the wisdom from the only person in the group who could shut them all up, he spoke up while bowing to Elminster  "Wise words Master Wizard"  he says simply  "I am a Monk from a small unknown monastery in the Sunset mountains, I am capable in combat as most of my order are, I am also able to channel various aspects of my ancestors, allowing me certain abilities. I am a capable scout and can move as silent as any thief from Calimshan, I am able to conjure eldritch energy to blast our foes, the others make me more durable in combat, and I have yet to discover my eldest ancestor, he still evades my summons, but he is close." 
rax
 "Thank you, Lord Elminster, I appreciate the straight answer,"  Aubryn replies when Elminster confirms his earlier supposition that no map was available.

 "Then I think we shall get along famously, Lady Doria. I shall be the anvil and you the hammer!"  he chuckles at Doria's description of her fighting style.
Palanan
For her part, Eryn seems satisfied with Doria’s response; but her expression becomes quietly impassive when Elminster casually waves off the need for maps, scouting, or any other forward preparation.

 Shakkin’ wizards, think magic can solve everything, no idea what to do if it can’t…. 

Instead of voicing that thought, she pauses while Adama and Aubryn speak; and as Sir Charmer is chuckling, Eryn has more questions for Elminster:

“So what exactly  are  these shades, in terms of their nature and what they can do?  Meaning what can they do to  us , how can they influence or harm us—and how can we counteract whatever it is that they do?  And if we can’t counteract it, how can we recover from it?

“—And is there anyone with recent experience in Myth Drannor we can talk to?  Anyone who’s just been there, just escaped or scouted, anyone with an understanding of the current disposition of these shades or other forces?

“And if not—how high above Myth Drannor have scouts been intercepted or attacked?  Do we have any knowledge of how just how high is safe above this place?”
Goby
Doria nods to Aubryn, who seems to have a better sense of humor than most knights she’s met.
  “Not all appreciate me style, just don’t get too close.  I tend to use solid objects like walls as the anvil, but feel free to charge in after if you like.”
  
Turning to Eryn, she poses her own query.
  “And what about you, miss?  Care to answer yer own question for the group.  What’s yer role and commitment?”  

Beyond the group discussion, she looks back to the mage to see what other insights he has to offer, or if the group is ready to move forward.  Planning’s not really her style, and it seems like time is short.
  “Time to go, then?  Action today’s worth more than a plan tomorrow.”  
Palanan
Eryn spares a glance to the spiky dwarf.  “I’m the one trying to come up with a workable plan, including a high-altitude flyover to scout the terrain.  That’ll be my role to start with—depending how high up their defenses may reach.”

She glances back to the wizard, waiting for a response to her questions, although at the moment Elminster seems to have fallen into a quiet reverie.
rax
 "With respect, Miss Eryn, I think what Lord Elminster has been trying to convey is that once we find a portal, the rings he has provided will enable the portal to transport us directly to - or even into - the tower. We should be spending only a little time outside the tower, thus minimizing any risk of attack by hostile parties. In addition, I have heard that the elves have returned to Myth Drannor and now hold at least part of it. If we can make friendly contact with them, I am sure they will be able to point us in the direction of a suitable portal,"  Aubryn intervenes once again.


 OOC:  Re the elves being in Myth Drannor, I'm using information in the Grand History of the Realms sourcebook and working off paradox26's statement that the adventure is likely taking place in 1375 DR. I assume that the fact that the elves have re-established themselves in Myth Drannor would be common knowledge in Cormyr. Since Aubryn has been hanging out at the court in Suzail, I feel comfortable assuming he would have picked up on this also.
Palanan
Sir Charmer has a natural way of mollifying that Eryn doesn’t mind, but even so she exhales slightly at his optimistic  should .

“That’s the plan, but you know what happens to plans once the battle is joined.

“—As for the elves, that’s good to know,” with another glance at the still-quiet Elminster, “so the question is—can we contact them  before  we’re in the middle of the target?  And learn  exactly  how much of the city they now hold, and whether that's anywhere near where we're going?

“It’s great to have magic rings and so forth, but there are traps and arts to negate those—and if the magic rings unaccountably fail, or if anything else goes wrong, then it’s best if we know something about where we may find ourselves.”
paradox26
Elminster settles back into a chair, making himself comfortable before answering the questions shot his way.  "Shades are similar to normal people. They are mostly humans, as they came from the human Empire of Netheril. But many are powerful mages, and even those without magic tend to be highly skilled, especially at stealth. The Netherese Empire was the pinnacle of magical power in this world's history, and the Shades are its descendents."

"The people of Myth Drannor are still settling back in there, and few have left it since it has been reformed, so busy are they in rebuilding. But you shouldn't need much information before going there, since you just need to locate any elf with knowledge of portals, and they will direct you to the nearest, which will get you into Windsong Tower. I do not know how high above the city scouts have been detected. More likely they came in at ground level using magic and stealth to scout out the city. You can fly above the city, but you may be mistaken for enemies and attacked." 
Nines
Ixtalan turned and raised an eyebrow to Aubryn's sudden outburst.   "I'm glad you're amused,"   He said dryly, addressing the mirthful warrior.  "This simple conjuring has saved the lives of many an agent in the field,"   He explained humorlessly.

  "And be assured, it can be put to far deadlier ends than you have seen here."   He continued, sweeping his gaze to address the room in full.   "Surely a knight of Cormyr can see the value in always having one's steel at the ready."   Ixtalan said witheringly, as he let his eyes fall once more to Aubryn.

  "An aerial assault is unlikely to succeed,"   said Lune, pulling himself away from the brief confrontation, his tonal shift indicating the topic change, as he now waded into the ongoing war games.   "It may also draw the attention of any Shadovar still in the area — or as El has said, the mistaken impression of our hosts."  He added, in thought now and slowly walking the floor, his armor barely audible as he spoke.

 "It's better if they don't know we are there at all,"  He said walking, before ending as if on queue, stopping his stride as he began his relayance and coming to rest,   "I shall ward us against sight and sound. Oghma's eyes will direct us to the portal, without fail. No one need know of our arrival."  
Palanan
Once again Eryn holds her tongue, examining stray knickknacks around the chamber as Loon paces theatrically back and forth, declaiming away—but  aerial assault  draws a sharp glance from her.

“Scouting, not assault,” she corrects sharply; “—I assume someone with your extensive experience knows the difference.  ‘High-altitude flyover’ is not the same as a combat drop.”  She gives a delicate emphasis to  extensive experience .

—Back to Elminster: “You seem certain we won’t be mistaken for enemies anyway, even if we show up on foot.  And we likely shouldn’t be advertising to whomever we meet that we’re trying to slip into this tower-tree—not if these Shades are, one, masters of stealth, and two, have already infiltrated the city.

“And you said right at the start that magic in Myth Drannor can be, as you put it, ‘still a little unstable,’ which makes me wonder just how much faith we can put in relying on magical wards to keep us hidden.

“It brings us back to having the best information we can find on layout and disposition,  before  we go into a place trusting our mission and our lives to magic—when we  know  that it’s a place where magic isn’t trustworthy.  At the very least, do you have the name of an elf we know we can trust, whom we can contact when we arrive?”

 . 
Nines
Ixtalan seemed briefly taken aback by the forcefulness of the previously quietest member of the group, raising a hand halfway to counter her part-way through, but assuaging himself as her thoughts became clearer to him. Part of him internally relished her new spirit of engagement, he half-smiled for what might have been the first time in their presence, before looking down and away to hide it, falling visibly into a perceived ponderence.

  "Hmm, yes... and how do you propose we tell our enemies, and better yet, our friends unmet, of the difference of the two.. in the midst of this.. 'flyover'?   Ixtalan queries Eryn, the professor in him on full display again.

  "After all, perceptions  are  realities in the eyes of others, my dear. But perhaps that is something the experience that you so sorely mentioned has imparted."   He said, gently chiding the earlier implication, but ending with an overall warmth to him, and clasping his hands behind his back, as he awaited her reply.
Palanan
At the infinitely patronizing  my dear , Eryn’s expression becomes a study in deliberate serenity, and she pays the Loon no more mind.
rax
 
 Originally Posted by Nines 
 Ixtalan turned and raised an eyebrow to Aubryn's sudden outburst.   "I'm glad you're amused,"   He said dryly, addressing the mirthful warrior.  "This simple conjuring has saved the lives of many an agent in the field,"   He explained humorlessly.

  "And be assured, it can be put to far deadlier ends than you have seen here."   He continued, sweeping his gaze to address the room in full.   "Surely a knight of Cormyr can see the value in always having one's steel at the ready."   Ixtalan said witheringly, as he let his eyes fall once more to Aubryn. 
 

  "I do not doubt it, Master Lune. However, you are presently  not  in the field, but in the presence of your  friend  Lord Elminster and the people he has specifically requested to come to his aid. It would behove you to show a modicum trust in the reliability and competence of those of us gathered here if you wish for our endeavour to be successful. We are none of us new to the concept of entering hostile territory, whether openly or in secret, as Miss Eryn's insistence on having sufficient intelligence and a plan before we go surely proves. And as a knight of Cormyr, my steel is always at the ready, you need have no fear on that account,"  Aubryn retorts coolly.
BelGareth
With a raised eyebrow Adams speaks:

 “In a tranquil village, two children, with hearts as innocent as cherry blossoms, were entrusted with a crucial task, but instead, they found themselves entangled in a spirited argument over the right path. As the sun dipped beneath the horizon, they realized they had missed the appointed time, and with tearful eyes, they learned that unity, not discord, grants wings to dreams.” 

He says, eyeing the guilty,  “we can bicker on the road, if time is of the essence as it was so put, then we should leave at once” 
Nines
  "Indeed."  Lune said, as he was momentarily absorbed by the quiet philosopher's opining for peace.

  "And your point is taken, Sir Aubryn."   He replied, continuing the conversation at hand, but clearly affected by the monk's words, and returning the knight's titular obeisance of etiquette.   "El's favor is not lightly given, and my own trust in him is greater still. That alone provides assurances of the competence of this assembly."   He said, surveying the room as he made the assertion.

  "It is not our custom in the West to operate with those Not of The Harp,"   He explained, returning to Aubryn.   "But we know the Knights in Purple to be both valiant and forthright when there is need."   He recalled.   "You have not disproven that here today with your candor, nor I think, you — or your steel — shall."   He concluded earnestly.

  "Our contemplative is correct, the hour grows short."   He said, breaking off to address the room again, and no one in particular.   "There will be time enough to test our mettles, no doubt. But we mustn't give the enemy purchase  here ."  He declared, with the tenor of rallying in his voice.   "We shall embark without delay."   He said, turning at last to Elminster.
Goby
Mostly ignoring the 3 sided argument amongst her new companions, Doria turns and listens to the monk's thoughts.
She puzzles over his story of children and dreams, trying to make sense of his tale, but as he comes to the end she realizes that he's agreeing with what she previously said.

  "Without delay, indeed."   she chuckles in response.    "Off to visit the elves, then?"  , and she awaits Eliminster's plan to send the group on its way.
paradox26
Elminster rises to his feet and goes over to a chest. He mutters a few words, then opens it. He pulls out a scroll and hands it over to whoever in the group reaches for it first.  "Although I am unsure as to whether it will prove of great use, but as you all seem intent on knowing the layout of the city, here is a map of the city. It does not show which areas are controlled by the elves and which by other forces, but it shows the basic situation. As for an elven contact, you would be best served going straight to the Coronal, Ilsevele Miritar. Tell her I sent you, should the need arise,"  he says.

As the party finishes inspecting the map, he says,  "If you will all hold hands, I will teleport you to the western outskirts of the city."  Once everyone is ready, he casts a spell of great power, and the party finds itself in a forest glade.
Nines
As the one currently addressing Elminster, Ixtalan received the map and handed it, still scrolled, directly to Eryn with a cursory nod, before embarking.
*****

As the party arrived on the sheltered forest floor,
Lune retrieved the towerkin ring given to him by the sage. Passing a hand over it before donning it, and handing off a silvered ring previously upon his finger to the raven astride his shoulder.    Let us see what other secrets you hold,     he thought, as his mind was filled with the ring's unfolded power.   "Let us not bother the elves with our little excursion here, should there be spies about."   Ixtalan said distractedly, as he addressed the group while surmising their landing place in a rote manner. Once he ascertained their relative safety, he began his work.

With an empty gripped hand, he pulled a finely crafted clad-iron trunk of electrum and burnished wood from the Ether onto the forest floor. His opening it revealed all manner of alchemical objects, tomes of various gildings, parchments and inks, bottles of colored liquids, and a large, wholly preserved dragon's eye that stared out eerily at the sky, unblinking, as well as folded clothing both fine and mundane. Ignoring the multitude of objects, he reached into a small side compartment in the interior, to retrieve a set of ivory dice bearing inscribed runes, before closing and shunting the chest once more into nothingness with a gentle push.

Turning to the sky, and muttering a whispered prayer to the god of knowledge, while rolling the dice from one hand to the other, their faces lit by the broken sunlight through the treetops,  
 
 "Oghma the Wise, Knower of All,
  Grant me sight
  That upon their demense
  We might harken — and fall."   
  "This way."   said Lune impartially, before setting into stride.


