Quest-Givers [IC]

[Milo v3]

Eli had considered going into the Blood Archive itself, as his familiar Waltev suggested, but searching through books for days on end at the same time as risking of being identified would be far too annoying. It was a research organization which catalogued and detailed the ancestry of all major bloodlines that possessed inborn magical talent. This started when the ruling class of the city wanted to have a concrete idea of exactly who would be next in the leadership, as Silveroost was founded by a silver dragon and all it's upper class requires heritage from it's founder, but currently it has knowledge of all sorts of bloodlines from origins, from dragon to fiend to fey, but most importantly elemental.

With the assistance of a ghoulish drow outlaw he "obtained" while in the Underdark, he was able to kidnap and magically interrogate two minor Blood Archive scholars and quickly learned of Darris. He appeared to be an individual who was able to memorize half of the archives information, at least, that's what many in the archives claim.

Leaving the scholars corpses in the abandoned building (though, they had been sculpted to possess the appearance of the other individual.... Eli got abit... bored waiting for night-time...), the dhampir waited outside the Blood Archives atop his immense flying fox for Darris to exit. After only twenty minutes the man exited the building and appeared to be travelling home. Silent, the bat steed followed the scholar under Eli's instruction until Darris entered what must of been his home. The ratling and master dropped from the flying fox onto the homes wall. Using the magic of his shoes getting down to a window was rather effortless, though Waltev didn't need shoes to walk on walls of course. The window was open slightly, though only enough for creature maybe an eighth of his size.
"Displeasing." Eli muttered in infernal. The dhampir loathed squeezing through small gaps, but slowly the dhampir was able to pass through such a diminutive space. Once inside he widened the window, allowing his compatriot to follow. Darris saw the two rather swiftly, his face showing immense alarm, he was about to shou-
But by then, magic had already dripped from eli's tongue. It flowed into the scholars heart and twisted his mind. The blood mage enjoyed this approach so much more than just flipping through books.

[MichaelGoldclaw]

Along the seas past the mini-continent of Thalmandas, a ship sails to the mainland. Among them is a Half-Dragon named Sveargith and her sister, Arytiss. They were looking over the map, deciding their next location. "If we land here, we should be able to cause some havoc for the tyranical empire here after a few days travel."

"True, but currently, Thalmandas would have no deniability. We we have been given permission to attack them, I would love to, but right now, I think we land here and enjoy ourselves for the time being while we search for people who need our help."

"Alright, I'll inform the captain."

[Toxic Mind]

T'val looks across the surface world, even now tinted dark by the glasses she almost perpetually wore. It had been a grueling journey out of the Underdark, and in all likelihood her acts against House Auvry'Val had already been discovered, and all manner of assassins and other servants of the Drow Noble Houses were being mobilized to hunt her down. They could try.

T'val rests a hand on the sword hilt across her back. The gesture was unnecessary, as a thin line of fabric had been cut from her traveling cloth and through the scabbard so that a part of the sword always touched her flesh. Where are we tasting blood next? The though cuts into her consciousness. Sakenomi. The blade was her truly ever-present companion, for no matter how her allegiances shifted, Sakenomi was always there. Always waiting, always thirsting to drink. Of late the blade had become much more vocal, particularly after the Matriarch's death. Then again, it made sense. She had become more powerful, and the blade grew with her. "Where the path leads us" she said in response, though no words ever pass her lips.

"Speaking of paths." she turns to her current companion, the drow next to her. "Where does ours lie? Of a surety, we cannot stay here." T'val's long standing habit of carrying the conversations in her mind into the real world was well known by now, though no less annoying.

[Hamste]

Yes, Chemosh I packed food. I shouldn't be gone very long. It is just dealing with some bandits. Now remember, if Dnarys gives you any trouble on security consider if it is a good idea before telling her to stop. I know it can annoying but sometimes inconvenience is necessary for security. Pyrom said before hugging Chemosh good bye. Afterwards Chemosh signed the requisite forms and Pyrom went down to the armory to pick up the leave helmet. The helmet was made with special symbols on it that allowed the wearer to leave and enter the city with out setting of the traps at the gates. He also got the code to enter and leave the place. If he forgot the code or lost the helmet it would take weeks of heavy searching and questioning to get back in again.

Pyrom walked down the clean streets of the holiest of cities, heading towards the infirmary to donate some last healing before leaving. The majority of those in the infirmary were those sick with illness as only so many clerics could remove diseases magically leaving the rest to be treated by more mundane ways. Even the lightest of colds were treated here with the victim not being able to leave the quarantine zone until the clerics felt they were healthy again. Thankfully, do to this heavy quarantine it was difficult for disease to take hold anywhere. Pyrom walked towards the few remaining injured, presumably those who arrived late for when the clerics were channeling energy and therefore missed getting healed until the next group came in. Anyone who was not critically wounded were put into a thirty foot room to allow for maximum healing from channels. He channeled some of his weaker energy and their wounds sealed up easily. They thanked him and left to return to what ever they did on their free time. Smiling he continued on his way.

