Return To The Ruins (Warlords Palace)

[silifi]

Sik, upon witnessing Belloc's destruction of the shadow, backs away slowly, eyeing the mage with new suspicion..Though he has seen the awesome power of the staff during the battle with the matron, it feels somehow more sinister now.

He then turns to gather the two spent silver bullets, all the while keeping one eye on Belloc.

[hedgeknight]

Ceana

Having alerted her companions to the cabinet and its curiosities, the druid cannot take her eyes off of her companion, Belloc. She approaches him cautiously and once he finishes his proclamations, she reaches out a hand...but draws it back before touching him. "Belloc? Are you...what happened, my friend?"

[The_Wanderer]

Cyril

"Indeed, Belloc. You seem as swollen with confidence as you are with...with..." He waves his hand in the magician's direction..."...with dark smokey power. Of course if I had that coursing through my veins, no doubt I would feel as confident.

And by the way everybody, I don't think my mundane sling bolt was able to effect that monstrosity."

Cyril joins Magda in examining the book.

[shaidar]

Xenos tries his best to hide his growing concern at Belloc's behaviour.

With little space in the room he guards the passageway.

[OGRE MAGE]

For clarification, Kain was already in the process of taking the cloak before Belloc, so I am going to stick with that.

Under The Zakath Desert
Sanctum Of The Magus
No Idea On Time Or Day

Kain removes the key ring and the black leather cloak with an oversized cowl from the unmoving Hyperborean on the bed with Belloc close by, watching his every move. The Cleric states his concern for their suddenly very puffed up Mage, and most of the others follow suit. His response is that there is so much more to discover in this place, though none are certain how he knows such things. The disturbing dark wisps of shadow that linger, dancing across the surface of the already disgusting to behold staff, has most in the group even more concerned than before the Mage absorbed the energy from the undead monster. Belloc insists that he feels just fine, however.

Magda and Cyril study the ancient tome on the desk, noting it is written in ancient Hyperborean, glad it doesn't contain any of the headache inducing symbols they have seen in here earlier. They both realize that this extremely fragile tome will take some time to comprehend in any real way, and likely plenty of magic as well.

Drest refuses the silver dagger from Akhilleus, instead winking at the rat on the floor before pushing the trinket filled bookshelf aside. The clear outline of a secret door can be seen on the wall behind the shelf. Holding his hand near the seam, the Scout can feel a slight breeze coming from whatever lies beyond the door.

Actions?

Drest (Sc4) FA:3 AC7 16/22
Xenos (DS3) FA:3 AC5 17/17
Akhilleus (F4) FA:4 AC4 19/35
Kainaxarthos (C3) FA:1 AC6 17/19
Magda (W2) FA:0 AC9 8/8 Hooded Lantern
Sik (Ba1) FA:1 AC5 9/12
Cyril (Pr3) FA:1 AC8 12/12 CLW, DM Torch
Ceana (D3) FA:2 AC5 19/19 Torch
Taibhse (Sh2) FA:0(20) AC5 11/11 Torch
Belloc (M2) FA:0(20) AC6 36/14 Enlarge

[Rex]

Drest

"I will wait until we are done searching here before trying to open this secret door."

He will check out the book case for any secret compartments or anything hidden in the books.

[Belkregos]

For clarification, Kain was already in the process of taking the cloak before Belloc, so I am going to stick with that.

OOC: sorry, i didn't get the description where there was a cloak?, just read kain got the ring of keys but could not disrobe the hyperborean?

[hedgeknight]

Ceana

While the others examine the newly revealed room, the druid continues to search through the items on the cabinet. She will pick up, smell, maybe even taste things (if appropriate), as she attempts to ascertain what they are.

[subaltari]

OOC: sorry, i didn't get the description where there was a cloak?, just read kain got the ring of keys but could not disrobe the hyperborean?

I was confused too. Looks like Belloc got there first to search for objects of 'regalia' which could include other stuff like the keys. He then got interrupted by the Shadow. From my POV, Kain took advantage of that distraction to begin stripping the dude's outer garment (originally described as robes but later a 'fur-lined cloak' perhaps via a private message.

Anyway maybe now that Kain has some clothes, we can be spared his half-naked pose in the Sheets thread


Magda makes room for Cyril to view the Hyperborean's tome and shares her assessment of it. "Judging from its placement here and the esoteric script, this is likely his spell book," she gestures at the now looted corpse. Then smiles, "Or mayhap it contains the sort of blasphemous and maddening secrets that you and Belloc crave. Either way it should be examined in a safe place and without haste. I can safeguard it with my own grimoire here," she lifts the flap of her heavy satchel to give Cyril a peek at a similar, but thinner book resting there and plenty of room for the new one.

To Ceana she says: "Those things on the shelf seem like supplies for a brazier, do you see one anywhere?"

[silifi]

Sik remains unassured by Belloc. He stands next to the secret door, putting away his sling and instead holding his axe.

