Hunting Ardandanus! Plotting! Intrigue!

[Carthrat]

[23:49] <@Carthrat> Maz approaches the mage guild for the second time, a rickety tower that looks like it should be falling down. It's still quite tall, but it's easy to picture it collapsing at the slightest pressure.
[23:49] * @Maz resolves not to do anything to make it collapse while she's visiting, and heads inside.
[23:51] <@Carthrat> "Greetings," says the receptionist, an old lady in too-many robes, not recognizing you the second-time around. "What can I do for you?" The ground floor consists of a desk, a back room, and a staircase- when you were buying scrolls, you did the whole thing over the counter. You know the social lounges are further up the tower, though.
[23:55] <@Maz> "I just wanted to inquire about the bounty poster on Ardandamus," Maz responds casually. "The guild was listed in the contact information, after all."
[23:56] * Iddy (iron_drago@67.163.119.32) has joined #dunes
[23:56] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Iddy Iddy
[23:56] * Iddy is now known as Sigmundr
[23:57] <@Carthrat> "Oh, yes," replies the lady, before calling out in a shrill voice. "Calenstat! Another one is here!" The voice of an older man comes back- "Send him up!" The receptionist glances at you, then jerks a finger towards the stairs. "Off you go."
[23:58] <@Maz> "Thank you," Maz replies with a curt nod, and follows the receptionist's directions, going upstairs.
[23:59] <@Carthrat> You reach the second level of the guild, which looks more like a lounge than anything. There's a crackling fireplace and several couches, on one of which reclines a red-robed mage who looks to be well into middle age. There's another man here, too... OOC: Your cue, Sigmundr.
[23:59] * @Sigmundr looks over and smiles heartily at the young woman.
Session Time: Sun May 14 00:00:00 2006
[00:00] <@Sigmundr> "Greetings, lady."
[00:03] * @Maz takes a moment to investigate what has to be a cleric in the service of Tempus, nodding at his direction afterwards. Maz turns her attention towards the red-robed mage. "Greetings," she says.
[00:04] <@Carthrat> The mage- Calenstat, no doubt- looks over you, a hearty southern complexion across his features. "Yes, greetings all around," he says. "You're both here for the business, so to speak, so I hope you don't mind getting along."
[00:05] <@Sigmundr> "Companions on the field are always welcome, friend."
[00:06] * @Maz waits patiently.
[00:06] <@Carthrat> "Quite. And it is demoralizing when one is betrayed!" rails the mage, staring at the both of you. "Ardandanus, my beloved student, casting me off! Ignoring my requests for his trumped-up lies! Stealing scrolls and spellbooks! He won't be getting away with this, thanks to you two!"
[00:07] * @Sigmundr raises an eyebrow and holds his peace for the moment..
[00:08] <@Maz> "What can you tell..." Maz says, pausing for a moment before continuing, "us about this student of yours and his habits?"
[00:09] <@Carthrat> "He's a talented one, aye," replies the mage, "Likes invocations, but doesn't like those spells that don't make 'real' results- you know, illusions, divinations. Holed up in some lighthouse on the coast with some ratty friends. I hear he even took on an apprentice, and he's teaching him with my stolen books!"
[00:10] <@Sigmundr> "Is he actually capable of holding an apprentice? Is his knowledge great enough to do such a thing? And what idea of numbers has thy wayward student gathered?"
[00:13] <@Carthrat> "He knows enough to teach the basics," mutters the mage. "Plays around with spells of the third circle, he does. As for his numbers? Bah, he had some young friends, useless scamps all." The cantankerous mage frowns. "Aye, there was that wisp of an guttersnipe, all furtive glances and black cloaks and rapiers and daggers. And that young noble prat- I bet he bribed him to steal my studies!"
[00:14] <@Maz> "I see," Maz says slowly. "How unfortunate." She takes a moment to think, before asking, "Your poster mentioned getting his spellbook back. Which one, if I might ask?"
[00:14] <@Carthrat> "Mine!" shouts the mage, angry. "And his! Get 'em both, I say! I've had to go without spells for weeks, now! Weeks!"
[00:16] <@Sigmundr> "Mmm.. What reward are you offering for such a service, Calenstat?"
[00:18] <@Carthrat> "I've got some spare coin," replies Calenstat, mumbling. "And some scrolls the lout didn't take. Why, 200 platnium pieces and those should be quite enough for this service!"
[00:20] <@Maz> "Mr. Calenstat," Maz speaks, "what can you tell us about the behavioral patterns of your past apprentice, or of his new followers?"
[00:21] <@Carthrat> "Cagey mage," mutters Calenstat. "Liked his traps and runes and things. Always paranoid. Always suspicious. Always so furtive, looking around for the next chance. Why? Why didn't I see how dishonorable he was before he left?"
[00:22] <@Maz> "Was he actually mean to his fellow students or to the populace at large?"
[00:23] * @Sigmundr (iron_drago@67.163.119.32) Quit (Ping timeout)
[00:23] <@Carthrat> "He was my only apprentice," replies Calenstat. "Didn't much like other people. Liked studying more- always wanting to learn those really destructive spells, you know, fireballs and lightning bolts and scorching rays and all that."
[00:23] * +Serith (iron_drago@67.163.119.32) Quit (Ping timeout)
[00:26] * @Maz nods. "What about the Dispel Magic spell? Did you teach him that? Or was it, perhaps, one of the spells he stole?"
[00:26] <@Carthrat> "Oh, he knows that one. One of the third circle fundamentals," replies Calenstat.
[00:27] <@Maz> "Excellent." Maz nods again. "Well, I believe I have everything I need." She glances at Calenstat curiously. "Unless there is something you would like to add, which would help bring your trecherous former apprentice to justice?"
[00:29] <@Carthrat> "Don't rush ahead! He's smart, he'll get you all with a fireball if you mess up," replies Calenstat. "And don't read my books! You can read his, but mine is mine! He won't have finished unenchanting it by now anyway, but don't you start!"
[00:30] <@Maz> "Oh." Maz makes a small sound, suddenly thinking of something. "You did mention a noble in his little group. Am I to take, then, that they are well-off, and have no need to worry as far as supplies are concerned?"
[00:31] <@Carthrat> "I suppose," replies Calenstat, frowning. "I never really thought about it."
[00:32] <@Maz> "Alright then," Maz agrees with another nod. "I believe I truly have everything I need, now."
[00:43] <@Carthrat> Calenstat picks himself up. "Yes, good, let's hurry and take down this vile thief for me!" he says, staggering upstairs. "Just call me down when you have my gear!"
[00:44] <@Maz> "No problem," Maz responds, and settles in comfortably at the lounge, feeling like spending some time there and trying to hear any useful rumors about this former apprentice and his friends.
[00:45] * Usagi (WinNT@user-7098.l3.c5.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
[00:45] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Usagi Usagi
[00:45] <@Carthrat> A couple of younger sorts walk up the stairs, a boy dressed in a light coat and breeches, and a girl wearing a too-short skirt.
[00:46] <@Carthrat> The girl is carrying half a bottle of wine, and she's giggling like nothing else as she flops into a couch. "Heeeeeey!" she says, glancing at Maz. "Haven't seen you before!"
[00:46] * Usagi is now known as Thrall
[00:47] <@Maz> "Hi," Maz responds, smiling at her as she reclines on the couch. "I came to find Ardandamus, but it seems I was too late."
[00:49] <@Carthrat> "Oooh. Ardandamush," giggles the girl. "He's a handsome one, he is!" The guy looks mildly affronted, but somewhat indulgent, sitting next to the girl and taking the bottle away from her. "Yes, Ardandamus. Bad business, with him, with the theft and all that."
[00:50] <@Maz> "Yeah, I heard about that," Maz says, shrugging. "But how bad could he be if he got two other students to leave with him of their own free will?"
[00:51] <@Carthrat> "Oh, they weren't students," replies the girl, giggling. "Just his friends. I think he was teaching them outside the guild or something, might've been why there was a spat between him and that codger Calenstat."
[00:52] <@Maz> "So this Calenstat guy's trying to monopolize the magic scene here?" Maz snorts. "Nasty!"
[00:52] <@Carthrat> "Naw, it's guild regulations," replies the guy, shrugging. "They try to maintain that monopoly and all. I mean, it's allright, really. Better than some places where you get hunted down."
[00:54] <@Maz> "So, putting it bluntly," she ventures, "who's in the wrong here? Ardandamus? Calenstat?"
[00:54] * Rei-chan (WinNT@user-7098.l3.c5.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
[00:56] <@Carthrat> "Don't know," replies the man, slowly. "Calenstat is following guild regulations, and all, and it's true that Ardandamus stole his master's spellbook.. yeah, he broke the rules pretty badly. Though he never really seemed like a bad guy.. quiet, kept to himself, maybe." He shrugs. "But who can tell?"
[00:56] * @Maz shrugs. "Maybe his friends drove him to crime? Any idea if they were the bad sort?"
[00:57] * Sigmundr (iron_drago@c-67-163-119-32.hsd1.tx.comcast.net) has joined #dunes
[00:57] * Serith (iron_drago@c-67-163-119-32.hsd1.tx.comcast.net) has joined #dunes
[00:57] * ChanServ sets mode: +v Serith
[00:58] <@Carthrat> "That noble was pretty straight and narrow," comments the man. "What was his name? Ash, or something like it. The other guy, though.. I don't think I've ever seen him, just heard Calenstat rave about him."
[01:03] <@Maz> "So the three of them now live secluded in that lighthouse of his?"
[01:03] <@Carthrat> "Buggered if I know," replies the girl, lazily. "He was cute, but I wasn't gonna keep up with him after he got kicked out."
[01:04] <@Maz> "Wise choice," Maz agrees.
[01:04] <@Carthrat> "Gonna go take him on?"
[01:04] * Carthrat sets mode: +o Sigmundr
[01:04] * @Sigmundr taps the spine of the book hanging from his him with a quiet "Mmmm.." sound as he contemplates..
[01:05] <@Sigmundr> "What would be the guild's punishment if he came back?"
[01:05] <@Maz> "Might pay him a visit," Maz says neutrally.
[01:05] <@Carthrat> "He'll probably undergo the Gilgul rite," remarks the girl, sobering up very quickly. OOC: knowledge arcane check, Maz, as I shameless rip off Mage.
[01:06] <@Sigmundr> roll d20+3
[01:06] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Sigmundr : [ 1d20=4 ]{7}
[01:07] <@Maz> roll 1d20+12
[01:07] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Maz : [ 1d20=5 ]{17}
[01:09] <@Maz> "Nasty," Maz says with a wince. "Luckily for him, he has no reason to actually return, nor do I for bringing him back."
[01:09] <@Maz> "There might be a way for him to be safe, though." She pauses. "I just hope he listens to reason."
[01:10] <@Sigmundr> "Hmm.. I suppose there is not much else to ask.. Other than.. Do you know if he took any other items from the guild beyond the spellbooks? Items of power?"
[01:11] <@Carthrat> "Just Calenstat's stuff," remarks the man. "Funny, you know- he could have, if he'd wanted."
[01:13] <@Sigmundr> "Mmm.. Odd. Thank you for your time, and may Tempus shield thy paths."
[01:13] * @Sigmundr turns to Maz, and motions for her to lead the way out of the guild.
[01:14] * @Maz raises an eyebrow, but stands up. She inclines her head a the pair of students, and follows the cleric of Tempus outside.
[01:15] * @Sigmundr exits, and turns to Maz with a broad smile.
[01:16] <@Maz> "Yes?" she asks, a note of curiousity in her voice.
[01:16] <@Sigmundr> "I apologize for not doing this earlier, young lady. I am Sigmundr, Cleric of Tempus of the Fourth Order. It is a pleasure to make thy aquaintence."