As he walked several guards patrolling the street said good bye or asked him some final question they didn't want to ask Dnarys. The guards always walked in groups of threes which was deemed most economical, there were two clerics and a paladin in every group with any one who didn't show at least some divine power from the high Blup not being allowed to be guards. There were two types of guard groups. Moving guards and corner guards. Corner guards kept various detect spells up and stood on corners waiting in case someone needed them. The moving guard as the name suggested moved around on patrol for those who broke laws. Their were some odd similarities to all the moving guards. The paladin was always mounted and so was one cleric. Only paladins that could summon a mount rode in the patrols to cut down costs. All were adept with knowing when people were sick or not and those who were found to be sick were escorted to a corner guard who then sent one of their men to escort the sick to the infirmary. The one on foot was adept at telling when someone was lying. was often highly charismatic and wore only the light armor. The ones on the horses always seemed to know when someone was evil or using spells. While neither was illegal if either was true they demanded to know where you lived often requiring you to lead them to it and a locket of your hair for future divination purposes. Those who came up evil often found themselves jailed for even the slightest breaking of the rules however.

After answering what what questions he could he finally made it to the gates. After speaking the code to the guard and putting on the helmet to avoid the traps he was finally outside. Farmland surrounded the city for many kilometers and he steeled himself for a boring days trip to the outer edges of their domain. The bandits in reality were not that bad but this gave him opportunity to get some news from the outside world and allowed him to check on the farmers a bit more, see what their life was like.

[Vhaidara]

Jason approaches the City. It was somewhere he had never been before, and he had heard interesting rumors about the place. He felt no need to change his appearance for this journey, but the woman at his side hardly shows her true colors. Light blonde hair to her waist and green eyes belie the beast that dwells within.
Before coming to the gate, Jason slows their pace to consult with her.
Setis, I'm going to ask you again. Reconsider coming with me. It's dangerous for you. This city is supposed to be a holy capitol. I don't think they will take lightly to you.
You worry too much, lover. Where you go, I go. Can't have you plotting where I an't see you. Or at least, drive you away from long term allies. Besides, if they can sense me, they can sense Natalshin, and I'm not letting you get him killed.
I've told you not to call me that. Alright, just please don't kill anyone this time. You know that you can use your powers for good. You make people happy. You just need to learn to stop before you kill them with it.
The succubus laughs.
You are as naive as ever. Fine, if it makes you happy, I won't finish anyone off unless they ask for it.

With that, the pair approaches the gates.

[IZ42]

Vaerthes stands on a rise, looking at the golden hued spires in the distance, leaning on his staff and pondering the city he was travelling towards. Straightening for a moment, he calls out to the woods bordering the road. "Ye can come out, Koroth, there is no one here." Moments later, what appears to be a large tiger appears from within the woods, seemingly out of nowhere. A heavy and growling voice, but not malevolent rumbles, "Aye, I suppose that is true. So, Cub, is that the city ye are heading towards?". "That t'is, old friend, and before you inevitably ask, I do not know why. You may travel with me into the city, but do please be sure to avoid scaring the residents.". With this, Vaerthes and the tiger walk down the rise, headed towards the city.

[Gintash]

*In the City*

Isabelle paced as she dried her hair from her shower earlier. She hated the feeling of blood on her body but with what she was doing she had no choice but to get a little dirty. The man she had just tortured for information had given her nothing that she could use to find more of the people who were torturing others around the city. She had no idea where to go next, nor what her next step should be. She hated the fact that she had killed all those who gave her slithers of useful information. However, she was happy that they had finally gotten what they all deserved after what they had done to all those people.

"Stop pacing girl. It is neither good for your health, nor those around you who get infected by your worries." Said a familiar voice coming from in front of the fireplace. Rantock had obviously been napping there, enjoying the heat until Isabelle started pacing and woke him up.

"Sorry. I just don't know where to go from here and without a trail to follow I have no idea who else has been torturing those poor people which put me behind in stopping them." Isabelle said as she looks out an open window to the city outside.

"Well your not going to find anything new out by pacing or looking out that window so why not come over here, sit by the fire and get yourself warm before thinking about saving anyone else. Even heroes need a break sometimes." Rantock said as he curled up once more. Isabelle walked over smiling at him. He knew she hated being called a hero but loved to tease her about it. However, he was right either way. Worrying would get her nowhere, so she took his advice and sat near the fire. Half to dry herself off, half to enjoy the warm glow of it before she had to get up and get herself ready for a walk around the city.

