PrP: Lurker on the Heights
Just another assignment at the guild, those who have signed up for the work file into one of the briefing rooms to find out what, exactly, they need to do to earn their coin.
One of the guild officials is there, along with a pair of peasent-looking folk from one of the outlaying villages, maybe a half-day's walk from Alexandria's outskirts. The pair, a young man and an older woman, look tired and worried, not to mention a little bewildered at travelling to the Big City(tm) to hire adventurers.
"Alright then," the guild official begins once the group have settled. "Thank you for coming. Marjerie and Jocelyn here will give you the rundown." And indeed, the two villagers do so, with much stumbling and interrupting each other.
They hail from the village of Cliffview, a few miles along the coastline from Alexandria. One of the sea-watch towers, long abandoned due to disrepair, has become a haunt for.. something. Neither of the pair are sure what exactly is up there, since nobody from the village has been able to see it/them from outside, and nobody who went into the tower has come back out. They /have/ heard rumblings and wailings at night from the direction of the cliffs, however, and strange lights flickering at the top of the tower on two occasions.
"Thank you," the guild official voices after the explanation. "The job then is to find out what is inside the tower, and take care of it so it leaves the village alone. Any questions, ladies and gentlemen?"
Vennan is grumpy today. That's not really news, the elf is always grumpy. But he seems exceptionally so today. He leans against the wall during the briefing, idly checking his equipment for readiness while listening to the explanation. "Fear not." He says at the end. "This is not the first time I have been hired to investigate a potentially haunted light tower. I assure you the matter will be addressed. Can you give us any more specifics beyond the rumblings, wailings, and lights?"
Schneider files into the room and sits down. His long hair sweeps back dramatically as he looks to the two villagers with a critical eye, but then chuckles. "This will be a simple matter, for ones as powerful as we!" he declares with total confidence. He nods at what Vennan says. "We fear no hauntings. If anything, the hauntings should fear us."
Oates just does a once-over on his gear, making sure that he has everything and that it's all ready. Vennan had already asked for more info, and Schneider had displayed the confidence; now is the time for listening.
"I went up there, once," Jocelyn voices, his late-teens voice a little quavery. "I /heard/ somethin' moving around. Like, outside. I couldn't see anything though. Not afraid to say I legged it - it was right near me, and it were /breathing/ at me." Pause. "That thing, or them things, they've killed three good men from the militia. Also figure Old Jack's dog went up there too, 'cause he hasn't been seen in weeks either."
Gwendolyn, ever with an easy smile, adjusts a strap on her armor as she listens to the request. She lays a mailed hand on the shoulder of one of the befuddled couple, practically radiating calming fearlessness (because she is). "Fear not. Daeus blesses this expedition, and Good will not sit idle, while Evil haunts the folk of the land." She encourages, easily popping off with soothing platitudes and paladinifics.
"That was very wise." Vennan replies to Jocelyn. "It could be any number of things causing the phenomena you describe, but none of them are good. Rest easy. We're professionals, we'll handle it."
Schneider hmmmns. "Breathing. Definitely suspicious," he says, though he plays it straight rather that being a total jerk. "Could have -been- the dog. They get bitten by a raccoon, and then they're foaming at the mouth and everything. But we'll see what there is to find out."
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "May I roll K:Relig to get an idea of what causes hauntings, wailings, etc? Or is that 'basically every evil and neutral but malefic spirit and entity under the sun, not enough info'?"
<OOC> Lash says, "At the moment, it's a little thin to narrow down."
<OOC> Gwendolyn nods.
<OOC> Lash says, "Though you may roll by all means :)"
GAME: Gwendolyn rolls Knowledge/Religion: (20)+8: 28
<OOC> Lash says, "Nice roll!"
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "Why do all my 20's land on K:R rollsssss"
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "Arrrrgh I want to crit one of these days, not be brainy. It's not my jobbbb"
GAME: Alistine rolls Knowledge/Religion: (18)+6: 24
You paged Gwendolyn with 'Well. It could be anything. However, your extensive knowledge of the spirits and undead.. well, they don't normally breathe. Even malevolently.'
<OOC> Alistine says, "Doing the same."
You paged Alistine with 'Well. It could be anything. However, your extensive knowledge of the spirits and undead.. well, they don't normally breathe. Even malevolently.'
"The good news is that it is not, most likely, a spirit or the undead." She beams. "They tend to not... Well... Breathe? It is no matter. Whatever the source, we shall root it out and give you fine folk peace of mind and a secure home. This I promise!" Gwendolyn intones, now wishing they had a bit more information to go on, but... Well, the walking dead and malevolent spirits /not/ being the most likely cause was unhelpful but calming information.
"It weren't no frothin' dog, sir. I met a rabid bear before now, an' he sure as hell weren't hard to see," Jocelyn tells Schneider straightforwardly. "It's something.. else. No rabid dog would take down three good guardsmen." Marjerie then speaks up. "We should get back to the village." She looks nervous, glancing between the adventurers and the guild official. "Do you want to follow us or do you know the way over there?"
From afar, Vennan has knowledge/local and knowledge/dungeoneering if either applies for any reason.
"If it is similar to the issue with the previous lighthouse, then it is unlikely to be rabid animals. I don't think rabies would explain the odd illuminations." Vennan says with a frown. "Further speculation is unlikely to help. We should proceed."
"Why, your safety is our mission!" Gwendolyn is practically spitting sunlight from her smile. "Unless my companions do not wish to accompany you, it is a small matter to ensure you safely back to your village before setting out to the lighthouse. The two cannot be that far apart!"
Oates pages: I wasn't kidding when I said I could have a K/Everything alias: I have ranks in the following Knowledge skills: Arcana, Artifice, Dungeoneering, Engineering, Geography, History, Local, Military Theory, Nature, Nobility, Religion, and The Planes.
Schneider chuckles at Gwendolyn, and replies, "We shall find out soon enough!" He nods about it not being a mad dog causing whatever it is. Well, they might know that, he'll give them credit. As far as following them, he nods. "Yes, show us the way to your hamlet," he asks, nodding in agreement with Vennan. "I have what I need, and I am ready to go."
You paged Vennan with 'Not at the moment, though your k/local would confirm Cliffview is otherwise quite a dull village; fishing exports, cloth and meat imports, nothing of interest and no particular locals of note. No need to roll.'
You paged Oates with 'At the moment with the information you have, there's not much to roll on. Once you get there and maybe have a few more clues, feel free to pop me Nature, Dungeoneering and The Planes.'
You paged Oates with 'To cover all monster-related bases. :)'
"There... Are some disconcerting possibilities regarding the potential nature of a breathing evil, but they're best left unsaid." Alistine says, "And I will be with you, doing my best to ensure your safety. That said, may Althea watch over us as a mother does her children." as she continues on with the rest of them.
"A Sunblade is ever-ready to strike out against the enemies of Good." Gwendolyn offers to Vennan, regarding her readiness. And the ever quantity of it.
Oates pages: Will do. :D
<OOC> Lash says, "Alright. Anyone have more questions, or shall we fast forward to the village?"
<OOC> Oates activates his "FF Ready" flag.
<OOC> Gwendolyn is ready to smite ebil.
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "Or... You know, not-smite not-evil. And just swing swords at Chaotic Neutral. Or something."
<OOC> Vennan is ready to go!
<OOC> Schneider says, "I'm good with FF"
<OOC> Alistine says, "FF."
Cliffview village is, as the name suggests, perched like a whelk on the edge of a cliff, with trails leading down to the rocky beaches below. The grey seas are scattered with fishing boats, suggesting that the village's main exports come from the sea. It is probably unsurprising then that along the main road into the village, running along the cliff edge, there is a smart little shrine to Rada that clearly sees a lot of use by the stubs of incense and offerings of shell and such littering the ground around it.
The village itself comprises maybe a dozen houses, with somebody's front room acting as the closest thing to an inn. There is a part-time store for fishery-related items, plenty of rope, nets and oiled tarpaulins, though little else even remotely of interest. The houses cluster around a T-junction; the main throughfare heading on out of the village, with the crossing road heading down to the water. There are two sea-watch towers here. The closer is clearly in good repair and use, with a sentry visible at the top. The further is about a half-mile away on a rocky promontory, and even from this distance has an air of disuse about it, the roof partly gone and the walls showing cracks in the mortar that have gone un-repaired. It is to this tower that Jocelyn points. "There, ma'ams. There it is." This is to the two paladins.
