Vorgal frowns and the images around him copy the movement. He takes one last glance around the Area, the dashes back to the others.
no trace of illusion... At all. Anyone know a way to dissapear without magic?
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Cassius curses a low and filthy oath in Infernal at Vorgal's words, glaring out over the courtyard like he wishes he could light it on fire with his mind. His watery globe finally disappears from sight.
"A better question: how does one enter a Hellknight Citadel and not be spotted? Surely there are wards to prevent the unseen," Cassius says from where he is crouched by Bjorn.
"Still... you stood out there for long enough for our archer to have made a pincushion of you, or to try to, and no more arrows came. Perhaps with the element of surprise no longer on their side, they have retreated to strike again at some time when we do not have strong walls around us..."
Cassius gives a pained nod to the Hellknights who helped get them to cover. "My thanks for your assistance."
He scans around for Lictor Vidoc, to see if the sounds of the combat and the shouting drew the Lictor's attention, or whether they need to apprise the man of the situation. If so, yet another thing for Toulon Vidoc to be displeased with them over...
"Kayle, Ivari, I administered a healing potion to Bjorn, but it seems to have had no effect-- I can tell he yet breathes, but little else."
Ivari still drawn to glancing outside warily approaches the unconscious knight and looks him over only to huff in frustration at the sight of him, It has been years since my training in the healing arts and I can barely tells he breath for all of the distraction I have in knowing that coward still lurks about... The paladin offers an apologetic shrug to the others...
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Cassius looks over his squad grimly. He hates to send anyone out to cross the courtyard when the archer may still be lurking, but...
"Ivari, you have the best chance of reaching the Lictor alive. Apprise him of the situation-- that some unseen assailant may be in the fortress, and that everyone should remain on guard. If you see Armiger Gorzoth, order him to stay somewhere inside until this is all over."
Cassius throws a glance back towards that damnable black orb, to verify it's still there and hasn't vanished in the chaos of the last minute.
Ivari nods at the wizard and moves to make his way to the Lictor.
"Give it just another minute, we've already contacted the Guard-Captain. His team should be on their way shortly," one of the Scourge signifiers says.
And surely enough, less than two minutes later you see the number of Hellknights on the ramparts and guarding the doors increase yet again. A Hellknight strides towards you from the central keep, quickly crossing the courtyard and entering the guard room.
"What's going on?" the Guard-Captain asks, her voice intense.
Now that group has some cover she will take the time to look at Bjorn.
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Cassius nods to the Scourge knight's words, and sits heavily down. Kayle brought him back from the edge of death, but he doesn't feel too many steps away from it. He spends a few moments in silent castigation of himself for the wrong spells-- the wrong spells cast, the wrong spells memorized....
He pulls himself to his feet all the same when the Guard-Captain enters, and salutes.
"My squad and I were investigating the foreign object, per the Lictor's orders, ma'am," he says, "and in the doing, one of our number," he gestures to Bjorn, "was affected by energies from it that have rendered him unconscious and beyond our ability to wake. That, however, is not the true problem: no sooner had Signifier Bjorn fallen than we were attacked, not by 'energies', but by arrows. Rather effectively, too."
Cassius indicates one of the long shafts but recently removed from his spine. "The archer used either magic or some other craft to remain unseen. As he, or she, has not attacked in several minutes now, I think it logical that they have fled, but it is also possible they are lying in wait somewhere in the Citadel, seeking to strike targets of opportunity. Given they struck at us, and so far nobody else--?" he pauses, to see if she corrects him there, then continues, "--I believe we are the primary targets, but the Lictor should still be apprised of an unseen enemy combatant that was on the grounds, and may yet be. If the Citadel has magical detection against such, I would advise it be considered, ma'am.
"If the Citadel can spare any skilled healer to try and assess the nature of Bjorn's wounds, my squad and I would be grateful, but I understand there are many injured from the elemental attack and that we may be rather down the line."
The Guard-Captain is silent for a moment, considering, then nods to one of her squad, who runs out.
