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[ThLunarian]

Kaff, Ivor, and Quintus put their heads together, and as a team they come up with a plausible story, wherein they've been sent as bodyguards and protectors of the Rod by the authority of the Ruby Throne, to transfer it to an undisclosed safehouse where it will be out of reach of the Arm of Vecna. Ivor creates an impressive resume, detailing his credentials (and since this part of the story is true, he won't need to make a forgery roll here) of his time as a bodyguard and member of Klaus's Ranging company; Quintus assists in setting up the proper template of the royal decree, helping Kaff point out what goes where, and making sure the proper titles are in place.

Sarm, meanwhile, keeps mostly to himself, guiding the horses along the trail; for the most part he is in deep contemplation, attempting to reconcile the imperative of the mission before him with his devotion to Pelor and the distasteful idea of betraying his fellow faithful.

Finally, after trial and error and numerous drafts, a document is crafted which everyone feels comfortable with presenting to the officials at the Seminary.


((Sorry guys, you can only get that Forgery bonus from one person's Knowledge Local check, and Quintus already met the DC I set for it, so that's that.

Also, Kaff, we're going to disregard that Forgery roll. Instead I'm going to make it for you secretly. You won't know how effective a forgery it is until it comes up for inspection; the skill check represents the culmination of all the efforts you make, including all preliminary drafts, and is only indicative of the finished product that you're satisfied with presenting.

We might also do it this way for certain Bluff checks, should you need to make them; I'll point these out ahead of time.

Keep fleshing out your plan if you need to, and as I said, when you feel you're ready, I'll tell you what happens when you reach the campus))

 

[Songbird]

After stitching together a plan with Kaff and Quintus, Ivor moves to the front of the cart to keep Sarm company whilst he steers the horses. After hearing of Pelor from him earlier, the dwarf asks more about Sarm, his homeland and his people. From the answers he gets Ivor draws scenes in his sketchbook of what he can see in his head, showing the results to the cleric occasionally.

After a moment of thought and silence, he speaks up. "About taking the rod..."

A sigh. "I'm not the charismatic type. What I want to do is use my history as a Ranger to encourage the keepers that we are worth their help. Hopefully we can convince them to even bring guard with us to Alydar. But if I want you to know that if anything else were possible, I'd want to do it."

He kicks back and smiles. "Time to get our thinking caps on."

 

[KittenMaster]

Sarm, while navigating the horses, asks his companions behind him, "I need to know what to say and not to say, as to not ruin this plan by mistake." He continues to hope that Pelor understands that the others are very invested as a majority and that he is ultimately a part of their team.

 

[Songbird]

Shifting in his seat at the front of the cart, Ivor twirls his pencil as he looks to Sarm.

"Well, our plan so far is to convince the keepers that we are required and qualified to bring the Rod to Alydar for the curing of the curse. The references I have built up are truthful, so I will present that and my argument first. Doing so should not expose Kaff and Quintus' ruse."

He calls back behind him. "Isn't that right?"

Ivor continues, explaining that documents have been forged that state how the party has the right to temporarily collect and safeguard the relic. "Here I believe it's important to stress that with the Monocle, the Arm can and has slaughtered settlements thought to be impenetrable..." he grimaces, "such as the Library of Ioun. They are no safer. I aim to reach an outcome where we and the keepers cooperate to transport the Rod, Sarm. How does this sound? Your agreement is just as important as ours."

"As for what to say... Our accomplishments and credentials, plus the threat of the Monocle and what we've faced are key. They are next on the list and they must know this."

 

[KittenMaster]

Sarm responds, "I did intend to warn them about the upcoming dangers if I were in a speaking position. Perhaps it would be best if I limited myself."

((By the way, did we leave the relics we currently have with the old man, or do we still have them with us?))

 

[Songbird]

"Why limit yourself? As a cleric of the faith you're probably the most qualified of all of us to speak with them about the relic. If the worst happens, say you're not with the wizard if he pilfers the thing! Grab a torch and everything!"

He tuts with a smile.

 

[Mike M]

Kaff nods in agreement with Ivor.  "The more I think about it, the more I believe that we can each more or less tell them exactly who we are and what our mission is in turn.  Stick to the truth outside the nature of our documents, and there's little anyone can say to imperil the plan."