"This evil place is beginning to wear on me. Let's hurry up and find that gem."

[Karaunios]

Akhilleus keeps guard where he stand. "How narrow is the corridor behind that secret door?

[Rex]

Drest

"Not sure, I haven't opened it yet."

[Monsieur Rose]

Kainaxarthos You are mistaken, I believe he is entirely naked in the pose.

He takes the opportunity to don the leather cloak. Sorry, the fur thing was apparently all me. Let's blame it on mixing up other adventures instead of senility.

And yes, it could be seen as opportunistic, but after his turning failed Kain tried to continue Belloc's idea of finding some insignia or something. Finding only the keys and a cloak, neither fitting the description of insignias or holy symbols, Kain thinks they are communal treasures.

For fun, he'll put on the oversized cowl.

Noticing the old tome, he will add his voice. "Be careful with that I think. I know a guy who will pay dearly for old manuscripts."

[OGRE MAGE]

Let's blame it on mixing up other adventures instead of senility.

No chance!

[Ahlmzhad]

Taibhse

Taibhse taking Belloc's lack of answer as a sign he's mostly alright and he backs up watching both entrances.

[subaltari]

Noticing the old tome, he will add his voice. "Be careful with that I think. I know a guy who will pay dearly for old manuscripts."

Magda turns to see Kain now bedecked in the imposing (but probably too long for him) leather cloak. "Ah, now that has the sound of a profitable prospect. But I'm sure your friend won't mind if a few of us copy out a page here or there, before selling the thing."

[Belkregos]

Belloc's eyes remain fixed on what appears to be empty space, but he is following invisible, sinuous movements. His focus is so intense that he almost doesn't notice Kain's grubby hands scrambling to take the Hyperborean cloak.

When he does, he watches with keen interest, curious if Kain will exhibit any signs of the cosmic power that has nearly torn him apart.

Belloc's gaze is sharp and unblinking, a mix of caution and scientific curiosity.
"Kain," he says evenly, his voice cutting through the tension. "The regalia may carry the essence of the Hyperborean's power. It will test you. let it be; Unless you are ready and willing to carry the burden and risk of your immortal soul being traded into oblivion, resist any whisper of a presence. It is dangerous and can only be contained at great personal cost."

Belloc's eyes never leave Kain, ready to intervene if necessary. He knows the risks and is prepared to act swiftly to protect his companions and control the power that now courses through their midst.

[OGRE MAGE]

Under The Zakath Desert
Sanctum Of The Magus
No Idea On Time Or Day

Leaving the secret door alone for now, Drest finds no books on the shelf, but does spot the 5 candles, box of incense sticks, bellows, iron tongs, and 4 empty glass phials found earlier. The rolled up parchment tied with a string that Ceana took is still in her hands, who after looking it over, believes it to be some kind of Protection Magic.

Magda is about to store the ancient book with her own, asking about a brazier that doesn't seem to exist. Sik reminds the others of their task, while Akhilleus sizes up the next doorway, finding it only slightly wider than the last hallway that gave them such fits. That door remains closed for now.

With many eyes still on Belloc, the Mage seems more interested in the actions of Kainaxarthos, who suddenly dons the black leather cloak with little concern over his own safety. It seems to contort slightly and shrink to the size of the wearer. Those watching the Cleric notice little change in his appearance, until Kain pulls the oversized leather cowl over his head, that is. Suddenly the Cleric turns as black as the shadow creature Belloc just slayed. Not only that, but his form seems to become wispy and incorporeal while the cowl is donned, almost like the effects of one who had been turned from a solid into a gas.

Belloc verbally cautions the Cleric, but Kain feels no sense of force or entity attempting to control or cajole him in any way. He senses no connection with the body, the keys, the book, or the staff.

Actions?

Drest (Sc4) FA:3 AC7 16/22
Xenos (DS3) FA:3 AC5 17/17
Akhilleus (F4) FA:4 AC4 19/35
Kainaxarthos (C3) FA:1 AC6 17/19
Magda (W2) FA:0 AC9 8/8 Hooded Lantern
Sik (Ba1) FA:1 AC5 9/12
Cyril (Pr3) FA:1 AC8 12/12 CLW, DM Torch
Ceana (D3) FA:2 AC5 19/19 Torch
Taibhse (Sh2) FA:0(20) AC5 11/11 Torch
Belloc (M2) FA:0(20) AC6 36/14 Enlarge

[The_Wanderer]

Cyril's attention turns to the outline of the hidden door. "Excellent. Do you see how to open it?" He takes a moment to inspect the door outline and tries to reason out how it would open and if anything would serve as a knob.

[subaltari]

Magda & Skavi

The Ixian girl watches with interest as the Xathoqquite Cleric transforms into a misty semblance of himself. She then has second thoughts about packing away the fragile tome just yet, and leaves it resting on the desk for now.

Skavi continues to wait patiently by the bookcase while Drest and now Cyril search there.