Ch 4: Part 1: The Face of the Enemy: Session 56

[15:39] <@KIlarra> *****Second Darkness*****
[15:39] <@KIlarra> ~~~Chapter 4: Endless Night~~~
[15:39] <@KIlarra> There are places not for those of the world of light. The infinite darkness seething in Golarion’s depths hides terrors untold, abominations that stalk the realm of legend and depraved races praising foulnesses best left unnamed. Never does the searing sun turn its scouring eye upon the monstrosities of this tenebrous abyss, and for millennia untold horrors too foul to face the day have gathered and flourished below.
[15:40] <@KIlarra> This place is not for those of the world above, but peril and desperation sometimes force tragic souls to face the bleakness below. Those who pass into the dark rarely return, while those few who do are forever changed, their souls seared by the shadow of an endless night.
[15:40] <@KIlarra> \Part 1: The Face of the Enemy/
[15:40] <@KIlarra> -Session 56-
[15:40] <@KIlarra> The party has been informed by the elves that their next mission is an extremely risky one. They have been asked to infiltrate the drow by using the gate at the academy to reach one of their cities. This has caused some concern, which perhaps the party can resolve over breakfast.
[15:44] * KIlarra stretches with a yawn, then snuggles in closer to Aluthyra for a few more minutes
[15:47] * Aluthyra kisses Kilarra's cheek as she wakes, nudging her side. "Good morning." She smiles.
[15:48] * KIlarra smiles, "Good morning to you too. Hopefully it stays that way." She sits up and stretches again, her shoulders and neck popping. She also pops the base of her tailbone
[15:49] <@KIlarra> Kjell awakens shortly after nearby, and proceeds to get dressed and grab his spellbook. "I hope you don't mind me heading early and preparing myself over breakfast. I imagine you have your own preparations, and don't want to keep you from them."
[15:50] * Aluthyra chuckles. "I would agree." She stands, sighing contentedly before she begins to dress. "So, shall we see the rest of the elves plans, or will you be preparing your spells beforehand?"
[15:51] <Aluthyra> Kahree yawns, sitting up and beginning to don her gear. It takes quite a while, what with all of her trinkets and jewels.
[15:53] * KIlarra ponders that a moment, "I'll go with before, just in case I need any of them."
[15:54] * Aluthyra nods her head. "Of course." She opens the flap of the tent, smiling back to Kilarra. "I will be waiting outside."
[15:55] * KIlarra smirks, "Fine, be boring like that." She sticks her tongue out teasingly, then undresses, not really caring if Kahree was still present or not. If nothing else, they were both women anyways.
[15:56] <Aluthyra> Kahree raises an eyebrow at Kilarra as she finishes dressing-- to see the other undressing-- and quickly heads out (after taking a moment to stare).
[15:57] * Aluthyra chuckles and fines a quiet spot to wait and meditate, closing her eyes.
[15:58] * KIlarra is a bit more modest than ususal today (which isn't saying too much), but wants to focus on the important things. Like the task ahead of them, and what she might have to compromise if she was going to go through with it.
[15:58] <@KIlarra> Kjell goes to Eviana's pavillion and sits down to eat, careful not to spill anything on his spellbook.
[16:00] <Aluthyra> Kahree also goes; her face saddening as no meat is present. She eats regardless. At least their fruits are good.
[16:01] * KIlarra finishes up and dresses herself, stepping out and flicking ALuthyra playfully with her tail before beginning her trot to the pavillion. She makes sure Aluthyra gets a nice view if she's following behind.
[16:03] <@KIlarra> Kjell nods to Kahree as she comes to breakfast, "How are you faring this morning?"
[16:03] * Aluthyra chuckles. Kilarra, always so thoughtful. She catches up to Kilarra's side, giving her a light hug in passing. "I do hope that we are able to help in the elves' endeavors." She sighs. "If I will not be a burden."
