Hlarn opens up the vampiress' coffin. She lies there, beheaded, a look of serenity and peace on her features. He removes the holy wafers from her mouth.
Next, he casts speak with the dead.
Her eyes open, blink, and then focus on the dwarf.
He asks her what her name is.
She answers in a low, melodious whisper.
"My name is Anna, Hlarn. My patroness, the most holy Hecate, will allow me to answer your questions to the best of my ability, so that you may better serve her."
"Kowabunga!" Aron says in his sleep.
Kadlian raises an eyebrow in surprise.
"Hlarn, Hecate is your goddess?" Logan asks.
"No, it is Silverbeard."
"Ok," Logan says, "None of your gods are really known to me, coming from another world and all."
Hlarn, is his best John Travolta, "Broken Arrow" voice ("Please refrain from shooting at the thermonuclear weapons"), says, "Please refrain from mentioning evil goddesses by name."
Replying in his best Bill Murray voice from Ghostbusters, [no crossing the streams, thanks for the safety tip, Egon !"], "no mentioning evil goddesses by name, thanks for the safety tip, Hlarn."
Rage ponders, "What is preventing distance transpotation spells like teleport and how do we get around the limitations."
Anna ignores Rage, and instead gazes expectantly at Hlarn.
Hlarn nods. "My respects to the Mistress of Magic and the dark. I have often made use of her realms of power. I'm glad you will help us despite our recent quarrels. But make no mistake that I do serve another. Any help given your Mistress is only happenstance."
"Such is your belief. You are allowed to serve more than one. As of now, though, you are doing Hecate's bidding, no doubt with Silverbeard's acquiescence."
"First tell us what lies beyond that closed door."
"It is an elevator. It will take you up to the chamber where lies the Sceptre."
"Well finally!" Roganna exclaims softly.
"Were you still in the power of the vampire that made you?"
"No."
"Do you have any other vampire slaves that were in your power?"
"No."
"How did you become a vampire, and how long have you resided in these dungeons?"
"I became a vampire by Hecate's will, some six hundred years past. I was a false cleric, a sham servant of the Triad, a canon in their hierarchy. One night I met a man of immense dark power. He charmed me, and took me to his bed. Too late I learned that he was a vampire high priest of Hecate, just lately called back to this world. I became his servant. When he was killed during the civil war that tore Saltar asunder, Hecate took me and made me a true cleric, a follower of her."
"What powers do your magical items possess?"
"You already know them. The ring grants the wearer the ability to cast magic user spells. It was a gift from Herself to me. Now, it is a gift to you."
She now casts a significant glance at Rage.
"Think of her when you wear it, mage, for you are fated to serve her, as your mentor already does."
Rage looks at the head.
"Is this, then, an engagement ring between Hecate and myself?" the mage asks.
"'...and in the darkness bind them'," the head replies cryptically.
"I see," Rage replies, placing the ring on her free hand. "What do you think?" she asks, holding her hand up to face the head.
"It suits you."
"Tell me what you know about this dungeon and what creatures it might contain."
Anna enters into a long recitation, describing the dungeon and the monsters that you have already explored, encountered and destroyed. You have left nothing behind you that would constitute a threat, it seems.
"All that lies before you is the chamber holding the Sceptre," she concludes. "It is guarded by two ice devils, who you must slay in order to gain the Sceptre. When you defeat the devils and take the Sceptre, the way out will be revealed to you."
Roganna is quite pensive during Anna's recitation, listening quite intently, a small frown growing on her face.
"Quite interesting," she comments quietly when Anna is done.
"Not a bad deal. For once we have the upper hand. Let us learn/memorize spells that can harm the buggers and let's kick some devil ass!" Logan says as he wrings his hands together, looking forward to the fight.
"Hlarn and Beauty, can one of you memorize Protection From Evil, 10' Radius? This will allow me to melee with these devils unfettered."
"I could, but at the expense of a spell to cure serious wounds," Roganna replies.
Hlarn nods. "I can probably protect most of the party from their direct attacks using that spell. Zanax, do you recall the exact powers of ice devils from your readings?"
Hlarn nods to Rage and the other magicians. "Spells might not effect them, like other creatures of the lower planes. But I think you should be prepared for battle in any case. I worry that the moment we grab the scepter we will be attacked by Mestom's agents. Perhaps the Goddess of Magic hopes we will retrieve the scepter and then while we are weakened others will attempt to take it from us."
"I think that would be a safe bet," Roganna replies with a rare show of cynicism.
Hlarn will plan to ensure that everyone is protected against cold based spells rather than fire the morning we prepare to go through the door and up.
"Hlarn, do you know about ice devils? If not, please ask Anna. And see if you can find out what is causing our inability to teleport or use telepathy."
Zanax touches Roganna on the shoulder.
Hlarn casts a detect lie spell and casts additional speak with dead spells as needed.
"How are we serving your mistress' plans?"
"You already know the answer to that question."
"Why does the Mistress of Magic wish us to claim the Scepter?"
"I am not privy to that knowledge."
"What powers does the Scepter possess?"
"I know only what I have heard from legends and gossip, Hlarn. It gave the Emporer the ability to heal the sick, to read minds, and to raise the dead. There may be other powers that I am unaware of."
"What abilities do the ice devils that guard it possess?"
"The normal abilities possessed by their kind."
"Why have you not claimed the Scepter yourself?"
"Because I was commanded by Hecate to guard it, Hlarn."
"What can you tell us about the limitations of teleports and communication spells?"
"What limitations are these?"
"Are you in the service of Mestom in any fashion?"
"That squalid little kingdom? Are they still around? Of course not."
"What is the relationship between your diety and those who rule Mestom?"
"I am not privy to such information, Hlarn."
"You didn't say how long you were living here in this dungeon. A long time or did you come seeking us or something else?"
"I was commanded to reside here soon after I became a vampire. 600 long years..."
Hlarn asks a couple of final questions, "Do you know what the demonic engravings about this dungeon do?"
"They generally open doors," Anna replies.
"How does one operate the various elevator shafts?"
"Perhaps by stepping onto them, or touching a demon head carving."
"Does the scepter have any traps other than the diabolic protection?"
"Not that I am aware of."
He asks for Kadlian's maps and asks the vampire if she can tell us of any areas we have not yet explored in this dungeon, perhaps secret rooms we may have missed.
Kadlian pulls them from his backpack.
She points out that there is a secret door in the small room with the trap (off of the chamber where you battled the undead and demons soon after entering this maze), which opens into the passage that ultimately leads you into the chamber where you battled the margoyles.
Kadlian pours over the main level map of this ruin and can't figure out where it is.
"Anna, can you please use your tongue to point out the spot?"
Roganna frowns as she looks at the ring on Rage's finger.