Kaff stares off into space momentarily and repeats, "Exactly who we are..."

His attention returns to his companions as he continues, "I should probably speak last with the documents held in reserve as a last resort if they cannot be otherwise convinced.  If that should fail...  Well, we best solidify our contingency plan.  Quintus is needed to breach the vault, and Ivor is right that Sarm should deny all knowledge or involvement should it come to that.  That leaves Ivor and myself, one of us should assist Quintus with the physical safeguards of the vault, the other cause a distraction to occupy the guards..."

((We've still got the relics, as far as I'm aware))

 

[KittenMaster]

"If it comes down to having to penetrate the vault, I do not think denying myself will prove to have a point. I will take whatever blame I will deserve for allowing you to carry on with the contingency."

((If they indeed have the relics))

"Also, I doubt the keepers will appreciate that we have brought a powerful evil relic in their vicinity." he points out. "I fear that it will make them wary of us."

 

[ThLunarian]

((Just for clarity, you guys still have both relics. The old man didn't swipe them from under your noses or anything like that))

 

[DeadPhoenix]

If it does come down to stealing the Rod, Quintus would love the help of anyone skilled in finding and disabling traps...

Turns to Kaff, saying, "I don't think holding out on the documents will work in our favor, for one, Woody told us that they don't have a very good history with Wormwood, so telling them we are working with them will probably only make them want to deal with us even less so, and then we pull out an 'official' document afterwards? No way they would trust us even if they can't find anything wrong with it."

After hearing Sarm's worries about the hand, Quintus responds, "Yeah, it might be best to leave that behind in the cart, hidden as well as possible, with whatever other security measures we can include."

 

[Mike M]

((Gyaaaaaaah, I missed that bit about them and the Wormwood Initiates not getting along, but there it is...))

Kaff pinches the bridge of his nose and runs his eyes.  "Of course, you are correct, Quintus.  Forgive me, a miscalculation of that magnitude is... uncharacteristic of me.  Mistakes like that get people killed.

"Alright, a slight recalibration;  We play our best hand first and present ourselves and our 'official' paperwork first.  We are not members of the Wormwood Initiates, but rather deputized agents of the crown.  Outside of that, honesty remains the best policy.  We tell them the threat they face and how the best hope for the rod's safety is in our hands."

Kaff shrugs and seems indifferent to the discussion of what to do with the Hand.  "I agree that bringing it into Pelor's house of worship is probably... Impolite.  But at the same time, I'm loathe to leave it unattended.  We've seen what evil it has wrought, leaving it in the cart purely out of decorum seems an unnecessary risk.  Damned if you do, damned if you don't..."

 

[KittenMaster]

"I am aware that there is not much that we can do about it, but we do need reasoning in case they are not immediately convinced we are supposed to have it."

 

[Mike M]

"If we can leave the wagon somewhere guarded, I've no objection to the Hand remaining with the rest of our belongings.  Clerics of Pelor seem unlikely candidates to be agents of the Vecna cult, lest they burst into flames from their proximity to all that holiness or something.  I think we can trust them at least that far.

"If we can't arrange that much, well then we'll just have to cross that bridge when we come to it.  Our possession of it is well justified.  If they are not convinced of that when we more or less speak the truth, I know not what tale we could weave that would convince them otherwise.

"Disposition of the malfeasant relic notwithstanding, I think we're as well prepared for this as we can manage. Maybe Sarm's god will bless our attempt and nudge his followers out of our way and things will go well for a change..."

Kaff pulls the hood of his cloak over his head and settles in the back of the wagon to get some rest before their next trial begins...

((Kaff's done until they get there unless anyone else really wants to clarify what to do with the Hand or the plan))

 

[ThLunarian]

It will be pretty obvious when you're getting close to the campus, so let me know how far out you're parking the wagon, whether you're leaving the Hand with it, and what, if any, precautions you're taking to hide/safeguard/whatever the wagon. Once everyone has had their say, we'll continue

 

[Songbird]

((I'm ready to go but I'm not totally cool with the idea of leaving the Hand alone. See no other option.))

 

[DeadPhoenix]

Quintus figures if they are keeping the Hand with them(probably the best idea), there is no reason to hide the wagon and they can just bring it as close as possible.

 

[Mike M]

((Third vote for keeping the hand on... er, hand rather than hiding the wagon.))