[16:03] <@KIlarra> Eviana, SHalelu and Kaerishiel are all present for breakfast as well, though by the time Kilarra and Aluthyra arrive, the meal is winding down a bit.
[16:04] * KIlarra looks to Aluthyra, "We'll think of something. Just because you can't lie, doesn't mean you always have to say everything."
[16:04] <Aluthyra> Kahree shrugs. "Fine. Tired. Elf mats are pretty uncomfortable."
[16:05] <@KIlarra> Kjell nods, chuckles, "I must admit, I much preferred Miss Beldusk's bed and company, but alas, duty calls."
[16:06] <Aluthyra> Kahree smirks. "Right. Well, I'm eager to get a chance with my maces. Haven't used them in a few days."
[16:07] * Aluthyra smiles. "Well, if a solution is to be found, then I would happily go along with it." She sits down at the table, placing a few small pieces of bread on her plate.
[16:08] <@KIlarra> Kjell nods, "Well, I do not doubt the drow will give us excuses to use them, but do remember that we are there first and foremost as explorers and researchers. Although, if the drow treat their own kind as they do others, which seems likely," he remembers the abominable driders and other horrors they associated with, "you will likely not have a shortage."
[16:08] * KIlarra gives Aluthyra a peck on the cheek as she sits down and gathers up a light breakfast.
[16:09] <@KIlarra> As the meal comes to a close, Eviana motions to Kaerishiel, who nods and stands to address the party. "As we mentioned last night, the reclamation of Celwynvian has also brought with it a unique opportunity. An opportunity to send spies into the heart of drow territory. This task will require not only unorthodox disguises, but also brave heroes. Such as you have proven yourselves to be."
[16:10] * KIlarra nods, "Yeah, that much you said already."
[16:10] <@KIlarra> Kaerishiel nods, "Naturally, I assume you have questions."
[16:10] <@KIlarra> Kjell figures Aluthyra and Kilarra have the most pressing concerns, and lets them go first.
[16:16] * Aluthyra nods. "Yes, as I said... I cannot lie. If I do so, many of my abilities will be taken away. That which have been granted to me by Apsu." She sighs. "I do not wish to be a burden on this mission. I would happily give myself to this cause, but I fear that my inability will hurt not only myself, but my companions."
[16:17] <Aluthyra> Kahree frowns. "Well, there're four of us, yeah? Not like you need to be the one talking..." She shrugs. "I don't think it'd be odd if one of us stays silent most of time, letting others talk."
[16:19] <@KIlarra> Kaerishiel nods, "The ifrit has a point. As well, the drow, as we have witnessed, are a largely matriarchal society. If one of you," he gestures to Kahree and Kilarra, "were to act as the leader of your group, and the others subservient to her, then they likely wouldn't question one of you speaking for all of you."
[16:21] <Aluthyra> Kahree grins. "I call that. You saw how I handled those bandits. I don't mind bossing others around."
[16:22] * Aluthyra rolls her eyes. "Very will, if you so wish, you can. You did seem to excel at that, so perhaps my worries are for not."
[16:23] * KIlarra nods to Aluthyra, "If nothing else, we can say you're a mute, or had your tongue cut out for backtalking or something. The drow seem like the kind of people that would buy that easily."
[16:24] * Aluthyra frowns. "I do not think it would be wise to say that, if it were not true." She adds, "It would be very easy to verify that is a lie."
[16:25] * KIlarra shrugs and looks back to Kaerishiel, "Speaking of deceptions, what was this unorthodox disguise of yours anyways?"
[16:26] <@KIlarra> Kaerishiel nods, "Yes. We have no estimate of how long your efforts beyond the gate might take, and the drow themselves are no strangers to deceptions. Mere illusions or simple transmutations won’t stand up to scrutiny, so our plans call for something with greater longevity and subtlety than most magics. Something more unorthodox. We’ve called in an expert to handle this.”
[16:28] <@KIlarra> Kjell raises an eyebrow, "This expert being whom exactly?"
