Myn's magic radar is particularly strong and super cool, drawing the party's admiration.

http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4640828/

Myn detects no ambient magic in the immediate area.

"And in what manner would you propose acquiring the alliance of metallic dragons?" Ramuh queries.

"They are spirits... their wants and needs different from those of the living," Gallard explains. "I recommend simply approaching and speaking with them. Once, we Dragonsworn forged an alliance with metallic dragons... yet, as generally reasonable beings, they cannot be satisfied with the Fell King's plot. They might be inclined to assist... should you prove yourselves worthy in their eyes."

"A terrible lot of proving ourselves, then," Ramuh concludes. "We could split up and attempt each to reason with them alone, yet with Batym and Bifrons stalking this keep, I fear we should first deal with them."

After a pause, Ramuh asks, "Shall we see if they come and attack us, or seize initiative and hunt them down?"

>>75798
"Rather than picking between options to give up the supposed element of surprise, we should go for the dragon spirits while our enemies might not be expecting us. If we run into them in the meantime, we'll deal with them then. ... Unless Mr. Gallard knows the way, Mr. Sureiya and Mr. Pinky can lead."

"I believe we're on the right level... work your way towards the corners of the keep, and you'll find them. I don't know the specifics, however..." Gallard admits.

>>75799
Torinn flips up his mask to give the shaman a look for an uncomfortably long period of time. He doesn't seem to have any particular expression on his face while doing this.

Without any prompting, he removes the mask and stows it away, before saying, "follow me, then."

lead on

Heading south, you don't progress very far before you spot a wall on the edge of your light. Unlike the two to the west and east of you, this one bears no spikes or tapestries, but does have torches ablaze with an eerie purple light set into it at regular intervals.

It would appear that this is a T-junction, with halls leading to the west and east from here. There could be unseen dangers around these corners, and they would certainly hear you if you approach.

Myn hurls his imp at the wall ahead.

Imp invisibly scout to end of range.

>>75803
Before Myn can send the imp, the shaman stops him. "There may be measures against invisibility. Please don't send it too far away before confirming it's safe."

While Myn considers the suggestion needless worry, he nonetheless modifies his orders to maintain his accepting image.

Detect magic:http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4642898/

If a detector is detected, limit imp search range to 15 squares.

The shaman borrows Sureiya's spyglass for its magic, and tries to look and listen for things with the ranger.

Perception, take 10 with Sureiya's Aid and his spyglass. (10+15+2+3=30)

Myn detects some magic on the torches ahead, but he is unsure of the nature of the magic without a closer examination. The shaman doesn't see or hear anything unusual--the castle is completely silent, which does point to the torches being unnatural as the flames are soundless.

"I'm unable to determine the nature of those torches, but we have little choice but to advance."

The findings inconclusive, Myn opts to send the imp visibly forward, following behind at a distance.

Have imp check around the corner and report back.

Myn's imp dutifully and invisibly scouts ahead. As it does so, Bernkastel's thorough investigation of the area reveals what appears to be an outline in the western wall, just five feet from the party's position, perhaps revealing a section of the wall that can be moved. One of the spikes on the wall opposite appears slightly different than the others as well.

After a moment, the imp reports back to Myn that both halls appear empty aside from more of the torches. They both appear to lead to heavy wooden doors. There are also side passages in each that appear doorless, three to the east and two to the west.

>>75810
"I think there's a secret passageway," whispers the shaman, pointing out the relevant details.

Last edited at 14/09/14(Sun)14:46:02

"If there is such a thing, I suggest we make use of it. Hidden pathways are unlikely to be guarded or trapped."

"Batym reached the balcony quite quickly..." Gallard notes sagely. "He likely had an easily-accessible way to get from here to the ground level... surely quicker than traversing this long hall after finding a stair..."

"I should suppose the enemy does not expect us being aware of their secret passages," Ramuh adds. "I wonder if they believe the explosion outside killed us or not..."

>>75812
>>75813
>>75814
"I see. If Mr. Gallard is right, then this goes to a different floor, while the dragons are on this one? ... Should we glue it shut, like with the rope? Or maybe only the ground floor exit."

