Elfquest #26

[GM Mad]

Elfquest #26

Lilia has been found! But the matter of her rescue remains. A small army of constructs lies between her and the group. Sherwood lays out a plan of action and everyone prepares for what is to come.

Valena takes the cooshee’s off a short distance towards the next walkway into this area, the one that comes in from the north. The southern path will later be used to engage the stone golems. The western path will be the one used to trap the armored suits.

Lia moves a few steps down the walkway, while Laucian and Nariya provide support with their bows. Sherwood and Kylie are overhead. The closest suit of armor notices Lia and starts to move towards her. Like a chain reaction more suits are drawn that way. Arrows from Laucian and Nariya zip past Lia; some perhaps a little too close and more armored suits join the chase.

Right before Lia reaches the end of the path, Kylie casts Web and webbing fills the pathway from the exit to almost reaching the center of this area of the Elfin Palace. Lia is was far enough away to not have any conflict with the armored suits. She easily passes through the web thanks to her Ring of Free Action.

Those who look close will see that the armored suits are still moving. The web does hold them fast, but they are still moving forward, albeit very slowly. They will eventually break out; it’s just a matter of time.

That task complete, Nariya and Laucian rush toward the southern path, while Lia moves to join Valena near the northern one. Sherwood and Kylie fly closer to middle of the area, but not close enough to attract the attention of the golems.

Reaching the southern path, Laucian and Nariya begin to move up it. The immediate area is clear of armored suits, so they meet with no resistance. They move close enough to get a clear shot at the stone golems. (The paths are all curved, not running in a straight line.) The pair then opens fire.

Arrows fire from Laucian’s Hunter’s Bow pierce the stone doing damage to the target! Unfortunately, Nariya’s arrows just bounce off; not being enchanted enough to harm the golems. However doing damage isn’t the goal of this attack. The golems note their attackers and begin to move! They lumber forward, their stone feet making loud thuds as they walk. Nariya and Laucian continue to fire and give ground at the same time.

Overhead, Sherwood moves slowly closer. Once the golems are far enough away from the doors they guard, Sherwood casts Wall of Force. For those looking on nothing seems to happen, but Sherwood gestures for Valena to release the cooshee’s. He next gestures for Nariya and Laucian to withdraw, circle back around, and rejoin the main group.

The cooshee’s rush into the area and any armored suits in their way get ran over. Valena and Lia chase after the elfin dogs and Kylie and Sherwood land in the middle area shortly there after. Standing near the middle of the area, Sherwood casts Knock in an attempt to negate all locks in the immediate area.

While that is going on, the golems lumber back towards their posts. They suddenly stop as an invisible force bars their way. They begin to pound on this invisible barrier, but it refuses to give. The sight of these nearly ten-foot tall stone statues pounding away on something you can’t see is a reason for concern.

Kylie rushes up to the door where Lilia is being kept. She throws bolt open and rushes inside. The next chamber is the one that holds her gear. The next door is opened and inside Kylie rushes up to Lilia. The manacles that held her were undone from the Knock spell. She’s struggling to free herself from the bag over her head.

Lia opens the other door and goes inside. This building is much like the one Lilia was being held in. There is an outer chamber and an inner one. Inside the inner room there is a stand with an ornate chest sitting on it. The chest is closed and locked. Apparently the Knock spell didn’t affect lock on the chest.

Laucian and Nariya catch up to Sherwood and Valena near the fountain in middle of area. There are no immediate threats, apart from the two stone golems pounding in the invisible Wall of Force.


Now what?

[Kylie]

Kylie:

Everyone moves into position, then the battle begins. Fortunately, Sherwood's plan works very well. Lia successfully gets many of the armored suits to chase her, and Kylie's spell traps them in the narrow alleyway.

Kylie returns, intending to help with shooting the golems, but Laucian and Nariya have it well in hand. Sherwood creates his magical barrier just as Kylie flies by on her way to the building where Lilia is held captive.

Kylie rushes up to the door where Lilia is being kept. She throws bolt open and rushes inside. The next chamber is the one that holds her gear. The next door is opened and inside Kylie rushes up to Lilia. The manacles that held her were undone from the Knock spell. Lilia’s struggling to free herself from the bag over her head.

Rushing over to her friend, Kylie sets to work on releasing Lilia from the bag covering her head. "Try not to struggle, Lilia. I'll have you out of there in a moment." Not sure how injured Lilia may be, Kylie will provide any support that is needed and help Lilia collect her things. Then, she will lead her out of the building to rejoin the others.

[Sherwood]

Sherwood:

"It occurs to me that the outer edges of the deck just kind of stop. If need be, we might be able to lead any troublesome armor suits or golems into falling off the edge."

