Poljen listens as the group discusses their course of action. He finally says, "I say we stay and explore. Killing those loyal to the cult." He glances at the twin women found in the barbarian's chambers he says, "I doubt you are loyal to the cult, so you are safe! I slew your tormentor!" He removes the throwing axe from the wall and gives it to them. Turning once more to his comrades he continues, "Velon, I agree that you should hold the mask, or whomever does must stay close to you. And if some must be left behind, that is a known risk. I for one am willing to hold off hordes of enemies while everyone else escapes. It would be a good death, a worthy death. Though if I can also escape, that would be better, yes? Ha! Anyway, I say risk it. If we can work our way through here and take the castle, we can dee-prive the cult of this wonder. And if we do not succeed in taking it, mayhaps we can at least smash it into their next base. That too would be glorious!" He then stays near the door, ready in case someone comes knocking at their door or Rezmir's.
"Yes, how do they fly this thing, anyhow? It would be nice to know how to fly it away, or as Poljen said, at least crash it and some damage to them that way."
Let's get some rest. Any clever ideas of how to proceed are welcome, but for now we'll start by clearing this floor and working our way down. Hopefully we can find your equipment quickly, Tazskan.
Velon nods at Poljen in appreciation for his words and his ability to guard the door while the rest of them rest. "Lawrance, please do as you see fit to provide us some protection here."
Lawrance lays out the radius of the Hut, making a point to run the edge along the doorway and about 2 feet from the door itself, to provide a barrier but still able to open the door itself. Running through the ritual spell, he includes everyone inside it and then completes it with a snap of energized magic.
Specific Action: tiny Hut with dark outside.
Looking to Velon, the drow says, "So far I have generally prefer talking from range, and why I have also scouted ahead we have two others that have done a fair job for such… I'm willing to watch over the mask and protect it, as well as to stay in there you, though if you would prefer to hold on to it yourself that is your choice as this group's leader." Zarra hopes this will do, carefully revolving the mask covered in the cloth from her pack to reveal that she does indeed have it.
"You have proven yourself in a short time, Zarra. I appreciate you helping me carry this burden. We will do it together, you with the mask and I with the scroll." Velon smiles at her. "Perhaps if all else is lost you can make us both invisible to buy us time to use the scroll, although I pray to Bahamut that it never comes to that." Velon sits with the group and tends to his wounds and his gear, chewing on some rations, sipping his waterskin, and casting 9HP of Lay on Hands into his wound to give him strength."
Out of Character: . She can keep it, and they will work together to protect it. This will help show the Drow that she is appreciated and trusted after initial suspicions of her, strengthening the team in the long term. With so much turnover in members, Velon must put faith in newcomers, as he Cratol, Poppo and Poljen (The members originally sent out by Silas) certainly cannot do it all alone. Zarra's practically a long term member as compared to some others now, having been around since before the swamp adventure really started!
Lawrance sits down with his spell book, reviewing and recharging his magic through the study and preparing to rest. "So, what's the initial plan? Try to get as much rest as possible, to regain all our talents completely and hope we get what we need, or short rest and work with what we have?"
Specific Action: Short rest Arcane Renewal for 3 spell levels = 1 first, 1 2nd. If we complete a long rest, I will pick new spells.
Tazskan, replies "I for one would like to help in eliminating this evil cult. At the moment, Though I need better armor, and an arcane focus."
"Sure, once I'm armored and healed I will help you in slaying the dragon. Does anyone know, if this cult had other enemies? Perhaps they can make valuable allies for us "?
Out of Character: Unless, otherwise noted I'm in close proximity to Velon, and Poljen.