"Does anyone but me have a problem with dear Rage being 'engaged' to some evil diety? No offense, Anna," Roganna says, looking very uneasy. "And to which one of 'Rage' is you know who being engaged to?"
"Since when is Hecate an evil diety?" the mage asks, "From my understanding, Hecate is the goddess of magic and as such, would be a worthy diety to worship. Not that I have worshipped any dieties before, mind you."
Hlarn again gives Rage a dirtly look. "The 'Goddess of Magic' is certainly a diety which many mages worship, but her aspect is usually associated with the darker rituals of the craft. As you can tell from Anna here, her diety has no problems with vampirism and the invocation of devils and demons for service. Likewise she makes her residence in Hades rather than in Olympus with other dieties of her pantheon."
Rage hands Hlarn a washcloth to clean his dirtly look. "Is that like a 'studly look' there, Hlarn?" The mage asks with a giggle. "You're right, Roganna, men are pretty dirty."
Roganna smiles, "Oh, not all of them dear. Some can be quite nice actually, but they are rather rare."
Rage rolls her eyes.
"Better to rule in Hades then serve in Olympus," the mage says with an odd tone in her voice. "Besides, how do you, a foreigner from another realm, another plane even, know so much about Hecate and other dieties on this plane?"
Roganna nods, chuckling. "It's always better to be a live lion than a dead jackal."
"I thought it was better to be a live jackal than a dead lion," Rage says, quite perplexed.
"Well, that is one translation. I like mine better." Roganna laughs.
"Maybe it should be, It is better to be a live jackal than a dead lion, but better yet to be a live lion." Roganna shrugs. "Maybe I have misremembered the entire thing. No matter. I suspect we both share the thought that we would rather rule than to be ruled."
Hlarn laughs. "Individual worlds might have local dieties... usually demigods who have been raised up to immortal status, but the ancient gods are almost universal, existing since the birth of life eons ago and spreading with the mortal races across the cosmos and across the infinite planes. Only their power changes due to the number of worshipers they have in each sphere."
"Good answer... good answer," Rage says, clapping.
Roganna nods. "Yes, she is the goddess of magic and such, but she herself is quite evil ... which isn't to say that all her followers are though. I believe she likes anyone dealing with magic, such as yourself. Perhaps what I was taught was in error, but I doubt it. Beware Rage, the goddess has her own agenda, as do all of the others. Be sure you can pay the price she will exact from you."
"And you, as a cleric, tell me this. Clerics are the ones who represent the worst of religion. Well, clerics and holy warriors who try to slay everything becuase it is different from themselves. This is why I have had little patience for religion and those who pursue their faith to the extreme. If and when I decide to worship Hecate, it will be for my own agenda and no one elses."
Roganna laughs, "Indeed? Well then, since you will not listen, I will propose something. Once you have made a choice regarding whom you worship and some time has gone by, we will speak of this again."
"I look forward to that conversation. There isn't any grand mystical force that guides my destiny," Rage says with a smile, patting her blaster--- errr --- staff.
Roganna nods sagely. "Indeed."
"There are always alternatives," Rage says with a coy smile.
"We were sent here to represent one and I suspect the thing we are after has the interest of several others as well. I suspect things are about to get very, very interesting," Roganna concludes, looking less than happy about where her thoughts are taking her.
"Why do you say that, Roganna? It is the second time you have alluded to there being problems when we recover this device."
Roganna raises her brow in surprise. "It is as plain as a summer day. We are sent by one god to retrieve this item. Via Zanax, we received help from another god, and now Anna, who represents yet another god, we also receive help. That seems to me a very wide spectrum of interest by various gods for this item. I personally have not ever been on an adventure where any god was remotely interested in what I was doing or seeking and now there are at least three we are aware of and who knows hom many we aren't aware of yet. Does that make more sense now?"
"Not to mention that the item is called the Sceptre of the Gods," adds Kailar.
Roganna laughs, "Really? I didn't even remember that! Oh my god. I have a really BAD feeling about this."
Rage rolls her eyes.
Hlarn nods. "That brings up another point. No one should try and touch or use the scepter unless things look absolutely desperate. Not only does it likely have protection magics upon it, but most artifacts have a high cost associated with their beneficial powers, and more often than not those costs are immediately invoked the first time the object is used. Should the battle be won and no immediate danger be present, then we will take our time and see about retrieving the scepter as safely as possible without invoking any magics it might have to protect itself."
"Another important safety tip. Thanks Egon," Rage says with an odd look at Hlarn.
"We were not exactly sent by a god to come here. Granted, Verona is the high priestess of Tyr, but the staff is expected to be used in defense of Nlad from the expected attack by Mestom."
Roganna rolls her eyes. "And you don't think a high priestess would be influenced by her god? You think she thought of this all by herself?"
"Of course she is influenced by Tyr. But, yes, I believe she thought of this by herself."
Rage scratches her chin thoughtfully. "Very interesting, so we've got at least three competing interests here. As well as whoever else those fellows were who were sent to kill us."
Roganna nods, frowning. "The more I think about this, the more I just want to go home. These odds are looking really bad, even for me."
"Let's hope poor Casey doesn't strike out," Rage says cryptically.
"Huh? What does that mean?" Roganna asks.
"Why do these interests have to be competing? All three are helping us."
"Ask the religious folks," Rage says with a shrug.
"Don't ever make the mistake of thinking the gods are helping us. They are helping themselves, based on their own views. They compete most seriously for followers, because as Hlarn pointed out, their power grows by the number of people they can sway to their cause. We are but pawns, you would be wise to remember that.
"Now, actually many of the gods do help us. That is the difference between gods of goodness and those who serve evil. A good diety will help a mortal out of no selfish gain for themselves. An evil diety will help a mortal only if it somehow increases their own power. If I thought Silverbeard was only interested in power on this world then I would not serve him."
"If you believe that, Roganna, why are you a cleric?"
Roganna grins, "I want to be on the winning side. As a mere mortal, I have little power. As a cleric, I have an 'in' so to speak. I have access to greater things ... things I believe in very much. What better way to advance myself than to ally with a powerful being...by being a cleric. If I didn't believe in the power of my god, in the justness and greatness of my god, I wouldn't bother at all. It is certainly in my best interests to serve to the best of my ability and then some because my success brings more to my god .. which will in turn make me able to do and learn more ... you poor saps have to go it alone and depend on the fates...which translates to the whims of other gods vying for power .... "
"And I thought I was the Machevellian member of this party," says the dwarf.
Roganna grins. "I don't necessarily operate the way they did, and I don't believe in their morality, but I am out to serve my own best interests and that of my god, they are one and the same."