 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Action summary:
Passive spot checks: 27 Ixtalan, 26 Allan (take 10)

cast  detect magic 
Windsong Towerkin Ring
Identify properties via Spellcraft check *MIC p.217
37 check result (take 10, Allan: aid another)

Grant item: ring of silent spells; Allan (familiar)
Don: windsong towerkin ring

Retrieve:   secret chest  
Retrieve item: ivory counters (arcane focus)
Stow:   secret chest  :ethereal

cast  find the path 
specified locale: "the nearest working portal within five miles of windsong tower."
 
BelGareth
Adama accepted the move to get to the mission and took the hand that was offered to him, the teleport was quick, and much better than he had experienced before, apparently the pedigree of the caster  was  important. He instant dropped down and moved into the shadows, blending with it as if he were made of shadowstuff himself.

 
 Spoiler 

Assume Subtle ancestor
  hide  - (1d20+28)[ 41 ] 
  M.silently  - (1d20+28)[ 35 ] 
   Adama, sire of Ciraxis the Great ice dragon   
M LN Human, Hartland Monk 5/Dragon Descendant 8,  Level  13,  Init  5,  HP  95/95,  Speed  70ft
 AC  28  Touch  21  Flat-footed  23
 Fort  +14  Ref  +13  Will  +16
 Abilities  Str 18, Dex 20, Con 14, Int 16, Wis 18, Cha 13
 Condition  n/a
 Special  Evasion, Still mind, Purity of Body (immune to all non-magical diseases), Slippery Mind, Draconic Aura: Vigor 2 (fast healing 2 when below half health), +1 bonus on saving throws against paralysis and sleep effects
 Ancestor : Subtle (+8 to hide and m.silently, +2d6 sneak attack)
 COLOR =#800080
 
paradox26
 
 Originally Posted by Palanan 
 Once again Eryn holds her tongue, examining stray knickknacks around the chamber as Loon paces theatrically back and forth, declaiming away—but  aerial assault  draws a sharp glance from her.

“Scouting, not assault,” she corrects sharply; “—I assume someone with your extensive experience knows the difference.  ‘High-altitude flyover’ is not the same as a combat drop.”  She gives a delicate emphasis to  extensive experience .

—Back to Elminster: “You seem certain we won’t be mistaken for enemies anyway, even if we show up on foot.  And we likely shouldn’t be advertising to whomever we meet that we’re trying to slip into this tower-tree—not if these Shades are, one, masters of stealth, and two, have already infiltrated the city.

“And you said right at the start that magic in Myth Drannor can be, as you put it, ‘still a little unstable,’ which makes me wonder just how much faith we can put in relying on magical wards to keep us hidden.

“It brings us back to having the best information we can find on layout and disposition,  before  we go into a place trusting our mission and our lives to magic—when we  know  that it’s a place where magic isn’t trustworthy.  At the very least, do you have the name of an elf we know we can trust, whom we can contact when we arrive?”

 .  
 

AT ELMINSTER'S TOWER
Elminster points at a space off to the left hand side of the map, and says,  "You will be teleported roughly here, to a glade to the west of the city. You can walk in from there. If an elf stops you, show them the rings and they will allow you to pass, knowing you as elf friends. Should you need to visit the Coronal, show her the rings and she will know they are from me, as they are also inscribed with my arcane mark on the inside."

"Yes, magic can be unstable. The old Mythal is mostly still gone, and helps to lengthen lives, among other abilities. But it is not entirely stable anymore, and magic can therefore fail to function properly, or can act as wild magic. That is unlikely to be an issue, though, as it normally isn't a problem. Flying up high could pose a problem, as you will be nearing the edge of the mythal and it is difficult to tell how it will affect the being who is flying above the city. They may cause stealth spells to fail, they may cause flight spells to fail. But you should be okay if you fly or use magical stealth, as long as you don't do it for too long, I should think. The city is mostly protected by patrols instead of the mythal these days."

"If you have no more questions, then we can proceed. Cast whatever spells you need now, just in case you run into trouble, though the elves have largely pacified the area around the city now. Does anyone have more queries, or need to talk tactics, now that you know of each other's strengths and abilities?" 




AND BACK TO THE GLADE
Lune doesn't see anything in the area, or at least, nothing dangerous. There is no animal life larger than a squirrel in the immediate vicinity.
The ring is definitely magical, having conjuration magic instilled into it.
The find the path spell leads you to the path heading to the east, towards the city.

Adama hides in the shadows, disappearing into the darkness that falls from the densely packed trees around the edge of the glade.
rax
 At the glade 

Aubryn watches with curiosity as Adama blends into the shadows. Looking straight at where the mystic is hiding, he asks innocently:  "Find anything interesting in there?" 
 "I'm pleased to hear that Oghma and Lord Elminster agree on the best approach to the city and tower,"  he chuckles as Ixtalan directs the group to head down the path Elminster had indicated before he teleported them.

 "I disagree, however, that trying to hide from our elven friends is a wise move. If we are discovered, such an action will likely lead to us being treated as trespassers and looters, rather than allies. At the least, I would expect that to result in a swift trip before the Coronal to justify ourselves, thereby losing any of the presumed benefits of speed and secrecy. We should declare ourselves to the first elven patrol we stumble across - it's the honourable thing to do,"  Aubryn adds.

 "With that in mind, who will be our vanguard? Are your senses as sharp as your step is light, Master Adama? Is your familiar useful as a scout, Master Lune?"  he asks them both.
Nines
Ixtalan stared out into the seeming distance as he surveyed the shining, golden strands of thread now divinely illuminated to him by his invocation.   "The Binder knows far more of what we will face ahead. With his eyes over us, our steps will be sure."   Lune said distantly, before breaking himself away from the previously unseen and now gossamer road laid before him, adding,  "...with all due respect to the mighty El, of course."   He said, barely sardonically, while catching the soldier's eye briefly and finding mild humor in the comparison himself, but perhaps for different reasons.

Ixtalan continued his reconnaissance as the knight expressed his concerns to the group about feigning subterfuge, before turning at the edge of the path, and interjecting to tacitly agree with him.    "It's unlikely we will be stopped at the garrison bearing these,"   holding up a gloved hand with the elven ring upon it,   "nor could we be if we chose not to, but avoiding any unnecessary delays is the goal, no matter the method."   He explained.   "The less we tary in town, the less our chances of being spotted by the enemies sentries."   He cautioned, before returning to his roteful inspections as the group conversed.

   "Indeed, Sir Aubryn."   Lune replied, while facing away and kneeling briefly to examine the path ahead, but keeping himself abreast of the conversation, as he and the winged creature shared the briefest of wordless glances and affirmations. Like a bolt from the blue, the midnight-colored bird lept from it's armored perch and took up a circling pattern a bow's length above them in surveyal, as it silently awaited their departure.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Check forward path for tracks:
Survival: 20 check result
(take 10, Allan; aid another)
*Assuming firm ground and medium creatures, locate any passage within the past five days.
Note: anyone can locate a trail, you only need Track to follow it. *PHB p.84


Allan (familiar)
Flight instructions: circle our formation perimeter
at 150ft. distance and 45° altitude until departure, or until other intelligent creatures spotted. Return and relay, if so.
Upon departure: lead ahead, with same heading as  formation, distance and altitude as above, with same fallback instructions.
 
Palanan
  Glade  


Eryn gives a brief nod to Aubryn.  “Elminster told us directly we should find our way to the Coronal, as our first order of business.  Finding a patrol is the best way to do that.

“ Iẏsnai-an sán sẏ’isīl lánoi? ”   Fancy a duet? 

With that, Eryn lifts her voice in an ancient Elven song, a traditional morning-praise of leaf and wind, and continues singing in a strong clear tone as she examines the map Elminster gave the group.



 
 Spoiler 
Survival
 (1d20+18)[ 31 ] 

Eryn will study the map, examine their surroundings, and then look for anything that might serve as the nerve center of the restored elven realm of Myth Drannor.
 
rax
 "I would, had I but the voice to do your song justice, Miss Eryn. I fear that my singing is more likely to land us all in a dungeon than make allies of our presumptive hosts,"  Aubryn demurs with a wry grin.
Goby
 At the glade. 

As the group gets oriented and debates which way to go, Doria pauses to rummage through her backpack.  Shuffling aside all manner of items, she finds her target and pulls out a pair of antlers attached to some leather.  Taking off her traveling hat and stuffing it in the pack, she adjusts some straps and buckles the whole thing onto her head.  It’s now apparent that the leather is a helmet, and she appears to have a large rack of deer antlers protruding from her head.

Satisfied, she moves towards Eryn to see if there’s to be any spellcasting that was discussed on the way, and looks to the west side of the glade.  Slinging the pack back over her shoulders, she adjusts her gear for travel, and rests one hand on her axe.

  “Are we to visit the elves, or head straight for the tower?  Seems like we’ll do both, from what we heard of da city, I’d expect to encounter a patrol before we reach the tower.  Let’s just see which comes first, and announce ourselves as needed.”  , she suggests to the group.

Not understanding the words to the song, she decides not to join the singing, as it doesn’t sound like its about fighting or drinking.  Elves rarely seem to like the songs that she sings, so she’ll stay quiet.
paradox26
Lune detects many pairs of feet passing through this area, passing to and from the pathway to the east, and probably heading towards the city. Allan has trouble. He can fly at a hundred fifty feet above the group, but that puts him above the treetops, and the forest is thick enough that he can't really see what is going on beneath him.

Eryn sees on the map what appears to be marked as the Coronal's palace, a giant and broad tree. It looks like, between the map and what ELminster said, you only have to walk a couple of hundred yards before you reach the city's edge, and from there you will be able to follow the map to the Coronal.\
rax
 "I think we should keep moving down the path. Gallivanting into the forest will only slow us down,"  Aubryn suggests to the others.
Nines
  "Yes, onward."   Said Lune colorlessly, confirming the allusions to directness, and being the nearest to the trail already. As the group fell into their assorted marching order, the circling, dark avian above them dove to softly take up the forefront.

After some time in silence, and keeping his eyes forward, Ixtalan addressed the group,  "It's not the elves that I worry about here,"   He said midstride, deep in thought as he walked, and deciding how much to say on the matter.  "It's the 'not-elves'..." He said, trailing off while studying the path ahead intently.   "Our enemy can wear many faces. Or ensorcel the minds of our would-be allies."   He explained, and speaking darkly of his foes.   "Be on guard."   He forewarned, after another brief pause, and giving the last in a soldier's inflection, as if the previous digression had not taken place at all.
Palanan
[ Note: this dialogue from Eryn takes place immediately after Aubryn's comments above, prior to any time spent walking on the path. ]


“Mm-hm,” Eryn murmurs absently, focused on the map.  “From this—” her finger sweeps out a brief arc— “the Coronal’s palace should be due east, maybe a ten-minute walk.  That’s ten minutes well spent to pay our respects, and be certain the Coronal knows who we are and why we’re here.”

Eryn sets off in that direction, singing again:

  ’Alessẏn, anände-siīl, anánduna’märelë,
Marélaian ẏn-sānei, ẏn-anände-siīl.  

Anyone who speaks Elven will note that Eryn has switched to something a touch saucier.
rax
 To Eryn 
 "If we're that close, I suspect we will meet some form of guards before we meet the Coronal herself. We shall see whether or not they require us to make our case before Her Highness,"  Aubryn remarks.

He smiles and winks at Eryn as she changes the tune she's singing.

 To Ixtalan 
 "Duly noted, Master Lune. However, unless you have the means of divining who may be an infiltrator or under the influence of the shades ahead of time, we will simply have to deal with them as and when we find them,"  Aubryn answers Lune flatly, clearly growing somewhat tired of being spoken to as if the tricks of mages were news to him or anyone else in the group.
Palanan
More casual than strictly military, Eryn walks beside Aubryn as they set out, moving into the refrain of her song:

  álla-ẏno, álla-ẏno!  sān-sarei,
álla-ẏno mandarë.  

The refrain involves searching for lost sheep through a deeply folded landscape of steep hills and dales; the key phrase is easily translated “up and down, up and down,” and of course refers to the effort of navigating the terrain.
paradox26
The party moves forward, and after a few minutes you receive word from Allan that there are two elves standing guard beside the trail. They do not appear to be that attentive, but it will be difficult to just bypass them without encountering them, as best you can tell from Allan's scouting. A further warning comes to the party that the elves are accompanied by a wolf.

