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Post by monstermike on May 10, 2011 12:00:33 GMT -5
Meanwhile...
Up in the dining room, Seagal and Hrruuukkk Ptui conduct short interviews with Che Guevara, Herman Jr., and the two guards from the south tower while Roz diligently takes notes. After they conclude with the interviews, each of them enters a short statement of their own testimony into the record. Finally, Hrruuukkk Ptui produces the coded letter.
"The guards you ordered to search the fortress found this in the throne room." Hrruuukkk Ptui says to Seagal.
Seagal ponders over the letter for a moment, his brows knitting for a few seconds at each of the clumsy anagrams. "Well, that's interesting. I wish you had shown this to me earlier, as it makes reference to troubleshooters in the Mines."
He continues, "Clearly, this, um, Aonghasan is the one who stirred up all of the commotion, however all the evidence indicates that he clearly believes he is acting on Salazar's behalf. We know he slayed at least one orc guard and wounded the Donald - however his stated motivation for doing those things is clear. But he could not have possibly done away with every single guard in the lower levels of the mines."
The two seasoned veterans look at one another. "There are others in the mines and the dwarves are covering for them." Hrruuukkk Ptui concludes. Seagal nods.
"We need a large and well armed search party in the mines right away, and we need to speak with this Aonghasan and Effington as soon as possible."
Game time 4/4 19:10
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Post by gaptooth on May 10, 2011 23:22:27 GMT -5
[19:00-19:09] With no one looking intently on him, Aonghasan feels the mirror wedged in the crook of his arm, and carefully drops it into his hand. Then he gathers his consciousness into the elixir field just below his navel, breathing deeply and collecting himself as the rain pounds down outside. Inky shapes slither and coalesce before your mind's eye and you see a great gathering of people, as if for a Reception-- is it Salazar's throne room? Wearing your finest lavender-colored silk, you draw yourself up and flaunt about gracefully, sipping sparkling wine and sampling the hors d'oeuvres while laughing vacuously and meaningly at the right jokes.
Spotting you among the crowd, a Stranger turns from cordial chit-chat with another guest to face you. He addresses you with a bellowing croak, but you can't understand what he is trying to say. As he turns his head to breathe, the enigmatic gaze of a single orange eye falls on you, leaving you buoyant with fascination.
Snapping out of the momentary trance, you ask him: "Is there something you wish to relate? What do you want with me?" [ Meditation SR: 2 + 2 (DARO) + 3 + 1 + 1 (talent die) + 18 (Luck) = 27; recover 3 mana] [19:10+] Still hidden in the billowy silk sleeve, Aonghasan's hand tightens around the mirror in response to the sudden blow. The rude awakening and the boorish laughter remind him of his welcome among Dushb’agh's military retinue. 'Nasan's other hand goes to his ribs, a magnificent fanfare of pain, and he can't breathe. He lies upon the floor gasping breathlessly like a fish out of water, listening to the rain beat a tattoo on the castle walls for a trackless stretch, until the air comes back with painful wheezes. When he finally gathers enough breath to speak, he glances around at the guards, remembering how Dushb’agh's underlings preyed on signs of meekness. Finally he asks in the orkish tongue, taking full advantage of the beastly domination-game that permeates even the most polite ejaculations in their guttural patois: " Who is your master: Salazar, or Effington?" He pronounces Effington's name with an unfeigned mixture of disdain and loathing that the only the orkish tongue can convey. If the guards signal no deference to Effington, he continues: " Good. Then my effort here has not been wasted, and I can only assume that the Donald failed to deliver his secret weapon. Is Effington under arrest then? Was anyone else struck down by his dark magic? Who is in charge? Please tell me anything you can about the events since the Donald's attack on the gate!" Knowing that their language is devoid of etiquette, consideration, and subtlety, Aonghasan gets directly to the central concern of any ork: the food chain, dominance, chain of command. Like a sports fan eager to hear the score, he makes it obvious that the guards have information that he doesn't, information that virtually begs to be shared. [Charisma SR to win some respect and engage the guards with camaraderie: 4 + 6 + 5 + 20 = 35-- Level 4]
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Post by monstermike on May 11, 2011 9:55:51 GMT -5
The guard squats down next to Aonghasan and utters in his racial tongue. "Our loyalty is to none other than Salazar." As Aonghasan continues, he responds to his questions with terse whispers so the captain does not overhear;
"We found no secret weapon... Effington is under house arrest and waiting to be questioned... Three guards fell, nothing else... For now, Seagal and the Goblin Overlord are calling the shots... Everyone was ordered back to their stations. Seagal and Hrruuukkk Ptui are holding an inquiry to find out what happened."
