"Yes, Ms. Remalia, blessings upon you for guiding me all the way here."

I speak to the group.

"I wished we would meet again in peaceful time, but after hearing what happened at Procampur. I am afraid I can't sit no longer.
I truly believe the binder of what's known made it my fate to purge the heretics from this land, and ours to meet anew.
Once again I must ask of you, not from my duke, but on my own behalf as I believe we share a common goal, will you let me join you?"

Last edited at 17/10/03(Tue)21:30:40

>>78286

Myn's sleep was too restful, and he struggles to remember the invoker's name from the distant past.

"It is a pleasure to meet you again. Surely, it would be a foolish notion to refuse aid offered."

History check: 14

>>78286
The shaman raises an eyebrow. She distantly recalls Samel having a focus on healing. "Mr... Samel? You want to go forth to kill people?"

Last edited at 17/10/05(Thu)16:18:55

Instinctly responding, Samel murmurs to himself.
"It is the call of the divine, for I am only his humble servant."


The Deva realizes a better explanation is necessary
"While it is true that my church does not condone killing others, I have knowledge redemption will be given for any of my acts.
The truth is Oghma himself entrusted me with a fragment of their divine power. It is a divine decree. The gods will be the judge of anyone who stays between me and my goal."

Going back to topic,

"While I do not know about your current undertaking, I do recall that ending the cult of dragons is in your agenda. Foolish or not Mr. Myn, Sureiya, Torinn and you too Ms. Bernkastel, let me be part of your expedition."

Last edited at 17/10/04(Wed)02:26:35

>>78289
The dragonborn cocks his head to the side. "What would that goal be now?" He didn't distrust the cleric, but he felt that someone needed to ask.

"Hey, it's been a while", energetically says the orc, joining the discussion.

"I heard you supported us during the attack against the Fell King alongside other ritual casters. You missed the real good action there", he says while nodding.

"But just like the shaman, I'm surprised seeing you motivated to well, "purge heretics"? What happened during these months?"

The invoker doesn't reply the expected answer.

“There are men who embrace destiny; these are the ones that change the world forever.”

"Samel the earbasher eh, but it's not like anyone could understand. Now then...


"Sureiya, whoever I was when we first met, has long left Faerûn and now resides in the spirit world. This is who I am now. The past, no, not even the future, the only thing that matters to me now is to stop them."

Last edited at 17/10/04(Wed)11:45:30

>>78293
"That's... well" the ranger struggles the find the right words, and looks somewhat confused.

"I still don't understand your motivation, but if we have a common enemy, then you're welcome to join us, I say".

>>78293

"While I too would like to catch up with Mister SaMyn mumbles, I am afraid that I have some business at the market before our departure. I shall endeavor to avoid causing undue delay."

The warlock swiftly proceeds to the market in search of:

incisive dagger +2 (4200gp)
cloak of translocation +2 (4200gp)
aversion staff +1 (520gp)
shadow warlock armor +2 (5000gp)
luckblade +1 (680gp)

intending to offer in exchange his:

sustaining cloak +2 (2600gp)
leather armor of dark majesty +2 (4200gp)



Last edited at 17/10/04(Wed)14:28:38

Remallia smiles at seeing the party interact. She then adds, "Though I know your current quest is not directly related to attacking the dragon cult, any resources we could gain for our efforts is a boon, as our limited resources are why some of the parties involved are hesitant to commit more fully to our cause." She gives a short bow, and then adds, "And if I may, I might be able to demonstrate a small way in which the Harpers can aid your cause--a token of good faith, if you will, to perhaps weigh in our favor if you consider our allegiance a worthwhile asset."

OOC: Myn is able to make the exchanges and purchase the items in question, provided the coin can be provided.

>>78296

Myn rejoins the group at a blistering 3.41 mph. The owlbear sniffs around Remalia's legs, sensing the possibility of a gift.

"Fair enough. What might that token be?"

"Ah," the eladrin woman says in a somewhat surprised tone, trying to step away from the sniffing owlbear. "I think perhaps I have been misunderstood. The Harpers are not a wealthy group... for material rewards, the Lord's Alliance certainly has deeper coffers. What I can provide you with is connections." She unfurls a rather large scroll with several marked arcane circles in varying patterns inscribed upon it. "Thus, I place at your disposal the Harper network of teleportation circles. I am given to understand that Loudwater is your current destination, yes? Then I am pleased to reveal we have that location in our network."

