Age of Ruin IC: Facing down destiny

[NobleSavage]

Kaleff

Kaleff frowns as Sumner suggests excluding him, "I'm not so sure thats a good idea. I would like to poke around town, and my perceptive abilities may prove quite useful. Unfortunately, my spells dealing with invisibility were lost over there somewhere," he points in what he thinks may be the direction the Bronze Cauldron would have been in. "and can manage only short peroids of personal concealment. I can, however, disguise myself as an ordinary member of town quite easily. If you two decide to go on on your own, I will probably choose to explore on my own."

[Toliudar]

Ismal

Ismal smiles.

Three doses of invisibility, coming up. And Kaleff, remember that we're scouting here mostly to ensure that there isn't some kind of major catastrophe that's struck the town. If it were me, I wouldn't go wandering too far off on my own - but you're a big boy. Do keep in mind also that this will only last a few minutes.

And finally, if you do go off on your own, do check in periodically, mentally, if you don't mind. As long as we don't separate too much, I should still be able to hear you.

As they got closer to the town, Ismal's own thoughts turned to the Bronze Cauldron, and the fateful and spectacularly ill-fated meeting that took place there. As if the mood could not be any blacker. Which prompted her to ask.

Sumner, I guess I'm not clear. If you're so convinced that it's not Gothul cohabiting with you, what DO you think it is?

When the three were close enough to town that she judged them in danger of being spotted, Ismal paused and wove three spells of invisibility, finishing with herself.

Shall we?

She continued forward, moving as quietly as possible.

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So, that's nine minutes of invisibility. Ozzy, I'd appreciate a warning at about the 4-5 minute mark of our further travels.

She'll continue forward at regular speed until she spots a creature, at which point she'll slow to half speed. Taking 10 on move silently rolls until I have to do otherwise, for a total of 11.

[The Great Skenardo]

Sumner Kesh
Quietly thankful that his speculation will be silent, Sumner broadcasts to Ismal
It is a spirit of some kind, although its exact nature I do not know. It has a name, but it is one ancient and powerful, and I have promised not to say it out loud. I know little else.

[Toliudar]

Ismal

The now invisible Ismal nods reflexively, then realizes how useless the gesture is.

I appreciate your candour. My concern is that Ur-Jyn has not, as yet, been wrong. And the little guy is rather insistent that it's Gothul inside you. You'll understand that if I were Gothul, I'd have given a different name too. After all, even if you had some way of knowing that you had the demon's real name, who's to say that Gothul wasn't a sort of nom de guerre for it in the past? There aren't likely to be many around who would have first-hand knowledge of the demon, since first-hand knowledge of Gothul was usually followed by a great deal of screaming and then abrupt silence.

I say all of this only to explain why we're concerned, and concerned for you. I don't doubt your sincerity, but these things have a nasty tendancy to work out so that by the time you realize the bargain is a bad one, it's rather too late to do anything about it.

I guess what I'm asking is: would you be open to an effort to effect a disentanglement of you with this spirit?

She continues to walk towards the town's main street, looking around and trying to figure out the source of the extra smoke.

[Ozzy_G]

The Dar Ven named Bren looks over at Draven, gives his companion a short shrug and tells his tale.
I was mercenary once. Fought for gold. One day, some demon-fiend stings me in battle and I fall down. When I come to again, my strength and health is gone. I had heavy armour and big sword, like Tharok. But I can not wear anymore. So I wandered, aimless. One day, I had dream I talked you about. Did not think much of it. But then meet Tharok. He on vision quest from shaman, very important. So I ask him, if I can join him and he agrees. Then we come upon squid-man and dead people. And Tharok has vision to go through portal to meet destiny. We meet Azakan. Rest you know.
Tharok nods. I was near the portal, when I had a vision. While less talkative, Tharok seems to speak better Davethran than Bren, though he has an accent. It told me bits and pieces, from which we worked out that we had to go through the Mind Flayer portal in order to raise our friends. And we came out of the ruin you saw, near the town with Azakan in. That's where we met him, only a few hours before you turned up. You guys seem to know a lot more about him than we do. He looks down at the sleeping noble.
So, how come you went to Goramesh? asks Bren.


