Return [To Madness]: Act 1, Scene 2

[Lord Torath]

“I thank you for your trust, and I will not betray it. I only require about 20 minutes or so to establish and set the link. We can attend to it after the question of the missing natives is resolved.”

[Lord Torath]

“Lena, how long do you think it will take to send a runner to check on the message scrawled in the dirt? Are there actions you would like us to take while we wait? If not, I should spend the next twenty minutes or so working with Master Jagrinder.”

Stephen asks Jag to sit with him for a bit. He puts a hand on Jag's head and concentrates for about 20 minutes.

<There. Now all you need do is think in my direction and I will 'hear' you. Anything you think to yourself, I will not receive.>

[TristenC]

Lena's brow furrows further at the revelation the group is being spied upon. She glances about but at Stephen's reassurance that he has prevented observation for the time being seems to mitigate her concern slightly.

We will send a small group to ascertain what we can with this. she says to the mage translating. Aside to one of her aides she sets the detail, Make sure there is at least one woodsman, one of our initiate clerics, a pair of men-at arms and this one. She gestures last to the young mage translating. Find out what you can and get back here. If whatever is in the Labyrinth is involved we need to find out.

Turning back to the party she continues, addressing Stephen's questions. If we have caught the attention of the denizens of that place, I think you folk are the most capable for that. If whatever it is can spy on us in this camp, then we have what is potentially a very serious problem. I will have the other magic users and priests offer what they can, but their skills are far below yours in that respect. And... She muses briefly, You detected it watching you specifically yes? Not this area? Suppose it targeted someone else, hmm? I take it that would not set off any alarm bells in your head would it...

[Nocturno]

Testing the link. "Uhm ok. This should be useful."

[Lord Torath]

“That's correct. I can only tell if someone's watching me, personally. As long as I'm in a group, it will probably include the group as well. And I've got a chance of blocking the surveillance if it's being done remotely. But if someone's trying to eavesdrop from outside a tent, or using a telescope to watch us, I can do nothing other than let you know we're being observed. I can't even tell you how. On very rare occasions I've been able to locate my observer, but despite repeated attempts to replicate the effect, I've been unable to reliably do so. All we can do in such a case is to not talk about anything important. Depending on how well we can keep two different conversations going at the same time, we could use the mindlink to discuss important matters while discussing banal matters aloud.”

<You don't just need to send thoughts in words, either. You can send images and concepts as well.>

[Nocturno]

Jag will send this picture to see if he can get a reaction.

[Lord Torath]

<Where?!?> Stephen abruptly looks skyward, scanning for the threat.

<Wait a minute - wyverns can't breath fire,> he sends, giving Jag a wry look.

[Nocturno]

"I guess it works. Ok, I am set when everyone else is."

[Styrius]

Axid remarks after applying a slight bit of fragrance in his beard, “I’m ready. We might need to be wary on this return trip. There is no telling what has happened since the fire elemental went in. Hopefully things have not been burnt beyond usability or sigils obscured or the like.”

[TristenC]

The next few hours pass peacefully enough. Around noon the small group investigating the native village returns.

[Nocturno]

@10am Jag realizes he is being looked upon.

To the group.
"I am having the feeling of being spied upon remotely."

He also generates the image of a giant eye looking at him from the sky.

[Lord Torath]

<Thanks for letting me know. Will you check with Mistress Allikhain and Master Axid to see if they’re experienced a similar feeling? Perhaps we can get an idea of how often our opponent can ‘drop in’ on us.>

Stephen sends out the thought (one at a time) to the rest of the group (Ke’Sha, Jack, Landro, and Lena). <We are definitely under surveillance. Jag is reporting the feeling of being watched. Are you getting a similar feeling? If so, approximately what time and how long did it last?>

[BishGada]

"The Gods are watching us constantly, as Jag would testify. Yet, being under surveillance is bothering. We should return to the Labyrinth as soon as I finish my prayers." Ke'Sha momentarily thinks back and returns to his meditation.

[Styrius]

Axid remarks, "I believe we should be going sooner rather than later. I seriously hope we ar not walking into smoldering ruins."

[Lord Torath]

Around noon Stephen emerges from his tent, ready to enter the Labyrinth. After seeing Jack, Jag, and Landro, he mentally contacts Ke'Sha. <Ready to head in? I think the rest of us are ready. Can you snag Mistress Allikhain on your way over?>

Stephen stops by Axid's tent. "Ready to head in, Master Axid? I believe we're gathering near the entrance."

As he sees the return of the group sent to investigate the disappearances in the nearby village, he reaches out to Angel. <Excuse me, Miss Gallus, but I believe your investigators have returned.>