>>78299

"A marvelous prospect indeed, Miss Remallia. I cannot say I would miss the rigors of travel this may spare us."

"Even the eladrin can manage a decent offering once in a while."

"Undeniably an impressive network, proof of resilience of an old organisation like the harpers. Anyhow, their focus isn't on me anymore."

Last edited at 17/10/04(Wed)19:43:04

>>78295
Following the warlock, Sureiya also goes to do some shopping.

* Gonna need the following:
Quenchquiver longbow + 2 (2,600gp)
Elven Chain Shirt (4,200gp)
3 Frozen Whetstones (100gp x 3 = 300gp)
2 Dual arrows (200gp x 2 = 400gp)

* And selling the following:
Harmony Blade +2 - 4,200gp
Farbond Spellblade +2 - 2,600gp
Badge of Berserker +1 - 520gp


Last edited at 17/10/05(Thu)16:50:39

>>78299
As the carrier of the teleportation ritual, the shaman takes the teleportation map. "Thank you. I suppose I should tell Mr. Valanor that we found a way to Loudwater."

The shaman then looks at the adventurers taking this newfound time to go shopping, and calls to them. "Please meet back at the Waterdeep teleportation circle."

The shaman decides to go to the appointed meeting place to tell Valanor that we found another way to Loudwater.

There may not be a need to roleplay the Valanor interaction for the sake of time. The shaman just tells him we can now teleport there thanks to Mrs. Remallia Haventree's Harper teleportation circle network, instead of taking up Valanor's valuable time, but thank him anyway.

Last edited at 17/10/05(Thu)16:24:26

As the shaman and the ranger depart, Remalia turns to the remaining adventurers and gives another bow, saying, "Well, I'm certain you will make good use of it. The realm needs heroes like you, and I thank you for your service. Now, was there anything else?"

Sureiya meets plenty of merchants eager to do business, though some of them seem slightly less enthused about the discount his status affords him, they're nevertheless grateful for his patronage, as if having such a high-profile customer might attract more business by his very presence.

Meanwhile, "Bernkastel" meets with Valanor, who acknowledges this new information with a grateful bow, saying that he is happy to be of service any time, but is eager to get in contact with Thelkra and the metallic dragon council to apprise them of the ongoing situation.

Shaking the orc off of his trail, Myn heads to the teleportation circle and assumes a state of standby.

Still lost in his thoughts, Samel diligently show courtesy to the Eladrin before leaving to the teleportation pad.

Torinn heads straight to the teleportation pad, not having any further business to conclude in town.

The party finishes their shopping and goodbyes, with Remalia wishing them a fond farewell, and arrives at the Waterdeep branch of the Arcanimus. They meet once more in the large circular room that houses the teleportation circle with little fuss, as they are well-known in this establishment by this point, and the only other occupant of the room at this point is the warforged male who was watching over it when you previously arrived.

After the ranger meets the party again, he goes directly to the dragonborn.

"While I was studying on the temple, I had a recurring dream. Ragrim's sword, I could feel it trying to tell something to me. It was very strange, but I decided I should find out if there's something special about it."

Then, Sureiya shows the paladin his savings, coins, gems and other wealthy objects.
"I'm willing to offer you your fair share of loot if you would hand the artefact to me."

>>78310
Torinn blinks. "That sounds ominous. Are you certain that this is a good idea?"

>>78311
"I'm prepared to find out if it is" the ranger answers, confident.

>>78312
Torinn looks uneasy, but he trusts Sureiya can handle himself.

Trade away Nightfall

The ranger handles Torinn his loot and takes Nightfall. Immediately, he begins testing its property of splitting and becoming a single weapon. Once he's satisfied he looks now to the party anf says, "Well, I'm ready now. Should we be going?".

>>78309
The shaman appears later than one would expect, considering she did not say she had to do shopping. It's apparent that she did go somewhere, though, since she's now in blue leather armor. Also, in addition to the brooch she had, she now wears another pendant: a small, multicolored disc attached to a thin chain.

Once she sees the adventurers have gathered, she asks, "Should I cast the Linked Portal, then?"

With no objections or interruptions, she takes out her ritual book, the scroll containing the target portal address, and 50 gp of reagents and begins casting, which would take ten minutes.