[01:16] * @Sigmundr inclines his head slightly in a stiff bow of respect to her.
[01:17] <@Maz> "A pleasure," she responds formally. "My name is Maz."
[01:18] * @Sigmundr continues his grinning.
[01:19] * @Maz frowns. "I think you may have gotten the wrong impression..." she says uneasily.
[01:19] <@Sigmundr> "It seems we are to be allies for the time, Maz. Which way would be to the lighthouse?"
[01:19] <@Sigmundr> "Oh? And what impression do you believe I have come to?"
[01:21] <@Maz> "The one where you seemed to think I was interested." She shrugs. "Never mind that now. While I do indeed know the way to the lighthouse in question, I see no reason to divulge the information I have so painstalkingly gathered on my own to the competition," she tells him, putting an emphasis on the last part.
[01:22] * @Sigmundr looks at Maz oddly, shaking his head and not quite understanding what she meant, he replies.
[01:24] <@Sigmundr> "Indeed it is your choice to do so.. And if you so wish, than I wish you luck and Tempus' blessings, but I would rather accompany you as an ally rather than as foe. The reward will be less, but the chance of victory will be much better if did not have to work against each other as well."
[01:26] <@Maz> "True," she agrees. "But others I work with might be interested, which would hightly increase my chances of success. On the other hand, and do not take the the wrong way...." She pauses. "Well, a lone cleric of Tempus would be no match to this invoker and his friends. Therefore, you have much more to gain than I do by us joining forces. I merely seek recompense for that and for the preliminary work I have already done."
[01:29] <@Sigmundr> "Hmm.. True, the invoker might cause a problem to me, depending on the encounter.. But should he catch you off guard as well, you would benefit from my spells as well.. Though, the fact that you have friends to help you counters this, to a degree.. What if we were to agree to a smaller portion of the reward.. Say.. Half a normal cut?"
[01:30] <@Maz> "That is agreeable," Maz tells him. "Mind, I can't speak for the others, but you would have my vote and support in that."
[01:30] * @Sigmundr nods.
[01:31] <@Sigmundr> "Very well, lead the way, Maz.. Though I have one question.. What were you supposed to be interested in earlier?"
[01:31] * @Sigmundr looks at her, confused.
[01:32] <@Maz> "We are staying at the Atheist's Rest for the time being," Maz elaborates, expertly avoiding the question. "If you follow me there and wait at the bar for a few minutes, I'll introduce the others to you."
[01:32] * @Sigmundr nods, noticing the evasion, but letting it drop, not willing to push the limits of the conversation, and motions Maz to lead the way.
[01:34] * @Maz heads for the inn, ready to seek out her companions.
[01:38] <@Carthrat> Sig notes that Maz leads him to the Atheist's rest, an inn that is understandably not-well-liked by most of the clergy, of any sort.
[01:39] * @Sigmundr shifts his shoulders, tossing back his cloak, the crest of Tempus fully visable as he looks around the inn, brow drawn down slightly.
[01:39] <@Carthrat> He gets more than a few dark looks from around the inn, but nobody is bold enough to meet him in the eye. The walls are painted green, and have garish, ghostlike figures painted on them, moaning, like those who presumably lurk on the wall of the faithless.
[01:40] <@Maz> With a nod at Sigmundr and a request to wait for a bit, Maz casts a look around. Spotting Thrall at the bar, she makes her way towards him, sitting down next to him and greeting him.
[01:41] * @Sigmundr moves slightly out of the way and stands at his full hight, turning to stare at each person sending him dark looks fully eye to eye as he continues to scan the inn.
[01:41] * @Thrall is leaning against the bar with a healthy space around him, moodily drinking by himself as is his wont. At least he's not wearing his obnoxiously spiked armour, but his well muscled frame with multitudes of scars and tattoos on display isn't exactly any more friendly looking. "Maz," he nods dourly to the Tiefling mage, quaffing his ale. "Had a productive day?"
[01:41] <@Carthrat> Everyone's gaze just drops away from Sigmundr, though he can hear some whispered mutterings referring to 'damned clerics' around his back. He recalls that it's said that no divine magic can actually be worked inside this inn, the result of a hex put on it by it's arcanist proprietor.
[01:43] * @Sigmundr rests his hands at his hip, one idly tapping the thick spine of his Tome, the other resting on the haft of his Warhammer.
[01:43] <@Maz> "You could say that," she agrees. "I was checking up on the bounty the rogue invoker has on him. The pay is two hundred platinum plus a few scrolls. I also got some details on him and his allies, in case the rest of you were interested in taking on the job."
[01:44] <@Thrall> "Two hundred platinum?" Thrall perks up, standing up properly to regard Maz rather than continuing to prop up the bar. "That's more than we were offered for that damned dwarf. What's the story with him, then?"
[01:45] <@Maz> "He stole his mentor's spellbook, so that mentor wants it back." She snorts in disdain. "Mentioned something about not having cast a spell in weeks, so he must be getting desperate."
[01:47] <@Thrall> "Any word on the Invoker's capabilities?" the half-orc asks, drumming his fingers on the side of his ale flagon.
[01:49] <@Maz> "He's stronger than I am," Maz admits. "He has access to third circle spells, and his speciality cost him any divination and illusion spells." She thinks back on the information she had gotten. "There would be two friends with him, both of them of much lower magical abilities. Of course, it is possible they will have a way with a sword or dagger."
[01:53] <@Thrall> "So, three mages..." Thrall considers. "Could be do-able for us, if Kethean and Seraphin are both interested." Might be even easier if they had their Scout, but so it goes... "Hells." he finally nods, exposing his tusks in a feral grin, "For two thousand gold, I'm in."
[01:56] <@Maz> "There is something else," Maz adds. "Another was interested in the bounty, a cleric of Tempus by the looks of him and his own introduction. He expressed interest in joining us for this, and I agreed to make the offer to you, after getting him to take a probational smaller portion of any reward."
[01:58] <@Thrall> "Tempus?" Thrall shrugs neutrally. "They're not so bad, I suppose. He look like he can handle himself?"
[01:59] <@Maz> "A bit dim, perhaps," she says with a touch of distaste, "but it does not seem to hurt his offensive or spell-casting capabilities, as far as I can tell."
[02:01] * @Thrall snorts. "So long as he can swing a mace and cast some healing magic I've got no complaints. Saves me buying more potions, so will probably work out cheaper to take him."
[02:02] * @Maz nods, and waves at Sigmundr in the universal 'come over here' motion. "Here he comes," she tells Thrall. "Goes by the name of Sigmundr."
[02:02] * @Sigmundr notices the motion and heads over, striding through the inn at full hight.
[02:04] <@Thrall> Turning to regard Sigmundr, the half-orc stretches a couple of inches over the armed and armoured cleric, nodding in greeting. "Name's Thrall," he rumbles by way of introduction.
[02:04] * @Maz orders some mead for herself as she watches the two interact.
[02:05] * @Sigmundr nods to Thrall, offering his hand for greeting.
[02:06] <@Sigmundr> "Sigmundr Ingvinr, at they service. You are one of Maz's friends.. And a warrior by looks. You have my respect, Thrall. Tempus' path is a difficult one to walk."
[02:07] * Kowork is now known as Kotono-games
[02:08] <@Thrall> "Just don't preach any sermons and we'll get along fine," Thrall returns grimly, not taking Sigmundr's hand. "Though if you don't mind the asking - why is a cleric of Tempus interested in hunting down some mages guild fugitive, anyway?"
[02:09] * @Sigmundr shrugs.
[02:09] <@Sigmundr> "Following the Path. Battle is battle, and that is the providence of my God."
[02:12] * @Thrall snorts. "Always figured your kind to go more for the glorious campaigns of war, not slaying an incompetent wizard's sticky-fingered apprentice. But if you'll lend us your spells and your hammer, I don't care what motivates you."
[02:12] <@Sigmundr> "True, large battles carry more glory, but every battle needs to be fought."
[02:15] <@Thrall> "Especially when it gets you a sack full of gold at the end," Thrall chuckles humourlessly, taking a deep swig of his ale.
[02:15] * @Sigmundr chuckles with Thrall.
[02:16] <@Sigmundr> "Indeed, that is a large part of the reason."
[02:16] <@Thrall> "At least you're honest, there's hope for you yet," the half-orc snorts, grinning toothily.
[02:17] <@Sigmundr> "I should hope so."
[02:18] * @Sigmundr grins in returns and motions to the tavern keep for a mug of ale.
[02:18] <@Sigmundr> "So, then, how many more friend do I have to get approval from before setting out with your group?"
[02:22] <@Thrall> "Two," Thrall resumes propping up the bar and nursing his ale. "You'll meet them soon enough, I expect," he adds, not wishing to be drawn on introducing them for him.
[02:23] * @Sigmundr nods.
[02:23] <@Seraphin> It's about then that Seraphin comes down the stairs, dressed in her usual dark colored gear and rubbing at her eyes. "Ugh..." she mumbles, stumbling into a place near enough to Thrall, stretching.
[02:24] <@Thrall> "Speak of the devil," Thrall snorts, barely repressing a snort of laughter at the pun.
[02:24] <@Maz> "Hello," Maz greets the other tiefling.
[02:25] <@Seraphin> "That'd be one way to put it," Seraphin snorts at Thrall. "Morning, Maz," she greets her fellow tiefling in turn, a slight smile.
[02:25] * @Sigmundr looks over at her, waiting for his ale, and waiting for Thrall or Maz to make introductions.
[02:26] <@Carthrat> It's taking Sigmundr an awfully long to get served. Maybe the barmaid forgot?
[02:28] <@Maz> "This is Sigmundr," Maz introduces the cleric to Seraphin. "We are thinking of heading after a thieving invoker, with the pay of two hundred platinum coins, and he asked to join us on that endeavour for the generous half pay."
[02:28] <@Seraphin> "So judging by his unusual proximity to big, dark, and spikey, who's our new friend?" Seraphin asks, bright red eyes regarding Sigmundr as she pushes silver-white hair out of her face.
[02:28] <@Maz> OOC: switch lines?
[02:28] <@Seraphin> "...Or I could just be slow this morning," Seraphin snickers.
[02:29] <@Seraphin> OOC - Or sure. >_>;
[02:29] <@Sigmundr> "Greetings, Miss. A pleasure to meet you."
[02:29] * @Sigmundr inclines his head in a bow to her.
[02:30] <@Seraphin> "Mmm...alright. Seraphin," Seraphin greets back, nodding to him. "Someone remind me to not go running around town late at night in a ball gown."
[02:32] <@Maz> "I'll be sure to do that," Maz responds dryly.
[02:33] <@Seraphin> "It DID let me see an Aasimar squirm, though," Seraphin snickers, shrugging and trying to wave down the barmaid.
[02:34] <@Maz> "And here I was listening to the rantings of a has-been magician," Maz says, sipping her mead. "Maybe there is something to running in a ball gown at night."
[02:37] <@Seraphin> "I wasn't in the ball gown by the time I got to see him squirm, though it WAS necessary..." Seraphin answers, snickering softly. "If we're ever in the Calimport region, there's a roughly profitable slave ring breaking up venture to be had is all," Seraphin shrugs.
[02:39] * @Sigmundr 's gaze darkens at this.
[02:39] * @Maz nods, smiling. "Sure. And you must tell me the whole story some day."
[02:39] <@Thrall> "I might be headed in that direction..." Thrall murmers quietly, before nodding to Seraphin. "Worth remembering if we're ever down there, yes."
[02:39] <@Sigmundr> "Is there indeed? Hmm.. If you would not mind, I would like to hear about this ring later.."