[16:29] <@KIlarra> “A Mordant Spire wizard of some repute, and unfortunately, some infamy. A necromancer named Giseil Voslil. He is a friend of the Shin’Rakorath and has proved most useful in the past.”
[16:30] * KIlarra scowls a bit at the mention of a necromance, but grits her teeth and bears it. She grasps Aluthyra's hand a bit tightly and waits for further explanation. She detested the undead, but knew full well that a number of her own most powerful spells were, at least technically, necromantic in nature.
[16:30] * Aluthyra squeezes Kilarra's hand lightly. "And do you know the detail of his spell, or the help he will bring?"
[16:30] <@KIlarra> Kjell continues, not knowing Kilarra's story to the depth that Aluthyra does. "What do you know about this drow city? What was it... Zirnakaynin?"
[16:31] <@KIlarra> Kaerishiel addresses Althyra first, "You'd have to ask him for the details of the spell. I believe it is one of his own invention."
[16:31] <@KIlarra> Kaerishiel admits: “Alas, very little," to Kjell. "We can guess at the type of civilization it might be by observing the dark elf mentality and behavior we’ve seen over the past several days, but as for exact details on what to expect in Zirnakaynin—we simply don’t know. Gathering intelligence about the city should be a primary goal of whoever goes through the portal, I suspect.”
[16:32] <Aluthyra> Kahree raises an eyebrow. "So, when all is done, how do we leave? Come back through the portal?"
[16:34] <@KIlarra> “Another concern. Certainly, the portal won’t be functional for quite some time after you use it, and we hope to remove the link to Zirnakaynin before then, in any event. I shall see to it that an elven priest contacts one of you via sending for regular updates—if you have similar capabilities, you can use them to keep either of us apprised of your needs."
[16:34] <@KIlarra> Kaerishiel adds; "But make no mistake—you may need to improvise a method to escape should things turn sour.”
[16:36] <Aluthyra> Kahree frowns, looking to Kjell and Kilarra. "Either of you got something like that?"
[16:36] * KIlarra speaks up, "Actually, I think I can do something about that." She smirks, "if we need an emergency exit, I can take us to another plane."
[16:37] <@KIlarra> Kjell raises an eyebrow, "I didn't know you were capable of that."
[16:38] * KIlarra chuckles, "I wasn't, until recently. That said, extraplanar travel can be dangerous, so it should be an emergency resort only."
[16:41] * Aluthyra smiles. "Good, so we have our escape method." She nods, looking to her companions. "I do not have any other concerns; other than seeing what assistance the necromancer offers."
[16:42] * KIlarra raises a hand, "Hang on. We're taking a serious risk here. I don't think it's an exaggeration to say this is probably the most dangerous thing any of us will ever do." She expects Kahree to back her up on that, whether or not she really liked the woman.
[16:45] <Aluthyra> Kahree rolls her eyes, but nods. "Yeah, yeah."
[16:46] * Aluthyra nods. "Yes, it definitely will be."
[16:47] <@KIlarra> Kaerishiel frowns a little; "Would you have me set a merchant’s price upon my people’s survival? The sum would be great. Beyond platinum and emeralds, I’ll assure you. While Eviana and all the people of Crying Leaf would surely turn out their last coppers to you, I’m sure Queen Telandia herself would reward you for your efforts in a way few elves and even fewer non-elves have ever seen.”
[16:49] * KIlarra shakes her head, "This ain't tabout your people's survival. We get the whole 'world is in peril' thing. I'm just saying that, particularly for Aluthyra and I, undertaking this mission involves significant personal sacrifice and risk. I just ant to make sure it'll be worth our individual while, alongside the overall benefits."
[16:49] <Aluthyra> Kahree grins, liking Kilarra's thinking!
[16:50] * Aluthyra stays silent. While not opposed to an award, she does not think asking so bluntly is deserved.