[Xunthrae]

Izzdar was not happy with the last part of their trip. He was definitely not used to 'roughing it' in any sense of the word. He was dirty, sweaty and tired, but eventually, after squeezing himself out of one final crack in a cave wall they could see the burning brightness of the daytime surface. T'val, his Kayal companion, had gone ahead already since she wasn't averse to physical activity. Before reaching the surface he made sure to don his protective glasses. They shield his eyes from the harsh light of the sun.

Izzdar squints at the landscape. He wasn't impressed, though the surface always made him uneasy. He feels like something is going to come out of the the sky and whisk him away. He glances over at his companion, his Lenses of Darkness covering his eyes. "Well, let's find some people and find out whats around here. But first..." He begins casting a several spells, two summon spectral four legged animals. Izzdar's mount reflects his heritage. It's skin has a chitinous sheen and a spider head on its horse-like frame, while his companion's is simpler, the generic outcome of his spell. He knows she prefers it that way.

Next, he creates a set of four royal looking guards on mounts similar to his companion's. They were equipped with slender looking full-plate colored purple with red accents, Auvry'Val's house colors, and wicked and jagged looking spears, obviously meant to rend and tear flesh.

"Now that we properly attended, Let's find those people." With a wicked grin Izzdar sets off, keeping his mind occupied mostly with maintaining his spell. T'val was a much better watcher than he was, so she can take care of that.

They spend the next several hours traveling past what he could only guess are trees. He has never traveled to the parts of the surface that has them. They're like mushrooms, but less.... squishy. Also, during those hours he made a game of having the guards talk to each other. Manipulating his illusion for his entertainment. He had them speak in all manner of accents, voices, tones. Izzdar doesn't think T'val is amused with it, but the illusionist is having fun with his figments.

Eventually they found a road. It is deserted, but that may be because of a group like them is such an impressive sight. The other travelers obviously got out of their way to show respect. There is little sign of other people until the pair encountered a cart overturned on the side of the road. There are a pair humans, one an older man the other a younger one, probably his son, in quite a disgusting set of clothing. Izzdar knows humans are distasteful, but really. They are so incredibly filthy, even the mage himself had time to clean himself with magic while on the road. Pitiful.

The peasants are blatantly in awe and fear of his entourage. They are quite an impressive work of magic if he does say so himself. He holds up his hand in a fist, stopping his illusion at the same time as letting his companion know to stop.

"M'lord! May we please beg for your aid? One of our cart's wheel's broke and fell over. Please, will you help us?

The drow looks at the pair, looks at the few, meager possessions they have and knows they had nothing to offer. Izzdar looks to his companion and decides to make a game out of it. "I don't know. What do you think? Should we help them, my friend? They are in need of some assistance, guess."

T'val looks the pair over, scoffs and merely turns her mount down the road as answer. "well, I guess that answers that." With a chuckle the drow follows suit.

The pair seemed surprised at the denial of assistance. The younger man, flustered and stunned at their callous dismissal shouts after them, "What do you mean you won't help us! We are people in need of help! That's supposed to work, people are supposed to help each other, not just leave them to suffer!"

The older human swears and shouts out "Attack them anyway!" At that command many other humans swarm out of the tree-line with swords and a few with crossbows. Their first volley and set of attacks went after the royal guard, many missing them and other bolts and swords merely slashing through the illusions.

Izzdar was surprised at the human's gall to attack him. No matter, he lets go of his concentration of his illusions, letting them now distract the humans in combat. His mind no longer distracted by maintaining the guards he lets loose another illusion, this time it seems as if the Hell's themselves are seeping through into the plane centered on himself. It may be prudent to leave some of these humans alive, so they may serve him. They seem to have the tenacity for it.

[Hamste]

Jason and Setis
You see three guards standing behind the close portcullis wearing breastplates and shields with short swords at their waist. Near them there is also a few longspears. On the walls sits several more guards each also wearing breastplates but instead of shields and short swords they hold crossbows and have longspears. The walls are about thirty feet high. When you reach about 60 ft away one of the guards standing on the inside of the closed portcullis stares at you. A few seconds later one of the other guards who seemed a whole lot less interested tapped the man on the elbow. He whispers something off to the side out of sight before yelling.

Spoiler: DC 21 perception check to hear the whisper

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Strong. Many.

A second later there is the sound of a horse galloping away.

Halt. What is your business here. We have sent someone to deal with the bandits if that is your problem.