"Very convincing, but my master always taught me, as well as the legends of my people that self reliance is the key to happiness. You must believe in yourself and your abilities before going to someone else for it," Logan replies to Beauty.
"Well of course! What god would want someone that didn't live that way? The first thing they ask when you ask to be a cleric is why, and to get accepted, you better have a reason because they will be the first ones to tell you that they don't need people that are looking for themselves because they don't know who they are or what they can do," Roganna replies with a hearty laugh. "Sure, some slip through, but they don't last long. To make it, you have to know who you are and why, and where you want to go in life. No god can tell you that, they can only offer a chance to make something of yourself, because that helps them, and it's pretty good for you too."
"So you do not believe in free will, then?"
"Free will? Of course I do, or I wouldn't be alive today nor would I be in service as a cleric. It is my will that I am valued for, my will that enables me to progress and grow and my will that my god values and even gains strength from, as I gain strenth from the will of my god. All of life is a symbiotic relationship, each being in some way is part of another. It is a dynamic ... a flow in the world. Some of it we are aware of, some of it we are not privy to. All of life is a circle, it is hard to live in isolation, with no being at all to interact with .. and interaction is what makes the world go round, whether with mortals or gods, " Roganna replies.
"But, you just claimed we are pawns of the gods. If we are pawns, how can we have free will?"
"Oh, I didn't know that is what you meant. That's pretty much like asking what I'm going to do about the rain." Roganna laughs. "The gods are a fact of life, pretty much like weather, rocks and trees. Do I have less will because of that .. I don't think so. We are all a 'pawn' to something or another .. often to other people, hte weather, monsters ...everything in the world can be considered a pawn for something .. even all those bugs the others hunted down .. are those bugs not pawns for us to toy with? We are all a part of the chain, sure, we are higher up on the chain that most creatures ... but every creature .. maybe even the gods .. are subject to other forces ... "
Roganna shrugs.
"I think you should find another metaphor, then... A pawn is definitely not the right image."
"It's not? Aren't we getting all kinds of intervention on this quest? Aren't we being somewhat directed in our course of actions? Isn't that being a pawn? The free will comes in in agreeing to be a pawn. Because this is soemthing I agree with, I agreed to essentially be a pawn, knowing I could well die and the only reason I would die is because some god had more resources than mine ... do I like it? No, but it serves my own greater purpose ... I can choose not to be a pawn, leave this mission right now. But I choose not to," Roganna explains "Nothing in life is black and white ... you have to learn all about hte 256 shades of grey .. or is it gray?"
"The only intervention was from Zanax's god. And that was just for Zanax. The goddess of magic is just not blocking Hlarn's spell. I think you are reading too much into things."
"At this point in time, we are like rats in a maze... Trapped with one way to go. We go forward and get our cheese and see what happens," the mage says. "Debating the philosophy of gods and our fates is getting us no where at this point.
"We must prepare, and be ready to deal with whatever threats we can."
Roganna shrugs, "Oh, okay. I'll stop reading then."
"Never stop reading, Roganna, for that is the key to knowledge," the mage says, then pulls out a small bejeweled key, "Or is this it? I always forget."
"I think that is the key to your chastity belt dear," Roganna chuckles.
Rage looks at Roganna. "As I recall, the great bard Garcia once wrote that every silver lining has a touch of grey. But I wanna be a queen."
Hlarn smiles at the joke. "Easy enough... just survive to see the last row."
"It's clobbering time," Rage says, "This pawn will be en passe soon enough... and to the back row for me."
"I suspect she fears that Mestom will be waiting for us to do the hard work and recover the item, only to attack us when we leave this place."
Roganna shakes her head. "Not exactly Kadlian. I fear that the agents of Mestom, representing ANOTHER diety ... which means divine help as well ... if it were just another greedy bunch of adventureers after treasure, that would be one thing ... but agents working for another god is another."
"Great. It seems Rage is a pawn in great game of life," the mage grumbles.
"So be it. We'll kick some butt and take some names. Mages, let us plan our assult on these creatures and other potential foes," Rage says to Argulhas and Logan.
"Any last word on what's best against these ice devil thingies and can they summon more?"
"From their name, I would suspect fire, but our resident devil expert has not yet chimed in with what he knows. Zanax...?"
"I'm more concerned if they can summon more. Devil and Demons are ususally not harmed by fire, but lighting does well against them, if you can penetrate their magical protection. If they can summon more, it soon becomes a series that is not pretty to consider," the mage says.
"Excellent point. Spells to increase strength among the fighters might be an appropriate measure. If we can hit them hard and fast enough, they may be too distracted to bring in friends."
"Didn't we just find a Scroll of Protection from Devils? Perhaps we should make use of that, too."
Hlarn nods. "Good idea. Best it is cast on those of you who won't be fighting so that the devils have to face us warriors."
Hlarn nods. "Ice devils are some of the strongest of their type, I know that. So its a given that they will have high resistance and probably only be hitable by magical weapons. Likewise they will be extremely tough to strike even with magical weapons due to their thick hides. Like most demons and devils they can teleport, can cast illusions, and cause fear. I don't remember their specific powers however."
"That is why I would like my sword to be identified! Can you?" Logan asks Rage, having completely forgotten the previous negative answer the last time he asked her this.
"For a price, Ugarte... for a price."
"Seems I am paying the piper to a few of you ladies in there, so what's one more? So, Audrey is it or is Rage back? what is the price?" he asks, with an amused smile on his face.
"When you can tell, I will cast the spell. But since I lack reagents I cannot," Rage says.
"What does a spell have to do with what I will pay you?" Logan asks.
"However we've had one wall of ice cast at us recently to divide us. Since these are creatures of ice I would bet they can do the same."
Hlarn considers. "I think I would like it best if we went in with fly spells for Kadlian and I and the other fighters, as well as haste spells cast upon the fighters... at least I'd like one."
"I shall take one as well."
"Also I think the clerics should concentrate upon remove fear spells rather than other first order magics, so that we can cast them just prior to entering the elevator. I can protect five of us, and he protection lasts ten minutes."
"As we already mentioned, I can invoke protection about an individual from evil that also covers an area of 20' diameter. I can cast up to three of those spells. If Kadlian and I each have one, and Rage another, that should cover the party. Rage's spell will protect the spell casters, while each of ours will protect what fighters accompany us. Kadlian, you and I should attack separate devils."
"Sounds reasonable. I would also like my strength increased. Zanax and Sian can assist us, leaving Aron, Logan and Vanadil to guard the mages and clerics."
Hlarn nods to Kadlian. "I'll also use the candle to again invoke the higher powers, and using it and the scroll we obtained earlier I will enchant both of us with a dispel evil spell. Not only will this greatly protect us both from attacks from any devils, but any we touch will continually be forced to resist its magic or be sent back to their native plane. That spell however lasts only about 10 minutes as well."
