The meeting between the Seekers and the Company of the Sword continues!
Claudius and Stephanie meet privately with Omni to discuss the possibility of joining forces and to learn what the quest for the Sword of Doom is.
Elsewhere, Schar leads the majority of the others into the warmth of the keep. Dark clouds are gathering on the horizon. Perhaps the first snow of the winter? (It's approximately November, game time. Also the Keep is much further north then Gateway!)
Schar gets a nasty surprise when she opens the door to the kitchen! A trap was rigged and a butcher's knife drops on her as she opens the door! It slices into her shoulder and there is a fair amount of blood!
Going on scouting alert, several other mechanical traps are found scattered about the Keep. (Trip wires, dead falls, etc.)
Finrod and Armon also find something much more interesting while they scout! The body of a man is found and he was strangled! (Those in the Company will recognize the man as Gathis, a minor Invoker.)
Perrel secures the prisoner and he too is dragged in doors.
SUBJ: Armon Flamehilt (R) FROM: Omni Tuens 12/05/91 S#: 19063
The bard is happy to be set free to explore the castle, although he's cautious when words spread that traps abound. And then suddenly, a body is found...
Armon stops short, paling.
"Oh my... Fin...you don't suppose this is part of that attacking force... do you? I mean...maybe they just forgot he was here..."
Armon is obviously just trying to convince himself, as this man was attacked by surprise. He reflexively pulls his best dagger, and keeps it in hand as they return to report the body.
SUBJ: Omni FROM: Omni Tuens 12/05/91 S#: 21225
The fighter sits and conveys the travels of the Company of the Sword to Stephanie and Claudius (something which I did roughly last post and Mad does more thoroughly above). He leans back to await their reaction, rubbing a finger over his signet ring without thinking before he decides to drop in a final line:
"So Seekers...will you help us to either report our efforts to Gateway, or to find the Sword of Doom itself?"
Suddenly, the talk is interrupted with the news that Gathis has been found. Unsurprisingly, Omni is upset.
"WHAT?! Have the keep scoured! I want every inch of this place searched- again! No one goes alone. Schar, Perrel... if you have any detection spells, use them!"
Omni then turns to Stephanie and Claudius.
"Any help you can give in securing the keep would be appreciated. Obviously, our efforts were not as successful as I thought. I'm afraid you may be in danger here."
Unless of course you brought the danger with you, he thinks to himself.
Almost as an afterthought, Omni 'allows' himself to be healed, as his anger at his performance in the last battle has passed...and he wants to be ready.
SUBJ: FINROD FROM: SGT STONEY 12/06/91 S#: 1343
The Mercenary multi-class is not surprised to find a body strangled. He IS rather surprised, though, that the Doomsters allowed anyone to wander alone in a structure which had yet to be properly cleared and secured. When he and Armon bring the body before the three party leaders, he is grim-faced.
"This is but one example of what can happen when folk wander unaccompanied in a recently-liberated dwelling. It could have been worse... imagine if he had been captured, taken into some hidden place and charmed or possessed. He would have been a loose cannon, ready to go off at the most inopportune time. I urge you to set a regulation that everyone travel in groups of two or more, and that priority be given to thorough mapping and searching. Until we do that, every wall must be treated as if it concealed a passage, every door as if it is trapped. May I also suggest that what can be learned from this prisoner you so recently took, Omni, must be gleaned before it becomes outdated intelligence. If you would permit, I would like to attempt first to charm him... and if that fails, I would like permission to resort to less... pleasant methods. I know there are those who would be squeamish about that, but let them be busied with clearing the building and searching for the trap-setter and strangler, and then they needn't be aware of what is going on."
Finrod's steel-blue eyes glint coldly as he waits the reply of the three leaders.
--Finrod Fasthand
Veteran Interrogator
SUBJ: Perrel... (R) FROM: GM Kill 12/06/91 S#: 29954
"Ooops..."I say, somewhat surprised, having forgotten about the traps we set throughout the castle to damage our invisible opponent.
Once I see Schar get hurt, I quickly ask her if she's all right, and help her tend to her wound, before I wander off to find Omni.