[16:54] <@KIlarra> Eviana gives a bit of a sigh, but nods, "You are Crying Leaf's best hope, and you are right of course. We are asking you to undertake an extremely perilous task to the benefit of our survival efforts. I do not wish to see any more lives lost battling the drow, and the insight you provide would be crucial to that."
[16:56] <@KIlarra> Eviana continues, "If it please you, I can offer you two-thousand gold each, plus an additional six thousand from my personal estate."
[16:56] * KIlarra looks to Aluthyra, "Sorry if that sounded rude, but we are kinda going way out of our way to help this time."
[16:57] * Aluthyra shrugs. "I understand."
[16:58] <Aluthyra> Kahree's eyes light up with delight, thinking about the gold. She practically purrs, "Sounds goood."
[16:58] <@KIlarra> Kjell nods, "I appreciate the thought. While I would do this task with or without promise of a reward, considering the circumstances, I welcome your generosity that it might lend itself to better our odds of success."
[16:58] * KIlarra notes, "Especially if we end up having to grease some palms to get things going our way."
[17:00] <@KIlarra> Kjell nods, "Sometimes fast talk and a bribe can work as effectively as a lightning bolt."
[17:00] <Aluthyra> Kahree nods. "And if that could be platinum... that much gold would be heavy."
[17:01] * KIlarra looks to Eviana curiously, "How come it's from your own personal estate? Why isn't the elven homeland helping out with this big a mission?"
[17:02] <@KIlarra> “Alas…" notes Kaerishiel, "things move slowly at the government level. The leaders of Kyonin have been informed of the situation, but it could be some time before they settle on an official plan. It pains me to admit, but sometimes the elven ways are not best. There is no time for long deliberations—we need to act now. We’ve secured the aid of Giseil Voslil, and that, for now, is all we can expect.”
[17:02] <@KIlarra> Kaerishiel then looks to Kahree, "You might want to think about trading in coins for gems, as the latter to not bear minter's marks."
[17:04] <Aluthyra> Kahree blinks. "Right.. that. Yeah. Gems would work."
[17:05] * KIlarra nods, "Well, since that's settled, let's meet this 'expert' of yours."
[17:07] <@KIlarra> Kaerishiel nods and stands, leading the party towards the edge of the camp where an older grey elf is standing, slightly hunched, with a birch staff that seems to have been made from a whole branch. His blood-red robes are adorned, unnervingly, with a few old skulls and bones.
[17:08] <Aluthyra> Kahree raises an eyebrow, curious what spell he might be using, and follows.
[17:08] <@KIlarra> Kaerishiel gestures to the elf, "This is Giseil Voslil, friend of the SHin'Rakorath, and the most powerful necromancer in the Meirani area."
[17:08] * Aluthyra greets the necromacer, though is hesitant around him. "Hello. I understand you will be assisting us? "
[17:08] <@KIlarra> The wizard manages to nod curtly, acknowledging the party, but then departs without explanation, heading over to a tent on the very edge of the camp.
[17:09] <@KIlarra> Kaerishiel sighs in exhasperation; "One of Giseil's areas of mastery concerns the "recycling" of spent flesh, of finding new ways to utilize the bodies of the dead in methods not involving undeath."
[17:09] <@KIlarra> Kjell follows. He feels a bit uneasy, but the elves were right about what they needed to do. If this was what it would take, he would stick to is for the sake of a greater good.
[17:10] <@KIlarra> Kaerishiel directs the party to the grey elf wizard, "The spell in question is called Recorporeal Incarnation, something of his own creation. I suggest you ask him for the details."
[17:10] <@KIlarra> The wizard looks up as the party reaches the tent.
[17:10] <@KIlarra> Kjell nods to him, recognizing that necromancy, though often associated with foul acts, was still a fundamental part of magic, and one so skilled in it should still be respected. "So, what does this Recorporeal Incarnation spell of yours do?"
[17:11] * KIlarra wants to know that as well.