Pic related: the armor. Also making some power and item adjustments, some assumed to be done yesterday.

Power change: Replacing Emerald Lure for Sly Fox Spirit.

Item changes:
Start: 3555.63 gp + 3500 Alchemical Reagents
>Sell Symbol of Daring +1: +1000 gp
>Sell Tactician's Armor +2: +5000 gp
>Transfer Goblin Totem enchantment to a dagger: -25 gp through the Transfer Enchantment ritual (which Sid probably had when the shaman copied rituals from him)
>Buy/Enchant Symbol of Scorned Fate +1: -1000 gp
>Buy/Enchant Flowform Armor +2: -4200 gp
>Buy/Enchant Elven Chain Shirt (Heroic Tier): -4200 gp
Remaining: 3630.63 gp's worth of stuff. I'll keep 2000 as Alchemical Reagents and have the remaining 1630.63 gp be gold.

Last edited at 17/10/08(Sun)00:06:03

Samel watches the unfolding of the ritual while keeping an eye on Sureiya.

The shaman casts the spell, opening a portal on the Arcanimus's teleportation circle and linking it to the corresponding Harper portal in Loudwater. Once open, the party passes through, emerging in a very small room with wood-paneled walls and ceiling. You're not quite sure where you are, and the room is only illuminated by a single everburning torch placed in a lantern that hangs from the ceiling over the teleportation circle etched into the stone floor. As you emerge into the roughly twenty foot by twenty foot room, a portion of the wall in front of you slides open, and in steps a halfling that a few members of the party might be able to identify as Marsh Laval, the proprietor of the Green Tankard Tavern.

"Welcome, welcome!" the halfling booms, stepping into the room and sliding the panel back in place behind him. "They sent me you'd be comin', so I've been expecting a signal ping from our circle." Looking to Torinn, Myn, and "Bernkastel" in particular, he says, "Good to see yas back in Loudwater! I'm not exactly a Harper agent, but I'm keepin' them informed of goin's-ons in Loudwater. We do have a Harper somewhere around town, but I don't seem 'em much. Imagine you'll be runnin' into 'em soon, name's Ruha. She's some kinda witch, and appears and vanishes seemingly at random." Marsh sure seems to like to talk.

>>78317

"Thank you for the warm reception. I do not suppose that you've happened to hear of a Mister Sid waiting for our arrival?"

>>78317
>>78318
"And is there anything we should be aware of, here?" adds the shaman.

"Ah, Sid the gnome! Yah, he's stayin' right in this inn. Didn't know you were with him, he's pretty tight-lipped about why he's here," the halfling replies easily to Myn's question. "Think he's still in his room. And..." he turns to face "Bernkastel" and says, "Dunno what you mean! Life here in Loudwater's same as usual. Think something weird's goin' down in the Dire Wood, but that's a ways off. Dunno the details myself."

>>78320

"If the situation in the forest were dire, it would hardly be weird, so that must not be the case. We may as well complete our rendezvous with Mister Sid."

Myn motions for a departure.

Not being so familiar with the halfling, the ranger limits himself to ask, "Could you lead us to Sid's room?"

Last edited at 17/10/09(Mon)13:15:18

"No quarrel here."
To confirm his involvement among the group, Samel adds.
"Yes, please, we must meet with him at once."

The halfling bows respectfully and says, "Of course, of course, if you'll follow me..." Sliding the wood-paneled wall aside once more, he leads the party out of the small room and into what appears to be the inn's cellar, which is filled with casks and barrels. "The Harpers and their affiliates use this circle, and there aren't many others who know about it--hells, you're probably maybe one of a dozen or so outside the Harper ranks who do know just where it is!" Once you exit, he makes sure to slide the wall back into place. Upon doing so, the wall appears nearly seamless--it would be nigh-impossible to find if you didn't already know it was there.

Once in the cellar, Marsh leads you upstairs, through the kitchen area, and into the inn's common room, where you immediately spot your tinker gnome companion descending the stairs, apparently fully-equipped and ready to go. He quickly spots you and waves, then hurries over. Marsh bows once more, and leaves the party and Sid to grab a table and begin discussion.

