Thieves Against The Cult of the Dragon

[Barrok]

You are finally summoned into a dirty dank cellar in oine of the safe house in Athkatla controlled by the Shadow Thieves. From the corner prtected by a veil of shadows a hoarse voice croaks at you all.

"So finally you have gained my notice. All you need to know about me is that I am part of the council and thus I am far above any of the gang leaders you have worked for, you have proved your self time and again with yoiur ingennuity and know I need you to do me a small favour and something which I am sure will seem out of the ordinary even to people such as yourselves. I need you to save Faerun.
The council has come into some information that The mindless idiots of The Cult of The Dragon have uncovered a tome which will greatly improve any power of Dracoliches which they would create to near godly proportions. This would be bad for us as the person who has this tome is a Shadow Thief Renegade and wishes to turn every evil dragon on his former 'friends'. Already we ghave suffered the loss of 23 opperatives in the Western Heartlands due to draconic attacks. Carlos Thantril, is currently in Baldur's Gate awaiting his masters to come and claim the tome. KIll him, distroy the book and kill and of The Cult of the Dragon who get in your way. I have heard a rumour that he may be using the sewers there."

With that a flash pellet is tossed at your feet, there is a bright flash.. and the figure has gone.

[CountFalchiezVander]

Eshanti looks around a moment, then rubs his chin.

"Now, wasn't that enlightening? Save the world eh? Sounds like it could be fun. I always wanted to creep into a secret abode of the damned and steal a powerful artifact just to torch it and then bugger on back to my business...."

He folds his arms and looks to his companions.

[Regnier_Leinhart]

Xastas raises an eyebrow at the thought of their mission to save Faerun. "Dragon cult, ancient tomes, renegade thieves, and Dracoliches. Sounds like we've been given invitations to a very interesting party."

[Vivamort]

Vales stood motionless allowing his eyes to adjust after the brief but very bright flash made in the dank cellar beneath the city. He also did not speak beneath his mask, for he liked to be mysterious at times. He nodded in agreement Xastas and Eshanti. Their views of the situation were more or less his own except for what to do at the end of the mission. He knew he would have to seek out Mask, his lord, to make sure this is what was his desire. he had a sneaking suspicion that Mask would actually want the tome for himself.

[Barrok]

Light breaks the shadows as the door is opened wide and the fat friendly face of Roland peers through the gap. Roland was always a good front for the Shadow Thieves as a friendly baker who helped smuggle objects out of Athkatla backed in his bread, he also regularly made sure that his cellar was free for any meeting.

"So then you three, I have been asked to make sure that you have a weeks worth of trail rations loaded on your wagon, which has been paid for in advance by our masters. Have you need of anything else?"

[Vivamort]

Vales attempted to convey he had a few tasks to do before he could begin his journey. He did so in a crude form of sign language used on the streets by the unsavory populace that enjoyed obfuscating their activities which noises such as a conversation could get them killed. Life was not always like this of course, for he once was an innocent, wide eyed, simple person that came here because he had no where else to go. He had dealings with this baker in the past and trusted him as far as he could throw him and never gave much information to exactly why the cleric of Mask needed a little more time before he could start the search for this tome.

[CountFalchiezVander]

Eshanti wanders over to Roland and wraps a friendly arm around his shoulders.

"Well Roland, since you are asking, have you any..... shall we say, exotic coatings for my arrow and bolt tips? Something quick, painless, as well as something that allows the recipitant to give me the answers I am looking for. And anything that causes mind fog and hallucinations would also be useful. Other than that, a glass of wine and one of your famous raisin buns would be perfect."

[Barrok]

Smiling Roland bekons the trio up into his bakery work roomm which is dustd with a fine coating of flour. The large owen in the corner is cooling after a heavy morning of use and to one side of the room an assistnt scurries in and out taking the breads and pies to the shop room. Roland looksat Eshanti and produces a bottle of red liquid, "This here is Gramoli, a noxious liquid from the jungles of Chult. It can be put on weaponry or in food. Anyone injured or ingesting it will have stomach cramps as if there is a dozen fire beetlr trying to eacape his gut by eating it out then sometime it leads to paralysis. Quite an ingenious poison and yours for a 100gp a dose. I have 3 doses here...I'll tell you what since you are doing a mission for the Grandmaster of Shadows himself I will give you this bottle for 200gp. What do you say to that?"