"To the best of my knowledge, we do have wards against invisible foes. But none seem to have been triggered. We'll get you to the infirmary. But chances are that since you're still up and speaking you'll be low on triage. Almost all our magical healing is exhausted, thanks to that attack. Come on."
With hurried efficiency, the Hellknights of the Scourge assist you down to a more secure location in the citadel, where injured Hellknights lie on bunks and aproned healers scurry around. Cassius and Bjorn are quickly settled down, and the rest of you are quickly shooed out.
"Until the Lictor has time to debrief everybody and Paralictor Malachai recovers I'm afraid that everything will have to be put on hold. Please do not attempt anything else with the orb. We will send word when you are needed." the Guard-Captain says as she returns you to your quarters.
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Cassius nods wearily, to show the orders have been heard and understood. "Thank you, Captain," he murmurs, feeling he has little energy to say much else.
Back in their quarters, Cassius stands, exhausted and still hurting. He must address his squad, he knows, but... gods, he just wishes to sleep. He wants very much for this to have been all a dream...
He flashes a thin, humorless smile at young Armiger Gorzoth. "Enough excitement for you, boy?
"...let's get Bjorn onto a bed, until the healers can come to look at him."
Ivari will aid in the healing department using his lay on hands for the most overtly critical patients. That doesn't last long however so after that he makes sure he is properly armored and stays as close to Cassius as he can still worried that the wizard's magic made him a primary target.
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With his armor redonned (for what good it will do him, he thinks sourly), the blood scrubbed away, the wounds bandaged... and with Decibel's crisp, charred feather tucked gently between two pages of his spellbook... Cassius has a heavy seat in the room and runs a hand through his hair, in a vain attempt to straighten it down to his usual composure. He has the night's stubble on his jaw as well, aside from his trim goatee-- in short, he is not the well-put-together Chelish gentleman he usually likes to be.
He orders Armiger Gorzoth into the adjoining bedroom, telling him to sleep; what he has to say shouldn't burden the ears of one who is not yet a Hellknight. Students are prone to gossip.
"Well," he says dully to the others, once the door is shut. "So. Zakat. I expected his return, but not so soon... and I did not prepare us adequately for it. As your temporary leader, I owe you all several apologies. I imagine the Vicarius will want the full accounting of our errors, again... should we return to the Citadel. Should we survive the journey."
He leaves unspoken that if they came so near to death when in the very heart of a fortified Hellknight citadel, then the open road will be infinitely more dangerous. Cassius sighs.
"I was hasty with my first protective spell, thinking that we needed preserving from fire. If I had instead chosen lightning, we might have weathered that final storm better than we did. Unfortunate." Cassius pinches the bridge of his nose.
"There are other things I could have done better. There are also things several of you could have done better, I believe, but right now, we have larger problems than the dressing down of tactical errors. I will say for the record that, should the Vicarius keep to pattern and appoint another as leader next, that leader should be sure to inform themselves of what spells are currently memorized by those of who can cast them. That was a remarkably foolish oversight on my part.
"But as I said... we have bigger problems. The orb. Zakat. Whether our mission proceeds to Druma or not. I pray Malachai awakes well enough to make that latter decision, but if not, then the responsibility for that comes down upon me. I believe it is of the utmost importance that we take that orb back to our own citadel, and report to the Vicarius.... however, given we haven't been able to move the damned thing yet, that is still problematic," Cassius confesses in almost-a-snarl, his eyes flicking again to Bjorn's unconscious body.
And what if Bjorn does not wake? Will you have lost one of your squad, already? Cassius closes his eyes, unwilling to think about that just yet.
"If anyone has insights, or advice, I am open to hearing them."
Bjorn still body breathes camly, as in he is in peace. Whatever happened to him, clearly did not harm his body nor is tormeting him fisically.
What if this is all pagentry? An attempt to disrupt our mission? I fear we give in chaos by being deterred. As we cannot move the orb, perhaps we send word back to our Citadel of events and tell them we will put guards and distance to the device and they can come for themselves or leave it to us while we proceed with the mission?
