Bring a Little Fae
Log Info
- Title: Bring a Little Fae
- GM: Aftershock
- Place: Alexandros
Cerberus is standing in the center of the stone circle that has a circle of bushes around its exterior. The double circle makes the circle doubly potent as a fairy circle, and as proof of that, there's a few bluebells growing wild in the middle of the circle. Though they're hard to see in the dark of the night-time which it is currently. Cerberus is trying not to squish the little blue flowers and failing by and large. He seems uncertain at the moment about this whole plan, so he looks out at the group gathered beyond the thinning of the veil which he hopes will enable him to call for the fae lords for whom he had done their bidding.
"Let me know when you are all ready for me to summon them." Cerberus shifts his feet nervously. "I don't know if you guys want to hide or something?"
"You realize they may not even be fey, right Khepri? I mean, it's a big world, and there's all sorts of people with a knack for disguise."
The gangly, long-limbed war golem known as Khepri is having a conversation with its sword. This is probably not even the weirdest thing people have seen today. "This is true, Kastuvas. Which is why we will be here. Regardless if they are fey, fiend, or practical joker, they will be called to account."
Khepri lifts the khopesh, studying it, before pausing a moment in its inspection. Then the golem nods slowly, before checking the straps on the shield it wears. "I will stand at the edge of the clearing. Should something untoward happen, run towards me."
Carver has a few things she preps. First, she gets permission from Cerberus to cast something on him. If given, she mutters something and holds an eggshell against his forehead for an uncomfortably long time, making it incredibly difficult to ascertain if she is JUST messing with their bait as some sort of cruel joke. Other then a faint breeze that seems to keep catching his hair? It's hard to say what she did.
She will then move to Atrid can offer him a token of protection, of nature's warding, and this time it does have a slightly more observable affect. His skin hardens, growing darker in coloration. Finally, admist the flowers, she ties together a loose lasso of vines and knots it tight.
The hooded ranger gives one last look over Cerberus and to the rest, before she seems to almost... disappear, getting low into the high grass.
GAME: Carver casts Life Bubble. Caster Level: 13 DC: 16 GAME: Carver casts Barkskin. Caster Level: 13 DC: 15 GAME: Carver casts Snare. Caster Level: 13 DC: 15
Gramarye, war golem wizard and fighter, partially responsible for Cerberus's capture, is standing very resolute. She has her chain shirt on over her arcane wizard robes, and her cold iron greatsword (which is probably a further reminder to Cerberus that Gramarye is very willing to hunt fae if necessary, even if Khepri did warn her beforehand not to hunt any fae today according to her anti-fae protocols) is strapped to her back.
The bronze-plated, almost mannequin-shaped war golem's obsidian eyes light up with a dancing light for every syllable that leaves her (as her lack of a moving faceplate means she has no other visible indication of speech). "Khepri." Her neutral feminine tone is in stark contrast to the voice coming from Khepri's blade. Then Gramarye's head pivots in the direction of Khepri.
"Your blade is talking. I have recorded this development to my memory. I would like to examine it later." Then she adds, "I understand your directive regarding the mission protocol. I will aid in defense as needed."
Atrid smiles toothily at Carver. "Thanks lass, that's much appreciated." He says as he goes about his own preparations making sure he's got everything and his armor is secured and the like, weapon and shield and the whole nine yards.
GAME: Carver rolls stealth+4: (3)+27+4: 34
Cerberus seems to wait a moment longer, but when no one else seems inclined to hide, he shrugs. "All right." He turns his attention to the center of the circle and says, "Lord Tamlin?"
He waits a moment longer and then flushes when no one instantly appears. "Sometimes they'd make me wait a while..."
Just as he says this however, two forms step out of thin air. Being fae it's not instantly clear if they're male or female, but it is clear that they are fae. Their finely featured bodies being tall and thin as well as their blue and red hair respectfully make this clear. Their eyes match their hair as well. Both are wearing full face masks.
"Why did you summon us Cerberus? You failed. You don't deserve to come to the summer lands."
It seems that you've not been immediately noticed by the male-sounding blue-haired individual but the second elbows their companion and points toward the obvious standing people. "He brought friends. What is this, your new crew Cerberus? We don't need you any more." This red-haired individual sounds vaguely feminine.