"If Zanax and Sian will not have this protection, should we keep them in reserve?"
Hlarn shakes his head. "No, best we take the devils down as quickly as possible, I think. You and Sian on one, and me and Zanax on another, with the two of them breaking off to fight any summoned devils they originals might invoke. The rest of the party will be our reserves, and will definately be needed should any surprise visitors show up to try and take the scepter."
"Should we have the mages attempt to soften up the devils by tossing magical spells?"
Hlarn frowns. "What's the point? Maybe one spell in ten would hit them. Best they save their magics for the real fight. As the saying goes, 'Smaug might be dead, but the real battle is in keeping the gold.'"
Kadlian puts up his hands. "Hey, just asking. I guess I was thinking that ice devils might be highly vulnerable to fireballs. Guess not."
"If they have a high magical resistance, wouldn't we be more effective if we cast spells on the warriors whenever possible?" says Kailar.
"Just so long as they aren't lightning bolts or their ilk," the dwarf laughs.
Hlarn nods to the mages. "Since devils can cast illusions, you should be prepared to look through them. Do you have any spells that can do that? If necessary I can use the true seeing spell on the scroll I have as well."
"How do you know they work for another god? Why can they not work for themselves?"
"Well of course they could, but I wouldn't be placing any bets like that," Roganna replies.
"That is why it is crucial to understand how and why teleportation is being blocked. We may need Rage to teleport out with the sceptre so that it does not fall into Mestom's hands. Hlarn, can you further question Anna on this problem? Her goddess must know about this. She is the goddess of magic, after all."
"I will do so," Rage says, "I'll memorize some reducing spells and a couple of teleports so that I can get us out of here. Perhaps back to camp and then onto Sandas."
"You are going to need a large number of reducing spells. We have treants and all our camp followers to bring with us as well. And how do you know you will be able to overcome the teleportation block?"
"Do not forget the ring of wishes. If there are any left in it, it might be our best chance out of here," suggests the gnome.
Hlarn shakes he head. "No, I won't do that. She's already implied ignorance about the matter. The fact that she's been down here for 600 years tells me that she is not a source of information about current events. And while her diety I'm certain knows of this, please remember that I'm only speaking with her cleric, not the goddess herself. Silverbeard doesn't bother to inform me of current events but expects me to find things out for myself. Thus I doubt her diety had a need to keep her informed. She obviously wasn't going anywhere."
"Anna didn't seem to know anything about teleport problems...so it is likely that some other force, not the spectre thingie or protections here are causing the interference, maybe agents of Meston, actually," Roganna replies.
"That is what I believe. But, it would seem to me that is a disruption of the weave of magic. Would not the goddess of magic know about that?"
"Well of course she would know, but it is not in her best interest to tell us. She does not want to let us leave here. Anna's job was to protect the staff, not help us take it away. Just because she answered questions doesn't mean she is on our side."
"That is not the way I interpreted things. She wants Hlarn and Rage to serve her interests. And Anna told us by recovering the scepter, the way out would be revealed to us. Sounds to me like she is going to let us have the sceptre."
"Yes, that was a particularly cruel way to put it, eh?" Roganna laughs. "To have the sceptre...have it snatched from us, probably at the cost of death, but the way out of this stinking maze will be shown to us... just before we die."
"Such pessimism, Roganna. And I thought I was paranoid."
Roganna laughs. "The best advice I could ever give you is to plan like a pessimist, that way you won't be disappointed and you might even live a bit longer. That doesn't mean you have to BE a pessimist, though. Just plan like one and enjoy your life otherwise."
"And I do plan like a pessimist. But you sound like one!"
"All Anna said was that the way would be revealed. We still have to get the staff," Rage says. "I have a plan, but it is secret. I'll tell you all later after I consult with Kinkachoo."
"Oh. Well, I guess I assumed that since she was with her goddess, that she would have access to current information. After all, she knows about Rage and you."
Hlarn nods. "And that scares the willies out of me. It means our actions are being scrutinized by the higher powers, and that can only mean trouble for us later. I'd rather not ask questions that get the dieties even more involved."
"Which other deities? You are already speaking with a dead cleric vampiress of one who already knows about us. Why should not we learn as much as we can?"
Rage smiles. "My reputation is proceeding me. However, I suspect I understand how she knows, based on something Anna said. But I will say no more about it, since you all do not understand."
"Not even a little clue for those of us not as quick as you, Rage?"
"You want a clue? How long can you tread water?" Rage asks and then goes back to building her ark.
"I have tread water with a full pack and fully clothed for better than a day. Why? What has this to do with your understanding what Anna said?"
Rage rolls her eyes. "Clearly you are humor impaired, Kadlian. It seems that you have never heard of the great bard Bill Cosby and his discussion of the great flood."
"No, I have never heard of this Bill Cosby."
"Remind me sometime to speak of him. He has truely understood the human condition and explains it very well," Rage says with a smile. "I will reveal no more regarding this as it is none of your concern, and would appreciate it if you asked no further. Besides, a girl has got to have some secrets."
"I was not aware that this was a personal matter, Rage, but something that affected the entire group. However, I will let the matter drop."
"Thank you," the mage says.
Hlarn turns to Rage. "One last thing. Can you have a stone to mud spell ready? Just in case Anna lied to us and this elevator trap is actually some sort of crusher."
"With Hlarn's request of the transmute rock to mud, I cannot cast more than one teleport spell. Further your treant followers refused to travel that way in the past. If necessary, I will teleport you all out to the camp and then in the morning take the septre back to where it belongs," Rage says, "Unless we ask Argulhas to memorize the rock to mud spells and that way I can do the teleport at once."
"No go," says Agulhas. "I have never learned such a spell. And as for the scrolls I am holding, I have scrolls with the following spells: disintegration, fire shield, ice storm, polymorph other, and ray of enfeeblement. I've also got a wand of wonder and a wand of frost. The latter of which would be abundantly useless against the ice devils I am sure.
"Should we not huddle up, Rage, and determine what each of us mages will be preparing? What we have in traveling spellbooks and for components being of obvious concern as well. As for me, I have none of either."
"Can you put the transmute rock to mud or the teleport spell into your staff?"
"No," Rage replies, "Regrettably not."
"Too bad."
"As far as the treants go, if we can teleport, I plan to insist they come with us. Otherwise, I will have no choice but to leave them behind."
"Not the wisest of moves, Kadlian. To have attracted followers, only to abandon them is not smart."
Kadlian rubs his temples. "I know. But, trying to get back to Nlad by hoofing it is a last resort. If we cannot teleport, then the point is moot. If we can... Well, it is stupid to try it, if we do not have to."
