Against the Dragon: An ECL 20 Mini-Adventure

[Superglucose]

I suggest we try a friendly approach first, since we may not be able to elect his help after we've rooted trhough his belongings.

[PhoenixRivers]

@Toliudar: Several of the structures do have parts that radiate magic. Otherwise, nothing on blindsight fails to match up to normal vision modes.

@Superglucose: No need to knock. The tent doesn't have a sturdy door. Otherwise, spells are up, and man is confused.

@Ghrem: Nothing seems out of place.

@Myself only:

Spoiler

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Will:(1d20)[5]

[Pharaoh's Fist]

"Mokuba, get back here and scan the auras on the windows and decor."

Spellcraft: (1d20+25)[41]
Spellcraft: (1d20+25)[31]
Spellcraft: (1d20+25)[37]
Spellcraft: (1d20+25)[41]
Spellcraft: (1d20+25)[36]

[PhoenixRivers]

Strong Auras of Transmutation on all of them.

[Pharaoh's Fist]

I shall discretely cast an Extended Greater Arcane Sight, if possible.

[Superglucose]

First, my will save:

(1d20+31)[41]

[Superglucose]

Well good, I can lie.

I am, shall we say, looking for a particular spellcaster, and couldn't help but notice that you have recently obtained the services of a spellcaster. I noticed that he or she is exceptionally gifted, and was wondering who it was that cast this particular spell? I assure you that my interest is purely academic, there are a few questions I would ask him that he would probably have a good answer to.

Diplo:(1d20+15)[21]

[PhoenixRivers]

@Pharoah: All objects are the subject of Polymorph Any Object.

[PhoenixRivers]

Well good, I can lie.

I am, shall we say, looking for a particular spellcaster, and couldn't help but notice that you have recently obtained the services of a spellcaster. I noticed that he or she is exceptionally gifted, and was wondering who it was that cast this particular spell? I assure you that my interest is purely academic, there are a few questions I would ask him that he would probably have a good answer to.

Diplo:[roll0]

**Ssshh... Oo' the hell 'r you?**

[Superglucose]

Lord Kagrenac, high priest. I serve the god of travelers to the best of my ability. Might I inquire as to your name?

[Toliudar]

At the end of the circuit, Theda and Terry transform into an attractive young human woman in travel clothes, and a staffordshire terrier. She approaches a person at random on the street.

"Excuse me. I'm told that there's a dragon living nearby. Could you tell me about that?"

Spoiler

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Diplomacy attempt: (1d20+2)[11]

[Pharaoh's Fist]

@Pharoah: All objects are the subject of Polymorph Any Object.

"Mokuba, I want you to tell the others that the windows and furniture of the bar has auras of Polymorph Any Object. I propose we break it with Break Enchantment. Find out if anyone has it."

[PhoenixRivers]

The man looks at you, slightly confused.

**Arsher... Name'sh Arsher. Wut're ya doin' in my home?

Theda's entry doesn't seem to improve matters... On the bright side, it doesn't seem to hurt matters either. However, he seems to be focused (as much as is possible for a man in his apparent state) rather intently on Kagrenac, and doesn't seem to be paying much attention.

[PhoenixRivers]

"Mokuba, I want you to tell the others that the windows and furniture of the bar has auras of Polymorph Any Object. I propose we break it with Break Enchantment. Find out if anyone has it."

Mokuba begins to travel towards the interrogatory group.

[Superglucose]

**Arsher... Name'sh Arsher. Wut're ya doin' in my home?

I am, as I may have previously stated, looking for information regarding magical creatures. Typically those who cast spells also know of these creatures, but I am woefully deficient in this knowledge, so I seek a powerful spellcaster who may answer my questions.

EDIT: Theda appears to be somewhere else.

[PhoenixRivers]

I am, as I may have previously stated, looking for information regarding magical creatures. Typically those who cast spells also know of these creatures, but I am woefully deficient in this knowledge, so I seek a powerful spellcaster who may answer my questions.

The man focuses again, bleary eyed.

**No shpellcashters here. 'ave you schecked the mershants?**

[Superglucose]

The man focuses again, bleary eyed.