[02:42] <@Carthrat> <-Uncool90sspecialeffects->
[02:44] <@Carthrat> It's a good four days ride towards the lighthouse. Your maps and the like indicate it stands just next to the edge of a huge cliff, overlooking the beach- the foundations have been strenghthened with magic, allowing it to not topple or break the land formation. At the base off the cliff are rocks and seawater, and there are several groves and patches of wood nearby, making it easy to set a camp somewhere (presumably) out of sight.
[02:48] <@Thrall> Tying his horse to one of the trees after dismounting, Thrall regards their own resident mage. "So, Maz. If you were hiding in an old tower with your master's spellbook, what kind of defences would you have?"
[02:51] <@Maz> "I would wear the intruders down with small, low-level offensive spells in traps, and set up a few larger ones at a chamber I could flank said intruders," she responds after thinking it over for a minute. "I would try to use any narrow passages to my best advantage by setting up a lightning bolt spell, or use a fireball," she frowns in distaste, before continuing, "in a cramped space."
[02:51] * @Sigmundr nods.
[02:52] <@Maz> "I think it might be best if we didn't stay too closely together as we proceeded," she adds.
[02:52] <@Sigmundr> "Indeed, the one who hired us told us of his student's like of traps and invoker spells."
[02:53] <@Maz> "What worries me most is getting my own magic dispelled," Maz says with a grimace, "but hopefully I am ready for such an occasion with the few scrolls I've made."
[02:53] <@Sigmundr> "I have the power for a spell to find such traps, if you wish for me to go first."
[02:54] <@Maz> "That would work well," she agrees, "and I can run a spell to detect magic to assist with that."
[02:54] <@Thrall> "Good idea," Thrall nods, having no complaints about someone else taking point after what happened with the Ogre Mage and his cone of frosty pain.
[03:02] <@Carthrat> A budgie swoops down and lands on Maz's shoulder, seemingly out of nowhere. It squawks- softly- "Your name is Relly!" to Thrall.
[03:03] * @Maz grimaces, and gives Thrall an apologetic gaze. "She's still young."
[03:03] <@Maz> *He's
[03:04] * @Thrall blinks, looking oddly at the small bird. "I understand if you want a pet, Maz, but is it really wise to bring along to places like this?"
[03:04] * @Sigmundr nods and takes the lead, heading for the lighthouse.
[03:04] <@Maz> "It's actually a familiar. He'll be useful."
[03:05] * @Maz takes the opportunity to cast mage armor on herself, followed by false life, sharing the spells with her familiar as well.
[03:05] <@Thrall> "If you say so..." Thrall doesn't push it, following along and readying his axe as they head for the lighthouse.
[03:06] <@Maz> roll 1d10+4
[03:06] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Maz : [ 1d10=5 ]{9}
[03:08] <@Maz> "You should be quiet or bad people will hear and kill you," Maz tells Relly quietly, as they head towards the lighthose.
[03:09] * @Sigmundr swings his Warhammer into his right hand, and takes the Tome into his left, slipping his hand through the strap as he approaches the tower.
[03:13] <@Carthrat> As you're walking towards the tower, you can see a figure appear at the top! A young man, dressed in a smooth noble robe, with a whipping cloak. His gaze stretches over you... lingering a short while on Seraphin, before he speaks- "What do you want here?" A familiar voice to Seraphin, that of that suspicious young mage at the ball!
[03:15] <@Seraphin> "...Hey, I know him," Seraphin snickers.
[03:15] <@Sigmundr> "Oh? Well enough for us to get to the tower?"
[03:16] <@Seraphin> "No, I think he didn't like me," Seraphin answers, shaking her head. "His name's Ashton, I think. He ws at the ball I went to. He has a wand of some variety."
[03:17] <@Maz> "Overcompensating, without a doubt," Maz mutters.
[03:18] <@Seraphin> "Want me to talk to him anyway?" Seraphin asks curiously.
[03:18] <@Thrall> "Someone say something..." Thrall mutters tensely.
[03:18] <@Sigmundr> "At the very least, you know -of- him. We do not."
[03:19] <@Carthrat> "Answer me!" he shouts, sounding tense and upset.
[03:19] <@Seraphin> "Hi, Ashton!" Seraphin calls out to the mage. "It's Zephaeriel."
[03:19] <@Seraphin> "He has a brother that looked like a monk," Seraphin provides the group in a low voice.
[03:20] <@Maz> "Do we have to yell?" Maz asks, letting her voice carry over to the top of the tower. "We could talk just fine if you came down, to meet us face to face."
[03:20] <@Carthrat> "I'm fine. You can tell me what you want from down there," he yells back.
[03:21] * @Maz glances at Seraphin. "Want to handle this, or should I?"
[03:22] <@Seraphin> "Go ahead, he was a lying sumbitch that said I had nice eyes in front of his date," Seraphin shrugs.
[03:23] * @Sigmundr chuckles and shakes his head at this.
[03:23] <@Maz> "You cheated on the wrong girl, Ashton!" Maz calls up to him. "Prepare to make amends, or else!"
[03:23] <@Carthrat> Ashton has no response to this for a good five seconds. "...what?"
[03:23] * @Seraphin tries to not fall of her horse laughing and giggling.\
[03:24] * @Thrall just shakes his head, resisting the urge to facepalm.
[03:24] <@Maz> "You know what I'm talking about!" Maz tells him sternly. "Either get down here and we work this out, or we'll keep on airing all your dirty laundry in public. I don't care which." She crosses her arms in front of her chest.
[03:25] <@Carthrat> "You are quite moronic," he snaps. "Cathrine is with me now." He stops, short, suddenly conscious that he's given away something he shouldn't.
[03:26] * @Seraphin cluthces her horse's mane, snickering and snorting. "Cathrine and Alicia, by the way, were twin sisters, dates to him and his monk brother, one had a knife udner her dress, the other something heavier."
[03:27] * @Maz rolls her eyes, and glances at Seraphin. "Well, that was the obligatory banter portion. Want me to keep on going?"
[03:27] <@Thrall> "Oh, by all means," Thrall bows theatrically. "I'd love to hear more of this wizard's sordid love life."
[03:27] <@Seraphin> "What did you have in mind?" Seraphin asks the other tiefling, wipping at her eyes.
[03:28] <@Maz> "Are you sure that's not Alicia?" Maz asks, peering at Ashton intently.
[03:29] <@Sigmundr> "Ahh.. The 'scholarly' ones always have the most interesting personal lives.."
[03:29] <@Carthrat> "Believe me, I'm quite sure," snaps Ashton. "Get to the point, or clear off!"
[03:31] * @Maz glances around, trying to get a feel the her surroundings, before she responds.
[03:31] <@Carthrat> The lighthouse itself stands quite tall, towering above the sea on which it shines it's guiding light. White and picturesque, the front, facing towards you, consists of a large wooden door- there's a piece of paper with a knife stuck through it there, probably a sign of some kind.
[03:31] <@Seraphin> "What, you don't remember my nice eyes?" Seraphin asks teasingly. "What WERE you looking at me so hard for?"
[03:33] <@Carthrat> "You can't possibly have misinterpreted that," deadpans Ashton. "I was trying to determine what manner of planetouched you were. My friends might not be in the know, but I am. I think it would be best for the both of us if you turned around and walked away."
[03:34] <@Maz> "Break down the door," Maz whispers, whipping out her wand of magic missiles and sending a pair of them at Ashton with a deceptively casual twirl.
[03:34] <@Maz> roll 2d4+2
[03:34] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Maz : [ 2d4=6 ]{8}
[03:35] <@Carthrat> Ashton snarls as the magical bolts fly towards him, but they seem to dissapate just before they touch him! "So you're here for that Calenstat bastard! I knew it!" he yells, rolling up his sleeves!
[03:36] <@Carthrat> OOC: Let's do the init thing!
[03:36] <@Carthrat> roll 1d20+2
[03:36] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Carthrat : [ 1d20=16 ]{18}
[03:36] * Retrieving #dunes modes...
[03:36] <@Seraphin> "Thrall, door, please," Seraphin insists.
[03:36] <@Sigmundr> roll d20+5
[03:36] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Sigmundr : [ 1d20=9 ]{14}
[03:36] <@Seraphin> roll 1d20+4
[03:36] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Seraphin : [ 1d20=9 ]{13}
[03:36] <@Thrall> roll 1d20+2
[03:36] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Thrall : [ 1d20=2 ]{4}
[03:37] <@Maz> roll 1d20+4
[03:37] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Maz : [ 1d20=5 ]{9}
[03:37] * Carthrat changes topic to '(18)Ashton > (14)Sigmundr < (13)Seraphin < (9) Maz < (4)Thrall'
[03:37] <@Carthrat> roll 1d20+7
[03:37] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Carthrat : [ 1d20=11 ]{18}
[03:37] * Carthrat changes topic to '(18)Ashton = (18) Relly> (14)Sigmundr < (13)Seraphin < (9) Maz < (4)Thrall'
[03:38] <@Carthrat> Ashton gestures himself, and send a pair of magical bolts flying back towards Maz, before stepping down, back into the tower!
[03:38] <@Carthrat> roll 2d4+2
[03:38] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Carthrat : [ 2d4=4 ]{6}
[03:38] <@Carthrat> OOC: 6 damage to MAZ
[03:39] <@Carthrat> Relly flies off soundlessly, sensing the danger of the situation, hiding back among the trees, somewhere.
[03:41] * @Sigmundr lets out roar and charges to the door at full tilt.
[03:42] <@Carthrat> It's a big, solid wooden door, now that you get closer, supported by some metal framework. OOC: ATTACK ROLL
[03:42] <@Carthrat> OOC: wait you always hit a door
[03:43] <@Carthrat> OOC: but we can check for a crit!
[03:43] <@Sigmundr> roll d20+8
[03:43] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Sigmundr : [ 1d20=11 ]{19}
[03:44] <@Sigmundr> roll d8+3
[03:44] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Sigmundr : [ 1d8=5 ]{8}
[03:44] <@Carthrat> The door trembles before Sigmundr's mighty blow, but it's going to take several more to really splinter it! As he looks upon it, he can see that there's a piece of parchment stuck into it with a knife.
[03:47] * @Seraphin begins moving up to the door, not getting in her bulkier companions' ways, but following.
[03:48] <@Maz> Maz follows Seraphin's lead, wanting to get into a position she won't interrupt her sturdier companions, but could still read the note on the door.
[03:50] * @Thrall takes off at a run after the others, finding the door still vexingly blocking their path and intending to remedy that by crashing into it, axe first!
[03:50] <@Thrall> roll 1d20+7
[03:50] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Thrall : [ 1d20=8 ]{15}
[03:50] <@Thrall> roll 1d12+16
[03:50] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Thrall : [ 1d12=8 ]{24}
[03:50] <@Thrall> OOC: Strike my line and subsequent rolls!
[03:51] <@Carthrat> As Maz reads the notes, strange runes appear before her eyes, faintly glowing! Her eyes can't help but widen as she realise the thing in front of her is a trap- one that subsequently goes off with a deafening roar, blasting apart the door and sending her and Sigmundr into fiery pain!
[03:51] <@Carthrat> OOC: Reflex saves, both of you
[03:52] <@Maz> roll d20+5
[03:52] <@Sigmundr> roll d20+2
[03:52] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Maz : [ 1d20=16 ]{21}
[03:52] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Sigmundr : [ 1d20=20 ]{22}
[03:52] <@Carthrat> OOC: Man, talk about boring traps
[03:52] <@Carthrat> roll 6d6
[03:52] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Carthrat : [ 6d6=20 ]{20}
[03:52] <@Carthrat> OOC: 10 damage each.
[03:53] <@Seraphin> "Well that was interesting," Seraphin notes dryly. "You two alright?" she asks the cleric and mage.
