Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/09/2020
Fish finds a window that is not warded by magic, slipping through and popping out what looks to be a small waiting room with a large table and desk. To the west, lies a closed door. And to the south, lies another closed door. There is a balcony to the north that overlooks the table covered in food.
Fish/Galv/Murzol (h/h) — 10/09/2020
Grumbling at the fact that apparently everybody else seemed to immediately forget that there was a plan and wanted to go talk to all of the pretty people. Apparently Fish was the only one that remembered the plan. The kenku may be forgetting the fact that everybody had a point about keeping up appearances, but Fish didn't understand the nuance of all of that. Mingling and mixing didn't exactly make sense when they knew where their target was and they knew how to rescue them. All the extra pomp and circumstance seemed entirely useless. As useless as the poison they now just had since everybody ran off before it could be delivered or administered. They slip out the back and scramble up a tree (after a few tries) making their way across. Once inside they stop to look around, noticing the party below they scoff silently before turning to look towards the closest door starting to hop towards it staying as stealthy as possible.
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/09/2020
Fish finds that the door to the west is locked (DC20 Dex) and the door to the south is not locked.
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/09/2020
The door unlocks with little issue, and Fish finds themselves staring at a lounge, a couch and floor covered in pillows and thick luxurious rugs. The heavy scent of perfumes and smoke hang in the air, but the room is currently empty. A crystal skull decorated with thick gems sits on a side table, and a fresco made of glittering shells is embedded in the wall behind the couch. In the corner, more brightly colored mushrooms grow.
On the southern wall far to the west lies decadent double doors carved in wood.
Fish/Galv/Murzol (h/h) — 10/09/2020
Fish quietly slips around the door, closing the door behind them with the softest of clicks. Looking around the room for a bit, they tilt their head curiously. Pillows and rugs were a bit annoying to traverse, but at least they were quiet to walk on. The kenku makes their way over to the fresco, looking it over for a moment. The skull certainly draws their attention for a moment, curiously scratching at their beak. It certainly could sell for a lot....it looks stupid and garish, but gems are worth a lot. Quickly, they shake their head and make it over to the next set of doors.
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/09/2020
The doors open easily, no more locks. The room opens up into a full pond sized bath, the entire room a decadent tiled world of steam and softness. The smell from the warm waters seem to want to call to Fish, but Fish knows they have a job and shakes it off.
Not taken in by the warm waters, Fish notices there is a walk in closet to their right, which looks to have something shoved behind some of the hanging robes.
Soft chairs line the lake like bath, and a suit of armor made of crystals sits in one corner, holding a tray with a brazier, currently lit.
There is no door to the south, as it just bends around a corner and continues on.
Fish/Galv/Murzol (h/h) — 10/09/2020
A bath.....gross. Fish shakes their head, noticing the spot in the closet. Curious, they skip forward ever so slowly just in case something is hidden behind the robes that is meant to attack. Carefully Fish moves a few things aside with their hand cross bow to avoid directly touching it and investigate what's behind the robes.
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/09/2020
Fish moves the clothes aside and finds what would be a perfectly clever and well hidden panel that is definitely trapped. He can easily see that if the panel is pressed, it would open a door, but it would also trigger a spell trap. Fish sees that the spell source is expertly hidden in the robe hanging next to the panel, and if they very carefully moved the robe far enough away, it would not trigger the spell and they could press the panel without issue.
Fish/Galv/Murzol (h/h) — 10/09/2020
And now a magical trap....weird. Must be fun to cast spells, but not entirely useful to a bird. Carefully and with an excruciatingly slow speed they move the robe far enough away to position themselves just right and press the panel to open the door.
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/09/2020
The panel clicks, and suddenly a door opens up, revealing long winding stairs that seem to go down, and keep going down quite aways. Entirely different from the mansion Fish had been witnessing this entire time, these walls and stairs are cute of rough stone, almost haphazard and added on.
Fish/Galv/Murzol (h/h) — 10/09/2020
This certainly seems like the type of spot that is best investigated in pairs, but there's no time with this job. Hard to really keep this up if the party ends and they don't have the evidence they need. Fish heads for the stairs, concealing the entry way behind them with robes, but not the trapped one.
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/09/2020
Fish gets to the bottom of the stairs, and finds themselves in in a small alcove. The floor is dirt and hardpacked underneath them and two doors lay open before them. They peak their head around the corner, and find themselves staring at a large rock altar with a giant floating crystal hovering above it. Behind it, lay rows and rows of cages, currently empty. Another room lies beyond the altar and crystal, but they cannot see the features within.
A figure floats around the crystal, seeming to check on and monitor the crystal closely. A head of mushroom, their sunken skin looks rotten and decayed. They look in the direction of Fish, but does not seem to see them, their eyes milky and gone. And it is that moment, Fish realizes what he's staring at. A Fey Lich. They can see that the Lich moves in an oddly childlike and dreamy manner, a soft mindlessness to their motions. Fish realizes as they stare at the Lich, the mushroom that makes up their head looks like the dead version of the mushrooms that litter the castle.
They have a black spike in their chest like Daemin.