As 'Nasan opens his mouth to ask another question, the guard can no longer maintain the pretense of examining 'Nasan. He stands and turns to his captain. "Prisoner's awake, Captain."
The captain replies, "Bind him and take him upstairs to the dining room. Seagal wanted to question him as soon as he was awake."
Ignoring all pleas and protests, the guard pulls Aonghasan roughly to his feet and holds him while another guard ties his hands together in front of him with a short length of rope. Neither notices the small mirror concealed in 'Nasan's hand.
The two escort 'Nasan up two flights of stairs from the guardroom into a dining room. Seagal and Hrruuukkk Ptui are seated at the table next to the remains of a meal. At one end of the table is a hideous slug-like creature with somewhat human facial features. She has a shock of gray hair on top of her head and cat-eye glasses on her face. She scowls unpleasantly as the guards seat Aonghasan at the table. "So this is the mysterious stranger, eh?"
As she speaks, Hrruuukkk Ptui is giving orders to another orc captain to form a search party and Seagal is reading over a sheaf of notes. The security chief looks up at Aonghasan.
"So, you are the cause of all the trouble today. Why don't you begin by telling us who you are and why you are here. Then I'd appreciate it if you told us how you managed to get in here, who you spoke to, what you did, and what your aims are. We will know if you are lying."
Reading their moods, Seagal seems neutral, but wary. Hrruuukkk Ptui seems more kindly disposed towards 'Nasan, and the giant slug-like creature seems like she could care less.
[Bookkeeping: 'Nasan gains 3 WIZ (meditation) plus 1 WIZ for this turn. Also gains 20 AP CHR.]
Game time 4/4 19:20
Please post your next move by noon Friday, May 13.
[GM comment: You don't have to follow this sequence of events to this point. For example, if you wanted to try to escape from the guards while going up the stairs, just post as such and I'll edit this post to halt at that point.]
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Post by monstermike on May 11, 2011 15:33:21 GMT -5
Meanwhile...
In the darkness and lashing rain, a lone rider on a coal-black stallion makes his way along the Brokenback Hollow toward Rag Mountain. The negotiations that took him away from his operation went poorly. Cursing at the rain and the darkness, the rider pulls his cloak more closely around him and spurs the horse to a trot. At least my underlings are capable of running the place efficiently in my absence he thinks. Two more weeks of production should get me the gold I need to pay that grasping idiot the price he asks. And then, ultimate power shall be mine!
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Post by gaptooth on May 19, 2011 13:01:08 GMT -5
The captain replies, "Bind him and take him upstairs to the dining room. Seagal wanted to question him as soon as he was awake." " Seagal is just the person I came here to see," 'Nasan speaks up, looking the captain in the eye with aplomb. " Hurry. We have no time to lose." With poise and dignity, Aonghasan eagerly presents his hands to be bound (palms down), pointedly appreciating the speed of their work as the guards tie his hands together. Neither notices the small mirror concealed in 'Nasan's hand. The two escort 'Nasan up two flights of stairs from the guardroom into a dining room. Commenting on the weather, Aonghasan warmly engages the ork detail in desultory small talk, beginning with the one who checked on him moments earlier. As they enter the dining area, the wizard bids them adieu in their own language: " Say hi to your mothers for me, okay?" †Ignoring the stenographer, Aonghasan glances around at the dining hall, examining it's accoutrements: Are they spartan? Stately? Grandiose? Weird? Giving a courteous bow to the aged warrior who must be Seagal, he seats himself comfortably in the proffered chair, giving a friendly nod to Hrruuukkk Ptui when the two make eye contact, before turning his attention calmly to Seagal. The security chief looks up at Aonghasan. "So, you are the cause of all the trouble today. Why don't you begin by telling us who you are and why you are here. Then I'd appreciate it if you told us how you managed to get in here, who you spoke to, what you did, and what your aims are. We will know if you are lying." Relaxed and obviously relieved to be brought before the security chief, Aonghasan speaks quickly, with the utmost concern to put Seagal in the picture: " Gentlemen, we currently have the upper hand, but we're not out of the fire yet. My name, as you must know, is Aonghasan of Adûn-- I am one of Salazar's spies. It is my charge to watch over some of his dealings abroad." Earlier this week, I intercepted three messages-- they were spells, actually, floating like corks in the astral plane --concerning an imminent insurrection being planned in this very fortress. One of the messages I traced to that warlock Smythe from Dead End, but the others were signed only "Tenfold for Gin". The letters debated the merits of three separate plots, each to be supplemented by a simultaneous mutiny led by "Tenfold" and