 

[Songbird]

((Maybe when the party has explained what they want *then* the Hand can be fetched and carried?))

 

[KittenMaster]

((I'm more concerned about the word play required to justify having the hand, since IMO even if they left it in the wagon they would likely detect it anyway somehow.))

 

[Mike M]

((I don't think it's any great stretch of the cover story that we have the hand and the boots. We're from Alydar, we freed it from Clementine, we couldn't leave the hand, simple as that.

Songbird's idea gives me a thought, though; What if we roll up to the front gates and declare it like going through customs or something? If we can't bring it in, maybe they'll come out to talk to us?))

 

[ThLunarian]

The party has been on a somewhat secluded trail for some time now; the Seminary is a fair way's off the main path. It is fairly well-worn, but since turning onto the trail, they have not passed any other travelers.

As the trees begin to thin out and buildings become visible in the distance, they finalize their plans for how to approach the situation when Quintus suddenly sits up ramrod-straight.

He quickly realizes that the party has just passed an area that had been enchanted with an Alarm spell, heavily modified with metamagic; someone now knows that they are here, and they may not have as much time to finalize their plans as they thought.

Whether or not the party continues forward, in a matter of minutes they are approached by a team of four Paladins, wearing full-plate armor, each with one hand resting on the hilt of a longsword, sheathed at the hip. Their armor is decorated with circular symbols which vaguely resemble a sun, very similar to the holy symbols adorning Sarm's modest cleric vestments, but less detailed and of simpler design.

They are in two-by-two formation, and the one on the left in the front row speaks in a mildly suspicious tone, "State your business, travelers. What brings you here?"

The one on the right uses both hands to create an elaborate, but quick, circular motion, whispering some inaudible words.

Knowledge Religion DC 12 (trained only)

Spoiler

He is using Detect Evil, an innate ability of Paladins which allows them to see magical evil auras

A moment later, he looks at Kaff, his eyes widen, and he unsheathes his sword, taking a defensive posture and stepping back.

The other Paladins glance at him, perform the same circular gesture, and then their reactions are exactly the same.

The one on the left speaks up again.

"How DARE you profane the Sacred Grounds of Pelor with your presence?! Reveal your true form, Vile One, so that we may vanquish you!"

Sense Motive DC 15

Spoiler

This man is clearly very scared, and is trying his best to hide it. In fact, all of the Paladins appear to be terrified, and are actually slowly inching backward.

 

[KittenMaster]

Knowledge Religion: 1D20+9 => [ 2 ] +9 = 11
Sense Motive: 1D20+10 => [ 8 ] +10 = 18

Sarm almost catches the words that they say, but they do not register in his mind quite like they should. He can tell that these men hold fear in their hearts, and he jumps off the wagon and approaches the men without drawing his weapon, and says to them in a bold voice, "I am a Cleric of Pelor, and these men are with me."

 

[ThLunarian]

The Paladins eye Sarm in their peripheral, but keep their gaze transfixed on Kaff. "Any Cleric who would keep company with such an evil creature as this, cannot worship the same god as us!" The one who appears to be the leader turns his head and says to the one directly behind him, "Quickly, send word to the Headmistress! We shall keep the creature at bay until help arrives!"

The Paladin in back wastes no time in turning around and breaking into a dead sprint (or as much of a sprint as can be made while donning full-plate armor) toward campus. The other three hold their positions.

((Heads up: Anyone who tries to smooth things over with the Paladins, accompany it with a Diplomacy roll please. Or a Bluff roll, if you want to try and lie your way out of it... but Diplomacy if you go with the truth))

 

[DeadPhoenix]

Sense Motive: 1D20+1 => 3
Knowledge Religion: 1D20+9 => 15

Quintus replies "Whoa now, calm down, you are probably just sensing the artifact we are transporting. Its a nasty little device, but we have no intention of using it, I assure you. Kaff, you might want to show them the Hand..."

Diplomancy: 1D20+1 => [ 16 ] +1 = 17

 

[KittenMaster]

Diplomancy: 1D20 => [ 19 ] = 19

Sarm is secretly frustrated, but keeps his composure and continues to act in control, speaking with sincerity "You have let your thirst to conquer evil blind you. I do not believe my friend is an evil creature like you are so quick to believe, and my god, Pelor, continues to shine the path I take. My business here is of great importance." Sarm is so far very unimpressed by the Paladins in the way they behave and react, and it shows in every part of his communication, both verbally and in his expression.