Schneider heads out with the others to see what there is to see. When the village comes into view, he peers into the distance, watching the tower as we approach it. He walks toward it without pause once it's pointed out which one is our destination. Apparently he has no intention of pausing to prepare, or at least not much.
"Pardon me, but... There's only a few possible things that could have happened. The most likely one seems to be a magical mishap due to local effects." Alistine says, "What is known of this area's history?"
"Ah. Yes, that does indeed seem to be troubling!" Gwendolyn notes rahter... Well, simply. She is not the most perceptive of sorts, or the most wise for that matter, but she knows the stench of POSSIBLY EVIL when she sees it. And is already been hired to deal with it. "It soon will have a history of two functioning, proper lighthouses." She notes, before... Well, if anyone else would come with her, just striding off to the Lighthouse. She'll hang around if there's more information to be gleaned however.
Vennan sulks the whole length of the trip. There seems to be no shaking the elf out of his poor mood today. Then again, is there really much to be chipper about when going to investigate a possibly haunted and definitely dilapidated lighthouse? He examines the structure with a scowl. "... Well. Best to investigate while there is still daylight, I suppose."
<OOC> Lash says, "Anyone with k/local, feel free to roll at me."
GAME: Oates rolls Knowledge/Local: (12)+12: 24
GAME: Vennan rolls knowledge/local: (14)+10: 24
You paged (Oates, Vennan) with 'Cliffview barely has a history of anything. Nothing more exciting than fish exports, at least. No magical mishaps, no local wizards or sorcerers. In fact, they tend to send their magically-inclined types off to school in Alexandria, so they don't cause trouble. Hence, few people in the village would know anything of magic, let alone magical beasts or the like.'
"We'll, uh, we'll stay at the village," Jocelyn speaks up, uncertainly. "The way there is pretty clear, just follow this road on and you can't miss it." Marjerie is already heading off down the cliff road to the beach, clearly she has some sort of work to be getting on with.
Schneider dismisses Vennan's funk with his own bemused attitude, though he does agree about the daylight. "Easier to see the invisible howling monsters," he says with a chuckle, heading down the road. He does call on his own supernatural power, though, intoning in his native Jotun, "Spirits of magic, show me what lies hidden!"
<OOC> Schneider will cast Detect Magic as soon as I remember how
<OOC> Vennan dittos. Has it as an elven Arcane Connection.
"Whatever it is, it's likely to not be anything local," muses Oates. "Those with a knack for magic get trained at Alexandria, and beyond that this is a fairly sleepy little town."
GAME: Schneider casts Detect Magic.
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "When we /get/ to the lighthouse I turn on my cone of Detect Evil. But until then, well, it's sort of rude to go around with the pallyeyes."
<OOC> Lash says, "Okedoke. Once you get to within doing-things range of the tower, who is going in which order?"
<OOC> Schneider would like not to be first. I'm very squishy.
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "If nobody else wants to be the Door Opening Technician (see: Sucker), I'll take the front."
<OOC> Vennan dittos.
<OOC> Vennan dittos not being first. Not being door opening sucker.
<OOC> Alistine will be tankadin, then.
You paged Schneider with 'Nothing magic within the town, unsurprisingly, except a faintly glimmering length of rope in the store.'
The walk to the less well-kept watchtower is uneventful, unless one calls watching grass grow and sea churn an event, then there's plenty of action. The wind off the sea is fairly stiff, carrying with it the scents of brine and fish guts, but it is only this wind that moves the grass and retreating shrubbery, no sign of actual life.
The boundary of the tower itself is quite well defined. A low drywall of maybe 2' high, crumbling in places, with a gap for people to come and go via the path the group is approaching on. However, within that gap is a strange thing. A clearly visible strange thing. Bones, arrayed in a clear line across the gap. Too neat to be the work of a wild animal, certainly.
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "If allistine (who needs 1 more hittypoint) wants to be first, I has no problems with taking second."
<OOC> Alistine says, "Also, I believe I need my strength restored."
<OOC> Oates says, "I'll be near the front - having the Trap Spotter ability means that I automatically roll Perception checks to detect any traps I come within 10' of."
Schneider pages: OOooh. More interested in the Tower when we get there. But I'll keep my eyes open along the way
<OOC> Lash says, "Okedoke. Roll me perception, Oates."
<OOC> Lash says, "Also anyone with k/nature, k/planes or k/dungeoneering, to cover the various monstery types, may roll the knowledge too."
GAME: Oates rolls Perception+2: (13)+11+2: 26
GAME: Vennan rolls knowledge/dungeoneering: (19)+10: 29
GAME: Oates rolls Knowledge/Nature: (19)+5: 24
You paged Oates with 'The wall and bones do not appear to be trapped.'
You paged Oates with 'But the bones were definately placed there for a reason, not just discarded, you think.'
GAME: Oates rolls Knowledge/Dungeoneering: (5)+8: 13
GAME: Oates rolls Knowledge/The Planes: (6)+5: 11
GAME: Schneider rolls knowledge/the planes: (10)+4: 14
<OOC> Lash says, "Or, keep the 19 and tell me your ranks :)"
<OOC> Schneider says, "Ah, thanks."
<OOC> Lash says, "We'll call that a 23."
<OOC> Alistine says, "Nope. Only got knowledge/religion here."
You paged Oates with 'The deliberate placing of the bones would seem to rule out any kind of natural beast, since they tend not to be intelligent enough to want to do something like that.'
You paged Oates with 'Your dungeoneering knowledge flags up too many things it /could/ be, though not many of them would want to be out here rather than underground. Possibly some kind of stealthy magical beast or abberation tied to the sea, or else..'
You paged Oates with 'It could be extraplanar. A lot of planar beings have the ability to be invisible, and many of them have strange rituals involving bones and boundaries. This seems the most likely, despite the lack of magical knowhow in the village.'
You paged Schneider with 'You think, on the balance of things, there is a strong possibility of extraplanar activity. A lot of planar beings have the ability to be invisible, and many of them have strange rituals involving bones and boundaries. In particular, the beings of the plane of air often have the ability to go unseen, and an exposed clifftop like this would be pleasing given the stiff winds.'
Oates frowns at the array of bones. "Those bones aren't a trap in themselves, but I smell an ambush," he states, drawing his rapier. "Not quite sure what set this up, but odds are that it's sneaky."
Schneider sniffs at the air, and frowns towards the bones. He looks around the clifftop and lets the breeze draw back his mane of hair. He muses, "This is a good place for creatures of air. Though not so powerful and awesome as creatures of fire, they have their place in the overall makeup of things, and this seems to be a place that would please them. They often go unseen, cause, you know, air and all."
"Would a creature of Air kill three guardsmen and a dog?" Gwendolyn wonders, her eyes glowing a lambent gold as she gives the surroundings a cursory glance to ferret out any evil. She readies her shield as well, and unbuckles, but does not draw, her sword. A shield was far easier to prove no ill intent - but a sword was a clear sign of a will to fight. If diplomacy could solve this, it was always good to try.
"There is little we can do, either way. We have a task - let us get to it."
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "Detect evil sweep, etc."
You paged Gwendolyn with 'Nothing pings on your evil'o'meter.'
From afar, Gwendolyn didn't think so! Never hurts to check.
"Though I detect no Evil, that does not mean there is no danger. Be wary, fellows, and vigilant." Gwendolyn adds.
Vennan scowls at the sight of the bones. "It's certainly a clear indication that something beyond wild animals is to blame for the events here." He draws his bow and readies an arrow, looking around with an air of paranoia.
Schneider says to Gwendolyn, "There are more creatures of air then simple dust devils, and not all of them are our friends. I have heard of cities of brass where evil spirits of air dwell, living to torment others, waiting for a mage to summon them here so they can wreak havoc." He seems amused by this rather than concerned or wary. He'll move up with the others, letting more worldly people actually lead the way.
<OOC> Lash says, "Entering the tower grounds?"
<OOC> Alistine says, "Yup."