Fish/Galv/Murzol (h/h) — 10/09/2020
The kenku takes a few moments to look around. Prison, checks out, many castles have prisons. Ok, look at the other room now......................Not many castles have that. It takes a moment to settle in, but the moment that it does Fish recognizes the creature as a lich. Thankfully it seems more docile, and doesn't notice Fish, but still the kenku scrambles back up out of the dungeon. They quickly dive out of the room, pressing the panel to close the door as they tuck and roll out into the bath area.........That all seemed important, they need the others
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/10/2020
Fish dives far enough into the bath to see there is more around the corner, a room of pillows covering a entire floor that carries on further into what looks like a room.
Fish/Galv/Murzol (h/h) — 10/10/2020
A small breath leaves the kenku, seeing that the thing downstairs didn't follow them. They hop over towards the balcony, taking a look back and forth to check on any movement, waiting a few moments to see if anyone remembered the job to do here.
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/10/2020
Vhalias returns the bottle of Formorian Sangria to the storage room and straightens their jacket, looking around. Seeing the open window and the tree beyond, they glance around before climbing out and getting a look at the second story from outside.
After a minute, they begin climbing, swinging themselves over to the open window they assume Fish took.
Fish/Galv/Murzol (h/h) — 10/10/2020
The hand cross bow is carefully aimed at Vhalias as the enter in, but as Fish sees who it is they lower it and exit from behind their hiding spot. Still looking a bit annoyed Fish does their best to work through it. "Too slow......Things found in basement....Lich....Fey Lich....prison"
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/10/2020
Vhalias' jaw drops, ducking to the side to sign to them. "You found a what."
Fish/Galv/Murzol (h/h) — 10/10/2020
Not understanding the confusion, Fish signs slower. "F-E-Y L-I-C-H" After that they simply motion for the doors and make their way back towards the bath portion of the rooms.
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/10/2020
Vhalias' mind reels for a moment as they follow. A Fey lich? What in the actual hells? Those are a thing? More than that, what the fuck. What the fuck? What is it doing here? Don't the Fey kill any undead they see? It doesn't make sense.
Fish/Galv/Murzol (h/h) — 10/10/2020
Fish circles back seeing Vhalias seemingly lagging as they process the information that Fish doesn't have the context to be truly concerned by. They try to tug Vhalias along, having no success. Once in the bending room, Fish points towards the walk in closet. "Behind there, secret trapped panel, ward there, safe now, but best avoided.....Keep wits about you, many traps."
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/10/2020
Vhalias nods, shaking it off and folding their arms as they think. Of course the whole place is trapped. A man that egotistical would obviously be just as paranoid. "Where haven't you looked yet? I want hard evidence against this bastard. Have you found an office or any desks?"
Fish/Galv/Murzol (h/h) — 10/10/2020
Fish vaguely gestures to the rest of the area in front of them. "After Lich, Fish wait for back-up....two person job....too many traps to solo....more pillows ahead."
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/10/2020
Vhalias frowns, pausing halfway through their signing to quietly swear the second half of their reply. "If it's a Lich, then two people aren't even enough. That shit's fucked." They peer out into the room ahead.
Fish/Galv/Murzol (h/h) — 10/10/2020
"Good thing fight not needed." They turn back their attention to path ahead and start moving.
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/10/2020
Vhalias follows after Fish, one hand tucked into their jacket and ready to draw one of their daggers.
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/10/2020
Fish and Vhalias turn the corner and find what can only be described as a bedroom of pure decadence. Pillows, curtains, chains, dangling crystals that reflect the light in all manner of directions. And a enormous bed that goes from wall to wall in the alcove in which it sits. Next to the bed it a small writing desk, but it does not look like this is the sort of room ever used for business.
A gorgeous tree with leaves made of gems sits next to the writing desk, along with a glass sculpture of a mushroom on the writing desk. At the other end of the room, a fireplace crackles warmly with fire.
Fish/Galv/Murzol (h/h) — 10/10/2020
Carefully, the kenku weaves through the pillows, every little hop annoying them a bit as a potential tripping hazard. They motion Vhalias towards the bed as they move to inspect the desk for any traps and potentially open it if untrapped.
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/10/2020
Fish starts to inspect the desk, and finds no issue with it, they open the draw, finding normal papers and a few inks, and then suddenly.
They are looking through someone else's eyes. In fact, they are taller...and now staring at their own body staring into the drawer of the desk. And they can feel the ability to speak!
Vhalias goes from watching Fish inspect the room, to suddenly looking in the drawer that Fish was inspecting. Their hands are now bird hands, and the word is much smaller. Their voice is gone.
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/10/2020
Vhalias sighs, a little wistful as they look around the room as they come further in. It looks so similar to Daemin's and their room back home...
They make their way through the pillows, pausing to watch Fish rifle through the desk. "Find any—"
With a blink, they are suddenly looking down at the desk themselves. Looking around, their eyes widen in alarm when they see themselves standing over by the bed.
What the fuck is this?!
They mimic their own voice at Fish, after a few moments of struggling with their mouth. "That shit's fucked." They try shutting the drawer.