Vaerthes and Koroth

The scene is very similar to the one Jason and Setis face however an old lady joins the guards at this entrance. She seems to be yelling at them about proper procedure and about how they shouldn't have turned their back on the gate even to greet her. The guards seem to be on edge and when they notice the tiger they only get more nervous. When you are with in 60 ft one of the guards perks up. The guard seemed indecisive trying to decide whether to touch the old lady or another guard. He ultimately decided to tap the elbow of the other guard. The other guard nodded and whispered off to the side.

Spoiler: DC 21 perception to hear the whisper

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None, Many. Then there is a scribbling noise.

See, now you idiots are getting it. When I visit you do not break procedure. Always stick to procedure no matter what. Now what do you want. The old lady said turning around to squint at you. Her eyes look cloudy and she leans heavily on an old stick. She seems completely unfazed by the tiger.

Pyrom

So much boredom. Talking to the townsfolk was nice and all but the scenery was so boring. Fields and more fields. There was nothing to do he couldn't even day dream because he had to keep focused on his detect evil. Soon he would get to the forest and then he would be able to deal with them. After that he would be able to talk with the townsfolk some more. That would be interesting at least. Pyrom thought to himself as he entered the forest.

[Toxic Mind]

T'val sighs. A quick gesture and a secondary bubble of force appears around her, deflecting the few arrows that managed to even get close to her. She vaults off the horse and draws Sakenomi in one fluid motion. Another hand along the edge of the sword, and it shimmers, it's edge now looking wicked enough to slice through the light itself.

The illusionary soldiers may have been faked, their armor and weapons little more than figments of Izzdar's imagination, but as the bandits would soon discover, she was very real, and very deadly. By now, the quickest among the company had reached the two "travelers" and, thinking that all of Izzdar's guards must be illusions, they ignored her.

The results were decidedly fatal. It only took one. One of the bandits, a gruff man carrying an axe, ran by, ignoring the woman completely. Right up until the dueling sword took off his head. Blood sprayed across the dusty earth, and the battle stopped dead in its tracks. "They killed Xander!" One of the bandits screams. Oops. Probably a relative of the fellow.

"Cease your squabbling! You cannot defeat me. Surrender, and I will spare you. Otherwise you can join your family member in death. The bandits stop, many of them thinking it over. "If you work with us, you will be paid, and you will all live. The choice is yours. T'val stares at the bandit leader, daring him to disagree. Then, after a long few seconds, he bows his head. T'val sheathes her sword and looks at Izzdar, who had apparently been channeling his own illusion, which may have broken the minds of a few of their new converts. Oh well.

[Vhaidara]

Spoiler: Telepathically to Jason

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I think they're on to something. Whispering about us already, and not the kind I normally here. At least, without context

Jason looks up at the men. Not overly surprising that they would be suspicious
We are simply travelers, wandering the world. We wish to spend this night with roof above our heads. May we enter your city?

[Hamste]

The guard seems somewhat confused by the question. One does not simply enter the Healthiest of Cities. It takes many weeks of questions and tests after which you are a citizen forever and may only leave with permission. Disease must be kept at bay and those who wish to destroy us must be purged from those who wish to enter before we can allow entry. If you wish you can continue about a half a days journey that way. Some...oh what were those things called again? The jolly little smelly people? They were so annoyed we thought they were small humans...hmmmm, Dwarves I think it was? Anyways they said they were going to set up an inn at the foot of the mountains when we turned them away ten years ago. They made it pretty far into the program but they just wouldn't accept the High Blup into their hearts. If you wish to become a citizen of our Fairest of Cities we will just need to get the judges together but we do have some rooms for those who wish to live among us. Pyrom isn't here but he is sure to be back by the time the judging is to be done. The guard said gesturing towards some mountains off in the distance when mentioning the inn. He tries to put on a relaxed demeanor but it is obvious to all that he very on edge about something.

[Vhaidara]

Jason's eyes narrow.
Now, why is it that you would not allow the citizenry to leave? I cannot think of many reasons for that, and none of them are holy.
Setis, meanwhile, closes her eyes and hums a little tune to herself.

Spoiler: OoC

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She is using her Detect Thoughts SLA. No verbal or somatic components to notice, Will save DC 20 to negate. Going for the surface thoughts (3 rounds, 18 seconds) of the guards within 60ft.

[Hamste]

A few of the guards look a bit suspicious but say nothing.
Wonder what is going on. I never saw them send out a horse before. Maybe they are enemies of our faith? Everyone is healthy, protected and well fed. How could this no be holy? One of the guards on the wall was thinking.

I really hope they get here soon. Don't know how we would deal with two people this evil. I kind of wonder why evil seems to scale with strength. Couldn't weaker people be evil? I really don't like that I have to offer them a chance at citizenship in our fine city but I'm sure they won't make it. Bah, makes sense those that revel in evil will think what we do is not kind. The guard speaking to you thinks.