<OOC> Oates says, "Sounds good."
<OOC> Schneider says, "Sure"
<OOC> Lash says, "Any precautions being taken as you do so?"
<OOC> Schneider will keep Detect Magic up, if he can?
<OOC> Lash says, "Sure."
<OOC> Oates says, "Other than general alertness in all directions, you mean?"
<OOC> Vennan likewise keeps his Detect Magic going.
Into the grounds - and some feet are less careful than others, treading on or scattering the bones as the group moves into the grounds beyond the low wall. There is a clattering sound, a crunching from one of the smaller pieces, that sounds unnaturally loud up here where the only other noise tends to come from the stiff winds. The grounds appear to be deserted however, nothing visible or audible, with the entry at the foot of the tower facing away from the sea, door no longer in place but instead laying flat in some weeds nearby.
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "There's no point in dropping D-Evil but I don't expect it to come up."
<OOC> Lash says, "Anyone who wants to may roll perception."
GAME: Vennan rolls perception: (10)+11: 21
GAME: Lash rolls 1d20+12+40: (4)+12+40: 56
GAME: Oates rolls Perception: (10)+11: 21
GAME: Schneider rolls perception: (8)+6: 14
GAME: Gwendolyn rolls perception: (16)+2: 18
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "That sure does seem to be a +40."
<OOC> Schneider says, "Alas."
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "That SURE DOES SEEM to be a big modifier."
"...This isn't right." Alistine says, "What need have elementals for bones? This is suggestive of tribal behavior, ritual and gruesome culture that..." she then pauses before drawing her sword and assuming a defensive position.
<OOC> Lash says, "It's the invisibility bonus to stealth. ;)"
GAME: Alistine rolls Perception: (10)+7: 17
As others ready weapons, Gwendolyn holds up a hand, before extending her hand and calling out to the emptiness. "Hear me, those that reside within this tower! I am a paladin of Daeus - and you have my word that if you agree to leave peacefully, no blood need be spilled! The hamlet has seen cause to reclaim this tower, and wishes to end the loss of its guardsmen. This can still end without further loss of life. Be known, and I swear you will be treated fairly and if you agree to leave this place hence, without harm."
GAME: Gwendolyn rolls Diplomacy: (16)+12: 28
"There's more extraplanar creatures out there than just elementals," Oates points out in a reduced voice, wincing at the clattering of the bones. "While there's a chance it's some sort of outsider behind this, it could also be a creature from the sea or some variety of magical beast. There's not enough info to work off of yet."
There is a voice. A voice, from the doorway of the tower. It is an unnusual voice, seeming to speak in three or four pitches at once, a chorus of notes all saying exactly the same thing at exactly the same time. "LEAVE THIS PLACE, it is no longer owned by that den of humans. You will have only one warning. Be gone, or be dead." Maybe Gwen's words got a response after all, albeit perhaps not the ones she wanted to hear. Still, it is more of a warning than the dead villagers (and dog) likely got, one might assume. That, or they didn't heed it.
You paged Schneider with 'Definately air-elemental'y.'
Vennan frowns at the ominous voice. He aims his bow in the general direction it came from. "... Well. Thank you for making the effort, but it seems as if this is a problem unlikely to be resolved through diplomacy."
Schneider nods at what Oates says. "There are a lot of things it could be. And they've shown themselves not to be friendly." He pauses as Gwen demands surrender, then listens as the voice replies. "Yeah, definitely not friendly. So. I should probably try and find a spell that lets me see things that can't normally be seen," he muses. "I wonder if they have a spark of fire that I could .... sense somehow? Though probably not these creatures. Maybe they've got a spark of something else? Magic, or whatever?"
"I will not leave. The folk of this town ask of Good to cleanse this place, and I offer you the patience and understanding accorded. But no more." She brings a hand to her sword-hilt at her hip, her hand closing around the corded haft. "If you will not yeild to reason, then I have sworn to protect the people - and justice will be sought for those that came before and were slain."
Gwendolyn's smile dims to a thin upturn at the corners of her mouth. "I say again. Yeild, and leave without incident."
<OOC> Lash says, "Detect Magic, incidently, is not showing anything."
<OOC> Schneider says, "All right."
GAME: You clear initiatives.
GAME: Lash has cleared initiatives.
<OOC> Lash says, "Alrighty, let us have some inits."
GAME: Gwendolyn rolls initiative: Roll: 12 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 13
GAME: Oates rolls initiative: Roll: 14 + Bonus: 2 = Total: 16
"Listen to me." Alistine says, "Blood may be shed over this if we do not cooperate. Think about this for a moment. What good is territory that earns you the ire of nearby packs? Besieged you would be until whatever advantage you have now would pale in comparison to your losses. Mighty you are to be sure, but many vermin might slay a bear if they attack day and night, wouldn't you agree?"
GAME: You roll initiative for Voice: Roll: 6 + Bonus: 8 = Total: 14
Gwendolyn gives a sidelong glance at Alistine and mouths 'vermin?', looking a little hurt. Vermin paladins of Althea and Daeus were not! But she understood the sentiment.
GAME: Vennan rolls initiative: Roll: 3 + Bonus: 4 = Total: 7
Schneider blinks at the vermin comment also. He calls out for his own part, "I am the handsome hero, here, out to defeat the horrible villian. You have no chance to survive. Make your time!"
GAME: Schneider rolls initiative: Roll: 2 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 5
<OOC> Lash says, "Okedoke, Oates. You're up first."
GAME: Alistine rolls initiative: Roll: 6 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 7
<OOC> Oates says, "I'll move towards where the voice came from, trying to identify where the foe is by where the voice(s) were coming from. Thankfully, I have Uncanny Dodge, so even invisible foes can't catch me flatfooted."
<OOC> Lash says, "Thankee."
<OOC> Lash says, "Okedoke. You're pretty sure it is in the doorway, or directly in front of it."
<OOC> Lash says, "Needless to say, nothing visible."
<OOC> Lash says, "Voice's turn."
<OOC> Lash says, "Unsurprisingly it is going to attack Oates."
GAME: Lash rolls 1d20+12: (11)+12: 23
GAME: Lash rolls 2d6+4: (7)+4: 11
GAME: Lash damaged Oates for 11 points. 23 remaining.
<OOC> Lash says, "Gwen."
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "So the thing is not visible?"
<OOC> Lash says, "Correct."
<OOC> Lash says, "Though something just ran into Oates."
<OOC> Lash waits for him to pose, and will pose the attack.
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "Hmm. I will..."
Oates carefully walks forward, following his ears to figure out where the foe is. He knows it's risky to go after an invisible foe, but the farmboy trusts his roguish reflexes to keep himself on his toes.
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "Walk up behind Oates and give him my CLW."
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "Doop doop I am low on ideas."
With the trapfinder heading towards the door, it seems the Voice was speaking truth when it said there would be only one warning. A faint sound of something moving on stone, and then an invisible something barrels into the human male, not quite knocking him down but battering the side of him that is turned towards the door something proper. That's going to hurt in the morning - or indeed, right now.
<OOC> Lash says, "Vennan."
GAME: Gwendolyn casts Cure Light Wounds.
GAME: Gwendolyn rolls 1d8+1: (8)+1: 9
GAME: Lash damaged Oates for -9 points. 32 remaining.
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "Ooh, big dice."
Gwendolyn sees Oates get slammed into as he moves into the room, moving to assist him, her empty sword hand already glowing golden with healing power. "Falter not!" She breathes as she brings the positive energy in contact with his back. "This foe does not seem to wish itself seen even still."
" <OOC> Vennan switches to sword, swings at his best guess for where the horrible invisible monster is.
<OOC> Lash says, "Those with k/planes may roll again."
GAME: Schneider rolls knowledge/the planes: (13)+4: 17
<OOC> Lash says, "Sure, roll attack Vennan."
GAME: Vennan rolls melee + 2: (13)+5+2: 20
GAME: Oates rolls Knowledge/The Planes: (16)+5: 21
<OOC> Lash says, "Nice roll. Please roll 1d2, on a 2 you pass the concealment."
You paged (Schneider, Oates) with 'By the behaviour and ability to speak common, as well as the unnusual voice, it would seem to be an air elemental - an intelligent one, no less. Possibly an invisible stalker.'