Fish/Galv/Murzol (h/h) — 10/11/2020
Fish....Vhalias.....Fishias.....Vhalish.....whatever this being now is there is a very confused expression on their face. They take a moment, tilting their head as they look at their hands. Their hand immediately comes to their side, looking for the hand cross bow. That wasn't there..... "That shit is fucked"
The confusion deepens as they found themselves able to just say what they were thinking......This is too much, Fish is not a fan. Going for the simple solution, maybe what got them into this would get them out. Quickly, the kenku moves over, opening and closing the desk again. A sigh escapes the bird as they find themselves back in their body again.
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/11/2020
Vhalias blinks and takes a sigh of relief. "Thank fuck." They take a step back, looking around the room and sign to Fish. "We're not going to find anything in here. We need to move on."
Fish/Galv/Murzol (h/h) — 10/11/2020
"Other rooms, set of doors, not locked, Fish thought secrets behind locks......" They sort of vaguely gesture back towards where the lich is then leads Vhalis back towards to second set of doors.
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/11/2020
Deciding to head towards the eastern portion of the mansion, Vhalias and Fish find themselves looking at what should be a hallway, but the lower portion is literally a maze of fresco walls, and the northern portion is a tunnel of green and plants.
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/11/2020
Vhalias looks between the two sections of hallway, and they gesture toward the greener, more vegetal hallway.
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/11/2020
Walking down the hallway, Vhalias and Fish see there are two doors to the north, but nothing else until it hits the end of the hallway and breaks off into a T, to the north it turns again, but to the south, they see another door. To the south, it looks like it might turn back towards the lower hallway.
Fish/Galv/Murzol (h/h) — 10/11/2020
Fish looks down the hallway, tilting their head they look at the two doors. Recon would've been nice to know the lay out of the place, but so be it. "Split up and take both doors or stick together."
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/11/2020
Vhalias nods, signing back. "I'll take this first one." They overtake Fish, passing them and approaching the door carefully to peer inside.
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/11/2020
As you head towards the doors, you do see a four legged creature emerge from the thick greenery, sniffing the air. It looks over in the direction of Fish and Vhalias, but does not seem to notice them. A drake looking creature with a thick black collar suddenly rolls on it's back, rubbing happily in the grass floor.
Vhalias and Fish open the door without issue, and find themselves staring into a floor of water, a bridge of step stones leading between a bed and an archway, which leads to a dias on the left wall.
The stone steps are covered in decorated frescos, though there is one that glitters brighter than the others, inlaid with glass and gems. On the dias on the far wall, sits a small stone obelisk alone.
This looks to be a personally designed bedroom for a possibly important guest.
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/11/2020
Vhalias eyes the tiles warily, and looks at Fish. "The bedazzled one has magic applied to it. Do you want me to carry you over? I want to get a closer look at that obelisk."
Fish/Galv/Murzol (h/h) — 10/11/2020
A brief flash of murderous intent passes Fish's mind at the offer of being picked up, but looking at the obstacle they understand the offer. They fervently shake their head. "You cross, Fish watch rear"
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/11/2020
Vhalias nods, looking at the water and signing more. "Something's up with the water. Don't trust it." They begin to walk across the tiles, leaning on the wall to avoid stepping on the extra sparkly one.
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/11/2020
Walking through the room, Vhalias can tell that this room looks like it was recently designed to accommodate someone who might sleep in here soon, but has not yet been used. The dresser is empty and the sheets on the bed are freshly made.
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/11/2020
Taking one last look around, Vhalias come back around to return to Fish.
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/11/2020
Room 4
Room 1
Room 3
Room 8
Room 5
Room 7
Room 9
Fish/Galv/Murzol (h/h) — 10/11/2020
Fish sighs, closing the last door quietly. A thorough search means they haven't missed anything, but they also haven't found much in this search either. Those two towers seem like the likely place to find something important given the relative difficulty of access. Looking around, the kenku eventually finds the drow again. "Only usual route is down.....Could go out and around to windows......Not easy, but possibly more direct....less exposure."
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/11/2020
Vhalias frowns, tapping their foot as they think. "Let's try it, then."
Fish/Galv/Murzol (h/h) — 10/11/2020
It takes a second try, a very frustrated squawk escapes at the thunder that ripples through their arms. Gritting their beak, the listen more closely to Vhalias' instructions and pop the lock to the east tower.
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/11/2020
Fish and Vhalias decide to try out the western tower, climbing out one of the windows and heading for the eastern tower. They get to the windows and find them locked. Fish works to try and unlock the closest window, and the magic flares as they move a pin wrong, shocking both Fish and Vhalias painfully, their bones rattling from the rumbling through their senses. Determined to see why this place was so heavily locked, Vhalias helps Fish this time, and the window clicks open.
Inside, they find themselves standing on the second floor sill of what is a mess of an office room. Inside this dark and small room resides a mess. Papers, books, and work sprayed about the place, as if the person who worked here threw whatever displeased them about, to be found later in the pile. A single desk and chairs hugged the back, looking out a window to the gardens, possibly trying to make any time spent working easier.
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/11/2020
As the two stare down into the room, they are hit with the overwhelming feeling that they are being watched. It trickles down their spine, riding the hairs and feathers on their arms.
