The Necromancer's Pact VIII: The Rising Tide

[Aveda]

Gala

Gala sits in the hall and tries to concentrate on the long list of vampire-killing techniques. Many of the specifics blend together in her mind, but she focuses on the parts that concern her most directly: the actual hitting and/or killing of said vampires. She echoes Anika's concern, saying "I suppose I'll need a silver sword, then, if someone here can enchant it? As much as I'd like to go give their pale hides a good tanning, I can't do that too well with what I have now." She reaches up for her bastard sword and a few sparks of electricity ripple down the blade. "I guess I'll have to go look for something around here before we bed down tonight. Otherwise...I'll go in whatever boat you think I'd work best in. I'm no magic user, though, so I'd appreciate any protection I could get."

[Dr._Bob]

Unfortunately, silver weapons are rare, and enchanted silver weapons are even rarer.

A total of 40 additional silver arrowheads and 20 silver-tipped crossbow bolts can be found. None are magical.

The Iron Lord sends a single enchanted silver longsword that was found in his personal armory as well as a brace of silver daggers.

Anika is a little bit uncomfortable being around so many silver weapons, but she suppressed a shiver and tries her best to look casual as the silver blades are examined by her friends.

...

The rings are returned by the wychlaran in the morning with brief descriptions of their powers ...

OOC: Brief summary in game terms below ...

Iron octagon (litrix/"armor") – ironskin (DR 15/adamantine)
Gold ring with three rubies (svent/"kill") – meteor swarm (x3)
Brass snake (darastrix/"dragon") – summons young adult dragon
Ornate gem encrusted ring (levethix/"wizard") – spell absorption (50 spell levels)
Cloisonne ring (ixen/"fire") – holy aura
Simple copper ring (sjach/"shadow") – unholy aura
Leather loop (osvith/"flee") - haste
White gold with black pearl (virlym/"thief") – +6 DEX
Silver filigree dragonfly (austrat/"fly") – fly, blur

...

You are awakened early in the morning and given a light breakfast before being escorted out of Immilmar on horseback ...


OOC: You might want to reconsider how the rings are distributed based on their powers/effects. I also need a final decision on who is traveling with whom.

The weapons are a +1 silver longsword and two silver daggers (non magical). I believe that silver weapons do -1 damage. Let me know who takes the extra silver arrows/bolts.

[Diarmuid]

Tryntha

Tryntha listened and nodded along with just about everything Callos mentioned about vampires adding little except support for his information. Afterwards, a thought occurred to her that she thought could be important, actually she hoped with all her might it would be important, as the alternative was not terribly heartening,

"Callos is correct in his assessment of vampires. I can add little to what he said, and learned a few things myself. I think it should be mentioned however that we are likely to face many other kinds of undead while getting to the vampire Valentine. In fact, I hope that we do...and we are not walking into battle against an army of vampires. If we fail to best the fodder, then all of our preparations for Valentine will have been for naught. Some undead are best attacked with blunt weapons, with those of slashing variety proving to be the least effective."

As she mentions this, her gaze roams across the various sheathed swords, axes, and the like apparent on most of the fighter-types in the room.

"Of these lesser undead, most can be effected by simple, mundane items, so those from the armory here would be sufficient. I doubt zombies and skeletons will cause us much cause for alarm unless seen in large numbers. I dont think I need to explain the paralytic touch of the ghoul to you, as most of us bore witness to it first hand. Alternatively, ghasts look very similar to ghouls but exude a stench that can bring even the heartiest of warriors to his knees wretching they also can paralize with a touch or bite. Moving beyond those we could possibly see Wights, which appear as twisted reflections of whatever race they were before their souls were corrupted. They require nothing special to be attacked, but their touch should be avoided at all costs like that of a vampire. They will drain away your very essence, though not as fast as a vampire."

Turning the mask over and over in her hands, she shivers as if remembering some horrible memory of wights or vampires or something. Shaking herself out of it, she continues,

"If we encounter wraiths, we would be wisest to attack them with magics, or seek to destroy them with our holy prayers. Their bodies are...like a mist. While their touch is less insidious than that of a vampire or a wight, they can drain the fortitude from the most hearty of men in short order."