[17:12] <@KIlarra> “Imbricates mortal physicality with a cadaveric corporeity," is his reply.
[17:12] <Aluthyra> Kahree doesn't really care, as long as she gets her pay.
[17:12] * Aluthyra nods, listening intently.
[17:12] * Aluthyra blinks.
[17:12] <Aluthyra> Kahree frowns, confused. "...What?"
[17:13] <@KIlarra> Kjell looks like he understood that at least
[17:13] <@KIlarra> “The spell disguises your mortal form, overlaying it with that of a corpse. Do pay attention," he says curtly.
[17:15] * Aluthyra frowns, looking to Kilarra to see how she is reacting.
[17:15] * KIlarra doesn't look to happy, and takes Aluthyra's hand again. "So what happens to our bodies then?"
[17:17] <@KIlarra> Giseil shakes his head, "“Nothing permanent happens to your body. Your flesh and features are overborne by those of a cadaver. You are still you, but rather than animating your flesh, your bones, muscles, tissues, and mind now support a different, though recently deceased, form.”
[17:17] * KIlarra frowns a bit, "So we'll be wearing their skins like costumes then?"
[17:18] <@KIlarra> Giseil raises an eyebrow, “Squeamish already? Had Kaerishiel none better suited to this task?”
[17:18] * KIlarra shakes her head, "Not squeamish, just hoping we're not crossing the undeath line. If we were, I'd be out of here in a heartbeat."
[17:20] <@KIlarra> Giseil shakes his head, "Didn't Kaerishiel explain that? I reseach -other- means of recycling spent flesh. In this particular case, the remains are consumed by the spell to create the disguise on you, not animated and walking about on their own."
[17:20] * KIlarra still doesn't look too happy about that, and squeezes Aluthyra's hand again, but seems content to toe the line so long as they weren't crossing it. If Aluthyra could do this, so could she.
[17:22] * Aluthyra leans over and drapes her arm around Kilarra's shoulder. She brings her close, making sure Kilarra knows that Aluthyra was thinking of her and her concerns.
[17:22] * KIlarra smiles, taking in Aluthyra's scent. It was remarkable the calming effect it had on her.
[17:24] <@KIlarra> Kjell chimes in with another important question, "How long will this undertaking last?"
[17:24] <@KIlarra> "The magic possesses limited permanency. It’s tied to a focus item that, if compromised, releases the binding incantations, dispelling the effect. Should the focus persevere, it retains the spell’s power for approximately thirteen weeks.”
[17:24] <Aluthyra> Kahree frowns. "What happens if this takes us more than thirteen weeks?"
[17:25] <@KIlarra> “The spell ends. The corpse flesh loses pliancy and ages rapidly, shedding from your frame as your natural form resolidifies. It’s a quick and painless transition, though somewhat messy. You’ll probably need to bathe once it’s done.”
[17:25] <@KIlarra> Kjell winces a bit. That sounded gross. "Which, I suspect, will be the point at which we will need to make use of our emergency exit."
[17:28] <Aluthyra> Kahree's face scrunches in disgust. "Wonderful." She looks around. "So, that all? I'm ready to get this moving, if the elves'll give us those gems before we go."
[17:29] * KIlarra holds Kahree up a moment, "So, we're undertaking this experimental disguise. Will the drow be able to detect it at all?"
[17:29] <@KIlarra> “Of course they can, but not by traditional methods. The spell’s effects on a subject are momentary and the magic swiftly fades. Instead, the ongoing incarnations linger in the focus item. While these necromantic effects might be detected by any novice, Kaerishiel informs me that the trinkets he’s providing as focus items hold their own magic, which the drow will most likely overlook.”
[17:32] <@KIlarra> Kjell raises an eyebrow, "What then, are the methods that -can- detect it. Ones, I suspect, equally as unconventional as the disguise?"
[17:32] <@KIlarra> “Although nourished and motivated by your body, your flesh is technically a corpse. Spells distinguishing the walking dead will detect you, though all physical examinations will reveal your mortality. It’s a flaw of the arcana that I’m still perfecting.”