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+13: (4)+13: 17 GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+9: (13)+9: 22 GAME: Khepri rolls knowledge/nature: (6)+11: 17 GAME: Gramarye rolls Knowledge/Nature: (1)+18: 19 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Carver rolls Knowledge/Nature+4: (5)+16+4: 25 GAME: Atrid rolls Knowledge/nature: (18)+8: 26
The grasses shiver in the breeze, where Carver hides...
Twin green eyes narrow. She is a chalice full of violence, fit to be tipped over. The sliver of her patience the difference between war and peace, measured in her slow breath as she takes in the Lord Tamlins, and determines that to her? They are not familiar. Members of a distant fey court, daughter and son of sunkissed glades.
Fingers twitch, impatient. She wars with the decision. No, not yet. The quiver remains untouched.
Atrid shakes his head with a bit of a wicked grin the glint in his eyes showing he knows just what these beings are. "So we have lesser Fae Nobility here, are we supposed to be impressed or somethin'?" He asks with a chuckle. "Anyone else not that impressed by this or them? Or is it just me?" He sigh and glances to Cerberus before looking back to the Fae folks. "So I see this is to be a more...well less than polite conversation?"
"Your efforts were in vain. Lord Ahu has reconciled with his paramour. The only question is why it would concern you so." Khepri's voice is harsh, mechanical, ringing out from behind its plague-doctor mask. The yellow of its eyes shifts to green as it continues, "It is not unusual for fey to seek partners among the mortal lands. Why object -- unless one of you sought Lady Mori'amana for your own."
The golem pauses, and its hand comes to rest on the now-sheathed khopesh. "Wait. Something is here, that stinks of corruption and darkness..."
Gramarye is perfectly unmoved by the two fae individuals, conveniently blue and red color-coded. "Please be advised that we are here to support the individual Cerberus in any way that is required for the situation. While we have no intention of escalating this situation, there could be escalation should you provoke as much."
There's a blink in her eyes before she adds, "Please identify the source of the corruption and darkness that my cohort has detected." As though she can politely demand such.
"How are we supposed to know what your friend senses?" The woman says haughtily, looking at Cerberus. "These aren't cohorts, they're here to question us? US? You mortals are all idiots. I wouldn't answer to you if you were a king. Mortals have no power over us."
The man mutters something derogatory and the woman laughs in response. Then louder he says, "I think we'll be leaving. Not answering your questions. And not taking you to the summer lands."
He points to Cerberus who wilts backwards a bit looking uncertain and unhappy. "You... you have to answer them!"
"No, we don't." The woman says, waving her arms and another gate opens behind them. "We can leave."
"Care to find which is faster?" Carver says as she rises to her feet, hooded and warpainted. "Your feet or my arrows?"
GAME: Khepri casts Dimensional Anchor. Caster Level: 8 DC: 16 GAME: Khepri rolls ranged: (10)+8: 18
"I have not dismissed you, children of the First World!" Khepri's voice has taken on an ominous tone. The golem's hand traces a pattern, and it speaks, "Harpist, I do not wish these interlopers to leave by swift paths!" A greenish ray shoots out, striking one of the fey and layering it with an emerald glow.
Then Khepri draws Kastuvas. "You are not masters of the circles of the world. Cerberus has answered for his crimes. Now you will answer as well."
GAME: Gramarye casts Dimensional Anchor. Caster Level: 7 DC: 20 GAME: Gramarye rolls ranged: (2)+7: 9 GAME: Gramarye rolls ranged: (3)+7: 10
Gramarye's eyes glow blue as she intones, "Initiating spellcasting module." Her ball-jointed fingers shoot up in a quick gesture as she intones, "Anchor."
But the magic that spins out from her hands and arcs at the blue-schemed fae does not hit, veering off to the side instead. Gramarye then intones, "Seeking permission to activate anti-fae protocols. Exception: Cerberus. Please authorize at your convenience, Khepri or Carver." Apparently, they are her trusted individuals on this mission.
The blue-haired fae man laughs at his friend's misfortune. "Look at you, so high and mighty and you got hit by one of their little spells!" He laughs again and passes through the gate to the other side where one can see a forest during sunset. "Goodbye!"