The song that Eryn is singing makes it harder to approach unawares, but the warning of the party's presence will also mean it is less likely for the guards to think the party are intruders and unwelcome to the city.
Nines
  "You are in good company, Sir Aubryn,"   said Lune reassuringly.  "For we have more than The Wise One at our backs, this day."   He said, as he visibly surmised their present location.  "It would offend The Queen of Forests greatly, for us to be deceived in Her realm."  He explained, as he moved to examine the canopy for movement, but also in a silent denouement of solace as he invoked Her.  "I trust She will not let that come to pass."  He said, with a comfortable resignation, before returning himself to his footsteps on the path ahead.
*****

A few moments later, Ixtalan slowed briefly before continuing, as he received the empathic message and discrete signal calls from Allan of what lay onward.  He raised a hand for silence as it came in, decoding the sensations and seemingly innocuous background sounds as if it were a language onto it's own,   "Patrol ahead. Two strong. Elven."   before pausing as more information arrived,  "One guard animal. Lupine."   as he translated a real-time version of the truncated field chatter and assessments,   "complacent...but well placed."   He paraphrased, and nodding silently in reply to the sending, as he finished his relayance to the group.
rax
 "Then it seems Lady Luck wished for us to find elves before a portal. Miss Eryn, you speak their language and have a way with words - let us go speak to them,"  Aubryn suggests with an impish smile.
Palanan
Eryn nods slightly, and switches songs again—this time to a wordless melody, elegant and dignified, which has been sung since time immemorial as envoys of peace journeyed forth.
Nines
 "Yes, a division of labors."   Concurred Lune, at the knight's proffering of an envoy, as he resumed his pace on the path, and planning as he went.   "It seems we have a volunteer for parley,"   He said, referring to the Elvish song of peace being sung,
  "though her dialect is strange to my ears. It is not the king's elvish, but it will do."   Said the northern ranger, elaborating as an aside.   "I shall ensure their veracity. If there is duplicity at work, I will signal."   He said, addressing the group as they moved to engage.
Goby
Hearing Lune’s warning of guards ahead, Doria pauses to see how the group plans to approach.  Agreeing with the wisdom of Aubryn and Eryn’s plan to approach openly, she steps aside to allow them to lead the way, as they seem better suited to parley with elves.
She follows behind them, hands at her sides and away from her axe in an attempt to appear non-threatening, and keeps watch to the rear as they approach the sentries.
Palanan
Eryn continues singing as she and Aubryn approach the elves, who have likely heard the ancient melody by now.
paradox26
Numerous restored roads and well-used trails lead into Myth Drannor now, but access to the city still seems to be restricted. Armed patrols of moon elves are stopping all inbound travelers.  “Halt! State your names and business in Myth Drannor!”  says an authoritative voice. Two elves armed with swords and longbows accompanied by a wolf have appeared from somewhere in the throng. One of the elves holds a piece of parchment and a pen.

The elves are humming the song that the party is singing, so they have obviously heard your approach. They don't seem overly alarmed, suggesting that the city must be mostly peaceful these days.
Nines
From his middle position, Ixtalan used the slight delay in the patrol taking stock of his approach along the trail to study them. Drawing on the empathic link of his watcher's keen senses in the canopy, and affixing his own gaze upon them, he stared into unseen worlds for a few moments to determine what magicks might lay about their heads, like coiling snakes, before silently invoking the Lady of Forests' sight as he sought the truth of their forms.

Once he had his answers, he relaxed into a veneer of casual friendliness, lacking at once the tension of his former bearing, and affecting the posture of the gentle academic the group had met in the Sage's foyer, as he idly waited, without a care to be seen upon his face. It was a shapeshift entirely bereft of Art, but one born of long years of practice, and no less miraculous to glimpse in it's entirety.
*****

  "Hafflestir,"   returned the visibly unarmed, but now ill-attired academic, in turn to the prompting of the patrol.  "Belsen Hafflestir. Professor of antiquities, of Her Lady's College."  He added,  "You can check my credentials with them, if you like. All in order."   He said, with adroit perfidy.  "I'll merely be assisting these fine folk and recording any archaeological disturbances in the vicinity."   He elaborated rather quickly, with a casually well-timed hand gesture to flash the Towerkin Ring upon his hand.   "Did you get all of that?"   He said inquiringly, looking directly to the sentry with the writing materials.   "H - A, two F's — oh dear, you'll never get it right,"   He began, before stopping to fumble about himself for his own papers and ink, and in some of amount of audible distress.   "Ah, here we are."   He surmised, withdrawing nearly identical implements, and prattling on as he wrote.

  "Apologies for my field dress... I know it's a bit off-putting. Former Silvaeren Guard — you see. Retired, of course. Many years."   He continued apace, making seemingly large scrawls upon the page,  "I'm sure you can relate. But you can never be too careful on these little excursions,"   He stressed, as he went on, adding flourishes to his writing for emphasis, and almost in-time as he spoke,  "why, this one time — I was accosted by a Chuultan viper! Got me right in my bootheel!"  He exclaimed, and hitting the page with his quill, as he punctuated both the tale and the document simultaneously.  "Dastardly thing, 'twas a good thing I was wearing them, too. Else, I wouldn't be standing here today."   He said, stomping a foot as he finished both the story and the linen square, and handed the parchment to the recordsman amiably.


 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Sense motive: 25 check result (take 10, aid another)
*sense any active enchantments present *SRD

Mielikki's truth (passive): Unerringly identify forest environment creatures by sight or spoor. Automatically know if disguised, altered, what magic was used, and where it was done.

Detect magic (active):
Identify magical auras, number, strength, and school.

Bluff: 29 check result (take 10)
  *Fast-talk the guards.

Retrieve items: disappearing ink *T&amp;B, parchment *forger's kit

Craft (calligraphy): 20 check result (take 10)
  *hand them an exquisitely crafted parchment containing the info. Ink fades completely in 8hrs.
 
Palanan
When Eryn approaches the moon elves, she will sing a wordless refrain to her song in harmony with their humming, and then will let her voice trail off.

“ Uluán-sé qärian ẏn-salán, īlio nal olónorië qi’ilanesse së slára ,” she begins, an ancient greeting from the first days of the Orishaar, and then continues in a faintly archaic dialect:

“ I hight Erynessë, of the Sisters of Holy Succour of Our Lady Mielikki, and this—”  with a gesture to Aubryn—  “is his Lordship Sir Aubryn Amcathra, a knight of Cormyr.  Our companions and we have been selected by Elminster of Shadowdale for a matter of deep concern to the safety of your realm, and perhaps to all the lands between here and Silverymoon.   

“ We would respectfully request an immediate audience with the Coronal, to pay our respects and to advise her of Elminster’s concerns, and of the role which he has requested we play.  We would ask that you bring us before her as soon as may be possible, since Elminster feels the matter requires urgent attention .”

 . 
rax
 "It fills me with joy to see the City of Song restored to its rightful heirs,"  Aubryn addresses the elves with a respectful bow.
paradox26
 
 Originally Posted by Nines 
 From his middle position, Ixtalan used the slight delay in the patrol taking stock of his approach along the trail to study them. Drawing on the empathic link of his watcher's keen senses in the canopy, and affixing his own gaze upon them, he stared into unseen worlds for a few moments to determine what magicks might lay about their heads, like coiling snakes, before silently invoking the Lady of Forests' sight as he sought the truth of their forms.

Once he had his answers, he relaxed into a veneer of casual friendliness, lacking at once the tension of his former bearing, and affecting the posture of the gentle academic the group had met in the Sage's foyer, as he idly waited, without a care to be seen upon his face. It was a shapeshift entirely bereft of Art, but one born of long years of practice, and no less miraculous to glimpse in it's entirety.
*****

  "Hafflestir,"   returned the visibly unarmed, but now ill-attired academic, in turn to the prompting of the patrol.  "Belsen Hafflestir. Professor of antiquities, of Her Lady's College."  He added,  "You can check my credentials with them, if you like. All in order."   He said, with adroit perfidy.  "I'll merely be assisting these fine folk and recording any archaeological disturbances in the vicinity."   He elaborated rather quickly, with a casually well-timed hand gesture to flash the Towerkin Ring upon his hand.   "Did you get all of that?"   He said inquiringly, looking directly to the sentry with the writing materials.   "H - A, two F's — oh dear, you'll never get it right,"   He began, before stopping to fumble about himself for his own papers and ink, and in some of amount of audible distress.   "Ah, here we are."   He surmised, withdrawing nearly identical implements, and prattling on as he wrote.

  "Apologies for my field dress... I know it's a bit off-putting. Former Silvaeren Guard — you see. Retired, of course. Many years."   He continued apace, making seemingly large scrawls upon the page,  "I'm sure you can relate. But you can never be too careful on these little excursions,"   He stressed, as he went on, adding flourishes to his writing for emphasis, and almost in-time as he spoke,  "why, this one time — I was accosted by a Chuultan viper! Got me right in my bootheel!"  He exclaimed, and hitting the page with his quill, as he punctuated both the tale and the document simultaneously.  "Dastardly thing, 'twas a good thing I was wearing them, too. Else, I wouldn't be standing here today."   He said, stomping a foot as he finished both the story and the linen square, and handed the parchment to the recordsman amiably.


 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Sense motive: 25 check result (take 10, aid another)
*sense any active enchantments present *SRD

Mielikki's truth (passive): Unerringly identify forest environment creatures by sight or spoor. Automatically know if disguised, altered, what magic was used, and where it was done.

Detect magic (active):
Identify magical auras, number, strength, and school.

Bluff: 29 check result (take 10)
  *Fast-talk the guards.

Retrieve items: disappearing ink *T&amp;B, parchment *forger's kit

Craft (calligraphy): 20 check result (take 10)
  *hand them an exquisitely crafted parchment containing the info. Ink fades completely in 8hrs.
 
 
 

 "Greetings, Belsen Hafflestir. You are welcome among our people,"  the leading guard says, as he writes down the name and purpose.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 You detect no magical items on them apart from each wearing an Elven Cloak, a minor piece of magic that provides assistance in stealthy movement. You appear to have successfully bluffed the guards. And they don't seem to be anything other than what they appear, simple city guards.
 


 
 Originally Posted by Palanan 
 When Eryn approaches the moon elves, she will sing a wordless refrain to her song in harmony with their humming, and then will let her voice trail off.

“ Uluán-sé qärian ẏn-salán, īlio nal olónorië qi’ilanesse së slára ,” she begins, an ancient greeting from the first days of the Orishaar, and then continues in a faintly archaic dialect:

“ I hight Erynessë, of the Sisters of Holy Succour of Our Lady Mielikki, and this—”  with a gesture to Aubryn—  “is his Lordship Sir Aubryn Amcathra, a knight of Cormyr.  Our companions and we have been selected by Elminster of Shadowdale for a matter of deep concern to the safety of your realm, and perhaps to all the lands between here and Silverymoon.   

“ We would respectfully request an immediate audience with the Coronal, to pay our respects and to advise her of Elminster’s concerns, and of the role which he has requested we play.  We would ask that you bring us before her as soon as may be possible, since Elminster feels the matter requires urgent attention .”

 .  
 

 "Greetings, Lady Erynesse and Sir Aubryn. You are most welcome among our number here in the city. Servants of Mielikki are always welcome here. You are welcome to attend the Coronal, if you come here bearing Lord Elminster's good graces,"  the same guard says.

 
 Originally Posted by rax 
  "It fills me with joy to see the City of Song restored to its rightful heirs,"  Aubryn addresses the elves with a respectful bow. 
 

 "You have the right of that, my friend. The elven people will not be driven from our lands again. I lived in EVermeet for many years, but am glad to be back in our homeland,"  the second guard says.
Nines
  "Delightful!"   said Ixtalan, continuing to feign his affected enthusiasm, as he moved to the front and turned to address everyone in conference.   "Well this has been a splendid day thus far, with the fresh morning dew."  he surmised openly, while wiping his brow despite the brief journey, and presenting a flat, upward palm to the morning air, before subtly dusting one shoulder of mild condensation.   "Take care to enjoy it."   He bade the patrolmen with a hand, as he finished both of his communications.    Their minds are free. They wear no faces.    read the hand signs blended amidst the pleasantries, as he prepared to depart the sentries' company and continue on.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 Bluff: pass simple secret messages DC 15
29 check result (take 10)
 
Palanan
“ We wish you joy of your return to these lands ,” Eryn answers the elven guard, “ but time is short and our need is pressing.  Shall you bring us before the Coronal, or tell us where we may find her? ”
paradox26
The guards appear relaxed, knowing you have come from Elminster, so they don't expect any evil activity from the party. They don't appear to have noticed the secret message, and just wave you through.  "We must stay here at our post. You may6 enter the city. Look for the largest tree in sight, and that will be the Coronal's palace,"  one of the guards says.
Palanan
Eryn gives the guards a courteous thanks, glances to Aubryn, and ventures forth in search of the Coronal's mighty tree.
rax
Aubryn also offers his thanks before heading for the largest tree in sight...
paradox26
The party finds a well travelled path that leads to a huge tree. Many elves are walking in and out of it, showing that it has clearly been hollowed out on the inside.

You show your rings to the guards, and are quickly shown inside. A young female elf, or one you can only assume is young for the timeless elves, sits on a throne.  "Greetings, travellers. I understand that you come bearing rings with the arcane sigil of Elminster inscribed upon them. What can I do for him?"  she asks, her voice musical.
Palanan
“ Thank you for your welcome, and the kind courtesy of your attention ,” Eryn says in her most respectfully inflected Elven.  “ We have been chosen by Elminster to seek out a matter of some concern to him.  

“ He has reason to believe that Shades have targeted Windsong Tower for some unholy purpose, and he has selected my companions and I —” she gestures to those companions who have joined her— “ to pursue this matter wherever it may lead us. 

“ Since this impinges upon the safety of Myth Drannor itself, we thought it best that you should be advised of Elminster’s concerns and our mission in his name—both that you may be on your guard throughout Myth Drannor, and that you may know what has likely happened should we not return. 

“ It was Elminster’s wish that we enter Windsong Tower as soon as we may, since he felt time was of the utmost urgency in this matter.  We would thus ask your leave to enter there forthwith, and we will send word when we are able of what we have discovered within .”
paradox26
The Coronal looks disturbed by the news the party provides.  "Shades? We have sparred with them in the past, but did not think them to be major enemies we would encounter, especially here in our own homeland,"  she says.