You paged (Schneider, Oates) with 'Almost certainly, in fact, if it has retained invisibility while attacking.'
GAME: Vennan rolls 1d2: (2): 2
<OOC> Vennan says, "Boom!"
<OOC> Lash says, "Roll damage :)"
<OOC> Vennan says, "Do I count as flanking with Oates? And if so, do I get sneak attack damage?"
<OOC> Lash says, "It is not subject to sneak."
<OOC> Vennan says, "Darn."
GAME: Vennan rolls 1d8 + 2: (7)+2: 9
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "I do not think sneak turns on if you're attacking a target with concealment."
<OOC> Lash says, "Elementals are immune in any case."
<OOC> Lash says, "Alistine!"
You paged Vennan with 'Reassuringly, it does feel solid!'
You paged Vennan with 'Though there is no blood.'
Vennan quickly switches from bow to longsword as he dashes in Oates' direction. He swings the blade at his best guess for the foe's location. The strike makes contact with something, even if he has no idea what it is. "Hrm."
<OOC> Alistine says, "Hm..."
<OOC> Alistine says, "So... I can attack, at a penalty for full concealment?"
<OOC> Lash says, "Attacking is fine, then roll 1d2 after to see if you pass concealment."
<OOC> Lash says, "Since it has been narrowed down to between Oates and Vennan."
GAME: Alistine rolls 1d2: (2): 2
GAME: Alistine rolls 1d20+4: (15)+4: 19
<OOC> Lash says, "Alas, no hit."
<OOC> Lash says, "Schneider!"
<OOC> Schneider will cast True Strike
<OOC> Lash nods.
GAME: Schneider casts True Strike.
<OOC> Lash says, "Top of the round, Oates."
Schneider sees what's going on, or doesn't see, more like, and decides that if it's spirits, then his spirits will have to outspirit the other spirit. "I call upon the spirits of Inner Fire," he demands in Jotunn. "Show me the Inner Flame!" He takes only a few steps in the direction of the invisible attacker, his broad hand clutching the hilt of his greatsword and drawing it forth.
Pausing, Alistine feels the air around her and remains -very- still for some moments before she swings out her sword quickly chopping at one of the invisible foes. As it moves through the air with a whistle, she frowns and assumes a defensive position again.
<OOC> Oates says, "Well, since I now have a general idea of where this thing is, I'll stab it."
<OOC> Lash says, "Sure, roll to hit then follow with 1d2"
GAME: Oates rolls RapierAtk: aliased to 7: (17)+7: 24
<OOC> Lash says, "Hit."
GAME: Oates rolls 1d2: (1): 1
<OOC> Lash says, "Possibly."
<OOC> Lash says, "Alas, miss."
<OOC> Lash says, "Voice!"
<OOC> Lash says, "Voice is going to attack Vennan, since he managed to hurt it."
GAME: Lash rolls 1d20+10: (20)+10: 30
GAME: Lash rolls 1d20+10: (2)+10: 12
"Blasted invisible stalker," mutters Oates as he stabs at where the center of mass of the foe is... or at least could have been, as the rapier finds no resistance.
GAME: Lash rolls 1d20+10: (6)+10: 16
<OOC> Lash says, "One non-crit hit."
GAME: Lash rolls 2d6+4: (8)+4: 12
GAME: Lash damaged Vennan for 12 points. 12 remaining.
<OOC> Lash says, "Also does anyone here have Auran as a language?"
<OOC> Schneider says, "Not I."
<OOC> Oates says, "Not yet."
The invisible being sways this way and that.. one supposes, since it gets hit by some, and not others. Then again, attacking something you can see straight through is tricky at the best of times. It huffs angrily as Vennan's sword pierces.. something, and turns to lash out at him with.. well, probably a limb? It catches the elf right across the arm and shoulder, not cutting but battering like a fist. A very strong fist.
<OOC> Lash says, "Gwen!"
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "Ah!"
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "I will move into... Hmm."
<OOC> Alistine says, "Not I."
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "Skirt the fight and LoH Vennan!"
<OOC> Gwendolyn healbot.
<OOC> Lash nod.
GAME: Gwendolyn rolls 2d6: (5): 5
GAME: Lash damaged Vennan for -5 points. 17 remaining.
<OOC> Lash says, "Vennan!"
<OOC> Vennan says, "Try another attack! Do I get the +2 for flanking, or does concealment negate that?"
<OOC> Lash says, "No flanking, I'm afraid."
Gwendolyn skirts the fight, still 'seeing' no openings - but instead, seeing her comrades faltering in their fight, and needing the grace of Daeus gifted unto them. And so she skirts where she thinks the air elemental is, her hand glowing anew as she touches Vennan encouragingly on the shoulder. "Strike true!"
<OOC> Lash says, "Roll to hit, if you get 20+ (since you've all seen a 19 miss and a 20 hit), roll 1d2 to follow."
GAME: Vennan rolls melee + 2: (18)+5+2: 25
GAME: Vennan rolls 1d2: (1): 1
<OOC> Vennan darns.
<OOC> Lash says, "Not a hit, sadly. Alistine!"
GAME: Alistine rolls 1d2: (2): 2
<OOC> Lash says, "Roll to hit first. ;)"
GAME: Alistine rolls 1d20+5: (8)+5: 13
<OOC> Alistine says, "Nope."
<OOC> Lash says, "A miss. Schneider, ready to True Strike it?"
<OOC> Schneider says, "Also, rage"
<OOC> Lash says, "Okedoke!"
GAME: Schneider rolls 1d20+9+20: (15)+9+20: 44
It's hard to hit an invisible foe. It's even harder to accomplish when you are being battered by the same invisible foe. Vennan winces and slashes at the air, striking nothing.
<OOC> Lash says, "Gosh. Well, that is a hit and then some."
<OOC> Lash says, "And no concealment either."
<OOC> Lash says, "Roll thy damage!"
<OOC> Schneider says, "That's true strike for you."
GAME: Schneider rolls 2d6+10: (7)+10: 17
<OOC> Lash says, "Ouchie."
<OOC> Lash says, "Oates!"
Schneider moves as if in a trance at first, stepping forward, his expression quickly growing wild, almost feral as his feet strike the ground, and he gives a bellow of ire as he stalks straight at the creature, without hesitation or pause. He strikes at the creature, as if able to see clearly where and when his blade must cut, and he delivers a massive, mighty blow, though he seems slightly dazed afterwards as his clarity of vision fades.
<OOC> Oates says, "More stabbing!"
<OOC> Lash nodnods.
GAME: Oates rolls RapierAtk: aliased to 7: (14)+7: 21
GAME: Oates rolls 1d2: (2): 2
You paged Schneider with 'How many rounds can he sustain rage for?'
<OOC> Lash says, "Nice :) Roll damage."
GAME: Oates rolls RapierDmg: aliased to 1d6+4: (4)+4: 8
<OOC> Lash says, "Voice!"
<OOC> Lash says, "Voice is going to do one attack on Schneider, then try to move away. You will all get AoO's with the same concealment penalty."
GAME: Lash rolls 1d20+10: (5)+10: 15
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "Do I get an AoO or no? I guess I'm on the outside of the fight."
GAME: Vennan rolls melee + 2: (10)+5+2: 17
GAME: Lash rolls 2d6+4: (10)+4: 14
<OOC> Lash says, "Alas not, Gwen."
From afar, Schneider checks
With Schneider landing a solid hit, Oates follows it up by making a stab near Schneider's strike, and is rewarded wil the feel of a solid hit.
GAME: Lash damaged Schneider for 14 points. 12 remaining.
GAME: Oates rolls RapierAtk: aliased to 7: (9)+7: 16
GAME: Schneider rolls 1d20+9: (14)+9: 23
GAME: Schneider rolls 1d2: (1): 1
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "Hokay"
Schneider pages: 4+con mod, so 6 rounds
Long distance to Schneider: Lash nods.
<OOC> Lash says, "Attack of opportunity, Alistine?"
<OOC> Alistine says, "Sure!"
<OOC> Alistine says, "That gives me... +2 to hit?"
<OOC> Lash headshakes.
<OOC> Lash says, "Just a regular attack at your normal bonus."
