Chapter 4: A Darkened Mirror

[mike]

Torhak keeps watch on the doors, ignoring the banter around him.

"Let us make sure that nothing more dangerous than a worm exits those doors, eh?" he mutters.

He runs a finger lightly up and down the blade of his axe, testing its sharpness.

[Jeremy]

To Belarin, Goran speaks kindly.

"I think it would be best for the group to decide who carries it."

With seeming disdain, Goran pulls out the book and tosses it to Kal.

"Let the 'leader' carry it for now."

With that, Goran slips off into the undergrowth seeking, as Grafth, for details...points of entry...threats.

[Jeff]

As Grafth crosses through the tree line he passes into a realm darker than twilight. He hears the loud chirp of insects but no sounds of other animal life. A glance over at the stone wall of the manor shows that there are narrow windows near the ground level that would have, by the architect's intent, have allowed daylight to reach into the cellar or perhaps to allow those within to look out on the grounds. But for years—decades—the trees have obviously been closed tight around the estate. Moreover, briary bushes now block the windows. He makes his way due south first, for a round tower blocks his sight and he needs to make his way around it.

Goran moves on soon after, heading north and east past the tree line. He observes the same as Grafth: a presence of vermin and insects—perhaps more than normal—but none of the small woodland animals he would expect to dwell in such a verdant place. The stone wall on this side seems to be merely that, the perimeter that encircles the estate. Tiny cracks of light from the narrow windows suggest a courtyard just beyond it. His half-elven senses detect nothing amiss—yet. But there is still some distance to go, if he chooses to press on.

One thing both Grafth and Goran conclude so far: the trees are close together, this would not be a good place for their allies to engage in combat. If they had to, the ranger and scout would handle it best.

Matheu rises into the air only about eight feet, flapping his wings hard to keep his cat-sized body aloft. Arcane words that sound more like a hiss spill from his toothy snout. A strange, invisible energy charges the air—that all spellcasters in the group recognize as enchantment magic—and then one of the crows disengages from its perch atop the manor's topmost tower. It seems to drop at first, then its wings open, gather the current, and it starts a lazy glide toward the group.

Humans, the pseudodragon says telepathically to Belarin, Kal, and Charis, be ready to take hold of the bird if it comes close enough. But do not kill or wound it.[/color]

[Ken]

Belarin says softly to Worm, "I'll be right back," then he takes off his green cloak and collects the ends in his hands, ready to catch the beguiled bird if it drifts near them.

[Marcy]

Charis eyes the bird with distaste, moving to interpose herself between it and Worm, just in case.

[Darren]

Kal seems unpleasantly surprised as he catches the box containing the book. He takes a deep breath, then stows it in his pack.

He looks down at Tangat and says, "My friend, you are far better at catching birds than I." He smiles. "No teeth, though." Kal takes a step back, putting a hand on Worm's shoulder, allowing his friends room to do what Matheu has asked.

[Josh]

The shifter continues his careful path around the manor. Once he reaches the south side of the turret, he try to find any possible entry points.

"Seems unlikely," he mutters to himself.

[Jeff]

The crow that swoops down low to the ground is slightly larger than normal. With its beady eyes trained on Matheu, it touches the grass almost ten feet from the pseudodragon, then squawks loudly as if it suddenly snapped out of a trance only to realize it's moved into a trap. The bird hops back up in attempt to flee!

Belarin with his cloak and Tangat are the only ones to lunge forward. Belarin reaches first, grasping with his cloak, but the crow, wise to the attack, swerves and brushes the man's face with one black wing. However, Belarin's miss gives Tangat his chance: the wolfdog grapples the crow to the grass with his mouth, careful not to bite down too hard. The bird squawks loudly—eliciting a stirring among the other crows—and almost slips free from Tangat's grasp but by this time Belarin is able to cover it with his cloak, enfold it, and hold it relatively still. It trains it black eyes on him, malice and a measure of intelligence there.

I have temporarily severed the telepathic link between this familiar and its master, Matheu says proudly. But I cannot compel it to speak or tell the truth. Interrogate it now. I can maintain this for only a few minutes.

The miniature dragon turns its draconic eyes on Belarin. His telepathic voice is only for him to hear. A dragonet is a small, brightly-colored and dumb, winged reptile that dwells in the jungles of my homeland. Do not mistake them for me. I am a true dragon of Argonnessen, and you would do well to remember this, human. Your powers are fleeting and can be revoked on a whim. Mine are my own to dispense.

The crow struggles in vain in Belarin's grip. "Rrraaw!" it squawks in a surprisingly humanlike, if gutteral voice. "Let me frrrree! Or I will feast on your eyes. Juicy orbs, rrrripe for plucking!"

_________________________________

Belarin's touch attack = 12 (miss)
Tangat's touch attack = 14 (hit)

[Ken]

Belarin struggles to hold the wriggling bird, but he glances up at Matheu and says, "Nicely done! And my humble apologies … by the Nine Hells, hold still, foul bird! … no, not you, Matheu … no offense meant, though I regret that yet another here is overly proud and overly sensitive. It is a veritable contagion of the spirit!”