[03:53] <@Maz> "My hatred is a living, breathing thing," Maz hisses in response.
[03:54] * @Sigmundr shakes his head a moment.
[03:54] <@Seraphin> "That's about what I figured," Seraphin nods agreeably. "Need a potion? Or will Sigmundr cover that?"
[03:55] <@Sigmundr> "I shall heal us once we get inside."
[03:55] * @Thrall rushes after the others, fortunately missing the exploding door. Not a great start to their assault... Not wanting to waste more time for the inhabitants to prepare, the half-orc steps over the shattered door, carefully entering the lighthouse but not moving in far from the entrance as he takes a moment to see the layout.
[03:55] <@Maz> "I'm still alright, being a mage myself," Maz responds, ready to head inside after Thrall.
[03:56] * @Seraphin follows after Thrall, close enough to look for any targets he might engage that need back stabbing.
[03:56] <@Carthrat> The lower level of the lighthouse must be the living quarters. A staircase start's winding itself up the side of the tower, but across the other side of the main entrance there are two doors, two rooms partitioned off by a wall.
[03:57] * @Maz holds her arms in front of her chest, palms facing each other. She slowly draws them apart, as if with some effort, and a translucent shield springs in place before them, finally taking on a triangular shape.
[03:57] <@Carthrat> OOC: Ex that
[03:59] <@Carthrat> Leaning over the side of the tower is Ashton, pointing a finger straight down to in front of the door! Webs shoot out from his hand and cover the area just inside the lightouse, as well as a substantial area just outside!
[03:59] <@Carthrat> OOC: Reflex saves, uh, everyone.
[03:59] <@Sigmundr> roll d20+2
[03:59] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Sigmundr : [ 1d20=20 ]{22}
[04:00] <@Maz> roll d20+5
[04:00] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Maz : [ 1d20=8 ]{13}
[04:00] <@Seraphin> roll 1d20+7
[04:00] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Seraphin : [ 1d20=6 ]{13}
[04:00] <@Thrall> roll 2d6+2
[04:00] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Thrall : [ 2d6=5 ]{7}
[04:00] <@Thrall> roll 1d20+2
[04:00] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Thrall : [ 1d20=1 ]{3}
[04:01] <@Carthrat> Webs cover everything! Sigmundr manages to find that he can push his way through them, but Maz, Seraphin and Thrall are stuck, the clingy things preventing any sort of reasonable movement!
[04:02] * @Sigmundr murmmers under his breath, casting a healing spell on himself, with a muttering of, "Tempus, mend the flesh so it may battle to victory."
[04:02] <@Sigmundr> roll d8+4
[04:02] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Sigmundr : [ 1d8=1 ]{5}
[04:03] <@Seraphin> roll 1d20+3
[04:03] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Seraphin : [ 1d20=4 ]{7}
[04:04] * @Maz grits her teeth in anger, struggling against the web
[04:04] <@Maz> roll d20
[04:04] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Maz : [ 1d20=2 ]{2}
[04:05] * @Thrall growls as he tries to wrench his limbs free and move against the evil magical entanglement!
[04:05] <@Thrall> roll 1d20+4
[04:05] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Thrall : [ 1d20=20 ]{24}
[04:05] <@Carthrat> Thrall manages to rip himself away from the webs! Already near the edge of the spell, he has no trouble seperating himself.. though, he's now well inside the lighthouse.
[04:06] * @Sigmundr mutters, "Tempus, show me the pitfalls of this battle field," and invokes his spell.
[04:07] * @Sigmundr then turns to Thrall, "Do we go forward, just we two?"
[04:07] <@Carthrat> Senses rush to Sigmundr's faculties, clear insight ready to perhaps show him where a trap may lurk.
[04:08] <@Seraphin> roll 1d20+3
[04:08] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Seraphin : [ 1d20=17 ]{20}
[04:09] <@Carthrat> Seraphin likewise breaks out, standing just inside the lighthouse itself! Only Maz remains trapped within the mystical webbing!
[04:09] <@Maz> roll d20
[04:09] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Maz : [ 1d20=6 ]{6}
[04:10] * @Maz still has no strength to escape the trecherous web!
[04:10] <@Maz> "Set it on fire!" Maz calls out to her allies. "The web's flammable, it'll set me free!"
[04:11] <@Seraphin> "...If you really want me to," Seraphin agrees, taking out her flint and steel, and sparking the web.
[04:11] <@Carthrat> roll 2d4
[04:11] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Carthrat : [ 2d4=6 ]{6}
[04:11] <@Carthrat> The web almost instanteously burns away, but not before Maz is slightly singed!
[04:13] * @Maz heads inside to join the others, now free, and uses the opportunity to raise her magical shield.

<--->

[23:18] <@InvokerDude> The interior of the lighthouse: A circular building, about fourty feet in diametre or so. A staircase runs up the side, twisting into a tunnel as it rises. Half the bottom floor is split off into two rooms; a hemisphere, with two doors in it.
[23:19] <@InvokerDude> Cold stone floor and drafty air accompany the adventurers, who shove off the last strands of ash; all that remains of a web. The door behind them lies shattered, but the rest of the lighthouse is quite intact...
[23:19] <@Thrall> "You have a spell to check for traps, don't you?" Thrall looks tensely towards Sigmundr, not wanting to risk kicking in any doors until he gets some confirmation they won't explode on him.
[23:19] * Thrall sets mode: +o Sigmundr
[23:19] * @Sigmundr nods.
[23:20] <@Sigmundr> "Indeed I do, though it lasts only for a handful of minutes."
[23:20] * @Maz waves her detect magic wand around, pointing its tip at her forehead and saying, "Activate!"
[23:21] * @Sigmundr focuses and calls on the Find Traps spell, mumbling prayers to Tempus.
[23:22] <@Thrall> "A few minutes should be all we need..." Thrall growls, looking towards the stairs.
[23:23] <@Sigmundr> "I shall take lead, then?"
[23:23] <@InvokerDude> Sigmundr's senses heighten, danger-detection working softly. It's effectiveness against magical traps is yet to be seen...
[23:23] <@Maz> "The message spell worked well for us before," Maz says, looking at her companions, as she points at them with her fingertips. Silvery strings tie perfect notes on three of her fingers, before extending towards Thrall, Seraphin and Sigmundr. As soon as the strings hit the three, the silvery threads disappear.
[23:25] <@Thrall> "Any traps on those doors?" Thrall asks, gesturing with his axe.
[23:25] <@Maz> "Before you do that," Maz tells Sigmundr, "The doors and some of the staircase seem to be trapped." Having said that, Maz points out the sections that glow with magic to her eyes.
[23:25] * @Sigmundr looks at the stairs and the door, inspecting them for anything.
[23:25] <@InvokerDude> OOC: Make.. a search check.
[23:25] * @Maz nods at Thrall. "Invocation magic on them, likely something explosive."
[23:26] <@InvokerDude> OOC: Find traps gives you a bonus to that check equal to half your character level, and it is int based.
[23:26] <@Sigmundr> roll d20
[23:26] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Sigmundr : [ 1d20=3 ]{3}
[23:26] <@Sigmundr> OOC: so, 5.
[23:27] <@InvokerDude> OOC: However, you can KEEP TRYING, it just takes time. >_>
[23:27] <@InvokerDude> OOC: About 20 seconds a roll.
[23:28] <@Sigmundr> "I see nothing, but Maz believes there to be.. I will trust her. Which steps are they, Maz?
[23:28] <@Sigmundr> "
[23:28] <@Kethean> roll d20+9
[23:28] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Kethean : [ 1d20=20 ]{29}
[23:28] <@Thrall> "Unless you can disable the traps, let's leave the doors for now, then," Thrall suggests. "If we take the stairs we can at least avoid the trapped steps."
[23:29] * @Sigmundr nods.
[23:30] * @Sigmundr looks around again, hoping to pick up on the traps Maz has spotted.
[23:30] <@Sigmundr> roll d20+2
[23:30] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Sigmundr : [ 1d20=10 ]{12}
[23:31] <@InvokerDude> Sigmundr still can't find anything with his powers, though he recalls that magical traps are far more difficult to find than mundane ones.
[23:31] * @Maz tells Sigmundr specifically which stairs he should avoid, should he try to go up.
[23:32] <@Maz> "I think we shouldn't go up the stairs as a group, but one by one," Maz adds.
[23:32] * @Sigmundr nods and heads up, following Maz's directions.
[23:32] <@InvokerDude> The 'safe' stairs are scattered apart; walking up the staircase and sticking to the unmagiced ones will be difficult if you intend to stick together.
[23:32] <@InvokerDude> The stairs seem fairly normal to Sigmundr... no hair raised on the back of his neck. Pretty cold, though, like there's a wind being blown straight down it.
[23:33] <@Thrall> "Lead the way," Thrall nods to Maz, moving towards the stairs. "I'll follow your steps exactly."
[23:35] <@Maz> "Let's wait until Sigmundr gets to the tunnel, first," Maz suggests, before telling Sigmundr. "Once you've reached that, wait for me."
[23:35] * @Sigmundr nods, and continues up.
[23:35] <@InvokerDude> Ahead of Sigmundr, at the front, the steps curve into a tunnel. It's completely dark; no light seems to fit into it at all, and he can smell.. something. Incense, perhaps?
[23:36] <@Maz> Seeing Sigmundr at the top, Maz follows him cautiously, using the safe stairs she can see.
[23:37] * @Thrall follows after Maz, keeping ten steps behind her and following her footsteps exactly.
[23:39] <@InvokerDude> Maz and Thrall see.. only dimness. Even their darkvision does not fully penetrate the shadows that lie ahead; Maz easily detects magic emnating from the tunnel itself. You can just make out some strange runes, written on the walls...
[23:42] <@Maz> "Okay," she tells, more to herself than for others' benefit. "No to the reading of the runes."
[23:43] * @Maz tries to see any sections of the floor clear of the magic
[23:43] * @Thrall keeps quiet, squinting against the darkness - has to be magical, he's certain. But where's the damn mage?
[23:43] <@InvokerDude> There are some, unevenly spaced out. There's one particularly nasty set of stairs- 3 in a row!- that are all trapped.
[23:46] <@InvokerDude> Seraphin keeps near the rear, keeping an eye out back towards the front area.. when suddenly, a booming voice speaks out! "Leave this place. For your own sakes," it says, somehow mild even though loud.
[23:46] <@Maz> "I think we'll be okay for now, as long as we avoid the trapped stairs and don't look at the walls." She glances at Thrall. "You might have a bit of a problem with a particularly nasty section in that armor of yours, though."
[23:47] * @Maz snorts at the booming voice. "We're probably in a better position than I thought if he has to resort to party tricks."
[23:48] * @Sigmundr nods.
[23:48] <@Thrall> "I'll manage," Thrall murmurs to Maz, voice carried by the message spell before he raises it. "We're not leaving without the spellbook you stole, mageling!"
[23:48] <@Sigmundr> "Very well. Which steps are safe?"
[23:48] <@Maz> "And really, resorting to theft?" Maz adds. "How low can you go?"
[23:49] * @Maz counts the steps she can see, using her own as the number one, before telling the others the numbers of the trapped stairs.
[23:49] <@InvokerDude> "Calenstat misuses his wizardy! For the sake of Darromar, I stole it!" replies the voice, angry, suddenly. "I've enough to try and solve without dealing with another set of bounty hunters! Away with you!"
[23:50] * @Sigmundr nods, and begins to follow Maz's direction, keeping his eyes locked on the steps in front of him, searching for a hint of the traps.
[23:50] <@Sigmundr> roll d20+2
[23:50] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Sigmundr : [ 1d20=1 ]{3}
[23:50] <@InvokerDude> Sigmundr swears the staircase is completely safe.