<OOC> Alistine nods
GAME: Alistine rolls 1d20+5: (16)+5: 21
<OOC> Lash says, "Roll 1d2 to confirm"
GAME: Alistine rolls 1D2: (2): 2
<OOC> Lash says, "Hit!"
<OOC> Alistine says, "Whoo!"
<OOC> Lash says, "Now roll damage."
GAME: Alistine rolls 1d8+3: (5)+3: 8
<OOC> Alistine says, "Decent."
As the creature seems to stumble around, Alistine takes the opportunity to lash out at it and cuts into it as she says, "You're bringing about your own destruction, this won't end well!"
With one last mighty blow, this time on Schneider's leg, the invisible thing begins to lift off out of the circle of people trying to stab it. Alistine gets in one lucky blow as it pulls away, and is rewarded by the feel of something cool and sticky dripping on her as it flies overhead, though the ichor too is invisible. Once in the air the elemental is impossible to detect, the sound of flight no more audible than the wind itself. Until it begins to call - a low moaning sound, carrying far, and responded to by a similar sound in a different voice from the top of the tower. And a couple of others too, more like puppy-whining noises.
<OOC> Lash says, "k/planes, them that have it."
GAME: Oates rolls Knowledge/The Planes: (3)+5: 8
<OOC> Schneider can't roll now, raging. ;) But I was going to end it anyhow on the next pose, so I'll roll now, but won't know until after.
<OOC> Lash nod.
GAME: Schneider rolls knowledge/the planes: (1)+4: 5
<OOC> Schneider says, "Or not."
<OOC> Lash says, "Gwen!"
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "So, the call is coming from above?"
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "(I suppose not reachable)"
<OOC> Lash says, "The one down here is calling, the reply is coming from the top of the tower."
<OOC> Lash says, "You could have a wild swing at it, sure."
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "Or... I could heal schneider!"
<OOC> Lash says, "Or that :)"
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "Boop boop healbot"
GAME: Gwendolyn rolls 2d6: (6): 6
GAME: Lash damaged Schneider for -6 points. 18 remaining.
<OOC> Lash says, "Vennan!"
You paged Oates with 'The whining voices. They're like stalker voices, but.. not.'
You paged Oates with 'That same multitonal quality, but not as powerful.'
<OOC> Vennan says, "Can I follow to where it went? Or too hard to tell?"
<OOC> Lash says, "You can try. Attacks will be at -4."
<OOC> Lash says, "Until it is pinpointed again."
<OOC> Vennan says, "Detect magic is of no use here, right?"
<OOC> Lash says, "Correct. Elementals and outsiders do not ping as inherantly magical, according to the spell."
Gwendolyn hurries around, making sure her hurt allies are kept healthy with her glowing hands of healing. Especially as the invisible elemental lifts off, leaving her effective field of attack - it was better for her to fight defensively then chance someone going down to her pride.
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "Arrgh I might"
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "Have to leave soon, but I still have 3 LoH. =<"
<OOC> Lash says, "Are you departing now for free food?"
<OOC> Lash can pretend you are here until three more LoH's are done if you like.
<OOC> Lash says, "You will default to healing someone each round, then if they head upstairs, will guard the doorway."
<OOC> Lash says, "Sound okay?"
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "Yeah. I could actually play along with my phone, one sec."
<OOC> Lash says, "Your call. :)"
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "(I would be ultra bad posing though)"
<OOC> Lash says, "What are you doing, Vennan?"
<OOC> Vennan says, "Oh! Sorry."
<OOC> Vennan says, "Going to try to attack the thing. Can't do much else."
<OOC> Lash nods.
GAME: Vennan rolls melee + 2 - 4: (16)+5+2+- 4: 23
<OOC> Lash says, "Potential hit."
GAME: Vennan rolls 1d2: (2): 2
<OOC> Lash says, "Hit!"
GAME: Vennan rolls 1d8 + 2: (7)+2: 9
<OOC> Lash says, "Alistine!"
Vennan isn't dissuaded that easily! Still reeling with pain and scowling with anger, the elf charges off after his invisible foe, swinging his blade wildly. It doesn't look as if it's doing much, but the resistance clues him in to the fact that he's hitting something.
GAME: Alistine rolls 1d20+5-4: (17)+5+-4: 18
<OOC> Alistine says, "Nooope."
<OOC> Lash says, "Okedoke. Schneider!"
<OOC> Schneider will drop out of rage, taking 2 rounds of fatigued, and cast True Strike again.
<OOC> Lash says, "Okedoke."
GAME: Schneider casts True Strike.
Schneider grunts as his mighty blow draws the ire of the creature, scoring a bloody slash. He avoids the worst of it, but he's slowing down from that. Still, the creature surely knows its nemesis, and indeed, it's escaping. Without the clarity of vision he had, his blade strikes at empty air while the thing departs. Frustrated, he makes an effort to recenter himself, and slowly the red fades from his eyes even as he's healed of his injuries. "Thanks," he whispers in between gasping breaths. "Spirits!" he commands after a moment. "Heed my call! I command you, once again to show me Inner Fire!"
<OOC> Lash says, "Top of the round, Oates!"
<OOC> Oates says, "Chase down the stalker and stab it, I guess."
<OOC> Lash says, "Okedoke, attack at -4."
GAME: Oates rolls RapierAtk-4: aliased to 7-4: (11)+7+-4: 14
<OOC> Lash says, "Voice!"
<OOC> Lash says, "Voice is going to swish down and attack Vennan again, since he scored a blow."
GAME: Lash rolls 1d20+12: (8)+12: 20
GAME: Lash rolls 2d6+4: (6)+4: 10
GAME: Lash damaged Vennan for 10 points. 7 remaining.
Oates grumbles and snarls as he tries to track down the elusive foe. "I think it's calling for smaller reinforcements from the top of the tower!" he warns the rest of the group as his blad fails to connect with the foe.
Silent like the wind, the Voice retreats - or tries to. Vennan catches it as it departs with a lucky swing, and the creature pulls away, only to descend on the elf like a wrathful storm, slamming into him from the front with a forceful blow. Still, at least it can be identified as being more-or-less somewhere, now.
<OOC> Lash says, "Okedoe. Gwen!"
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "Though second verse, same as the first. Healing the Vennan!"
GAME: Gwendolyn rolls 2d6: (7): 7
GAME: Lash damaged Vennan for -7 points. 14 remaining.
<OOC> Lash says, "Vennan!"
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "LoH 3/5 used."
Gwendolyn sees Vennan struck again, this time ready without needing to move. "I cannot see the foe... But we cannot let its attacks let us be staggered, cannot let us falter. You can do more!" She urges fervently as she doles out more of Daeus's power among the group.
<OOC> Vennan says, "Another attack!"
<OOC> Vennan says, "Sorry, phone's been distracting me."
<OOC> Lash says, "No prob. You are at normal attack as it is.. right there."
<OOC> Vennan says, "Am I still taking the penalty?"
GAME: Vennan rolls melee + 2: (14)+5+2: 21
<OOC> Vennan says, "Woo!"
GAME: Vennan rolls 1d2: (2): 2
GAME: Vennan rolls 1d8+2: (4)+2: 6
<OOC> Lash says, "It seems to be making some funny noises."
<OOC> Lash says, "Alistine!"
<OOC> Alistine nods
<OOC> Alistine says, "Is it still around?"
<OOC> Lash says, "It is near Vennan."
<OOC> Lash says, "You would still be at -4 since you haven't made contact with it, likewise for all until it is between two people again."
Vennan recoils at each unanticipated strike, but getting hit just makes him angrier. He lashes out at the air, blade once again making contact with something unseen.
GAME: Alistine rolls 1d20+5-4: (11)+5+-4: 12
<OOC> Alistine says, "Nope!"
<OOC> Lash says, "Schneider! True Strike it up."
<OOC> Lash says, "Still at -4 but no conceal penalty if you hit."
GAME: Schneider rolls 1d20+6+20-4: (19)+6+20+-4: 41
<OOC> Lash says, "Is that a possible crit?"
GAME: Schneider rolls 1d20+6+20-4: (20)+6+20+-4: 42
<OOC> Lash says, "Verreh nice."
<OOC> Schneider says, "So gratuitous."
