The Underground Railgun

[Townopolis]

Even though the rooms and halls in the tower are all made large enough to fit a tall ogre, Eloiine's chamber takes up two entire stories of space in one room. The room is at the very top of the tower, pushing up against the limits of the plane, and is best accessed through a handy teleportation circle installed to save everyone the effort of climbing the entire tower to get there.

The room has no walls, only evenly spaced pillars, and it affords a lovely view, or it would if there was anything to view. Inside there is a massive bed, a standing harp, and a massive desk stacked with more items than shall be listed here. There are also, of course, the many and various things that will occupy anyone's room, including giant-sized armor on a giant-sized armor stand. Eloiine herself sits on the floor, cross-legged, but still towering. This is the only room in which she actually takes up her full 18' of height.

She smiles softly as everyone arrives, and offers everyone a a cup of tea, indicating where a pair of stirges are struggling with a large platter bearing a teapot and four human-sized teacups.

Once everyone is settled, she begins.

"Welcome, I hope you're all getting comfortable and to know each other here. The tower isn't much, but it's home and it's safe, and you'll soon find you don't have to spend too much time here. When you do, of course, cherish the respite."

She smiles softly before continuing.

"This will be your first mission with us, so if there's anything I can to do help, answering questions or anything else, I'd be glad to. Now, let's talk about the mission.

Villains are one of our primary concerns in the watch, and we do our best to keep tabs on any aspiring ones we find. Sometimes they enact their plans prematurely and local heroes slay them, but some of them are much, much smarter than that.

One such villain is a psion in the world of Meleksis. This man, called Belevir, has plotted in secrecy for many years now. He's just passed the threshold of what we believe Meleksian heroes can answer, which means it's time for intervention.

We'd like to send your team to Belevir's underground compound, where you would dismantle as much of his work as you can and vanquish Belevir himself. Try to make sure he stays dead too, many villains have backup plans in case of interlopers, and he is smart enough to not be an exception."

Eloiine sighs.

"I'm afraid I can't tell you much about what you'll find inside the compound. We've managed to find it, but inside it's shielded. All we know is that his work will be altering the nature of the reality it touches, so anything from mutated beasts to dischordant natural laws should be expected.

I'm afraid I don't have many details to give, expect Belevir to be a wily opponent, keep your guard up..."

She pauses, then leans back, supporting herself with her arms.

"Well, I guess it's time for questions. Once you're ready, the red gate in the portal room will take you into some caverns, just outside the compound. Talk to Butler, he'll put you through."

[Shular]

Astrum

Before the stirge that led Astrum to the teleportation circle can leave, Astrum catches its attention. "It's close to Pouncer's feeding time. Can you please ensure some fresh meat is brought to him? I'm pretty sure the kitchen is familiar with his requirements by now."

He then enters the circle, and appears in Eloiine's room. He carefully takes note of his surroundings, while Hawk looks around, then squaks at Astrum. Astrum responds quietly, "No, you should stay and listen to what's said here. Two sets of ears are better than one." Hawk gives a little shake and launches himself from Astrum's shoulders, but goes no further than the armour stand, where he lands and surveys the room...almost defiantly.

Astrum waits patiently for everyone to be ready, partaking in the offered tea. He listens carefully to Eloiine's words, and considers what he might say. Finally he speaks.

"So we are to head out right away? I'll need to return to my room to collect my gear, of course, but I was hoping to have a chance to prepare spells suitable for whatever mission we'd be given. I guess my questions are, what time of day will it be when we arrive, and is there a time requirement here?"

[MorkaisChosen]

Xessalis' interest is obviously grabbed by the mission. "A psion?" he asks, his tentacles beginning to move slightly more than they normally do. "And we are to ensure he is truly dead? I have quite an effective method for that..."

As may be expected for a Mind Flayer in such an organisation, Xessalis has not been feeding on sophonts for a week. The prospect of being able to continue his divine mission, fulfil his obligations and get a good meal at the same time is obviously quite pleasing to him...

[KaganMonk]

Feldas respectfully becomes visible while Eloiine is speaking as well as to communicate freely with his teammates. It also helps him see his hands as he pours himself a cup of tea.

It is good to know that there are heroes there who may be able to provide a small amount of assistance, or at least mop up when we're done. My solo attack on the palace would have been a suicide run if the Watchtower hadn't shown up. I'll be ready to go as soon as everyone else is ready.

Feldas then heads down to the portal room, stopping by his room on the way to collect his equipment. He then settles down to take a nap and wait for everyone to catch up.