“An idea to fall back on should the need arise,” Sherwood notes. “Golems tend to be slow and lumbering. All of us here could probably outrun one if needed.”

The plan seems to be going well. The armored suits are led into the web and the golems drawn away. The Wall of Force is erected to block them while Lia and Kylie go for the two rooms they were guarding. After casting his knock, Sherwood will land near the fountains.

“All clear so far,” he calls out. “Everything all right in there?”

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

Valena handles the cooshee’s as best she can. Finally she’s able to let them loose and they go running down the northern path. Any armored suit they encounter is quickly knocked over by the large elfin dogs. Valena gives chase with her bow drawn. Taking a position near the fountain, Valena stands guard looking for any source of trouble.

[Lilia]

Lilia:

The manacles holding Lilia’s wrist unexpectedly pop free. Not one to question good fortune, Lilia begins tries to free herself when voice is heard.

Rushing over to her friend, Kylie sets to work on releasing Lilia from the bag covering her head. "Try not to struggle, Lilia. I'll have you out of there in a moment." Not sure how injured Lilia may be, Kylie will provide any support that is needed and help Lilia collect her things. Then, she will lead her out of the building to rejoin the others.

Lilia’s lowers her hands in an effort to get out of Kylie’s way. Once she can see and speak again, Lilia will say, “Thanks. That was most unpleasant.”

“Something grabbed me and then I blacked out. I woke up here. What is going on?”

Following Kylie, Lilia will grab her gear and put it back on. Fortunately, whoever is behind this did have time to make off with it. The Star Crown is still there, along with the Manabow.

“Are the others here too? What did I miss?”

[Lia]

Lia

Right before Lia reaches the end of the path, Kylie casts Web and webbing fills the pathway from the exit to almost reaching the center of this area of the Elfin Palace. Lia is was far enough away to not have any conflict with the armored suits. She easily passes through the web thanks to her Ring of Free Action.

Those who look close will see that the armored suits are still moving. The web does hold them fast, but they are still moving forward, albeit very slowly. They will eventually break out; it’s just a matter of time.

Lia can hear the clang of the armor as it pounds after her, or is it her heart. Looking back she can see the armor encased in the web but yet they still move. ‘They will have to be dealt with.’ She notes to herself as she takes off to fulfill the remaining of her duties.

Lia opens the other door and goes inside. This building is much like the one Lilia was being held in. There is an outer chamber and an inner one. Inside the inner room there is a stand with an ornate chest sitting on it. The chest is closed and locked. Apparently the Knock spell didn’t affect lock on the chest.

Slowly opening the door she pokes her head into the chamber her sword closely by her side seeing nothing she walks further in. She looks at the chest and the stand, “All clear so far,” he calls out. “Everything all right in there?”

“Yes, there seems to be some kind of chest! Might need Kylie…” she calls back as she starts to see if the chest is trapped. At the very least if it is trapped she’ll pick the chest up and carry it out.

[Laucian]

Laucian

Arrows fire from Laucian’s Hunter’s Bow pierce the stone doing damage to the target! Unfortunately, Nariya’s arrows just bounce off; not being enchanted enough to harm the golems. However doing damage isn’t the goal of this attack. The golems note their attackers and begin to move! They lumber forward, their stone feet making loud thuds as they walk. Nariya and Laucian continue to fire and give ground at the same time.

Much to Laucian’s surprise his arrows strike home causing the rock to split and chip, There large feet echo off the floor as he flies firing back at the on coming Golems. Within moments Sherwood casts a wall of Force.

Laucian and Nariya catch up to Sherwood and Valena near the fountain in middle of area. There are no immediate threats, apart from the two stone golems pounding in the invisible Wall of Force.

“Sherwood, We better make this fast, there may be guests soon with all this noise.” (assuming the golems are being a tad loud =) )

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Lilia has been rescued! Kylie helps the elf maiden finish freeing herself. In short order, Lilia is gathering up her gear.

Back out at the fountain, the stone golems continue to pound on the invisible Wall of Force, but don't' seem to be making any progress. The cooshee’s have the armored suits well under control.

Lia calls out from the other building that the stone golems were guarding. Inside she's found a chest that was not opened by Sherwood's knock spell. She’s looking to see if the chest is trapped, but it’s not a skill she’s particular good at.

Kylie comes to help and determines that the chest is not trapped.


Now what?

[Nariya]

Nariya:

Nariya's arrows don't do anything to the stone golems, but that really wasn't too important. Her and Laucian do get their attention and so they start to back away. They can keep ahead of the golems pretty easily.