"M-maybe it'd be best to confirm what this passage is, then?" Sid suggests.

"Let's take a look first" the ranger agrees with Sid.
Just as the ranger prepares himself to force the moving section, he stops to check the suspicious spike.
"This definitely activates something, let's give it a try." Seconds afterward, Sureiya attempts to interact with the spike.
THievery check: (23) http://orokos.com/roll/221646

Last edited at 14/09/15(Mon)22:48:16

When the half-orc examines the spike, he has no trouble determining that it is part of some sort of mechanism. Pulling it causes the suspicious wall section to slide out of the way, revealing a five-foot wide, eight-foot high passage leading to a spiral stairway that goes down. The passage is otherwise unremarkable.

"It really goes to another floor, eh?" the ranger remarks. After that, Sureiya takes the lead and starts climbing the stairs.

>>75819
"... We know it doesn't go up to the Fell King, and our objectives, the dragon spirits, are on this floor. The enemies are probably below, waiting for us in front of the main gate. I don't think we should use this passageway," explains the shaman.

Last edited at 14/09/16(Tue)23:10:20

Stopped by the shaman's complaint, Sureiya turns back.
"And yet, it might shouldn't take us long to determine if this passage it's worth exploring, just give me a minute and I'll scout it."
If there's no light ahead, place miner's helm on head and use a sunrod.

Sureiya finds that the stairway is not illuminated. Stepping out onto it reveals that it does head down for quite a distance, but the chamber seems only just big enough for the stairs themselves. He estimates they go down about sixty feet.

"One never knows what one can find," Ramuh offers. "Dismissing an inquiry off-hand can close off possibilities. Let us trust the ranger elects to avoid detection in his inspection."

The ranger carefully descends the staircase, and discovers a section of wall at the bottom that again looks as though it can be moved, though it's much more obvious from this side. There's also a very obvious switch that isn't disguised as a spike and shaped roughly like a metal handle conveniently placed next to it.

Upon getting to the room, the ranger gets out his magical spyglass and throws a glance to the room, not ignoring for a single second the switch.
Perception: (26) http://orokos.com/roll/222481

Sureiya doesn't find anything else out of the ordinary in his examination of the small room.

Seeing no visible reason to fear the switch, Sureiya walks right towards it. However, before placing his curious hand over it, he stops and uses his little grey cells for a second.
"I could call 'em now... but the shaman would complain. Aw, what the hell"
Activate switch, brace for problems.

When Sureiya activates the switch, he reveals the hall beyond.

It's a much larger and more elaborate hall, with a ceiling that's about twenty feet high, and the hall itself is roughly thirty feet wide. On either side are draconic gargoyle-sh statues lined for the entire distance of the hallway, which seems to be roughly a hundred and fifty feet long altogether. At one end is a heavy gate that appears to be the other side of the ground level front gate, and to the other end the hallway opens into a much larger room that Sureiya can't see very much of from his current vantage--he does not spot any occupants just yet. From what Sureiya can see, this hall is illuminate by chandeliers that hang from the ceiling, with a creepy design yet normally-color light. The room beyond may be some sort of grand hall or other entry area fitting for a castle.

"...More gargoyles... Well, it was me who wanted to explore, hah."
Sureiya gets inside of the hall and carefully inspects it. Trying not to pick another fight, he walks around but keeps some distance from the statues. He does his best to stay silent, so to listen better.
Inspect hall, stay somewhat away of the gargoyles. Listen around. Stealth to explore silently.
Perception (32) http://orokos.com/roll/222509
Stealth (26) http://orokos.com/roll/222510

Last edited at 14/09/19(Fri)00:38:29

The hallway itself is long and empty aside from the statues. There are more standards hanging from the walls here as well, though not from spikes. A purplish-red carpet lines the hall and leads all the way into the grand room beyond, which Sureiya can now see more of--about a hundred feet in front of him, the large open room has a higher ceiling than the hall you currently occupy, and what appears to be stairs leading up to a higher level of the room. The room seems unoccupied and bare as far as furnishings go, though the walls appear to have what appear to be ornamental weapons mounted on them. It's still very quiet... which is strange, even considering the battle outside, the half-orc wouldn't expect the castle to be this empty.