He motions to the boy to bring a plate of buns and Roland palms the bottle again and starts to pour 4 cups of wine. Offering them to you all one at a time.

[Regnier_Leinhart]

"How long does it take for this poison to take effect?" Xastas inquirers.

[CountFalchiezVander]

Eshanti smiles wickedly to Roland.

"We have an accord, so long as you can find the other types I requested at a later date. I have some specific uses for those...."

He hands the man 200 gold pieces and takes the vial, his grin becoming almost feral across his face.

[Barrok]

"The poison is fast acting, in fact very fast acting indeed. If you need a slow poison I am sure some of my contacts could find something for you, though you do have Vales there who is an Alchemist of sorts. Anyway....... I have made reservations for you in Baldur's Gate in a tendays time at the Red Dragon Inn near the harbour. You have a three rooms under the name of "Alain Thembrul" a paper merchant from Amn. Of course this is just a cover for you . So on your wagon there is a couple of bolts of fine parchment and three sets of quite well to-do mercantile like clothes."

Roland shifts from foot to foot eyeing you all up

"Now then lads I do want to just say Good Luck to you and its time you bugger off north. Don't fail.. and if you do.... don't come back here. The grandmaster will have your guts for garters. I really think that isn't just a warning either."

[Vivamort]

Vales bid goodbye to Roland with a slight nod and went out of the basement knowing the path was open and safe from prying eyes. He set forth no to the transport, but instead to his secreted alter for he needed to pray to Mask before he went on this trip with his associates. Fortunately, the altar was not far off and he would soon fall in stride with the wagon to rejoin them.

Prayer sent

[CountFalchiezVander]

Eshanti decides to have himself a drink at his favorite hole before he departs, and tries to garner some info about where he is heading.

[Barrok]

OOC - Gather information roll please and PM me the results. PM sent about prayer back.

[Regnier_Leinhart]

Xastas goes and waits by the transport so that they may leave post haste.

[Barrok]

OOC right lets hurry this along now

As you all mount the wagon, you notice 2 bolts of fine paper in the back, the sets of clothes Roland told you about and a map[ with the trade route to follow north to Baldur's Gate clearly drawn on it. It looks like a seven day journey - so you may actually arrive in Baldur's Gate three days before your rooms are ready.,.. but at least it gives you extra time... just in case

The morning after you set off is a beautiful mid Spring morning where the grass is green and luch, birds sing in the trees, and the sun gently warms you all as you leave the city of Athlatka and journey north.


:ooc: Please Roll a d6 three times. giving me each die result. Random Encounters - today :ooc:

[Regnier_Leinhart]

Xastas changes into the clothes provided by Roland and seats himself in the drivers seat. He picks up the rein and with a quick whip, the wagon is on its way.

1d6=3, 1d6=5, 1d6=2 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1532835/)

[CountFalchiezVander]

Eshanti informs the group of what he learned from his drinking spot, about the silence of thieves cell. He switches clothes and then begins to think of some entrepreneurial options open to him when they are finished this task, especially at Baldur's Gate.

[Vivamort]

Vales came along side the transport provided by the guild. He calmly stepped up into the wagon as it started going past him and he pulled himself onto the slow moving contraption. He nodded to his companions as they made their way toward Baldur's Gate.

[Barrok]

The day is filled with travel and good fortune as you encounter nothng but a few travelling merchants on the way up from Athkatla to the mountains that border Amn and the Western Heartlands. Another days ride and you should be in the mountainous countryside.

Night is also quiet and unassuming. Your god myust be smiling favourably on you.

:ooc: roll another 3 dice please for the next days encounters

[Regnier_Leinhart]

Xastas continues to wagon onward hoping to be there ahead of time.