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/11/2020
Vhalias hangs onto the window pane as their hair stands on end. They begin to look around the room warily, glancing at Fish and trying to suss out any higher vantage points someone might be watching from, or any sign of someone watching them anywhere below in the room. Seeing nothing, they look down at Fish. "This feels like a silver platter." And they never trust silver platters.
Fish/Galv/Murzol (h/h) — 10/11/2020
Fish lets out a small sigh as they look around. Lots of places to hide things, lots of potential traps and locations to stay hidden. Though it's not exactly surprising that the feeling overtakes them given where they are and who owns this tower. "Nothing ever as good as it seems. Looks too easy..." They look for any immediate traps around on the ground before hopping down to look around the room.
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/11/2020
Carefully they look around for magic, person, eye, traps, something that would indicate where this feeling is coming from, but they find nothing. It is merely an office, and there are no traps or magic within. The books and papers spread about the room look to be things on various methods of ruling, power, and management, pulled from the shelves along the walls. A thick chair sits behind a moss covered desk, riddled with closed drawers. A reading table off to the side holds a glowing mushroom that dimly lights the room, more books and papers upon it.
The feeling they are being watched persists.
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/11/2020
Seeing that nothing happens when Fish jumps down, Vhalias climbs down themselves. They look around, an eyebrow raising when they read the spines of the books laying around. Is Alaneon looking to replace the King himself...?
Their eyes land on the desk, and then over to the side. They draw nearer to the little reading table, still looking for traps.
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/11/2020
As Vhalias investigates the desk, they find there is a small pin hidden underneath. If they do not remove it first before touching anything else, it will trigger a very small spell trap around the desk. The spell looks far too powerful, way above one they would know. Removing the pin, Vhalias is able to find papers, but looking at them, it is easy to tell with their investigation, they are not what they seem, written in code and double speak. But without the key, it would be almost impossible to decipher. (To find a cipher key, it is a straight roll+INT mod)
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/11/2020
Vhalias' eyes widen, grinning. They gesture wildly for Fish to come over, not taking their eyes from the pages in their hands. "Coded. Help me find a key and get your forging kit ready."
Fish/Galv/Murzol (h/h) — 10/11/2020
Fish turns their attention from the books, looking for something as cliched as a book lever to a secret lair. Hearing their name they scramble over to Vhalias taking the paper from them. The kenku narrows their eyes, flitting around the page to suss out the exact form of this code taking input from Vhalias at times until it clicks and a small but excited squawk escapes. Hurriedly they motion for what they need to the drow, starting to follow the pattern of the rug to lay out the papers in the exact right way.
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/11/2020
Vhalias blinks, following him and frowning as they muse over the layout of the papers and considering the carpet. "Wait... Wait, try..." They take one of the papers, turning it around in their hands and keeping an eye on the pattern of the carpet.
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/11/2020
As they read through the papers, the hidden message comes to light.
The name Oladon comes up, having found they were connected to the warlock who used to pact with Daemin. How they got a piece of Daemin's true name.
How Alaneon was using that knowledge to pull Gaillardia and Oladon into this. Convincing them of Daemin's guilt and how they agreed to put Daemin's true name on the spike. How Alaneon convinced them it will be a fair trial, but secretly if things were to go south, they would take the fall for everything.
How Alaneon had been moving multiple pieces to finally have a true chance on the throne of the King of Spring. There is a hint to how years of work, planning, destroying, and eliminating any who dared get in their way had led to this final moment of victory.
And how the person they were writing to, how very grateful they were for their assistance. How they couldn't wait to see what they did when they were summoned upon the City of Seasons to take what they wanted before Alaneon became the shining beacon that put everything back together. The name of their ally is not stated.
While looking around the room, Fish does notice something else of note. Some of the papers are written in someone else's handwriting.
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/11/2020
Vhalias' eyes hollow in as they read the messages, a few pages slipping from their fingers. Oladon... Gailardia... They know these names.
Gailardia is Cas' patron. And Oladon... they were involved in whatever happened to Cas in Barovia.
What the fuck happened?
Their eyes steel, and they offer the stack of papers to Fish. "Alright, Fish. Do your Market proud. Copy as many of these as you can. I'll recreate the key."
Fish/Galv/Murzol (h/h) — 10/11/2020
The feathers fluff up almost a bit indignantly proud. Do my market proud pffft! Fish rolls up their sleeves and removes their forgery kit, furiously beginning to copy down the exact words that are on the papers, giving them a few copies.
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/11/2020
Vhalias finishes drawing the key, taking the sheets Fish hands them. They can't even tell which ones are the originals anymore. "Oh, these are perfect... Fuck, if I had access to my money back home you'd get a good commission on this." They carefully slip the papers and the key into their pack and look around the room. "One more look, you think?"
Fish/Galv/Murzol (h/h) — 10/11/2020
"Can pay me later." The blank expression of a bird makes it hard to read if they were joking or not. Vhalias talked a lot about a Crow Price.......might be time to think about a Fish Price, but that can be figured out later. Fish carefully stashes the paper in their bag before looking around the room. The kenku points to one half of the room for Vhalias and hops over to the other to take one last look at the other set of hand writing as well as any potential hidden areas.