He then confirms, "It is true, we do carry evil upon us, but it was an artifact that we have taken from a misguided child that had abused it, and now we keep it to prevent those that have vile hearts from using it. I would have already destroyed it if I had the power."

 

[Mike M]

((Putting all the rolls since I made 'em, even though I suspect the first two aren't needed any longer.))

Religion check:  1d20 + 7 = 11

Sense Motive check:  1d20 + 8 = 15

Diplomacy check:  1d20 + 5 = 23

Slowly raising his hands to pull back his hood, Kaff addresses them calmly and evenly.  "I am afraid this is as true a form as I can manage, gentlemen, though 'vile' hardly seems a charitable descriptor..."

Maintaining his tone, Kaff slowly and deliberately removes the Hand from his pack, and holds it aloft.  "As my companions have already stated, it is true we carry an item of great power and evil, but only to keep it out of the grasp of those that would wield it.  It is of dire import that we speak to your Headmistress immediately, we have much information to convey and precious little time in which to do so."

 

[ThLunarian]

The paladins visibly relax once the Hand is revealed.

The leader puts away his sword. "...My apologies." He removes his helmet ((all four were wearing helmets, which I forgot to mention)), and the "man" is surprisingly young - perhaps in his late teens at the most. "I am called Percy. It seems that I have jumped to conclusions, and beg your forgiveness." He kneels and puts his hand to his heart, whispers a short prayer, and then looks at Sarm.

"Perhaps I owe the greatest apology to you, Cleric from lands afar," he says, and he seems genuine. "Questioning the faith of a fellow believer is perhaps one of the greatest insults that could be levied, and I made the accusation far too hastily. I see now that you have come here to seek our help in disposing of this vile relic. I am in agreement with your bodyguard that the Headmistress must be made aware of the situation immediately. Please, allow me to escort you."

The three Paladins lead you the remaining quarter of the mile toward campus. On the way, you meet the reinforcements that had been sent to dispatch you - a squadron of much more experienced-looking clerics and paladins - but Percy explains the situation to them. They elect to follow you all along to see the Headmistress, and it seems like this whole episode is turning into quite the big deal.

You notice that the campus is of modest size, made up of only five buildings (far, far smaller than the Emerald Bay Academy - Quintus's Alma Mater), relatively close together with only courtyards in between. You are led to the Administration Building, which is the smallest of the five, only comprised of two stories above ground. Through the lobby and up a staircase, and through a hallway you are led; at every turn, the people working in the building turn to watch you pass, some getting obnoxiously close in an effort to see the artifact, while others back away as far as they possibly can, pressing themselves against the furthest wall they can find.

Presumably along the way, you tell Percy (along with the rest of the cadre) your names, and when you are finally led into Headmistress Luna's office, he presents you to her.

The Headmistress's office is very large - perhaps twice the size of Elric's apartment back in Alydar. The walls are lined with neatly-organized books, and above the shelves are various pieces of art, most of them depicting sunsets and sunrises, or great battles taking place below an enormous sun in the center of the sky. The Headmistress's desk is empty, save for a single book and a stack of papers, and an inkwell with a feather sticking out of it.

The Headmistress herself is an aged, dignified woman with a kind, yet no-nonsense demeanor. Her robes are lavish, as befit a time-honored cleric, but not gawdy. Her eyes are sharp, and you get the sense that she misses nothing.

She rises from her seat and steps around her desk, keeping a respectful distance as she peers at the Hand of Vecna. Finally, she speaks. "Leave us," she says to the crowd that has gathered, both inside and outside her office, and without any hesitation, everyone leaves the room, and it's just the five of you.

"I apologize for the way my students treated you," she says succinctly. "They are young and inexperienced, and knew not what they were dealing with. You did the right thing, bringing this here. I promise you that we will find a way to neutralize its evil power, and until that time it shall be kept out of the hands of those who may try to use it."

She extends her hand, quite clearly expecting Kaff to give the relic to her.

 

[KittenMaster]

Sarm gives a forgiving smile to the young paladin, and his voice eases to become much more comforting "I take no offense. I see now that you are still young, but given time I believe your path will be made clear." He remembers similar foolish things he has done as a young man himself, during bits of zeal and misguided thoughts. He still worries that he may still slip at times, especially during these dire times.