<OOC> Lash says, "Roll me some fine damage."
GAME: Schneider rolls 4d6+10: (12)+10: 22
<OOC> Lash says, "You pose, then I will pose :)"
<OOC> Lash says, "Alistine, too."
Swinging her blade out into the air, Alisitine sighs and says, "This is... Somewhat tedious, fighting something invisible." then frowns before she starts to concentrate and seems to be waiting for... Something. Possibly a sign of an enemy.
Schneider fumes at reinforcements, but he can see the effect of the creature again as it attacks Vennan, and a glint in his eye hints that he can see more than that. Lumbering onward without the ire of rage - perhaps he thought one raging blow would end it and hadn't planned on the rest of the fight? - lumbering onward, he moves in to attack again. Despite the splatter of blood across his bare chest, he attacks fearlessly, his sword flashing as it strikes its target. "Fire cuts air," he declares emphatically. "And so all my foes will fall."
The strange noises made by the elemental begin to get more and more laboured, and finally Schneider strikes a mighty blow and the noises stop. As do the sensations of movement and intelligence. For a long moment everything is deathly silent, even the wind stops briefly in reverence. Then from the top of the tower, a long and low multitonal wailing; one lower voice, two higher voices, and the sound is communicable as grief even across the language barrier.
GAME: You clear initiatives.
GAME: Lash has cleared initiatives.
<OOC> Lash says, "Pose on, people. For now, combat is over."
<OOC> Schneider says, "How high is the tower?"
<OOC> Lash says, "Four storeys."
<OOC> Lash says, "Though quite slender."
Vennan takes a deep breath, still on guard for a moment after the foe is felled. One cannot be too cautious with invisible enemies. "... Be careful. Judging by the sounds, there are likely more. We should not count on that display having been sufficient to dissuade them."
Gwendolyn smiles slightly as the foe seems to dissipate, but it is not one of victory. "We have some more work to do. I pray they are more reasonable."
"I should hope so." Alistine says, "I wish this hadn't had to happen. It seems as though whatever intelligence guides them had... A somewhat emotional attachment to them."
Schneider peers towards the top of the tower, and nods to Vennan about more. "Up there," he says, and he seems to have caught his breath, at least. He chuckles at Gwendolyn's suggestion that they might be reasonable. "The are elementals. They are as implacable as the earth and sky. They -are- the sky. You can drive them off as you would a tornado. You fight the fury, or leave it be. There is no negotiation."
Alistine has disconnected. [Sleep]
<OOC> Lash says, "Okedoke folks."
<OOC> Lash says, "What is the plan, group? Heading upstairs?"
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "No real downsides rather then a bit harder to pose."
<OOC> Schneider says, "Can we see anything in view? I'll risk an elemental ray if it seems there's something to poke."
<OOC> Lash says, "If there is anything up there, it would seem to also be invisible."
<OOC> Vennan thumbs ups.
<OOC> Lash says, "Not that you can see much from down here anyway."
<OOC> Schneider says, "I guess going up, yeah. Before we exit onto the top, if we get that far unmolested, I want to pop Shield."
<OOC> Oates says, "Might as well head on up, keeping an eye out for what trouble we /can/ see."
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "Up we go, then!"
<OOC> Lash says, "What is the order of going?"
<OOC> Vennan goes not first.
<OOC> Gwendolyn guesses she will lead, with hittypoints and ac to spare.
<OOC> Schneider says, "Thank you. ;)"
<OOC> Lash says, "Okedoke. Gwen first, shield at the ready. Then..?"
<OOC> Schneider volunteers Oates, the trapbunny?
<OOC> Oates says, "Myself, most likely. Eyes for traps, and I also have the most hp."
<OOC> Lash nods. Gwen, Oates, Vennan, Schneider? Does that sound ok?
<OOC> Schneider says, "I'm good with that."
<OOC> Vennan says, "Sounds rihgt!"
<OOC> Vennan says, "Er, right."
<OOC> Lash says, "Okedoke!"
<OOC> Lash says, "Are you alright with me move-posing until you can move no more?"
<OOC> Vennan says, "Sounds good!"
<OOC> Schneider says, "Sure."
<OOC> Lash says, "Can I get a k/nature roll from them that have it."
GAME: Oates rolls Knowledge/Nature: (18)+5: 23
You paged Oates with 'There will be bones. Three humans and a dog, when you see them.'
The entrance to the tower leads to a circular room, with a stone stairway curling up along the wall. Clearly a storage room or at least the shell of one, full of broken barrels and boxes. Up along the curving stairway to the second floor, another circular room, probably a kind of living area since there are the remains of a wooden bed and table, smashed up but recognisable for what they were. The third floor, the third circular room, has no furniture at all but the remains of some bodies, bones picked clean of flesh and sinew, clothing and bits of battered armor stacked in a corner out of the way - even folded neatly, as if expecting to be claimed at some point. The stair leads up again to the final floor, curving behind a stone protection this time, but before Gwen can take the first step onto it she meets resistance. An invisible barrier that she perhaps bumps her shield against. Invisible, quite strong, and also apparently breathing very quietly. But not attacking?
"Please come no further." A multitonal voice from directly in front of the paladin, softer and perhaps more cultured than the first voice that spoke downstairs. "I cannot let you pass."
Vennan may not have been the greatest advocate for diplomacy earlier, but he's willing to give it another shot. He calls out, sword still held ready in case things go badly. "This place is not yours. It was built by the kin of those you killed. Leave this place and there will be no further violence. Otherwise we are left with no choice."
"Uh, point of order, Vennan? The important thing is to determine if there is an actual threat to the village," points out Oates. "If all that is wanted is a place with some privacy, and the village is left alone, then what harm is there in letting them stay here?"
Vennan glances at Oates and raises his eyebrow slightly. "... The bodies, bones, and violence aren't proof enough?"
"You mean of the ones who came from the village to here, and not the other way around?" replies the farmboy.
Gwen steps back as she meets the wall of invisible force, bowing slightly. "I am regretful that this has come to violence. Tell me. Why do you stay here? Why can you not leave in peace? I wish to understand, and so that no more life will be lost."
Schneider looks around at the ruin of the interior of the tower, and grunts offhandedly. He has to duck in a couple places, being giantborn, though he's not so tall as some of the warriors of his kind. When we make for the last set of steps and are halted, he looks forward, puzzled. And then the conversation. That puzzles him more.
GAME: Gwendolyn rolls diplomacy: (17)+12: 29
GAME: Vennan rolls diplomacy: (16)+8: 24
GAME: Oates rolls Diplomacy: (3)+6: 9
"If a human moved into an abandoned building, and defended it as his home with his life, would you cast him out so readily?" The multitonal voice sounds faintly reproachful, quite unnusual for an elemental to have any tone or emotion at all. "I have been amongst you a long time. I do not think you would." That appears to be for Vennan, while the voice then addresses Gwendolyn. "I am chained to this plane with powers beyond my ken. Defend the tower, he said, so I do. Now that he is addled with decades upon his mind, the choice of which tower is mine, as is what freedom I can claim on this so very heavy land. Is it wrong to pick one the humans have abandoned?"
From the upper floor is the sound of movement, of high-pitched noises. Not coming down the stairs, though, not yet.
"If he murdered those who visited and decorated the building with their remains, yes." Vennan replies, deadpan. He glances up at the sound of the noises, then sighs heavily. "... Still, you make a reasonable point. Is there a way you can be freed from the chains you speak of? Allowed to return to your home? It would seem that is in everyone's best interests."
Gwendolyn nods. "If a man was a threat such to summon a paladin of Daeus, then yes. I would be ready to render judgement. But not swift judgement. I am charged with helping Good and Law. If it was not your fault that you were summoned, perhaps an accord can be arranged?"
Schneider scratches his head as he puzzles through the creature's logic. He'll say nothing for the moment, since the paladins seem to have a plan. Perhaps they're lulling it into a sense of ease so we can take it by surprise. He bides his time, fanning out such as the room allows.
Oates thinks for a while. "If the thing that binds you here is in the tower with you, it might be problematic to reach it without causing trouble with your chains," he muses. His eyes glimmer as an idea comes to mind. "If need be, could we make an improvised tower for you to defend while we enter this tower to deal with the chains, if that is what it takes?"