a lieutenant he called "The Donald". But their tone became increasingly urgent, even as they left many details unsettled. Finally, Smythe must have detected my eavesdropping, because he broke off the exchange with a fourth letter, an urgent appeal to send no more messages." I got here as quickly as I could, guessing Tenfold's identity along the way. As for how I entered the castle, I came by ghost travel. (Given the circumstances, I appreciate your caution, but these restraints are unnecessary-- I can come and go at will.)" I materialized in Salazar's audience chamber, the only part of this fortress I know, from my infrequent closed meetings with the master. I immediately sought out the closest guards, whom I found in the south tower. I told them to inform their security chief about Effington's plot to parlay with the dwarves and free the coal demon; I also advised them to report my arrival immediately. They rushed out so urgently and dutifully, I didn't question whether they fully understood me." When I found Effington's mind worm in another guard stationed in the south tower, I commandeered his companion to subdue the infected one without destroying the worm, which my spells would have certainly done. I needed to study the warp and weave of the spell to learn what we were up against." I'm glad I did." There was no time to assure myself of his fellow's loyalty to Salazar, so I informed him of the second plot-- the Donald's attack on the main gate. I was still absorbed in the inspection of Effington's spell when Smythe's invisible minions began to strike." Although it's obvious that some of Effington's plans have gone amiss-- the Donald failed to secure a contingent of mercenary dwarves and the secret weapon Smythe talked about did not materialize --his effort is far from derailed." Effington made a crucial error when he dropped me with his sneak attack in the portico: He attempted to slip a mind worm into the sleep spell, but it rebounded on him, exposing me to a rapid flurry of charged images, thoughts, and conversations from his own mind before I went down." The sleep gave me ample time to unravel their meaning. I know what Smythe's secret weapon is." In the lore of my homeland there are ifrits of almost measureless power, who can transform themselves at will and appear in any shape. They take capricious delight in toppling empires or toying with the fates of commoners, and mortals bargain with them at their own peril. Smythe has arranged for Salazar to be detained in his business tonight, and is sending such a creature to do Effington's bidding." You needn't wonder long at what shape the ifrit will take. Can anyone name one person who can walk into this fortress unquestioned, and whose authority no one will dare to defy?" As the glimmer of understanding flashes across every face in the room, Aonghasan continues: " Although we currently have the upper hand, we're not out of the fire yet." †: MWTTAEdit: Fix grammar-- too many pronouns when talking about the south tower orks, unclear antecedent. |
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Post by gaptooth on May 19, 2011 13:13:03 GMT -5
[Charisma SR with Savoire-Faire for making a good impression on Seagal: 3 + 6 + 6 + 20 = 35]
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Post by monstermike on May 20, 2011 13:33:15 GMT -5
Seagal appears to be impressed by this tale and Aonghasan's verisimilitude. Roz silently scribbles shorthand while Seagal and Hrruuukkk Ptui consider the implications. Finally, Seagal says, "I am amazed by what you tell me. And if it is true, it has consequences for Effington, the Donald, and for ourselves and the defense of the fortress. But you must understand that I cannot view your word alone as convincing proof. You claim to serve Salazar, but none of us have ever heard of you before. You claim that there is a plot against him, and I'm willing to consider that possibility given what's already happened this afternoon. "However, I can just as easily construct an alternative hypothesis that explains the events of today. Namely that you are the sole cause of all the trouble today, that you killed the orc guards inside and outside the fortress, and that you somehow did away with all the goblin guards in the mines. There is no complex plot against Salazar, and Effington and the Donald have been serving him loyally. And now you are trying to convince me that when Salazar returns to the fortress tonight, he is an imposter to be attacked and not our true lord and master. "As much as we would like to believe you and take appropriate measures to protect our lord, we have to consider the possibility that in fact you are the enemy seeking to destroy him. What convincing proof can you offer of these things you claim to be true? Proof that is independent of your interpretation of today's events? Before Aonghasan can answer, Seagal continues. "And then, I would like you to answer a few more questions for me. In these communications you claim to have intercepted, has there been any mention of a party of independent troubleshooters or mercenaries invading the mines sent by Smythe? If so, what do you know of them? "Finally, since you claim to be an agent of Salazar's, please to describe him. What does he look like? Is he tall or short? Dark or fair? Bald or hairy? Young or old? Does he have any distinctive patterns of speech? Any distinguishing marks? "Once you've answered our questions, I would like to bring Effington in to face these accusations against him and give him a chance to defend himself. Would you object to this, or do you lack the courage to face those you accuse?" Game time 4/4 19:30 Please post your next move by noon Monday, May 23 - providing the world doesn't end on Saturday of course...  Oh, and take another point of mana. |