[23:51] <@Maz> "Get to the last point I told you about, then wait for me to come up," Maz whispers to Sigmundr.
[23:52] * @Sigmundr nods, and keeps to the directions.
[23:54] <@InvokerDude> Sigmundr is almost completely obsconced in darkness, now. He can see behind him, but hardly in front.
[23:55] * @Sigmundr stops and whispers back to Maz.
[23:55] <@Sigmundr> "This darkness is too thick. I can not see the steps in front of me anymore."
[23:56] <@InvokerDude> There's a sudden wind streaming down the tunnel! It was already draughty, but a cold blast flies past Sigmundr, causing a chill...
[23:56] <@InvokerDude> A creak echoes from somewhere higher up. A door, perhaps?
[23:56] * Hotaru-chan is now known as Seraphin
[23:59] * +Serith (iron_drago@67.163.119.32) Quit (Ping timeout)
Session Time: Sun May 21 00:00:00 2006
[00:00] <@Maz> "Sigmundr can't see much in this darkness," Maz whispers to the others. "He can't see the stairs, much less actually look for traps on them."
[00:02] * @Sigmundr (iron_drago@67.163.119.32) Quit (Ping timeout)
[00:02] <@Seraphin> "Working blind wouldn't be particularly new..." Seraphin murmurs, shaking her head and moving up towards the front to go about locating teh darned things.
[00:02] * @Maz is ready to point out anything new, keeping Seraphin and Sigmundr in sight, while she tells Sigmundr, "Hold on for a moment."
[00:03] * Rei-chan (WinNT@user-1511.lns1-c10.dsl.pol.co.uk) has joined #dunes
[00:03] * Thrall sets mode: +v Rei-chan
[00:03] <@Seraphin> roll 1d20+15
[00:03] <+Rei-chan> 12,0Seraphin rolled :12,0 1d20+15 --> 12,0 28
[00:06] <@Seraphin> "If you read the runes, we get to re-experience the front door, there are four magic bolt traps like what Maz threw in our friend Ashton's face, two fire traps, and two electric traps," Seraphin whispers, snorting.
[00:07] * Sigmundr (~iron_drag@c-67-163-119-32.hsd1.tx.comcast.net) has joined #dunes
[00:07] <@Maz> "Only a villain would use fire in his traps," Maz whispers back with conviction.
[00:08] * InvokerDude sets mode: +o Sigmundr
[00:08] <@Maz> "Anything in the way or non-magical traps?" she asks.
[00:08] <@Seraphin> "Not that I located," Seraphin shakes her head, retreating.
[00:09] <@Maz> "Would you like to take point with me?" Maz asks Seraphin, heading up on the safe stairs. "We should be able to spot the traps more easily together."
[00:10] * @Seraphin makes a small face. "Sure, I guess," she agrees softly, sighing and wishing she'd spent more time learning to fight in darkness her eyes couldn't penetrate.
[00:12] * @Maz nods. "Let's go, then," she tells Seraphin, before continuing to detect the magically-trapped stairs and communicate to the others where they are.
[00:12] * @Thrall continues following after Maz's footsteps, hoping they get past these damn traps soon.
[00:12] <@InvokerDude> OOC: Just to clarify, everyone is basically staying as close together as they reasonably can as you all head up the stairs, under Maz's direction?
[00:13] <@Thrall> OOC: I'm ten steps behind Maz, unless it's sufficiently dark that I have to get closer to see her footsteps.
[00:13] <@Maz> OOC: We really should be as far apart as possible
[00:16] * @Sigmundr glances backwards, and whispers to Maz.
[00:18] <@Maz> "Sigmundr is hearing footsteps behind him," Maz relays quietly to the others, taking a look behind herself.
[00:18] * Serith (iron_drago@67.163.119.32) has joined #dunes
[00:18] * ChanServ sets mode: +v Serith
[00:18] * +Rei-chan (WinNT@user-1511.lns1-c10.dsl.pol.co.uk) Quit
[00:18] <@InvokerDude> It's dark, and you've gone around a bend in the tunnel by now, so you can't make out the entrance or the ground floor of the tower.
[00:21] <@Thrall> "Those would be *my* footsteps," Thrall mutters irascably, though he nonetheless looks backwards, just in case.
[00:21] <@Sigmundr> "No, they were not, Thrall. Of that, I am sure."
[00:22] <@InvokerDude> The ground floor of the tower is just out of sight for Thrall. He'd need to head back down a few steps to see it properly.
[00:22] <@InvokerDude> There doesn't seem to be anything on the staircase, though.
[00:24] * @Thrall remains motionless for a moment, his own ears straining to pick up whatever sound spooked their new companion.
[00:25] <@InvokerDude> OOC: Make a listen checksu.
[00:25] <@Maz> "If someone is trying to sneak up on you under cover of invisibility, Thrall," Maz whispers, "I should be able to spot them as they get around the bend."
[00:26] * @Maz directs her attention back towards Thrall and the steps leading down.
[00:26] <@Thrall> roll 1d20
[00:26] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Thrall : [ 1d20=16 ]{16}
[00:26] <@InvokerDude> Thrall can't hear anything behind him. If something is there, it's as light as a cat...
[00:31] <@Thrall> Shrugging as he doesn't hear anything, Thrall takes a few more steps up - Maz can alert him if any invisible people do follow.
[00:32] <@InvokerDude> As Thrall turns away, he sees.. a shadow, coming up the stairs, just in the corner of his eye!
[00:32] <@Seraphin> "I wonder if it could be Zachary..." Seraphin murmurs aloud, enough to carry rather than the soft whispers of planning. "Sneaky as a cat, with an overgilt rapier..." Seraphin snickers. "Though monks can be sneaky too, so it might as well be aAshton or his brother, or one of the sisters, armed wtih knives..." Seraphin muses, humming. "Nothing that matters," she laughs in the darkness.
[00:33] * @Sigmundr sighs in the pitch black.
[00:34] * @Thrall stops as he spots that shadow, tensing and holding his axe ready to unleash hell on whomever it is when they come into view. "Someone's coming," he whispers, trusting the spell to carry the words to his allies.
[00:34] <@InvokerDude> "What does matter, tiefling?" sings a merry, feminine voice! A figure appears just down the stairs from Thrall, a girl, clad in leather armour and flamboyant black cape, lightly tossing a bag in her left hand, slender rapier extending from the other.
[00:35] <@Maz> "How about the book your friend stole?" Maz calls to her.
[00:35] <@InvokerDude> "Didn't we already tell you that Calenstat was misuing it?" she replies, curiously. "It certainly does matter, though."
[00:36] <@Maz> "There are legal ways to challenge that," Maz replies.
[00:37] <@InvokerDude> "A challenge we are doomed to fail," laments the girl. "Gold tilts the odds unfavorably."
[00:37] <@Maz> "And please, don't tell me he isn't trying to break the enchantment on it to gain access to the spells within," Maz adds with a snort.
[00:39] <@InvokerDude> "Of less importance than depriving Calenstat of it," replies the girl. Seraphin can't help but recognize her as.. Catherine? Alicia?
[00:39] <@Maz> "Are you here to offer us a deal?" Maz inquires, changing tracks.
[00:40] * @Thrall only stares at the girl, tense and ready to act, but letting the others do the talking.
[00:40] <@Seraphin> Seraphin just smiles, shaking her head. "Right or wrong is a fool's thing to argue in the presence of gold and blood, staining the heart with their siren call," she murmurs, mostly to herself.
[00:41] <@InvokerDude> "You might say that," replies the girl, shrugging. "Leave us alone. Calenstat has been dominating influential figures in Darromar. We're the only ones who can do something," she adds.
[00:41] <@Maz> "I might be persuaded to overlook this miscarriage of justice for three thousand gold coins," Maz tells her with a shrug.
[00:43] <@InvokerDude> "Mercenaries to the last," remarks the girl. "Three thousand gold? It would not be impossible if we could return safely to Darromar."
[00:44] * @Maz glances at Thrall and Seraphin. "They might actually be right," she tells them. "What do you think?"
[00:45] <@Seraphin> "I think I'd need a hostage to trust them in this situation," Seraphin shrugs, blunt and honest.
[00:46] <@Sigmundr> "Mmm.. I am.. Adverse to going against our employer.. However.. They make serious accusations.. And if they are true..."
[00:46] <@Maz> "He is not my employer," Maz denies out loud. "He merely appealed to my sense of justice by offering me money. Nothing was paid in advance, nor was any contract between us signed."
[00:47] <@Thrall> "It soils a man's reputation to go back on a job," Thrall growls unhappily. "But - as Maz says, we never officially accepted any job."
[00:47] <@Sigmundr> "I suppose such reasoning is... acceptable."
[00:48] <@Seraphin> "So it becomes a matter of who's pay is more assured," Seraphin agrees, shrugging.
[00:49] <@InvokerDude> "There is regrettably no advance we can bequeath you with," replies the girl, still juggling that back in one hand. "Spells, perhaps? That quite aside, I assure you that when the trechery within that city is revealed, there will be plenty of gold for all... more for those who helped, certainly, but enough to, how to say, 'buy you off'?"
[00:50] * @Maz snorts. "I'm not adverse to hearing more about your side of the story."
[00:51] <@Seraphin> "If we're going back on an insured job, I'd rather have some insurance of payment than the testimonials of romantics," Seraphin adds dryly.
[00:54] <@InvokerDude> "Do believe that we prefer to use gold than force," replies the girl, airily. "A hostage, you say? Since it is Ardandanus's tale, one should go up there to speak of it with him." She jerks a finger towards the upper door. "If you wish, I will.. come closer to the axeman," she purrs. "Quid pro quo works best, don't you agree?"
[00:56] <@Seraphin> "I would also believe that people rarely enjoy being parted from gold, and may try many things to keep themselves from being separated with their most precious of posessions," Seraphin snorts.
[00:56] <@InvokerDude> "Gold is a tool, not a precious possession," she replies, snorting. "A useful and versatile one, but one cannot hesitate to use the means at their disposal."
[00:56] <@Maz> "Are there any traps we should know about on the stairs leading up?" Maz asks her.
[00:57] <@Thrall> "Not the gold so much as what it buys you, eh?" Thrall snorts, hefting his axe and beckoning her forward. "Come on, then. We'll hear this Ardandanus out."
[00:58] <@Seraphin> "I've met enough people who think otherwise to be wary of repeat offenses," Seraphin shakes her head.
[00:58] <@InvokerDude> "Of course, but since you have evaded them all so.. skillfully," she replies. "Oh, do cease your suspicions. If we wished to do you in- as indeed Ashton would prefer- now would be the time to strike." She points at the floor. "In the midst of a stairwell of traps, and able to be flanked on both sides. What odds do you give yourselves? I've no wish for violence, though." She bows to Thrall. "But, as you wish. Which of you is going up?"
[00:59] <@InvokerDude> Which of you is going up?"
[01:00] <@Seraphin> "As compared to whatever you might have prepared for us above, or further, trying to split the group," Seraphin smiles. "Paranoia is a proffession."
[01:01] <@Maz> "I'll go," Maz volunteers, before her voice drops to a whisper. "I'll be of least use if it comes to a fight, while having the best chance of making it through the trapped staircase."
[01:01] <@InvokerDude> "We can talk this out all day, if you want," replies the girl, shrugging. "I've certainly no desire to sacrifice myself."
[01:02] * Retrieving #dunes modes...
[01:02] <@Seraphin> "So would there be an objection to the whole group going?" Seraphin pushes forward. "Now that we've established the basis."
[01:03] <@InvokerDude> "The basis, being that none of the involved wish to die, and intend to minimize those chances as best they can," replies the girl. "Some sort of compromise is required on both ends."