These guys must be pretty rich with all those magic items on them. I would be pretty nervous myself if I had to deal with people this rich. I wonder what they do to make so much money. I wonder why they think staying forever in the city would be a bad thing One of the other guards behind the portcullis thought.

The High Blup had decreed that we must work to stop disease and starvation. If we let people leave forever we abandon them to a life of poverty, sickness and death. If we let them leave even temporarily we risk the threat of disease into our Kindest City. As it is we are being generous with letting others...even those that are evil into our city. The guard says staring pointedly at you two.

Not lying, evil people could theoretically enter our city. There is no laws against evil. Sure it has never happened but they could.

Spoiler: Intelligence

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They all have intelligence 10 except the guard speaking to you has an intelligence of 7.

[Vhaidara]

Spoiler: Tt Jason

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They detected our auras. And they are all idiots who are convinced this place is paradise.

So once an individual has become a citizen, they surrender their freedom to leave?
Jason glances off in the direction the horse went.
So, who are we waiting on? I would guess that horse went to one of your superiors.

Setis, meanwhile, decides to have some fun. She keeps humming as she works a little bit of her magic

Spoiler: Tt Speaking Guard

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Now then, is it really fair to treat people differently just because they have done things in the past?

Spoiler: OoC

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Tt is going to be shorthand for "Telepathy to".
Suggestion to treat Jason and Setis with less suspicion, DC 21. Again, SLA, no external sign

[Xunthrae]

Izzdar is dissapointed at how quickly the bandits gave up. He wanted to make them relieve themselves in their trousers. He had this whole plan to make himself look like a demon and convince them that he pulled a part of his Hell into the prime material and that their souls were his, but oh well. T'val was just as effective, if less fun.

"Now then," He waved his hand, dismissing the very real and convincing illusion of the hells. It probably helps he's been there. "Take us to your encampment. I will evaluate each of you and then assign you your tasks and duties."

The mage has them all walk infront of himself and T'Val. It's much easier to destroy them if they are all nice and clumped together.

The group walk for roughly an hour before they reach a clearing with the bandit's encampment. There were a few people scattered about the camp, even a few children, but nothing that stood out to Izzdar. "Good work following directions. Now," He pauses, turning his head slowly while his gaze slides over the camp. "Prepare the camp for an inspection. Tomorrow, Myself and my companion here will see to it you all become more than mere bandits in the time ahead, but first we must take stock in what you all actually have." The contempt in his voice with undisguised at the end. It was obvious he did not hold them in high regard.

The noble pushes his Spider-horse phantom to move to an opening near the center of the camp before stopping. He dismounts and begins a ritual. Slowly pieces of wood, grass and mud build up in front of the drow. Minutes pass by and a shelter is taking shape, and after ten in total a cottage made of mud, grass and wood stands in the small opening between the bandit's tents.

The sun has begun to set by the time Izzdar's shelter is finished. The drow commands the closest human to bring their leader to him. The young man hustles back with their commander in tow. Izzdar beckons the man inside., a sly smile on his coal black skin. "Please, come in. We have much to discuss." It was obvious the former leader was uncomfortable. "Please, relax. You have nothing to fear from me." A smile graces the illusionists face. It was plain the man didn't believe him fully, but he had no other choice but to comply.

Once inside Izzdar faces the dirt covered man and incants a spell, a simple charm spell to make him more pliable to the drow's plans. The noble watches the spell wash over the captain... and fail. This irks the drow. Something deep inside wants him to lash out and punish the lowly human for the impudence to resist his spell, but prudence and restraint win out and he stays his hand.

The former leader turns and tries to escape the shelter, only to find out that the door locked behind him. While the panicked man tries to get through the barred door, Izzdar attempts once again to place the man under his control, this time the effects are obvious. The man relaxes and turns around, a smile on his face. "My friend! It's so great to see you!" The older man rushes in and embraces Izzdar, much to his dismay. "What did you need me to do?"

After Izzdar extricates himself from the hug, he asks the former leader to go back into the camp and convince his former bandits to follow the instructions they've been given and to perform their best, since their new leader will turn their luck around and set them on the path to wealth and influence.

[Toxic Mind]

Pyrom and T'val

For her part, T'val has little patience or taste for the particular manner of persuasion that Izzdar employs. So she ventures beyond the confines of the small forest hamlet that the bandits call home. For T'val, it is not about mounts or worries that her safety or her honor might be in danger. She simply wandered off, with the knowledge that Izzdar would be working at his 'tasks' for some time. In the dappled shade of the forest, she could remove her lenses and put them away with only a small amount of discomfort, most alleviated if she avoided the sunbeams.

