Dragon's Egg - Act II

[Nihal]

"Yes, you're just going to poke her with a tiny stick," I whisper back and sigh.

"Where were I?" I turn back to the pair. "Oh. Why did you give us the chance to talk?"

 

[SeverinR]

I stay back, looking for a possible path to climb the walls, rather then follow the path.
Looking for a wall that gets to the top with a ledge to stand on without anyone able to see me from the lizards side.
If I have not found the perfect spot by the time the party begins talking, I will stay out of sight and look for the next best place/
Is the walls all wet like the path, or dry?
I would prefer not being bunched up in the group.

I climb:
The Unseen Servant
Aliron Climb, hide, open locks[1d20+5] = 16+5 = 21

: Climb, hide, open locks[1d20+5] = 16+5 = 21

I look for a place to climb to the surface, unseen and not to far to see the action. Once up top I will move 1/4 speed to concentrate on moving quietly.

I will pull an arrow and pray silently over it. Then I will search the area that I can see. Looking at targets, objects of interest, looking for guards, and troops ready to attack.
Primary: stay quiet and stay hidden behind the terrain, and monitor the conversation. (I think I could probably hear the conversation between the group, but probably not the quieter group conversation.

 

[SeverinR]

My goal is to not need a hide roll, but here is the roll:
hide [1d20+3] = 8+3 = 11

rolled a 16, but it came up test roll, tried to reload, rolled17, still in test mode. Figured out how to get back in real roll, and get an 11, rolled again got a 20.
I wish they would make it easier to get in the real section.

 

[Steerpike]

Aliron slipped away from the party as they ascended the path and has managed to make a careful climb to the top of the island. He is to the right of the man with the bow, and just a little behind, so that none of the enemy see him. The party members nearest the front of the group see his shadowy movement ((note the party is still on the path, having not stepped through the arch and into the open area at the top of the island. So only three or four people can see the enemy at any one time)).

Meanwhile, the conversation continues. The cloaked woman remains in her unusual posture, and as she became agitated you saw movement beneath the cloak well behind where her own movements would be expected. She turns her smile to Mauve. "Why let you speak? There's no reason to be uncivilized." She fixes Mauve with her gaze and drops her voice an octave. "Besides, one never knows when a kindred soul may be found. You are right not to align yourself with the villagers. They would burn you in an instant, their ignorant superstitions emptying their minds of all but fear and hate. Which of these companions would help you?

"But it doesn't have to be that way. You and I are not such different souls. We seek knowledge. We hold back the darkness that writhes at the edges of that knowledge. Oh, the things I could show you...you have only to stand by my side. We will seek out the secrets of magic, and its control. When we've learned what we can here, we will go to new places, learn new secrets. You will become stronger under my care, and ignorant fools will never be able to harm you again.

"Stand beside me, dear. These others offer you nothing but fear for your life and the promise of an early grave."

The man with the bow listens impassively to the exchange, eyes narrowing only when Baldhart makes her statements.

Man's Save v. Intimidate [1d20+6] = 13+6 = 19

When Baldhart tries to intimidate him, he purses his lips, as though considering her words, but shows no outward sign of being fearful. Instead, the man smiles, looks pointedly along the length of Baldhart's body, and gives her a wink.

 

[Nihal]

"I feel compelled to talk in their behalf this time." I indicate the others with my head. "They are not one of these villagers either, my accidental companions might not be the best ones, but they are well aware of my... talents and so far did not attempt to set me on fire. It is something, uh?"

I carelessly stretch my back. "How did you come to know Aslaug, Calexa? You seem to be experienced, but I would be wrong if I assumed you was her mentor, wouldn't I? I do not think it was her mother who taught her everything, either. I believe you understand my wish to not take hasty decisions, and I wish nothing more than know what truly happened to Aslaug, and of you, of course. Someone also set someplace in Srilkind on fire not too long ago, I do not think you would get your hands dirty by interfering directly there, although this work surely required a good deal of magical knowledge. Did you send the man? Did you find someone with brains in this city? Or mayhaps you are able to control beings other than those lizards...

"You see, I suspected from the start Aslaug had better company than these lizards, but I couldn't find a trace of her companions. Until now." I give a knowing smile as I finish, "I would love to hear more about you, after all, with a single glance you already know very well what I am."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

The bodyguard is not intimidated. No matter. The archers among us surely will kill him first, his bow being the prize. My sword can help.

He ogles me. Since we're all pretending to be civil, I joke with him.

"I guess I'm too irresistible for your keen eye. So, you already heard my name is Baldhart. What shall I call you? I can think of a few things, but I prefer to be ladylike and use your name."