Turning towards Damian and Tanner, she turns her topic to that of their coordination of magic,

"There are magics than can reverse most of these effects, and I will be sure to prepare some of them before our journey. Damian, if you can...borrow..."

It is clear she is somewhat uncomfortable with this notion of her magic being taken from her, even if it is only temporary...supposedly,

"..these magics without expending them from my memory, this could indeed be a great boon for us. Some of these magics are among the most powerful I can prepare, and I can only prepare a very limited number of spells of that power. The spell Restoration is of the fourth tier, and I will be carrying only one of these, with my other fourth tier spell, Death Ward, being one that will protect someone for a time from any of the draining powers of the undead, and from some necromantic spells that seek to steal life. There is a lesser version of the Restoration spell that is of the second tier that I also plan on preparing. In that same tier is a spell that will remove paralysis from a group of people. In the third tier I will be doing as Tanner has suggested and will be preparing the Magic Circle spell, as well as an offensive spell that channels light into a beam that is especially effective against undead. My last spell is one I would suggest to those who do not know what better spells to prepare, and that is Dispel Magic. We are likely to run into spellcasters, and it can often be more effective to counter their spells than add your own to an already hectic spell battle."

Taking a few deep breaths after realising she had been speaking for so long, and in such a straightforward manner, Tryntha seeks to hide the blush she feels welling up behind her new mask. It is then that she realises that she is no longer fooled by the illusions layered over some of her companions. Her eyes go wide as she sees the beauty being hidden by Tiriel's magic.

Moving to stand nearer to Tanner, she whispers to him;

"I think I understand why you would wish for the transformation spell you employ to last as long as possible. On that subject however...are you planning on using your power to channel your spells for longer periods? It may be that our abilities are the most effective weapons against the undead in the days to come."

[Erikkin]

Fizahn:

Fizahn looks at the daggers. Too big. Why are there never any normal sized daggers. He sighs and digs in his pack for a couple seconds. After he finishes, he has come up with a small vial. He places the vial next to one of the daggers. He looks at Anika. "I trust you'll be using this. It makes the dagger magical for a while. I assume it will work against Lady Valentine. I know you want to get her. I also assume Tiriel is going to use the sword."

OOC: Giving Anika the oil of bless weapon.

[barawn]

Damian

"Unfortunately, when I take a spell from someone, it's gone, as if you had cast it. It may seem somewhat pointless - you could've just cast it yourself, after all - but the advantage is that you can cast something else while I cast the spell, so it accelerates things. In addition, in this case, when we're spreading out, it may be useful, although I'm only able to hold onto the spell for about an hour or so."

"Tryntha, I would recommend praying for at least one healing spell - even a weaker one - directly, since if you're injured past the point where you can heal yourself, I can use that spell to heal you."

He shrugs slightly. "Of course, in this case, facing an enemy who can turn our allies against us, it's also useful because if one of you two is charmed by the vampire, I can prevent that ally from using their spells against us."

"I'm also perfectly willing to loan my ring for this endeavor, but please do remember that it was given to me." Although I'd be perfectly happy with several of the others, of course.

[blackfox]

Anika

Anika takes the silvered bolts, making sure not to touch the heads but only the wooden shafts. She replaces the bolts in her quiver with the silver bolts.

To Fizahn's offer, she says, "I already have the silver bolts, and we should have as many people able to hurt the vampires as possible." And I don't know whether I'd even be able to touch a silver weapon, let alone use it... "Use the dagger yourself, or if it's too clumsy for a shortsword for you, then give it to someone else who wants it."

An idea occurs to her suddenly. "Tanner--do you know how to make holy water? Our last cleric, Trinark, had a spell for making it, and if you had the same spell, it could be very useful for people who don't have enchanted silver weapons, or against the wraiths who can't be hurt by weapons."

[namo]

Adalmar

Eyeing the silver-tipped arrows, Adalmar asks : "With Faluil gone, is there another archer remaining ? I already have a few such arrows, but since it is likely there will be more than one vampire..." He lets his sentence trail off.

[Darius]

Tanner Gondsman

Anika

An idea occurs to her suddenly. "Tanner--do you know how to make holy water? Our last cleric, Trinark, had a spell for making it, and if you had the same spell, it could be very useful for people who don't have enchanted silver weapons, or against the wraiths who can't be hurt by weapons."