"It seems there are two different issues here. One dealing with your followers and the other dealing with your promises to Verona," Rage says, "Your followers need to be addressed, and your promise to Verona can be kept in abstinentia."
"Dying somewhere in Mestom because the treants were too stubborn to be teleported would be foolish on all our parts. But, let us worry about that later."
"Wrong," Rage says, "These treants agreed to follow you. By taking them and allowing them to follow you, you have committed to them. Failure to live up to that agreement is a stain on your honor and a breech of your agreement to them, to yourself, and your codes. You cannot play fast and loose with your codes when it is convient to you. Perhaps this will help you think about it and you can decide later."
"Rage, I am not going to discuss this with you now."
"As you wish," the mage says.
Hlarn presents a summary of plans including Hlarn's recommendations for other clerics and magicians:
Kadlian nods. "Sounds good. We will do this tomorrow when Aron is ready for action. That will give everyone time to memorize the appropriate spells. Hlarn, Sian, Zanax and I can memorize some basic clerical spells. Anything you want from us?"
"Help with the remove fears. They are short duration, so the more we can do in parallel the faster we will go. Also it allows Beauty and Umboth memorize healing spells instead."
"Flaw number one. I do not have strength in my traveling spell book," Rage says, raising one finger. "Flaw number two, I do not have haste in my traveling spell book."
"Then we do without. Neither is critical, although they would have made life easier."
"Anyone have any scrolls with those two spells? What do we have as an inventory of scrolls?"
"No...and Yes," Rage replies.
"Come again?"
"No and yes," replies the Rage.
"Well, the first question can be answered with a no or a yes, but the second question cannot. So, I am not sure what your answer means."
Rage rolls her eyes. "No, we do not have a scroll with the spells you requested, and yes, we have an inventory of scrolls. "
"Ah. You misunderstood. I asked 'what do we have as an inventory of scrolls?' not 'do we have an inventory of scrolls?'"
The mage looks at Logan, and slowly turns her gaze to each and every member in the party. "It gets tiring having you all not learning and listening to different nuances that each of us use when we speak. You have learned that there are several, for lack of better word, spirits inhabiting this body you call Rage. You, in particular, Logan Obi-Wan, and you Kadlian Lun'Folard, in particular, have been offensive in your dealings with us. It is not something we are willing to continue to tolerate... For example, I believe it was you Kadlian who told Molly something to the effect that you did not care about her, just her body and the ability to cast spells, while you Logan continue to think the world is centered around you and your needs...for training, for identification, for being best and brightest."
"That is a bit of context. I told her she would do fine as the head personality, that I just needed your body to be able to cast spells. Some of your other personae, like Jenna, are not capable of casting spells. To state that I do not care about all of you is not only a gross understatement, but also an insult to me."
The mage rolls her eyes. "To state what you stated was uncalled for and interpreted as all you wanted was a spell caster...what was it you called Beth once - a combat mage or something else that she took offense at? For us, casting spells is more than that. It is like a rapture to control the energies and to be told. 'Molly, it is nice to meet you. And you will do fine. I just want your body available to cast spells if something comes our way.' was very hurting. How else would you interpret it?"
"Rage, I did want a spell caster! Look, I know I am not being very tactful here, but we were in a potentially hostile situation and I needed to make sure that the personae in charge was capable of casting spells. It is no different than me making sure that the fighters have their weapons ready and the clerics are ready to turn the undead."
"I disagree, clearly," the mage says, "I want your body available to cast spells? That is making sure we are ready? How come you never say anything like that to the others?"
"Well, I do admit the delivery needs work... But, none of the others have abilities that change as their personae does. You are a special case, Rage. If you took it as an insult, then that is something we need to work on, because I meant it as a compliment. Your spell casting abilities have kept us from death lots of times."
"If that was a complement, I would love to hear what you consider an insult."
"I do not think I want to get you any more mad at me than you are already are."
"If I was mad at you, Kadlian, I would not be here. You would be explaining yourself to Rage," the mage says. "I attempt to remain logical and calm at all times, while Rage deals with our anger and Erica our humor. Molly is our inquisitive one, while Isabella is a quiet child, looking for something better than what has happened to her."
"What about Erica, Ragina, Jenna and Alexandria? What are their attributes?"
"I have just said that Erica is the humorous one," she repeats.
"Yes, you did. My apologies."
"As for Ragina, she has some talent but is afraid to use it. Jenna will be more concerned that you eat right and keep your stress levels down; she cannot cast spells at all, while Alexandria is not anyone I have heard of."
"I think I need Jenna to help me keep my stress levels down. And thank you for remaining calm. I would like to work this out so that we have no further mis-understandings. I am very blunt, but I do not mean to insult or belittle you."
"Blunt. Confused. Irrational at times. Understood," Rage nods as if making a mental note. "Very well, I can deal with that though the others might not be as understanding. Proceed."
"Irrational? Next time you spot an incident where I am irrational, would you please point it out? I have done my best to be logical and rational."
"True, but in this case, sisters, after my heart to heart with the boss man, I am doing everything I can for the team here. And if my sword is properly identified, then I know what I can do as I protect you all and the clergy from any harm. So, get off your high horse for once and don't be so damn condescending. If you don't want to id the sword, fine, but it's in your best interest, because with all the hellish firepower we have been up against, you will run out of spells and then what will you do. As much as it galls you, you need me, and I freely admit I need you, so as I am trying to be a team player here, give it a shot," Logan flares at Rage and then by the end, cools down.
Rage laughs. "Actually, Logan, I do not need you. I never have nor ever will. Do not flatter yourself otherwise. If things get too rough, do not think I will not use my magic to save myself first. I am not a going to play the sacrificial lamb for anyone or anything."
"Really? Does that anti-teleport field not affect you? Seems we are being set up down here as we were definitely expected, so don't think our 'enemies' whose ranks seem to be growing think you'll get away, unless you plan on joining them, through your lack of sacrifice," Logan counters.
"There are more than one way to leave, if necessary. I will not stand by and get killed in the name of 'good'. If things get too rough, and hopeless, I will leave. How and by what methods are my own, and not something I am inclined to share with you." Looking dark, the mage stares at Logan, "And, do not ever think you know what is in my best interest. There is no way you could know what my best interest is, and nor have you taken any time to try to understand what my needs might be. You have, and continue to be, nothing more than a child, and even Isabella is better behaved than you are."
"Actually I disagree, despite my selfishness, I have tried to reach out to some of you. I sat and played with Molly, and am amenable to helping you, but your mercurial nature just keeps people at bay. I can understand that you don't want people too close, I can respect that. But after a chat with Kadlian, I realized that realistically the only way I will get out of here and pay my debts," he says, looking at Roganna, "is to pitch in and do what I can for the welfare of the group. Maybe if you did the same, you might feel more at ease with me and the others, instead of always being so bitter and withdrawn," he says as his tone softens from a hard edge to that of concern.