 

[Steerpike]

The dark-haired man gives Baldhart a toothy smile. "You may use my name, or any other part you wish, once..."

Calexa interrupts. "Leave off, Tommen. I'm speaking with this one." She motions toward Mauve, and Tommen shrugs and remains silent.

"I met our Lady when she was first coming into her full power. We fought. She won. I pledged myself to her after, and we grew closer over time. When she became sure of my loyalty, she sent me to this place, the southernmost stronghold of what will be her domain. Her domain, and Catli's, when she's ready. She and her mother have much to discuss."

"I repeat to you my offer to join with me," says Calexa to Mauve. "Your friends drop their weapons and leave in peace, upon their pledge not to interfere further with Catli."

What can be seen of Darin's face around his beard has darkened in color, and he seems ready to snap the haft of his hammer in two, he is holding it so tightly. The dwarf holds his tongue by sheer effort of will, willing to let the party take the lead for the moment.

Branwen still huddles nervously around Liadan. As she is wont to do when nervous, she sings a soft song. When Branwen sings, Calexa narrows her eyes, then cocks an eyebrow. "Taken on another orphan, have you? And in this case you did more than just interfere with her mother, I'll wager." A series of chuckles emanates from Calexa.

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I look back at Branwen and smile at her, but also check to see if Ankari's in a good position to shoot.

Darin's all too ready. If somebody doesn't say scales, I will.

 

[Nihal]

I shrug. I've got so close to obtain critical answers and she just dodged them. I tried to be subtle, maybe I was too subtle, but I can't risk asking them again—not now at least—or she'll notice. I must make the best of what the situation offer us, and I don't think I can stretch it any further.

"Did you fight her? Oh, tell me about a twist!" I advance some steps and look over my shoulder. "Sorry, guys. At least you got the chance to leave this place alive. If I was one of you I would lie all the weapons at their feet and get the hell out of here." I smile mischievously and turn back to Calexa, advancing slowly, not daring to look for Aliron.

"Uhm, Calexa, I wish to learn from you." Are they positioning themselves already? I advance slowly. "Yet, I must admit that this very idea makes me quite uncomfortable. My previous mentor was like you, he had more than a glimpse of that place and it did not end well. Not for him, neither for me. In fact, we could say he ended receiving an unexpected visitor which nearly got us killed. I was taught to avoid getting corrupted since I was a little girl, and this event surely left no good impression on me. Also...

"Tell me, what was you supposed to do? Tommen was about to say it before when we just arrived."


((Not sure how much Mauve will walk, I need the dimensions of this place.))

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

As soon as Mauve says feet, I scoff, "Deliver our weapons?" then mutter "shields first" among a couple curse words.

I let Mauve advances enough that she can cast without zapping the rest of us, then tell her, "You'll just be a slave without scales."

Surely Darin was waiting for the signal. I doubt he'll attempt to act, but I also doubt we'd walk close enough for acting to matter. I hope the shield wall actually stops arrows this time.


((Map time?—not that I mind starting without one.))

 

[Ankari]

((Sorry about the late posts.))

Baldhart and the witch try their hand at cunning, unaware of the disadvantaged position we have walked into. Shield walls would do little good against the flanking threats from the two groups of lizards. I ground my teeth at the mention of code word. The trap tightens around us, under our own violation.

There blathering has gained us little in our understanding of the greater conflict. Sweat tickles the skin along my chest and gathers around the medallion. I adjust it.

Gods.

"Witch-kin, this place is a holy shrine. What god does Aslaug serve?"

((Continuing with dialogue to keep from posting multiple times.))

We are blind men asked to navigate a maze. As Calexa speaks, I recall the events leading up to this point. The temple of Tyr was attacked, not Catli. Is there another force at work? Is Aslaug, in her distant way, trying to fight a battle against a third party that we are blind to?

"Who wants Catli, witch-kin? Aslaug has had all this time to reclaim Catli, but she chose now. Who else wants her?"

 

[SeverinR]

[[Can we get a map before we fight? Do I see anything the others don't? like backup troops?]]

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

I hope Ankari's just adding to the confusion. No matter. He can shoot from here, but I need to advance with the shields. I wait for the others to move, and I move with them.

Tommen is my target.

((Clarification: typing readied action in my roll. The idea is that Baldy will move with the party, hoping her words 'shields first' would ready Darin for the signal—the excuse he's waiting for, she thinks. She'll move with the party between shields rather than behind if lizard archers are in flank positions. She expects to catch Tommen's arrow, but better than catching all six.))

((Nice! Rolz now shows the natural die roll—graphically in the dice room. And this^ is a good roll! Let's kick some butt! I need to score another kill before I leave the country.))