Laucian and Nariya catch up to Sherwood and Valena near the fountain in middle of area. There are no immediate threats, apart from the two stone golems pounding in the invisible Wall of Force.

“Sherwood, We better make this fast, there may be guests soon with all this noise.”

"Are you sure that'll hold them?" Nariya asks as she watches the golems pounding on something she can't see. It makes her nervous because since the magic wall is invisible, she won't know when its down until they come through it.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

“All clear so far,” he calls out. “Everything all right in there?”

"Fine in here," Kylie calls back. "I've just about got Lilia free."

Lilia’s lowers her hands in an effort to get out of Kylie’s way. Once she can see and speak again, Lilia will say, “Thanks. That was most unpleasant.”

“Something grabbed me and then I blacked out. I woke up here. What is going on?”

"You're welcome. It's good to have you back with us, Lilia," Kylie says. "We had to fight our way past several powerful illusions to reach this place. There are a bunch of buildings here, with quite a few of those animated armor suits guarding the area. This building and the one across the way were guarded by a couple of stone golems. We lured the armor away and trapped many of them with a Web spell. Those few that remained were taken down by our cooshees. Once the golems were lured away, Sherwood blocked them off with a Wall of Force. I've never actually seen one of those before!"

They collect up Lilia's things and start to make their way out of the building.

“Are the others here too? What did I miss?”

"Oh yes. Everyone is okay, though we had to send Talen back to the barge as he wasn't using his head. He's injured, but should be fine."

“Yes, there seems to be some kind of chest! Might need Kylie…” she calls back as she starts to see if the chest is trapped. At the very least if it is trapped she’ll pick the chest up and carry it out.

Hearing Lia's words as she steps out of the other building with Lilia, Kylie gestures to Sherwood who is now standing nearby. "Here's Lilia. She seems to be in pretty good condition. I'll go help Lia with the chest."

Kylie enters the building across the way and joins Lia by the chest. "What have we here?" she asks, rather rhetorically. Checking the chest, it appears not to be trapped. Still, it concerns Kylie that Sherwood's spell didn't open it. Pulling out her lockpicks from her enchanted Girdle, Kylie sets to work on the lock. "Not sure if this is going to work, but I'll give it a try..."

[Sherwood]

Sherwood:

"Are you sure that'll hold them?" Nariya asks as she watches the golems pounding on something she can't see. It makes her nervous because since the magic wall is invisible, she won't know when its down until they come through it.

“For at least twenty minutes,” Sherwood responds. “Nothing can penetrate the wall, not even the breath of a red dragon. We’ve got time yet.”

Kylie and Lilia emerge from the one building.

“Good to have you back, Lilia.”

Kylie then goes into the other to examine the chest Lia found.

“If it takes too long, just grab the chest and we’ll worry about it later,” Sherwood calls out.

[Lilia]

Lilia:

"You're welcome. It's good to have you back with us, Lilia," Kylie says. "We had to fight our way past several powerful illusions to reach this place. There are a bunch of buildings here; with quite a few of those animated armor suits guarding the area. This building and the one across the way were guarded by a couple of stone golems. We lured the armor away and trapped many of them with a Web spell. Those few that remained were taken down by our cooshees. Once the golems were lured away, Sherwood blocked them off with a Wall of Force. I've never actually seen one of those before!"

“That explains those loud footfalls I heard,”

"Oh yes. Everyone is okay, though we had to send Talen back to the barge, as he wasn't using his head. He's injured, but should be fine."

Lilia shoots Kylie a quizzical look, but doesn’t question her further. This isn’t really the time and the place for a discussion. She follows her out of the building into the area.

Lilia is started to see the two stone golems pounding on the invisible force. She’s never seen constructs like these before.

“Good to have you back, Lilia.”

“Good to be back,” Lilia answers.

Unsure of just what the whole situation is, Lilia has her Manabow at the ready and will move out when called to.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

“That explains those loud footfalls I heard,”

"Yeah, they're not exactly agile..."

“If it takes too long, just grab the chest and we’ll worry about it later,” Sherwood calls out.

"You got it, uncle," Kylie calls back. She'll give it one try, and if that doesn't do the trick, she'll scoop the chest up and go.

[Lia]

Lia

"Not sure if this is going to work, but I'll give it a try..."

“We can always break it open later. Wonder if it’s the Medallions.” She says hopefully as she watches Kylie work. After a few moments Lia will move to the doorway and peer out. “Uncle, if this is guarded by golems, couldn’t there also be magic that may alert Morkroft to our presence?”

[Laucian]

Laucian


Seeing the return of Lilia, Laucian nods in her direction. “It is good to see you well,clansman.”