"That was Isabella, and you were reduced. Molly you tried, but were too forthcoming and that scared her," the mage says in the tone of a good lecturer. "I take it you are addressing Rage, shall I let her out and let her discuss her mercurial nature with you? What keeps people at bay is not understanding, or a failure to attempt to try to understand. If people get close, and then leave, that could cause a great deal of emotional damage to several inside. It is best to keep everyone at a distance, thus preventing that damage."
The mage laughs a hard, bitter laugh. "Pitch in and do what i can for the welfare of the group? Listen to you...what a character you are turning out to be Logan Obi-Wan.
"I have, always, pitched in as best I could. Long before you joined this group, and probably long after you have left it as well, unless something happens to you before then. Teleportation of the group, for example, is one of my many services. Kadlian belives I am a taxi, and will use that\ service without consideration, as have several others. For now it is in my best interest to do so."
"We all have our parts to play. If you do not like what I ask you to do, speak up, please. As far as consideration goes, I\ always thank you for services rendered. You seem to be harboring some resentment for me, lately. Is there anything you would like to discuss about my shortcomings?"
"I have always spoke up," the mage says, "and since you decide that you do not wish to continue with the most current discussion, I have dropped it. I am not going to bring it up again unless you are ready to deal with it...and I sense you are not."
"Okay, anything other than my attitude towards the treants that you would like to discuss?"
"The issues are all interrelated, Kadlian." the mage says, "One cannot divorce a discussion of one from another. The core issue is leadership skills and styles. And consistency to your code."
"I suppose that is a fair statement. Do you know what my code is, Rage? After all, you have been trying to mold me in a particular manner. So, it would seem that you have a code already laid out for me. It might be easier if you just explained it to me so that I can act in the particular manner you wish."
"Ahh. Give you a code to live by. Then you would have an answer without having to work at it...you must learn by doing and working rather than having it handed to you," Rage says.
"I understand that. I do have a code. It just appears that you either do not understand or do not approve of it. If you do not approve of it, then perhaps you should explain to me the code you wish I had. If you do not understand it, then we can speak of it another time so that you can learn it."
Rage nods. "We will have to speak, for what I have observed and understand is that you have a code of conduct, but not a guiding philosophy that helps solve dilemmas."
Kadlian nods. "Very well. On our way to Sandas or when we get there."
"When you, Logan, can address who is out properly, then I will cast the spell you request. At the present, however, even if I wished to, I lack the necessary pearl," the mage concludes with a soft, lilting voice.
"Ok, I know you just changed personae, but you may not realize it, but the voices all sound the same, its just the inflection and even that is tough to discern," Logan replies.
"There is hope for you yet," the mage says with a slight smile.
"Fine, couldn't you have simply said that, rather than get on your soapbox?" he asks, in an even voice.
"I did; your choice, it seems, was not to listen," the mage replies. "When you asked, I stated: 'When you can tell, I will cast the spell. But since I lack reagents I cannot.'"
Returning to her normal voice, she continues, "My price, as you may recall, was for you to being to learn who each of us are, and work to address us properly. Pay attention to what is said. This is the second time in several days I have mentioned this to you.
"Now, it is time for the mages to gather and decide how best to use our skills and limited resources."
"Woo hoo, have I four 1st order, three 2nd order, and two 3rd order slots available. Any suggestions as to what I should memorize?" he asks, going from a defensive tone of voice to one of readiness and wanting to prepare for the upcoming battle. "I guess a let's make up hug is out of the question, eh?"
"I would perfer to give you a lighting bolt enema," the mage says. "Sit down while I think and consult with Argulhas and Kailar."
"Yes, ma'am, I'll be lounging here if you need, err, want me!" he says with a smile as he sits with his back against a wall, checking everything out.
Rage runs her hand through her hair. "Argulhas, you can cast 4 1st order, 4 second order, 3 third order, and 2 each fourth and fifth order, correct?" the mage asks. "I can cast 4 each of first, second and fourth order, three third order and two second order.
"Magic missiles are important, as they can be cast quickly and efficiently. It seems we will need some fly spells, at least four," the mage says, "As well as a rock to mud, a fifth order spell, and teleport, as a possible backup. These are the spells in my spell books. I'll have to check what components we have left.
"I can cover three of the fly spells. Since we cannot cast strength spells should we enlarge the fighters instead. Won't they probably cast darkness\ spells also. Should we prepare some continual light spells to counter that\ effect."
Since Hlarn's strength is from his girdle, an enlargement spell probably won't help him.
"Your assessment of my repertoire is correct, Rage. Magic missiles, I can do three of those along with an enlarge," returns Agulhas. "I'll pick up a couple of continual light spells as a precaution, as well as a detect invisibility. I'll memorize a pair of fly spells, and a dispel magic. I'll study teleport and wall of stone, and I'll even study fumble, just in case the scepter falls into the wrong hands."
"Excellent. Very well planned Argulhas," the mage says. "Now, Logan, what do you propose to memorize?"
"A complement of magic missiles as well as a shield spell to help protect me during the battle. As to the 2nd order spells, a detect invisibility spell would be a wise choice as well as ray of enfeeblement or web, at least to slow them down. 3rd rank spells I would choose fly as well as either fireball or preferably lightning bolt, if there are enough components left. What do you two think?" he asks.
The day before we go into the elevator Hlarn will cast continual light on a number of stones which you should keep covered. Each time a darkness spell strikes, one of you should uncover a stone to cancel it or send it flying into the darkness.
Zanax asks, "Errr...what exactly did you promise Verona you'd do? I mean, what's the objective after we obtain the Sceptre?"
"Return it to Verona."
"Oh, and what do you know about ice devils?"
"Why? Is it hers or her god's?"
"Because she is the one that hired us to recover it and gave us the maps to find it."
Hlarn nods. "Exactly right. Not to mention the other services she has done for us in the past for which this quest can be considered repayment. Its very unbecoming of you Zanax that you are considering breaking your agreement, or pleading forgetfullness of the details, especially in a paladin dedicated to fighting thievery. To keep the artifact for ourselves would be robbery as well. Besides which it is needed to help fight Mestom and can certainly be put to better use in that fight by Verona than by us."
Zanax frowns. "Break what agreement? I've made no oath to Verona, nor was I present when you pledged your services to retrieve the Sceptre. I was on my way to my temple, if you remember, when I contacted you guys and found out we were leaving for here."
"How do you reach this conclusion Hlarn Meg?" the mage asks, "Zanax asked if we knew what Verona was to do with the sceptre. As I recall, the agreement was between Verona and Kadlian specifically after she restored him after one encounter or another. Others agreed to accompany him on his quest, that is all."