 "You may of course enter Windsong Tower, as it will benefit us a great deal for you to deal with the Shades. Be careful within, as it has not been reclaimed fully by our people, and there could be virtually anything found within. I would appreciate your offer to let us know what you discover within, especially if your investigation later leads you away from Myth Drannor,"  she adds, her elven voice slightly alien, yet truly beautiful.
rax
 "I fear the shades are enemies of us all, Your Highness. It is barely three years since they marched on Tilverton and caused its destruction. It would be wise to assume that they will go where they will to achieve their aims, and that they care little what troubles they cause here or in the Heartlands,"  Aubryn replied.

 "We will depart at once, Your Highness, but Lord Elminster instructed us to seek out a portal, and that these rings would then take us to the Tower. It would certainly speed matters up if someone here could show us the way to the nearest portal,"  he adds with a slightly embarrassed look.
Nines
The raven swooped down to return to his pauldron perch as the treetops gave way to the town walls. Ixtalan departed the company of his fellows at the city gates with a knowing nod as they sought the grand tree. He briefly examined the passersby, before cutting through a deserted alley as he mentally accessed his kiira.

He emerged as a well-garbed moon elf, his momentary glamer would afford him privacy as he traversed the city. Taking a northern route through the city to the east, after muttering another small incantation to find an expeditious and less traveled route to the establishment he sought. He slipped through the slim streets deftly, as it's pull guided him unerringly. His auguries delivering him swiftly, he was soon greeted by the newly constructed facades of a great library, adorned by an inscription of a blank scroll above large oaken doors ajar to the morning air, welcoming of travelers near and far. Adjacent the entrance steps, a pair of minstrels conversed between ballads, instruments at rest as a small throng of listeners was departing.

Ascending the stone reliefs, before passing through the doors and the large rotunda foyer, that gave way to a hall of books and scrolls upon wooden shelves that lined the far walls three-men high, with ladders and desks filling the expanse between them. The Namers here had just finished the morning's oblations, and were largely conversing amongst themselves. Ixtalan took a hard left, seeking the local loremaster of this great temple. Finding the office empty, and of a familiar location to other temples throughout the region, Ixtalan retrieved a sealed letter from his satchel bearing a wax seal of the same blank scroll upon its flap. Laying the missive upon the large, carved desk currently devoid of its steward, its skyward face addressed simply as    'Goomlarin OO'.  

Departing the library without a word, he descended once more onto the streets of Myth Drannor. Greeting one of the minstrels on his exit with the oblique gesture of the   Harpist's Hand  , after his briefest notice by the pair, before receiving one in return as acknowledgement. He retraced the steps foretold in his earlier divination, as he once more picked up the sunlit trail of the Binder's golden threads now bisecting the city to the southwest, before taking his leave to scout the rendezvous point in advance of his companions.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 Retrieve Allan; stow   familiar pocket  
access lore gem: prepare spells, partial

cast   disguise self  
glamer: "moon elf courtier"
Disguise: 34 check result (take 10, +10 spell)

cast   guided path  
locale: "shortest path to the temple of Oghma"

follow active spell:
 find the path  "the nearest working portal within five miles of Windsong Tower."

portal arrival: passive Spot 27 Ixtalan
 
paradox26
 
 Originally Posted by rax 
  "I fear the shades are enemies of us all, Your Highness. It is barely three years since they marched on Tilverton and caused its destruction. It would be wise to assume that they will go where they will to achieve their aims, and that they care little what troubles they cause here or in the Heartlands,"  Aubryn replied.

 "We will depart at once, Your Highness, but Lord Elminster instructed us to seek out a portal, and that these rings would then take us to the Tower. It would certainly speed matters up if someone here could show us the way to the nearest portal,"  he adds with a slightly embarrassed look. 
 

 "Of course. The nearest portal is in the Temple of Corallon Larethian. Follow the path outside of the palace to the east, then take the first turn to the north. You will find it there,"  the Coronal says.  "Ask one of the priests there, and show them your rings. They will take you to the portal. Normally it leads to Evermeet, but your rings will direct you to the WIndsong Tower." 

 
 Originally Posted by Nines 
 The raven swooped down to return to his pauldron perch as the treetops gave way to the town walls. Ixtalan departed the company of his fellows at the city gates with a knowing nod as they sought the grand tree. He briefly examined the passersby, before cutting through a deserted alley as he mentally accessed his kiira.

He emerged as a well-garbed moon elf, his momentary glamer would afford him privacy as he traversed the city. Taking a northern route through the city to the east, after muttering another small incantation to find an expeditious and less traveled route to the establishment he sought. He slipped through the slim streets deftly, as it's pull guided him unerringly. His auguries delivering him swiftly, he was soon greeted by the newly constructed facades of a great library, adorned by an inscription of a blank scroll above large oaken doors ajar to the morning air, welcoming of travelers near and far. Adjacent the entrance steps, a pair of minstrels conversed between ballads, instruments at rest as a small throng of listeners was departing.

Ascending the stone reliefs, before passing through the doors and the large rotunda foyer, that gave way to a hall of books and scrolls upon wooden shelves that lined the far walls three-men high, with ladders and desks filling the expanse between them. The Namers here had just finished the morning's oblations, and were largely conversing amongst themselves. Ixtalan took a hard left, seeking the local loremaster of this great temple. Finding the office empty, and of a familiar location to other temples throughout the region, Ixtalan retrieved a sealed letter from his satchel bearing a wax seal of the same blank scroll upon its flap. Laying the missive upon the large, carved desk currently devoid of its steward, its skyward face addressed simply as    'Goomlarin OO'.  

Departing the library without a word, he descended once more onto the streets of Myth Drannor. Greeting one of the minstrels on his exit with the oblique gesture of the   Harpist's Hand  , after his briefest notice by the pair, before receiving one in return as acknowledgement. He retraced the steps foretold in his earlier divination, as he once more picked up the sunlit trail of the Binder's golden threads now bisecting the city to the southwest, before taking his leave to scout the rendezvous point in advance of his companions.  
 

The Loremaster isn't there. Ixtalan sees a small Oghman symbol on the desk in a box with several others. He takes one to mark that the letter has been delivered.

The minstrel who Ixtalan marks with the Harpist's Hand repeats the gesture, and looks around casually. He seems to be checking to make sure that Ixtalan isn't being followed, and after a brief but thorough check, the minstrel gestures with an all clear signal.

Ixtalan then finds his way to the doors of the Mystran temple. The guards on the door look carefully, and block the entrance. Being servants of the Church of Mystra, though, they likely have anti illusion screens up, and are confused about why someone would be here in a different form.  "Halt, pilgrim. What brings a stranger to the door of Mystra's temple? And under false colours at that,"  one of the guards asks, her gaze stern but not unfriendly.
Palanan
 Evermeet…. 

Eryn can’t help but be tempted at the name of the legendary island across the sea; but she gives the Coronal a respectful bow, followed by her most deferential thanks; and with that she will make her departure from the Coronal’s palace, and together with her remaining companions she will shape her course for the temple of the Coronal of Arvandor.
Nines
  "Oh, you're right. How silly of me to forget my alabaster and azure this highsun."   Ixtalan replied cordially, as he stopped to redress the doorsman of the temple sensitively about 'colors', lest someone overhear the exchange.   "I must have left them in my haste to find my belt this morning."   He said eyeingly, and brushing his cloak aside just enough with the words to reveal a stout chain-link rod affixed to a loop upon it. It was a powerful and purely defensive relic of the Mystran faith, of which nary a handful existed, and entrusted with great care only to a proven defender of the Weave.   "Truefriends,"  He said, giving a watchword of solidarity,   "please excuse the indiscretion, as I only needed my head covered against The Night."   He circled and ended, referring back to the glamer and the need for protection from The Lady's enemies.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 Negotiate passage and overlook the glamer
Diplomacy: 29 check result (take 10)

Pass secret messages to a fellow member
Bluff: 29 check result (take 10)

reveal  rod of reversal  relic to prove identity
Guards: religion DC 15 to identify the item on sight.

*Note: All Mystran adherents have at least 2 ranks in Religion, and can take 10 on the check.
 
paradox26
The party reunites at the Temple of Mystra, where Ixtalan is already in discussion with the guards. The guards, upon seeing the relic of the Lady, are prepared to permit access. One of the guards leads the party inside the temple with no words but a simple gesture. You are taken to the office of the city's High Priestess of Mystra. You are led inside, and find her sitting behind her desk reading a scroll.

 "These pilgrims seek a boon from you, Mistress,"  the guard tells her.

 "Greetings strangers. What brings you to the Temple of Our Lady?"  she asks you.
Nines
Ixtalan paused briefly in the entryway of the Temple of Mysteries, after being safely ushered inside alongside his newly returned companions. Bowing his head in an act of contrition, beside a brazier of blue flame adjacent to the door, he completed a silent act of will. He released the form of the glamer upon himself to the aether, taking his own form once more, as he offered the remnants of its Art into the fire, and back to the Mistress of Magic in quiet gratitude.

After the oblation, he found himself surmising the temples walls, their faces adorned with countless glyphs and runes, some physical, but many visible only to his arcane eyes. It was a familiar sight of sanctuary to him, that assured him he had no need of deception here. There no doubt lay more worked Will in these walls than anywhere else in a hundred leagues.

Rejoining the group after his brief waylay, he found the head priestess in studious quarters and to be of a comparably casual demeanor. The newly reconstructed temples were still far from the reach of the central church, and thus did not have the air of formality so often felt in the epicenters of commerce and his native North.

  "Highsun's greetings, Mistress,"   Ixtalan began respectfully, and referring to one of the two most auspicious times of day to a Mystran.   "my company and I come to you at the behest of Her Chosen, the one called Aumar."   He began, as he relayed their mutual benefactor.   "He sends his tidings and warmth for Our Lady's renewed presence in the City of Song,"   He spoke with a stately comportment and without haste, always being one to observe courtesy, even in the face of peril,   "However, it is on the heels of dire news I fear."  before coming finally to his true intentions.   "It is his belief that there exists a plot against Windsong Tower, and we have been tasked with it's undoing."   He explained gravely.   "We have been entrusted with a portal key" , he said, holding up a hand bearing the elven band of the tower's makers,   "and would ask for your leave to use this temple's gate to seek the provocateurs directly."   He finished succinctly and of a calm, letting the gravity of the news do his work for him.


 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 dismiss   disguise self   (D)

perform oblation to Mystra
Religion: 21 check result (take 10)

convey the truth of his words
Diplomacy: 29 check result (take 10)
 
paradox26
The Mistress rises from her seat and moves around her desk to examine the rings each of you bear, and particularly the inscribed sigil of Elminster. She mutters a word, and examines the aura that illuminates the rings. Seemingly satisfied, she nods her approval.

 "I see you speak truth here, for in this chamber there is no other means of speech, with the Lady's blessing. But your rings confirm that you come from the Lady's favourite Chosen. You may use the portal that lies within this chamber. It will take you to Windsong Tower. Be cautious of what you find within, for the ways of magic can be treacherous to the unwary,"  she says. She gestures at what you thought to be a full length mirror in a corner of the room. It is covered in a cloth, but she removes that and reveals that it is indeed a mirror.

 "Rub the ring you bear, then step through the mirror and it will take you to the Tower,"  she instructs.
Alhallor
Shraxtrix bows towards the cleric of Mystra.  Thank you much, Mystra-speaker. Here, take this for your trouble. 

Shraxtrix lays a semi-precious gem on the desk, then the rag-covered brownish kobold rubs the ring as instructed and goes towards the mirror, ready to step through and get teleported to Windsong tower.

Originally Shrax would have liked to lay a  Haste  on everybody before they stepped through but the warning that magic was still unpredictable hampered her nurturing spirit enough to stop herself.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Give the cleric of mystra a 50 Gold worthy gem (likely a tiger-eye or something).
Don't cast any spells for now but stay in Island of Blades stance.
 
BananaPhone
 Faora 


Lurking at the rear of the group, her unusual height topped by a crown of long, red-orange hair, Faora had exhibited a quiet wherewithal that had ensured her presence was seen but not heard. Her large, green eyes seemed to peer at her surroundings with penetrating glare that nevertheless seemed to be staring at something beyond whatever was standing before her, as if he mind were in two places at once.

 "Grrrrrrrrrmmmhhh....."  the deep rumbling from her side drew the druids attention as she pivoted her head on her neck to draw herself eye-level with the enormous dire bear standing next to her. The large, heavyset beast grumbled again softly, its timbre like that of a whiney child that didn't want to eat his vegetables, as he turned his large, lazy eyes away from the shimmering portal before the party. The shoulders of the animal were higher still, its seemingly lumbering, towering frame having to initially squeeze itself together enough just to fit in through the door to enter the room.
 
"Stop whinging, Cuddles, we're going through the portal,"  Faora responded with her sonorous voice, sounding like a mother telling her child how to behave.

 "Grrmmmphh..."  the animal sulked its massive head to the side, a ripple running across the thick ruddy-brown fur across the dire bears shoulders as the slabs of muscle beneath shifted to accommodate the new allocation of weight.

 "It doesn't matter if you don't want to; we have to." 