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/11/2020
Fish finds a few interesting letters, that look to have been discarded, stuffed in corners, or shoved aside. As if they were no longer needed. They are written in soft long looping Sylvan, signed lovingly at the bottom.
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/11/2020
Vhalias and Fish work hard to explore the rest of the office, all the time feeling the itch of someone watching them. They do not find anything else obvious, but the only books pulled from the shelves scattering the room look to be books on how to run things, manners of business management and maintaining a business. The rest of the books remain on the shelves, and look slightly neglected, untouched and covered in dust.
The rest of the papers look almost to be study notes, as if someone was trying to learn from the books on the floor, but these are in Sylvan, and the details are indecipherable.
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/11/2020
Vhalias doesn't turn anything up, but when they turn, they see Fish holding letters. They come over, trying to see what they have. Looking them over, they frown. "This is Sylvan. I don't speak that, we'll need one of the others to read these. Copy them."
Fish/Galv/Murzol (h/h) — 10/11/2020
While the work this time isn't quite as clean, Fish does copy the letters then gives Vhalias a nod. They motion towards the window. "Best get back to party" If they could somehow put extra sass on the word party they would. The kenku makes their way back out the window and looks to make their way back towards the balcony.
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/11/2020
Once Fish finishes copying, they find nothing more in the office, and exit back out the window in which they came. With Fish and Vhalias' high perception, as they exit the west tower, as they go to climb back around the tree, they notice a large slitted eye looking out the window of the east tower. It widens when it sees them standing on the tree.
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/11/2020
Vhalias sighs as they alight on the tree, bracing themselves on the branch above as they turn.
And stop.
Is that... a fucking dragon?!
They numbly reach to pat at Fish. "Fish. Fish."
Fish/Galv/Murzol (h/h) — 10/11/2020
Fish sees it, having stopped in their tracks like prey that knows its been seen. "What now?"
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/11/2020
The eye stares at them, before the window very slowly opens. A voice, soft and shocked rumbles out of the open window, the head moving back a little to show they are looking at a great prismatic wyrm. "You are not supposed to climb the tree. Alaneon would be mad if he saw a guest up here. Do you need a hand?"
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/11/2020
Vhalias bites their lip, considering their options carefully. That is. A huge fucking dragon. Locked in a tower. Having seen the collars on the creatures in the mansion...
And they have two chisels.
They look down at Fish before carefully traversing the branches, approaching carefully. Very, very carefully. They have little experience with dragons, but they know. To mind your words when it comes to them.
"That is... so very kind of you, great one. We ourselves are very nimble, though, and with all respect, I humbly decline. What are you doing in that tower? Impressive, radiant beings like yourself belong in the skies."
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/11/2020
The eye narrows. "I was asking nicely. I will no longer ask nicely." A large claw unfurls from the window, opening in front of Vhalias and Fish. "Get on, I will return you to the party unscathed."
The dragon pulls them through the window, and they find themselves in a large library tower, the shelves rotting and decaying. The books have all been left to dissolve, and a hole in the roof has allowed debris from the feywilds to litter every surface. The dragon stands on it's hind legs, but carefully lowers them both to the floor. "The floating forest is right out there, get back to their fun." A huge black collar wraps around their neck, and they seem to go back to looking over the books on the shelves around them, what they were doing before.
Fish/Galv/Murzol (h/h) — 10/11/2020
Fish almost slow motion moves to accept the ride into the next tower. They carefully dismount, looking for the door and hop backwards towards it to keep their eye on the wyrm so it cannot surprise them.....hopefully.
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/11/2020
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/11/2020
Shellshocked, Vhalias climbs onto the dragon's claw, riding it down to the ground. "Thank... thank you. Do you... have a name?" They look around at the books, their heart sinking a little when they see the Sisyphean work they are carrying out. "How long have you been here?"
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/11/2020
The dragon pauses, looking back down at the both of them. They look mildly surprised they would be asking such a question. They look back up at the ceiling, contemplating the hole in it. "So very long. A long long time." The dragon settles back on all fours, moving to look at Vhalias closely. "I hav....I cannot remember my name anymore. It has been too long. I-" The words stop, and they shake their head slowly from side to side, a sad sink in their eyes. "I am here to make sure you do not wander from the party, you can be on your way."
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/11/2020
Vhalias sighs, trying not to flinch when the dragon inspects them more closely. They eye their collar. "I've seen collars like yours on creatures all over the mansion. My lover has a spike like it in their chest and is being shown off while we speak, to no resistance." They frown. "You're... trapped here as long as you have one of those collars on, don't you?"
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/11/2020
The dragon stares at Vhalias for a long time, before it nods very very slowly. "My job is to get you back to the party, and make sure you go on your way."
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/11/2020
Vhalias gets a hard look in their eyes as they watch the dragon's careful nonverbal response. They reach into their jacket and take out one of the chisels. "This can break your collar, if you wish it. It will be painful for a few moments, but you will be free." They look up at the dragon. "You don't have to say yes or no. Just let me at it."
