Castle Amber: A D&D Adventure

Gizmog · Post by **Gizmog** » Tue May 12, 2015 3:28 am

MEANWHILE, SOMEWHERE ELSE:
Galse has finally found a traveller able to share with him the answer to a question that's troubled him ever since they got here:

"If you don't use dogs for little people to ride on, what *do* you use them for?"

A new world of culinary possibilities has opened itself up. Thank goodness for the daring cuisine of Averoigne!

Master K · Post by **Master K** » Tue May 12, 2015 3:30 am

"Not likely, after my dramatic episode in town." Lynda says, panicked. "Should I use my Hat of Disguise and become someone else? Oh gods, what do I do?!"

Gizmog · Post by **Gizmog** » Tue May 12, 2015 3:34 am

"Relax, for starters. You haven't done anything wrong. If we can see them they can probably see us. If you start trying to hide stuff, they're going to think you have something to hide."

Voulton doubts these guys are corrupt. We haven't heard anything about their monarch, and the only possible reason for the corruption back home is that the Queen is so hot nobody would dare risk offending her. He keeps walkin, not hiding or worrying about anything.

BMR · Post by **BMR** » Tue May 12, 2015 3:43 am

Kalar doesn't share Voulton's optimism, but he'll follow his lead. Still, doesn't hurt to be prepared, so he focuses divine energy into his holy symbol, ready to unleash a spell.

If it comes down to it, Kalar will attempt to <a href="http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/enthra ... nthrall</a> the inquisitors. DC 18 will save.

Spoonweaver · Post by **Spoonweaver** » Wed May 13, 2015 5:02 am

The party quickly prepared and then waited patiently for the riders to arrive. As they got closer, the amulets around three of their necks were clearly visible. Their similarity to Lynda's amulet was clear to everyone in the party.
The Inquisitors approached the party. The only inquisitor wearing a hat proclaimed, "In the name of Azedarac, the Archbishop of Averoinge, you are all accused of sorcery. In light of your service, Azedarac, the Archbishop of Averoinge, promises mercy. You shall accompany us to Ximes where you will be tried for your crimes."
After the quick speech, the Inquisitors stared at the party stoically, presumably waiting for a response.

Gizmog · Post by **Gizmog** » Wed May 13, 2015 5:27 am

Voulton scratches his head. "I'm no sorceror, just a simple woodsman trying to get home. I have no objection to accompanying you to Ximes, but you should know that we are currently pursuing a dangerous sorceror by the name of Nathaire who we believe to be involved in the recent attack."

Voulton produces the phylactery at this point, taking the time to try to figure out how the hell to explain Bill the zombie Manticore to these guys.

"A friend with academic experience of such things thinks this is involved somehow. The city guard found it in or around the body of that beast. We also believe that Nathaire, the one responsible, is currently heading north towards his hideout, that he's taken on the reanimated form of a flying monster and that he's in possession of a large amount of gold. With your horses, you'd be able to catch him faster than we can, and in this lesser form he would presumably be weakened and more subduable."

"If we worked together, we could figure this thing out quicker than working apart and we don't want to give him any more of a head start than he already has. We'd go with you to Ximes when the issue was settled and hopefully your Archbishop would take this additional service into consideration."

He's tried to keep his tone professional and honest, which he is. He's not afraid of going with them to Ximes, because the allegation is ludicrous. What sorceror would work so hard to cut down trees when he could just conjure wood out of thin air? He's also pretty sure that the rest of the party's wicked magical ways could be reconciled as for the greater good, and maybe they'll get off with a warning.

He is however afraid of Nathaire escaping. One way or another, he must be dealt with and Voulton is afraid he might prove too much for the Inquisition, even in Bill's body. We left that friend of Helena to his own devices and look how well it worked out for him. Hopefully we'll be able to cooperate this time... though how would we share horses?

Spoonweaver · Post by **Spoonweaver** » Wed May 13, 2015 5:35 am

The inquisitors look at Voulton. They all take a moment and whisper to each other. No one in the party and make out what they are saying. They finish up after not too long and the hat wearing inquisitor speaks again, "Your hands shall be bound. If you are lying about your knowledge of Nathaire it will count against all of you during your trials." He then motions towards some of the others who produce ropes and shackles and move in slowly towards the party.