It was not long before she ran into him. Wandering through the forest, he seemed to be headed in the direction of the bandit camp she had recently left. "Hello there sirrah. What brings you to these woods?" she asks cordially enough to Pyrom, though the other would notice that her hand was never far from her sword, and her eyes constantly darted to his weaponry.

[Milo v3]

With the now dominated Darris, Eli could gain the information much faster. The afflicted sat comfortably in a relatively large chair near the scholars fireplace, a bottle of wine floating beside him slowly started to pour into his glass. Wasn't the best wine, but darris wasn't nobility he supposed.

Conveying orders to his new slave through his familiar, he was abit annoyed the man did not seem to understand fiendish tongues or draconic. After two hours of questioning, it appeared Darris did possess the knowledge he desired.

"The bloodline we have been searching for still exists, currently the family possessed the name of Windbreaker. Though most of the Windbreaker family appear to have been killed, leaving most of the families power to a non-relative widow." Waltev translated the information.
"Do the records state where said widow lives?"
"Currently.... hmm..... the City."
"Which. City." He was swiftly getting impatient.
"The Holiest of Cities on this plane, Eli."
"Oh... the one you were mentioning last week. That is... unfortunate. Don't they have paladins on every street?"
"Rfa sis to nee" The dominated scholar said, though Eli isn't really sure what he was responding to and Waltev appeared to be annoyed at whatever it was.
"Ahem... yes. That place."

Six hours passed, and the dhampir was already heading to the city. The dominated Darris was instructed to stay indoors until he had run out of food, while the ghoul Solinid rode atop the monstrous flying fox. This megabat flew within the canopy, following the immense spirit wolf.

Gnora was annoyed, he could run so fast, and yet the Cruoromancer that rode him would not let him. Apparently the feeble dire bat could not keep up..... Only nine more hours.

[Hamste]

Jason and Setis

A look of extreme rage shows in the guard's eyes for a second before he calmed himself. If I act in a way that you don't expect they have done something to me. They seem to be able to speak into our minds who knows what else they can do. Crossbow men prepare to shoot if they move any closer. The guard starts yelling. The crossbow men look confused for a second before shrugging. They pull out their crossbows and prepare to fire. A few men down the wall react. There are a few shouts in both directions and they move in a bit closer.

Dnarys is coming. We are going to need you to move back sixty feet. Please, keep your hands where we can see them. I don't know what you tried to do to me but casting magic on someone without permission or a warrant is illegal with very few exceptions. We are going to have to ask that you stay here until they arrive.

T'vall
This was exactly why he constantly kept his detect evil up. Sure knowing if your opponent was wielding strong magical powers was good but knowing you have a possible opponent was much more.

Looking for some bandits that took up residence around here. You wouldn't happen to know where they are do you? I can't help but notice your interest in my sword you want to see it. Beautifully made thing could slice your head right off it could. Absolutely vicious as well. Pyrom pulls out the sword holding it up for inspection. Cuts right through evil creatures, I hear it drains their very life away. Quite a beautiful thing it is and right now it wishes for bandit blood. Woe to anyone who would wish to stop it from attaining its righteous wrath.

[Vhaidara]

Spoiler: Tt Jason

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Setis, what did you do?
Me? Why do you always suspect me? These people are mad, and clearly oversuspicious of us! Teach them respect, Jason!

Jason doesn't step forward, but neither does he make any motion back.
Sir, I suggest you think twice before accusing us. The lady and I are simple travelers. I myself am a healer who wished to offer my services here. Do you truly wish to turn us away simply because of your prejudice against outsiders?

Setis simply smiles softly, still humming to herself.

Spoiler: OoC

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Setis used Suggestion on Jason.
Jason Intimidate: (1d20+3)[17], gets another +3 if the guy would be attracted to him (go essence of the succubus!)

[Hamste]

...outsider? What the **** is an outsider? Lower your weapons men. The guard at the gates said looking slightly nervous at the implication that he might be wrong. The men looked at each other and ignored him resolutely following his order to not listen to him if he acted in an odd way. I will not open the gate though. What ever you do to me is not worth betraying my beloved city for. He says not at all happy with his situation. Some loud clomping his heard through the street and four more guards appear on horseback. All the guards carried short swords and shields as well as the standard armor but two carried saps as well. In the distance the sound of marching can be heard.

What's going on here. One of the new guards said.

Two strong tried to enter the city by using magic on the guard. They claim to be none who are just outsiders what ever those are. No idea how that relates to our detection spells. The acting commander is on her way. The relieved previous speaker said.

What do you have to say for yourself? Also back up sixty feet. Standard procedure for spell casters. Refusal to back up results in immediate firing of the crossbows. The new speaker said turning towards you.