The farmboy blinks for a moment. "Did that make sense?" he asks all present.
There is a gusty sigh from the invisible elemental. "How can I leave, when he cannot remember the word to free me? I am given to understand that when the passing of time rests hard on a mind, it is given to forgetfulness and whimsy. He believes he is in his youth again, speaking to his wife who died many of your years ago. Unless you wish to free me by killing him, which I doubt, there is no option for me to leave this plane until age takes him."
There is a faint scraping sound as the elemental shifts position slightly, though still the expected attack does not come. "I must defend the tower. We have harmed only those who interfered with what I am compelled to do. All had a warning before action. Is that not fairness?"
There is a pause then, as Oates' idea sinks in. "If you could build me another tower, I would move there," it confirms, forthrightly. "One where no humans would interfere with my duty."
<OOC> Lash says, "Woops."
<OOC> Lash says, "That went through twice apparently. Apologies for the spam."
Vennan frowns, scratching at his chin as he ponders the suggestion. "Well... that is certainly one idea..." There is a pause. "How large does this tower need to be?"
Schneider blinks at Oates's idea, intrigued. "But. No one said we had to do anything with /this/ tower. Only to find out what was happening and make sure it didn't happen to the village. Now that they know what's going on, they may be able to send someone who can help the summoner. Though /if/ indeed these fellows from the village were warned," and he clearly doesn't take the elemental's words for the whole of the truth, "they felt that it was their duty to win at all costs. So perhaps they do want their tower back."
Oates contemplates what a tower specifically for the elementals would need - or not need, as the case may be.
Gwen's smile starts to return, her posture relaxing. "Then we may have an agreement? Releasing you from what binds you, or replacing your tower?" She offers, lowering her shield and standing at ease in a show of good faith.
<OOC> Lash says, "Gimme another dip roll, Gwen."
GAME: Gwendolyn rolls diplomacy: (11)+12: 23
The elemental takes this opportunity to reach out and pun-- no wait, no it doesn't. Instead, it makes a faintly whimsical sound. "I will have your word on this? I have seen humans shake hands on deals. Is that binding?" it asks, vaguely curious. "If you make a tower that will not be attacked by humans or anyone else, we will move there. I had -believed- nobody would come here, but I do not understand humans so well as I had thought it seems." Apparently, /some/ monsters can be reasoned with. Score one for diplomacy.
Gwen breaks out in a huge smile. "This is a watchtower. Important for a fishing village. Yes, a handshake can be binding. I will further give you my word, Daeus as my witness, as a paladin of Law, that this will be done. I am overjoyed that we can come to an accord without any further loss."
Vennan still seems uneasy about this sort of a deal. However, dealing with the elemental does seem preferable to another battle with invisible foes. "And just what are the requirements of this tower you need? Is it just... anything in sort of a tower shape, or is it more specific? Any requirements as to size?"
Oates shrugs. "Humans are a curious bunch," he remarks. "When there's odd lights and sounds coming from what seems to be an abandoned location, there will be those who investigate it. If they know what's going on, then they'll have no reason to investigate."
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "Oops. Oh well. Also I totally shake the 'hand'"
"We will parlay with the village, and see if they will not cede the tower to you. If not, we shall find you a new home. The how does not matter - I will give my wird without conditions. I will even fund the new tower myself if need be."
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "word, not wird"
Schneider offers, "We will see what the local villagers say about this. It is apparently their tower. And while their men died coming here, perhaps they will accept the loss of your companion as recompense?" He nods at what Oates says. "They may let you stay here as long as they know what's going on and have no need of the tower. If they do need the tower to look out over the water, what with the piracy and such going on, maybe you can stand watch here in their place? Because building a tower is a bit complicated."
<OOC> Gwendolyn is willing to back up the big words =|
"It would need to be a tower, so tall. And in a windy place, or the small ones will fade away." A very strong grip takes hold of Gwendolyn's wrist, jerking it up and down awkwardly, trying not to squeeze too hard. A faint imprint of three large fingers is left nonetheless, possibly a bruise to come. "I will not serve humans without binding. That is not the way of things. But I will not go hunting them either, as I have not," it then tells Schneider forthrightly. "They must take responsibility for their own kind; it was a human who bound me to this plane in the first place, so they are accountable for the results." Clear, unimpeachable elemental logic right there, or so it seems to think.
Vennan frowns, considering the options available. "... What if we made some sort of portable object in the general shape of a tower? If you could move it, then you'd be free to go to any place of your chosing. There'd be no need for forced conflicts."
Gwen does not wince as her hand is 'shook' roughly. "If another tower is to be built, will you accept the builders coming and asking your preferences? It would be terrible to have this work undone and more life lost."
"If it wasn't for the fact that it has to be an actual tower, it would be interesting to offer a tower shield," chuckles Oates. "Much more portable than a normal tower, which means easier to travel wherever." The farmboy's eyebrows furrow. "Somewhat conspicuous, though, and that might invite trouble," he admits with a slight frown.
Schneider says, "I think building a tower in a high, windy place might be problematic. But. Perhaps there is someone who can cure your master's mind. That, too, may be a worthwhile solution. And perhaps simpler and faster than building a tower."
The elemental seems to consider Vennan's idea. "Portable tower." It seems not to understand the concept at first, saying the two words quite separately as Oates and Vennan both make suggestions. "I do not follow." The attention shifts to Gwen again. "If they do not try to enter the tower itself, all will be well. The grounds may be used," it allows. Then, perhaps there is a trace of humour in the elemental's voice now; clear sign that it has been around humans far too much. "Killing him would be the easiest option of all, fire-user. But I am forbidden, and you do not seem like the type to kill a witless old man, even if you would kill me."
Vennan looks to Oates, nodding in encouragement. "Yes, exactly. An item commonly referred to as a 'tower' in your language. Would that meet the technical requirements of your binding? Or say if we made a small model of a tower? I... know a sculptor who might be able to accomplish that." He frowns, looking slightly guilty for a moment. "... Perhaps an apology is owed for the initial hostility. But... why all the bones and bodies? Couldn't you have at least... cleaned it up? It does not create a welcoming abode."
Schneider says reproachfully, "I didn't say I wanted to kill him. I -did- say 'cure'. There's magic and such that can do ... magical things. I'm just saying it may be easier than building a tower. We've got several ways to go." He peers at the bodies, and wonders, "And did they get the same chat we're getting? Did they refuse to listen? Or did your master order them killed?"
There is a hint of being offended in the elemental's voice now. "We cleaned the bones and folded the clothes," it protests, defensive. "It is difficult to keep a place tidy when you have two small ones to watch, who do not yet know how to take a solid form or keep their urges under control." The elemental shifts again on the stone stair, making a little shower of dust fall off to one side. "If it is a tower, that will suffice. We will find our own high place," it decides then, as if testing the idea out. To the suggestion Schneider has of curing the wizard, there is no response, but it does continue with, "I was charged to defend the tower, so I did. They were told to leave or be killed, they did not listen. Had they listened, they would be alive."
"It's not so much a matter of the bones being clean. I mean, it's almost more unsettling that way..." He frowns and shakes his head. "... In any case, let us see if this wizard can be helped. If not, we will find a suitable 'tower'."
Schneider nods about the fellows who came to the tower. "Well, then, it may be that they're unwilling to compromise. All we can do now is talk to them and see." He offers a shrug of his broad shoulders and says, "If we have your leave, we will depart? I don't know that there's much more we can do here?"
Oates nods in agreement with Schneider. "This has been good brainstorming, but now we need to follow through on the actions," he comments.
"But you keep dead pieces of animals in your homes all the time! You are even wearing them," the elemental continues. Clearly, a few decades amongst humans weren't enough to teach -everything-. "Anyway. He is in Charn. If you would like to go to Charn and fix his broken mind, then please do. In the meantime, I will guard the tower." A brief pause, then, "You may take the bones. If you tell the villagers not to come up here, nobody else will die until you return. I am not interested in hunting fisherfolk even if they do step on the land of the tower."