[17:33] * Aluthyra looks to Kilarra, talking in a hushed tone. "Is this all... acceptable for you?"
[17:35] * KIlarra takes a deep breath of Aluthyra's sweet scent to calm her nerves. "If you're willing to take the chance, then so am I. I'll just keep my Plane Shift spell prepared each day, because I'd rather risk jumping somewhere dangerous than be guaranteed to lose you in a place like that."
[17:35] * Aluthyra smiles pleasantly, giving Kilarra a kiss on the cheek. "Very well. I will take the challenge along with you then."
[17:36] * KIlarra smiles and actually blushes a bit faintly. Her rapport with this woman was continually surprising to her, at least on the emotional level. Still, she at least knew how to hold the reigns when it came to the bedroom.
[17:36] <@KIlarra> Kjell nods, "It seems we are all in agreement then. Let's do this."
[17:37] <@KIlarra> Giseil nods and steps into the tent, where there are eight cots arranged. Four of them contain drow corpses, across from empty ones for the party to lay upon while the spell was being cast.
[17:38] * Aluthyra places her hand upon Kilarra's shoulder, hoping to ease any worries. She then moves forward, taking the first empty cot.
[17:38] * KIlarra looks at the drow bodies. There was only one male, obviously for Kjell, but she wanted to see if any of the three females felt particularly appealing to her. She eventually shrugs and lays down next to Aluthyra. The drow were all, apart from being dead, reasonably attractive and in whole condition, but otherwise looked like rank and file soldiers.
[17:39] <@KIlarra> Kjell lays down across form the only male cadaver.
[17:39] <Aluthyra> Kahree lays down across from the last.
[17:41] <@KIlarra> Kaerishiel comes in bearing a simple wooden box, opening it to reveal four simple silver amulets, each set with a pale crystal. "These," he explains, "are called bloodlinks. They will, in addition to acting as the focus for Giseil's spell, allow you to use many of the drow's innate abilities as your own, both martial and magical."
[17:42] <@KIlarra> Kaerishiel presents one to each member of the party, instructing them to be worn around the neck.
[17:42] <@KIlarra> Kjell takes off his existing amulet and replaces it with the bloodlink.
[17:43] * KIlarra slips her Holy Symbol into her packs and also replaces it with her bloodlink. She could probably get away with keeping it in her pocket for use.
[17:44] <@KIlarra> Kaerishiel also notes that the drow corpses in the tent were recently slain stragglers, and have been dead less than a day.
[17:45] <Aluthyra> Kahree frowns, taking off one of her flame-shaped amulets and replaces it with the newer.
[17:46] * Aluthyra removes hers as well, keeping it around her neck and slipping it into her robe.
[17:47] <@KIlarra> Once the bloodlinks are in place, Giseil produces four scrolls, each holding a copy of the spell, and begins casting them over the party one by one. Each casting takes ten minutes, and while the transformation is not painful, the skin crawling sensation is unusual to say the least as their form is subsumed by that of the drow.
[17:48] * KIlarra is kinda regretting this, but was already hoof deep in it now. She closes her eyes and thinks of Aluthyra's naked body as a distraction.
[17:50] <@KIlarra> Kjell shudders a bit, but can only imagine how much worse a time Kilarra and Aluthyra are having of it.
[17:50] * Aluthyra takes deep breaths, focusing on the future task rather than the current spell being cast.
[17:51] <Aluthyra> Kahree twitches, the feeling odd, but doesn't mind too much.
[17:52] <@KIlarra> Once the castings are completed almost an hour later, Giseil bids the party sit up, and gestures to the bloodlinks. "Do not forget the importance of the focus items. If they are destroyed, or moved more than ninety feet from your position, then the effect of the spell will be lost, and quite possibly your survival chance with it."