Vorgal nods at ivari's words. I don't know that it's my, or even our, place to say it, but I think we should continue our mission. The orb likely holds answers, but not ones we can determine easily or quickly. I'm hesitant to say I'm at a loss for information, but I've had no under standing of the orb so far.
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Cassius is obviously taken aback by the words of the two squad members.
"...Forgive me, but you think that a massive, unprecedented attack by a score of powerful elemental beings, upon one of the strongest defensive points we have-- a full Hellknight citadel-- is mere... pageantry? Something designed to simply distract us? I cannot fathom that expenditure of magical power, which very nearly killed us all, as merely a diversion.
"Aside from that, we have been invited to Druma to celebrate our 'victory' over Zakat. Which has clearly been no victory at all, as he is returned, and if possible, more dangerous and audacious than ever. I think it wise a messenger be sent to Druma to advise them that Zakat is active once more, but the whole purpose of our visit was to accept accolades for something that is now... pointless. I see no benefit at all to proceeding to Druma, unless you relish a feast in your honor that consists of eating finely-cooked crow."
Cassius frowns, rubbing at his forehead. "But I am open to being convinced otherwise. What do you imagine the purpose of continuing to Druma would be? Do you really think it safe to leave a dangerous artifact under whatever guards the Lictor decides to appoint? What if it releases some force upon those here once we have left? I would consider any deaths that resulted from that to upon my head, just as Bjorn's current state is."
He sighs. "I.... my familiar perished in the assault. Otherwise I would willingly send him back to Citadel Enferac; no doubt he could have flown the distance quicker than any land-bound messenger. But perhaps the Citadels have a method of communique with each other. I shall have to ask.
"Kayle, have you any thoughts?"
I believe we should seek Malactor Saren's guidance first. But i do beliv we should continue to Druma to at least give warning that Zukat has returned and is quite possibly a larger threat than before.
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Cassius sighs and nods. "Yes, whatever else, I hope to speak to Saren. But as for Druma... well, I have asked your opinions, and heard them given. I will consider them carefully, if it falls to me to have to make that decision. I hope that it does not."
The lean Chelish man runs a hand through his hair, trying half-heartedly to return it to some semblance of order.
"For now, I suggest we lick our wounds and catch up on rest, as I feel we will all need it. I want one of us to remain awake at any time-- as this assault has shown us, even in the heart of a citadel, 'safety' is no guarantee. Besides, Bjorn should have someone nearby, if he wakes. I shall take the first period with him, I suppose-- I want to attempt some dignoses..."
"Ivari will take watch after myself, then Kayle, then Vorgal. Before I rest, I will speak with each of you to address the battle we fought. If you felt I gave poor orders at any point in the battle, kindly tell me at that time."
"Before we exited our chambers, I ordered for the casting of defensive and enhancement spells, such as mirror images, which I placed on myself at that time. I gave enough time for the casting of three spells. And yet, you waited until we had already joined the battle before casting mirror images, and cast a bull's strength as well... by that time, we should have been attacking as one, not continuing our preparations. What was your reasoning in not using the preparatory time?
"Aside from that, in the battle, you acted most often with enfeebling rays... yet surely you knew our foes would be difficult to hit with such, being as fast as lightning themselves. Why this tactical choice? What other spells did you have available to you? I erred in not asking earlier in our trip what you had prepared, I see that, or I might have better ordered specific spells. But a fireball, if you had that-- that could have been deployed at any time, in mid-air, so that it would catch the upper halves of the elementals in it and yet not our allies...
"I also see you did not have glitterdust memorized," Cassius says drily. "I will be more explicit next time with my intsructions, but in truth, even had you memorized it, likely you would have used it as I did-- in blinding the elementals, and not in saving it for an invisible attacker."
Cassius sighs. "...and yes, I am aware that your later mirror image no doubt saved my life. I am grateful for that, and I will pay the debt as best I can. But nevertheless my questions as to choices stand. If you feel I gave poor or unclear orders, you may so."
As for Bjorn.... Cassius has no questions for him, because what good would it do if he had?