Spoiler

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I figured with how long we have been talking it was reasonable for two of the patrols to have heard about it by now as well as some of the corner guard (Who being on foot take a bit longer to get there)

[Toxic Mind]

T'val stands, looking unimpressed, as the shadows play across her face. Her skin is alabaster white, no efforts made to disguise it. Her eyes, the right one hidden beneath a cascade of silver hair, glow a dim red in the failing light. She is not tall, as far as humans go, but her posture is unbowed, and the ghost of a smile seems to play across her face. The outline of the woman seems to fade in and out of the shadow, making her looks over his blade. "I've seen sharper" she said, with an expression of boredom. "But since you seem to need to compare things, as men are wont to do..."

T'val draws her sword. The blade is blacker than the darkest shadows, seeming to drink in the light itself. "This is Sakenomi. She says hello, and asks what you taste like. She's rather less polite than most civilized folk, but then again, it seems that most of the people I've met care little about manners, so she should feel right at home." This said with one eyebrow raised at him. The not so subtle threats had clearly not gone unnoticed. "Do you know what her name means? I'm sure you don't. It is an ancient language, lost to the world now, even she only knows the meaning of her own name. Drinker. She drinks life."

T'val looks around. "I have no interest in fighting you, and there are clearly no bandits here." T'val looks to the left and the right. "I came from the west, and there were no bandits for a mile in that direction. I would search to the east or the south. There is a cave to the Underdark several hours ride to the west if that's more up your alley. Perhaps the drow are raiding from there and the citizens mistook them for common bandits."

Spoiler: OOC

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T'val is not lying, however she is also not telling the truth. The bandits are to the North, however, none of her statements are direct lies, simply lies of omission. Up to you Hamste if you think Pyrom would not believe her.

[Vhaidara]

Jason nods, and steps back. Setis follows suit, keeping Jason between her and the guards.

I simply wished to visit a new place, and perhaps help some people in need. The lady has been my travelling companion for some time. This man accused us of attempting to invade his mind for no reason that I could detect.

Setis simply continues her humming, turning her spell upon the newcomers.

Spoiler: OoC

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The Detect Thoughts is now on the new guards. Or at least, whoever they are now 60ft from. Also, I just realized she has passive Detect Good. So, aura strengths?

[QuidEst]

Kyoni travelled in style. She reclined in a palanquin draped in red and gold was carried along on the shoulders of six acolytes robed in dark grey with red lining. Another pair walked out ahead with incense, and behind there was a collection of some two-dozen more carrying supplies and the like. Beside the silk-covered platform, a fox the size of a horse trotted along, occasionally stopping to look the acolytes over, growling now and then at any stragglers.

It was the fox who spoke first, addressing Kyoni. "We're nearing the city. It might be best to proceed on foot. The acolytes can set up camp well away, while we go on ahead."

Inside the palanquin, Kyoni sighed, and rapped on the wooden edge. The acolytes stopped, and she slid out onto the ground. "Yes, yes, fine. But go back to your real form, Noli. I don't want anybody seeing you like this either."

Dutifully, the fox closed its eyes, and in a blur that was a little unsettling to look at directly, shifted into a half-elf in thick robes. "Conwell, get up here!" she snapped, and a lean priest stepped forward. "The spells."

Conwell nodded dutifully, and accepted a rod from Noli. He chanted briefly, first over Noli and then Kyoni. His work finished, he handed the rod back before bowing deeply and returning to the entourage.

"That's the fall-back. We won't register for two days. Obviously your own magic will be far more effective, Mistress," Noli said. "Those in the city watch outsiders who appose their little god with a great deal of suspicion, after all."

"Mmm. I do hope there will be as many recruits as you think there will be," Kyoni replied, examining her nails idly. "It would be a pity to go to all the trouble and get nothing from it, after all."

Noli nodded, well aware that there would be very little pity involved if she were wrong about this. "Yes, it is oppressive, restrictive, and walled off from the outside. There will be many in the city who wish for more than the table scraps of their little god. But will you be working your magic now?"

"I already did. Have a look."

A short chant let Noli see the layers of magic overlaying the world. While no expert at reckoning their precise meaning, she was familiar enough to recognize that both their auras had been greatly simplified. Layers of magic of different schools were replaced by just one. It was never convincing to be free of magic- amateurs concealed everything- but most items were transmutation. Redirecting the spell to an amulet or belt was far more effective. Noli nodded, satisfied that the spell held up to her cursory examination. If it couldn't do even that, then something had gone quite wrong.

There were a few last minute preparations to be made, orders to be given, and clergy to be directed. Kyoni left such things to Noli while she started out, leaving her high priestess to catch up. It was an hour's walk for them. When they arrived at the gate, however, there seemed to be something of a commotion.