"Better to return with the rest" the ranger deduces. Then he goes back with the party and shares his findings with them.

"Everything seems clear, after using a second switch I found a very silent room. It's like a big hall, and it has stairs up. I didn't check them, but they might end up connecting to this level."

>>75831
"So it's empty? What sort of room was it?"

"It was a dead silent open hall" the ranger explains.
"Besides the stairs, the hall also connected to another door, and there were a few gargoyles statues there, but they appeared to be inactive right now."

>>75833

"I see little reason to take the risk of alerting more gargoyles. We would do well to continue searching this level."

"H-hopefully they're just statues and not actual gargoyles this time," Sid stammers in response to Sureiya's report. "But if what Gallard said was true, then we should probably stick to this level, and find the dragon spirits!"

"Then let us cease dallying and get moving."

Ramuh advances on this level!

"We've dawdled enough as it is," echoes Torinn, moving on.

There's still the matter of the fork in the passage, that the imp reported back. Reaching the end of the hall, the group is confronted with two hallways that extend about eighty feet in each direction. To the west, there is are six-foot wide passages that appear to be doorless doorways, one on the north wall and one on the south wall, in addition to a heavy wooden door at the end of the hall, both of which are about thirty feet away. To the east, there are two such doorways without doors on the north wall and one on the south wall, the first of which is about twenty feet away--they appear to be spaced at roughly even intervals, alternating north and south. At the end of this hallway is another heavy wooden door. There are also the strange purplish torches on the wall that have not reacted at all to your approach.

Myn shrugs, tossing his scouting slave out.


Scout to end of range etc.

"One wonders whether we actually have the leisure of cautious approach," Ramuh muses. "The longer we dawdle, the more likely it is enemies shall discover our location."

The imp catches itself in mid-air, having grown accustomed to doing so, and turns invisible before looking into the doorways. It reports back shortly, "Boss, looks like the doors on the south lead out to walkway overlookin' a foyer or great hall or somethin'. The're some doors on the lower level, and some on the opposite end of the foyer. The doors on the north... some kinda magical darkness, boss. The light from the torches ain't penetratin' em, so I can't see inside."

"And well? Which side?" asks Sureiya to Myn.

>>75842

"North, I suppose. There appears to be some enchantment of obscuration ahead, so the area may be of importance."

"Then let's move, it might lead us to one of the dragons" Sureiya says, pushing the party to the north path.

Sureiya leads the group down the eastern hall and heads into the east, going into the first doorway on the north wall. His vision is briefly blocked by magical darkness, but it turns out to be a very short section of darkness--it seemed to fill the doorway but not the room beyond itself, oddly.

The half-orc appears to be standing in what would appear to be some sort of personal study. It's not a very large room, maybe twenty-five feet in diameter, and square-shaped. Bookshelves line most of the walls, filled with tomes of various shapes, colors, and sizes, and other assorted odds and ends such as bookends, statuettes, and even a small potted plant. A desk sits immediately in front of the ranger, and sited at the desk is a humanoid, who is turning his chair to face you--it appears to swivel at the base. Atop the desk is an open book, which it would appear the humanoid was reading, along with assorted quills and blank paper. Another item of note on the desk is what appears to be an over-sized orb implement of sorts.

The humanoid appears to be an elderly shadar-kai, with gray skin and a white beard. His hairline has receded substantially, such that he is nearly bald on the top of his head. He wears simple layered robes that are gray and purple in color. He regards the intrusion with a quizzical expression and says, "And who might you be?"

>>75845
"That depends." Torinn says carefully. "Who are you?"

The shadar-kai tilts his head and looks a bit annoyed, saying, "You've barged into my study and ask who I am? Someone really needs to teach you some manners, young man." Shaking his head, the elderly figure says, "I am Yaris Ahriman, adviser to the Fell King."

Ramuh quietly wonders about the group.

"Forgive my companion's manners. I am Ramuh, scion of Luruar, come to the Fell Keep to seek... negotiation with your lord. I was not aware the Fell King has an advisor."