Gizmog · Post by **Gizmog** » Wed May 13, 2015 5:38 am

Voulton shrugs and presents his hands. "To the best of my knowledge, what I say is true. Someone should be ready to free us if trouble starts. As we've already proved, we can be helpful in a fight."

BMR · Post by **BMR** » Wed May 13, 2015 5:44 am

Kalar decides to speak up:

"With all due respect, if our hands our bound, we won't be able to aid in fighting Nathaire once we reach him. Remember, it was us who defeated the colossus, something no one else in the city was able to. You have my word that I will initiate no hostilities towards you or yours for the duration of this mission. I will also not attempt any escape. I will also do my best to protect everyone partaking in this mission, and as you saw from the battle, we are capable of backing up that promise. To do so though, we will need to have our hands free. I give you my word regarding this, and as any of my companions will tell you, once I give my word, I do. not. break it."

Kalar considers his following words.

"If it would put you at ease though, I will turn over my war-pick and my lance, so that you know I am unarmed. And should danger present itself, you can simply pass me my weapons without needing to untie me first."

Kalar leaves out that he's hanging onto the magical dagger he has in his magical glove.

Post by **Bob the Hamster** » Wed May 13, 2015 2:34 pm

Rob had been trying to maintain some optimism, but as soon as the leader of the Inquisitors announced that they were to be arrested, Rob started looking for the best direction to spur Stumpy and run the hells away.

When he saw Voulton present his hands and heard Kalar mention handing over his weapon, Rob had to suppress a shudder, and began trying to decide which of the Inquisitors should feel the cut of his Rapier as he rides by them in his escape attempt.

Although a glance at Lynda and her necklace gave him an inspiration. Why not try to expand on Kalar's bluff before resorting to fight or flight?

"Friend, brother," Rob starts in a stern tone, addressing the lead Inquisitor, "My friends here are being coy, because they want to keep you out of trouble, but I will be direct with you. We are working directly for Azedarc. If you interfere with our mission to escort the Secret Grand Inquisitor--" he gestures to Lynda-- "the Archbishop will not be pleased. I understand you are just following orders, but you need to understand that your own superior may not know about our mission. Do you really think he will accept the blame when Azedarc finds out? or will he let you take the fall?"

BMR · Post by **BMR** » Wed May 13, 2015 2:47 pm

Blast it, the balance seems delicate enough without this added bluff. Still, if it does work, it will work wonderfully well. Kalar begins releasing a trickle of divine power into his voice, willing power into Robert along with the rest of his allies.

"Well, my friends, what shall it be?"

Nobility Domain Power: Allies receive +2 morale bonus on saving throws, attack rolls, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls.

Gizmog · Post by **Gizmog** » Wed May 13, 2015 5:25 pm

Voulton hangs his head and wonders if it's too late to pretend he doesn't know these guys. "Whatever you're going to do, do it fast. We're in hot pursuit, remember!"

Spoonweaver · Post by **Spoonweaver** » Wed May 13, 2015 6:22 pm

As Rob suggested Lynda was a secret inquisitor, the inquisitors with the rope and shackles stopped and looked back at the hatted inquisitor. Then, that same hat wearing inquisitor visibly reacted as Kalar used his spell-like ability. "What is that you're doing? We won't stand for any tricks. Your assistance in any skirmish will not be required. You may keep your weapons for now and if you truly are on a mission for Azedarac, we will assist you before returning you to Ximes." The rope and shackle bearing inquisitors began binding hands then. They started with Voulton. A large rope was tied tightly around Voulton's wrists and a rope leading from them was given to one of the other inquisitors, like a leash. Then the inquisitors each seperately attempted to bind the hands of the rest of the party.
Would they all submit, or would some of them resist?

Gizmog · Post by **Gizmog** » Wed May 13, 2015 7:02 pm

Voulton notices the deferrence to hat guy. So *that's* the leader. And he seems pretty sharp too. Voulton looks around at the others, wondering whether or not something stupid is gonna happen. He then looks over at the Inquisitors: How will they fare if things go bad? How heavily armed are these dudes?

Post by **Bob the Hamster** » Wed May 13, 2015 7:09 pm

"Stop! Untie him immediately. He is with us, and he is a part of the Secret Grand Inquisitor's mission" Rob bluffs.

As he says this, Rob is looking around to see how the Inquisitors are armed, so he can decide which one of them will feel the point of his Rapier first, should his deception fail down completely.