1d6=1, 1d6=5, 1d6=6 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1536177/)

[Barrok]

The day seems long and never ending as you keep your travel northwards going. Finally at the foot of the mountain range you decided to make camp. Night starts to encroach as you pitch tents, find fire wood and make a humble stew.

From 100 feet to the west is a small stony outcrop where due to your innate powers of perception (bloody thieves and their good listen rolls) you here heavy foot steps run behind the stones.

[Barrok]

OOC Still waiting. If no post I will advance it tomorrow before I set off to the doctors in the morning.

[CountFalchiezVander]

Eshanti hears the commotion, if only barely, and rouses the other two, a very wicked grin upon his face.

"It seems as if we have some admirer's running around, let us receive them in open arms..."

He holds his arms in a hug formation, a blade in each hand.

[Barrok]

Whatever it is sees Eshanti and stands up from the outcrop to the height of 9ft wielding a massive club in one of its arms. The gore looks at the elf and laughs.

"You boys have come to be near us ogres.. to pass you need to pay or we will smash you. Give me a hundred gold... now"


He comes closer till he is only 30ft away. On his chest he bears the mark of The Dark Sun, Cyric.


OOC if you are going to attack - Roll initiative - attack roll and damage.. all in one go it should quicken any combat up..if you are going to roll lay please feel free to use diplomacy, bluff, initimidate.

[Regnier_Leinhart]

Xastas holds his hand to acknowledge for Eshanti to stop, "Listen we already paid the toll to an Ogre further down the road and have gained clearance to pass."

Bluff:
1d20 6=24 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1538374/)

[Barrok]

"You paid the toll to Ryngald? He said nothing. Must have pocketed the gold for himself. Go ahead then.. you need this to have the ogre clan to leave you alone."

With that the ogre reaches into its back pack and hands you a cotten banner with the sign of Cyric emblazoned on it.

"You put that on your wqagon."

With that he backs away muttering about finding his brother and pounding seven shades of something out of him


OOC nice bluff work - XP Bonus of 100xp there

[Regnier_Leinhart]

"Well Eshanti since you're up, go place that banner on the wagon." Xastas continues to sit by the fire and returns to eating his stew.

[Barrok]

NPCing EShanti

Eshanti puts the banner on the wagon spitting on it as a sign of disrespect agains the curr Cyric.

"I guess at sun up we can leave unhindered by ogres at least."

The night passes calmly


OOC please roll another 3 encounter dice please

[Regnier_Leinhart]

After a good nights rest Xastas climbs back into the Wagons driver's seat and issues the wagon on.

1d6=5, 1d6=6, 1d6=5 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1540030/)

[Vivamort]

Vales remained calm throughout the trip thus far, the journey not too troubling or taxing. The encounter with some of Cyric's minions was a bit disturbing but he knew that one day he would venture back to the spot where they had left the ogres and dispatch them neatly in the name of Mask, his long time enemy. The day past on and into another as they wound their way toward Baldur's Gate. He spoke for the first time since they had left the relative safety of city.

"Xastas, you showed great ability taking care of that ogre bandit back there. May Mask bless you and keep you in all of your days."

Vales leaned back in the wagon and enjoyed the peacefulness the countryside had given him for the moment. Next time they may not be so lucky or talented to remain unscathed from the next encounter with these beastmen.

[Regnier_Leinhart]

"Well you know those that choose to follow Cyric are not the brightest bunch."

[Barrok]

You start your trip into the mountainous county, a light raign dampens your spirits in the morning though you notice a couple of ogres seeing the emblem on oyur wagon and leave you in peace. After lunch you carry on the winding road through the mountains only to see that 100 feet off the beaten path is a small cave opening with an eerie light coming from it and the sound of drums coming from inside.

[Regnier_Leinhart]

Hearing the drums and seeing the light Xastas turns to his comrades, "You guys wanna check it out could be fun and profitable." Xastas slows the wagon to a crawl and waits for their reply.

[Barrok]

OOC if no post by tomorrow I will NPC Eshanti again to move it on

[Vivamort]

As the wagon slowed and the sounds of drums and a flickering of light became more prominent the closer they came to the cave along the winding roadside. The rain hampered little if any ability to detect such things as the proximity was not far off and the sunlight peeked through the darkening skies overhead.