He focuses on the raven. "So, you're fond of plucking, are you? So am I." He adjusts his grip slightly and yanks out a tail feather. "No, I wouldn't do well without eyes. You'd do worse without flight. Answer our questions or you'll be a bloody plaything for every dog and cat. Right, Tangat? Good dog!

"So, crow, who is your master, and how can we enter the house without being noticed?"

[Darren]

While Belarin questions the bird, Kalarian moves closer to Matheu. "Do you mean to say that all of those crows are familiars, or just this one?"

[Jeff]

The shifter continues his careful path around the manor. Once he reaches the south side of the turret, he try to find any possible entry points.

Grafth rounds the foot of the tower and peers eastward again. He spies no traps or anything that looks like it was designed to ensnare intruders but the further he moves the more he becomes aware of something else: the smell of rotting vegetation. His nose is better than any human's—indeed, better than most shifters—and he detects a subtlety most would overlook. He doesn't think the odor is that of rotting plantlife, but rather some sort of substance meant to mimic that very smell.

"Do you mean to say that all of those crows are familiars, or just this one?"

Matheu doesn't even look at Kal as he answers (allowing the others to "hear"): Of course not. If you were arrayed against this many mages, to say that you were outclassed would be a severe understatement. However, I do suggest you glean from this familiar whether or not there are any others like it. If there are, they need to be dealt with.

"So, you're fond of plucking, are you? So am I....No, I wouldn't do well without eyes. You'd do worse without flight. Answer our questions or you'll be a bloody plaything for every dog and cat. Right, Tangat? Good dog!

Tangat barks a well-timed affirmative, which he then turns it into a growl.

"So, crow, who is your master, and how can we enter the house without being noticed?"

The crowl squawks a laugh, laced with fear. "If you kill me, raaawww....my master will know it. And be alerted immediately. For now, you have not been reported. Raaaww!!! I was merely taking your measure, you wingless meat-man! This, then, is how you repay me? Rawwww! Let me free, and I shall not speak a word!!"

____________________________________

Belarin's Intimidate check = 11

"Nine Hells," Ken? What do you think this is, the Forgotten Realms??

[mike]

Torhak walks slowly over to Belarin.

"Twenty-four black birds, baked in a pie," says Torhak. He glances over at the bird, then glances at the gleaming blade of his axe. "Shall I collect twenty-three more, then?"

[Marcy]

"By the Flame," Charis mutters under her breath, "why are all men so dense?"

She pats Worm on the shoulder, then moves over to where Belarin is questioning the bird.

"Such handsome feathers!" she says admiringly. "What a fine beak! Surely you are the most handsome of birds, chief among all your brothers here. None of them speak for your master, do they? Or for any other mighty mages? I can't imagine choosing any of them for a familiar, when you are clearly the brightest and most talented of the lot!"

---

Not sure what skill applies here, Jeff -- Bluff? Gather Information? Do I need to roll?

[Darren]

Kal moves up next to Charis, smiling at the crow. "He is a good looking bird, isn't he? I've always admired how they call a group of your kind a murder. It suits you, I think. Let's people know that they are wise not to cross you."

_______________
It's strange, Marcy, but I think we're going for a Diplomacy check here. And I'll throw in my bonus to help you out on that one.

[Jeff]

The crow tries to shift to look over at Torhak, growing silent for a moment.

When Charis approaches and speaks her words—followed by Kal's—the bird fixes its black eyes on her.

"What are you playing at, wwwoman? I alone direct the crows of Shadowcrest. I alone report to the lord. Cease your false flattery, Thrane, rawwww! And set me free. We will speak more then, and only then!"

"Blabbermouth birds," Worm says with a goofy laugh to Belarin.

To those hearing the crow familiar speak, Matheu says, The beast speaks some truth. If it is slain, its master will know it instantly; it might even harm the master. If, however, we remove the familiar from here—far enough to break its telepathic link with its master—then its master will simply assume the bird has flown out of range. The master might wonder why, but that is better than knowing—as the master certainly will if we either kill the crow or let it free—that there are intruders on the master's front door.
______________________

Charis's Bluff check = 24 (+2 from Kal) = 26
Kal's Diplomacy check to assist = 23 (success, +2 added to Charis's check)

[Ken]

Belarin responds, "Then let us fly! Oh no, not you, blabbermouth bird ... at least not yet! Information you shall give, whether by entreaty or threat! Refusal shall lead you to a fate as dark as your wings, and your master ne'er the wiser. How does that stick in your beak? Best to comply, for your options are bleak!"

He glances up. "I'd appreciate just one or two as company, as a complete disappearance would puzzle our good scouts. Lady Charis, perhaps?" He looks to Matheu. "How far do you presume, my scaled sage?"

OOC: Jeff, if the distance is something that a Knowledge (arcana) check would reveal, then please make a roll for Belarin.

[Darren]

Kalarian glances down at Tangat. "I'm not so sure," he says, doubt evident on his face. "If we try to remove him, he may inform his master, anyway. Better, I think, to reason with such an intelligent creature. Besides, not all familiars serve their masters out of loyalty. A magnificent bird such as this one deserves to be free of those sorts of bonds of servitude, anyway. A creature such as this deserves to be his own master."