"As of late, he has not called for my counsel much," Yaris replies, folding his hands before him and looking like he's a bit unhappy about the fact. "Though I have not yet been informed that my services are not required, so I still hold the title to my knowledge. Being granted an audience with my master will be no easy task, however, when he wishes to not be disturbed." He pauses her, seemingly unwilling to elaborate further on that fact. Sid keeps to the rear of the group and remains quiet.

"This guy's the Fell King's adviser? Well, let's cut the chase."
"Unfortunately, our audience is of utmost importance" the ranger says, getting into the conversation.

"We are aware of the lift and of the dragon's spirits in the keep. Might you know of a way to make them aid us to power the elemental chambers?"

"Oh, so you already know... who are you all, exactly? Why do you seek the Fell King? I find it difficult to fathom how you came by that knowledge" he asks, apparently ignoring Sureiya's question for the time being. "I'm going to need to know that before I can elaborate further."

>>75852
"Mr. Gallard told us," says the shaman.

"Gallard told you? I find that difficult to believe. And you still haven't told me who you are or what you're doing here," the shadar-kai replies in an impatient tone.

>>75854
"Well, who else could have told us?

The shdar-kai looks unamused and doesn't reply.

>>75856
The shaman looks back at him, as though waiting for a reply.

Ramuh hesitates for a moment, then decides to speak the truth.

"We are envoys from the Dukedom of Baldur's Gate, as well as Luruar, come to persuade the Fell King to put his blade to rest." He decides not to mention their original goal (?) is to use violence to do so. "It is not in the best interest of our peoples to forge a future on the foundation of blood, and I would see us mend these severed bonds between Luruar and the Fell Kingdom.

"Does that answer your question?"

http://orokos.com/roll/224999

Yaris scoffs at this, shaking his head and replying, "You think to 'persuade' him? He does not even listen to MY advice anymore, despite taking me on as his 'adviser.' It will be an ordeal to even reach the Fell King, much less convince him of the error of his ways. Gods knows that I have tried to deter him from this path--for all the good it's done." The shadar-kai pauses here, as if wondering if he'd said too much.

"Oh? Perhaps then we are of a same mind," Ramuh offers. "I have heard tell the Fell King is mad, but I cannot imagine a man who would choose a scholar for an advisor is merely a madman. Could you tell us more about the Fell King?"

"It's true that he was already somewhat maddened by grief when he sought me out," Yaris offers, leaning back in his chair slightly. "But he was once ruler of an orc clan, and an ally to dragons, so I am told. And it reflected in his character, which is why a few of us believed we could help him overcome his loss without fulfilling his desire for vengeance." At this point the eldery shadar-kai shakes his head sadly, and says, "But in recent months, he has shut out any who offered dissenting opinions. It was not always this way, though in the past decade or so I'd begun to wonder if we were making any real progress towards diverting him from his revenge. Of his seven guardian spirits, he now keeps the consul of three in his tower, and the other four remain here in the keep. I suspect that the three spirits that he remains with are manifestations not unlike chromatic dragons, rather than metallic... and manifestations of what they represent to us. I'm afraid he may recognize nothing but power now... or it will certainly take something drastic and dramatic to sway him. He is not listening to my accounts of the fate of past tyrants who had similar plans any longer, that is for certain."

Ramuh strokes his beard.

"So then, as you say, the Fell King is naught but a man with eyes clouded by power," he drawls. "Chromatic dragons... I made some study of them when I was yet eladrin. I can remember nothing but evil of them, and I would not be surprised if they fanned any flames of evil within the Fell King..." Ramuh's face darkens. "Provided, of course, that your liege is not evil himself. I shall assume that is not the case.

"Is there a connection between these... chromatic dragon manifestations and the time the Fell King ceased requesting your advice?"

http://orokos.com/roll/225054 what i know of chrome

"Something dramatic, you say?" Sureiya repeats the old man's words. "Is he aware his own descendant is alive, and looking to stop him?"