When I reach Omni, I find Armon and Finrod there with Gathis's body. I breathe a little easier when I find that he was strangled, and that it wasn't one of our own traps that killed him.
"Um..."I say to the others there. "The traps were set by us."
"We were facing an invisible foe, and weren't certain how he got in and attacked us last time, so we placed some booby traps about the rooms, in hopes that he would trip one or two of them."
"Omni, I'll get started on taking them down." I say, while examining Gathis's body. "You might want to get whoever else set any, busy on taking down the ones they set up."
I look to see how old the corpse is, as if maybe the mage did it the first time he visited, and we've just found the body now.
"Poor Gathis, survived a troll ambush to be laid low by a sneaky mage." I say sadly, while I examine the body.
When I finish in there, I go about taking down the traps I set up, as well as any others I find.
SUBJ: Claudius... (R) FROM: GM Falcon 12/06/91 S#: 63911
Claudius will nod enthusiastically when Fin suggests people go in twos or threes while the castle is secured. Careless of these Doomers, he thinks to himself.
"Well, perhaps Padraig and your mage can figure out how to get us back to Gateway with the teleporter. It would be nice, as we were trying to map the system. One of the pillars leads to New Keln itself, the capital of the enemy. Imagine the surprise if we teleport ourselves right to their door- step?"
When Finrod talks about the cleric, Claud frowns deeply: "The charm spells are fine, Fin, but let's hold off on the rest. Theoretically, we're the good guys..or did you forget what the Couatl said?"
SUBJ: Crandor FROM: GM Falcon 12/06/91 S#: 434
Crandor snorts derisively when a trap goes off: "I KNEW they were hostile!", he mutters. He glares malevolently at the tall barbarian woman (Steph), figuring she was responsible.
When Perrel admits setting the traps, Crandor will turn, wide-eyed. "You could have told us, Per.", the ranger declaims a bit icily. "What if one of those traps killed one of us?"
When talk of Gateway comes up, the ranger wears a confused expression: "Who or what is Gateway?"
SUBJ: Blod... FROM: Blod 12/07/91 S#: 452196
(I apologize for the lateness of this post)
First: Blod stands nearly seven foot tall and fairly bulges with muscles. He is currently in plate mail and carries a rather large 2-handed sword, with a bow slung over his back. He always seems to have a grin on his face, except when he is staring at his beloved wife, Zynara. Then he looks like a lovesick puppy. :D He is friendly by nature and enjoys a good fight, especially when dragons are concerned.
Blod hangs back, for the most part. When Fin suggests securing the castle, Blod is eager to volunteer. "Looks like a good place to swing my little toy, here, eh Fin? ;> Since it was made so big, my swings shouldn't hit any walls or anything like that! Who wants to join me? Could be fun!"
SUBJ: Dani.. :) FROM: GM Elezar 12/07/91 S#: 35219
After the party settles into the keep, Dani will spend much of his time in the Temple to Mystra seeing what's available. Other than that, he'll remain quiet in the background waiting for the decisions of the 'leaders'
.
Given a chance to provide magical support, he'll help clear the place of traps, snares, and other nasties, though until that time he'll spend quite a bit of time with Kitten, teaching her some basic tricks.
Spells:
1st:
Weighty Chest, Detect Snares & Pits, Sacred Guardian, CLW (x2)
2nd:
Frisky Chest, Find Traps, Speak w/ Animals, Goodberry
One minor note out of character.. ;) Having followed this game quite recently.. The Keep has been under the control of the Sword party for quite some time and was fairly clear. The traps we've been discovering were NOT set by Perrel.. :)
(I know this, 'cuz I sorta ordered them t'be set. ;) )
SUBJ: GM Notes: (R) FROM: GM Mad 12/08/91 S#: 401610
Some of the traps found were set by Perrel, but other new ones have been added! Crandor seems to have forgotten that this option was discussed before the attack! Those in the Company would have had full knowledge that traps WERE laid. However, the one that got Schar was not one of these traps!
(As I recall, the traps Perrel set up were of the tripping variety as various entry points throughout the fortress.)
Gathis' body is cool to the touch, but not cold. The strangling could not have happened to long ago.
And as a final note as some have pointed out, the Company has occupied the fortress for many weeks now. (Game time.)