Vales leaned toward his companions so they could hear his plan of action. he was not the least surprised to find caves and denizens within, however, he hoped for an easy dispatch of any foes that may present a danger.

"If any of you can be stealthy enough to get a glimpse of what await inside that cave, I can hopefully conceal us better and set an ambush when I have more information. But if what ever is causing that noise if more that our match, let us pass by as quietly as possible and avoid it."

[Regnier_Leinhart]

Xastas turns to Vales, "I'll get in and be right back with the information desired." Xastas jumps from the wagon and stealthily enters the cave.

Move Silently:
1d20 6=17 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1542783/)

Hide:
1d20 11=22 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1542784/)

[CountFalchiezVander]

Eshanti smiles rather devilishly.

"I think that perhaps after we learn something more, we should teach them a new tune, something a little more.....sullen... perhaps a lament....."

The smile grows on him more....

[Barrok]

OOC NPCing Xastas

Xastas moves up the mountain slope with ease and quickly looks into the cave with his natural stealth, a look of horror a washes his face briefly as he returns.

"I have seen most things in this job. but from peering into the cave I saw in the distance three figures ripping the hearts out of a couple of dwarves who were tied up. There are a couple of humans tied up their too."

[Vivamort]

Vales was a bit taken a back by the sudden horrible news they had received about what lay in wait within the caves. Such things did not occur on a regular basis unless they had wandered into hostile territory.

"We may be better off letting this go and well on our way. But if the mood strikes you, there may be a reward for the rescue of those poor souls trapped inside that cave."

The Priest of mask let his suggestion take hold of his fellow travelers as he awaited the decision Wether or not to move on or become deeper involved.

[Regnier_Leinhart]

Xastas raises an eyebrow at the thought of an reward. "Some more gold would help in our current mission."

[Barrok]

From the cave you can now hear a blood curdling scream piercing the air as if someone has brought a person's torment to an evil climax.

[CountFalchiezVander]

Eshanti thinks a moment.

"Personally I loathe such endeavors for the mere thought of money... However, perhaps a favor owed could be most beneficial...."

He nods to the others in acknowledgment of taking action.

[Regnier_Leinhart]

"It really doesn't matter what we decide. In order to get what we want we are going to need the proper leverage over our benefactor. In order to get that we are probably going to need whoever is in there to be living in some kind of capacity. So if we are going to get this I think we should hurry because it sounds as if we don't have much time." Xastas looks between his two companions.

[Barrok]

ooc Right then - to sneak on in there can we have some move silently rolls - and hide rolls - I'd say one of each roll from each person attempting to sneak into the cave.

[CountFalchiezVander]

Eshanti creeps in as silently as possible, using the cover of darkness and the shadows to make himself seem invisible, his crossbow already drawn and readied.

Move Silently (1d20+10=19) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1586496/)

Hide (1d20+13=32) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1586497/)

[Barrok]

Eshanti makes it upto the cave and pops inside to see three figures carving a pentagram on a person hanging on chains above the alter, blood flows down onto the alabaster plinth mixing white with crimson.

They appear to not have noticed you.

OOC I will wait until tomorrow then NPC the others - time to pick up pace on this game.

[Regnier_Leinhart]

Xastas follows in toe behind Eshanti. He tries to catch on anything that the three figures are saying.

Move Silently
1d20 6=23 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1601906/)

Hide
1d20 11=19 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1601908/)

Listen
1d20 8=20 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1601911/)

[Barrok]

Listening in to their chatter you can vaguely here a disjointed few words here and there

"We beseech ...... ...aphomet. Come ....... ....... minions to aid .... cause. Let us destroy Arm and those Shadow Thieves."

With that as blood spills again on the alter a strange darkness starts to fill the cave and the atmosphere is laced with dread and the electricity of anticipation.

[Regnier_Leinhart]

Xastas looks around the rock to see what kind creatures he is dealing with and draws his trusty shuriken from his pocket. He studies the three and looks to the one that seems to be in charge. He aims his shuriken and let's fly towards his target with deadly accuracy.