 

[Steerpike]

((Map will be coming tonight. If anyone starts the fight between now and then, I'll place people on the map accordingly. Aliron sees no other enemies apart from those everyone sees. Obvious hiding places would be within the small stone structure or amongst the rocks on the opposite side of the area from Aliron)).

Calexa smiles at Mauve's words. "A wise decision, child. I have much to teach." When Mauve steps through the arch one of the runes carved into it glimmers briefly with a greenish light, then fades back to its normal state.

To Baldhart's question, Calexa says "Your weapons are minor payment in exchange for the destruction you have wrought here, and by leaving them I am assured that you will not simply move beyond my sight and plan another assault."

She studies Darin and Baldhart for a moment, as though gauging their intent. There is more writhing beneath her robes.

Calexa's eyes widen slightly when Ankari mentions another. "Too clever by half, this one." She chuckles. "To answer you, I can say only that ancient powers begin to awaken in the world. I feel them tug at me, sometimes, like the shadow of a memory..." she trails off, then remembers herself. She fixes Ankari with her gaze. "This place is now a shrine to our Lady, and she serves no other above herself. Should you wish to bow before me and swear fealty to her, I will accept your pledge on her behalf."

 

[Ankari]

"And those ancient powers, why would they want Catli? Why does Aslaug now wish to remember her daughter? And what of her previous allegiance. The way I understand it, gods are petty, jealous beings too full of their own self-importance. I do not play riddles, witch-kin. Answer with clear words. It would be best for all parties concerned."

 

[Nihal]

I catch the glow of the runes out of the corner of my eyes. Instead of stopping somewhere along the way, I keep moving forward. The reason dictates I should ask what are their effect, but I can't just interrupt the ongoing exchange. The ranger might be a damn bastard, however, I've got to admit sometimes he displays a little intelligence in his otherwise dead brain. Not that I care, but knowing which possibly idiotic "good" and "evil" powers wants the girl won't hurt at all.

When I reach their group, I nod respectfully to whoever happen to pay any attention to me get out of their way, positioning myself slightly behind them exactly like a good minion would do.

The things you've got to do for power...

 

[Steerpike]

Calexa shrugs as she watches Mauve approaching. "Our Lady's reasons are her own. I will grant you that others seek the girl as well, which is why you must entrust her to the safety of her mother, and not those fool fishermen in Srilkind."

As Mauve starts to move through the group, Tommen shifts toward her, blocking her path. He keeps his arrow nocked and his eyes fixed on Baldhart.

"Up where I can see you, pet," says Calexa, casting a humorless smile toward Mauve. "It's not that I don't trust you...well, yes, it is that. We'll have time to get better acquainted, later."

To the rest of the group she says "Come and sit with me a while. We can continue this discussion in a more relaxing manner. Food and drink can be arranged. I promise you safety, so long as you make no move against us. To that end, you may wish to leash the dwarf."

Darin growls, every muscle in his arm straining with the force of his grip on his hammer. He manages to keep himself in check only out of the respect he has developed for the group since joining them.

 

[Nihal]

A word with a big "F" comes to my mind as answer. I smirk back and stay near the man, "What were these runes for? I do not trust you either. I believe you understand why."

((Actually I have no idea where staying near the man places her, haha))

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

"For my friend, Mauve, I believe we have no choice but to accept your invitation." I look at Darin, "Let us go in as peacefully as my Goddess would have it." He knows I follow Brynhild, the goddess of battle. Surely he knows how peacefully she'd have me enter.

I rest the blade of my sword on my palms and see to it that I'm not entering the arch alone. Once we're all in, I hope Darin goes full attack and the rest know to move with him. Alin is in position, I trust, waiting for the rest of us to cut the crap and fight.

I need to wait as well, and be sure that the shield-bearers are covering my flanks. It's obvious Tommen and I are like-minded and have no tolerance for this silly ritual. He'll shoot me. He won't miss. It'll hurt bad. The same can be said for my attack. But once I'm in his face, the advantage is mine, and he's too close to grab a second arrow before I engage him. I just need the others to block lizard shots from striking me down before I can reach my target.

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

I walk forth beside Darin, my shield held high. I trust this woman and her companion as far as a fly could throw a boulder, but it seems we have no choice but to dine with them. If anything does happen, I will be ready to defend my friends, and take blows for them if such should befall.

Líadan

I walk behind the others in silence, one hand holding my bow, the other arm guiding Branwen forward. I hope I can be of aid to the others, whether as a warrior or a healer. For now, though, I will watch, listen and learn all I can.