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+4: (12)+4: 16
The red-haired woman curses at her 'friend' and draws her sword, a curved blade. "Fine then. I'll just kill you!" She's talking to Cerberus if the light in her red eyes is any indication. She moves forward a step - only to become suddenly entangled within the confines of the snare that Carver set.
GAME: Khepri casts Flames of the Faithful. Caster Level: 8 DC: 15 <OOC> Khepri says, "Swift action to activate Judgements (protection, purity)."
Suddenly, Khepri moves. It's rather daunting to see the long-limbed golem explode into motion, metalshod feet hammering the turf. As the fey woman menaces Cerberus, the Executor invokes its goddess again. "Harpist, I ask for a token of your favor, to burn away the dark!"
Kastuvas sings out, "Oh, I love when he does this! It makes me look even better!"
And then a glowing glyph appears on the khopesh, and it bursts into flame as Khepri skids to a stop between Cerberus and his one-time patron. "Cease, and you will not be harmed," the golem intones.
<OOC> Gramarye says, "Swift: Arcane Armor Training. Standard: Cast Haste on everyone. Move: put herself right up to Red." GAME: Gramarye casts Haste. Caster Level: 7 DC: 20
Gramarye's eyes glow red. "Initiating combat module. Anti-fae protocol still suspended. Override requested of Khepri and Carver. Objective: capture the enemy." Her voice has dropped an octave, adding to the eerie ambience of her glowing red eyes. "Initiating spellcasting."
A string of eldritch syllables leave her as her fingers weave another spell, quickening magic washing over her allies, and then Gramarye draws her greatsword as she moves forward to the captured fae. "Quickening magic deployed. Cease your resistance and you will be unharmed, fae."
GAME: Atrid rolls 3 + 1: (17)+3+1: 21 GAME: Atrid rolls weapon3 + 1: (3)+4+1: 8
GAME: Carver rolls weapon12-3+2: (2)+22+-3+2: 23 GAME: Carver rolls 1d8+6+1+1: (2)+6+1+1: 10
"Protect the Pup," Carver husks as she bites into something. Then she's gone in a flutter of her cloak, racing past the melee and actually through the portal. She is somewhat aware of these risks, but... she made a promise, and many of them recently? She's failed to uphold. There is no reason to believe that these Fae might not take revenge in the future.
She goes through the portal.
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+14: (8)+14: 22
With a flourish of his sword, the blue-haired fae tries to take the bow out of Carver's hands, but she's too nimble for the attack and she manages to keep her weapon out of reach. "Get out of my way mortal."
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+4: (18)+4: 22
Red-haired fae woman gives another wiggle to try and free herself to no avail. "Attacking me while I'm trapped! You low mortals! Fight me fair!" She wiggles again, but there's no use in it, she's entirely entangled.
<OOC> Khepri says, "Swift action to activate bane (fey). Intimidate to get the woman to surrender." GAME: Khepri rolls intimidate: (6)+14: 20 GAME: Khepri rolls intimidate: (1)+14: 15 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+9: (20)+9: 29
Khepri focuses his will on his blade. A second later, it shudders, and then flashes with a shimmering light. "You would do well to desist," the golem addresses the fey woman.
"That's right! And now I'm gonna beat seven kinds of hells out of you for being--"
Khepri resists the urge to facepalm. "Kastuvas..." it says with a weary voice. Seeing that Gram and Atrid are surrounding Red, Khepri turns and stalks towards the gate where Carver is wrestling with the other fey. "Carver, I am enroute now."
<OOC> Gramarye says, "Swift action: Arcane Strike. Full-action to make attacks with the nonlethal penalty of -4." GAME: Gramarye rolls weapon7-4: (8)+11+-4: 15 GAME: Gramarye rolls weapon7-4-5: (10)+11+-4+-5: 12 GAME: Gramarye rolls weapon7-4: (15)+11+-4: 22 GAME: Gramarye rolls damage7+2: aliased to 2d6+6+2: (7)+6+2: 15
Gramarye's red eyes are burning. She's not been given orders to drop her anti-fae protocol, but she does have an objective still. "Objective: capture the enemy," she intones, and she raises her greatsword without hesitation.
"Do not resist. Please stop." Gramarye then swings the blade. It's clear she's holding back, and also that she's not used to holding back. Only one attack connects, and it bites into the red-colored fae, drawing a bit of blood, but it's a livable wound. "This will cease when you cease to resist."