This did not seem to lift its mood, as the bear emitted another whining, rumbling sound, tilting its head once again.
 
"The sooner we get this done, the sooner it'll be over and later, we can find you some nice salmon - would you like that?" 

A sparkle entered the bears big, lazy eyes.

 "...grrmh?" 
 "Yes..."  Faora smiled, raising her closest hand beneath the bears chin and scratching her fingers against that huge jaw, the animals back reflexively dipping from the sudden enjoyable sensation shooting across its body.

 "And if you're  very  good, I'll let you hunt a wild pig..." 

The beasts eyes glittered further as what could only be described as a smile arched its thick, dark lips and a satisfied growl rumbled like soft thunder from within its deep chest.

 "Yes, I thought you'd agree!"  the druid coo'ed, scratching her pets chin just a little more before retrieving her hand, a look of victory on her face as her lips arched into a smile.

 "Good boy! Now come along, we're holding up the line..."  she tapped the tip of her finely carved staff against the shoulder of her companion, the bear putting a huge, heavy paw forward as the two would follow the others through the portal and into beyond...
samduke
 Darla 

Sitting upon Ruh, with Sharak upon her shoulder, With her little thieves safetly stowed away. She watched the others as they entered the portal. Looking across at Faora and her bear. as they enter.  Now Ruh it is our turn  as she urged the large cat through the portal.
rax
 "We thank you, gracious lady,"  Aubryn says to the priestess with a respectful bow. He then rubs his ring as instructed and steps through the mirror to join the others.
Nines
Lune quietly expressed his thanks to the high priestess for her assistance, before bidding their brief host farewell. Turning to the mirror, where the golden threads of the Binder had woven themselves around it's frame, reaching up from their interlaced path upon the floor at his feet, no doubt this was the doorway he had sought.

Rolling the ring upon his hand with a thumb inside his palm, he accessed it's magic. With the other moving instinctively near to the rod at his hip, he stepped through the pane into his own reflection until the two melted into one another, and then were gone. The cold of the glass washed over his entire body, as his form was displaced from one locale to another.
paradox26
The Lady of Mystra nods, then lowers herself into a slight bow, as is the custom for even female members of the Church of Mystra, at Shraxtrix's gift, taking it in both hands, before carefully placing it into a pouch at he belt.  "Thank you for this fine token, my friends. I shall use it for the furtherance of the Lady's worship,"  she says, her voice a soothing melody that soothes your minds. You find yourselves wondering if she has cast a minor enchantment, though if she has, which seems unlikely, then it must simply be one designed to settle your nerves and anxieties.

As the party, in its various shapes and sizes, slips through the portal, which seems to adapt even for the mighty bear, you feel a rush of air, and fine yourselves elsewhere, much as expected.

The room is lit by gentle diffuse lighting, and the temperature is cool but not uncomfortable. You can feel a light breeze, which brings with it the faint scent of moist forest leaves. The room appears to be a foyer.

At first glance, this area seems like a pleasant grove, with a fountain providing a pleasant environment for taking a moment’s rest. Closer inspection reveals a rectangular chamber with a riot of lifelike vegetation painted on the walls. The “trees” planted in a double row down the middle of the chamber are actually tile-clad stone pillars placed to support a vaulted ceiling that glows with diffuse light. The soothing sound of bubbling water emanates from the fountain at the end of the hall, and the scent of wildflowers perfumes the air.


 
 Spoiler: OOC Actions 

Can I please have everyone roll for Knowledge History and Knowledge Arcana to learn more about the tower?
 
samduke
Looking around Darla, Ruh, Sharak take in their surroundings, Listening for anything unusual, getting a good idea of what is in the area.
Nines
Stepping out and finishing the same stride that had whisked him here, Lune apprised himself of their destination. He gave a soft, coded series of taps to one of the pouches on the brown belt astride the waist of his sapphire-tinted chainmail that seemed to drink in the ambient light, it's links barely audible in the dim quiet of the room.

At the summons, the midnight-black bird emerged once more from the flush seam of it's impossible confines. With a hushed, single flit upward it landed with a prescribed reverse perch, contrasting itself like an inkworn shadow upon the northern ranger's ivory pauldrons. It surveyed at once their flank and rear, as the tandem pair became a silent panopticon of eyes.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 access  familiar pocket , retrieve Allan (raven)

Passive senses: Spot 27, Listen 15 (Ixtalan), 26 spot, 15 listen (Allan)
 
BananaPhone
 Faora 


Faora moved through the portal with a natural ease, her red-orange hair behind her head like a waterfall and earthen green clothes accentuating her sun-kissed skin.

 "Mrrrgggh...."  Cuddles grumbled beside her, the massive beasts timid steps forward like that of an uncertain child.

 "Oh enough, we're here!"  the Druid spoke out of the side of her mouth, her eyes peering around the natural state of the foyer into which they emerged - drawing in a deep, lungfull of air.
Alhallor
After Shraxtrix got through the portal she breaths in deeply, her curious eyes take in her surroundings.

 It almost doesn't seem like a tower. 

The kobold muses while going over towards the fountain. If the water doesn't look strange she would take a sip, to discern if this could be a good place for a retreat.
rax
 "Anyone see a way out of here?"  Aubryn asks his comrades.
paradox26
The party quietly discusses between themselves what you have heard of this place. The colelcted wisdom of your group is as follows:
The elf city of Myth Drannor was home to Windsong Tower, a school for wizards that took its name from a carved facade that literally “sang” when the wind blew.
The identity of teachers and students at the school was always a closely guarded secret. The school was one of the last bastions of defense when Myth Drannor fell to invaders in 714 DR. The tower was destroyed in a vicious magical battle. The school actually had three buildings, the main tower and a pair of tree-buildings to the north and south. The tree structures survived the final battle. Graduates from the school were given rings inscribed with magic symbols along the insides of the bands. A cadre of wizards from the school, the Dark Diviners, once earned the wrath of Shar by writing a treatise that revealed several of her secrets.

Windsong Tower, a famous school of wizardry in Myth Drannor, operated in strictest secrecy. Its numerous magic wards defeated divinations, and even its doors and windows were hidden by realistic illusions. The school has few physical entrances; keyed portals were the primary means of egress. An iron fence imbued with deadly magical effects once protected the school. These wards failed over the years. The school was protected by its own mythal, which defeated divination spells and most forms of magical travel. Graduates from the school were given rings bearing the school symbol—a harp surrounded by swirling winds. Advanced students at the school had access to a source of magical knowledge more potent than any seen since the fall of Netheril—including the secrets of mythal construction.

The air is clean and crisp, so when Faora takes a deep lungful they nearly get a headspin from all of the oxygen. Darla can't hear anything unusual, or at least, created by humanoids, but the trickle of the fountain is what you can hear best. Lune and his companions also can't hear or sense anything unusual.

Aubryn's voice breaks the silence that descended after the group's discussion, but doesn't draw any attention from any guardians, suggesting that no one is there.

Shraxtrix goes to take a mouthful of water from the fountain. There is a collection of treasure she can see in the basin. It will take a little time to gather, though, as it is pretty scattered.
Nines
  "It seems these wizards liked their secrets, even more than usual."   Lune said, half pondering, as he moved to slowly circumnavigate the room, the movement helping him to think, as he examined the motifs and the walls that were bereft of further ingress.

  "Keep your rings visible, hopefully any of the guardians still in residence will respond to them. I will ward us against the less.. discerning threats."  Said the Harper, before muttering a defensive incantation with a hand mudra and a vertical palm. A circle of azure light flared upon the ground about four paces around his form, before fading into the floor.

With the invisible barrier in place, he drew a small, metallic object from a hidden vest pocket, reminiscent of a watchmakers tool, and alternated between stopping to hold it up to one eye, as he made his way around the room. It's violet lens catching and refracting the light as he inspected the foyers walls.


 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 cast extended  Otiluke's suppressing field ; Evocation spells or effects must succeed at a caster level check (DC 24) to function within a 20ft. radius emanation of him.

Ixtalan will thoroughly search the room with the aid of his jeweler's loupe. He'll be looking for a staircase, traps, or other hidden means of entry.
Search DC: 30 check result (take 20).

He'll also see if he can identify any ongoing magical effects, using a combination of his spellcraft (PHB p.82) and  detect magic .
Spellcraft DC: 35 check result (take 10).
 
Alhallor
Shraxtrix raised a hand and proclaimed.

 There is some treasure at the bottom of the fountain. Should we collect it now or later? 

The dragon in her wanted to get the treasure immediately but also was weary of possible traps. It was not easy being a dragon.

Regarding Aubryn's question.

 I don't see one currently, but let me see if another perspective helps. 

Shraxtrix rubs her hands together to warm them up and then grabs at the air.

 
 Spoiler: Spellcraft 17 
Casting Spider Climb
 


She then proceeds climbing one of the intrinsically carved stone pillars but stops before she actually begins.

 If anyone else wants to climb these up, just ask and I can help you too. 

And then proceeds climbing the tower, after she cast the climbing spell on anyone else, to get a better vantage point.
samduke
Darla urges Ruh over towards the fountain looking and searching for obvious traps
BananaPhone
 Faora 

The druid smiled while a ripple ran through her body from the sudden bought of oxygen-induced light-headedness. It was an exquisite experience, to be sure.

 "Strange whoever made this place wished to foster a mimicry of the natural world...I'd say we are where we intended to be..."  the druid spoke with her soothing voice, gesturing to the painted walls and tree-like carved pillars.

Approaching the fountain, her boots silent upon the soft floor, the woman pursed her lips in thought as she inspected the object and noticed the blurred images refracting upon the surface of the water to hint at the treasures that lay within its basin.

 "Best not disturb those, I think..."  she spoke matter-of-factly to Shraxtrix. Greed had ended many an adventurer.  Cuddles moved up behind Faora, its massive bulk equally soft in movement-sound, its massive head moving about and those eyes peering around with lazy curiosity.
rax
 "We are not here to loot the tower's treasures, but to uncover the plots of the Shadovar,"  Aubryn reminds Shraxtix.  "Leave those treasures for now. If we can find and defeat the Shadovar, then we may claim them and consider them fairly earned." 
 "I'll look for doors or other exits along the walls,"  he adds.

 OOC:  I.e. Aubryn will head for one of the walls away from the fountain and check for any doors or exits.
paradox26
There do not appear to be any traps in the chamber, not even the fairly obvious treasure is trapped. The water continues to tinkle from the fountain, which is the only noise in the chamber that the party is not making themselves.

The jeweler's loupe doesn't reveal any traps, and a secret door tot he south west corner. There are doors to the north and south, and at the eastern end of the room there are a pair of staircases, one on the north wall and one on the south wall. To the east is an illusory wall that seems to reflect the room you are already inside, and it displays Conjuration magic.

Shraxtrix manages to climb the pillar and gets a different perspective on things, but it doesn't provide any more information than what the party has already learned.

Suddenly, a sharp rebuke echoes through the hall: “It’s about time you got here! I’ve been waiting days for relief. What’s the matter? Spend too much time admiring
all the trees around here?” The voice has no visible source, but seems to come from among the pillars in the eastern half of the room. It speaks in Chondathan, then if no one responds, repeats the words in Common.
rax
 "And a fine good day to you as well,"  Aubryn answers the voice in Chondathan.  "We were not informed of any allies awaiting our arrival. Perhaps if you show yourself we may greet each other properly,"  he adds.

While he speaks, he moves towards where the voice appears to be coming from and makes use of his blindsight to try and ascertain if the speaker is merely hiding nearby or if they're truly disembodied.


 OOC:  Reminder that Aubryn has 30-foot blindsight, so unless the speaker is incorporeal or there's no line of effect to them, Aubryn should notice them if they're in range.
Nines
Lune recognized the Chondathan tongue of his homeland immediately. If the call was a ruse, it was a strange choice indeed. But as he pondered that thought, he heard Sir Aubryn's reply.

As the knight drew the stranger's attention, he took the opportunity of the brief distraction and the cover of the pillars in the room to position himself near the secret passage the others had not yet noticed.

Surely if ambush was our new guest's intent, then at least one avenue of attack would be denied to them. Lune pressed his back to the adjacent stone with eyes to the concealed door, and his ears craned to the exchange, should it continue. He reached out with his uncanny senses, seeking the vibratory source of the hail upon the air. Drawing a small, angled mirror from his cloak, he examined the room discreetly for their new visitor.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 Ixtalan will move to the pillar nearest the secret door he found, placing the pillar between himself and what he believes the source of the voice is.

He'll try to pinpoint the location of the voice with his blindsense of 60ft. from behind the pillar, while keeping his 20ft. suppression field covering as much of the secret door as he can.

He'll attempt to use the cover to remain unseen as the exchange plays out, keeping a visual on the room from the pillar with the use of his hand periscope.

Remain unseen: Hide 27 *incl. scope (take 10)
Passive senses: Spot 27, Listen 15
 
paradox26
A hollow laugh echoes through the hall. A haughty voice seems to speak directly to your minds: “Enjoyed your visit so far? Time for a little exercise to liven up your experience!” The voice appears to be a little annoyed, presumably at the presence of intruders inside the Tower, but it otherwise doesn't sound hostile. There is no sign of a person being inside the chamber with the party, however, so your highly enhanced senses do not appear to be making much difference, as they detect nothing either. You can only assume that the voice is coming from vocal projection magic. Either that or his magic could be beyond your own ability to detect the speaker.
Alhallor
The little kobold nearly falls of the tower when a mysterious voice echoes through the hall. She can't understand the first set of words, that some respond too. The words in her mind are clear however.  Exercise? 