"Ah, sprockets! Good to see you again, fellows!" Sid nods to the group, then quickly begins to elaborate, "Things haven't been proceeding as quickly as perhaps would've been a worst-case scenario here, which we can be thankful for. How did that scrap at the Well of Dragons go?"

"Well, I just heard it from my father, but the expedition to the Well of Dragons was..." Sureiya mutters, a little unsure of how to explain it.

"What matters is that we're here now. What is the situation? We just arrived to this Inn using a teleportation circle," he continues. "Have you confronted the outsiders?"

"Great googly-moogly, no! A confrontation would be ill-advised indeed on my own! However, I have had the cooperation of the locals in gathering information," Sid exclaims in response. He then lowers his voice and begins to elaborate, "It seems these... interlopers, so to speak, have set up camp around a great metallic tower that has recently erupted out of the earth in the Dire Wood, not too far from Loudwater." He pauses for a moment, looking somewhat guilty, then adds, "I would be remiss to not mention that I know these interlopers to some degree... they appear to be a remnant of a rather militant nation from Abeir. You see... I am from Abeir." He nods and stops talking for a moment, as if to give the party time to absorb this revelation--that Sid is not in fact native to Toril, but instead its parallel world.

"In Abeir, there was a mighty empire that stretched across the continent of Othard into Aldenard and most recently into Laerakond; the continent known in this realm as Returned Abeir. In the absence of divine magic, the Abeiran Empire turned to other means to combat the constant existential threats of dragons and primordials. A blend of arcane magic and technology," Sid elaborates in a gravely serious tone. "As you might have suspected, I know all this because I was once a member of that Imperial Remnant, which exists now in Returned Abeir. That is how I came to be trained as an artificer. And I was a damned good one too, the best in the empire until my defection. Over time I... became more and more disillusioned with the totalitarian agenda of the regime. It's well and good to defend we humanoids from slavery or destruction at the hands of the dragons and the primordials, but I have no interest in subjugating the people of this realm!"

OOC: Bernkastel (Passive Insight) You sense that there is more to the story of Sid's defection than that--that pause indicated that there was something he could have said, but didn't.

He places the weapon that he presented to the party before on the table, the hybrid of firearm and blade. "This weapon was commonly wielded by the empire's military forces. I didn't think they'd send expeditions across the sea to Faerûn--I assumed the war with the empress dragon Gauwer and her vassals in Skelkor would be occupying what resources the Remnant has available. You see, the Imperial Remnant here in Toril is but a pale shadow of the empire that existed in Abeir; only a few strongholds established in Laerakond as a precursor to invasion were transported to this realm. Without access to the vast ceruluem reserves of our homeland... at any rate, their presence here is a mystery. A potentially dangerous one."

The tinker gnome again pauses here to catch his breath and wait for questions.

"We... aren't short of surprises, are we?" Sureiya snorts, still absorbing the information from the gnome.

"Our priority should be finding why they are here, I think. If it is possible, it would be good not having to defeat a whole army again. We got our hands full with the Cult of Dragon" he concludes.

>>78326
The shaman perks up momentarily at the mention of absence of divine magic, and then again when Sid pauses, but she listens to the end.

"...I see? Does that mean you know some of their weaknesses, Mr. Silversprocket?" The shaman asks while leaning over the strange weapon to examine it. "And what would you like for us to do here?"

Last edited at 17/10/09(Mon)21:13:20

Sid looks to the shaman and nods, "Certainly. Their most important weakness is their lack of manpower. They have sufficient numbers that I would hesitate to approach them alone--one of them might get the idea that they need to try and question me, but with adventurers like you around, they wouldn't dare. You're far too strong for a bunch of conscripts to challenge, and I imagine there aren't many left from the old empire, not enough for both here and Returned Abeir." He takes a moment to take a swig from a flask that he has produced from his garments, and lets out a long sigh.

The tavern is mostly empty right now, oddly--and the few patrons therein are keeping their distance, perhaps put off by the presence of unusual denizens like dragonborn and owlbears. That hasn't stopped Marche from chatting away, apparently oblivious to the mood of the room, with a patron at the bar. Sid slowly begins to elaborate, "The problem is, I also might have an idea of what it is they're so interested in out there. And if it's what I think it is, there's no way we can just stand by while they get it all--it appears to be a remnant of an immense, ancient, mobile fortress that the Abeiran Empire built just before the coming of the Spellplague. If they begin to master the technology contained inside, they could cause a lot of problems for the Lords' Alliance an others--and that's a distraction they don't need right now."