GAME: Atrid rolls weapon3+1: (14)+4+1: 19 GAME: Atrid rolls weapon3+1: (13)+4+1: 18
GAME: Carver rolls weapon12-5+1+1: (18)+22+-5+1+1: 37 GAME: Carver rolls weapon12-5+1+1: (7)+22+-5+1+1: 26 GAME: Carver rolls weapon12-5+1+1: (16)+22+-5+1+1: 35 GAME: Carver rolls weapon12-5-10+1+1: (13)+22+-5+-10+1+1: 22 GAME: Carver rolls 2d8+4d6+12+2d8+2d6+12: (9)+(19)+12+(12)+(11)+12: 75
Carver should use less force, but some little kernel of her sprouted in a dark temple raises up like a howling wolf. One second, she's considering mercy and how to limit damage, and the next, her rapid pull and release is only cut short at the very end in shock... she stands above the arguably murdered noble with a blank expression.
GAME: Aftershock rolls 1d20+4: (11)+4: 15
"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!" Screams the red-haired woman. "YOU MURDERED HIM! You expect me to sit here and do nothing?!? How dare you! He was immortal! Your lives are pitiful and meaningless maylives!" Tears stream down her face over her mask and she sobs. "May Vardama curse you for the murderers you are!"
"Carver, I am here!" Khepri speaks as it steps through the portal -- just in time to see the ranger perforate the fey with a barrage of arrows. The Executor comes to a stop, and Kastuvas says in a pained tone, "Oh dear. That... might not have been the best outcome."
Khepri stares at the sword pointedly, before grabbing Carver with its free hand and hustling her back through the portal. "Stand down!" the golem actually shouts. "STAND DOWN! Gramarye, Atrid, lower your weapons!"
Gramarye looks at Khepri, and there's a moment where, in an eerie moment that is becoming all-too-common for Gramarye, it's not wholly clear that she is going to stop fighting.
"Exiting combat module," Gramarye intones in her normal register as the red disappears from her eyes, going back to the usual stark obsidian. She puts away her greatsword and then looks at the red-haired fae. "We will not be harming you."
After hitting only one attack and missing the next two, whiffing as though swinging at something launched at high velocity, he hears the stand down. "Now why in the hell should we stand down?" He calls back though he does indeed lower his Scimitar but not fully, and he certainly doesn't resheath it. "I mean they'd kill us if given the opportunity I'm sure, and as we know life and death are both needed for nature to be in balance." He says with a nod.
Carver steps through the portal, gently prying her hand free from Khepri. Light has come back to her eyes a little, hard and tight. She looks back through the portal and then back over to Red, as the Fey burns with understandable fury. What explanation does she give?
"No more spring." Oh, very helpful Huntress.
The woman doesn't stop trying to escape, calling you cowards and worse. Still, she can't escape Carver's snare, and she doesn't seem inclined to answer any questions from 'mortals'. Which leaves you with a belligerent, insulting, fae woman to deal with.
With a flick of its wrist, the flames on Khepri's khopesh go out, and the shimmer fades. At the fey woman's vituperation, though, the golem stalks over to where she is ensnared, and growls in a hard, metallic voice, "Silence."
Suddenly, the golem reaches up and yanks the mask off the fey woman. The plague-doctor mask Khepri wears is now uncomfortably close, as the Executor speaks. "Your stupid, petty machinations cost lives. Mortal lives. Who had their own hopes and dreams and now stand in the Halls. Just as your friend now stands."
The golem has clearly had enough. "The children of Ea are not your toys. Perhaps now you will remember that." Khepri shoves its khopesh back into its sheath.
Gramarye's words are not as forceful as her fellow golem's counterparts. Her obsidian eyes remain blank for a moment until she speaks again. "Vardama is a fair judge," she says. "If we are murderers, then we will be found as such. If your friend was a murderer, then he will be found as such. For the moment, you will come back with us to give up information."
There's a thinking 'blink' in her eyes before she adds, "Whenever you are ready to give it." Her head then pivots back in the direction of Carver. "Carver. Khepri. Atrid. Let us leave this place."
Atrid sighs and resheathes his sword. "Fine." He says turning to the others to head out with them.
"Thank you for the assistance, Pup. Atrid." Carver says, still staring off. She pulls the hood down. "I am going to retrieve Deathless."