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/11/2020
The dragon looks at the chisel, then at Vhalias for a long moment. And then slowly, shows them their neck.
To Be Continued.
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/16/2020
Vhalias hears a message suddenly rock into their brain as the chisel touches the collar on the dragon's neck. Whats up bitches... magic is back & in full fold for us, any update on information & bouncing? What have I missed so far...? ArssOoNn?!
The chisel lodges into the collar, and the dragon's mouth opens in a wordless scream. From the perspective of an onlooker, there is a convulsion as the dragon falls back against the piles of books, writhing as their face contorts in a noiseless scream, the pain too much even to make a sound. The chisel, embedded in the collar, is on fire, black flame licking the handle like the wick of a candle.
For a minute the dragon seems locked in this painful battle before suddenly there rings the sound of a snapping chain. Crack.
Magic flows off of the dragon, their body shifting and twisting as they suddenly start to shrink. And finally, the body of a small prismatic wyrmling lays sprawled on the floor, heaving and gasping for air. The magic holding their fake form broken with the collar. The black metal it once was now a pile of melted sludge on the library floor.
The young legs shake, the head wobbling back and forth, but they have to speak. They manage a croak. "Please, I need to know what he did to Tulafia. Help."
There is suddenly a rumble through the mansion, low and growling along the walls and ceilings. @ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/16/2020
Vhalias sighs in relief when Jinora’s message comes through. Not a second too soon, Jin.
THANK FUCK, I’m about to use a chisel. As for information... We found proof that Alaneon set this up from the beginning. Tell the others.
They grimace as they watch the dragon thrash in pain. A younger, harder-hearted Vhalias wouldn’t so much as blink at the sight, but knowing they’ll be inflicting this makes their stomach do a slight turn.
They frown though when the Dragon speaks, eyebrows knitting in confusion.* “Tulafia...? Who—“
And then the rumble sounds through the mansion.
“What was that.”
Fish/Galv/Murzol (h/h) — 10/16/2020
Fish curiously watched the whole collar thing go down. They tilt their head, blinking a bit as the whole illusion crumbled down. The crossbow had started to lower in curiosity but the moment the rumbling started Fish was out the door darting for the closest thing to hide behind, hood up and tucked very tightly around them.
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/16/2020
The dragon tries to stand again, finally getting it's legs. It hurries at Vhalias, stumbling to the floor again. A growl emits from it's throat, far less wise and rumbling. A slight whine to it. "Tulafia, the mistress of the mansion. She's my protector. He took her away, and forced me to stay in the Library. So much time has passed, I don't..." The dragon shudders, making a small keen. "I don't know what he did to Tulafia. The rumbles are his magic. Please help me find my Tulafia, she's the only ...I ..."
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/16/2020
Vhalias sucks in a breath. “Did you say she’s the mistress of this mansion...?” They get a sinking feeling. A Fey mansion, and not rightfully Alaneon’s...
And only one other Fey residing in this place that they know of.
This is bad. This is messy, and Vhalias hates messy, especially when it’s in a way they weren’t expecting. They turn, finding Fish gone, and groan slightly before turning back to the dragon.
“I think my friend might have seen her but they bolted. Where is she?”
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/16/2020
The dragon nods. "This is Tulafia's home. She found me abandoned with a broken wing and took me in to grow here. She said even if I could never fly again, I should be loved." The dragon moves it's no longer hidden by magic wing, showing how the second half is entirely missing. "I was here when he came and took her away!"
Another small growl trying so hard to be intimidating. "I don't know. The last time I saw her...she looked so pale and sad. And her fingers were so cold when she put the collar around my neck....I haven't been allowed outside the Library since. He won't let me out of here...This was her personal Library." The dragon looks around at the decaying books sadly. "I could only read them and think of her."
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/16/2020
Vhalias takes a deeeeep breath and sinks into a crouch, steepling their fingers over their nose and mouth. Pale and cold... That all but confirms it. “I don’t have a way to call them back, but... ughhhhhhhhhhhthisissuchbullshit.”
They look up at the dragon. “I hate to be the one to say this, more than anything, but if what my friend said is correct... She might not be the same now. And I’m going to need more of our friends to go help her.”
Ohhhhhh, if only they could pluck Alaneon bald. That wouldn’t cause a war, surely.
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/16/2020
The dragon comes forward slowly, bumping their head into the person's hands, worried about their sudden reaction to the information. "I didn't thank you for saving me. I was taught to be thankful....I'll do anything to get your help. If you saved me, I know that means you're a good person."
The dragon's head tilts, before shaking vigorously back and forth. "No. Tulafia is always Tulafia! She's the prettiest and nicest, and has the...best glowing ....mushroom on...her head...and she wouldn't lock me away unless forced! I know it!" The dragon stomps it's feet, trying to keep the whine out of it's voice, but failing. Desperate.
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/16/2020
A choked noise escapes Vhalias when the dragon calls them good. Good? No, certainly not. “If the guests at the party saw you and heard what happened, it might turn them against Alaneon. I’m not sure how you think we can help Tulafia, but... we can make sure he never does it again. Can you move...?”