1d20 8=24 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1604815/)

1d2=2 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1604826/)

3d6=13 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1604828/)

[CountFalchiezVander]

Eshanti follows suit with his crossbow, letting a bolt fly towards the one his compatriot threw at.

Att. (1d20+9=28) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1608085/)

bolt damage (1d8+1=8) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1608089/)

sneak attack (3d6=13) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1608091/)

[Barrok]

As bolt and Shuriken hit the main "priest" with deadly accuracy the others spin around with their features contorted in malice. The main priest slumping forward looking worse for wear motions them to kill you all.


Initiative rolls - also do attack and damage.. two are moving towards you and the main priest is casting something.

[Regnier_Leinhart]

Xastas throws his trusty shuriken at the main priest again in hopes of killing him this time.
Initiative:
1d20 3=21 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1610670/)
Attack:
1d20 8=24 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1610667/)
Damage:
1d2=2 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1610672/)
Sneak Attack & Sudden Strike: (I think I should still be able to do this)
3d6=16 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1610674/)

[CountFalchiezVander]

Eshanti sets the crossbow down, pulling his longsword.

"We will once again feel the warm of life trickle out from the unworthy.."

Int. (1d20+8=15) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1610757/)

OOC: I am pretty sure that is it since I have to drop and draw a weapon.

[Vivamort]

Initiative (1d20+2=11) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1611229/)

Vales removes his strange enchanted twig from inside his dark clothing and at the same time draws his longsword Shadowkissssssssssssssss. The Follower of Mask then takes aim with his wand of darkness just behind the main priest. A slight grin over came his almost emotionless features.

(casting with wand to provide adequate shadows to use dimension door to slip behind the main priest if at all possible)

[Barrok]

The shuriken hits the main priest in the forehead causing him to stumble on his spell - as darkness appears behind him Vales slips out of sight behind you and reappears behind him...

Ehsnati Draws his swaord and gets the first hit on the people who have just done a full move to get to you..

(in otherwords do your hit on either bodyguard - eyepatch one or the non eyepatch one - both have nice scimitars)

Then roll initiative as they are going to attack - Vales can attack straight away - no roll for initiative from behind the almost dead main priest...

[Vivamort]

Vales swings with expert precision his gift which Mask allowed him to use to do his bidding. Shadowkiss, the longsword of deceit whirls through the air, cutting through it all the while softly tearing the shadows around it as if they were tangible. The flicker of light and shadow danced on its surface and also flickered across Vales's face casting an almost demonic glow on him as he prepared to dispatch one more nameless enemy in his journey to venerate Mask.

attack with shadowkiss (1d20+9=14) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1611548/)
1d8+3=7 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1611550/)

[Barrok]

The longsword bites deep into the back of the Priest's neck severing his spinal column making him gurgle blood as he immediately falls face down on the cavern's musky floor.

To the left of Vales the corpse above the alter finishes draining all its blood onto the stone slab.

[CountFalchiezVander]

Eshanti looks to the man with the eye patch.

"Life must seem incredibly slanted with only one eye to view it. Here, let me correct the problem..."

Eshanti shifts forward and swings upwards, hoping to keep the man on his guard so that the others can have a chance to sneak in.

attack (1d20+7=14) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1612461/)

OOC: If this hits, let me know, and I will edit post to add damage. Also, just read the wording on Bane, adds +2 to hit, so hit AC 16 instead

Initiative: (1d20+8=27) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1612463/)

[Barrok]

The attack slides past the guards who viciously attack back. Their curved swords slashing wildly at Eshanti and one of them drawing blood.

(damn you take 7 points of damage)



NEXT ROUND -

Eshanti to go first
Then Vales
Then the guards

[CountFalchiezVander]

Eshanti looks to the wound and smiles.

"How pretty the blood looks, perhaps yours will be just as pretty..."

He swings his blade towards the chest of the man, pivoting so as to try and keep the guards blade from swinging close to him.

Attack (1d20+7=22) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1631853/)

Damage (1d8+6=10) (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1631860/)

(includes bane ability)