[NobleSavage]

Aukan

Adjusting one of his pauldrons, Aukan, waits for the others. Leaving his massive weapons behind, the goliath had nevertheless donned his armor, taking advantage of the stirge's presence and more-or-less helpful disposition. Looking at the Mind Flayer strangely as he makes his remark Aukan's rough skin craws beneath his armor. Probably not a pleasant method, whatever it is hes referring to. Still, seems... decent... enough. Better to be out, weeding out universal threats than to be here, left to introspection. Making a fist, the stoney giant casually inspects the vicious blades sprouting from his knuckles.

[Shular]

Astrum

Astrum suspects he knows what Xessalis is referring to, but is not sure whether even THAT is proof against some of the more powerfull ressurection spells out there. He keeps his doubts to himself.

Feldas' quick acceptence of the mission, no questions asked, surprises Astrum, and by the time he opens his mouth to suggest they get whatever information they can, the tiefling is already gone.

Tking a breath, he asks a few more questions. "Also, what can you tell us of this Belevir? Human, I suppose? Wizard seems likely, based on his efforts. What of his minions? Any worthy of note, or does he work alone, using his gizmos, reality changer, and mutated creations to do his work for him?"

[Townopolis]

Eloiine listens silently, holds a moment of quiet thought, then responds.

"The time of day will depend on when you go through the portal." She says with a slight smirk. "Unlike some others, I don't think Belevir requires immediate intervention in a strict sense. If you are unprepared, you may refresh yourselves before embarking, just... keep it swift.

Belevir is a psion not a wizard. I'm sorry that I cannot give detailed information on his support, but I would well wager he does not work alone. Other humans, goblins, elves, and," she glances at Xessalis, "illithids are most likely to be working with him. We don't know of any notables though."

[MorkaisChosen]

"Illithids?" Xessalis glowers. "Yes, I should have known my kin would be involved in this- it sounds like their sort of method. That could make this much easier- I won't need as comprehensive a disguise if there are already Illithids in the area, and my experience with them will come in useful if it comes to a fight."

Hunger seems less important to Xessalis now- his holy crusade is coming to the fore in his personality, making other considerations less important.

[Shular]

Astrum

Astrum looks at the other two. "I'll leave it up to you two. If you wish to depart straightaway, then I'll make do with the spells I have prepared. If you'd prefer to wait until the morning, then I can prepare spells more suitable towards underground excursions. Xessalis, I know virtually nothing about psions. Perhaps, once we set out, you can instruct us on the best way to deal with them?"

[NobleSavage]

Aukan

Shrugging inwardly, the goliath's features remain nonplussed. Dunno what their getting all worked up about, evil is evil. I hope these other two need this information, 'cause I'd rather be out dismantling this Belevir's goons. Beginning to reach back for his sword, Aukan remembers it is still in his chambers. Resisting the urge to figit, the giant nevertheless begins to look restless.

[Townopolis]

Eloiine holds up a hand in a gesture requesting pause. "We are far beyond Belevir's range of detection here on another plane, and the gate to his world is not open yet. If you chose to wait a day it will not ruin any element of surprise. Do not waste time, but do not take too much haste either, embarking unprepared will cause problems that are best avoided."

[Shular]

Astrum

Astrum nods, relief on his face. "Then that is my preference," he says to the others. Looking at Aukan, he continues, "I can tell you're eager to set out, but I really believe we'll be better off if we don't just jump in without making preparations."

Astrum rises to leave, but turns first to Eloiine. "If any more questions occur to me this evening, I'll send word."

With a bow he leaves the room via the portal. Hawk gives a quiet cry, then flies out the top of the tower.

[MorkaisChosen]

"Do we have any other intelligence on ths psion's specialisation?" Xessalis asks. "Our methods for neutralising a telepath could be very different to those for a shaper."

"For reference, most of the usual methods against spellcasters should work for a psion, but immobilising them may not be as effective as usual. Eating the brain does tend to neutralise their powers, however."

From the deadpan tone of the illithid's mind-voice, it is not quite clear whether the last sentence is a joke or not...

[Townopolis]

Eloiine frowns slightly and shakes her head.

"I'm afraid I am not particularly well-versed in the esoterics of psychic power. From what we've observed of Belevir, he favors alteration and transition powers. I'd guess he's an egoist or kineticist, but we don't know enough to, well, to know."

[Shular]

Astrum

Astrum returns to the garden to ensure Pouncer has been fed (Dire lions having significant appetites...wouldn't want him snacking on the Stirges). After heading to the kitchen and making plans to have sufficient meat prepared for travelling, Astrum, Pouncer, and Hawk retire to Astrum's large room, where he prepares for the morning.

Spoiler

Show

OOC: I've updated my spell list (see character link below). If anyone has any suggestions for druid spells that would be usefull under ground, I'd be happy to hear (err...read) them. Once the meeting is over, I'm all for jumping ahead to the next morning, unless there are things people need to do.