Knowledge (Arcana): Fortunately you are well versed in both Varisian and Thassalonian, and the tattoos are now completely formed, so you can actually distinguish them. You see runes and symbols for bolstering fortitute, willpower, and reflexes, something that looks similar to a binding trine, but with a few modifications, and another symbol that you are unfamiliar with. But the most interesting aspect is the lettering that appears scrawled across his neck.
This life is mine to take, do so and face my wrath.
Knowledge (Dungeoneering):
Knowledge (Engineering):
Knowledge (Geography):
Knowledge (Nature):
Knowledge (Local): You haven't been in the keep long enough to really hear rumors of any significance, but you can tell that interest in your squad has skyrocketed from its already considerable position since the attack.
Knowledge (Nobility):
Knowledge (Planes): You have no further discernment than you did last time.
Knowledge (Religion):
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Cairenn broods by Bjorn's bedside for the space of several minutes, his chin disappeared behind his steepled fingers, as he looks over the lines on Bjorn's body. Finally he shakes his head... utterly mystified.
Looking up to the others, he says, "These... they almost seem protective. Beneficial. Vorgal, look here-- do you see the rune for strength of the body? And this one-- a sigil indicating greater speed... if these can be taken at face value," and Cassius drily stresses the 'if', "then it's like that orb cast a half-dozen helpful magics upon him."
But Cassius's fingers point towards the binding rune, and the script. "But then there is this. A binding rune-- but of what, to who? Yet most worrisome is this script," which he reads aloud for those unfamiliar with the tongue:
" 'This life is mine to take, do so and face my wrath.' " Cassius almost growls the words in his distaste. "Very close to Zakat telling us all to stay alive, don't you think? We are--" his face contorts momentarily in anger, "--playthings to him, to mark for his amusement."
Scowling, Cassius drops into one of the room's chairs and resumes a brooding position.
High Prophet Kelldor knows every major political or civil leader in Avistan and Garund by name, but keeps a low profile in world affairs. He doesn't care about fame, only for wealth, the prime mover and abstract force of the universe, according to the Prophecies of Kalistrade. He is friendly and calm, and understands the interplay of non-financial factors in obtaining and maintaining wealth. Kelldor rarely leaves his estate in Kerse.
You have also heard of one David LaDour, a somewhat famous swordsman, having earned his Lepidstadt scar at the famous University of Lepidstadt. He comes from the ousted noble lineage of the Palatinates in Ustalav. How he came to join the Blackjackets after graduation is unknown, but he has done exceptionally well and is currently a Captain in the league, and will also be your primary liaison with the Blackjackets.
Vorgal interrupts Cassius after the comment about fireball. "Fireball in the air, that's... I hadn't thought of that before. I..." He cuts off, letting Cassius continue.
Vorgal waves off the thanks and leans back in his chair as Cassius finishes, his attention moving from the man's words to his own memories. His hands twitch a few times, mapping out spell movements. "I agree about Glitterdust. I have a penchant for the familiar, for what I have spent days, weeks, months practicing and learning. I believe I understand Glitterdust, and I know I can cast it well, but this soon after learning it I was hesitant equip it, and so I left it off for the day. You certainly have my guarantee that such a thing will not happen again."
Vorgal takes his gaze from the side and looks directly at Cassius. He doesn't try for defiance though, and his vernacular isn't aggressive. "I think you are being too harsh about the support spells early. I may have waited a tick too long for the mirror image, but I had it ready before we engaged. The Bull's Strength... I really wasn't planning on casting that. Ivari and Bjorn can probably break open mountains one their own strength, but once I saw how far the battlefield stretched I devoted some of my spells to it. For most fights, I prepare anticipating most of my magic towards offensive abilities. Seeing the mass of enemies, and considering their unarmored state, I thought Bjorn and Ivari could benefit from the strength. Do you disagree?" That last bit was more challenge than question. "Should I be committing strength as soon as I learn of an impending battle?"