Hlarn looks up, "And that changes things because? I don't care who Verona specifically charged, the debt belongs to all of us. Each of you were pledged that this group would do all in its power to aid you should death come."
"Truly, Hlarn? Do the debts that Votishal place upon me as a paladin belong to you, too then?"
"Point to Zanax," Rage says.
Hlarn has no doubts. "If those debts were incurred by your service to this group, then I will accept them gladly. Should your diety force you to some quest in exchange for a service that benefits all of us, I will accompany you."
"And Hlarn has a nice rebound. Score is tied," Rage adds to her running commentary.
Zanax nods. "Then we shall see...we shall see..."
"I just wonder if the rest of our party sees eye to eye with you on this..."
"Well, since he is short, I suspect only Kailar and I see eye to eye with Hlarn," Rage says, "Most of the rest of you are too tall, and would have to get on your knees to see eye to eye with Hlarn."
"Now that conjures up an interesting picture!" Roganna laughs. "Having to get on ones knees... "
Roganna continues to chuckles a bit.
"If they do not, then they will go their separate ways and we will no longer be a party. But I for one pledge to help any here who are in need. Thus I swore to you, and thus I swear again before you now."
Rage scratches her head. "I don't remember making that pledge, in fact I think that I missed out on all the testing you usually do at the time...coming here after reading a cursed scroll and all. I'll have to search my memory.
"But that point is moot," the mage adds, "We first have to recover the damned thing and then get out of here with it, and not have it stolen from under our noses."
"And do we know what she plans do with the Sceptre?"
"If it's the right shape... I can imagine several things," the mage says snickering.
Roganna chuckles.
"Indeed, even I hadn't thought of that use for it!" she laughs. "Good one!"
"Can you imagine the release... it must be galactic."
"No. What are you getting at, Zanax?"
"Only that with all this talk about mortals being pawns to the gods, I would hate to think we were pawns to the cleric of another god. Just because the gods might be all powerful, doesn't mean that they have the wisdom or foresight to know the consequences of all their actions..."
"I would not disagree with you, but has Votishal objected to our mission? Surely he knows that we are going to return it to Verona."
"He knows you intend to give the Sceptre to Verona. He has not fully disclosed to me his plans, though."
"Okay. So, why are you concerned about us giving it to Verona?"
"I am concerned about any mortal wielding an object of this magnitude. The old saying about absolute power corrupting absolutely still holds, no matter how good the intentions of that person are. Mortals were not meant to handle objects of this power."
Hlarn nods. "The primary concern is that a ruler wielding this would be able to heal their army during battle, thus making it invincible. Since this quest was instigated by Mestom's attack, I assume that is how it will be used against them. Assuming of course that is how the thing works. But if the powers of this device are only related to healing magics then its difficult to see how else it could be abused."
"What makes you think that healing is one of the Sceptre's powers, much less it's only power?"
"Because Verona told us. As did Anna, just now."
"We have asked both Verona and Anna what the sceptre does, and healing magics are all that are ever mentioned."
"That the Sceptre has the ability to heal the sick, to read minds and to raise the dead."
Hlarn nods. "Forgot about the mind reading. That could be abused, but is not such a spell common as well among even the lowest of magicians?"
"And, Zanax, what do you know about ice devils?"
"Ice devils...second only to pit fiends of the non-unique devils...very tough and magic resistant...our frost brands should be able to damage them, but other swords may not be able to harm them due to insufficient magic power. Other than that, I don't know much more about them...they do have the common devil immunities and abilities...teleporting, gating, etc."
"Any suggestions, then? I do not have a frostbrand, only my flametongue and a magical longsword of unknown properties."
"Your flametongue should be able to strike them. Ice devils are cold using creatures after all. I guess you are about to see how the other fares," the dwarf comments.
Kadlian nods. "Well, I can always distract the devil while Sian hits it from behind..."
Zanax shrugs. "Well, I would suggest that if you find your weapons ineffective, that you either back off or try and absorb some blows that might be targeted on Sian."
"I would also suggest that the spellcasters be protected by a Protection From Evil, 10' Radius spell, too."
Hlarn notes that Rage will be, and the others can stand within that protection without really being close to each other. A 20' diameter circle is a lot of room.
"It is very likely that they will try to gate in other devils too. We need to stay prepared for that eventuality."
Hlarn nods. "Yes, they might be able to summon another of their kind, or more likely one of the lesser diabolic forms might come. A barbed or bone devil I imagine, which can themselves bring in other devils of their same type maybe half the time. We are looking at possibly 7-8 devils if only half of them succeed. So at worst every warrior will have one to fight, with the the fighters in reserve moving in if us original four get outnumbered."
"Luckily however barbed and bone devils are not as tough to kill, but each might have some special power such as a wall of fire or other magic they might use initially. I'm protecting us against cold, since I would guess the ice devils would hit us with something like that initially, but after that we are exposed and must rely upon Beauty's chanting and the protection spells to help us resist those magics."
Hlarn frowns. "I'll be using my hammer then, as my axe isn't strongly enchanted. Shame, because I don't strike as quickly with it."
"By Tyr, if the ice-demons don't kill us, this bickering will. Tomorrow morning we hope to get the Sceptre, rod, or whatever it is. Let's cease all religious, philosophical, or what ever discussions that don't pertain to our objective. I'm not stupid, I'm not as strong as the rest of you but I know if I'm going to live it will be because we will be working as a team, directed by Kadlian," says Aron.
"One cannot separate one from the other. Failure to understand our actions and the motivations behind them is as good as death."
"Aron, do not worry about the discussions. We all need to blow off a little steam and none of this should do any lasting harm. And, rest assured, I am not relinquishing my leadership role at this time."
"Are we ready to go and get the sceptre now? Or do we have more issues to debate?"
"Tomorrow. We need everyone to memorize the correct spells, cast the long lasting ones and re-memorize spells."
Kadlian chuckles. "I am all set, I believe. Anyone else?"
"By the Way, do we have a disaster recovery plan?"
"No. But, then I do not know how to limit the list of things that can go wrong to come up with a reasonable plan..."
"Well, we can develop a very basic plan. First someone else should have the ring of wishes, just in case the devils send you running through a gate again. Second someone should be the designated flee-er, in case the battle goes so terribly awry that we need to get away and use the ring to regroup."
"Anyone have any other ideas?"
"Someone said we still have a ring with a wish upon it? Is that true? If so, then we should probably give it to someone who is likely to survive the longest so that they can invoke it if disaster strikes."
Hlarn nods toward Kadlian and himself. "Both of us can take the most hits, but we also will be in the thick of things throughout and taking the most damage. The same can be said for any of the fighters, or those like Logan with fighting skills in addition to other crafts. Should the demons quickly multiply, their blades will be needed."