The small kobold stays on the pillar for now. It's better to stay spread out at first, who knows what kind of exercise the haughty voice had in mind. Shraxtrix didn't cast a protective spell at the moment, who knew if that wouldn't be seen as a sign of agression.
rax
 "This is certainly a lovely space, though no doubt bereft of the light and life it once possessed,"  Aubryn answers the voice.  "But as you are surely aware, this is all we have seen so far, and I would prefer to see more of this place before passing judgement on how enjoyable it is to visit. I am Sir Aubryn Amcathra of Waterdeep, by the way. Do you have a name or title by which we should address you?" 
paradox26
The voice rings out, saying,  "You may call me Darcassan, known by some as The Adroit, Sir Aubryn." 

The name sounds somewhat familiar, and you wrack your brain trying to determine who it might be, and if you have knowledge of your interlocutor.


 
 Spoiler: OOC Actions 

Can I please get a Will save for Aubryn.
If you want to find out if you know the name of Darcassan, please give me either a Knowledge Arcana or History check Note you can't take 10 on knowledge checks. You either know it or you don't.
 
rax
 
 Spoiler: Actions 
Coming right up...

Will save  (1d20+15)[ 27 ] 

Know. (arcana) check  (1d20+7)[ 19 ] 
 
Nines
Sensing the emptiness of their immediate vicinity and the absence of a source to the voice, Lune concluded it was likely a vocal projection they were experiencing. At that realization he visibly relaxed, as the threat of ambush seemed further away, at least for the moment. The parley was unexpected, but as he listened from the pillar he took careful stock of the name the voice offered them.

Things of power, names, especially to one of the Art, and not lightly given. Many mages took shadow names to practice under, or for the vain to build their legacies upon. He knew this all too well, having divided his own life in this way decades ago, out of necessity. Still, such names had a way of taking on a semblance of their own. Alter egos assumed to protect identities, that grew to strike fear into one's enemies, could also become wraiths onto their bearers. A shadow self, bound in much the same fashion, was for some an albatross born of all those made ghosts in its wake.

He had never been quite comfortable with what his own shadow name had become, and had been glad to leave it behind. Wearing the mantle again now felt akin to disturbing the dead, the fateful rest of friends and foes alike. The reverie of searching himself for another's name granted him  a brief, frayed vignette of his own. Banishing the thoughts, he returned to the present and brought the knowledge to hand.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 Rolled knowledge in OOC, post  #186 
 
samduke
While not entirely unusual Darla was uneasy with the way the voice spoke. Every watchful keeping an eye out for trouble, maneuvering closer towards Aubryn
BananaPhone
 Faora 

When the disembodied voice boomed throughout the expansive, naturalistic antechamber, Cuddle's massive, ursine head darted upwards, beady eyes alert and his ears pricked up in detection before scanning the area. Faora, likewise, straightened her shoulders and peered about, trying to find the source of this invisible companion, before assurances of its physical absence led her to consider they were being spied upon by clairvoyance.

While Aubryn deliberated with the unseen entity, Faora closed her eyes and started to hum softly to herself as she plunged her spirit into the earth below, like tendrils of spectral energy of the wild extending down and outwards to contact and discover their surroundings. Meanwhile, Cuddles grumbled lowly, the massive bear approaching from behind and looming above the druid almost protectively, his massive front section like a muscled arch of fur and muscle about her as his huge head drew about, remaining alert and scanning the area.
Alhallor
Shraxtrix kept on the wall for now, the booming voice was pretty confusing and she couldn't make out a clear enemy. She did however made weaving motions with one hand and repeated a spell in her mind several times, without really finishing it.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Knowledge = 27 (rolled in the OOC) preparing to cast  Haste  on my allies if an enemy shows up.
 
paradox26
Aubryn feels a touch against his mind, but it doesn't linger. It seems to try to pry inside his mind, but when it fails it disappears completely.

You have all heard the name of Darcassan, though the epithet he adds is new to most of you. He has several, but that one is new to you. You wonder if maybe he is an echo, placed here by the magic of the Tower. Suddenly, a transparent figure steps out of the pillar that Lune is standing beside.

Faora attempts to cast a communing spell, but the spell inexplicably fails. Perhaps there is a ban on divination magics upon the Tower.
rax
 "Master Darcassan, I presume?"  Aubryn greets the transparent figure. " Your name is familiar to me, though I confess no more than that. May I ask, what is your purpose here in the tower?" 
paradox26
 "It is often good to be known, though for a mage, perhaps not so much. I am a Master of, and the Guardian of, the Tower,"  says Darcassan, offering a slight chuckle at some unknown private joke.
Alhallor
Shraxtrix let's her prepared spell fall and while still on the pillar asks Darcassan.

 That's some great news! Do you know anything about any Shade's invading this here tower that you are the guardian of? 
Nines
For a moment Lune thought that his mind's foray into the spectres of the past had conjured one forth before him. He saw in the man the pale blue eyes of Elinor's late father, she had helped arrange the diversion that enabled his participation in this expedition. He had been a brave soul, resolute. But heroism of his like and longevity did not often meet. He wondered if it had been the same for this phantom.

Ixtalan addressed the transparent guardian, as he stowed the angled mirror with a vanishingly troubled look.   "I'm sorry...I thought you were someone else." 
 "Greetings,"  he said, briefly extending a hand to meet the newly adjacent form, before thinking better of the man's present state, the windsong ring upon it making the light as he did so.   "The name is Lune, and these are my companions,"  said Ixtalan as he gestured to the group,   "though you have already met Sir Aubryn."  as the arc of his hand landed upon the knight.  "We were sent to counter the designs of the Shadovar against this place, and unravel their plots here."  He said, explaining their presence in the tower.

 "You mentioned the delay of our arrival. Are you in need of assistance?"   proffered Ixtalan.


 
 Spoiler: OOC 
• stow hand periscope into cloak pocket (move action).

• In the attempt to greet Darcassans's hand he'll make sure the windsong ring is visible and check the man's hands for a similar ring. Passive Spot 27.
 
paradox26
Darcassan, who you have heard of as Darcasson the Farseer, Last Elder of the WIndsong Tower, and for whom the name change could be significant, looks like a stately but otherwise normal elven male. You notice that he does wear a Windsong Ring. However, he is very slightly transparent. He wears a robe of royal blue, and soft elven boots and an elven cloak, by the looks of it. You have trouble focusing on his form, as it seems to very slightly flicker. He is a handsome elf, with long blonde hair and blue/grey eyes. He looks very much, overall, like the sort of being who would be left to control such a tower.

 "You say that the Shades are invading, yet I find you here in my Tower uninvited and not them. Can I ask what purpose you have in trespassing, besides the search for the possibly mythical Shades? Do you come to rob my Tower of its treasures?"  he asks the party.
rax
 "Come now, Mastar Darcassan, if it were our intent to rob the Tower of its riches, we would hardly be telling its guardian all about it!"  Aubryn chuckles.  "As for whether we are here uninvited, that is a matter of perspective. We have sought and received the permission of Her Highness the Coronal to enter the tower and search for the Shadovar, and we do so at the behest of Elminster, the Mage of Shadowdale, whose name is no doubt known to you,"  he adds.
Alhallor
Shraxtrix points towards the spring that she hasn't cleared out of it's riches.

 As you can see we haven't taken anything from you're tower. 

Of course she would have taken the treasure as a just reward later. But currently it seemed more wise to let Darcassan keep it.

 As you can see we also have some rings here and have arrived here, in an official Mystra approved way. 

Shraxtrix shows off her ring that she got from Elminster to further prove Aubryn's point.
samduke
Darla resting easy on her big cat listening to what is said and seems satisfied with Doria’s response
paradox26
Darcassan, or whoever claims to be Darcassan, steps forward. He is still transparent, but he also seems to be more solid than a ghost. He does actually appear to be partly shadowy, but it is hard to tell if he is a shadow creature or if he is using a spell of some type to present himself.


 
 Spoiler: OOC Actions 

Can I please get a DC24 Will check off everyone.
 
BananaPhone
 Faora 

When the environment itself seemed to stonewall her efforts to commune with the spirits of the earth, Faora growled softly under her breath and furrowed her brow. Drawing herself up straight, shoulders square, eyes narrowed into suspicious slits, she looked over at Cuddles form, the bear having sat back onto its broad rump and pivoting its massive head about as a look out.

 &lt;"Nothing!"&gt;  Faora spoke to her companion, her words spoken in that of the Druidic tongue so that only her companion - and the other druid - would understand her. Whether this cipher was deliberate or extended from habit was unknown.

 &lt;"The world itself seems walled off, and any attempt to commune with the spirits leads to..."&gt; 

It was then that a spirit appeared to begin communing with the group, the translucent elf wearing the guise of the prior owner in all of its somber finery.

The apparition  seemed  merely curious at first, cautiously optimistic even. But as the conversation unfolded, Faora's instincts were telling her that something was very wrong here.


 "You say that the Shades are invading, yet I find you here in my Tower uninvited and not them. Can I ask what purpose you have in trespassing, besides the search for the possibly mythical Shades? Do you come to rob my Tower of its treasures?" 

Her compatriots answered the question first, with both word and deed, but Faora still felt a growing unease, particularly as the opacity of the specter seemed to shift with each passing moment.

Watching from the rear of the group and from the safe position of adjacency to her pet dire bear, Faora remained alert to the situation...
Nines
Listening to Darcassan's words, Ixtalan gathered of him to have the cautious demeanor of an even-tempered sentinel. He didn't appear deranged like many haunts could become in their long vigils.

  "We were not apprised of the towers' contents before entering, but reliable intelligence indicated the school as their intended target."  Said Lune generously, aiming to assuage the guardian of their intentions, his mind beginning to deduce the picture more clearly.

  "Are these treasures intact and secure?"  He queried the apparition's form carefully.   "If your maligners eluded detection, then it is plausible what the Shadovar ultimately coveted may be among them."  He said, explaining his reasoning as much to himself as Darcassan, as he worked through the machinations. He knew the Shades to seek items of magical import, and this seemed like a prime motive for such a brazen incursion.

Taking stock of their location on the foyer landing,   "These grounds are extensive."  observed Ixtalan.  "We could assist you in scouring them for thieves and compiling an inventory, with your leave of course."   He said, turning again to the projected presence of Darcassan.   "If something is amiss, it behooves us all to know of it, and may aid us in tracking your assailants."   He offered the mage, while starkly illustrating the stakes at hand.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 • I'd like to try and discern if Darcassan seems like he's hiding something from us, either about the contents of the tower, or about himself.
Sense Motive 25 (take 10, plus Allan's assist).

• I'd also like to try and persuade him of our aligned goals with my words, and that we bear him no harm.
Diplomacy 29 (take 10).
 
paradox26
The shadowy figure of Darcassan looks intently at the party, then screeches out,  "Deceivers! You will never take this tower." 

He launches an attack on Ixtalan even as Ixtalan speaks words of peace. He casts a spell, and a cloud of mist fills the room, the mere touch of which causes intense pain.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Note that you didn't have time to take 10 on those checks, as that would take two minutes, one minute per check, and you simply lacked enough time to do that. You won't be able to take 10 for every check.

Can I please get a Reflex save from everyone. The spell deals  (15d6)[ 53 ]   damage on a failed save, half that on a successful save. Spell resistance doesn't apply.
 
samduke
 
 Originally Posted by paradox26 
 The shadowy figure of Darcassan looks intently at the party, then screeches out,  "Deceivers! You will never take this tower." 

He launches an attack on Ixtalan even as Ixtalan speaks words of peace. He casts a spell, and a cloud of mist fills the room, the mere touch of which causes intense pain.

*
Note that you didn't have time to take 10 on those checks, as that would take two minutes, one minute per check, and you simply lacked enough time to do that. You won't be able to take 10 for every check.

Can I please get a Reflex save from everyone. The spell deals (15d6)[53]   (1d20+10)[ 21 ]   damage on a failed save, half that on a successful save. Spell resistance doesn't apply.

The damage is Acid, and the Reflex save DC is 22 
 

 
 Spoiler 

   Darla the Beastmaster   
female TN Human Druid/Beastmaster/WPO,  Level  13,  Init  5,  HP  176/176,  Speed  40 fly 40 perfect
 AC  20,  Touch  14,  Flat-footed  17,  Fort  16,  Ref  10,  Will  11,  Base Attack Bonus  12/7/2
 +1d6 vs undead &amp; or incorporeal +2 Elven Courtblade   +17/+12/+7 (1d10+5, 18-20x2)
   +2 Mithral Chain Shirt  (+6 Armor, +3 Dex, +1 Misc)
 Abilities  Str 14, Dex 16, Con 18, Int 16, Wis 20, Cha 14
 Condition 
Status Effects:
Hast: for 9 rounds, +1 to Reflex saves
Spontaneous Rejuvenation: All allies within 30 feet of you (including yourself) gain fast healing 3 "stacks"

Darla Reflex Save:  (1d20+10)[ 21 ]  +1 to Reflex saves = pass
Ring of Evasion,  Whenever she makes a Reflex saving throw to determine whether she takes half damage, a successful save results in no damage.