>>78329

"Are you certain that they intend an assault with this technology, Mister Sid? Moreoever, even with this mobile fortress, would a faction so lacking in manpower be able to pose a real threat?"

The owlbear begins to investigate the tavern's tables for unattended foodstuffs.

>>78329
"Then would you like for us to help sabotage the documents? Or their equipment? We could also try and take away their artificers, or try to put one of their officials under our sway," the shaman lists some ideas.

Last edited at 17/10/10(Tue)16:47:47

Not being the brightest chessmaster commander, the ranger silently ponders, and offers a loaf of bread to the hungry owlbear.

Then, he remembers something. "The locals assisted you? You mean Ruha, the Harper?"

Last edited at 17/10/10(Tue)17:10:49

>>78333

The owlbear instantly consumes the bread and proceeds to gnaw on the half-orc's predator's hide +2.

Sid motions conversationally as he adds, "I am not proposing we take any hostile action just yet. It is as you say, Mister Nthelsyr, we do not yet know their motives. Showing in force is merely a precaution for, as I said, they are highly militant, and may hold a grudge against me in particular." The gnome now looks troubled, adding, "And yet... if it is indeed what I suspect, then the technology contained within is not mere weaponry like the thing I found earlier. It's... perhaps later I can tell you the full story, but for now..." Shaking his head, he regains his confidence and explains, "What I can tell you is that it is extraordinarily powerful--and extraordinarily dangerous. Even if the Remnant would not use it against the people of Faerûn, if it were to fall into more dangerous hands...! Such technology must be studied and safeguarded, and, well, it should be clear I do not trust the Imperial Remnant to do an adequate job of that!"

Finally addressing the half-orc's question, Sid replies, "I can't say any Harper agents have made their presence known to me, but the local wizard Curuvar has been of some help, as well as the local town leader, Lady Moonfire, who has given me the run of the place."

"Do you want to negotiate with a militant civilization that hates you? Well sure, but what do we even have to offer to them?" the ranger doubts, making some sense.

Samel who has been quietly observing the meeting doesn't have any particular opinion about how to handle this matter.

"Why can't he just ask the highlord?" he is thinking.
Not wanting to bring back the subject since Mister Sid already dismissed the idea, he thinks.
"Poor souls who do not worship the divines cannot be trusted with such technology."

For the scholar, something more important matters.
"This strange technology, a parallel world, a godless empire, this is the opportunity that Oghma has given me. I will not disappoint him."

Last edited at 17/10/11(Wed)13:05:12

"Hates is... perhaps not the best way to put it. I'm not certain they'll regard me with much more than disdain. Still, it could be dangerous, and that's why I want you along," Sid explains, idly leaning back in his chair. "As for what we can use as negotiation, well, my technical expertise of course. I dislike bragging overmuch, but I am confident that my own knowings of this thing will be quite valuable to them. Which is why I think they might try to get it by force if they felt they could." Nodding, he says simply, "We have a bargaining chip. And it could even get me in a position to make sure this thing poses no threat to us."

>>78338
The shaman stares. "Is... that all? Mr. Silversprocket, what are you planning to say to them, exactly? Is there some benefit in making them aware of your existence?"

"I thought we weren't letting them get this piece of technology, Sid. How can your knowledge about this ancient stuff can be of any worth to them if they aren't going to keep it?" the ranger continues his questioning, even more confused than before.

"What we say will depend on who we're dealing with. I don't know who's in charge there. Look... if you want to try and get us inside without them knowing, we can certainly try," Sid sighs. "I just don't think it's going to work out, unless you want to deal with them without me. They won't listen to anything you have to say without me in tow, so it'll be a fight for sure. And if we sneak in and are discovered, also a fight. I was trying to avoid that for at least as long as possible. We don't know the exact situation, so while I appreciate your suggestions, I don't know what good deciding on a definitive plan of action is right now. I can simply lay out our options: if you don't want to try and have me negotiate, it's almost certainly going to be a fight. If I could get access to the interior of that thing, maybe I can sabotage it. Or... communicate with it. Something. I'll have a better idea of what I'm dealing with once I have a look at it."