"The next choice would be the magicians, but they will be busy casting their own spells if it gets that desperate, and usually they are easiest to strike. And if we are talking desperate scenarios here then they would probably have already fallen to spells."
"The clerics I've already given several tasks. Beauty will be chanting, greatly increasing our resistance to the demon magics and helping us resist their attacks; and Umboth will be our lookout with the True Seeing and possible use of other spells on that scroll. His warnings will help us avoid demonic illusions. Kailar should also keep his eye open when he's not casting spells, since his experience will help detect illusions as well."
Hlarn looks at Aron. "Thus my choice would be Aron. As a monk, he is much more likely to avoid being hurt by spells due to his fast maneuvering. Likewise his unarmed combat skills are useless against the devils. Likewise he's skilled at deflecting or avoiding missile attacks upon him, so should the devils try throwing things at us he can avoid them. We can increase the odds a bit by casting a Sanctuary spell upon him."
"Aron? Considering his bad luck, I would have chosen Kailar. Kailar, are you going to have a wraithform spell at your disposal? If so, then I say we give it to Kailar. He probably has the best chance of escaping."
"No, I don't have my spellbooks with me. I can do this, however."
Kailar casts a spell and turns into a puddle of slime, he then changes into a cheetah, an eagle, a bear and finally returns to his original form.
"Would any of those forms allow you to attack the devils successfully?"
"No. The forms only allow me locomotion powers, no other special abilities. Of course I've never tried this before."
Kailar tries to turn into a Xorn and see if he can tunnel through a wall...without success.
Kailar returns to his normal form.
"I will be fairly ineffective against the devils also. I doubt illusions will have much effect against the creatures. Most of my spells I will try to cast on party members."
"So, your entire repertoire will consist of spells found in Rage's spell book that you can cast and that will be useful to cast upon party members?"
"Even if I had my own spellbook here, there isn't a whole lot that I believe would be effective against these creatures. I will have some enlarges ready and I will cast fly spells before we go down."
"What about after this fight?"
Hlarn nods to Kailar and Rage, as well as the other spell casters.
"Remember, you are our reserve force for once we actually get the scepter, so keep some spells ready for that. I'm certain we will be attacked then. If not actually while trying to get it, the moment we reach the surface again."
Rage rolls her eyes.
"Perhaps once we win the battle, we should rest and recover before retrieving the sceptre and heading for the surface? That way, we would be at full strength again."
Hlarn nods. "Yes, if we have that option I think its the best way to go. As I said earlier, I would like to cast some auguries on the scepter and perhaps commune with Silverbeard about it before we actually try taking it."
"Okay, as long as we are agreed on that score."
"What about your backstabbing abilities? I gave Aron, I believe, my magical dagger. I do not know that it is going to be potent enough for the ice devils, but you might be able to use it for any friends that appear..."
"I have a magical dagger also. I might try to strike at a devil if it looks like you need help. But Hlarn said that they can see invisible objects, so I don't know if I will get a good opportunity."
"Just do not discount the possibility."
Hlarn shrugs. "Kailar would be my second choice. He's been in the party more and is more experienced. However remember that devils can see invisible objects. Thus his wraithform spell won't necessarily protect him. Also because he might be needed to cast spells during the combat, he could be targeted as a threat by our enemies. Likewise a Sanctuary spell would be dispelled the moment he took any action helping another member of our group or casting a spell. Aron on the other hand can't hurt the demons, and thus has no need to do anything that might dispell the Sanctuary. Besides, Aron's bad luck can't last forever."
Hlarn does note that Aron and Kailar should probably position themselves close together, so that if one falls the other can grab the ring.
"As Hlarn points out, I will be fairly ineffective against these creatures. If I can't help with the ring Kadlian, how else can I help?"
Kadlian sighs. "I wonder... As you point out, Aron, you are not going to be of much use against the devils. What if we left him back here as insurance? If we did not return within a half an hour, he could use a carefully crafted wish to bring us back. Hlarn, you Rage and Kailar could come up with the wording and write it down so that Aron knows exactly what to say."
"Make sure all our possessions are included in that wish, last time I came back in just my birthday suit," Logan remarks.
"Logan, as has been explained before, we asked for the items back when we wished for all of you to come back. The items must have been destroyed or taken because they did not show up. Most of you went up in a bunch of fireballs..."
"That would keep Kailar and his spells with us while still making sure that someone has a chance to avoid getting killed by the devils."
Hlarn nods. "I'd thought of that. The problem is that we don't\ know if we can get back down here once we use the elevator. If not, then the only way back is the long way we came... So if he does stay, I think he should wait over a day's time before invoking the wish. But even that is possibly risky. If Mestrom's agents are waiting on the surface, then we might not get back here in even a day's time."
"Ah, yes, you are right. So, your Sanctuary spell will protect Aron as long he does not attempt to attack anything? Will the devils just ignore him? I am concerned that if we all perish, there will be no place for him to safely wish us back. Coming back in the same room surrounded by devils will just mean a quick end..."
Hlarn shrugs. "Hard to say about the sanctuary spell since devils are resistant to magic. But I'm not casting it on them, but on him. But yes, it basically forces anything that wants to hit Aron to really concentrate to do so, and with the various protections and chants we will have cast that will be made all the harder to do. With this many people in the room, they would probably strike elsewhere."
"Okay."
"My own opinion is that we would need to come back right into the room during the fight. Freshly healed, we would be able to mop up the badly hurt creatures that remain, much as we did during our final encounter in the Black Keep."
Kadlian nods. "Let us come up with a rational set of instructions so that Aron knows when to trigger the wish. Probably if they finish off the fighters and start attacking the mages and clerics, then it is time..."
"Besides, I think of it as a hidden reserve to augment our force rather than an insurance policy should we absolutely fail. If we can't take the scepter with this much planning, then we won't be able to do it again from the same position later with the same force. However using it while we are in combat can effectively double our force."
"Okay."
"And, if there is, as you fear, an ambush by Mestom's forces on the surface, then Aron has no safe place to run."
"No one can run in any case until we retrieve the scepter. Anna seemed to imply that the exit would only appear once we had won it. And right now thats the only exit we have available."
Trying not to look at Rage's pussy, Aron suggests, "How about leaving your familiars with me? If you can communicate with them over a distance, then they can let me know if I need to use the ring."
"I think we are better off if we are all together. Sir is not all that communicative with other people. "
Hlarn nods. "Not to mention that your communication with him might be interrupted if Kailar falls. That might or might not be a sign the rest of us are dead."
The discussion finally peters out. Hlarn replaces the holy wafers in Anna's mouth.