"The rays were definitely a failure in this fight. I'm well practices with them, but clearly failed today. I had fire ball and fire sphere," Vorgal maps out the spells as he cast them, but I was worried of damaging our own for the fight. Beyond that, my spells were touch spells, and not real options with a being that powerful." Vorgal stands and walks away a few steps, The fireball directed in the air is a novel concept though. I've been treating it like the sphere that can jump but must come down. I must," he takes a step towards the door, "no the test can wait."
Looking up to the others, he says, "These... they almost seem protective. Beneficial. Vorgal, look here-- do you see the rune for strength of the body? And this one-- a sigil indicating greater speed... if these can be taken at face value," and Cassius drily stresses the 'if', "then it's like that orb cast a half-dozen helpful magics upon him."But Cassius's fingers point towards the binding rune, and the script. "But then there is this. A binding rune-- but of what, to who? Yet most worrisome is this script," which he reads aloud for those unfamiliar with the tongue:
" 'This life is mine to take, do so and face my wrath.' " Cassius almost growls the words in his distaste. "Very close to Zakat telling us all to stay alive, don't you think? We are--" his face contorts momentarily in anger, "--playthings to him, to mark for his amusement."
Vorgal peers where Cassius pointed out the symbols. He understands a few of them, and nods agreement to Cassius' statements.
He stands again, then pauses. "Were the symbols on the orb still there after Bjorn touched it?"
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"One cannot create a perfect blanket rule for all instances. If I say that 'greater strength should be cast at the start of every battle', then no doubt circumstances will conspire to prove me wrong, and make a liar of me," he says with a thin, humorless smile.
"But it remains that I gave time, and orders, when we were yet in our quarters, to cast preparatory spells, and you did not use that time when so ordered. You waited until we were outside-- and then cast mirror image, and also the bull's strength on Ivari. That was two preparatory spells cast when we should, at that time, have been turning every second into assault. Aside from that, Ivari's first strength is as a ranged combatant: I know he is skilled with the sword as well, but as I gave him orders to remain at ranged, no, I do not believe that bolstering his strength was the best use of our time."
Cassius leans back. "That said... I understand the feeling of having few spells that are suited to the task at hand. I believe that you used your own judgment, and deemed that making Ivari stronger was the best you could contribute at that second in time. And in that, I take the blame, for not better educating myself as to what you had prepared... or I might have given you better orders. In any case, I am pleased that we agree on other elements of the tactics. I expect that, when our positions are reversed, I can learn from you."
"Were the symbols on the orb still there after Bjorn touched it?"
"Yes, I believe so-- I was looking less at it, than at Bjorn, but I don't recall the sphere becoming featureless or anything of the sort," Cassius sighs.
The wizard gets up to pace around the small dormitory room, hands clasped behind his back as he gnaws the questions in his head... and wrestles with whether the path of prudence lies in going forward to Druma, or to attempt a return to Enferac.
-Posted with Wayfinder
The Lictor summons you once again, though fortunately this time it's just a single Hellknight to escort you, and not an entire squad.
Saren joins you on the way, having also received his own summons. As you file into the Lictor's office, you notice that Paralictor Malachai is in there as well, along with a few other Hellknights you don't immediately recognize.
The Lictor returns your salutes as the door closes behind you.
"At ease," he says. His mood seems much less strained than the last time you spoke.
"I'd offer a chair, but there's slightly more people than I'm used to having in here," he says, adjusting a stack of papers on his desk, "You all seem to attract a disproportionate amount of hostile attention. But... well, Paralictor, would you like to inform them?"
Malachai shrugs and nods.
"Due to the... scale of current events the Kalistocracy has obviously decided to try and cancel the agreement. Fortunately a compromise was reached. While there will be considerably less... pageantry than originally decided, the joint field training exercises are still on. Obviously, the exercises need to go flawlessly in order to repair our reputation and relations with the Drumans. But you all in specific need to be very careful. You are not to show face outside of your quarters until we get to Druma, and then do so only as ordered after. I apologize if this feels like a punishment, but it is necessary to maximize the chances for success on this mission. Understood?"