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Post by monstermike on May 20, 2011 15:18:03 GMT -5
Looking around the dining room, Aonghasan can see that it is richly furnished. There is a long mahogany table in the center and highly polished chairs around it. Some fine tapestries hang here and there on the walls. Behind him on the south wall and to his right along the east wall are two delicate side-tables with candelabras and vases with fresh flowers. Seagal and Hrruuukkk Ptui sit across from him near the west end of the table, and Roz sits at the east end taking notes. The orc captain is standing a respectful distance behind 'Nasan, keeping watch over him, but trying not to make it obvious. The stairs are an open stairway down to the second level. There are two doors in the south wall, a door in the northeast corner leading to the north tower, and a door in the west wall leading out to the elevated platform in the work area. Though not shown on the map, there are narrow slit windows in the north and east walls.  |
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Post by gaptooth on May 23, 2011 11:22:04 GMT -5
Unflappable, Aonghasan replies without missing a beat. " 'An imposter to be attacked'?! That would be a perilous mistake. Perhaps I failed to convey the proprtion of the power of these ifrits: They are as mighty as the ancient Balrukhs and their thirst for chaos and terror cannot be slaked. We cannot prevail by force or by magic. To be plain: if this being is provoked to wrath none of us have any chance of surviving." I advise that we avoid direct confrontation and treat this creature with the utmost diplomacy-- and by no means let on that we know it's true nature. The favor of such creatures can only be coaxed by those who know their true names-- which means Effington should be kept away from the ifrit at any cost." I take no offense at your suspicion; though misguided, it is well-meant. Unfortunately, arcane espionage does not lend itself to the convenience of constitutional standards of evidence. I can offer you no documents to prove what I say is true. However, there must be correspondence between Effington and Smythe following the abrupt end of their Cloud communications: correspondence in which they finalized their plans, and-- most importantly" --he turns to Hrruuukkk Ptui meaningly-- " --encoded the ifrit's true name." To answer your question: When ghost-traveling, I see things in their astral form only. The master appears to me in the virile form of a stag, crowned with gold antlers†. I ask your pardon if that's not terribly helpful." Now, I must return to my body." Here, Aonghasan stands, with an expression of weariness mingled with regret. " This trance has gone on far too long, and it takes great force of will to remain corporeal while my organs begin to shut down. I've given you all the help I can for now, but I shall venture forth again immediately to alert the master, even if it costs me my life." When he stands, Aonghasan is ready to discharge a spell at the slightest provocation. At the conclusion of his testimony, he casts Hidey Hole upon himself... [Burn 6 mana; SR to cast: 3 + 6 + 20 = 29; log 342] Suddenly, Aonghasan's flesh and clothes melt away into a bubbling inky vapour, leaving the brief impression of a blackened skeleton before that disappears in a breath of greasy smoke. Moving toward the southwest corner behind him as quickly and quietly as possible, 'Nasan keeps his eyes on his inquisitors. [†: 'Nasan will favor an image used in any heraldic devices on the tapestries, particularly in the throne room, if there are any notable images. Otherwise, it's a stag.] |
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Post by monstermike on May 23, 2011 14:03:15 GMT -5
As Aonghasan melts away into a cloud of vapor, Seagal shouts "No!" Hrruuukkk Ptui jumps up out of his chair and draws his blade, looking comically around the room. The orc captain jumps backwards in surprise when 'Nasan vanishes. Roz phlegmatically scribbles on her notepad, "...at the conclusion of his statement, the subject vanished."
"Blast and d**n all wizards!" Seagal roars in frustration. "Never a straight answer to a simple question!" He paces back and forth next to the table, fuming.
"That got us nowhere. His story could be true. It fits the facts, and certainly he knows more than any random intruder could know. But cuss it all, we can't be sure! Nothing but a bunch of wizard mumbo-jumbo! We have to be prepared for any eventuality."