Kyoni smiled. She was fond of commotions. "Hail!" she called, waving as she approached the group at the gate. "What seems to be the trouble?"

Noli hurried up behind, keeping quiet and hoping not to mess up whatever it was her divine mistress was doing.

Spoiler: Spells up

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Kyoni and Noli both have Conceal Alignment up for two days. They also have nine hours remaining of Misdirection. They both detect like their magic belts- non-evil, and minor magic of the sort of transmutation that just about any adventurer would have.
In addition, Kyoni has nine hours of Glibness remaining. She's rocking a +40 +45 to bluff right now. Detecting lies or forcing her to tell the truth requires a CL 25 check.

EDIT: Updated bluff modifier. I forgot that The Liar grants +2 as a seance bonus, and The Rakshasa grants +3 to all skills as a spirit bonus.

[Hamste]

Jason, Setis, Noli and Kyoni

The detect good shows three of the six that were in range on the wall detect as faint good, two do not show up and the remaining person on the wall detects as moderate. The three guards behind the portcullis register as moderate good. The guards that just came haven't been in sight for 18 seconds yet when you move back though it has been long enough to know the number of good auras increased by five when they arrived. If you followed the man's orders you should now be out of range of close range spells and detect thoughts.


If you wish to contest the charges we have two clerics coming that can sort things out. They have a thing for telling when people lie or not. You could even say it was magic...because it is. If either of you refuse to submit to the truth detection magic we will assume both of you are guilty but you may wish to do it if you have broken any other laws. The guard says. The marching continues to get louder. At this point the man notices the two newcomers.

I suggest you two go to a different gate. This one is closed until this is sorted out. If you are willing to wait it will take just a few minutes. He says gesturing to Noli and Kyoni.

Spoiler

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Seeing she has cast other things I assume she is recasting detect thoughts (Which isn't a problem at all because it is at will just matters for success and failure for the others who already have in the area) though you do need to get in range again. Also important to note, some of them may be LN. A cleric pings as their deity's alignment (Aura class feature) even if they don't match up exactly. Also is it ok if I change one detail? I want all four of the patrollers to have saps instead of just two with the High Blup's favored weapon being a sap. I have been going with one round of talking=1 round so after them giving you final warning that puts them in sight for 12 seconds.

T'vall
I would presume I taste rather bitter. Anyways I doubt the drow would be raiding us. I can see bandits being that dumb but I can't imagine anyone even remotely organized would want to anger a city full of paladins and clerics. Though it is good to know they are there. Nah, I would go with it being bandits. So are you haven't seen any bandits? Pyrom said keeping his blade out.

[Toxic Mind]

Pyrom

"Are you daft? Did I not just say that? You know, they should really train warriors from this City of yours to better pay attention." T'val says, angry now. As dusk truly falls in the clearing, T'val becomes even more difficult to see, her body blurring in a strange way that made it hard to focus on. Without a light, the paladin would find it hard to see, whereas T'val saw better. "You might wish to make camp before night truly falls, sir knight. You never know what might find you in the darkness."

[Vhaidara]

Jason nods.
We have nothing to hide.

Spoiler: Tt Kyoni

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Well hello there beautiful. We didn't perchance meet sometime in the past, did we? No need to speak, I can hear you if you want me to.

[QuidEst]

"We have no reason not to wait," Kyoni answered the guard with a smile.

Spoiler: Tt to Setis

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A voice entered her mind. Something of a surprise, but she took it in stride. If you're talking to me like this, I assume you do have something to hide. I've warded myself against their magic, but I can't do a much more than vouch for you at this point. If your business here is anything less than urgent, we might just travel together instead. If it is urgent, I'll see what I can do. She decided the last bit on a snap judgment. New recruits were certainly important, but powerful allies were a much greater asset.

[Vhaidara]

Jason and Setis simply wait. Inwardly, Setis is smiling.

Spoiler: Tt Kyoni

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Oh, pay no attention to Jason. He's sweet, but ignorant. As far as business here, I don't even think we have any. Jason just has a bleeding heart and a wandering soul. In more ways than one.
She ends with a chuckle.

Spoiler: Tt Jason

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Lover boy, we've got company. And I think she could be interesting to meet.

[QuidEst]

Kyoni waited as well for the clerics to proceed with the inquisition. Noli, unaware of the conversation going on, kept quiet and did her best to think of any last-minute changes to their plan- a plan that hadn't accounted for the guards being on even higher alert than their usual background xenophobic paranoia.

Spoiler: Tt to Setis

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Mmm. I wouldn't mind a taste to see just how sweet. Well, if you have the situation under control, I won't be interfering. Do let me know if you'd like any help, of course. I'm Kyoni, by the way. It's a rare pleasure to be able to talk like this, although I'm sure you're used to it by now.