SUBJ: Perrel... FROM: Mayor Pip 12/08/91 S#: 8086
I turn to look at Crandor when he gives me his cold stare, and match him stare for stare.
"I hate to inform you, Crandor, but Omni is the one who okayed setting up the traps. So, if you have a complaint, take it up with him. This was agreed to before the battle."
"I myself, only set up tripwires, but I don't know whether anyone else in the party set up traps as well. I will admit to forgetting about the traps due to the confusion of the others arriving, and I apologize for that."
"But, I will go take down the traps I have set, and I suggest that anyone else who set traps, do the same." I say sharply, before turning to examine Gathis's body.
After examining it for a few moments, I look up at Omni worriedly.
"We've got troubles, Omni. He died recently."
"Apparently, we have someone around who shouldn't be. You may want to see if Argent can't search around the castle with her crystal ball."
"I'll get busy taking down my traps, and try to find any others without killing myself. I think Finrod's, that is your name, right?" I ask Finrod before continuing. "I think his idea is a good one, and we should definitely travel in two's or three's until we find this intruder, or we find definite proof that there's no one here."
Afterwards, I wander off with Selarin, and take down any traps I set up, as well as any he might have set up, keeping my eyes open for any other traps as well.
Once we're done with that, I decide to try and find the intruder.
I pull out a coin, and flip it, and based on the results, I either go one way or another. I keep doing this, trusting Tymora, and her luck, to lead me to the intruder.
If I don't find him after a couple hours or so, I'll decide that Tymora's favor isn't with me just now, and wander off to find Schar.
SUBJ: Tania FROM: Enchantres 12/08/91 S#: 65200
I just watch the goings on quietly and do my best to stay out of the way. I join Dani in the temple and give thanks to Mystra. I feel safe in the temple!
I'll also help Dani with Kitten! ;D
SUBJ: Argent FROM: Enchantres 12/08/91 S#: 46226
Argent is surprised to find the trap going off on Schar! 'Ouch. I bet that hurt.'
When this Finrod fellow goes into his bit about our messing up, my face goes red with rage. 'How dare you! You know absolutely nothing of the hell that we have endured and you come in here with your high and mighty attitude and nitpick about things that we supposedly did wrong without even knowing the circumstances!! Do you think we are that naive? If that was true then we would not have made it so far!! ARGH!!'
After that scream, Argent turns and walks out of the kitchen shouting something about 'getting your own damn food!' She heads directly to her quarters and does not stop for anyone.
(Nothing personal Finrod! ;D )
SUBJ: Schar (R) FROM: Schar 12/10/91 S#: 8518
You can imagine the healers suprise when the blade cuts into her shoulder!
"What in the world--?!"
I quickly rip off part of my sleeve and use it to stop the bleeding. Then I hear that poor Gathis was murdered!
"This is a nightmare! Will this terror ever end?"
When Omni asks about spells, "Omni, I have no spells left."
I then ask Perrel to escort me to my quarters and make sure that it is safe. Once there I will rest and try to let the terror of the last few days fade.
SUBJ: Stephanie (R) FROM: Saphfire 12/10/91 S#: 8725
I listen to Omni's tale...
"I think that we should return to Gateway and let Logan and Sharadin decide on this matter. It seems to be more complex then they first expected. If this fortress is connected to the pillars, then we can leave behind a small force while some of us go to Gateway to update the Crown. What say the rest of you?"
After the body is found...
"I can assure you that we had nothing to do with it. We'll see what we can do to help."
Following up on Fin's suggestion, will ask Fin, Fiben and Mercy to go in one sweep group, then Bernice, Armon and Blod in the other. The mages can work out the pillar problems in the mean time.
I am surprised when their mage stalks out in a fit of anger. I'm curious to see Fin's reaction! :D
SUBJ: Fin's Reaction (R) FROM: SGT STONEY 12/10/91 S#: 403266
When the Doomsters' mage throws her little tantrum, the mercenary stands quietly, taking it all in with a grim set to his mouth. After she stalks out, he turns his blued-steel eyes to Omni, and says quietly. "I don't doubt that your folk have 'been through hell' as your mage put it. And indeed, I do not know specifics of your circumstances. But there are certain hard and fast rules in warfare, and they should be adhered to regardless. Just when you are so tired you are tempted to go with one-person watches, or so battle-weary that you wish to believe nothing more can happen, that is precisely the time NOT to set aside precautions. It is an expensive lesson to learn, when someone must die to teach it. I truly feel for your people."