Laucian will knock an arrow and keep his eyes floating here and there for signs of trouble. Not wanting to give anyone a target of opportunity, Laucan will move away from the others as he does so, but keeping in sight of the others.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:


Lilia has rejoined the group while Kylie works on the chest guarded by the other stone golem. She works at the lock with her picks for a few moments, but quickly realizes that the chest is magically secured. It’ll take more than picking the lock to open it. So, the chest is grabbed and brought along. It’s not too large or overly heavy. More like the size of a lunch box.

With the chest in tow, the group begins to withdraw from the immediate area. Those on foot dash up the northern path and then circle around to the western portal. Valena urges the cooshee’s to follow and they run along with the elves.

The portal is reached and the group re-enters the nightmarish garden. The elves and cooshee’s keep to the edge of the walkway and avoid the malevolent flora. The garden portal is safely reached and the elves pass into the next area, where they encountered the illusionary green dragon and the Moorkroft simulacrum. More running follows and the portal to the arrival area is reached.

The elves pass through the portal and everyone can tell that there is something wrong. A huge shadow passes overhead and looking up you see a gigantic black dragon! It is at least 130’ feet long from snout to tail tip. It is far enough away that dragon fear doesn’t affect anyone.

Other than the circling black dragon, there doesn’t seem to be anyone else here in the arrival area. The barge should be close by, but since you left it invisible it cannot be seen.


Now what?

[Sherwood]

Sherwood:

“We can always break it open later. Wonder if it’s the Medallions.” She says hopefully as she watches Kylie work. After a few moments Lia will move to the doorway and peer out. “Uncle, if this is guarded by golems, couldn’t there also be magic that may alert Moorkroft to our presence?”

“I’ve assumed that Moorkroft knew we were here as soon as we got here. Someone had to cast those illusions and have them in place.”

The chest seems to be magically locked, so it is picked up and we make our way back to the arrival area. There a new trouble shows itself. A large shadow belonging to a black dragon is seen. The barge should be close by, but it’s invisible so we can’t be certain.

Turning to the group, Sherwood will say, “Stay here and keep hidden. If that dragon attacks, go back through the portal for safety. I may just be another illusion, but we cannot be sure so better to think it the real thing. I’m going to fly ahead and see if the barge is where we left it. If it is, I’ll summon the rest of you and we’ll get out of here as fast as we can.”

Sherwood will try to keep an eye on the dragon. When it’s not looking in his direction, he’ll fly towards where the left the barge and make sure it’s still there with Talen and the centaur youth. If so, then he’ll call for the others. If the barge is gone, they’ll retreat back through the portal.

[Lilia]

Lilia:

Seeing the return of Lilia, Laucian nods in her direction. “It is good to see you well, clansman.”

“Clansman,” Lilia nods in return.

She’s unsure what is going on, so just follows along with the others. It seems the others traveled a fair distance to find her. For now Lilia just follows orders and will wait to see if Sherwood locates the barge or not.

[fanchergw]

It's unclear to me why we've returned to the barge at this point. Is this a plan that we discussed at some point? I know we have rescued Lilia and the young centaur, but we don't know that the medallions are in the chest and Moorkroft hasn't been defeated. We can return the centaur and gain that one medallion, but if the others are not in the chest, we would just have to return and do this all over again. Meanwhile, Moorkroft would have time to create more illusions to bar our way.

Gordon

[GM Mad]

It's unclear to me why we've returned to the barge at this point. Is this a plan that we discussed at some point? I know we have rescued Lilia and the young centaur, but we don't know that the medallions are in the chest and Moorkroft hasn't been defeated. We can return the centaur and gain that one medallion, but if the others are not in the chest, we would just have to return and do this all over again. Meanwhile, Moorkroft would have time to create more illusions to bar our way.

Gordon

Sherwoods Post from Feb 25th:

Sherwood:

After hearing what the others say, Sherwood’s plans crystallize.

“Okay, here’s what we’re going to do. Since Lia can bypass the Web with ease, she’ll be on the ground. Walk down the path a little bit so that they see you, Lia. Laucian and Nariya can give you bow cover from the ground. Kylie and I will be overhead, while Valena keeps the cooshee’s under control. Nariya and Laucian can fire a few arrows to attract the attention of the suits of armor. Once they spot Lia, they should come running. Just make sure you keep ahead of them Lia. Once they are almost past the buildings, Kylie will cast Web sealing them in. That completes step one.”

“Once that is done, Laucian and Nariya will move to the southern path. Your task will be to lure the stone golems away from their post. Just get close enough to fire arrows. You might have a few armored suits to contend with along the way.”