**No shpellcashters here. 'ave you schecked the mershants?**

Do you know of any powerful spellcasters? Maybe sought the services of one recently? I have checked the merchants, and none of the ones I met seemed to be able to help me.

[PhoenixRivers]

@Theda: The answer you get is a "No, sorry. The merchants travel out of the town more. They may know."

You're welcome to sense motive anything you hear in this town about the dragon. I can guarantee you, a decent amount of the rolls won't be wasted.

[PhoenixRivers]

Do you know of any powerful spellcasters? Maybe sought the services of one recently? I have checked the merchants, and none of the ones I met seemed to be able to help me.

**Psh, like I'd talk abowt tha' with shum shtranger"

[Toliudar]

And on that note: Sense Motive: (1d20+25)[44]. Even cross-class, a worthwhile investment.

--

Theda will wander towards another tavern or gathering place, and see if someone else who looks either like a prominent merchant or a seasoned traveller can be plied with the same question:
Diplomacy: (1d20+2)[17]
Sense Motive: (1d20+25)[39]

[PhoenixRivers]

And on that note: Sense Motive: [roll0]. Even cross-class, a worthwhile investment.

--

Theda will wander towards another tavern or gathering place, and see if someone else who looks either like a prominent merchant or a seasoned traveller can be plied with the same question:
Diplomacy: [roll1]
Sense Motive: [roll2]

Both people tell you they know nothing. Both people are being evasive. Gut's telling you... Not trustworthy.

[Superglucose]

First, requisite sense motive of "Is this just general reluctance, or is there more behind it (such as a fear for his safety)?"
(1d20+12)[32]

Second,

Perhaps I could make it worth your while? Kagrenac shifts slightly so that the sound of his coins jingle slightly.

[PhoenixRivers]

First, requisite sense motive of "Is this just general reluctance, or is there more behind it (such as a fear for his safety)?"
[roll0]

Second,

Perhaps I could make it worth your while? Kagrenac shifts slightly so that the sound of his coins jingle slightly.

He doesn't seem afraid for his safety. You get the impression he's... protecting something?

**Shorry, buddy, Ah'm no rat

[Toliudar]

Theda will follow up with the second person she's talking with. With a smile that doesn't make it north of her mouth.

"That's funny. A town of this size, a dragon of that scale. You'd have seen it many times, living here. What's it look like?"

[Superglucose]

He doesn't seem afraid for his safety. You get the impression he's... protecting something?

**Shorry, buddy, Ah'm no rat

A... rat? So the spellcaster you're referring to is a criminal of some sort?

[PhoenixRivers]

Theda will follow up with the second person she's talking with. With a smile that doesn't make it north of her mouth.

"That's funny. A town of this size, a dragon of that scale. You'd have seen it many times, living here. What's it look like?"

The merchant does seem a bit intimidated, but he seems to stick to his resolve.

"Sorry, stranger. I just got in here by ship. If there's a dragon near the town, I assure you, I'll be out shortly."

[PhoenixRivers]

A... rat? So the spellcaster you're referring to is a criminal of some sort?

The drunk laughs at that, rather loudly. **Less a' one than any here, ah'd bet...

[Toliudar]

The merchant does seem a bit intimidated, but he seems to stick to his resolve.

"Sorry, stranger. I just got in here by ship. If there's a dragon near the town, I assure you, I'll be out shortly."

Theda nods reassuringly, and pats Terry on the head.

"I'm sure that that makes perfect sense. Oh, who are you in town to do business with? I don't mean to be keeping you. Mind if I walk along?"

[Superglucose]

The drunk laughs at that, rather loudly. **Less a' one than any here, ah'd bet...

Then I simply do not understand. I really do just wish to commission him for some research, and I'm even willing to pay you a finder's fee. Kagrenac sighs, I apologize if it is my vestments that are turning you off. I've been on a very long series of travels, and I find it is often best not to rely on occasional patrols to guarantee your safety along the roads. I just got in today and didn't have the need nor the ability to bring or change into a spare set of clothes.

[PhoenixRivers]

Theda nods reassuringly, and pats Terry on the head.

"I'm sure that that makes perfect sense. Oh, who are you in town to do business with? I don't mean to be keeping you. Mind if I walk along?"

"Nobody. I'm passing through. I won't be doing business until I get to the end of the trade route."