Ramuh: Chromatic dragons are generally regarded as evil, power-hungry, and greedy beasts of incredible strength. Though the exact character of a chromatic varies with each individual, there are no records of a "good"-aligned chromatic dragon. Of the five most common types, white, red, black, green, and blue, all are incredibly dangerous and evil, and at least somewhat intelligent.

The spirits called by a shaman like Ragrim Dragonsworn are more likely incarnations of the traits of dragons, rather than actual, individual dragons. Thus, chromatic dragon spirits are almost assuredly distilled evil--greed, powerlust, and savagery incarnate.

"To my knowledge he kept the counsel of seven dragon spirits since before we met," Yaris clarifies. "Yet it is a recent phenomenon that he has stopped looking to me for advice, and has neglected to call upon the other four spirits in his service. They are the four that will grant you an audience with him, should you prove able to convince them to aid you." Shaking his head sadly, Yaris adds, "Most of my kin do not object to this quest of vengeance, as it provides a fleeting thrill and chance for glory, things we often find in short supply in our lives."

Turning to the half-orc, he says, "...I cannot say whether or not he is aware of it. If he is aware, he has not shared that fact with me. But if you could bring this individual before him, it's possible it could have some effect. I wish to cure my lord's madness, as I do believe he was not always so vengeful and destructive, but I am no longer certain that such a thing is possible."

"She will definitely find her way into him" the ranger adds, wondering how she always manages to sneak in. "So, how hard would it be to get the aid from the spirits? Would any of them listen to you?"

"What was the last advice he requested?"

"The dragon spirits keep their own counsel. I don't think my influence will get you anywhere with them," Yaris admits, before addressing Ramuh's query, "It's been some time... I believe he questioned me in regards to disguising shadar-kai as fell orcs using a certain ritual before sending them to Toril. I advised that it would be necessary to acquire many more reagents to do so... and attempted to drop hints that it was unsustainable in the long-term, like much of his plans for vengeance. Perhaps he took offense."

"I assume then he proceeded with his plans?" Ramuh muses. "No matter. Do you happen to have a map that lays out the location of these spirits, that we might seek their approval?"

"I don't have a map... I'm also unaware as to whether or not he went through with the plan, but I assume so," Yaris says, leaning back. "However, the dragons are not hard to find. If you step out of my office, you will see passages to either side that end in wooden doors. Two of the spirits are there, and from those rooms you can exit to the south to find the others, which also connect. It is as a big square set of halls surrounding the grand entry hall, with a dragon spirit on each corner."

Insight (22) http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4666270/

Bernkastel senses no deception in the shadar-kai, even if he does seem somewhat wary of the group.

"It would not be prudent to dally here further. Thank you for your instruction, Mister Yaris."

Myn heads towards the described wooden doors, prepared to through his imp through once the party follows.

Last edited at 14/10/04(Sat)20:26:20

Strangely enough, Sureiya agrees with Myn "Let's find those dragons."

"Indeed, we shall be going. Ah, but before we do... Master Yaris, I do not assume you would perchance like to accompany us, should we acquire an audience with your Master?"

>>75869
"Then, what's beyond the other dark doorways?"

"I'm afraid my presence is unlikely to provide much aid to your task... and Bifrons would not look kindly on me accompanying you," Yaris replies steadily. "But thank you for the offer. As for the other rooms in this hallway similar to this one... the two northern doors lead to the grand foyer, and both of the other rooms are studies like mine. They are unoccupied and being used mostly for storage at the moment."

As the rest of the group moves towards the wooden door, Myn quickly senses the presence of some kind of magic on the door.

As the group approaches, Myn speaks out of the advisor's earshot.

"This door appears to possess some form of enchantment. While I investigate, perhaps it would be wise to check the mentioned storage rooms for objects of use?"

Arcana check: http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4669725/

Curiously, Myn does not believe the enchantment on the door is a trap, or some of scrying enchantment. Instead, it seems as though the door is connected to a larger spell that is in the room beyond; specifically, an illusion-based spell. Myn believes that when the door is closed, an illusion is present in the room, and when it is open, the illusion is dispelled.

As it is merely a part of a larger spell, Myn does not believe he can disrupt the spell in a meaningful way from this position. It's possible, but it would be draining and require an expenditure of energy on his part.