[01:06] <@Seraphin> "Bring your sister down here or up here, and Maz and I will go up," Seraohin counters after a moment.
[01:10] <@InvokerDude> "She isn't here," replies Catherine/Alicia. "She remains in Darromar, ensorcelled. There are only the four of us... hmph. I suppose Darsten could suffice."
[01:11] <@Thrall> "Two up, two down, then," Thrall jerks his head grimly.
[01:11] <@Seraphin> "And who would Darsten be?" Seraphin inquires, raising her eyebrows.
[01:11] <@InvokerDude> "He's this guy I know."
[01:12] <@InvokerDude> "Who's Maz?"
[01:12] * @Maz raises her hand, waving happily. "That would be me! Nice to meet'cha!"
[01:14] <@InvokerDude> "A pleasure. My name is Alicia," she replies, curtsying again. "Now, then... Darsten! The nice lady wants you to come downstairs, so we can play hostage," she calls up. "Come down, slowly, and let the two up." A muffled grunt comes from further up the stairs, and you hear the creak of a door opening.
[01:15] <@Seraphin> "You and Zachary should really visit Waterdeep some time...this whole 'nice' thing about me is really rather odd..." Seraphin murmurs in mock seriousness.
[01:16] <@InvokerDude> "I'll pass on meeting your relatives, though," replies Alicia. "I'll start walking up.. when you do."
[01:17] * @Maz looks towards this Darsten, examining the way he would go towards them.
[01:17] <@Seraphin> "Not my relatives, the town watch," Seraphin shakes her head.
[01:18] <@InvokerDude> A sulky-looking man stands ahead of you. To get to you, he would go.. down the stairs. His eyes flicker to them momentarily, before coming to stare at you. "So be it, then," he says, at last. "That one, that one, and that one aren't trapped." He points to several stairs ahead, and indeed, Maz can't detect anything there.
[01:18] <@Maz> "We'll talk again, Alicia," Maz says, examining the way up in detail to confirm his words, before leading the way.
[01:19] * @Seraphin follows Maz

[Carthrat]

[01:25] <@InvokerDude> "I am distrustful of you," he says, making it quite plain. "But since you are here to hear it.. to put it simple, Calenstat has dominated many public figures as of late," he says. "Members of the temple of mystra, judges, government officials.. he, or those with him, have been wantonly using a powerful dominate spell to gain control of the city."
[01:27] <@Maz> "Is that related to why fiendlings are hunted down in Darromar?"
[01:29] <@InvokerDude> "I.. don't think so," replies Ashton. "It's not impossible, but I can't see why he'd particularly want fiends dead... well, apart from the usual reasons," he qualifies. "It's why he could get a lethal bounty writ put on Ardandanus, though, and why the Temple of Mystra is closed to the public."
[01:30] <@InvokerDude> Back downstairs, Alicia is now standing next to Thrall, looking slightly uncomfortable at being so close by. She hasn't dropped her rapier... or that bag, though she her hands are by her sides.
[01:31] * @Maz frowns. "It's hard to reconcile this with the facts at my disposal," she says. "The Temple of Mystra is closed to visitors because of an incident with the Sharrans about a week ago, and I can't possibly see Ardandanus's old master retaining control of his spell for as long as he had been without his spellbook."
[01:31] * @Thrall has likewise kept hold of his axe, though he seems a bit more relaxed to be off the stairs. "Well, girl, looks like we might get through this with no bloodshed, after all," he chuckles grimly at her discomfort, baring his tusks.
[01:33] <@InvokerDude> "Coincidence is shooting our facts in the foot, Ashton," laments Ardandanus. "But Calenstat's dominate spells are not the usual sort. Indeed, they use a material component I cannot discern. See, the spell methodology-" he points to an black-bound open spellbook. "It's not what I've ever seen before."
[01:34] <@InvokerDude> "His clever spells are far beyond my pitiful intellect," he continues, holding his head in his hands. "Woe is me! Woe to Darromar!"
[01:34] <@Maz> "Don't mind if I do, then," Maz comments, heading towards the open book he indicated and taking a look inside.
[01:35] <@InvokerDude> There's a spell written there!
[01:35] * @Seraphin yawns softly, stretching.
[01:35] <@InvokerDude> OOC: Spellcraft/read magic to read.
[01:35] <@Maz> OOC: I'll try spellcraft first
[01:36] <@Maz> roll 1d20+14
[01:36] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Maz : [ 1d20=19 ]{33}
[01:36] * @Sigmundr stands next to Thrall, Warhammer proped on his shoulder, and his Tome held in his hand.
[01:36] <@InvokerDude> "Boring you already, are we?" remarks Ashton, glancing over Maz. Back downstairs, Alicia stares up at Thrall, pouting. "I'm happy for that, but you make it sound a bad thing." Darsten, up the other side, standing next to Sigmundr, snorts.
[01:37] <@Maz> "Merely confirming your version with the facts you provide me," Maz replies absent-mindedly, her concentration on the page.
[01:38] <@Seraphin> "No, simply tired," Seraphin smiles. "My night hardly stopped after I slipped away from Zachary, and mage politics isn't the sort to keep my attention."
[01:38] <@Maz> "Ah," she commentes, nodding to herself as she looks away. "Is there a similar spell for dominating fiendlings?"
[01:39] <@Thrall> "Well, this turn of events is more complicated than how I'd planned to spend my day," Thrall shrugs easily, armour clinking with the movement. His beady black eyes are hard, though, as he stares back at the girl.
[01:39] <@InvokerDude> "Probably," replies Ardandanus. "I'm sure that nobody is safe from this foul magic. Either way, though, my attempts at dispelling it failed. My abjurations aren't strong enough..."
[01:40] * @Maz shrugs. "It still functions like the regular spell of domination I know of. Meaning, that the caster needs to reinforce it a bit every day, so you had a much easier way of dispelling it, in effect."
[01:41] <@InvokerDude> The girl stares back at you, strongly. "A pity killing is so simple," she mumbles.
[01:41] <@InvokerDude> "All that's required is concentration," replies Ardandaus. "He doesn't need to rememorize it.. ah, if only I was strong enough to do him in.."
[01:42] <@Maz> "Just how hard could it have been, with him without his spellbook?" Maz asks plainly.
[01:43] <@Thrall> "Oh, I've known a person or two who could make it devilishly complicated," Thrall chuckles, remembering his younger days.
[01:43] <@InvokerDude> "I stole it because I couldn't kill him," replies Ardandanus, wearily. "But now I can't get back into the city to do the job... and he can still prepare some other spells from memory, I believe."
[01:44] <@InvokerDude> "In any case, I've no idea how he protects himself, now. With dominated 'friends', I'm sure he's found a few bodyguards."
[01:44] <@Maz> "Hmm," Maz muses. "Who did you say were under his thrall? And who were working with Calenstat of their own free will?"
[01:45] <@InvokerDude> "I know of a few of the Mystran's," replies Ardandanus. "At least one influential judge.. probably a number of guards are in his pay, and I'm sure the captain of the guard was controlled, too."
[01:45] <@InvokerDude> "At the least!"
[01:45] <@Maz> "Describe them for me, then."
[01:46] <@InvokerDude> "You can't miss the captain of the guard. There was one Mystran, though, a Nar, who was definately his," replies the tired wizard.
[01:46] <@Maz> "Working with him, or under his control?" Maz tries to clarify.
[01:47] <@InvokerDude> "Dominated. I saw him work the enchantment myself."
[01:47] <@Maz> "Fun," Maz comments, before she looks at Seraphin. "What do you say?"
[01:49] <@Seraphin> Seraphin makes a face. "I've been in worse sentiments with town guards than this would land me, seems possible, I guess," she shrugs. "Dominate spells go out of effect when the controller is killed, right?"
[01:49] <@Maz> "In essense, yes," Maz agrees.
[01:50] <@InvokerDude> "That is correct," replies Ardandanus. "If he was killed, his control will end.. but I have no idea how difficult that will be. I thought of dispelling each domination.. but without materials to boost the power of abjurations, that is impossible for me."
[01:51] <@Seraphin> "Enshroud our friend here, take him through, say we have the book to get an audience with him kill him during the audience," Seraphin shrugs. "That's the quick and brutal plan. The easier one takes a week or two."
[01:53] <@InvokerDude> OOC: Which friend are you talking about?
[01:53] <@Seraphin> OOC: Emomage.
[01:55] <@InvokerDude> "Quick and brutal, perhaps," replies the mage, sighing wearily. "Perhaps it might even work."
[01:55] <@Maz> "I might know someone who could break the enchantment, though that's the lengthy plan of action," Maz adds.
[01:56] <@InvokerDude> "There is a kind of fungus that can increase the power of abjurations," adds Ardandanus. "It really depends. I.. hesitate to face my master in combat, but I suppose it's a good idea if I can get to him.."
[02:00] <@Maz> "And then, there's the matter of payment," Maz says, smiling brightly.
[02:03] <@InvokerDude> Ardandanus pauses. "The bounty on my head is 200 platinum coins," he says. "And.. I don't really need anything Calenstat has.. except, perhaps, his spellbook," he adds, glancing over it. "My greed, truly, but it has everything that I know, in it, and more besides. Even so, 200 platinum pieces to make up the debt.. my own book, what Calenstat has, and.. who knows what accolades will be heaped upon us?"
[02:03] <@Maz> "Alicia mentioned 300 platinum pieces, which was really nice of her!" Maz comments perkily.
[02:04] * @Seraphin smiles a little in amusement, observing Maz, but keeping quiet.
[02:06] <@InvokerDude> "Did she? That girl..." Ashton looks uncomfortable. "300, then."
[02:07] <@Maz> "Excellent!" Maz says, nodding to herself. "Now, how about having the others come up here, so we could discuss a plan?"
[02:07] <@Seraphin> "She was staring down half-orc with a two handed axe, don't blame her," Seraphin snickers.
[02:08] <@Maz> "I still think it came from the goodness of her heart and her desire to serve the cause of justice," Maz says, pouting.
[02:08] <@InvokerDude> "Woe to those who see the weapons of men are more intimidating than the mighty works of magi," laments Ardandanus. "But, yes, do come up."
[02:09] <@Seraphin> "You would," Seraphin snickers, sticking her head out the door. "Thrall! Negotiations complete! It's time to plot the bloodshed!"
[02:09] <@Maz> "I'm sure that with your friends guiding ours, there would be no... accidents," Maz tells him cheerfully.
[02:10] <@Thrall> "Who's bloodshed?!" Thrall calls back up the stairs, before giving Alicia a not too comforting smile.
[02:10] * @Sigmundr shifts and swings his Warhammer fully into his hand.
[02:11] <@Seraphin> "The one who's paying us less! Not these people!" Seraphin says quickly.
[02:12] * @Thrall nods and puts his axe safely into its harness. "After you, dear lady," he bows mockingly to Alicia, gesturing for her to lead them back up the stairs.
[02:13] <@Maz> "So what were you saying earlier?" Maz asks Seraphin. "Take both spellbooks and Ardandamus back as proof of success and something extra, seeking an audience with Calenstat and attacking him?"
[02:13] <@InvokerDude> Alicia sheaths her rapier, bowing in return. Shortly, everyone is back upstairs...
[02:14] <@Seraphin> "Yeah, pretty much. Get as many people in a room with him at once and throw everything we have. Method used for a murder in negotiations. The normal way would be to spend a week or two picking apart his daily habits to find a bald spot, but if we're impatient and have a way to garner a meeting anyway..." Seraphin shrugs.
[02:15] <@InvokerDude> "I don't think he holds his meetings alone, though," replies Ashton, frowning. "At least, he'd be a fool to..."