"But now, someone of your folk should go with that overwrought woman, and insure her anger does not make her foolish. No doubt she will think better of her ill-advised words when once she has had time to think on them. If not... well, I have no sympathy for lack of professionalism. And by choice or not, we are all professional soldiers here, for good or ill. Let us hope she develops a little professional objectivity. It is important to admit when you have done something stupid. I, for one allowed my own professionalism to slip, only a few days ago. I was lucky. The slip did not cost any lives."
SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 12/10/91 S#: 10312
As word of the murder filters down, Pad decides to send Sean out on a scout. "Stay invisible and be as quiet as possible. The person doing this is most likely a professional and may be invisible himself. Stay up high, out of reach. If you spot him, follow him and call me in."
When the question of returning to Gateway comes up, Pad replies, "Well, if there are locks on the pillars, we can't use that way, unless we have the right key. I could teleport back under my own power, but that does entail some risk. How about we send a message back first and see if this is really something we need to go back in person for? I have a spell that can allow someone to enter another's dreams and leave them a message. The communication is one-way, but the people in Gateway probably have similar magics to return a message with."
When the subject of ID'ing items comes up, Pad says, "I think our first step should be to let Zynara use her new spell to search for possible cursed items. Then, we can set about ID'ing those things that are safe."
When next he gets a chance, Pad will cycle spells for these tasks. He'll also introduce his homunculus Sean to the members of the Company before turning him invisible again. Pad also offers Stoneskins to those who want them.
New Spells:
Magic Missile x3, Identify x2
Web, Invis x2, Det Invis x2
Lbolt x2, Dispel x2, Fly
Fire Shield, Imp Invis, Stoneskin x2
Dream, Cone of Cold, Wall of Force, Teleport
The search of the Keep begins!
The thieves move out and quickly take the traps down. (It appears that the extra traps were also quickly set. Very simplistic in construction. Trip wires, dead falls, etc.)
A search of the keep that night turns up nothing. But considering how huge the Keep is, it is understandable how someone could hide from a search party.
The night passes without incident.
Next day the spell casters re-learn spells. (Subtle hint for those who have yet to submit their lists!)
Sean in introduced to the Company and then is sent off to search for the intruders.
Armon studies his notes about the pillar network. The formation in the basement does not appear to connect directly to Gateway, but does connect to the one in the ruined city. (The one where you fought all the zombies.)
The ruins would correspond to 7 o'clock from the Keep, 1 o'clock the other way. More interesting is that the pillar at 5 o'clock appears to lead to Shadow Keep itself, the magical fortress of the late Emperor Keln! (As does 3 o'clock from the ruins.)
Pad sends a Dream spell to, I'm assuming, Sharadin and quickly explains the new situation. No reply has yet to be received.
Sean alerts Pad that he has spotted the intruders! There are two of them, a kobold and a hobgoblin! They are hidden inside a storage crate on level 3 of the Keep!
SUBJ: GM Notes: (R) FROM: GM Mad 12/11/91 S#: 43518
Zynara casts her Improved Identification spell on the goodies from the dragon's lair. The results are:
Potion 1 - Tan
Potion 2-4 - Straw
Potion 5 - Pink
Potion 6 - Lavender
Potion 7 - Sky Blue
Ring - Light Gray
Jug - Royal Blue
Plate Armon - Scarlet
20 Arrows - Pink
Shield - Pink
Staff - Violet
Now what?
SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 12/11/91 S#: 444765
Pad informs the combined commanders of the location of the hobgoblin and kobold. He tells Sean to stay put and watch them until a strike force can get there to deal with them. He then instructs Sean to continue on his search.
Since none of the items showed as black to the Improved Identify, Pad assumes that it is safe to run the traditional Identify spell on them. He'll run through the items in this order: staff, ring, jug, potions, armor, shield, and arrows.
