Nights of Steel and Fire (D&D)

[SirNitram]

"Lay a trap." The Shadovar spoke up. "These things want exotic magics and lore the most. If they aren't here.. And if they are, we're all in deep trouble.. They'll come running if we lay the proper bait. Otherwise, we descend into the Pit to try and find the Abbot."

[Cynical Cat]

"Exotic magics?" Krelben said. "Hmmm. I don't think we have anything that qualifies, not by the standards of creatures who possess that kind of power." He paused as an idea struck him. "Unless you possess such abilities? That would explain why they attacked here of all places."

The justicar stroked his chin. "Do we have any idea where in Baator they took the abbot? Or where they are lairing?"

[SirNitram]

"No such luck; Pit Fiends are sadly all too common down there. It might not even be in the Hells; they've certainly branched out before, and that's before we include the entire Polaris Scandal.. Though I doubt your scholars would have heard of such an esoteric event." Malkamar shook his head.

"I do, however, have a form of Shadow Magic unique outside of Shade. I imagine I am an easier target than the Empire Of Shadow."

[LadyTevar]

"... and it's not often to find a dragon in the middle of a human city," Torma added, although she'd wished Malkamar hadn't started bragging about his abilities so soon. She was going to imply they didn't have that many special talents.

"The real question is how did the tsochar know that *we* had abilities they desired."

[Cynical Cat]

"As to the last, I have guess," said Krelben. "If they are looking for something specific and rare, such as your shadow magics, a powerful divination spell might reveal you as the closest possessors of whatever they were searching for. We know they have the skill to command such magics. It would also explain why the fiends did not attempt to harm you. The summoners feared treachery from them and gave them explicit orders not to harm you. Instead they were employed to destroy the defences of the Abbey so their masters could more easily obtain you."

[Comrade Tortoise]

"I was attacked almost as soon as I was away from the others. Part of their attack I wager was also to remove us from our home territory, friends, shelter and supply. I have abilities they would want as well, in addition to being a prime vessel for infiltration." the archmage smiled wryly.

"Actually I am surprised I have not been examined more closely"

"In any case, we will be able to find out if the abbey has been compromised in the morning if we wish to go that route."

[Rogue 9]

"We'll find out if we've been compromised, one way or another," Gaheris stated flatly. "In the meantime, a trap seems like the best option, but if they bring the kind of power they attacked the abbey with this morning to the trap, we're likely to be trapped ourselves." He sighed. "But it's better than sitting around waiting for the hammerstroke.

"The obvious bait is for me to do what they're probably hoping we'll do; leave the Abbey and go to ground in the city to draw them away from the rest of you. I'm thinking about doing that anyway; the Abbey can't sustain another attack like this morning's."

[Cynical Cat]

"That's true," said Krelben. "These monsters wield enormous power and seemingly care nothing for the repercussions of their acts. Do we have any clue as to where they are lairing?"

[Rogue 9]

"None. The sage we consulted at Candlekeep wasn't even aware that they were active on this plane until we asked him about their god. Apart from that, our only clue is that the cult originates in Elturel."

[Cynical Cat]

"Then it would seem that you need to investigate Elturel."

[Rogue 9]

"I'll be putting that into motion when this council is over," Gaheris responded. "I still have some loose ends to tie up." He turned to the senior monk in the room. "Last night, I asked Brother Tanthius to follow Solarian Goblinslayer to the safehouse I'd dispatched him to, in order to make sure he got there safely. Did he return?"

[Cynical Cat]

"Yes, he did."

[Comrade Tortoise]

"Do you know where he is?"

[Cynical Cat]

"He's here."

[Rogue 9]

"I'll need to speak with him when we're done here. I'm worried about Solarian; I'd thought it was too much of a coincidence to have just found him before he died of his wounds, and if a tsochar got to him, it would explain much."

[Cynical Cat]

"He was kidney stabbed with a knife," Krelben replied. "It take hours to die from that. I agree that he should be tested under guard, but don't go jumping to conclusions."

[LadyTevar]

"Why not?" Torma piped up helpfully, "He's really good at jumping like that."

[Rogue 9]

Gaheris glared at the dragon. "It isn't a solid conclusion, but it is a risk. Learn the difference, youngling. We have to be sure." He paused. "In fact, we have to be sure about everyone, us included." He turned to Krelben. "Justiciar, I recommend that everyone in the Abbey get a physical examination to look for signs of the parasites, and questioning by those who know them best to look for discrepancies. We cannot be too careful given the nature of the enemy."

[Comrade Tortoise]

"I was going to use an Antipathy spell in the morning, but this may be a bit more prudent..." the wizard noted, as he would not have to use one of his precious spells on something that only might reveal the presence of these parasites

[Cynical Cat]

"We will implement those measures," said Krelben. "Anything else?"

[Rogue 9]

"Until we have magical means to search for Abbot Khazar or have a prisoner to question, I don't see much else that we can do besides try to secure ourselves.

"In the meantime, we can't forget about our more usual enemies. I wouldn't put it past the Faceless to try and take advantage of the situation to do us more harm, not for one second. With the gate destroyed, we are vulnerable."

[Cynical Cat]

"Why not dig them out of Elturel?" asked Krelben.

[LadyTevar]

"Why not dig them out of Elturel?" asked Krelben.

"that's what I wanna know..." Torma muttered.

[SirNitram]

"I suspect Gaheris is not wanting to offend his fellow paladin by the implication he can't keep his own house in order." The Shadovar commented dryly. "But I fear we cannot allow politeness to hamper investigations. The question then becomes, do we serve as bait here to lure the Abbot's kidnappers out, or seek to end the infestation where we know it is?"

[Cynical Cat]

"We live in Westgate," said Krelben. "We can't keep this damn house in order and that's known in every corner of the Realms. Waiting here for them to throw more powerful fiends at us until we're all dead isn't a plan, it's suicide. Dig them out and kill them."