Leaning forward and clasping his hands together, Sid elaborates, "Look, I know they built this thing. If it's what I think it is. But I don't know the details of its design. I know how our tech works in general. But there were... complications with this thing's development. I don't know the nature of them. If we go in there, and we're trying to deal with both that thing and the Imperials at the same time... I was trying to avoid that. At least as long as we could. Which I admit, may not be long, but I thought it was worth a shot."

>>78341

"I suppose the most prudent course of action would be to gather information on-site, even before attempting any contact. It will hardly be too late to decide on a concrete strategy after assessing the situation there."

"He's right, and that's something I can take care of" the ranger says, nodding.

Then, he adds. "During my stay on Tymora's temple I saw a ritual that allowed the caster to remain stealthy and leave no tracks. Perhaps Sid or someone here might know such ritual?"

Sid nods sagely in response to Myn. "I agree. Once we see the tower with our own eyes, we can decide how to best approach the scenario." Looking to Sureiya, he notes, "Unfortunately, I do not believe I possess any rituals to aid in stealth, but I will make it a priority in the future!"

"That shouldn't be a problem, I came prepared to assist you in any way I can. I will make us as stealthy as a shadow in the night. I can even manipulate wind now, in fact."laugh the half invoker.

Last edited at 17/10/12(Thu)13:41:39

"Very well, then we probably should get ready to scout the place" Sureiya replies, while nodding.

"It's the empire base very far away from here, Sid?"

Samel continues
"Yes, all I need is... Eh, by the divines, it can't be!"
Confused, he spends a minute desperately looking at his belongings for something.

"Here maybe? No, not there either,nonono no! The bones, oh lord the bones! What happened to my bones!!"

"Was it Remallia? My set of tiny bells, the silver wire that my teacher entrusted me, the precious soul jar!! Gone! Everything is gone."
Fastthinker, the Deva asks
"Mister Sid, I know this is sudden, but wouldn't you be capable of crafting a magic focus that simulates the symbolic property of an ankle bone with a set of runes, wouldn't you?"

Last edited at 17/10/12(Thu)16:53:46

"Erm... I don't think that ritual would work without the bone itself. I-I could craft something if I had the base materials perhaps, but I don't think I can simply make something else to stand in..." Sid replies apologetically. Turning to Sureiya he replies, "No, no, not far, the tower is perhaps a day-and-a-half's travel on foot from here!"

Realising that what he just asked wouldn't work, the scholar tries hard to regain his composure.
"Oh, no, no... I learned those things in Procampur. Bored noblewomen often come up with various methods of self-amusement.
I regret to say Mister Sureiya, that the ritual requires the graven heel bone of a deceased humanoid, set with jet and platinum. Those... unusual items could be hard to find here in Loudwater. I apologize, everyone."

Sureiya makes a simple understanding nod "That's fine, I had seen the ritual before but I didn't know much else. In any case I should just try to be careful, so I don't get caught."

Then, using Samel's idea, he makes a question to the gnome. "But maybe, could you craft something to help me to remain hidden?"

Requesting Sid to enchant a pair of Boots of Stealth (680gp)

Sid nods. "It'll take a bit of time, but certainly! You should know that item creation is my specialty!" Looking to the rest of the group, he asks, "Any further questions or planning before I see to that?"

>>78351

"I would personally advise we complete any other business and depart as soon as possible. It would be best to remedy the situation in the forest before it should have a chance to become weird."

The owlbear nods in agreement, tugging on the predator's hide +2 in its beak as it does so.

>>78349
"Would you like to look for a replacement in Loudwater? Or, if you like, I can bring you to Waterdeep and back. It would cost about 100 gold pieces to teleport using existing circles twice," suggests the shaman.

>>78353
" <sigh> Yes, going back to Waterdeep is the easiest way to get everything we need. Let's make it quick."
Samel asks everyone else.
"Unless someone has a better idea."

>>78354
The shaman sighs too. "I think I will try teleporting to Waterdeep's Harper circle. ...Mr. Silversprocket, it's been a while since you've been to Waterdeep, right? Would you like to come, too? And... anyone else? The shaman asks the others. "Should we also decide where to meet back? Maybe the bar is fine."

Given the organizational details are sorted out and there's not much to RP, the shaman will cast Linked Portal from Loudwater's Harper circle back to Waterdeep's Harper circle (not city circle).