Vhalias sighs, giving a sad, helpless smile. “Knowing what I know of Alaneon, you’re right. I think it’s safe to assume she was forced.” They look up at the dragon. “Do you remember seeing a collar on her, by chance? I can’t believe he would have been able to compel another Archfey otherwise.”
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/16/2020
The dragon lifts each leg and wiggles it. "I got my feet back! What did he do to Tulafia? Why do you think she can't be helped." The display stops, a serious pull of dragon brow.
They try to think, shaking their head. "Tulafia didn't have a collar. It's why I listened, I thought she was...she said it would help. She said the collar would protect me." The dragon's head suddenly droops. "She wasn't lying."
Fish/Galv/Murzol (h/h) — 10/16/2020
Hearing no one had died quite yet, Fish quietly slipped back inside. They moved only close enough to get into Vhalias line of sight. “What happening? Fish nervous.”
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/16/2020
Vhalias frowns. “We can free your friend, but if what Fish said is true...” They brace themselves. “They’ve been turned into a Lich, great one.”
Vhalias blinks when Fish reappears, sighing. “This dragon was being protected by the... friend you found. Alaneon forced her to put the collar on them.”
They sigh, dragging a hand down their face. “It certainly protected you from whatever alternative Alaneon had planned for you. Come, we need to get back to the party without being seen. We need to get more of our friends if we’re going to help her, but if we come from anywhere but the kitchen Alaneon will know we’ve been skulking around.” They turn to Fish. “Did you see anything out there?”
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/16/2020
The dragon rears back in confusion. "What is a Lich? Can it be undone? Can I have Tulafia back?" The dragon looks at Fish, then back at Vhalias, hoping for some sort of answer.
And then Vhalias mentions leaving. The young wyrmling wavers, another whine in its throat. "Tulafia said I had to stay here to be safe. Will you protect me? He'll hurt me if I leave."
Fish/Galv/Murzol (h/h) — 10/16/2020
Fish seemed confused by the use of the word friend by Vhalias. The thing in the basement was not friendshaped, not in the slightest. They don’t quite know how to answer the dragon, frowning as much as a bird can. “Nothing outside, not close.”
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/16/2020
Vhalias pinches the bridge of their nose, frowning. “I... I’m not much of a mage. I’m barely a bard as it is. I don’t know if I can explain it right. But a Lich... is an undead creature.”
Vhalias nods to Fish. “Nothing nearby is good, but like I said, if we don’t come through the kitchen we’ll be given away. We should try and make our way back around from outside.”
When the dragon asks for protection, Vhalias begins to chuckle darkly. “Oh, I’d like to see him try. He wouldn’t know what hit him.”
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/16/2020
The dragon's eyes widen, and it rears up, shaking it's head violently. Snarling, multi-colored light start to spew from it's mouth as it loses it's temper, a child tantruming against what it doesn't want to know.
"Lies, they can't be undead! You have to kill undead! No! No no no." The keening gets louder as the dragon crumbles to the floor in despair, a sickly green light floating around it.
Fish/Galv/Murzol (h/h) — 10/16/2020
They Stare daggers at Vhalias for upsetting the dragon. Fish signs and charades towards Vhalias. “How to do mind talk thing? Tell Izzy create distraction, can smuggle dragon.” For Izzy, Fish got on their tippy talons, mimicking horns on the side of their head. “Need to hurry”
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/16/2020
Ahhhhh fuck. Vhalias winces as the dragon begins to panic.
“Listen... at the very least, we can take you to see her once we get our information to our team. Right?” Vhalias turns, frowning when they see Fish signing at them. They sign back hurriedly. “I can only do that across the room, not across a mansion. Jin got a hold of me when I used the chisel but I can’t initiate it.”
They sigh, turning to the dragon. “I might know how to help, but I need to talk to one of our friends. We have to go back.”
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/16/2020
The dragon very slowly stops the keening, already tired out from the transformation and the breaking of the collar. A weary head finally lifts, looking at Vhalias. "I can still see her? You can help? If you can help, I'll go. I won't let anyone hurt Tulafia."
The dragon stands, huffing the green light out of the way as it walks back over to where Fish and Vhalias stand. "I"m a good climber if we need to climb."
Fish/Galv/Murzol (h/h) — 10/16/2020
“Find Moth Lady got it.” Without any confirmation if that was actually the plan, the Kenku darts out of the room. They carefully move between foliage and cover, ducking out of sight. Carefully they sneak out and around to find their way back into the kitchen and mansion area.
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/16/2020
Vhalias watches Fish dart out the window and turns to the dragon. “We should get to the window too. I’m not sure where they found her, but they’ll be sure to come back this way.” They start to drift through the library. “So... these books are hers...?”
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/16/2020
The dragon watches Fish disappear, before turning it's attention back to Vhalias, and then up the stacks to the window. "I can climb this, no problem." And climb they do, using their wings for balance rather than flying as they scale the broken rotting shelves. "Yes, this was where she would read to me for lunch. She said lunch was always the perfect time to read..." The dragon nuzzles one of the shelves, before getting to the window. "Lead the way."
