Ongoing Games (In-Character)Play-by-post games are going on in this forum as we speak (well, read). All threads on this board are actual games, so please, only post on a thread if you are a player of that game.
"This is true. We need you. But ask yourself, do we need your... Legs? Your hands? Think about it. All we really need... is your knowledge." Maledict cranes his neck to meet the librarian's gaze straight on, baring his sharp fangs. They are smoky white. Tiny vapors of steam rise off them. And most of all, they are large. And let's not forget the tongue...
Peering intently at the librarian, Ensifer raises his harmonic whisper again. "A simpler question perhaps, one that's less likely to get legs broke: who is the disembodied voice that seems to be calling the shots here?"
Spoiler
He is waiting the librarian to see if he glances in any direction, assuming we can't pinpoint the voice ourselves. Rolling sense motive, as this is trying to interpret body language; if you need a spot instead, subtract 4. Sense Motive - (1d20+17)[26]
The librarian stares at the ground, scratches his head and answers in a weak voice. "I think that was the map. Sivian made it self-aware, and with some psionic powers."
As swiftly as a snake lunging, Maledict's head whips forward, catching the librarian by the foot, raising him to dangle him in the air. His voice is slightly muffled by the foot in his mouth. "I think now would be a good time for you to tell me a one good reason to spare you. It appears then that the map is very much active already - we do not need you for that. Neither do we need you for finding the castle. And the stash, no matter well hidden, will be found, even if we have to dig it up from the ruins of the castle. So tell me, petty human. What. Do. You. Have. To. Offer. Us." He punctuates his last sentence with the tightening of his fangs on his foot on each period.
Spoiler
So, it's a grapple attempt.
Touch attack: (1d20+22)[37]
Grapple check: (1d20+32)[48]
Another grapple check to pin him, I don't want to deal damage. Yet. (1d20+32)[51]
And another intimidate check. (1d20+24)[34]
I pray that I get no more natural ones.
Last edited by Adumbration : 10-02-2008 at 10:11 AM.
The librarian looks a bit panicked right now. (being pinned down by an abyssal drake does NOT give a good circumstance bonus to fear resistance)
He then gather up the nerve to say "Because my death will cause you nothing but trouble. yet alive I can help you, and I WANT you to get the root."
Ah, but why do you want us to get it? What's your motive?
The redhead lazily grins and pushes herself off from her position on the wall, quietly walking over to where the librarian dangles.
Or I could fry your mind, your choice...
He gets angry, as angry as possible in his dire situation as he spits out "Because our only chance of survival lies in the root, and right now I don't care who gets it as long somebody does."
"So, you've got some fire in you." Maledict spits him out of his gaping maw. "You are mine now, mortal. If you serve me well, I might let you live." He gloats over him, beating the air once with his mighty wings, his tongue tasting the man's fear. He is satisfied.
Shrike steps back and grins ferally.
In other words, don't make us angry, you won't like us when we're angry.
She considers that for a moment, then shrugs.
Of course, I could care less whether most people like me or not, so I don't suppose that matters much...
The librarian jest looks at you and says "I don't like you as you are neither, so it hardly matters. and as said, killing me will only cause trouble. so I advice against it."
While the imagine of the librarian's eyes bursting on the point of hot pokers hangs in the air, the robed figure moves toward Shrike attempting to make himself appear nonthreatening. Without his usual harmonics, he whispers, "my sword says you seem worthy enough to bear it."
Spoiler
Bluff - (1d20+27)[34] Not explaining /all/ my tricks yet. :P
No, Shrike retorts to the Librarian, but swords certainly use true wizards quite well.
She then turns her attention to Ensifer with a raised eyebrow.
Really now? Interesting. In what way am I worthy?
The figure ignores the librarian's comment, letting Shrike's rebuttal stand. To Shrike, he states, "Your hand and a half signifies you as someone who thinks swords are important enough to focus on, train toward, rather than just a tool a warrior uses then discards. That you keep it at hand suggests that you've mastered the difficult length, showing your skill."
Spoiler
You didn't mention your sword in your description in this thread, so I hope you don't mind.
The redhead seems quite flattered by the comment. Thank you. I do like to consider myself quite good with it. It was my father's sword, it was the least I could do for his memory to use it and master it.
She shrugs.
Of course, I've had it enhanced some over the years since I...got it, but it's still the family blade.
"I shall entrust the sword to your custody. If he doesn't preform to your standards, feel free to grant him to another warrior then." He lays the scabbarded sword down on a table near Shrike and begins walking away (if no one stops him).
Spoiler
I didn't mean to stop the torture, just thought I'd use a lull in the action. :P
Huh, I wasn't aware of that, Bush, I was merely going off remembering seeing a bastard sword on your sheet earlier, and running with it. I guess a broken watch is right twice a day.
Needless to say, Ensifer is still masking the truth, but I won't bother rolling for every dishonesty unless boomwolf tells me to.
Moriel reaches down and picks up a stick lying on the ground. She offers it to Ensifer, "This stick also thinks you are worthy to wield it." She smiles and sets it down on a rock and walks back over to the librarian.
__________________
Show me a hero, and I'll write you a tragedy.
- F. Scott Fitzgerald
Shrike eyes the sword with undisguised interest, but is naturally cautious.
After all, evil swords tend to bite sometimes. (())
What are the capabilies of the sword, if I may ask?
Spoiler
She looks the sword over carefully...that'd probably best be Knowledge (Arcana), but since she doesn't have that call it an Int check. (1d20+5)[14]
As far as I'm concerned the intial rolls work for the whole 'encounter'. She's suspicious, but he seems to be being truthful...so far...
The figure seems not to hear your question. Assuming you let him, he gets some cover and disappears.
Spoiler
The sword seems to be an adamantine longsword. The hilt's grip black leather with an onyx on the pommel. Assuming you remove it from the scabbard,
Spoiler
you see gilded text etched into the blade. The text is draconic, "ego ensis ensifer et eminor" or translated: "I am sword, sword bearer and fear bringer".
And I suppose you have a plan, Captain Obvious?
She studies the sword carefully, then sighs.
I just KNOW I'm going to regret this...
And Shrike picks up the sword and draws it, studying the blade carefully.
The little witch smiles, "They don't call me Moriel of the Many Eyes for no reason... shall I send some prying eyes to get the layout of the fortress and how they are defending it? Give me sufficient instructions and I can even get them down to wherever you keep your stash and confirm if it's been found or if anyone is near it."
__________________
Show me a hero, and I'll write you a tragedy.
- F. Scott Fitzgerald
The sword changes minor details in your hand, shrinking down to the size of a short sword and up to a hand and a half, then various elemental energies form along the blade briefly, as a demonstration. It returns to 'normal' longsword length and unenergized afterwards.
OOC: Putting it in spoilers as not to side track the planning going on.
((Who reply to whom? I put it out there that I could do greater prying eyes, and if the librarian told me how to direct them I could even get one down to his stash and back... he hasn't replied to me, nor has anyone else responded to my idea.))
__________________
Show me a hero, and I'll write you a tragedy.
- F. Scott Fitzgerald
RSS Feeds: 
Re: The Root of all Evil
She's suspicious, but he seems to be being truthful...so far... 