"I suppose that is for the best." Gwendolyn admits, before gesturing down to the remains. "May we take their remains and affects back to their families? It might give them some peace of mind." She nods, thankful, at the Elemental's 'not going to kill anyone'. "I suppose that is one way to think of it. Come, let's be off to the village now."
Schneider will help gather up the remains as respectfully as possible. Maybe there's a way to rig cloaks or cloth debris as a litter to carry back? "There's a world of difference between dead animals and dead people," he explains to the elemental.
Oates goes to explain the more obvious differences between animals and people - namely, intellect - but decides that this is a job best suited for a philosopher, and the farmboy isn't one of those.
"Not," the elemental replies to Schneider, "If you are not a people. I look forward to your return, strange humans and not-humans. When you come back, call up from the bottom before coming here so that I can make sure the small ones do not attack you. They do not know the difference yet." And then the air of intelligence and power begins to fade, puffs of dust blown from the stairs as the elemental heads up to the top floor, the conversation done.
Vennan frowns deeply at the elemental. "That is /entirely/ different/ We do not keep bones of sentient creatures on display. At least... those who behave properly do not. It is certainly not the same. In any case... we shall do what we can to resolve this without additional violence."
Schneider ehs at the elemental's reply, and says, "Perhaps it doesn't understand the difference between a graveyard and a morgue and a trophy room. It's master is in Charn, it says, and left it here. I have no idea why or how. He is whacko, it said, and either that's true or .... well, who can say. What happens next depends on the town, either way, but we fulfilled our end of the original bargain. What happens next is next."
Trophies or not, the bones are seemingly gathered in groups, one for each human and one for the dog. There is discussion, cloaks and tabards used to wrap the bones up for travel, and then the group moves down and back to Cliffview. A small cluster of people stop work to gather on the road as the four of you return, seeming surprised enough to see you all alive.
Oates isn't the best at talking to crowds, but sometimes the words come to mind. "First, know that the tower is not a threat to the village," he states. "It is occupied by bound elementals of air who would be quite content to be left alone. Due to the nature of the binding, they must defend the tower, but they are able and willing to ignore those who do not enter the tower itself."
Vennan follows up alongside Oates, nodding at the explanation given. "They were apparently bound by a wizard who is, regretably, currently in Charn. It sounds like this is an individual of advanced age. When he passes on, the tower will likely be safe again. Until then, it is perfectly safe so long as everyone keeps clear of it."
Schneider asks the cluster of people where to find the two that hired us. To our group, he says, "We probably need to report to them." He doesn't really have a lot to say that hasn't been said, about the elementals and the tower. Though he does wonder aloud, "If he's Charnese, and left these elementals there, it's more likely to be an evil plot and the elemental just gave us a raft woven of lies, eh?"
Gwendolyn holds one set of remains, and nods at Oates' words. "When we went there, we were attacked by one of the spirits of air, after refusing to leave. Since it could not be reasoned with, we were forced to strike it down. However, what I can only assume was an elder elemental parlayed with us. It simply wishes to be left alone to raise its young, such that it is. Since the tower is in disrepair, I believe that it would be no real loss for the village to leave it - it poses no danger except to those that venture there and ignore the warnings. They will also accept another tower being built on a windy area, if you must have the tower back. I simply suggest you brick up the entrance and leave them be, and they will pose no threat to you or anyone else. Even bandits or evil creatures will not find purchase, as they seem to view the tower as theirs to protect."
She shoots Schneider a baleful glance, with a humorless grin. "Elementals are direct beings. If they wished us harm, they would have harmed us. No, I believe it spoke true. The matter is thus - do you wish the tower, or simply safety and peace of mind? I council the latter, but will accept the former."
The villagers seem variously relieved, concerned, unhappy and worried about the report from the tower. It is Marjerie who takes the forefront. "Thank you all for going. When will we be rid of them?" she asks simply. "The tower is part of the village, we don't want violent creatures living there. I mean, what if one of the kids goes up there for a dare or something?" She shudders, and a number of voices rise to agree with her.
"Whenever an old wizard in Charn passes away. Given the lifespan of even the sanest in those lands, I expect you will not be waiting overly long." Vennan remarks with another sullen frown. "I would suggest that you put up warnings of some sort. The way I see it, you have four options." He counts off on his fingers. "One, steer clear of the tower until the old wizard passes on. Two, build a new tower for the elementals to inhabit. Three, kill a group of innocent beings who have done nothing but been victimized by the aforementioned wizard. Four, pay us a much higher fee to go to Charn and deal with this wizard problem."
Schneider snorts about the tower being part of the village. "When was the last time that was true?" he challenges. "It's been some years, at least. And if your children go and visit there on a dare, it will certainly raise the overall intelligence in your village." To Gwnedolyn, he shrugs, "It could have been ordered to tell that story, that it can't leave. Who knows? I never knew bindings could last so long, it's got to be a very powerful one. Maybe it's got to wait there until it kills a certain person or a number of people?" As far as being rid of them, he replies, "You'll be rid of them if you'll have another tower built that they can inhabit. Or, yeah, when the old wizard finally kicks off."
Gwendolyn raises a hand akwardly, and tries to be as soothing as possible. "Part of the village, perhaps, but not one that has been in use. When the elementals found it, it was abandoned. If there /truly/ is some need for them to be moved to another tower, we might find or found another tower... But a far easier solution is to find some spare brick, and seal the tower from human entry. Then, as my companion here says, simply wait out an old man's last days, and you will be free of them in a generation or two."
"A day of your mason's time and the tower would be safe for even an adventurous lad - as long as the lad knew to heed the warnings if he drew too close, or started to climb it."
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "Diplo, or just talk it out?"
<OOC> Lash says, "Talk is fine."
<OOC> Gwendolyn nods.
"I'd say that bricking up the door and letting time take its course is the best option overall," adds Oates.
"I will even volunteer to be there, to ensure the mason is safe in his work." Gwendolyn adds to Oates addition.
There is a babble of discussion from the villagers, all talking amongst themselves about how things should be done. As expected there are factions for all; the old men claiming the elementals need to be removed, the younger ones wanting to see it, the women variously agreeing or setting their kin straight. Finally, Marjerie nods. "Alright. We will brick it up, if you promise to be there while the work is done. I won't have another young man killed by those soulless creatures."
"This sees perfectly agreeable. No harm shall come to the bricklayers, and then the tower shall be safe, until the Elementals are freed from their bindings." Gwendolyn nods. "This will be solved without further life lost on all sides. A most blessed outcome."
Schneider nods in agreement about guarding the mason. "That's easy enough," he declares. He chuckles at Gwendolyn's response, and says, "Oh, someone will come by, eventually, and do something exceptionally foolish. That's the way of things."
Oates explains to the children that this particular type of elemental is perfectly invisible, and thus there is literally nothing to see. He nods in agreement with Gwendolyn.
"I am sure we can manage supervision." Vennan says with a little smile. "I agree it is the best option available. Certainly it is the only one that does not involve unnecessary violence or extreme expense."
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "Team Reasonable carries the day!"
<OOC> Gwendolyn says, "Let's have a very reasonable party and then accept our reasonable pay, to go about our reasonable lives and enjoy our reasonable way."
Marjerie, who seems to be taking to the role of speaking for the village fairly well, nods. Then she turns to the other Cliffview villagers and snaps, "There's work to be done, people. Don't let me see you here dawdling when there's fish to be caught. Jeb Pitt, I know your voice, don't think I won't be telling your mama." And the litany goes on, a scolding for all the people gathered, until they disperse. Apparently, there's a reason they let her do the talking. They'd get an earful otherwise. "Now then," Marjerie finishes, turning back to the four adventurers. "Do you need me to come back to the city to tell your guild the matter is sorted, or will a letter do?"
Gwendolyn grins. "Once we are done overseeing the bricklaying, I am sure a signed letter will do. I would not dare take more of your time if I could help it, ma'am."
Schneider peers at Oates. "You don't understand children, I think. If you tell them it's invisible, they'll want to see it more." He shrugs as far as the letter goes, and says, "We can try a letter and see what they say. We'll let you know if it's not enough. I can see you have things to keep you busy here."
<OOC> Lash says, "I think that will do as a closing point. The village mason is pretty quick, he'll have the door bricked up in a few hours, though he'll be spooked often by the sound of the elementals moving around upstairs."