"Roz - take this letter and work on decoding it. The anagrams are fairly trivial, but we need to find the more subtle code. Try the first letters of each word, the first letter of each sentence, check for misspelled words. See if you can spot any pattern that seems like it could be the name of this ifrit thingy."
"Captain - fetch Effington. It's time we heard his testimony." The orc captain nods and heads down the open staircase to Effington's quarters.
Seagal slumps back down into his chair and rubs his temples for a few seconds. He turns to the Goblin Overlord. "We need some sort of test that we can use on Salazar without being insulting or obvious. What was the last order he gave to you before he left?"
Hrruuukkk Ptui thinks for a while, then says "He ordered me to redo the duty rosters to give each of the guards a day off every week. I told him I'd have to hire a few more guards to make it work, and he told me to make it so."
Seagal thinks for a moment. "When Salazar - or this ifrit posing as Salazar - returns, could you very subtly ask him - or it - to repeat or confirm that order without angering him and without giving him a hint about the specifics of the order?"
"I think so. Salazar - the real Salazar, that is - hates having to repeat himself, but I doubt that he would take my head off if I asked him to confirm the order."
"Very well. Please do so, and then we will know whether we are dealing with Salazar or an ifrit." Seagal says. Hrruuukkk Ptui nods his agreement.
Seagal looks around impatiently. "Now where is that bloody Effington?"
Game time 4/4 19:40
[Bookkeeping: 'Nasan burned 6 mana and recovered 1. Used 1 mirror shot. Take 18 AP WIZ]
Please post your next move by noon Wednesday, May 25.
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Post by monstermike on May 23, 2011 14:12:57 GMT -5
Meanwhile...
In his quarters, Effington paces back and forth anxiously. It should be fairly trivial to clear this up. No reason to be nervous. He pats his pocket for the sixth time, feeling the reassuring presence of the Tongue. Narshnaga told me several times this artifact would give its possessor the power of eloquent and fluid speech. And clearly, there is nothing to link me to any of this ruckus. Quite trivial to prove that it was all his doing.
Finally, there is a knock at the door. Effington jumps, then turns and opens the door. The orc captain is standing there. "They are ready for you, sir." Signaling the Effing Ogres to wait in his quarters for his return, Effington nods and accompanies the captain to the stairs.
Game time 4/4 19:40
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Post by gaptooth on May 23, 2011 14:23:18 GMT -5
Holding his breath, 'Nasan attempts to shadow the ork captain out of the room and down the stairs, taking advantage of it's clattering gait to disguise sound of his own footsteps.
[Stealth SR, if needed: 3 + 4 + 13 = 20; log 343]
At the bottom of the stairway, 'Nasan stops and watches where the ork turns.
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Post by monstermike on May 23, 2011 14:32:00 GMT -5
Meanwhile...
The rider in black turns from the Brokenback Hollow road onto the long path leading up to the fortress. First, a hot bath, some dry clothes, and a decent meal. Then I'll check with Roz to see how much production we had during my trip. Spend a few minutes getting things squared away with Effington, Seagal, and the Donald - then a good night's sleep. Plenty of plans to make starting tomorrow - armies, weapons, supply chains, provisioning. Endless details.
In his mind's eye, he sees himself standing on top of the fortress at Rag Mountain looking over the mass of captured, terrified citizens gathered from all over the territory by his armies. He begins to speak - a rousing eloquent speech. His words vanquish the fears of the peasants, and soon the citizens understand that he is not just their master, but their leader. They live to do his will. The power of his words wash over them, and they cheer "Salazar! Salazar! All Hail Salazar!"
He holds this vision in his mind and smiles as he rides up the cartpath to his fortress in the cold spring rain.
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Post by monstermike on May 23, 2011 14:36:57 GMT -5
[Interstitial]
'Nasan follows the orc captain to Effington's door without giving away his presence. The captain raps on the door, and a few seconds later, Effington opens it. "They are ready for you, sir." Effington makes a palms-out gesture toward his pet ogres indicating they should stay put, and nods at the captain.
Game time 19:40+
[Aonghasan takes 7 AP DEX]
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Post by gaptooth on May 23, 2011 14:49:25 GMT -5
As the captain raps on the door, Aonghasan ducks quietly down the eastern stairwell, waiting there until the captain conducts his prisoner into the dining hall.
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