[17:53] * KIlarra sits up quickly, then stands, surprised at how much taller she was now. She looks down at her hands, then promptly falls over. Her hooves were subsumed by feet, and she was again devoid of a tail.
[17:54] * KIlarra groans, "This is gonna suck."
[17:54] * Aluthyra blinks, offering Kilarra a hand to stand and her shoulder to steady herself against. "Allow me to help."
[17:54] <@KIlarra> Kjell stands, a bit taller and more slender himself, but at least used to walking on two legs without a tail.
[17:55] <Aluthyra> Kahree frowns, her eyes looking up at her distinct lack of flame-like hair.
[17:56] * KIlarra smiles appreciatively, taking a moment to observe Aluthyra's new body as she stands. Not bad, and they were almost the same height now, but she kinda puzzled on whether or not doing anything while in these bodies would constitute necrophilia. There was no denying the innate appeal of the drow forms, but the fact that they weren't their own was unsettling.
[17:56] <@KIlarra> Kjell looks around the group, "At least your clothes remain unchanged. I was worried a moment that I might have difficulty telling you apart."
[18:01] * KIlarra looks at her silk and leather, then at Aluthyra's robes. Her own garments would probably passable, and Aluthyra's black and red at least seemed like they would fit.
[18:01] <Aluthyra> Kahree sighs. "Yeah, at least there's that." She looks around, fidgeting. "So, we good to go then? I'd like to get in my body as soon as I can. This is weird."
[18:01] * KIlarra fumbles a bit as she begins to walk. "Well, get used to it, we're gonna be stuck like this for the next three months."
[18:02] <@KIlarra> Giseil curtly wishes the party luck, then departs, leaving Kaerishiel to explain the next step of their plan.
[18:03] <@KIlarra> Kaerishiel motions for the party to follow him, leading them back towards Celwynvian. Without the large company from before, they would make the trip much more quickly, but still have enough time for him to explain a few things.
[18:03] <@KIlarra> Kjell looks to fill Kahree in; "The drow are a rather unsavory lot. Haven't yet met one that didn't have lethal intentions. They cavort with fiends and, based on a holy symbol we saw, worship demonic patrons. I wouldn't put live sacrifices and slavery past them, and Kaerishiel and Shalelu have first hand experience with their tastes for poison and torture."
[18:05] <Aluthyra> Kahree bristles, a scowl clear on her face. "Wonderful. Can't wait to gut one."
[18:05] <@KIlarra> Kaerishiel speaks, "We have no intention of trying to hide the drow's defeat here. There is simply no way of knowing all the methods the dark elves might have used to communicate with their brethren."
[18:05] * KIlarra nods, "Figures. Got a cover story for us then, or are we on our own?"
[18:06] * KIlarra is saying this for Aluthyra's sake as well, since she would be the one most in need of covering for.
[18:07] <@KIlarra> Kaerishiel nods; "You are now drow. You were part of the battle here in Celwynvian, but when we elves got the upper hand, you went into hiding to wait for the elf gate to recharge. You watched from afar as we tried, and failed, to cleanse the portal, and when it recharged you stormed our camp, slaughtered the elves you found there, and swiftly moved through the portal to the other side."
[18:09] * Aluthyra nods. "And what," she looks to her companions. "will you say in regards to my lack of speech? I wish to make sure you are all in coherence."
[18:11] * KIlarra nods, "Okay, that's a start, but what about any 'personal' history?"
[18:12] * Aluthyra blinks. "And names. Do you know what sort of names the drow typically have?"
[18:13] * KIlarra looks to Aluthyra, "Well, you can still speak, but will likely be doing so sparingly, and only when the truth is acceptable to be spoken." She thinks about that a moment, "How about this: I claim that you hold your tongue because you were once threatened with losing it. WHich is technically true, considering I early proposed that as an excuse."
[18:13] * Aluthyra nods. "Seems reasonable enough."
[18:13] <@KIlarra> Kaerishiel shakes his head, "Your own names will likely work, so long as they have no familial ties or house titles with them."