Meanwhile, Ismal, Sumner and Kaleff proceed invisibly to the town. This takes them about four or five minutes of walking. They reach the town gates, where three guards sit on barrels playing cards and drinking. They seem far less alert than the last time you came here.
You can see the street inside. Banners hang mornfully across between buildings, once bright but now washed out by rain. You cannot read them, as the words have washed out. There is a lot of rubbish on the streets compared to before, confetti and streamers lying in the mud.
You cannot yet see where the thin layer of smoke is coming from, it seems to be further inside town.

[Toliudar]

Ismal

Ismal sends her thoughts out to her two companions, hoping that they're still nearby.

Well, they're not digging mass graves, putting out fires, or praying for absolution against the prospect of an upcoming armageddon, so I'm going to guess it's not going to be too dangerous to head in as a group. Maybe Azakan was right - that there was some kind of celebration here last night. After all, not everyone knows that we're dancing on a precipice.

In any case, I suggest we jog on back and get the others. By the time we learn anything inside, the spells would be fading, anyway. Sure, we could renew them, but...well, I'd like to conserve my energy if I can. Considering how complicated things got the LAST time we came here.

[NobleSavage]

Kaleff Nefud

You're right, it doesn't look too bad. If you think it'd be a good idea, I could stay here, do a little more recon. As you say, I can be unobtrusive, and if you're still worried about running into unfriendlies an advance scout would come in handy. I can, in fact, restrain my curiosity for a few more moments, though.

[knewsom]

Draven shrugged.

"Huh. Hard to believe anyone knows less about him than I do. Interesting stories. Truth be told, I'm still not sure why we ended up in Goramesh. We were in this tavern in town here, like Sumner said, the Bronze Cauldron. Some damned archmages had hired a few of us to find this guy Orin Stillwater because he had to be an archmage or something, I don't really know. I was just supposed to track him down and tell him they were lookin' for him, and if he was amenable, escort him back. Well, we had word he'd be at the Cauldron, and when we went to find our contact, Ismal and I ended up caught in the middle of an argument about something or other, this one guy in crazy spiked armor decided to attack, he was killed, but in his dying breath, laughed and said he'd send us all to hell with him. Then he exploded in flames, and the next thing I knew, Ismal, myself, Sumner, Kaleff, Khorik here, and Hern all awoke butt-naked on a pile of bones in a balmy realm with a red sky. Never did find out what happened to our other friends, except for poor Livina here... or what happened to that guy we were supposed to find. Oh well, that damned Govan was probably up to no good anyways, the fork-tongued sneak. I just hope I'll eventually get to speak with one of the people who survived the explosion in the inn so I can find out what happened."

[Toliudar]

Ismal

Ismal passes along Kaleff's comments to Sumner, and adds her own thoughts.

Kaleff, you do as you see fit. I'm reasonably satisfied that there are no obvious threats, and it seems quite unlikely that I'd find a subtler threat in a few minutes. If there are potential hostiles here, I make it much worse if I pop in unexpectedly. I'm walking back now. If you want to let me know where we might best look for you when we come, I'll do my best to check in on you.

The mental shrug in Ismal's voice is evident. She'll wait for a few moments for either man to respond, then - unless there is a request for her to stay - she will start heading back the way she came.

[The Great Skenardo]

Sumner Kesh
Sumner grunts his approval.
Yes, I agree. Guards drinking is something reassuring, if rather slovenly. I'm concerned, however, as to what effect my new appearance will have in town.
A pause.
As to the spirit, I do not know. So far I cannot see that the presence is a malevolent one, although there is much I still wish I knew. Wait and see, I guess.

[Toliudar]

Ismal

As you wish.

I guess we'll find out soon enough about the effect of your appearance - I have no disguise that will hold up for any length of time, and I have no idea how long Azakan plans to spend here. If we're going to be trying to raise Livina and those others from the dead, that could be hours, if not days.

Glad that Sumner couldn't see the concern on her face, Ismal slips back to the group to report.

Spoiler

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Pausing to see if Kaleff is going to head into town, or come back with the group.

[Ozzy_G]

Ismal appears in front of the group around the sleeping Azakan.
What did you find? asks Khorik.