“Once the golems have moved from their post, and the entry to the two secured buildings is clear, I’ll cast a Wall of Force that will keep the golems out. Once that is done, Laucian and Nariya can then stop firing their arrows and retreat back. Circle back around to join us.”

“Valena will unleash the cooshee’s from the north path. They’ll take out any remaining armored suits in the area. Kylie can go free Lilia, while Lia checks out the other locked building. The rest of us will provide support while that is going in. Once Lilia has been freed and other building explored, we withdraw and race back to the barge and get out of here.”

“Any questions?”

Feel free to offer alternative courses of action, but this was strategy given before. What do you guys want to do?

[Kylie]

Kylie:

“We can always break it open later. Wonder if it’s the Medallions.” She says hopefully as she watches Kylie work.

"That would be nice, wouldn't it?" Kylie replies as she begins to work at the lock.

Frustrated in her inability to unlock the chest, Kylie realizes that it is magically sealed. Scooping it up, Kylie joins the others in retreating to the arrival area as Sherwood had recommended.

Looking up, Kylie cannot help but notice the dragon circling above and groans softly. "Oh no..."

Turning to the group, Sherwood will say, “Stay here and keep hidden. If that dragon attacks, go back through the portal for safety. I may just be another illusion, but we cannot be sure so better to think it the real thing. I’m going to fly ahead and see if the barge is where we left it. If it is, I’ll summon the rest of you and we’ll get out of here as fast as we can.”

"Ah, Sherwood? Don't we need the medallions Moorkroft collected? I know Lia has suggested that they might be in this chest, but we don't really know that for sure - do we? If not, leaving without them defeats our purpose in coming here, and allows Moorkroft to further prepare his defenses."
____________________________________________________________
Thanks for clearing that up, Ken. Clearly, I missed that sentence before. That's what I get for not reading more carefully.

[Sherwood]

Sherwood:

"Ah, Sherwood? Don't we need the medallions Moorkroft collected? I know Lia has suggested that they might be in this chest, but we don't really know that for sure - do we? If not, leaving without them defeats our purpose in coming here, and allows Moorkroft to further prepare his defenses."

“Yes we do need them, but the situation isn’t in our favor right now. When I made my earlier decision, I didn’t know what condition Lilia was going to be in. Whether she was going to be able to contribute or not. Likewise we have Talen and the centaur youth to worry about. I don’t like leaving them on their own in a place like this. They were all potential liabilities.”

“We weren’t prepared for what we were facing from what spells we had available. I don’t have any more Dispel Magic’s available, not even a Knock spell. I don’t know what’s in that chest, but I’d be surprised if they were the medallions we seek.”

“It is a risk to allow Moorkroft to better his defenses while we are away, but we’ll also be in a better position to deal with him too. It’s a calculated risk that I choose to minimize casualties on our part. Sometimes in a battle discretion is the better part of valor.”

[Nariya]

Nariya:

The elves pass through the portal and everyone can tell that there is something wrong. A huge shadow passes overhead and looking up you see a gigantic black dragon! It is at least 130’ feet long from snout to tail tip. It is far enough away that dragon fear doesn’t affect anyone.

"More dragons?" Nariya whispers as she joins the others looking up. Sherwood says he's not sure if it's another illusion, so that answers Nariya's unspoken question as best as can be.

Kylie is surprised that we are planning on leaving, especially if the other medallions aren't in that chest. "I don't like leaving either," Nariya says, "we should just finish this, but I think Sherwood is right."

Something dawns on Nariya. "We should be careful with that chest," she warns. "Could it be a trick to make it seem really valuable since we can't get in it? Could Moorkroft have a nasty surprise waiting inside?"

She knows we need to take it just to be certain, but no reason to not be careful.

[Lia]

Lia

Having nothing to add Lia will do as she is told.

[Laucian]

Laucian

Laucian will have an arrow knocked an ready to fly upon seeing the dragon. Not knowing if it is really or not plays with his head as He watches Sherwood move forward., Before he does so, Laucian will offer to Sherwood, “Perhaps Ehlonna’s blessing, Stalk may aid you.” If Sherwood wishes the spell cast upon him Laucian will do so and cover him with his bow as he moves forward. If the Dragon does make a break for Sherwood, Laucian will do as he is told though stopping at the portal to take aim and fire at the beast hoping to give Sherwood a diversion of sorts.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

Kylie listens to Sherwood's answer. While she isn't entirely certain that she agrees with him on all of the points, he does have a lot more experience with this sort of thing. Whatever this sort of thing is.

She's not out of magic yet, though a number of her best spells have been used. No way to know how Lilia stands with regard to spells at this point.