[02:16] <@Seraphin> "Which is why we have the 'as many peuple as possible' clause."
[02:16] <@Maz> "He did with me and Sigmundr," Maz says with a shrug. "And in any case, he's likely to hold those enthralled nearby, as they'd be the most reliable... but only as long as he draws breath."
[02:16] * @Thrall nods. "We can't just slaughter him out in the open in the middle of a city," he agrees, before frowning and glancing to Maz. "Hey, did you ever find out how that Calimshite mage got killed back in Saradush?"
[02:17] <@Maz> "Unfortunately not," she responds with a frown. "For all I know, he tried a sexual ritual with a demon that backfired."
[02:18] <@InvokerDude> "Can we try that?" asks Ashton, glancing at Seraphin.
[02:18] * @Thrall snorts, but decides not to suggest that either of the two demon-blooded women here try anything along those lines.
[02:18] <@Seraphin> "Family told me there was someone trying to kill him, person was wearing dark clothing, could've been Sharran, but who knows," Seraphin offers another shrug.
[02:19] <@Maz> "I don't think the Sharrans like us much, these days," Maz comments dryly.
[02:19] <@Seraphin> "Only if I get to use your intestines to make the circle," Seraphin adds to Ashton, smiling brightly.
[02:20] <@InvokerDude> "Worth it. Alicia, I need a diamond, and a cleric of lathander," he says, glancing to the woman, who gives him a stony glare.
[02:20] <@InvokerDude> "Ahem," interjects Ardandanus. "So you suggest we simply.. fake a meeting with him, get everyone into the same room as him, and, um, hit him with everything we've got?"
[02:21] <@Seraphin> "That's the quick way to kill someone," Seraphin shrugs.
[02:21] * @Thrall rubs his chin thoughtfully. "The people he dominated, they'll know about it when the spell breaks, won't they?"
[02:21] <@Maz> "Simple plans are always the best," Maz agrees. "And really, if we can't win then, just how much better in way of circumstances can we expect?"
[02:21] * @Maz nods at Thrall.
[02:22] <@Seraphin> "Finding out when and where he relaxes to get drunk was usually a succesful method," Seraphin hazards to Maz.
[02:23] <@Thrall> "Well, that at least means all those powerful people he dominated won't be sorry to see him dead. Eases any trouble with the law," Thrall allows, though still not thrilled with the plan.
[02:23] <@Maz> "I doubt he leaves his tower, really," Maz tells her. "Though I can get access to the guild easily enough to check."
[02:24] <@Seraphin> "Only if you want to bother. It just happened to work fairly well in the last five years," Seraphin murmurs, humming.
[02:24] <@Maz> "In the end," Maz continues, "he wants his spellbook the most. He needs it, really. He would agree to anything halfway reasonable to get it back."
[02:30] <@InvokerDude> "So.. how're we going to get everyone in there?" asks Ashton, considering. "An arsenal of invisibility spells?"
[02:30] <@InvokerDude> "Even though we can't cast them.."
[02:31] <@Seraphin> "No, we'll just present ourselves as the group that captured the spellbook. He should be willing to meet those he's paying, correct?" Seraphin asks.
[02:31] <@Maz> "I can, for one," Maz says with a shrug. "And you personally could be there so that your old master could make an 'example' out of you, so there would be not much need to hide you."
[02:31] * @Sigmundr (~iron_drag@c-67-163-119-32.hsd1.tx.comcast.net) has left #dunes
[02:33] <@InvokerDude> "Alright," replies Ashton, nodding. "I.. I'm not really used to this," he admits. "It's kind of distasteful, but it has to be done.. anyway."
[02:35] <@Maz> "What happened to Alicia's sister, by the way?" Maz asks, indicating the girl with a nod of her head.
[02:35] <@Seraphin> Seraphin sighs. "And here I'd hoped to meet people with some pragmatism..." she murmurs wistfully.
[02:36] <@InvokerDude> "Varseelie and her are on their honeymoon," mumbles Alicia, blushing.
[02:36] <@InvokerDude> "They don't know about any of this."
[02:37] <@Maz> "A lot of people seem to be vacationing these days," Maz says with a nod to herself.
[02:38] <@InvokerDude> "Well. Shall we go?" asks Ardandanus, worrying. "I'm so glad he doesn't have his spellbook, if he did, he would no doubt be scrying on us this very instant..."
[02:38] <@Seraphin> "Zacahry's in the dark as well then, I presume?" Seraphin asks, curious on purely social levels.
[02:38] <@Seraphin> *Zachary
[02:39] <@Maz> "We will, as soon as you will kindly inform us what other spells you uncovered in his spellbook," Maz says amiably, "so we could know what to expect. As well as any other spells that use this strange material component."
[02:39] <@InvokerDude> "Zachary knows," replies Alicia, worried. "I thought he'd be here by now..."
[02:40] <@InvokerDude> "Spells?" asks Ardandanus, glancing at the spellbook. "Well.. he has indeed mastered the 5th circle of magic, to cast spells like Dominate, and Cone of Cold..."
[02:41] <@InvokerDude> "Many of the lesser spells, as well. I've no idea which ones he had memorized before I took his book."
[02:41] <@InvokerDude> "Likely he possesses at least some scrolls, and possibly a wand.. they're all the style these days."
[02:41] <@Seraphin> "Mm," Seraphin agrees with Alicia, feeling more comfortable talking to her. "Well, we didn't come across him on the way."
[02:41] * @Maz perks up at the mention of Cone of Cold, before asking, "What does he have in way of divination or illusion spells?"
[02:42] <@InvokerDude> "I can't comprehend such things," replies Ardandanus. "I think he was an adept scryer.. and no doubt has many was of seeing through illusions and the like."
[02:43] <@Maz> "I would appreciate the chance to go over the book and see for myself what we may be up against."
[02:44] <@InvokerDude> "Perhaps we should do that while we travel," interjects Darsten, speaking for the first time in a gravelly voice. "Every passing day, he no doubt is tightening some other scheme..."
[02:44] <@Maz> "Alright," Maz agrees. "I see no reason to wait here, myself."
[02:45] <@Thrall> "I'm good to go," Thrall nods. "You have horses, right?" he asks of their new 'allies'.
[02:46] <@InvokerDude> "That's right," replies everyone but Ardandanus, who coughs. "Actually, I flew," he mumbles.
[02:50] <@InvokerDude> <-TIMESKIP->
[02:51] <@InvokerDude> After a fairly brief and surprisingly heatless discussion, the group finds themselves.. nearing Darromar!
[02:58] <@InvokerDude> The walled city looms ahead, tall buildings and stern-faced guards waiting for you to approach. The gates are open.. and, naturally, have alert soldiers looking out for people who shouldn't come in.
[02:59] <@Maz> "You said you flew, right?" Maz asks Ardandanus. "Can you fly over an unguarded section of the wall and meet us inside?"
[03:00] <@InvokerDude> "They tend to watch for people flying in," he comments. "I suppose it worked for going out.. but if someone sees me land, they'll report it. You're supposed to use the gate."
[03:02] <@Maz> "I could try to bluff out way in, then," Maz tells him.
[03:02] <@Maz> "Do you and Ashton know any charm spells?"
[03:02] <@Thrall> "Can't you just make him invisible?" Thrall suggests.
[03:03] <@InvokerDude> "I didn't prepare them," admits Ardandanus. "I've got a lot of spells that destroy things, though," he adds. "Woeful magic is all that I possess."
[03:04] <@Maz> "I can," Maz says, frowning, and glances at the gates to see if the guards have spotted them yet.
[03:04] <@InvokerDude> You're well away from them right now.
[03:06] <@Maz> "We'll go with that, then," she says. "Do we abandon his horse? It might be suspicious to lead it inside."
[03:07] <@Maz> OOC: k, strike that
[03:08] * @Maz turns to face Ardandanus, and draws a bit of shining silvery powder, which she gently releases over the other mage's head as she chants.
[03:09] <@InvokerDude> "Should we go straight to the guild, or rest up first?" asks Alicia, fingering her rapier.
[03:10] <@Maz> "A quick stop to see a friend of ours might be best," Maz replies.
[03:11] <@InvokerDude> "Let's make it quick, then," says Ashton, kicking his horse and starting to canter towards the gates.
[03:13] * @Maz urges her own horse onwards.
[03:13] <@InvokerDude> Into the city the party goes. You can see Ardandanus (easily knowing that he's not invisible) fly over the wall, and hover above you, tracking where you go as you move past the gates.
[03:14] <@Thrall> As they enter the city, Thrall spots a familiar face, an expression of surprise crossing his features. "I'll catch up," he murmurs to the others, guiding his horse as he peels away from the others towards a robed half-elf woman leaning against a wall.
[03:17] <@Maz> "We'll be at the inn," Maz calls out after him, heading there.
[03:18] <@InvokerDude> OOC: Is Kethean staying in the heathen godless inn?
[03:18] <@Maz> OOC: He better  >_>
[03:19] <@Kethean> ooc: I'm wherever all the ladies are!
[03:19] <@InvokerDude> OOC: The Halls?
[03:20] <@Kethean> ooc: wherever you want!
[03:20] <@InvokerDude> OOC: Totally comandeered the room in the temple. >_>
[03:22] <@Maz> "Do you know where Kethean is staying?" Maz asks Seraphin.
[03:23] <@Seraphin> "Um...I'd presume his temple, if not the inn..." Seraphin shrugs, having spent more time focused on The Hall. "That'd be the logical assumption, anyway."
[03:24] <@InvokerDude> "Which inn are you at?" asks Alicia, glancing at Ashton.
[03:24] <@InvokerDude> *Seraphin. Go me.
[03:25] <@Seraphin> "Atheist's Rest," Seraphin shrugs. "Easier on the whole tiefling aspect."
[03:26] <@Maz> "And the protection from divine spells," Maz adds.
[03:26] <@InvokerDude> "How ugly," replies Alicia. "Hmph. If you plan to rest for more spells, perhaps we should choose somewhere else to meet when you're done."
[03:28] <@InvokerDude> "I think it's a great place," notes Ardandanus, talking invisibilty (and not realising that a disembodied voice is strange). "The only woe and misery there is what men bring themselves! Meddling gods have nothing to do with it."
[03:29] <@Seraphin> "It's not very attractive, no, but security is a precious commodity," Seraphin answers softly, making a face.
[03:29] <@Maz> "You could stay with us, then," Maz tells him. "You should be fine as long as you don't go outside or anything once the spell on you runs off. Also, speaking quietly while others can't see you would be a good thing, now."
[03:30] <@InvokerDude> "I.. right," he mumbles, quietly. Alicia shrugs. "Well. It's probably better I don't let the family know I'm back," she says, making a face.
[03:32] <@InvokerDude> Ashton actually looks happy, for a change. "Yes. We should get a room in that inn," he says, nodding emphatically.
[03:33] <@Maz> "You could room with your master," Maz says, the hint of a smile on her lips. "Wouldn't that be perfect?"
[03:34] <@InvokerDude> Ashton says something to you that he probably shouldn't have.
[03:34] * @Maz raises an eyebrow, while letting just the hint of a fang show through her smile.
[03:35] <@Seraphin> "Now now," Seraphin purrs in infernal. "Play nice," she adds in the same dark tongue, smiling enough to show her own fangs.
[03:35] <@Thrall> As the others bicker, Thrall's horse canters up, the half-orc rejoining his companions and nodding in greeting.
[03:36] * @Maz returns the greeting.
[03:36] * @Seraphin waves to Thrall.
[03:38] <@InvokerDude> Ashton says something else he probably shouldn't have, before turning to Thrall. "What kept you?" he asks.