[Josh]

Grafth, wary but intrigued, ventures further, attempting to locate the source of the discrepant odor.

[mike]

Torhak glances over at Charis, Kalarian and Belarin while they talk to the crow, a puzzled look upon his face.

He shrugs.

"Sorcery makes people do such strange things," he mutters.

[Jeff]

Kal knows—and Belarin only suspects—that the empathic/telepathic link between familiar and its master is limited to a range of one mile. Beyond that, their link remains but they cannot relay emotions or words.

You do not understand, human, Matheu says to Kal, though he allows Belarin and Charis to hear as well. I am suppressing this familiar's link to its master right now by my own efforts. Unless you can utterly convince this crow to not speak to its master—a futile endeavor—within the next few minutes, when I can suppress it no longer, its link will return and it will betray you. Get what you can from it....then I will need to take it away myself. None of you can get far enough fast enough.

________________________

Belarin's Knowledge (arcana) = 14

[Darren]

Kalarian nods at Matheu, almost a bow from the neck, then turns his attention back to the bird. "Alright, Lord Crow. It seems your master is powerful and has created some impressive barriers here. I'll bet those vines...what? Devour anyone who gets too close? And I imagine all of those other crows, less intelligent birds, they must be under your command, right? I bet they'd attack immediately if you told them to, wouldn't they? Who wouldn't, when commanded by one such as yourself?"

[Ken]

"Now my Lord Hornet calls for reason! Marvelous!" Belarin begins chuckling. "Heh heh ... we're interrogating a bird ...! HA HA HA HA! Life is better lived when you do at least one ridiculous thing a day! HA!"

He address the crow after Kal finishes. "Indeed, clever crow, your time is short and you may soon flap your last ... but we'll reward information with your life. And again I ask, how do we get inside without being noticed by those within?"

OOC: Darren posted while I was typing, so I revised this a bit.

[mike]

"Interrogating a bird? Indeed," Torhak says softly.

"Strange things."

"I guess there will be no pie."

Still shaking his head in bewilderment, he heads off to find Grafth.

[Joe]

Streko turns to Charis. "Would you mind looking after the boy? My services will no doubt more useful with Goran."

With that, Streko makes his way after Goran. "If only I had prayed to my mistress for some silence. Wouldn't that have come in handy about now?"

[Darren]

Watching Torhak and Streko begin to leave, Kalarian nearly hisses at them. "What are you two doing? The plan was for the two of them to scout the area, quietly, and for us to wait here. If it made sense for all of us to go tromping around, I would have said that earlier. Stay put and be patient. They'll be back shortly." Kal then returns his attention to the crow. "You see? With companions like that, your master is sure to outwit us with the defenses he has. I'd bet even the simple alarm spell he has on the walls would stop us, wouldn't it?"

[Jeff]

I'll bet those vines...what? Devour anyone who gets too close? And I imagine all of those other crows, less intelligent birds, they must be under your command, right? I bet they'd attack immediately if you told them to, wouldn't they? Who wouldn't, when commanded by one such as yourself?"

"The murder would attack you, meat-man," the familiar croaks. "If I tell them to. But they are not warrrrriors!" The crow shifts to look up at Belarin again.

And again I ask, how do we get inside without being noticed by those within?"

"Open the door, if you dare! Open and go in, rrraaaw! Let me free, you fool."

Worm keeps facing Belarin, grinning from the man's previous rhyme. He looks eager for more.

I'd bet even the simple alarm spell he has on the walls would stop us, wouldn't it?"

"Idiot meat-man," the crow says. "No, the alarm only tells him about an intrrrruder. Does not stop anyone. The shadows above will see to turning you away, or turning you dead, if you go near them."

________________________

Are Torhak and Streko heeding Kal? Or are they moving on, regardless?

[Darren]

"They sound terrifying," Kal says with wonder. "I'd bet even the windows have some sort of death ray on them, don't they? I'd bet your master is so smart that this place is completely impenetrable, isn't it?"

[mike]

Torhak completely ignores Kalarian.

"Words, words, endless words from the lord of hornets," he mutters.

The dwarf continues southward until he reaches the tree line, stopping just short of it. He peers into the darkness, looking for any sign of Grafth ... and then, he looks over at the stone wall surrounding the manor. He walks a little closer to it, getting within 10 feet of the wall. With a critical eye, he tries to assess its age, and perhaps the quality of its construction.

---

In essence, Torhak's searching the wall, using stonecunning as an aid.

[Joe]

Streko holds. and quietly slinks back to Worm's side. He looks up to Charis and shrugs.

[Ken]

"Nay, m’lord," says Belarin, now clearly relishing the wordplay and goading the crow. "The ir’Turians are too dim! Had this place had any real protection aside from – Ha! Birds! – this blabbermouth would boast of it!"

He looks at the crow. "This is true, not so, foul crow? You serve a master dim and weak. If protections this place does show, then prove me wrong and Truth you’ll speak!" He winks at Worm.