Ruh Reflex Save:  (1d20+11)[ 26 ]  +1 to Reflex saves = pass [53&gt;26] (238 hp -26)
Sharak Reflex Save:  (1d20+12)[ 18 ]  +1 to Reflex saves [53] (150 hp -53)
Kodo Reflex Save:  (1d20+6)[ 10 ]  +1 to Reflex saves [53] &gt; possible see ooc question (64 hp -53)
Podo Reflex Save:  (1d20+6)[ 14 ]  +1 to Reflex saves [53] &gt; possible see ooc question (48 hp -53)
 
Alhallor
Shraxtrix positions herself that she doesn't get burned by the brunt of the mist, hisses at the figure of Darcassan, while under her breath murmuring an old draconic incantation.

 sinew itrewic lorkorilt, ternockic re draqu'veir, origato mobi qe haste 
 
 Spoiler: Draconic 
sinew get stronger, scales are quivering, let there be haste
 


Then climbs the tower higher to get out of Darcassans range for now.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Standard action to cast  haste  on everyone, except Darcassan, I get 9 people, that should include all of Darla's pets.
Hasted for 9 rounds, don't forget the +1 to Reflex saves, that may be important here.

Move action to get higher on the tower to spread out more. 20 feet more elevation (I guess that Shraxtrix was at 10 - 20 feet to begin with.).
 
Nines
Seeing Darcassan's hands move toward what Lune recognized as a dangerous invocation, he spent half a thought on reconsidering the wraith's mental state. The attack had been unprovoked and without warning.

Finding himself amidst the cloying, acrid cloud as it reached for his lungs, Ixtalan barely had time to bark the words   "lareth odar"  , asking The Lady for passage into the spirit world. He drew his cloak about him and exhaled the charm as a dry whisper on the now burning air. He felt his body give way on the stone floor, as if it no longer supported him, his translucent form green-lit by the pall of deathly magic that enveloped him. But had he been quick enough?

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 Off-turn:
Immediate action: cast  permeable form  in response to the attack. 50% chance to ignore damage from a corporeal spell. *extend via class feature (2 rds).

Init, round 1: Special: take the Delay action to the bottom of the current round, acting before Darcassan's turn.

Roll post:  #220 

Summary of actions:
Ixtalan and Allan successfully evade the acid cloud with their incorporeality. No damage taken.
 
rax
 "You attack during a parley? For shame, Darcassan, or whoever you are!"  Aubryn remonstrates the apparition as he's engulfed in the cloud of acid. Hissing with anger, he stalks out of the cloud and attacks Darcassan with his glaive.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
 Immediate action:  Cast  nerveskitter .

If a  move action  is necessary to come within 10 feet, Aubryn will move as far as is needed (his land speed is 60 feet with  haste ) and then make a  standard action attack :
Attack w/  +1 vicious adamantine glaive  incl.  haste   (1d20+19)[ 33 ]  (ignores incorporeal miss chance)
Damage [roll]1d10+10+2d6[/roll]
Bonus damage if target is incorporeal  (1d6)[ 1 ] 
Bonus damage if target is undead  (1d6)[ 5 ] 
Damage to Aubryn  (1d6)[ 2 ] 

If no movement is needed or a 5-foot step is sufficient to come within 10 feet, Aubryn will make a  full attack :
Attack w/  +1 vicious adamantine glaive  incl.  haste   (1d20+19)[ 36 ] ,  (1d20+19)[ 22 ] ,  (1d20+14)[ 19 ] ,  (1d20+9)[ 11 ]  (ignores incorporeal miss chance)
Damage [roll]1d10+10+2d6[/roll], [roll]1d10+10+2d6[/roll], [roll]1d10+10+2d6[/roll], [roll]1d10+10+2d6[/roll]
Bonus damage if target is incorporeal  (1d6)[ 2 ] ,  (1d6)[ 1 ] ,  (1d6)[ 6 ] ,  (1d6)[ 1 ] 
Bonus damage if target is undead  (1d6)[ 5 ] ,  (1d6)[ 3 ] ,  (1d6)[ 3 ] ,  (1d6)[ 4 ] 
Damage to Aubryn  (1d6)[ 6 ] ,  (1d6)[ 6 ] ,  (1d6)[ 4 ] ,  (1d6)[ 4 ] 
 Conditions and effects 
 Hasted  (+1 bonus to attack rolls, +1 dodge bonus to AC and Ref saves, +30 enhancement bonus to speed) = AC 29/17/24 ( shield  spell not yet cast), Ref save +11, speed 60 ft.
Fast healing 3 if within 30 feet of Darla.
 
paradox26
The shadowy figure takes some hits, and appears badly hurt, in spite of the fact that many attacks missed due to his incorporeality. The figure dissolves into nothingness, a puff of physical shadow the only thing to briefly point to his existence.

The party is startled by how easy the fight was, once his attack had been resolved. Silence descends upon the hall, broken only by the babbling of the fountain.
Alhallor
 That couldn't have been it, right? Darcassan? 

Asked Shraxtrix in common, unsure if she should descend toward the others.
Nines
The color returned to Lune's spectral form as the green cloud dissipated around them, illumed instead for a few moments by the cool stone of the wall behind him, before regaining it's solidity.

Looking to where their attacker once stood, laid low by the knight's flashing warglaive, he wondered if the projection had been real at all. Either way, the threat it posed had certainly been real enough. Perhaps it was a trick of the Shadovar left behind to deter investigation, the magic used spoke of them, but it seemed elaborately staged if so.

  "Well, that was bracing."  Ixtalan said of the encounter as he gathered himself,   "Good show, Sir Aubryn."  He said, commending the swift response to the sudden assault.   "If our counterparts preceded us, presumably they were shown the same quarter."  Said Lune, surmising that the interlopers must have had dire motives in attempting to breach the tower.   "Is everyone alright?"   He asked, seeming genuinely concerned.
rax
 "That seemed far too easy,"  Aubryn agrees with Shraxtrix.  "We should keep our guard up." 

As he speaks, the slight burns on his skin slough away, leaving fresh skin and scales behind. Soon, there is little left to show that he had just been engulfed in acid. He also produces a wand, and one command word later, a shimmering suit of armour appears and then melds into Aubryn's plate armour.

 "I am fine,"  he replies to Lune.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Combat Focus was activated when Aubryn hit Darcassan and lasts 12 rounds. While in combat focus, he has fast healing 4 (healing 48 hit points in addition to the fast healing provided by Dahlia), a +4 bonus to Will saves, and a +8 bonus to resist bull rush, disarm, grapple, overrun and trip attacks.

He expends a wand charge to cast ectoplasmic armour, providing a +5 armour bonus vs. incorporeal touch attacks for 1 hour (=touch AC 21).

He expends another wand charge to cast shield, providing a +4 shield bonus for 1 minute. This also works vs. incorporeal touch attacks (=touch AC 25) and stops magic missiles. Since the wand is in a wand chamber and the shield is invisible, I haven't noted it as happening in the IC description.
 
samduke
 we need to get out of this little area, I do not care to get caught like that again if given a choice. 
paradox26
Silence reigns over the room as everyone looks at each other, wondering what to do next.
BananaPhone
 Faora
 

The druid had copped the brunt of the apparitions spell, hissing loudly as the illusion magic chewed into her flesh and knocked her half senseless.

By the time she had brought herself up and about to return some spells or lend a hand to her allies, the engagement was over. The specter was gone.

Inhaling. Exhaling. Her breath haggard, the human peered aroud with murderous eyes until others broke the silence.

Nodding while still scanning the area, Faora agreed.

 "I concur,"  she stated, pursing her lips.

 "A defence of the tower? Or a trap left by the shades?" 
Alhallor
 I'm a bit hurt, but still fine. 

Shraxtrix climbs down the tower, looks around, her gaze clinging at the spring for a moment.

 We should go deeper into the tower, perhaps we find the real Darcassan somewhere. 
rax
 "Unfriendly sort, whatever he or it was,"  Aubryn replies to Faora.

 "If we're leaving, someone should pick a door and we'll see where it leads,"  he suggests.
Nines
At the sight of Sir Aubryn's apparent regeneration before their eyes, Lune raised an eyebrow, at first in interest, before settling into a look of pleasant understanding. It seemed he was not the only one among them with hidden depths. He noted the distinct mark of El's sense of whimsy in leaving such a detail undisclosed, and smiled to himself.

 "Indeed,"  he concurred of both the presumed majordomo's welcome and his suggested presence further in the tower.  "On that front, I may have located our ingress."  mentioned Ixtalan, as the conversation shifted to the prospect of doors.   "Tend to your wounds if you have need, while I find purchase with it."  He offered the group, before setting to work on his task.

Ixtalan returned to the wall that had been visible through his form moments ago, where he felt for a catch along the grooves of the mortared stone. Finding the small pressure release he sought, he deftly maneuvered the disguised mechanism.   "Ah, here we are."  he said, satisfied as the wall plate slid into it's flush frame to reveal a new path forward. Withdrawing the angled mirror from its hidden topit, and giving a knowing glance to the black corvid astride his shoulder, the pair pressed onward carefully.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 Summary of actions:
Ixtalan will open the secret door nearby that he found earlier, and he'll attempt to pick the lock if it's locked (see exploration).

He will covertly begin exploring the bottom floor of the tower beyond the secret door and subsequent rooms for anything of interest. He'll be looking for traps, magic auras, secret doors, or illusory features, similar to the ones he found in the main hall.

In the absence of resistance, he will progress until he finds a point of interest. If he notices any potential threats with his mirror or extra senses, he'll stop to use his hand signals via Bluff to alert the party of the danger, including their location and number.

 
 Spoiler: Exploration tactics 
 Move stealthily:
Hide 20 (27 at doors or corners), Move Silent 20, Search 22* while moving (take 10, move at half-speed).

Detect creatures:
Passive senses: Spot 27, Listen 15 (Ixtalan); Spot 26, Listen 15 (Allan).

Inspect thoroughly:
Doors, rooms, chests: Search 32*, Open Lock 27* (take 20, as needed, 2min. each).
*Allan (raven)'s assist.

Extrasensory:
blindsense 60ft., darkvision 120ft., superior low-light vision,  detect magic .
 

 
paradox26
Ixtalan is the first to move off, finding the secret door in the room and activating the latch.  He finds a small chamber, with two doors leading east and one door leading south.

The upper section of this small chamber’s far wall is covered entirely with one immense mirror. Beneath it runs a long counter stained with a multitude of colors. On the left wall hangs a row of closed cabinets, and along the right wall is a series of doors. The doors open outward to reveal closets that still hold a few wizards’  robes and other costumes. The cabinets contain small brushes and pots of dried-up makeup for stage performances, plus several pitchers and basins to hold water for washing.
BananaPhone
 Faora
 

The druid panted gently, flicking her tongue and lips as if she had just imbibed a very high proof whiskey. Even Cuddles, the hulking dire bear, mewled pitifully as he drew his huge frame up beside her like a misbehaving pet.

Faora reached into her robe, from which she produced approximately a foot of crinkled, but straight reed. 'Aiming' it at herself, she uttered a few words before tapping it up her forehead, sighing as the rejuvenating properties pushed through and revitalized her body. Turning to Cuddles, she repeated the process, the bear's mewl turning into a satisfied, low growl.

 "Alright...who's next?"  her voice came over the party, as she held the Wand of Lesser Vigor up for whomever wanted to receive its blessing.
samduke
"Alright...who's next?" ... with the offering of healing from Faora,  My companions could do with a bit of healing  pointing to her bird and mount
rax
 "Well - now we know why elves are always so pretty. They have the best makeup and mirrors,"  Aubryn chuckles.  "Anyone want to search the closets, or do we move on?" 
Nines
  "Beauty and art are both reflections of the Sublime."   said Ixtalan absent-mindedly, giving a studious answer to the  brevitous observation as he swept the room methodically with his arcane senses and made it safe for his companions.   "It is that which most Fair folk seek."   He added, as he kept his eyes on their path ahead.

Moving to the south door as he continued both the conversation and his finely-honed tactile ministrations,  "Our host does seem to have little use for material goods,"  replied Lune, to the question of the cupboards and closets.  "Still, he was protecting something."  He mused, trailing off to himself as he let his hands do their delicate work on the next entryway.  "Perhaps it is best to avoid the appearance of banditry until we can end our parley properly."  He concluded, as he finished assessing the stone inset.

Displacing the door in it's frame enough for the mirror and his non-visual senses to surveil the room beyond, he gave the signal for stealth and maneuvered ahead.


 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 Summary of actions:
Having swept the room for danger, Ixtalan will proceed to the single South door, and once he's inspected it thoroughly will proceed stealthily into the next room.

 
 Spoiler: Exploration tactics 

Move stealthily:
Hide 20 (27 at doors or corners), Move Silent 20, Search 22* while moving (take 10, move at half-speed).

Detect creatures:
Passive senses: Spot 27, Listen 15 (Ixtalan); Spot 26, Listen 15 (Allan).

Inspect thoroughly:
Doors, rooms, chests: Search 32*, Open Lock 27* (take 20, as needed, 2min. each).
*Allan's assist.