He walks in front of the other party members as they are led through, not having intended to act as a sort of leader during the plans, but somehow manages to appear that way through the event that just transpired.

He speaks to the headmistress once spoken to, assuring her, "They were alert and eager. With wisdom and age they will become very fine protectors of your establishment." He wasn't impressed before having assumed the paladins were already fully trained, but with seeing the nature of their folly being so natural, he now sees potential.

"I am very thankful that I have allies in destroying this evil relic. However; we ourselves fear that this dwelling is in danger of invasion." He tries to be careful how he approaches their business, being truthful and critical of the situation but not wanting to bring the rod up just yet.

 

[DeadPhoenix]

Quintus speaks up after Sarm, "Yes, my friend here is quite right. While we would love to get rid of this item as soon as possible, it is in ours, and most likely you and your peoples bests interest, that we hold onto it for now."

 

[ThLunarian]

Luna looks skeptically at Sarm and Quintus, lowering her outstretched hand, and you can feel her tense up somewhat. "I don't understand. If you haven't come for help in disposing of this artifact, then what IS your business here? And what other reason would you have for bringing the vile thing onto our sacred campus?"

 

[Mike M]

Kaff gets the distinct impression that the headmistress is a woman long accustomed to getting her way.   Girding himself for a battle of wills, he retains possession of the Hand and instead offers up the forged documents.

"Ma'am, these should explain our mission in sufficient detail."

With the fraudulent papers passed off, the con is on.  Kaff stands ready with an answer for every question he can possibly conceive regarding their legitimacy...

 

[KittenMaster]

The Cleric gives a quick glance over to his companions, as if silently asking for a nod of confirmation before he continues, though his gaze is soon caught by Kaff moving forward to present the information.

 

[ThLunarian]

Luna takes the documents (which also include Ivor's credentials) and scans them with her eyes, which quickly widen in disbelief. After a quick run-through, she starts over, this time reading and inspecting them more carefully.

A few minutes pass in awkward silence, and then she lowers the papers and looks up. "Do you realize how dangerous it is for you to even bring these documents here? Is the King not aware that the Rod's mere EXISTENCE has been kept a secret from even the students and most of the faculty on this campus for generations? And the four of you come waltzing in here with a plain sheet of paper explaining exactly where it's located?"

She slowly and dramatically walks around to the chair of her desk and sits down, resting her hands on the desk.


"I'm afraid that the Seminary will be unable to comply with the King's request, for the following reasons: Number one, I am highly skeptical that the King will be able to offer better security for the Rod than would be provided for it if it were to remain here. As I'm sure you all can attest, our security measures are quite effective. Along those same lines, I would not feel comfortable leaving it in your care during the act of transporting it. While I'm sure you're all able-bodied young men, I doubt you'd stand much of a chance against a battalion of Vecna cultists.

"Number two, the King ought be reminded that if it were not for this Seminary's desire to keep peace with the Ruby Throne and maintain our relations, he would not even know the Rod existed. We have been keeping it for centuries now; a would-be gang of thugs in green robes will do nothing to change that.

"And number three - perhaps most importantly - Pelor HIMSELF spoke directly to the founder of this Seminary upon its construction and gave the express order that it was to be kept safe HERE, not at the King's pleasure. He did not advise us to give it away at the first sign of trouble."

She sighs deeply, and is silent for a short moment before continuing.

"Normally I would ask that you leave my office at this juncture, but you have put me in a difficult position by bringing that accursed gauntlet here. I cannot allow such a dangerous, evil piece of equipment to roam free, so I'm going to have to ask you to relinquish custody of it to us. Once you do, you may see my secretary about finding accommodations tonight, for the hour grows late, and I am willing to show you hospitality... if you cooperate."

 

[Songbird]

Ivor remains silent to the headmistress, fully understanding her reasoning and confident about his friends' communication so far.

((Is the headmistress aware of the curse in Alydar? If not, Ivor will chime in.))

He considers asking about bringing guard with the party to keep the Rod secure, but is not sure if a more charismatic friend is ready to.

 

[KittenMaster]

Gives a long pause after her rebuttal. He secretly feels victorious that the gauntlet would most likely be taken from them and destroyed, but at the same time knows that the mission cannot be compromised.