Tanner replies to Anika, "Yes, I do. However, know this: each flask needs to be tied with positive energy. The component that does that is powdered silver. It takes five pounds of silver to do so. If we are willing to give up such a commodity, then I shall do so."

Tanner then says, "However, I believe I have a better idea. If we take silver pieces and melt them down into bullet-sized pebbles, I can transform three of these missiles to be even more effective versus the undead than any vial of holy water would be. They would be both enchanted and silver; plus they would be filled with the positive energy of faith to do more damage against these creatures. If we were to get slings worked by a master craftsman, the success of slinging the stones would increase as well as allow us to cast the stones farther."

Tryntha

"I think I understand why you would wish for the transformation spell you employ to last as long as possible. On that subject however...are you planning on using your power to channel your spells for longer periods? It may be that our abilities are the most effective weapons against the undead in the days to come."

Tanner replies, "I shall transform myself so that I can be as Tiriel, but that will be all that I do. This will allow me to channel the divine energy of good to destroy undead abominations seven times."

He then informs her, "I think it also is wise for us to consider having the means to detect undead...if vampires can transform themselves into creatures like bats, they may use that to flank us."

Edit: Tanner continues, "If we are discussing spell selections, I do not plan on healing, but my belt has the ability to do so. Instead, I shall focus my divine magics to protecting the party, enchanting the silver stones, and enhancing myself so that I may be in the front ranks. If there are those of you who would rather have a specific weapon, like the silvered daggers, enchanted for a short time, I could do that at the sacrifice of a few first tier spells."

[Callos_DeTerran]

Callos

Callos sat quietly with the revelation of the rings various uses, eyes focused on Fizahn...That ring was dangerous if used improperly. Very dangerous. Very much unlike his own which could be a great boon if given to the right person. Rising from where he had been sitting, the necromancer approached Fizahn and twisted his ring off of his fingers.

"I'll trade rings with you Fizahn. I'm not going to lie, I think it may be hazardous to have a 'kill' ring in your specific hands but more importantly I think you could put the 'wizard' one to better use...like bargaining it to someone else for something that you want..." He said slyly, holding out his good hand to take the 'kill' ring and holding the 'wizard' one in his skeletal one. "Sound like a deal?"

Spoiler

Show

Is there a 'Swindle Gnome' ability? If so I might need to know where it is since that logic is horrible. Sorta like saying 'I don't think you can handle it, so lemme use it cause I've always wanted a killing ring for when I'm really irritated'

[Erikkin]

Fizahn:

"Flattery works a lot better Callos," Fizahn says, snatching the ring from Callos's skeletal hand and slipping it on. "See? Now I've got two rings. One extremely dangerous and one that protects me from your spells." He takes off his gold one and holds it in front of his eyes. "I'm hurt that you don't trust me with this. I would like to think that I'm the less likely one to use it. Giant balls of flaming death are not exactly stealthy." Fizahn sighs and tosses his ring to Callos. "I'm not going to barter it you fool. I think this might be the most valuable ring considering we're fighting a necromancer. Probably not so amazing against the vampires, though."

[Koji]

Khazrael

All the discussion of specific spell preparation goes right over his head. He rolls his eyes at what he perceives to be too much planning, and instead imagines what a boat trip with three of the most stoic people he knows is going to be like.

[Darius]

Tanner Gondsman

Once the discussion of spells is complete, Tanner says, "This silver sheen and the silver sling bullets will not come free." He reaches into his breastplate and pulls out a small purse. "These six stones are all that I have left. They are worth 300 gold, and they are yours to do with what you will. I only ask that we use whatever is remaining for silver powder and to make the silver sling stones."

Tanner will then inquire on getting masterwork slings from the Rashemi.

[Dr._Bob]

The Rashemi will provide as many masterwork slings as Tanner desires.

Tiriel is given the silver longsword. Khazrael and Damian are given the silver daggers. The silver crossbow bolts are given to Anika, while the silver arrows are distributed between Retay and Grynde, both of whom have bows.