Extrasensory:
blindsense 60ft, darkvision 120ft., superior low-light vision,  detect magic .
 

 
paradox26
The room to the south is another robing room, near identical to the first. You continue to the east, where the only door is, and find something a little different.

Most of the grand chamber lies in shadowy darkness, except for a rectangular section raised several feet above the floor at the far end that is suffused with dim light. Between the door and this raised area are three rows of wooden benches arranged in a semicircular pattern. Curtains hang at the sides and back of the raised area, as well as along its top, creating a perfect stage for performances.
Alhallor
Shraxtrix thankfully accepts some healing towards her, then follows the party towards the weird dress-up room. She swipes a bit of the dried-up makeup out of curiosity and perhaps to make some war paint later and is pretty impressed by the grand theatre room.

 That looks pretty grand. Kinda like a place of worship don't you think? Perhaps there is something behind the curtains? 

Shraxtrix would wait for the others while she climbs up the raised area and take a peek behind the grand curtains.

 
 Spoiler: OOC, Faora 
Shraxtrix thankfully accepts 2 charges from the vigor wand.
 
rax
 "Or a playhouse,"  Aubryn notes with a grin.  "But more likely it's an auditorium for lectures and such." 
Nines
Moving into the auditorium hall, Lune ran his hand along the adjacent wall, stopping briefly at intervals to tap the metal ringlet of his leather gauntlet against the occasional stone and listening for the auditory reply from within. He rightly surmised that the shaped acoustics of the chamber had made it ideal for the novel investigative method.

  "This was once a center of great learning,"  said Lune, addressing the speculation of the rooms purpose.   "A lecture hall would indeed seem likely."  He agreed, as he continued his alternating pattern around the room's perimeter.   "It seems our curator has kept it in relative order, despite the long disuse."  He observed, while sweeping his eyes over the remaining contents.

Once he was satisfied of his own inspections, he returned to the center aisle of the pews, standing opposite the stage. Turning on his heel to face the curtains in view of their most curious kobold companion, he gave a silent nod of affirmation to the gesture of drawing the cloth aside.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Summary of actions:
Lune will sweep the room in advance of the party to ensure everyone's safety while looking for hidden features. He'll then end his position on the far side of the room while Shraxtrix is looking at the curtains.

 
 Spoiler: Exploration tactics 
Move stealthily:
Hide 20 (27 at doors or corners), Move Silent 20, Search 22* while moving (take 10, move at half-speed).

Detect creatures:
Passive senses: Spot 27, Listen 15 (Ixtalan); Spot 26, Listen 15 (Allan).

Inspect thoroughly:
Doors, rooms, chests: Search 32*, Open Lock 27* (take 20, as needed, 2min. each).
*Allan's assist.

Extrasensory:
blindsense 60ft, darkvision 120ft., superior low-light vision,  detect magic .
 

 
paradox26
The elves used this chamber for important meetings and lectures, as well as for musical and dramatic performances. The floor at the eastern end of the room is about 6 inches lower than the corridor outside, and the floor inside slopes another 5 feet down toward the stage at the western end. The ceiling in this room doesn’t shed light, but the stage is bathed in a dim glow around the clock, leaving the seating area cloaked in shadowy illumination.

You spend a minute searching, but don't find anything important. There is a double door leading to the east, behind the curtain. It isn't locked, and doesn't appear to be anything special, other than the only way out.
Alhallor
Shraxtrix liked the big chamber. She could very well picture an all-speaker standing there for a bunch of kobolds that could benefit from it's wisdom.

 That sounds great Lune! I would love to listen to a lecture here if the tower ever get's opened again. 

The great double-door did catch the kobolds attention and after she let Lune check for traps or anything she would grab at one of the double-doors and pull with all her might to get it open, probably leaving some claw-marks on the floor.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Just some Strength 6 in action. 🙂
 
samduke
Darla riding over near the double doors looking at Shraxtrix.  Do you require help? 
Alhallor
Shraxtrix panting heavily, nods and points at the other door of the double-door.

 I can take this one, I'm sure but you could try the other? It is awfully heavy. Definitely not done by a kobold! 
paradox26
The doors open, revealing a corridor. To the north is a pair of double doors. To the south is a door, and to the south there is a turn to the east around the corner, where you can't see what it is leading to. There  is nothing more notable about the corridor.
rax
 "So, doors or opening? Which shall we examine first?"  Aubryn asks after sneaking a peek into the corridor.
samduke
dismounting from her mount,  Ruh go down there and see what is around the corner but be careful . then looking to the north at the double doors.

 Well Aubryn I say investigate both when possible, why not we go have a look at these double doors while he goes and checks out that corridor corner area. 
rax
 "Very well, since you're willing to risk your companion, we should do no less ourselves,"  Aubryn agrees. Stepping into the corridor, he makes for the double doors and tries them to see if they're locked.

 
 Spoiler: Actions 
Aubryn has 30-foot blindsight, so he should detect any creature hiding in the corridor unless there's no line of effect. However, I'll toss out a Listen and a Spot check in case they're necessary for some reason.

Listen check  (1d20+7)[ 12 ] 
Spot check  (1d20+9)[ 26 ] 
 
Nines
 "That may yet come to pass, if we can persuade the phantom that he is longer beset by foes."  Said Ixtalan, to the idea of restoring the school to it's former glory.   "In the elves' absence, Myth Drannor was host to terrible denizens some years ago, liches and their ilk."   He added, barely masking his distaste in the words, as the doors were opened.

With a cursory look over the corridor as the party fanned out, Lune instinctively began calculating possible points of contact. This wasn't an easily defensible position, even if they could potentially fall back to the auditorium. He would have to clear the eastern corridor and then cover the south exit to protect their flank.

Moving with consummate grace alongside the great cat, Lune stopped short of the eastern turn, letting his keen senses permeate the hallway from the corner's edge. After qualifying the sensory feedback with the palmed mirror, and a mind toward more apparitions, he crossed the opening and proceeded to the southern foyer. Examining the egress for assurances of it's unharm, he peered through to what lay beyond.


 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 Summary of actions:
Ixtalan will stop at the edge of the Eastern corridor, allowing his blindsense to fill the hallway 60ft. inward while maintaining his stealth using the half cover of the corner.

He'll perform a visual inspection via the mirror and then continue to the South door. Inspecting it thoroughly, he'll then open it stealthily to check the contents of the next room.

 
 Spoiler: Exploration tactics 

Move stealthily:
Hide 20 (27 at doors or corners), Move Silent 20, Search 22* while moving (take 10, move at half-speed).

Detect creatures:
Passive senses: Spot 27, Listen 15 (Ixtalan); Spot 26, Listen 15 (Allan).

Inspect thoroughly:
Doors, rooms, chests: Search 32*, Open Lock 27* (take 20, as needed, 2min. each).
*Allan's assist.

Extrasensory:
blindsense 60ft, darkvision 120ft., superior low-light vision,  detect magic .
 

 
BananaPhone
   Faora Bolton 


The druid had followed behind the others, her hulking urisine companion, Cuddles, alongside her as they provided a sort of rear-guard.

Emerging into the auditorium, Foara listened to the lamentations of the others over what a grand centre of learning that this must have once been, as rows of eager students could be imagined seated within the rows, eyes alert and minds ready as their lecturer strode forth to provide another valuable lesson of the day.

 "The earth was here long before us..."  she commented to no-one-in-particular,  "and it will be here long after even our greatest works are dust..."  she finished, observing a row of seats and dragging her staff out across it in inspection, her massive bear companion sitting on its huge rump behind her.
paradox26
The northern double doors, it turns out, lead you back into the entry foyer chamber.

The corridor to the south east leads to two separate doors to the north partway along the hall, and a door to the east. There are no signs of life that you can see so far.

The door to the south is a bit different. It is hidden as a normal door, but your enhanced senses reveal it to be a portal of some description.

Sweeping the staff over the chairs does nothing of note, other than to reveal that there is no dust on the chairs. They may be used regularly, or they may be protected by magic or regular cleaning, it is impossible to tell.
samduke
Darla returns through the corridor south back to where Ruh is.

 This seems a bit odd here anyone else want to examine this with some magic? 
rax
 "And so we come full circle..."  Aubryn declares with a portentous chuckle when the northern doors lead him back to the foyer.

 "Personally, I think a disguised portal seems far more interesting than trying the other doors. Shall we see if it's trapped and then where it leads?"  he asks the others.
Alhallor
Shraxtrix seems a bit disappointed after arriving at the Foyer again.

 I think we have already observed with magic, but I guess it can't hurt. 

The small kobold swipes a claw over her eyes.

 draushum mlaen 
 
 Spoiler: Draconic 
Dragon sight.
 


And looks around, trying to find any different magics from before, ignoring the fountain for now.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Spellcraft:  (1d20+1)[ 17 ]  Checking the surroundings if we somehow got teleported here or if it really makes sense that we did a full circle. I would go for the portal.
 


Shraxtrix looks at Aubryn, blinking and removes the ring that Elminster gave her.  We should took them off or we would land here again, right? 
rax
Aubryn looks down at the little kobold and shrugs.  "It's possible, but unless this portal is a trap or a joke of some sort, it would be incongruous for the rings to activate now that we're inside the Tower. After all, their purpose is to bring people in from the outside, and Elminster said nothing of them being used for transportation within the Tower,"  he reasons.
Nines
Already in front of the portal, Lune had his back to the hallway and an electrum-bound volume in his hand, meticulously cross referencing the faint symbols that ensconced the doorways frame. The dull echo of the corridor allowing him to keep abreast of the conversation further north,   "I agree. I do not believe the rings to be the culprit, rather merely the geometry of our passage."  He said, raising an errant hand to the air to trace their circuitous path taken, while focusing on the task in front of him.   "The portal is safe, though the destination may be less so."  said Ixtalan, apprising them of his progress thus far.   "El did say to expect a number of these, but lest we end up in something  else's  prison plane..."    He added, as he continued matching the subtle scrollwork to the tome's arcane index.   "This should tell us a bit more."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 already Inspected thoroughly: Search 32. Ref:  #160 

Ixtalan will ascertain via  detect magic  whether the portal has a strong (active) or weak aura (inactive). *FRCS p.59

He will then attempt to discern whether the portal transits somewhere else on Toril (e.g.  teleport ), or if it has an extradimensional or interplanar destination ( gate  or similar). Arcana or Planes, depending. *PHB p.78

Roll post  #248 .
 
paradox26
Shraxtrix looks around the foyer, but doesn't see anything of interest other than the fountain containing treasure. It appears, from what you can tell, that you haven't been teleported back to the foyer, you have simply walked in a circle through the various rooms you passed through.


Lune is able to tell that the portal is active, and appears to activate when the rings come near it. It is a teleporting portal rather than a gate, as best you can tell, so you might suspect that it is designed for movement around the Tower. It is possible, however, that it could lead instead to another place within the city, or even to another place entirely, such as Evermeet, another elven city.
samduke
Darla and companions (if told about the portal, will proceed through it)
if not told will sit near the portal
rax
 "Well, if the portal takes us out of the Tower, I imagine our rings will enable us to return swiftly, as long as we remain within five miles of this place. So the main risk would appear to be if this portal takes us somewhere further afield. I am still willing to take that risk, but if we sweep this floor and find no other means of continuing, then we can be more certain that this portal is indeed intended for movement within the school. I shall defer to the majority opinion,"  Aubryn says.
Alhallor
Shraxtrix nods at Aubryn's explanation and puts the ring on again.

 I think we should try the portal, it looks like the most promising thing here.  Says the little kobold with a last look at the fountain full of treasures. They could still get what's inside there when they were done with they're tasks.
BananaPhone
   Faora Bolton 
 "I agree with Aubryn,"  the druids melodic voice chimed in.

 "It makes little sense to have a floor sealed off from the rest of the building only for its sole means of entry to instead transport those using it to outside the premises, rather than localizing somewhere else within it." 
Nines
Listening to the convergence of interests as he performed the necessary decipherments, and bolstered by his own confirmations in the semiotics of the door's construction, Lune judged the risks to have been adequately countenanced.   "Very well. Should we end up further afield overland, that is not entirely insurmountable either."   agreed Ixtalan, as he stowed his implements of research and prepared to embark.   "I have designs against possible safeguards on the other side. I will disable them and send Allan as an all-clear signal momentarily."   He said, as he broached the threshold of the frame. His form dissipated into a shower of contigous white-hot sparks, before fading uniformly into nothing, leaving only the transient scent of an electric discharge in the hallway air.


 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 Summary of actions:
Upon landing, he will first thoroughly inspect the exit portal for traps. *Search 32 w/ Allan's assist.

Ixtalan will then look for wards or divinations on the portal and landing area via  detect magic , while attempting to avoid triggering them with his  nondetection .

If he finds any, he'll attempt to dispel or disable them (as needed). He'll then send Allan back through once the doorway has been made safe on this end.

 
 Spoiler: active effects 
•   Otikuke's suppression field  
20ft. radius emanation impedes Evocation effects within it's area (CL check DC 24), such as spell traps.

•  nondetection  vs divinations (CL check DC 28).
 

 
rax
 "He really does like to showboat,"  Aubryn comments once Lune had disappeared through the portal.  "Are any of you ladies the betting kind? Perhaps we could put together a pool and see how long it takes before he runs into some  serious  trouble?"  he jokes.