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Cassius is relieved to see both Saren and Malachai present, and tries not to let it show overmuch on his face, as that is not becoming to a Hellknight. He stands at a loose attention, hands clasped at his back, as he listens to the situation. Clear orders: a balm to his soul, of sorts.
He inclines his head to the Paralictor, hand rising in a salute at his temple. "Your orders are heard and understood, Paralictor. May I ask, sir, have we any orders from the Vicarius regarding this orb? Our colleague, Bjorn, still lies incapacitated from its effects--"
"--and that alone would seem to make it a dangerous thing to leave here, though we may have no choice as we were not yet able to move it."
The Lictor sighs and Malachai raises an eyebrow.
"Yes, I had heard that there was some dispute as to this... orb. I have not spoken to Vicarius Torchia, no. This meeting is only the third thing I've done since recovering."
One of the other Hellknights in the room makes a tsking sound at that and a ghost of a smile crosses Malachai's lips.
"I received communications from him early this morning," Saren speaks up.
"He does not believe it to be an undue threat or a particular priority. Study it as you can until departure, but if you learn nothing before then he will of course allow the Order of the Scourge to conduct their own investigations."
The Lictor frowns and glares at Saren, and Malachai's eyebrow rises again.
"I am so grateful for his permission..."
"Departure is delayed somewhat, one of my slain men was also the logistics officer for this trip, so his replacement needs some time to get everything reorganized. We will depart at 0800 the day after tomorrow. Until then, please try and not attract any more attention. Dismissed."
Ivari listens intently and bows his head in acknowledgement to the orders. When dismissed Ivari files out with the rest of his squad and when they are off on their own he nods to Cassius, May I speak freely?
Saren nods at you before turning back to talk with Malachai.
Saren knocks on the threshold to Bjorn's ward, where the rest of the squad is grouped, awaiting whatever comes next.
"My apologies, I didn't expect all of you to-" Saren starts, before being interrupted.
Bjorn snorts groggily and opens his eyes, sitting up slightly in bed.
Urgh...
What the hell trampled on me? A heard of Aurochs?
Says Bjorn while looking at himself to make sure all is in place.
What happened? Last I remember is we discussing about how to move Zakat's gift.
Have you been able to move it, Ivari? I think you offered to do it.
Says the man finally, while trying to incorporate from the bed.
Ivari looks down at the sturdy Bjorn. You decided to take a nap while an assassin tried to ply its trade... The paladin offers a very slight turn to his lip to indicate a joke. After your unscheduled rest it was determined it was not a good idea to try again...
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Cassius starts as Bjorn regains consciousness, his attention torn abruptly from Saren to the other man.
"Father of Contracts, I had begun to think you wouldn't wake at all!" he exclaims in relief. "It is as Ivari says. You were knocked unconscious by the orb-- and your skin... marked... by Zakat, I believe," Cassius adds on darkly.
"You were out for well over a day. How do you feel?"
Bjorn face shows surprise after Cassius speech, and then he looks at himself in search of marks.
Uh? The orb you say? But how, I don't remember even getting near of it.
So, now I'm Zakat's *****? Damn it.
But I feel great, what kind of magic you used on me? Any progress to erase the marks? -Says the man, more speedy-talking than he uses to be, like as if he is over-excited.
Kaylee startled by bjorns awekning from his long nap.
Praise to Iomedae, It's a relief you have woken Brothr Bjorn.
"Bjorn, do you -, He stops shaking his head. He paces for a few moments. "Do you feel... stronger? We have reason to believe the marks might actually improve one's abilities."
What do you mean, Vorgal? That Zackat trapped the ball to give us some strengh? Thats a nonsense, but if it is true, the drawback will hit us soon.
Well, I feel more energic, like when you are going to enter in a competition but without previous exercice nor mental focusing.
"The Zakat part is what we're still not sure about. But the runes on the ball, are protective, and beneficial, including added strength and a mark of-. Well, Cassius maybe you can speak to this a little better, it was your discovery." Vorgal looks away from Bjorn towards the Acting-Maralictor.