In order to make an arcana check to dispel this illusion, the one who makes the check must expend an arcane daily non-item power as part of the check.

Replying with a nod, Sureiya walks toward one of the "dark doors" and opens it. Once inside he looks around.
Perception: 22 http://orokos.com/roll/226827

Sureiya enters the nearest room, and finds it filled with magical reagents stored in vials and other containers lining shelves that occupy every wall. There are a lot of empty ones as well, but all in all, the ranger finds 1,000 gp worth of mystic salves and 6,000 gp worth of alchemical reagents. There are also a collection of tools lying on a table, including a hacksaw, hammer, and twenty feet of hempen rope. The room is illuminated by a green light emanating from a candle set into a candlestick, which Sureiya suspects is magical, like the torches in the hallway.

Finally, there is a magic staff set against one wall that the ranger cannot immediately identify, though he's positive that it would be possible given some time.

"...Why not?"
Sureiya takes the reagents, the hacksack, hammer and the rope, and stores it inside his magical bag. Then he takes he staff and leaves the room. He walks to Ramuh and handles the newly taken staff to him "You think this can be of any use to us?"
Not expecting a reply yet, he goes into the other room.
Perception: 17 http://orokos.com/roll/226858

The shaman does as Myn suggests and follows Sureiya, but prioritizes looking over looting.

First room: Perception, take 10 with Inquisitive's Kit. (27)

Second room: The same, assuming circumstances allow for it.

Bernkastel doesn't find much interest in the room Sureiya already searched. The other room is considerably emptier, containing only a handful of chests, all except one of which are open. Sureiya finds the remaining chest unlocked, and inside are 10,000 gold pieces.

Given the ranger's predisposition not to wait for responses, Ramuh examines the staff.

http://orokos.com/roll/226867

Ramuh identifies the power of this staff--a stormfury staff, the likes of which he's never heard of before.

Sureiya returns and informs the party of the loot.
"I've found a good sum of magical reagents and a big loot of money, should everything go right we will divide them upon our return" the ranger suggests. "Anyone else can take care of it in the meanwhile, I don't mind."

Saying this, Sureiya faces Ramuh again. "Does it look good? I thought it might fit you."

Nodding at the return of the away party, Myn disregards the idle chatter and briefly describes his findings.

"I do not believe it wise to expend sufficient energy to dispel the enchantment ahead. While there does not appear to be immediate danger, be sure to remain cautious."

Myn opens the door.

"It looks... special," Ramuh responds. "I am yet unsure if I could use it to its full potential..."

He wants to say more to the Warlock, but given that Myn has already proceeded forward stills his objections and prepares for whatever is to come.

Will wield New staff in main hand, defensive staff in off-hand.

The room beyond the door is strange--it's very empty. In fact, it appears completely bare and about fifty feet by fifty feet, with flat walls and a flat ceiling about thirty feet up. They are all made from the same black, marble-like material as the rest of the dungeon. The room is illuminated by the single feature which stands in the center of the room, a seemingly-perfect glimmering sphere roughly the size of an ogre's fist resting on a four-foot tall pedestal. The pedestal ends in talon-like extensions that appear to be gripping the sphere, and the light it sheds shimmers an osculating pattern of colors that strobe around the room at a regular interval, providing enough light for you to see every nook and cranny.

Other than that, however, the room is very empty and still.

>>75889

Arcana:http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4680033/

Mostly, Myn can only feel the same magic he felt before--the illusion is very powerful, and will appear when the door is closed. It permeates the air around the warlock and fills the room, making it nearly impossible to sense anything else. The primary difference is that Myn believes that the orb probably has something to do with it.

Following the advice of the now more talkative warlock, Sureiya carefully gets inside of the room and inspects it.
Perception: 31 http://orokos.com/roll/228053

Aside from the orb, the room is about as unremarkable and uninteresting as the half-orc could imagine. There are no other identifying feature whatsoever. The only other thing of note, the door, is a standard iron-reinforced wooden door that doesn't even appear to be locked, and is about 25 feet or so from your current position.

"What is that enchantment about, anyway?" Sureiya asks, moving near to the other door.