"I'll stay here with Sid, and I might try doing some shopping myself," Sureiys says.

During thr interlude, hand Sid the magical reagents and go shop a pair of footpads

>>78355
"...Still, should we not at least check a local store for the ritual focus first?"

"I believe I will stay here and focus on performing the ritual to enchant Sureiya's boots," Sid replies, hopping off his chair. "Our half-elven friend's advice is well-taken, we shouldn't tarry overlong."

Sureiya has no problems turning up a set of footpads for their list price at Garwan's Curiosities, as the general store carries just a little bit of almost everything, as well as assorted curiosities that the proprietor thinks might be valuable.

>>78357
"Got it, let's have a look first."

Unfortunately, a thorough search of Garwan's Curiosities by the deva doesn't turn up anything that could theoretically be used as a focus for that particular ritual.

"Out of luck, but expected. Let's go back to Waterdeep, Ms. Bernkastel."

>>78361
"......"

The shaman nods quietly, walking back to the Harper circle at the bar. She doesn't look too happy.

>>78362
"I changed my mind. We can teleport to the Arcanimus circle, and you can return once you find what you need."

After using Linked Portal to get back to Waterdeep, Samel has little trouble tracking down what he needs--the Arcanimus is well-stocked in focii for arcane rituals, and provides him one at cost. They return to Loudwater with good haste, and Sid finishes enchanting a set of boots of stealth. It seems the party is fully set to head out.

>>78364

The spirtual center of the party heads out.
Myn follows.

"Now now, making us stealthy isn't the only trick up my sleeve. Give me space, companions."
He casts phantom steed outside town, and designates every member + sid during the ritual.(35) 15 speed! (8RP left)
Black, ghostly horses impatiently waiting to run like the wind appears from the mist of the ritual.
"My precious mounts can even run on water" the deva adds, proudly.

The ranger inspects for a moment the spoopy horses and mounts one of them with determination.

"It feels like it's been ages since we're on an adventure, don't you agree?" he jokes, waiting on everyone else to depart.

Between the phantom steeds Samel summons for the party and Torinn's loyal pegasus, the group is able to make it quite close to their destination in the Dire Wood in less than a day. The remainder of the town of Loudwater gives them a wide berth as they exit, as they make for a somewhat strange bunch, but there's no hostility aimed towards them.

The trek through the heavily forested area towards the Dire Wood proves uneventful, and the group makes camp as they near their destination to make certain you have plenty of daylight for whatever you need to do the following day. Early the next morning, you begin to spot hints of a tall metallic tower in the distance, rising for a great distance above the treetops. Torinn is the first to spot it when flying above ground on the pegasus, and relays this information to the rest. It would seem you are within a few miles of your destination, so perhaps it would be a good idea to decide how you wish to approach--send the ranger to scout ahead, attempt aerial surveillance, or another method?

>>78369

"I propose that we send our most elusive member ahead, while the rest of us follow at a slight delay, ready to assist if he is discovered. Surely entering the tower undetected would be the best course of action if we wish to gather information."

Myn gestures to the owlbear.

"If nobody is confident in this task, perhaps my companion will suffice. I doubt anyone would think it strange to see an owlbear in this forest."


(Nature) Owlbear Lore: 13

Now equipped with the magic boots Sid crafted for him, the ranger. Then he replies to the breeder of the armor-eating machine.

"It should be easy to gather some intel, but actually getting inside the tower? Hmmp, well, perhaps with the ritual's help..." he ponders.

"Maybe we should wear those cultist robes. And I could get us inside a stone building, but... not a metal one. I think there may be potions that can help, but we would need a lot of them."

"Before we do anything, I need everyone to join me as I perform the ritual." says Samel, preparing the ingredients.

He casts ghost walk (religion 17,-4rp 4rp left)

Last edited at 17/10/17(Tue)09:59:41

"The cultist robes? Ah, my father told me about what you did on the Well of the dragons, that was clever" the ranger admits. "They do indeed look awful, but what point there is in using them now?" he asks, while admiring the cleric casting the ritual.

>>78373
The shaman prepares to join the ritual as well.

>>78374
"It would disguise us, and maybe mislead the Abier people into thinking the Cult is involved."

"It's quite annoying... but as long it doesn't slow me down, I'll use it" Sureiya replies, taking the robes and the mask from his bag and dressing them.