SUBJ: FINROD FROM: SGT STONEY 12/12/91 S#: 438986
When the first night's search turns up no intruders, Finrod is not surprised or disappointed... he knows from personal experience how easy it is to hide one person.
When Paddy's familiar finds a hobgoblin and kobold, however, the elven multiclass raises an eyebrow in surprise. Although he quickly volunteers to take part in the move to capture the two, he voices some cautionary notes. "Umm.. folks, I doubt very much that an actual pair of humanoids of the types these SEEM to be would have the discipline and cleverness to pull off what has been done here. I would say we should be alert to the fact that these could be disguises or polymorphed creatures. Let's not be overconfident or assume that we know anything about their powers or abilities. They may well be no more than they seem. On the other hand..."
Once he has had an opportunity to study the spells posted last post, the mercenary will settle in and begin to use them. First order of business is to charm the prisoner... with two charms to work with, this should work. If not, then Fin will have to get permission to use less pretty methods.
Next order of business is to aid Pad in the Identifies. As Pad puts each item down, the elf will pick it up and give a second opinion. With two ID's to use, he should be able to get through all the items once.
The Stoneskin goes on himself, as he has been walking around without one for far too long.
The strength goes on Steph before the move in on the hidden nasties. (skulking stalkers... or is that creeping creepies?)
The Web is to be used to ensnare those sneaking snarers, and the Blink can be used in the attempt as well.
--Finrod Fasthand
--Overworked Overachiever
SUBJ: Perrel... FROM: GM Kill 12/13/91 S#: 444933
"A Kobold and a Hobgoblin?" I say when Pad informs everyone of the intruders, surprise evident on my face.
As I sit there thinking it over, Finrod speaks up and warns that caution should be observed, as they may not be what they seem.
"I beg to disagree." I say to Finrod and the others. "But, if they were more than they seemed to be, why are they hiding in a box in the basement?"
"They obviously don't have access to powerful magics, or else their traps would've been far more fatal."
"And if they are indeed powerful enough creatures to harm us, why bother with hastily constructed traps? Why not come up at night, while we're sleeping, and kill us one by one?"
"What we have down there, are two thieves most likely, who snuck in here invisibly as part of that mages plan, and are too afraid to come out of hiding now that we have control of the keep, and their invisibility spells have faded."
"Why don't a couple of us go down, and roust them out, and see if we can't get more information from them, than we're getting from this priest of Hextor."
SUBJ: Armon (R) FROM: Omni Tuens 12/14/91 S#: 456219
Armon explores the keep for a bit longer, then stops his search and turns aside... a greater curiosity calls. Those with a quick enough eye will see a billowing red cloak disappearing down towards the teleportal grid. Further investigation finds a frustrated bard examining several charts and diagrams from all angles, trying to figure out what happened and why.
"I just don't get it..."
SUBJ: Omni FROM: Omni Tuens 12/14/91 S#: 438125
Omni is happy to hear report of the location of the hideaways. He listens to the arguments put forth for their capture, then quickly cuts in before any more voices break out with a new view.
"Perrel, Finrod, since you two have opposite views of the situation, why don't you both go help in the capture? That way, we can be sure we won't be surprised. Oh, and I'd advise taking Schar with you. I have a hunch they're going to be more receptive to a 'weak human female' than they are to you two. Maybe we can get some answers."
Omni thinks for a moment longer, fidgeting restlessly with the signet ring on his finger before speaking.
"Meanwhile, while we await word back from Gateway on our next step, I believe we should go ahead and prepare for it...just in case. Argent, you've done the most research in the area. What all do we need before trying the jump?"
SUBJ: Tania (R) FROM: Enchantres 12/15/91 S#: 427343
Tania spends an uneasy night in this big ol' keep! Next morning she studies/prays for the following spells:
1st: Identify x2, CLW x2, Bless, Command
2nd: Web, Silence 15' Radius, Hold Person, Charm Person or Mammal
Seeing Armon study down by the artifact, I walk pass and say 'Mystra works in mysterious ways. She saw that we were needed here and here we are.'