With Elthan, Tiriel, Fizahn, Callos and Khazrael all claiming rings, you are left with the iron octagon, the leather loop, the white gold/black pearl ring, and the cloisonne ring to distribute.

[blackfox]

Anika

Tanner replies to Anika, "Yes, I do. However, know this: each flask needs to be tied with positive energy. The component that does that is powdered silver. It takes five pounds of silver to do so. If we are willing to give up such a commodity, then I shall do so."

Tanner then says, "However, I believe I have a better idea. If we take silver pieces and melt them down into bullet-sized pebbles, I can transform three of these missiles to be even more effective versus the undead than any vial of holy water would be. They would be both enchanted and silver; plus they would be filled with the positive energy of faith to do more damage against these creatures. If we were to get slings worked by a master craftsman, the success of slinging the stones would increase as well as allow us to cast the stones farther."

Anika frowns. "That sounds expensive... I'll put my money in for the powdered silver, or to buy holy water from one of the temples if we can't find any silver. I'm not particularly good with a sling, though--if we buy well-made slings, someone else should get them."

Noticing that the rings have been returned, Anika retrieves the white gold/black pearl ring.

[Matticus]

Grynde

Grynde watches as the others talk, noting in particular that Anika did not seem comfortable with the silver weapondry. After taking half the arrows and adding them to his new stockpile, he eyes the rings.
Without a shadow of a doubt, Grynde takes the cloisonne ring, and stares bluntly at anyone looking at him, daring them to argue the action.

[Naleh]

Retay

The barbarian accepts his share of silvered arrows.

"This ring makes your skin like iron?" he says, indicating the black octagon. Finally showing some shred of strategy, he offers, "I get in close-up fights a lot, and this," - he gestures at his studded leather armour, looking ever more tattered since the avalanche and the frost worm - "doesn't protect me much. That ring could be very useful to me. If our hungover friend doesn't need it..."

Afterwards, he asks a Rashemi where he might be able to get a vial of "goldsheen" or whatever it was the others had suggested.

To conclude, he pulls his new longbow from his pack and stares at it intently, as if hoping to enchant it by sheer force of will.

[namo]

Adalmar

He picks the leather loop back up, shrugging : "I will hold on to it for now. If this Valentine tries to make herself untouchable...

Also, I'll request a spell that strengthens natural defenses, which I will bestow to a warrior before the fight."

[barawn]

Damian

When Grynde steps forward and reaches for the cloissone ring, Damian's dagger immediately flicks out into his hand, pointing at the ranger.

"No. Not so quickly." He walks over to Grynde, his dagger still in hand, glaring at him. "The ring is mine. It was given to me. Willingly. I said I would lend it to someone more deserving if needed. Believe it or not, I will lend it to you, because I do want this to succeed."

His eyes are harsh, and his voice cold and emotionless. "But make no mistake, Grynde. The ring is mine, and I expect it back, and I will get it back. If you give it to me, that's fine. If you do not, I will carve it from you if I have to, and do not doubt that I could."

"But before I let you even leave this room with that ring, I want your word that you will in fact return it to me. Do not make the mistake of thinking this is a game, and do not make the mistake of thinking I am not your match."

[namo]

Adalmar

"It was given to you ? By whom ? I don't think we own the rings. From what little Callos, Aeroz and Elthan have said of that individual... Prozen, we just get to benefit from them because it serves him. I don't think getting too possessive is wise."

He would like to appease Damian's open hostility, but isn't quite sure how to achieve that.

[barawn]

Damian

Damian glances over at Adalmar sharply. "By Fizahn. Callos at least did not object. If the ring wasn't his to give permanently, then it was at least his to give temporarily in return for my services, and presumedly," and he glances at Fizahn similarly sharply, "if the rings were recalled, Fizahn would similarly compensate me. But this isn't me being possessive. This is me insisting on Grynde at least showing some respect for the decisions of others that he has decided to work with."

He turns back to Grynde, his eyes narrowing. "If he's incapable of working with others at all, he's a danger to the rest of us, and there would be no point to him coming along. Any aid he would offer in combat would be more than offset by reckless behavior."