[NobleSavage]

Aukan

Startled out of his disappointment by the Illithid's statement, Aukan doesn't notice Astrum leave. Pretty sure the briefing is over, the goliath waits to make sure Xessalis is finished before leaving. Not sure what that all was, but maybe something will turn out to be important.

[MorkaisChosen]

"Thank you for the information," Xessalis says, before returning to his room to rest and prepare for the next day. Pausing only to empower his cognizance crystal, he then settles down to sleep. When he wakes, his first thought is a period of his personal equivalent of prayer- not so much speaking directly to his God, but opening his mind to receive the wishes and power of his God. Combined with that is the focusing and meditation he requires for his psionic powers- in his own mind, all his abilities run together, being simply tools towards his goal.

Tools- much as his kin see other beings, he muses.

[Townopolis]

As Xessalis and Aukan leave, Eloiine calls after them.

"Oh yes, don't forget to visit the armory if you need supplies. Mory doesn't have everything or enough of anything, but he has some."

[NobleSavage]

Aukan

Returning to his room, Aukan beckons a stirge to help him strip off his armor. Glad I don't have to rely on spells. Perhaps a day doesn't matter if we can assure success, but that is another day that world dies."

Sitting out on the edge of his window, Aukan stares at the starless night, inhaling the strangely thick air, waiting for morning.

[Townopolis]

((If there's anything people wish to grab before leaving, tack a shopping list on to your next post, you'll buy or borrow it in retroactive downtime))

The Portal Room

Is large and round and sports five portals. Each is more a teleportation circle than what one might expect of a portal, a circular platinum disk ten feet across and engraved with all manner of runes and sigils. Each portal has its carvings filled with a different color: red, green, gold, blue, and gray. A circular staircase leading up and down and an alcove with a teleportation circle are at opposite sides of the room. Aside from these various objects of transportation, the room is completely barren wood floor and stone wall.

Butler, the strange leader of the native stirges, flies about the room energetically. Spotting the group as they enter, he buzzes over to you.

"Aha, good day sirs. You are departing on your first mission, yes?" His attempt at high society demeanor is ruined as he cracks a toothy grin. "Well I suppose it is my duty to send you along. If you would stand on the portal please, I'll attune you and put you through.

Now remember, sirs, that once you are attuned to the portal, it will stay connected to you until you complete your loop. You can go through without letting me attune you, but that isn't reco... advised. After I put you through, you may complete your loop by reciting the password thirteen times. This will return you here, but be careful, the process may take a minute or two on either side.

Now, if you'll stand on your portal, today's password is Argelfraster, remember it."

((once everyone says they're ready (standing on the portal constitutes saying you're ready) we'll begin))

[Shular]

Astrum

"Argelfraster? 13 times? I can barely say it once. So, do we have to be standing still for it to teleport us back? Just in case I'm being chased by a horde of angry orcs and don't have any illusion spells to distract them, I want to be sure I can chant the words while running." Astrum smiles, obviously in good spirits. "Do I need to be touching my companions to bring them with me?" he asks."

Once his questions are answered, Astrum steps onto the platform with Hawk on his shoulder and Pouncer at his side. This dire lion takes up most of the disk, making space tight for the others, should they choose to get on at the same type.

Spoiler

Show

OOC I decided not to take Last Breath. Reincarnation does not really seem appropriate for a group of character for who their race is so central.

[MorkaisChosen]

Xessalis frowns, asking, "Must we speak them vocally? My body is not exactly made for that purpose."

"One other thing..."

As he says the last sentence, Xessalis closes his eyes and concentrates. The narrow circlet on his forehead glows slightly, and the rune of Freedom imprinted in his skin smooths out and disappears.
"If our enemy uses Illithids, I need no further disguise, but the rune of Freedom would be odd enough to cause comment. Other missions, I may have more to do..."

Finally, Xessalis again closes his eyes, and the others hear a quiet chime in their heads.

"I have guarded my thoughts against the enemy- I can do the same for you if you wish."

His preparations made, Xessalis takes his place on the portal.

Spoiler

Show

Disguise check: (1d20+28)[44]

I've manifested Conceal Thoughts, leaving me 55 pps; if anyone else wants some concealment, I'd be happy to oblige.

[NobleSavage]

Aukan

With the sound of several large blade being sharpened the giant makes his way to his designated spot. "Argelfraster, got it." Craning his neck to see the flayer, Aukan raises his eyebrow, "Guard our thoughts? From being read or our minds from being controlled? If you just mean so they don't know what we intend to do 's kinda pointless, right? I don't usually leavemany questions about what I'm gonna do," Aukan grins toothily, "I jus' do it."

[KaganMonk]

Feldas springs lightly into the circle, and seeing no other empty space, takes up a perch on Aukan's shoulder. Hope you don't mind. It is getting a bit crowded in here and I'd rather not sit on the cat. And yes, if you're protecting our thoughts, I'll take a dose. Don't want anyone picking up a stray one when I'm sneaking around. Argelfraster, hmm...