[18:14] * KIlarra looks to Kahree, "You can act like Kjell's boss if you want, but I should speak for Aluthyra. I know her better."
[18:15] <Aluthyra> Kahree shrugs. "Yeah, that'll work."
[18:16] <@KIlarra> “As soon as you’re through, a half regiment of my best men," Kaerishiel continues, "will follow in pursuit to further confuse the matter. If there’s any drow on the other side, they’ll likely be more concerned with our ‘invasion’ than a few bloodied stragglers. This should buy you the time you need to lose yourselves amid the chaos, and we should be able to prevent any drow from taking advantage of the portal to return her
[18:17] <@KIlarra> "Once you’re through, my men will return and close the portal. From there, you’re on your own—hopefully, you’ll be able to assimilate yourselves into drow society soon enough, but if they question you about what happened here, do your best to keep your story simple."
[18:17] * KIlarra looks to Kjell and Kahree, "I do hope your 'fast-talking' will be up to the task."
[18:18] <Aluthyra> Kahree shrugs. "I think I can manage."
[18:18] <@KIlarra> "Might I suggest telling the truth, but simply leaving out the part where the ‘heroes’ who helped defeat the drow are now infiltrating their… your city?"
[18:19] * KIlarra ponders that a moment, "Well, that might make it a bit easier for Aluthyra, since she can simply omit parts of the truth we don't need them to know," she looks to the aasimar turned drow, "Right?"
[18:19] * Aluthyra nods. "Yes, that will be acceptable for my vow."
[18:20] * KIlarra is also somewhat glad for the hike back to Celwynvian, as it gives her a chance to relearn balancing on her drow feet. She also made a mental note to get some shoes or something, these feet were annoyingly sensative to small stones and twigs.
[18:21] <@KIlarra> “We only get one shot at this," concludes Kaerishiel, "so, no matter what confronts you through that gate, remember that we’re the enemy and there’s no going back.”
[18:21] * KIlarra rolls her eyes, "That won't be difficult to imagine, considering your initial attitude towards us."
[18:21] <Aluthyra> Kahree raises an eyebrow. "Did he originally not like you all?"
[18:22] <@KIlarra> Kjell nods, "Yes, he was distrustful of non-elves getting involved in what he believed to be an internal matter. Until we saved him from an ambush and, subsequently, a dragon."
[18:23] <Aluthyra> Kahree smiles, impressed. She smirks at the elf. "Hah. Showed you."
[18:23] <@KIlarra> Kaerishiel pointedly says nothing.
[18:24] <@KIlarra> Once the party is prepared, they are led into the Academy of Arts building in central Celwynvian, along with a group of several elven scouts and soldiers. Before entering, each member of the party is presented with, as promised, gemstones valuing eight thousand gold pieces.
[18:29] * KIlarra takes hers gladly, planning on treating Aluthyra to anything she wants when this is all over. The two of them would probably need a vacation afterwards.
[18:30] <@KIlarra> Kjell takes his with a respectful nod, knowing that the elves that would be 'chasing' them would be putting their lives at risk distracting any drow guards on the other side of the portal.
[18:30] * Aluthyra smiles, depositing her gems into her haversack. She sighs. Hopefully, this will all go well.
[18:30] <Aluthyra> Kahree grins. Gems! She cheers internally as she deposits them.
[18:31] <@KIlarra> As the party approaches the corrupted gate, it shimmers and crackles with energy, almost pulsating along with the shadow key, that Kaerishiel produces in order to activate the portal.
[18:31] <@KIlarra> The stone inside the arch grows smoky, then translucent, revealing a cloudy view of a shadowy cavern beyond. An elven voice shouts “Run dogs!” in Undercommon as the scouts ready their weapons for the party's flight through the portal.
[18:32] <@KIlarra> -End Session-
[18:32] <@KIlarra> Rewards: RP bonus; 1500 Experience each