After Pad begins to ID items, I'll go and offer my assistance. 'I've got a pair of ID's myself and I'll would really be honored if ye let me help! I've done very little to pull my own weight, so please let me help!'
SUBJ: Argent FROM: Enchantres 12/15/91 S#: 412512
The Invoker silently curses all the way to her quarters about 'Mr. Professional'. He may be a professional, but he's got a lot to learn about manners!!
Argent is still fuming by time Crandor arrives. I fall into his arms needing to feel protected. That night I fall to sleep held tightly in his strong arms... ;D
By time Crandor awakes next morning, I'm already up and studying spells.
1st: ID x4, Magic Missile
2nd: Web, Strength, Mirror Image
3rd: Lightning Bolt, Dispel Magic
I am fascinated to meet Sean and am even more interested when they go to examine their magic items. 'Interesting spell', I remark to Pad. 'Would you be able to use it on a small pile of magic items that we also found and have yet to ID yet?'
Once that is done, I'll start to dig into our own items from the Wizard's Lab. I'll start with the items found on my person.
When Omni asks about our next destination, my first response is 'Why not ask Mr. Professional! He seems to know everything!'
But when calmed down, Argent relates that 'Our next destination is a swamp. Our goal is to find three silver keys that unlock the next pillar in our search. We know what the keys look like and I believe the plan was to use Locate Object to take us to the keys themselves. The rest will be played by ear after we arrive.'
SUBJ: GM Notes: FROM: GM Mad 12/15/91 S#: 25123
The two intruders tried to flee when Perrel and Finrod drew them out. Fin cast a Web and successfully capture the thieves! (Now what are you going to do with them?)
Magic Items:
Zynara casts her spell on the items that the Company found in the White Dragon's Lair and in the mage tower.
Potion 1 - Straw
Potion 2 - Lavender
Potion 3 - Tan
Potions 4-7 Lavender
Potions 8-9 Mauve
Scroll - Peach
Human Plate Mail - Vermillion
Cloak - Vermillion
Shortsword - Vermillion
4 Rings - Pink
2 Daggers - Pink
Bracers - Vermillion
Shortsword - Pink
Rapier (Perrel's) - Pink
Footman's Mace - Pink
Argent's Items:
Ring - Marroon
Necklace - Canary
Ring - Orange
Pad begins to ID the items and never gets past the Staff!
Results:
1- Staff Absorbs spells as per a Staff of the Magi!
2- Staff Detects Magic at no cost
3- Staff Speaks with Dead at no cost
4- Staff casts Protection From Good at No cost
5- Staff can Animate Dead, 1 charge
6- Staff can Cause Darkness 15' Radius, 1 charge
7- Staff can Dispel Magic
8- Staff can cast Anti-Magic Shell, No charge
9- Staff can cast Command Undead, 2 charges
10- Staff can cast Enfeeble, 2 charges
11- Staff can cast Feeblemind, 2 charges
Argent begins with her items:
1- No Reading
2- No Reading
3- No Reading
4- Potion 1 is Oil of Ethrealness
5- Potion 2 is of Vitality
After Pad finish his first ID, the staff speaks to him in his mind!
"Are you my new master?" it asks.
Now what? Continue with the other items?
SUBJ: Omni (R) FROM: Omni Tuens 12/16/91 S#: 6996
"Let's see if we can't get our new 'friends' to talk to us. If not, then we'll let them meet the cleric, and judge by their reactions whether they were working together. Meanwhile, let's keep a double watch... we don't know that our friends here set all these traps for sure."
SUBJ: Armon (R) FROM: Omni Tuens 12/16/91 S#: 43559
Armon examines the pillars a moment longer, then nods and smiles to Tania. "Yes, a good thing indeed."
Later, he runs off in search of one of the 'high' mages, either Padraig or that hot-headed woman.. Argent? He quickly but courteously asks his questions.
"So would we have any way of making those pillars take us to...oh, say, Gateway? Or will it only go to the locations which we have keys for?"
Later on the bard retires to his room to study his handful of spells, quickly memorizing a few useful ones.
1st: Friends, Phantasmal Force*2
2nd: Alter Self, Invisibility
SUBJ: Perrel... (R) FROM: GM Kill 12/16/91 S#: 35567
"Hiya boys." I say to the Hobgoblin and Kobold once they're in the web. "Imagine running into you around here."