Something dawns on Nariya. "We should be careful with that chest," she warns. "Could it be a trick to make it seem really valuable since we can't get in it? Could Moorkroft have a nasty surprise waiting inside?"

"A good point, Nariya," Kylie says, considering the idea in her own mind. "With respect to Sherwood's concerns, I do have a few decent spells left, including a Knock that I could try on the chest - though I have little confidence that it would work where Sherwood's didn't. Either way, probably best to wait until we're settled in for the evening before fiddling with it further."

Turning back to Sherwood, Kylie asks, "So are you thinking we should spend the night with the centaur after returning the kid? If that is a real dragon up there, we may have trouble leaving. My mother once told me that dragons have incredibly keen senses, so invisibility may not help all that much where it is concerned."

[Sherwood]

Sherwood:

Something dawns on Nariya. "We should be careful with that chest," she warns. "Could it be a trick to make it seem really valuable since we can't get in it? Could Moorkroft have a nasty surprise waiting inside?"

"A good point, Nariya," Kylie says, considering the idea in her own mind. "With respect to Sherwood's concerns, I do have a few decent spells left, including a Knock that I could try on the chest - though I have little confidence that it would work where Sherwood's didn't. Either way, probably best to wait until we're settled in for the evening before fiddling with it further."

“It wouldn’t surprise me at all if the chest was trap,” Sherwood answers to Nariya. “There are numerous spells that it could be trapped with. But, none of them should go off until the chest is actually opened. We’ve brought it this far without incident, so it should be safe for now.”

“A Knock might do the trick, Kylie. Remember, the one I cast was to open locks in the general area that I was aware of; the door locks and the manacles. It wasn’t specifically targeting an object that was Wizard Locked, which this chest seems to be. The best thing to do is when we’re able, cast Knock on it from as far away as you can and we’ll see if any traps are triggered. If not, then I’ll approaching it with Lifeshield in full defense mode.”

Laucian will have an arrow knocked and ready to fly upon seeing the dragon. Not knowing if it is really or not plays with his head as He watches Sherwood move forward. Before he does so, Laucian will offer to Sherwood, "Perhaps Ehlonna's blessing, Stalk may aid you." If Sherwood wishes the spell cast upon him Laucian will do so and cover him with his bow as he moves forward. If the Dragon does make a break for Sherwood, Laucian will do as he is told though stopping at the portal to take aim and fire at the beast hoping to give Sherwood a diversion of sorts.

“It might help,” Sherwood will agree. “Go ahead and try it.”

Turning back to Sherwood, Kylie asks, "So are you thinking we should spend the night with the centaur after returning the kid? If that is a real dragon up there, we may have trouble leaving. My mother once told me that dragons have incredibly keen senses, so invisibility may not help all that much where it is concerned."

“If we get that far, then yes, staying with the Centaurs might be best while we plot our next move. Silvarn has told me before just how sensitive dragons are. With this many people and all these cooshee’s, there’s very little chance we’ll be able to escape unnoticed. But, if we drop the invisibility about the barge, then we can devote more power to flight. My hope is to simply outrun the dragon and then return to the centaur village once it is safe.”

[Lilia]

Lilia:

“Yes we do need them, but the situation isn’t in our favor right now. When I made my earlier decision, I didn’t know what condition Lilia was going to be in. Whether she was going to be able to contribute or not. Likewise we have Talen and the centaur youth to worry about. I don’t like leaving them on their own in a place like this. They were all potential liabilities.”

“I appreciate the concern, but I don’t believe that I’ll be a liability,” Lilia speaks up. “My only real concern is that the Star Crown was removed from my head, so I lost the extra spells that I gained from it. I’m a bit hazy on which spells I still do have in memory.”

“If we get that far, then yes, staying with the Centaurs might be best while we plot our next move. Silvarn has told me before just how sensitive dragons are. With this many people and all these cooshee’s, there’s very little chance we’ll be able to escape unnoticed. But, if we drop the invisibility about the barge, then we can devote more power to flight. My hope is to simply outrun the dragon and then return to the centaur village once it is safe.”

“That sounds incredibly dangerous,” Lilia objects. “All of us and the elfin dogs on the barge trying to outrun a dragon? That’s a far greater risk then what we face here in the Palace.”

“Here is what I propose. Instead of using the barge as our method of escape, use it instead to lure the dragon one. That would only require one of us on the barge to control the Spell Engine. I am the obvious choice for this as I’ve completly read the instructions for the Engine, and aided by the Star Crown I also comprehend what it can do. The Engine can propel objects much faster then we ever expected if used correctly. It can move fast enough to our run anything that lives.”

