Game: Hired by the Dabus

Fringe's ears twitched in thought. "The first line implies that a weapon is involved, however it's wielded by a religious warrior and is a problem with people that just want peace. The third line states 'For those whose heart's I touch' followed by 'there is no tomarrow'. Sounds like desperation or a focus to me. The last two lines imply war."

The tiefling snapped his fingers believing he knew the answer. "It can't be sword for to name an actual weapon would be to limit templar. As for war, there may be something after a war so that can't be it either. However... My answer is this. You are Zealoutry!"

At the sudden appearance of a new speaking object, Quith'mek can no longer hide his annoyance. "And will my sword adopt the same contemptible chatter in which you all seem to take such glee?" His words are caustic and razor-edged. "Where is your wizard-master? We need to leave this place."

Janus brings a hand up to his wide, conical hat, making sure it's adjusted properly to cast shadows across the upper half of his face. Not that the light had anything to do with it; it was in fact due to his hat's magic. This was slightly worrisome. What if his hat became sentient and decided to give him a new look? That would be most inconvenient. Strange, worry is unlike me... first the wrong answer to the riddle, and now... no. He shakes his head slightly. It must be lingering effects from the fight with the 'gaunt. That is all.

Janus nods at Gregor, giving his wide, conical hat a tilt towards him as well.

'I am Janus Aran, and this one,' here he indicates Akhenanubis, instead of using his name, 'speaks correctly. If we could use a portal out of your realm - preferably to Sigil, but any exit would work - it would be greatly appreciated.'

Akhenanubis regards the man with increasing disdain. Though it does not reach his face, the priest is disgusted with the man's display. To treat your own power so carelessly was an insult to the Powers who saw fit to grant you such power. This wizard had created a world, Akhenanubis had expected a man of immense stature and power. This bumbling fool would only impair their mission, not aid it.
He nods curtly to the man before glancing down at Balance. The mace's growing warmth is not a good sign. They would do well to leave quickly. "Perhaps," he says to the rest of the party, "we should concentrate our inquiry on the doors themselves, since they are the most likely to hold a portal to another plane."
Feeling a little foolish, Akhenanubis turns to the door they entered by. "You... Doorway. Do you know of any portals within this plane? Perhaps some of your fellows?"

OOC: Sense Motive roll. I guess that means he's lying...

[...Apparently, we've been waiting for Quith'mek to talk, because he made the Sense Motive check. Here goes.]

(He's lying)
"Your thoughts betray you."
"Care to make that nap permanent? You know more than you let on, 'Thought-Granter'. We don't want to be here and your feigned senility is unconvincing. Tell us how to leave this demiplane, or I will tear it down around you."

Quith'mek manifests defensive precognition, unaugmented, expending one power point, bringing his daily reserve to 19, and gaining a +1 insight bonus to AC and all saving throws.

Akhenanubis blinks at the key in the old man's hands. He was lying, the priest thinks uncomfortably, the old man was lying and I could not judge properly. Surely even the best judges were fooled sometimes, but Akhenanubis was still shocked at his inability. The world outside of his lord's realm was certainly filled with downfalls as much as it was glories. "Your assistance is... appreciated, Sir. Much more so than your misdirections." Though intended to be admonishing, the words fell dully from the priest's mouth like crumbling sand. He took the key proferred and considered it with unfocused eyes.

Akhenanubis steps toward the door, holding the key in front of him.

Unity of Rings.

'This is where we left from,' Janus says, and turns his head slightly to direct his speech to Nancy. 'Which way to the room we were in earlier? It would be good to know who won that conflict.'

Akhenanubis spares barely a glance toward the departing librarian, he had scarcely noticed that she came along. Instead, the priest's piercing eyes focus on the back room where the group had left a short time ago. "Indeed, it would behoove us to know the victors of the conflict, though their attention in return is less desirable. It would perhaps be most prudent to employ stealth." He turns toward Janus, though his eyes still stay on the door. "Silent one, you are an obvious choice to reconnoiter. Is there a way for you to enter the room unseen?"

I think the DMing is going great, actually. I hope some of the other players wake up a bit so we can see what is going on with the ethergaunts. I didn't post for a while in the hopes that someone besides Bob and I would respond, but a servant of Lord Anubis must take initiative sometimes.

"I can attempt to discern the thoughts of the room's inhabitants, though," Quith'mek says with a frown, "it would be prudent to determine whether the room has inhabitants, whether they be etherguants or Yhigoloths. I will see what I can ascertain through the door. I have done it enough in the aprehension of criminals that I can still recall my scouting. Remain here and silent."

The githwarrior slinks forward, his armor making no sound (thanks to its stealth enchantment). His Move Silently check is below. He will listen at the door to see if he can hear any creatures inside. He is preparing to manifest read thoughts through the door to scan for enemies and to launch cloud mind if he is discovered.

Edit: forgot to roll that check.

Hmm.... no ranks. Let's see how I do.

Quith'mek understands Gith, Planar Trade, Celestial, and Infernal. But I don't think either ethergaunts or yugoloths would speak to each other in any of those.

'Yes,' Janus says without hesitation. 'Let us proceed.'

Having made such a proclamation, he follows Quith'mek to the door.

...and Quith'mek opens the door.

Akhenanubis's jackal-features twist into a frown. He doesn't like being threatened, nor does he appreciate the prospect of taking care of the dangerous artifact for more time. This general is an intriguing creature, to be sure, but he is beginning to show flaws just like every other mortal. He should have known better and silently chastizes himself for placing such respect in an entity beyond Anubis the Just. "I think," he says lowly, turning slightly toward the others so that the ethergaunt can't overhear as easily, "that any task which hurries the approach of this item's destruction is worthy of our attention. I do not relish the idea of getting further involved with these abominations, but perhaps the higher route has presented it and we would be remiss were we to ignore it."

Quith'mek hates this ethergaunt as much as the others, and has no particular vendetta against the yugoloths that he doesn't have against everyone else--they're all just enemies--but it's absolutely the only option they have.

"We accept your terms, Thing. But do not threaten us so freely. Ha'n riscs tja obuotr tscu em'leitre." (I kill harder than you think)

In other news... bump

Akhenanubis steps back at the appearance of the arcanoloths. What is happening? he thinks to himself as he tightens his grip on Balance. The past hour has been far too disjointed for the priest's liking and he's not sure what to do. Are these enemies? The General certainly doesn't like them, but is he a friend or a foe?

This is somewhat metagame, I'm really confused about this whole situation right now. Initiative below.

'Those are not arcanaloths,' Janus says, as though it might not be obvious.

He takes a small step back, ready to defend against an assault these strange creatures may launch.