[Toliudar]

Ismal

Ismal smiles. She speaks softly, so as not to waken Azakan.

As far as I can tell, the remnants of a bonfire festival. A few guards in front of the town, with several hairs of dog. Some washed-out banners and garbage around. If there was some kind of calamity, it was the most lackadaisical response I've ever seen. I think Kaleff has secreted himself somewhere in the town to do some poking about.

Her eyes soften a bit as she looks down at the sleeping would-be (or would-he-be?) monarch. She might have high expectations and grave reservations about the man, but she certainly didn't envy him either.

Once he's awake, I'd say we'd be safe to move on. Sooner the better, as far as those heads are concerned, I suppose.

She smiles at Bren and gestures to his bag.

Were you...close friends? It's reassuring to find this kind of loyalty and dedication, in amongst...well. Anyone, these days.

[The Great Skenardo]

Sumner Kesh
Appearing alongside Ismal, the plumed warrior nods his agreement to Ismal's explanation. To her question, however, he already has the answer.
"I believe Bren mentioned that he found these corpses in some ruins, after killing whatever killed them. It is unusual altruism to find such a scene and devote yourselves to their return from death. It is..." Sumner hesitates, then finishes, grudgingly, "commendable."
The tall youth crosses his arms and looks at the sleeping Azakan, brooding.
I wonder what you will do to evade your responsibilities, my emperor...

[Ozzy_G]

Azakan's eyes flicker open, and he yawns. What didja find?

[Toliudar]

Ismal

Ismal grins, and offers a hand to help Azakan to his feet.

My Lord, I believe your assessment was correct. A bonfire festival. We found guards drinking at their post at the gates, and evidence of revelry now blotted into obscurity. The nature of the celebration could not be read from the banners, so there is some cause for caution, but unless it was a bi-weekly "roast the Davethrans" festival, we should be fine.

She moves behind Draven and places her hands on his shoulders.

It's a shame we missed the party, though. He may come across all gruff and grumbly, but this man can gavotte like you would not believe.

[knewsom]

The burly shaman blushed ever so slightly, and chuckled.

"Now don't go givin' away ALL my secrets, love... Huh, whaddaya know? I guess the whole world isn't falling apart at once after all. What's next? A free meal and a comfy bed?"

[The Great Skenardo]

Sumner Kesh
Sumner nods once more.
"Yes. Shall we go down, now?"

[Toliudar]

Ismal

Absolutely. I suspect that Sir Khorik could certainly use a drink.

Ismal starts to stroll back towards the gates again. She turns to the two Dar Ven barbarians.

I suppose I shouldn't presume. Do your people drink alcohol? Or are they the ones who eat dead people?

[Ozzy_G]

Tharok smiles. We drink alchahol and we eat people. He waves a hand. Only defeated enemies though. You've nothing to fear.
Unless you're their enemies, mutters Azakan wryly.
You all start walking towards the town.
Bet they clelebrated Ravan's death, comments Bren out of the blue. Prophecy said, false emperor be killed by... uh.. 'double of Lorekeeper'. Who is this? Qusan might know.


You reach the gates. The surly, unshaven Qusan guards look at you. What do you want here? grunts one. The others put their hands on their weapons. They look at you suspiciously.

[Toliudar]

Ismal

We are travellers.

She looked back at the group. Containing, as it did, three Davethran nobles, a Mokai, two Dar Ven, and a green-skinned man with feathers...a more complete story was slow in forming, even for the normally quick-witted courtier.

...and after a few days on the road, I'm MOST eager for a bath and a hot meal. I recall a place from my last time through town, last year. The Bronze Something-or-other...is it still any good?

She gestures to the fading banners.

It looks like we missed out on some fun. May I ask the nature of the celebration?

[Ozzy_G]

We were celebrating the death of Ravan Zere says the surly guard. 'Cause we don't like Davethrans. He stares at you balefully. I'd watch yourself in this town, missy. Your kind aren't popular here. He sniffs. I guess maybe someone will take your money... not the Bronze Cauldron though, it burned down.

[NobleSavage]

Kaleff Nefud

I'll be inside the gates, not too far from the entrance. I may look different, but I'll leave my cloak unchanged.