“As I recall, a rope bridge to the main land is still attached to this landing area. I use the barge to lure the dragon away, while you all make a run across the bridge and down into the forest. The dragon’s too big to function well in the dense elfin forest, so you should be safe. Then you just make the journey on foot to the centaur village and we’ll rendezvous at some other location at a later date.”

“Besides, I doubt the centaurs really want to see me again anyway. What say the rest of you?”

[Nariya]

Nariya:

Everyone seems to be thinking the same thing about the chest, so Nariya doesn't feel the need to say any more. The mages will know how best to handle its opening.

Talk begins about how to handle the dragon. Sherwood and Lilia both suggest ideas and they both sound risky.

“As I recall, a rope bridge to the main land is still attached to this landing area. I use the barge to lure the dragon away, while you all make a run across the bridge and down into the forest. The dragon’s too big to function well in the dense elfin forest, so you should be safe. Then you just make the journey on foot to the centaur village and we’ll rendezvous at some other location at a later date.”

“Besides, I doubt the centaurs really want to see me again anyway. What say the rest of you?”

"Well, if you want to do that, I'm sure I can lead all of us to the villiage," Nariya says. "We will make good time as long as we don't encounter any patrols or anything. Would Moorkroft have any concentrations of guards nearby, or is he keeping a total solitude here?"

[Lia]

Lia

Lia anxiously watches the dragon, oblivious to the conversation at hand. “Its getting closer….” she says evenly, “Can we debate this later.”

[Laucian]

Laucian

Laucian will hold off till the others decide what they wish is best.

“There is no way to tell, and sitting her debating this is not our best course either. It is only a matter of time Moorkroft finds the centaur missing and calls forth the orcs. At least with the centaur returned we may stand a chance of our alliance renewed. “

“Lilia if your are going we need to decide now. I am not liking the idea of being cornered by a dragon and a sorcerer.”

[Kylie]

Kylie:

“A Knock might do the trick, Kylie. Remember, the one I cast was to open locks in the general area that I was aware of; the door locks and the manacles. It wasn’t specifically targeting an object that was Wizard Locked, which this chest seems to be. The best thing to do is when we’re able, cast Knock on it from as far away as you can and we’ll see if any traps are triggered. If not, then I’ll approaching it with Lifeshield in full defense mode.”

"That's worth a try, when we get a chance," Kylie says. "Some kind of telekinesis spell - if such a thing exists - might also be a good way to open it once it's unlocked."

“If we get that far, then yes, staying with the Centaurs might be best while we plot our next move. Silvarn has told me before just how sensitive dragons are. With this many people and all these cooshee’s, there’s very little chance we’ll be able to escape unnoticed. But, if we drop the invisibility about the barge, then we can devote more power to flight. My hope is to simply outrun the dragon and then return to the centaur village once it is safe.”

Kylie looks a bit distressed a she listens to Sherwood's plan. Fortunately, Lilia speaks up with an alternative.

“That sounds incredibly dangerous,” Lilia objects. “All of us and the elfin dogs on the barge trying to outrun a dragon? That’s a far greater risk then what we face here in the Palace.”

“Here is what I propose. Instead of using the barge as our method of escape, use it instead to lure the dragon one. That would only require one of us on the barge to control the Spell Engine. I am the obvious choice for this as I’ve completly read the instructions for the Engine, and aided by the Star Crown I also comprehend what it can do. The Engine can propel objects much faster then we ever expected if used correctly. It can move fast enough to our run anything that lives.”

“As I recall, a rope bridge to the main land is still attached to this landing area. I use the barge to lure the dragon away, while you all make a run across the bridge and down into the forest. The dragon’s too big to function well in the dense elfin forest, so you should be safe. Then you just make the journey on foot to the centaur village and we’ll rendezvous at some other location at a later date.”

“Besides, I doubt the centaurs really want to see me again anyway. What say the rest of you?”

"It still seems like that puts you at a fair bit of risk, Lilia," Kylie replies. "However, I don't have a better idea, and you have the best chance of pulling it off. It might function better as a lure if we could cast some sort of illusion that made it look like we were all on board. Dragons are pretty smart, and if it's obvious that you're the only one on board, it will know that the rest of us are still somewhere about. Unfortunately, I don't currently have any spell that would help in doing so."

"Well, if you want to do that, I'm sure I can lead all of us to the villiage," Nariya says. "We will make good time as long as we don't encounter any patrols or anything. Would Moorkroft have any concentrations of guards nearby, or is he keeping a total solitude here?"