"So, what's a nice couple of guys like yourself doing hanging around this drafty old Keep?" I say, while smacking the hobgoblin on his behind with my rapier...hard!
"Maybe you'd like to tell us if there are any other folks around here we should know about." I say while smacking the hobgoblin with my rapier in the hindquarters again, just as hard as before.
Then just so the kobold doesn't feel left out, I smack him hard in the behind too.
"Don't get too smug, if he doesn't answer, you're next! Unless you'd care to answer those questions for us." I say, with a wicked smile.
SUBJ: FINROD (R) FROM: SGT STONEY 12/16/91 S#: 420469
With Perrel in the store-room with 'the boys': Grim smile, and reflection that it is nice to be sent off with just a couple of us to do the job... none of the queasy people to cause hassles at Perrel's questioning methods. Fin will set himself up to play good cop to Perrel's bad cop. Works real well sometimes, especially if aided by charm spells later.
Later, helping to ID items: Hmm... reckon I'll skip the staff and go on to ID less complex stuff. Save Paddy some trouble on some of it, maybe.
At some point, the multi-classed mercenary gets around to trying his CHARM's on the Priest-prisoner.
Out of character: Yes, Argent, you hit the nail on the head. Finrod is very professional, but has a lot to learn about manners. And he IS spoiled... he gets his way too much. :) Maybe you can change that. If not alone, then at least with so many active x-ters around now, he should get over-ruled more often.
OBTW: Do you have the MANNERS Non-Weapon Proficiency? Finrod needs to find someone with the skill to teach him.
Nothin' personal... Fin is confrontational by nature. More fun that way.
--Stoney
SUBJ: Fiben (R) FROM: FatalCharm 12/16/91 S#: 502274
Knowing there is far more than enough fighters to handle the couple of intruders, Fiben remains with the group Identifying items, trying to stay out of the way and watch. When Pad gets done with the staff, Fiben backs right up against the wall with his eyes open wide in an expression of amazement bordering on fear. He lets out a low whistle and exclaims, "That's an awful lot of power packed together!"
He then decides to excuse himself and come back when they are done and announces he is going out to search around the Keep for some rare herbs he needs.
OOC: GM Mad, Do I need to obtain 9th level Mage before I can begin mixing any potions? Or can I work together with someone to do so?
SUBJ: Padraig FROM: GM Shifty 12/16/91 S#: 422206
Pad grimaces slightly as the staff proves to be intelligent. He quickly sends his thoughts searching through the memories of the liche he mind-wiped. After a while, he finds a memory that proves useful.
Pad opens his eyes and speaks with the other members of the group, "People, this item is known as the Staff of the Necromancer. It is powerful and intelligent in its own right. I wish to make a claim for it. I have a unique body of knowledge that will aid me in controlling this staff."
SUBJ: Claudius (R) FROM: CatKnight 12/18/91 S#: 442028
(going right to the IDing)
Claudius quickly works to help ID the items, starting with the ring, jug, armor, shield, and arrows.
When Pad reports that the staff is intelligent and has a vast number of powers, the mage frowns thoughtfully.. then nods slowly. "You are the best mage we have.", he reports, "..and you haven't taken anything else, minus that scroll. I have no problems with you taking the staff."
He will ask Zynara if she can possibly translate these colors (tan, straw, pink, etc etc).
Once the fort is reasonably secure, he'll turn to the debate over the party's next move: "If we can get to the ruins safely, then maybe we SHOULD go to Gateway and report in. Sharadin might have a way to get us right to the 'Sword'"
SUBJ: Crandor FROM: CatKnight 12/18/91 S#: 455536
Crandor glowers at Finrod belligerently when he learns that something happened with Argent. He will indeed hold her that night, and fall asleep with her.
When he awakens to find her studying, he sneaks behind her, and casually wraps his arms around her shoulders: "Hello..", he whispers huskily.
When the problem with the hobgoblin and kobold show up, Crandor offers to help. Once captured, he'll 'casually' play with his flint and steel dangerously close to the webbing, well within their sights..