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/16/2020
Vhalias sighs, reaching into their pack for rope and pitons. “Where we came from, there is an enormous library. I haven’t spent too much time there before Daemin was taken, but... I wonder if someone from our plane might be able to help these books. I can’t make any promises, but.” Establishing a line to belay, they scale up behind the dragon. “There are some powerful people where I can from.” Why the fuck are they offering? What sense is there in it? It’s the lich’s books, not theirs.
Once they get outside, they climb across to the tree where they and Fish first met the dragon. “It might be best to wait here. We can maintain cover here while we wait.”
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/16/2020
The dragon hunkers down where Vhalias indicates, looking still deeply forlorn. "No point in fixing the books if you can't fix Tulafia. It should all go to ruin if she is gone. But I will wait here, I have to hope something can be done...I din't wait so long for nothing. I hope."
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/16/2020
Vhalias nods grimly. “I have some idea of how to... un-Lich a Lich, I guess. But the friend Fish is bringing is a better mage than I. I’m hoping she can help too.”
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/16/2020
They lift their head. "Really? My name is Qazzid. Thank you for this, nice person. I know mortals kill dragons, I was surprised you didn't."
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/16/2020
Vhalias pulls a face. “Aaaaaah, I wouldn’t be hasty to kill a dragon. Seems like a shitty move. Besides, I’m an assassin, not some delver or adventurer. Killing dragons is both foolish and not my thing.* They look at Qazzid. “Anyway, glad you remembered your name.”
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/16/2020
The dragon tilts its head. "Adventurer, delver, assassin. All death words. So said Tulafia. Are you going to leave me here and run off? Are you going to fight him for stealing Tulafia's home?" Qazzid looks towards the sounds o the party.
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/17/2020
Vhalias shakes their head. “I actually had to be talked down from killing Alaneon outright. I was beside myself for days. But killing Alaneon might provoke war against our plane from the Archfey...” They sigh. “Daemin’s and my other partner is on thin ice with the Court on their own, and to invite their attention would mean their destruction. So instead... I don’t know. I hope to ruin that bastard otherwise.”
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/17/2020
Qazzid grunts. "They deserve to die for what they did. I'll stay here and wait if you need me to. You should go stop him however you can. I'm not s....strong enough to do it..."
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/17/2020
Vhalias sighs miserably. “I agree. But I have to protect Cojiñi, if nothing else.” They look at Qazzid, frowning. “What if you’re found out here? Come on. Come with me.”
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/17/2020
Qazzid gets back up. "Okay, you lead, I'll follow. Since you promised me you would protect me...I will trust you."
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/17/2020
Vhalias nods, climbing down from the tree. “And honestly, knowing our companions I think you can trust all of us. Knowing them they’d probably be smitten by an especially shiny young dragon like yourself.” Qazzid said they weren’t strong enough to fight Alaneon... which meant potential deadweight. Maybe they can hide out in the cart until Vhalias can make sure it’s safe to come out.
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/17/2020
Qazzid follows along, having been honest about their climbing skills, long claws easily allowing them to descend the tree quietly. They had done it a thousand times before, though know it was for different reasons. "There are even more of you? That makes me feel better, I thought it was just you and the talking corvid." Hope renewing, Qazzid trots alongside Vhalias, looking around the grounds. "So much has changed..."
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/17/2020
Vhalias sneaks along under the windows toward the kitchen, whispering to Qazzid. “Oh, yes. Nine of us.” They blink. “What did it look like before...?”
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/17/2020
Qazzid walks along, surprisingly quiet with their wide clawed feet. "More mushrooms. There was no maze, why would you need a maze? The mushroom forest beyond the maze was Tulafia, it came to the house. They were hard to climb, she would get so mad when I clawed them up." Qazzid looks at one of their claws, before continuing on.
ro | pea/vhal/arch | t/t — 10/17/2020
Vhalias nods thoughtfully. “I wonder what you’ll make of the rest of the mansion. You get to the throne room through a canal.”
Sink (S/T): Cal/7/Enigma/Hepsie — 10/17/2020
-----------------
Fish, Jinora, and Ursu get to the panel Fish found before. With a quick press, it opens, revealing long winding stairs that seem to go down, and keep going down quite aways. Entirely different from the mansion they had been witnessing this entire time, these walls and stairs are cute of rough stone, almost haphazard and added on. The group gets to the bottom of the stairs, and finds themselves in a small alcove. The floor is dirt and hardpacked underneath them and two doors lay open before them.
Fish/Galv/Murzol (h/h) — 10/17/2020
Having quietly led them there, Fish stops the two briefly at the top of the stairs. “Lich below, be quiet, need surprise.” After the warning the Kenku very cautiously begins hopping down the stairs and led them to the Lich room.
Lion(Fae):Kalamä|Röe|Jin|Rid|Bow — 10/17/2020
jinora nods her mask is on & hood up as she’s concentrating... “it might be good for me to do the talking.. Ursu your welcome to follow & I can pull you still if you’d like to stay stealthy... I don’t blame you for levitation but I promise you would have been a cute koala” she giggles quietly to hopefully see her friends at ease a bit more
she follows floating as she does so pulling Ursu still if he accepts