Kylie thinks for a moment. "We didn't see any on the way in, when Lilia and I were flying about. Plus, Moorkroft kind of needs to hide his elven appearance from his orcish army. His only real guards appear to be those animated suits of armor - and the dragon."

Lia and Laucian seem to be concerned by the time that the discussion is taking, so Kylie will shut up at this point.

[Sherwood]

Sherwood:

"That's worth a try, when we get a chance," Kylie says. "Some kind of telekinesis spell - if such a thing exists - might also be a good way to open it once it's unlocked."

“We’ll worry about how we open the chest once we get into a position to do it. Right now we need to focus on getting out of here in once piece.”

“That sounds incredibly dangerous,” Lilia objects. “All of us and the elfin dogs on the barge trying to outrun a dragon? That’s a far greater risk then what we face here in the Palace.”

“Here is what I propose. Instead of using the barge as our method of escape, use it instead to lure the dragon one. That would only require one of us on the barge to control the Spell Engine. I am the obvious choice for this as I’ve completely read the instructions for the Engine, and aided by the Star Crown I also comprehend what it can do. The Engine can propel objects much faster then we ever expected if used correctly. It can move fast enough to our run anything that lives.”

“As I recall, a rope bridge to the main land is still attached to this landing area. I use the barge to lure the dragon away, while you all make a run across the bridge and down into the forest. The dragon’s too big to function well in the dense elfin forest, so you should be safe. Then you just make the journey on foot to the centaur village and we’ll rendezvous at some other location at a later date.”

“Besides, I doubt the centaurs really want to see me again anyway. What say the rest of you?”

“I don’t like it,” Sherwood states, “but I don’t really see an alternative. It’s risky, but not as risky as what I proposed. Very well, I’ll go check up on the barge and get Talon and the centaur ready to disembark. Then you can take over and do your diversion. The rest of us will move out when we’re able.”

"Well, if you want to do that, I'm sure I can lead all of us to the village," Nariya says. "We will make good time as long as we don't encounter any patrols or anything. Would Moorkroft have any concentrations of guards nearby, or is he keeping a total solitude here?"

“I have no doubt in your path finding skills, Nariya,” Sherwood answers. “We’ll reach our destination with you in the lead.”

Kylie thinks for a moment. "We didn't see any on the way in, when Lilia and I were flying about. Plus, Moorkroft kind of needs to hide his elven appearance from his orcish army. His only real guards appear to be those animated suits of armor - and the dragon."

“Yes, that was my understanding as well. We should be safe, at least for a short time. All right, let’s move out.”

Sherwood will go to the barge like before and get Talon and the centaur ready to get off. He’ll have the barge move closer to where the rest of the group is so that the distance to travel isn’t as long. Sherwood will also make a point to grab the food book since that’s where we hid the rest of the medallions. He feels safer hanging on to them during this maneuver.

[Lilia]

Lilia:

"It still seems like that puts you at a fair bit of risk, Lilia," Kylie replies. "However, I don't have a better idea, and you have the best chance of pulling it off. It might function better as a lure if we could cast some sort of illusion that made it look like we were all on board. Dragons are pretty smart, and if it's obvious that you're the only one on board, it will know that the rest of us are still somewhere about. Unfortunately, I don't currently have any spell that would help in doing so."

“Don’t worry, Kylie,” Lilia says cryptically. “I’ll have the dragon’s full attention.”

“I don’t like it,” Sherwood states, “but I don’t really see an alternative. It’s risky, but not as risky as what I proposed. Very well, I’ll go check up on the barge and get Talon and the centaur ready to disembark. Then you can take over and do your diversion. The rest of us will move out when we’re able.”

“Very good then.”

Lilia will wait for Sherwood to return with the barge. Once he and the others are off of it, she’ll rush to it and bond with the Spell Engine. Once bonded, she’ll remove the invisibility and order the barge to rise straight up as fast as it can. Should the dragon spot her, she’ll cast Magic Missile or Fireball at it, which ever seems more appropriate to keep its attention focused on her.

Lilia’s plan is to make it chase her higher and higher into the sky until she exits the atmosphere and the dragon can no longer follow. At least she hopes that it cannot follow her up there!

[Kylie]

Kylie:

“Don’t worry, Kylie,” Lilia says cryptically. “I’ll have the dragon’s full attention.”

Kylie grimaces. "That doesn't really worry me any less, Lilia."

“We’ll worry about how we open the chest once we get into a position to do it. Right now we need to focus on getting out of here in once piece.”

"Certainly," Kylie replies.

Sherwood grudgingly agrees with Lilia's plan and is soon gone to fetch the barge. Hopefully, they won't have to wait long for his return and then they can implement this worrisome plan.

[GM Mad]

Post Closed