[Erikkin]

Fizahn:

"Sorry. Didn't even cross my mind that the guy would want them back. I was assuming that they were payment for killing Sethra. I also think that given the high mortality rate of facing powerful necromancers, whoever gave them to us doesn't really expect them back at all. If they do take back the rings, I will compensate you Damian, although there's probably nothing I have worth as much as the ring." He glances down at his dagger. Except that, but it's a relic.

[barawn]

Damian

His dagger still drawn, he nods to Fizahn. "No need to apologize. I expected you would. Right now, however, I would appreciate support for my statement that Grynde needs to learn to wait for the decision of the group as a whole before taking some stupid, rash action that, in the coming fight, could get us all killed."

[Diarmuid]

Tryntha

Watching the aggravating exchange that seems completely unnecessary, the Rashemi woman turns her porcelain gaze upon Damian and his bared steel, folding her hands in front of her she speaks to him in a calm, sincere tone;

"Damian, I have decided that I would prefer you to refrain from using your magic-stealing abilities on me. If the magic would be lost to me, then I would prefer to use my better understanding of the magic and its application in the coming battles. These magics are a gift...freely given...from the spirits of this land, and I do not think they would look kindly on my entrusting them to...well to you to be honest. Your motivations seem to be centered on yourself and your payment, and you are too quick to resort to steel and threats when it seems neither are required. These are not the qualities of one who should be wielding the magics intended to protect and heal those of this land."

[Koji]

Khazrael

A thought crosses his mind, and he speaks.

"Oh! I guess I don't need this--" He removes his dragonfly ring, "Anyone wanna trade?"

[barawn]

Damian

Without turning to Tryntha at all, Damian issues a curt reply. "Please wait to talk to me until I have the freedom to reply, Tryntha. This situation has very little to do with my motivations or desires. All I'm curious is whether Grynde is going to continue following his own whims without any regard to what the rest of us decide as a group. And if he does," and with that, he slips the dagger back into his belt, "then I will be as far away from him as possible."

[Matticus]

Grynde

Smirking at Damian, he holds up his left hand, middle finger raised, and slowly places the ring onto it. If you're so good, you don't need a ring...I hope this one doesn't bite.
Don't worry, Damian, I'll do what I'm told, like a good little half-elf he says, malice dripping from his voice like poison. And someday I'll give you back your ring, on a velvet pillow if you'd like. Would that makes things better between us? Because I would hate for us not to be friends. He says this rather savagely.
It's not your ring, Damian, but if you really want it back, ask me nicely. Manners don't cost much.
Also, this marks the third time you've threatened me. Please refrain from doing it again, it's quite rude.

(OOC: Yay. Is "The Finger" an actual concept in the Forgottem Realms? If not, then he's just being arrogant.)

[Koji]

Khazrael

With a frown at Grynde's behavior, Khazrael briefly considers trading his ring to Grynde and giving that to Damian--but realizes that his own ring is far more useful.

"Damian."

Khazrael slides the dragonfly ring off of his finger and tosses it to the beleaguered mercenary.

[kuja.girl]

Tiriel

Tiriel returns to the hall empty handed but happy to accept the silver long sword from the Iron Lord's men. After a moment of hesitation, she swaps her sword with the silver one, storing her flaming longsword in her pack. She watches the exchange between Damian and Grynde carefully and only steps forward after the half-elf's last statement.
"You're right Grynde, it's not his. Nor is it yours. So take the damned thing off your finger before I have to do it for you because while I may not know much about magic, I do know that we'll be better served with it on another's hand." Tiriel smiles grimly at the shorter man waiting to see his reaction.

intimidate check - (1d20+11)[12]
[ooc: and yes, I think we'd better use the RULES for this intimidate check since it will make things easier. See ooc post for details]

[Erikkin]

Fizahn:

"Okay Grynde. Very classy. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll go speak with the people who actually brought us the rings. Until they've made a decision, you can keep it." Fizahn says, extending his left hand towards Grynde to shake in a gesture of goodwill.

[Matticus]

Grynde

He stares blankly at Tiriel, unfazed by her height or masculinity.
You're not as scary as you think, y'know.
He looks down at Fizahn and his extended appendage thoughtfully, before taking a step backwards from both of them and chuckling.
I wasn't born yesterday, my lightfingered friend. He seems to be enjoying himself.