He speaks up, saying, "Regardless, that is the reason we were sent here. I myself was not aware of the rod until recently, and I too do not enjoy entertaining the idea of obtaining the Rod." He is clearly using his own feelings to try to garner empathy from the mistress. He doesn't respond to what she says Pelor wanted, because he is sure it is true. He then says something that would contradict his companion's interests, but are his honest feelings, "I do agree that we ourselves are not the best suited to carry the Hand. I do want to know how quickly the Hand can be destroyed, if only to bring comfort to my concerns."

 

[ThLunarian]

((The Headmistress hasn't done or said anything to indicate that she's aware of the situation in Alydar))

 

[ThLunarian]

Luna gives Sarm a once-over, apparently trying to size him up before giving a reply. She seems impressed, and moreover, she is surprised that she's impressed.

"You've come a long way to get here," she says to him, and then, "I do not know how long it will take for us to find a way to destroy it. I can sense that it is incredibly powerful, and I'm sure it will require a great deal of study before we can determine the best method. However, even in the unlikely event that we cannot destroy it, I think you'll agree that it would be far safer here with us than it would be traveling the countryside with the four of you. No offense intended, of course."

 

[Songbird]

The rogue's eyes suddenly light up as he speaks for the first time in what seems like forever.

"Are you confident that this blight can be destroyed? I have been assured it could not, but to remove its stain on the world is a perfect outcome indeed."

Ivor hopes he has not said something very unwise. After all, the mistress seems unimpressed by their cover story.

"If I may, headmistress, I second my friend Sarm in his desire but am fearful of the cult's reach. The Arm of Vecna has successfully assaulted two heavily fortified settlements, killing or converting almost all within. I would not want the Seminary to fall after witnessing so much destruction. The Rod and the Hand in one place..? We should know what it is capable of, a double agent within the government of the city of Alydar used the relic to create a perfectly obedient army. We defeated her, but the populace are still suffering in this state of living death. That is our mission for the Keep, to remove this curse for good."

He winces slightly and looks highly uncomfortable, knowing that although he remembered the cover story of being sent by the keep he has blown their cover. Remembering the fate of Alydar and the Library, Ivor genuinely dreads the same happening to these people.

 

[ThLunarian]

Luna looks at Ivor and considers what he's said. "So the four of you have seen what this gauntlet can do? That might go a long way toward discovering the secret to destroying it.

"And you say that the townspeople of Alydar are suffering from an affliction, imposed by this gauntlet? Is that why the King wants the Rod and was willing to risk its secrecy? If that's the case, he ought to have simply said as much in his 'Royal Decree'." She picks up the sheet idly, glancing at it and rolling her eyes before putting it back down. "I should like to meet one of the afflicted townspeople and have our best clerics get to work on finding a cure for the malady. If none can be found through our own magicks, I will make arrangements to have the Rod used to cure the afflicted, and perhaps the townspeople could be brought here in small groups - discreetly, of course - for the same purpose.

"However, I'm afraid I still cannot allow the Rod of Pelor to leave these grounds. It would go against Pelor's will. And, of course, I will still require the gauntlet."

 

[KittenMaster]

Sarm is surprised to hear what was similar to his idea from earlier, but doesn't mention it. He has no way to reason that the party would be better suited to holding both relics, so he concedes "I personally do not object and I find those conditions to suit my best interests, but I am afraid we are not a group that shares a single mind. If any of my companions wishes to disagree and discuss, I will let him at this time." He soon steps back to allow Kaff, Ivor, or Quintus to become the center of conversation if they wish.

 

[Songbird]

Ivor runs a hand through his hair. The team needs a talk.

"I would not be against our focus shifting on to the continued study of the Hand here if it led to its eventual destruction and the ending of the city's curse. My concern is that the Arm of Vecna's forces will undoubtedly come for it, and the Rod of Pelor as well. We need to know if the Seminary would be prepared to face such a threat."

He thinks about the atrocities committed by the Arm, but knows this time he may be present and ready for them unlike all the times he couldn't make a difference.

"After all our mission is to ensure the security of relics we find, whether it leaves with us or stays right here. The logistics of aiding the city's people are indeed another concern for me, a lot of people need our help. Oh, er, on the Keep's orders of course."