Spoiler

Show

Very nice theft of a password. Been a while since I read those books.

[MorkaisChosen]

Xessalis

Xessalis's mind-voice expresses what can only be described as a mental frown."My powers will defend only against mind-reading, but I believe it is important- what you are doing may not be a secret, but why you are doing it could be very important."

Another mental chime rings out, and Feldas feels a strange sphere enclose his mind- a sphere of thought like a two-way mirror, allowing his thoughts freedom but reflecting anything seeking to peer in.

Spoiler

Show

54 pps left.

[NobleSavage]

Aukan

Shifting carefully, Aukan looks dubiously at the slight man, "Shouldn't be a problem, 's long as we get going soon." Looking pleadingly at Butler, the goliath waits to be thrust into enemy land.

[Townopolis]

"You must speak it thirteen times conse... all at once. And if you can't speak it, get as close as you can, project your thinking like you're speaking or whatever it is you do, should work."

Once everyone is ready, Butler holds up his diminutive hands and narrows his eyes in focus. The circle begins to hum and vibrate, at first producing an irritating sensation to all standing on it, then the sensation fades although the hum remains. Butler takes a breath and rubs his hands together.

"Alright"

Next, he holds his hands forward and begins focusing again. The room very quickly loses focus. It becomes blurry and all senses of space become vague. From far away, Butlers voice can be heard.

"Arglefraster!"

Suddenly, the world snaps into focus.

Darkness.

It is pitch black, without a single light source. The ground beneath your feet feels rocky and uneven, and the sound of dripping water can be heard from several places nearby and in the distance.

Those with darkvision can see the features of the cavern that you are now in. It is fairly small, about twenty-five feet in diameter all around, although there is much variation. A pillar stands at the back, with several stalagmite-stalactite pairs nearby, ranging from near pillars to mere bumps. The sounds of water come from some of the taller stalagmites, as water drips down upon them.

You can see the exit of the cavern before you, the ceiling lowers and the sides narrow leading into a natural tunnel about half the cavern's width. Near the furthest reach of your darkvision, you can see the tunnel begin to slope downwards.

Water continues to drip around you, creating a syncopated rhythm. Other than that, nothing seems to be happening nearby.

[Shular]

Astrum

After a moment there is a small hiss and light flares up, with Astum at its center. Holding the sunrod he just ignited in one hand and his scythe in the other, he looks around, only then noticing the others looking at him. Suddenly realizing he's the only one unable to see in the dark, he blushes slightly, then awkwardly pushes the lit sunrod under his belt so that its tip remains unobstructed.

He then reaches into his haversack and pulls out another rod. He mutters an incantation, the rod in his hand glows slightly, and Pouncer shimmers for a moment. He then replaces the rod and looks at the others. "Give me a moment, if you will, I'd like to see if I can tell what's been around here."

He tells Pouncer to stay, then begins examining the ground in the cavern.

Spoiler

Show

Spell cast: Greater Magic Fang with Rod of Lesser Extend (so 24 hours duration). +1 to all natural attacks.

Using survival (Swift Tracking) to see if any sort of tracks can be found:
(1d20+24)[38]

[NobleSavage]

Aukan

Aukan shrugs. "If you think its important, sure. I just don't see the point."

It takes a moment after being teleported in, for his eyes adjust. Gravel crunching under heavy boots, the giant ducks past the rock formations, careful not to catch his spears on them. Extending a hand, the stone giant catches some of the runoff water, letting the drips trickle down his palm as he directs them into his mouth. Pure water. They clean it too much at the Tower. Wish we could grab some on our way out. Relishing the taste, Aukan reaches to his back and unstraps his massive shield, releasing his grip as he brings it about. Hovering, the shield moves with him, shifting position relative to the goliath as he moves about. Next out is the sword, a heavy, stone colored metal, etched with dwarven runes. Shaking his head and exhaling aggressively, the air grows a little warmer and those around the giant feel more alert and resistant to physical attacks. "Right, so lets go find this Belevir, huh?"

Spoiler

Show

Bringing the 'Senses' and 'Toughness' auras online, so thats +3 to Initiative, Spot and Listen as well as DR 3/Magic. Can switch that to 15 fire resistance or 'Presence' if y'all'd prefer, as the DR and resistance don't do much for Aukan. Will be switching to 'Power' and 'Energy Shield' during battle.

[MorkaisChosen]

Xessalis

Xessalis gazes around, his eyes and brain each searching in their own way.

Listening for concious thought in the direction of the exit, he also has part of his mind- as always- listening for the telltale mental conversation of the Illithids.

Spoiler

Show

I sense the presence of any Illithids within 60ft, but not their exact location.