Proceeding through the gates quietly, Kaleff goes to the first building he comes to and, using the power of his ring, peers through its walls. Looking for a safe place to hide on his way out, the Zhan will continue doing so until he finds an empty building. That done, and unless he finds anything of greater intrest, he will proceed to the center of town, careful to avoid any of the villiagers and avoide patches of earth that would betray his presence. Once he witnesses the source of the smoke, or detection becomes an issue, Kaleff will return to either a out-of-the-way location by the gate, or the building he had previously picked out.

Spoiler

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Didn't really intend to go this route, but it works. Will try to be around more frequently.

Use 'em if you need 'em rolls

Hide (1d20+11)[14]
Move Silent (1d20+11)[22]
Spot (1d20+7)[20]

For what he may see
Rel(1d20+5)[14]
Arc(1d20+13)[30]

[knewsom]

Draven met the surly guard's gaze with green eyes harder than Adamantine.

"Thanks for the tip. We're not looking for trouble, but we can take care of ourselves."

Striding through the gates, the shaman keept his eyes open for anything familiar.

[Toliudar]

Ismal

Ignoring the guard's surliness, Ismal registers surprise.

Oh, Ravan is dead? What's happened? I didn't even know he was ill.

[Ozzy_G]

The guard sneers. He wasn't ill. He was assassinated by the great hero, Orin Stillwater, rest his soul.
Bren turns to the guard and asks. Are there any temples in town? With priests and such? Powerful priests?
A different guard answers. Of course not. There are no priests here, we don't stand for that kind of thing.
Kaleff doesn't see any abandoned buildings, except for several burnt-out buildings, which seem to be the sources of the smoke. They are around town, some near the centre, but others in other places.

[Toliudar]

Ismal

Stillwater? The coward we were sent to fetch...oh, a lifetime ago. I'd nearly forgotten all about him. Well, guess he wasn't such a coward after all. I wonder what prompted the assassination, though. From Desha's description...but then, what can you believe from such a man?

Orin Stillwater? Guess you don't hate ALL Davethrans, then. You make it sound as if he was killed in the effort. What have you heard?

[The Great Skenardo]

Sumner Kesh

Sumner takes all this in silently. Turning his head towards the city's skyline, he frowns, thinking.
That prophecy is starting to be eerily accurate...
Nonetheless, he continues to let Ismal do the talking.

[Ozzy_G]

Orin didn't die in the attempt, says one guard. He came back here, to a hero's welcome, as he deserved. A different guard nods. He was so humble too, said he couldn't have done it without the aid of our great wizards.
The first guard continues. But what happened to him... evidently some Davethran Archmagus, or maybe a friend of Ravan's, didn't like what he'd done. They sent demons to kill him. It was horrible, they appeared right in the middle of the festival, and carved through the crowd, killed a bunch of women and kids, and then Orin.
The second guard interrupts. And at the same time, some other demons appeared at the other end of town, and tortured some people to find out where Colonel Kesh, this old guy who was training our troops, lived. They killed him too, then dissapeared. I guess they don't want our troops well-trained.
The first guard stares balefully at the other, who looks embaressed. Not that it matters, of course. There's plenty of other people to train our troops. No Davethran Archmagus or Mokai King will stand a chance if he comes at us. The guard looks at you piercingly when he says this.
Bren takes a look at the cityscape, with the scars of burned-out buildings pockmarking it and asks, So what houses did you burn down then? Davethrans?
Some, sneers the guard. After Orin's murder, there were riots, and every non-Qusan spellcaster's house was burnt down. Serves 'em right. One of them must have summoned those demons.

[NobleSavage]

Kaleff Nefud

Lingering in cover, Kaleff makes his way close to the entrance, reaching out for Ismal's mind. Smoke looks to be coming from several burnt out buildings, doesn't appear to been magical in nature. Seems like we're in luck, sort of. Have you made it in yet?

Spoiler

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Couple questions
What is traffic on the street like? If substantial, or even regular, Kaleff will use a Disguise Self spell to imitate the features of the most common... commoner.
Forgot to state earlier, but Kaleff will be on the lookout for signs of Zhan activity/business or whatever, any luck?
Spot(1d20+7)[27]