Equip boots of stealth, footpads, and the cult robes + mask.

>>78372

"While wearing the robes may provide another enemy for the cultists, it would likely also complicate diplomacy, should the opportunity present itself. Moreover, if we succeed in our task, the imperial remnants would likely be too weak to offer a decent offensive, and if we fail, undoubtedly they would clash against the cult at some point regardless."

Despite his words, Myn doesn't seem to be strongly against ruling out diplomacy.

"As for entering the tower, perhaps I could ferry us through a window. Although, given that it erupted from the earth, it would be unfortunate to start at the top, should the important areas be in a basement level."

>>78377
"On the other hand, if no opportunity for diplomacy presents itself, or it even fails, which... I think likely, it would be far better to redirect their aggression to the Cult, rather than us. Regardless, I believe it critical to be disguised, as much as keeping them unaware of Mr. Silversprocket."

The shaman thinks. "I suppose it's possible to take off the Cultist disguises as necessary, too. And at least, I think there is no reason against disguising Mr. Sureiya at this time."

>>78378

"I suppose that's reasonable."

The owlbear stops pulling at Sureiya's clothes.

>>78379
The shaman looks upward for a moment, before turning back to the party. "Maybe sending Mr. Sureiya as a cultist to spy on and steal from them, and then letting them catch a glimpse of him as a Cultist thief would make them sufficiently hostile against the Cult to cooperate with any adventurers investigating Cult presence near Loudwater. We could use it as a starting point for diplomacy, using the Cult as a common enemy.'

>>78380

"I believe that course of action is acceptable, save for that it should be left as a backup if he should be detected. If we manage to enter unnoticed, would it not offer a greater advantage than being let in while they are aware of us, even if not initially hostile? If we are discovered, we need merely exit swiftly, and return undisguised."

>>78381
The shaman nods. "Okay. Maybe we can try again if Mr. Sureiya is undetected but there still remains something to steal."

"Wait, I'm not sure even if I will find an opening to the tower!" the ranger says.
"I will infiltrate if it seems reasonable, but I won't risk letting those steelheads capture me."

>>78383
The shaman looks to Sid. "Should we spend some time preparing potions for Mr. Sureiya, so that he can enter and escape more easily?"

"Oh, certainly! Anything to make the reconnaissance safer; I'll follow your lead," Sid says enthusiastically, apparently happy to be able to help with his non-combat skillset.

>>78385
"Thank you, Mr. Silversprocket, though it would be inappropriate for me to be leading the expert in this matter. Oh, in that case, Mr. Samel, please hold off on the ritual."

The shaman describes a few ideas for items that could be useful, wondering if Sid knows of ways to become harder to find, or to teleport through tower walls. She also removes her glasses and gloves for Sureiya's use.

Loaned to Sureiya for this mission:
> The shaman's Reading Spectacles (can read any language)
> The shaman's Hedge Wizard's Gloves (Prestidigitation + Mage Hand as standard actions)
> Ideally, Myn's Incisive Dagger +2 (daily teleport, and added teleport distance when using a power to teleport)
(The shaman should probably keep her Enshrouding Candle to hide the bigger group in an emergency.)

Crafted for this mission:
> Enchant a Staff of the Traveler +1 (1000 gp) - http://funin.space/compendium/item/Staff-of-the-Traveler.html
> Enchant Bracers of Brachiation (1000 gp) - http://funin.space/compendium/item/Bracers-of-Brachiation.html
> Brew an Elixir of Chameleon Power (125 gp) - http://funin.space/compendium/item/Elixir-of-Chameleon-Power.html
> Total 2125 gp. Dividing the cost by five (the five adventurers, excluding Sid), each person would pay 425 gp.

Cheaper, more limited / consumable alternatives:
> http://funin.space/compendium/item/Breaching-Armor.html
> http://funin.space/compendium/item/Boots-of-Jaunting.html
> http://funin.space/compendium/item/Fey-Step-Potion.html
> http://funin.space/compendium/item/Elixir-of-Levitation.html
> http://funin.space/compendium/item/Elixir-of-Flying.html

Torinn looks like the pale specter of death after donning the robes and climbing on Rutger.

"Need a lift?"

The ranger nods in response to the paladin, then he mounts the flying horse and takes out his spyglass.