 

[Mike M]

While events are not quite going to plan, Kaff sees reason to hope something may be salvaged.  But they need the ability to speak freely...

"Madam, I believe we need a few moments to confer and reach a consensus.  May we have the room?"

 

[DeadPhoenix]

((Good thing I hit preview post, or I would have said something... or a lot of somethings, take *might* have gotten us in trouble.))

Quintus agrees, saying "Yes, yes. I need a moment to talk to my... companions." with a very much forced smile on his face.

 

[KittenMaster]

Sarm can tell that he overstepped himself in the eyes of the rest. Seeing as they are now going to return to private, The Cleric says, "I believe we are ready to be taken to our quarters." He would politely gesture respectfully and appropriately before they are led off.

 

[ThLunarian]

Luna looks at Kaff and shrugs. "I'll be in the hallway. Take all the time you like. However, Sarm, as I've said, you'll need to surrender the gauntlet before I can let you go to your rooms." She gets up and leaves her office.

 

[DeadPhoenix]

Quintus waits oh so patiently for Luna to leave, "What in the world happened to you two? Did one of those Paladins mace you over the head while I wasn't looking? Yes, I'm all for the destruction of the Hand, but we need it, and the Rod, if what Woody said about those fiends coming to destroy our, and every other plane, is true... Look, we may have give her a bit more information on what we are really doing. This Treaty of Worms supposedly comes straight from their god, perhaps we can use it to convince her we are actually working under his, and the other gods, orders. Hell, she's a priest, she can ask Pelor if what we say is true herself right? We don't even have to change our cover story, we can just say the king got these orders from above, but left it out of the documents so the masses don't find out, or something...." He sighs quite loudly, not sure his new plan will work either and fearing that they will inevitably have to take the rod that will no doubt suddenly have extra security.

 

[Songbird]

"You worry too much Quintus..." Ivor hums in a singsong voice. "She's so keen on researching this relic she will give us a lot of access to, well, pilfer the Rod if we have to. This is our ticket to areas we would be restricted from!"

He reacts negatively to the wizard's big sigh. "Well this whole thing isn't over, is it? We just have more options now. And, well, I'm starting to come around to how Sarm feels too. Show the headmistress the treaty, okay? It's not roguey," he says waving his arms sarcastically, "But it just feels like cooperation here is the right thing to do. Could you back me up, Cleric?"

 

[KittenMaster]

Sarm stares out a window, gazing at the moonlight as the others speak. When addressed, he turns and responds, "We may have no choice. I can only hope Pelor can forgive me if it comes to that. I need to remind myself that there is a greater purpose for these relics... But... This greater purpose does not interest me, and... I felt during my last prayer that he would not wish for me to take the rod, but now I understand why, as it is a longtime wish that I would be breaking. I suspect the greater purpose does not interest my god either, and yet I was still sent to Alydar."

"And I only now remember Edric saying that the relics are not easily destroyed. I myself am blinded by foolishness."

((It is partially my fault as a player, since I needed to go back and review some info. >_>))

 

[Mike M]

Kaff stands staring at the closed door to the room, holding his chin in contemplation.  "My own opinion hews close to Quintus'.  We put the treaty in play, and explain the advantage posed by the Arm's possession of the monocle and near limitless resources.  The seminary will fall if the rod remains, especially if the cultists have obtained further relics.  If they cannot be made to understand, then I fear we go with the fallback option.  I think I can cause sufficient enough a commotion to provide Quintus and Ivor cover to reach the vault.

"Buying access to the rod by surrendering the gauntlet would be a good plan on a longer time horizon, but that could take days or possibly weeks for an opening to steal both back at once. I fear we have hours at most, I fully expect to encounter elements of the Arm at any moment.  We are presently simply too tempting a target.

"Know that I am loathe to take such action against those who rightfully should be our allies.  Maybe we could point to the fact that they face an army yet we four were able to seize the relic, but somehow I doubt that would be well received..."

 

[Songbird]

"So we have not one but two immensely powerful religious armies against us?"

He stops himself from raising his voice.

"This is the worst damn idea. And I can't refuse to do this, can I? Either I say no to this plan, "maybe" destroy an evil doomsday weapon and die defending this fortress or we almost double our opposition and start a bloody regional conflict by healing Alydar."