[03:39] <@Thrall> "Saw an old friend I thought was still in Saradush," he replies simply, brushing over the matter. "Anyway, we going to spend the night at the inn before going to the mages guild tomorrow?"
[03:39] <@Seraphin> "If only I was young again..." Seraphin sighs mock wistfully.
[03:41] <@Maz> "I want to check whether there's been an answer from Castor, in case we can't do it later," Maz replies. "That course of action favors staying a night at the inn and using the rest of this day to take care of other things."
[03:46] <@InvokerDude> <-And then, in a room in the Atheist's Rest...->
[03:49] <@Thrall> Having gotten Maz, Seraphin, and Kethean away from the other wizards they've temporarily joined up with, Thrall makes sure the door to their private room is firmly closed before he takes a seat facing the others. "You remember how I said I ran into an old friend when we got back to the city?" he opens.
[03:50] * @Maz nods. "There's more to it, I take it?"
[03:50] <@Seraphin> "Yeah?" Seraphin asks, taking her own seat and setting it against the door before sitting in it.
[03:53] * @Thrall nods. "Turns out she - or her organisation, which I'm at least unofficially part of, actually has Calenstat in its pocket. His domination of the city's notables is part of their long range planning." He doesn't see much need to sugar-coat it with Maz and Seraphin, at least, although he's more unsure about Kethean's reaction...
[03:54] <@Maz> "Huh," Maz says simply, smiling wryly as she adds, "So they would be upset were he to die?"
[03:55] <@Thrall> "Put mildly. On the other hand, they would be very pleased if he got his spellbook back - maybe even more pleased than the wizard himself, if you take my meaning..."
[03:56] * @Seraphin sighs softly. A whole guild...and she'd liked Alicia and Cathrine.
[03:56] <@Maz> "And where do you stand? With your guild?"
[03:57] * Felix (~elaine@cpe-68-203-167-184.houston.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
[03:57] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Felix Felix
[03:58] * @Thrall nods grimly. "I don't relish killing Ardandanus and those others - they're not half bad people, after all. But we don't necessarily have to. The only thing that matters is getting that wizard his spellbook back. And not killing him."
[03:59] <@Maz> "The component they use in their domination spell is the same one the Sharrans used in the bracers you took off one of them. It's the raw magic they've torn out of the Weave. Such a practice would be disastrous if let to continue." She pauses, frowning. "And the main players in that are, again, Sharrans. I would hate to align myself with them, if they have dealings with your guild."
[04:00] * @Kethean (Merc@cpe-72-181-119-105.houston.res.rr.com) Quit (Ping timeout)
[04:01] * Kethean (Merc@cpe-72-181-119-105.houston.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
[04:01] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Kethean Kethean
[04:01] * @Thrall frowns at that idea. He loathes those bastard Sharrans, after all. "Etna did help us in Saradush..." he reasons, now feeling a bit more conflicted. "Against the Sharrans as well as others."
[04:02] <@Maz> "Etna is the friend from Saradush you met?" Maz ventures.
[04:03] * @Seraphin raises her eyebrows, looking more interested at the mention of a stranger.
[04:03] <@Thrall> Nodding again, "She's provided valuable information in the past."
[04:03] * @Felix (~elaine@cpe-68-203-167-184.houston.res.rr.com) Quit (Ping timeout)
[04:04] <@Seraphin> "I'd almost want to talk to her if they're going to be contracting us to stabilize this mess," Seraphin murmurs, shaking her head.
[04:05] <@Thrall> "That can be arranged," Thrall allows, "If we're going to playing a more direct role in helping their plans, less reason to keep at arm's length..."
[04:05] <@Maz> "Perhaps some more context is needed," Maz tells, frowning again. "The spell Calenstat has is not a regular one. It uses the raw magic I mentioned earlier, and that material component is consumed upon casting. If that mage is but a pawn of your guild, that likely means their long-term plans involve getting more of that raw magic. That's not a good thing by any measure."
[04:06] <@Seraphin> "Which is what your relative wanted, isn't it?" Seraphin asks curiously, remembering the oasis.
[04:07] <@Maz> "Yes, though I had no intention of merely doing as she asked," Maz responds flippantly. "But a little of it is one thing. A supply of the material to make domination on a city-wide scale, if not more, if another matter entirely."
[04:08] <@Maz> "It is not like any mineral in the world. You cannot simply keep on 'mining' it, let us say, without consequences. Grave ones."
[04:09] * @Thrall doesn't look too thrilled, sighing at Maz's explanation. "Perhaps, but we can only go one way or the other. And killing Calenstat will bring very grave consequences upon our own heads."
[04:11] <@Maz> "Perhaps we can ally ourselves with the followers of Mystra, if it comes to that," Maz muses. "They seem to be upset over the situation with the Weave, and they would certainly be grateful to be free of the domination. I saw the Nar our new friend spoke of, and he appeared... strange. Even to some of his fellow Mystrans."
[04:12] <@Seraphin> "We should meet with Etna regardless, however. They already know know our involvement, so it won't be particularly revealing to ask qustions," Seraphin muses, shaking her head.
[04:13] <@Thrall> "Mystra won't protect us from a knife in the dark," Thrall shakes his head. "We can worry about the damage to the weave later, but we have to decide what to do about Calenstat before our new 'friends' get impatient. This matter has to be resolved before anything else."
[04:14] <@Maz> "I still want to go ahead with our earlier plan," Maz tells the others. "This plan can't involve a mere city like this, and it's not something I could just let go, when it's right in my face."
[04:17] <@Seraphin> "Do they need him in power, or simply alive?" Seraphin asks Thrall, sighing again. Things had just begun to look simpler, too...
[04:18] <@Thrall> "They need him and his domination spells," Thrall tells Seraphin before spreading his arms, "We knew back in Saradush that half a dozen groups were tearing up the weave, anyway. Why not support the one that's helped us before?"
[04:20] <@Maz> "Remember what happened when I tried to detect magic back in that first site of combat between two of these groups we came across?" Maz asks. "All my training and studying up to this point would be for naught if they're allowed to bring enough of the Weave to that same condition."
[04:21] <@Thrall> "It'll also be for naught if someone slits your throat while you sleep!" Thrall returns quickly. "Don't think that they can't, or that they won't."
[04:22] <@Maz> "They won't be the first ones who want me dead," Maz says with a sigh. "All I can say is that when faced with two bad options, I'm trying to choose the one that feels right to me."
[04:23] <@Seraphin> "The guild has to have its own interests in magic, too...which is why I think we need to meet with this Etna as soon as possible to sort out just what they're aiming at," Seraphin murmurs, sighing softly. "Though Maz has a point...it won't be the first time at all."

[Corwin]

[04:33] <@Kethean> "Regarding Calenstat, I met with someone who wants to help us deal with him. She actually came to me and asked to see if I could get the rest of you to help her," Kethean reveals. "The girl seemed pretty desperate."
[04:35] <@Seraphin> "Oi..." Seraphin sighs a little. "People pulling from every direction now..."
[04:35] * @Maz observes quietly, giving Kethean her undivided attention.
[04:36] <@Thrall> "What's her story, then?" Thrall asks gruffly, half wishing Etna hadn't shown up when she did. Would've been so much simpler, that way...
[04:39] <@Kethean> "She mentioned how Calenstat is very connected to the corruption in town, using his spells to control others until his spellbook was stolen," Kethean answers. "She's worried about who to go to with her knowledge and suspicions though because she can't trust anyone not to have been caught in this web already, except maybe us since she said we were out of town."
[04:39] * @Maz frowns, crossing her arms in front of her chest. "Ever since hearing of this plot, I have begun to doubt that we'll be getting paid by the likes of Calenstat. Why would he part with his money and scrolls, when he could just as easily turn his domination spell on us? Instead of parting with his money, he would be gaining new slaves."
[04:41] * @Thrall snorts. "Calenstat himself is a pawn, Maz. And I'm a pawn of the same master, it would seem. No, he won't dominate us, so long as we serve the same cause..." he trails off, shaking his head in irritation. Things were so much simpler when it was a mere thieves guild and he a simple bodyguard.
[04:41] <@Maz> "As long as we remain good pawns ourselves and don't become expendable, that is?" she clarifies.
[04:43] <@Thrall> "Aye," the half-orc nods grimly. "There's the rub. And you can be sure we'll be expendable if Calenstat doesn't get that spellbook back."
[04:43] <@Maz> "How large is your guild?" Maz asks suddenly, leaning forward to look at Thrall. "I don't believe I know much about it, except that your mage friend belongs to it."
[04:44] <@Seraphin> "But, we won't already be in their palms by then," Seraphin murmurs, tapping a finger against the side of her chair.
[04:47] <@Thrall> "That I couldn't even tell you," Thrall admits, sighing. "To be sure, it was a decent sized guild of thieves back in Waterdeep, but now?" he shrugs. "Elric claims to be going for quality over quantity, and setting his sights far higher than protection rackets. What they've got going in this town seems to bear that out, but for actual numbers?" he shakes his head, "Could be a handful, could be hundreds."
[04:48] <@Maz> "This provides a hole in Etna's story, as heard from you," Maz muses. "For a guild that goes for quality, why would they recruit trash as this Calenstat?"
[04:50] * @Thrall eyes Maz oddly. "Didn't his apprentice say he can cast spells of the fifth circle? He might not be Elminster, but that's no rank amateur."
[04:51] <@Maz> "There's more to a mage than the spells she can cast, strange as it may sound," Maz responds with a smile. "I met the man, and he does not seem to have any strength of character or any reasonable degree of reliability."
[05:09] <@Kethean> "So what does everyone want to do? I'm against going with Calenstat. He's definitely trouble we don't want to be making worse."
[05:16] <@Maz> "Out of curiousity, Thrall," Maz asks, cocking her head. "How much does Etna know about where things stand, beyond the obvious?"
[05:16] * @Seraphin frowns at everything in general, her tapping a nervous tip-tip against the wood of her chair.
[05:18] * @Thrall laughs bitterly. "What she knows and what I think she knows are planes apart, Maz," he tells the tiefling, shaking his head. "At least she knew we're involved in the bounty to get Calenstat's spellbook back. And what she said hinted that she knew we were planning to turn on the wizard."
[05:21] <@Maz> "Did she know who was traveling with us, though?"
[05:21] * @Thrall shrugs. "I'm no mindreader, and that woman keeps her cards very close to her chest."
[05:22] <@Maz> "It puzzles me," Maz admits. "Why not simply take it from us, if they have both the foreknowledge of our arrival and the power to get this book?"
[05:25] <@Thrall> "Ah, but Maz - they and I are the same thing. Why waste effort taking it away when they can just tell me what to do instead?" Thrall points out.
[05:26] * @Seraphin twitches a moment, but schools her expression. "I guess the guild must be so powerful that two-hundred platinum is hardly even a cut corner, if they're funding the mage..."
[05:27] <@Maz> "Are you, truly?" she inquires, before shaking her head in dismissal. She glances at Seraphin, Kethean and finally her eyes return to rest on Thrall. "Perhaps Seraphin has the best idea. To meet with Etna again and get more information, and wait on the rest in the meanwhile. Would that be acceptable on everyone here?"
[05:29] * @Thrall rubs his chin and nods reluctantly. "Aye... and maybe she'll convince you better than I can." Looking towards Seraphin, the half-orc gestures out the window, "With those dominate spells, they *own* this city. Who can put a price on that?"
[05:30] <@Maz> "I am never adverse to learning more," Maz returns, inclining her head.
[05:31] <@Seraphin> "Why not a different mage, though?" Seraphin asks, shaking her head. "If Maz is right about Calenstat, he's hardly material for a tight operation..." she murmurs, crimson eyes flickering around, the silver haired fiendling tense. "But yes, more information is always better."
[05:38] <@Thrall> ----------