Post by: flame99 on October 12, 2014, 04:45:50 pm
OOC Thread (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=144378.0)
Cupla Baeta, Osirio DuSirc, Ari Cole, Ava, and a changeling under the name Ithraeheste Fr'Aviir - These are our, for lack of a better word, heroes. The five of them had come to Aretrian to seek gold, and glory; though this job wouldn't satisfy the second item, the first would be easily found with a job from the City Guard; to exterminate a particularly annoying band of kobolds in the Undercroft of the city. However, the whims of the vast city are not always kind, and the kobolds managed to find the adventurers unaware, knocking them unconscious. Ava is the first to wake, though the others are soon to follow, with aid from Ava's surprisingly painful methods of waking fallen allies.
Taking a look around, the five are in a cage, though it would seem the kobolds neglected to lock it. Also, they've neglected to confiscate your equipment (They aren't the brightest). Outside the cage is what appears to be a largely natural cavern, widened somewhat with tools. A dim blue light comes from a number of glowing mosses, fungi, and lichens. Cutting through the soothing blue light is a shocking red one stemming from a pool of lava set in the ground about ten feet from the cage. Around it stand six kobolds, chanting in Draconic.
Spoiler: Draconic speakers only (click to show/hide)
This aside, to the south there stands two shrines. Culpa alone recognizes the deity they're dedicated to; Tarulk, the Blood-Mother, and one of the goddesses of the kobolds. The shrines are bloodstained, and a mangled corpse of unknown species lies upon it.
Spoiler: ASCII Map (click to show/hide)
Post by: GiglameshDespair on October 12, 2014, 05:41:07 pm
She'd woken the others with a firm boot to the stomach. Winding them had prevented them saying anything as they were woken suddenly, and they tended to look around and see their situation as they recovered. Quietly, she looked to Osirio to direction. She angled her head towards the kobolds and hefted her hammer slightly - a simple code for "Kill them all?"
Post by: Nerjin on October 12, 2014, 05:45:31 pm
Post by: Harbingerjm on October 12, 2014, 06:55:33 pm
Turning to survey the cavern, and listening to the chanting of the Kobolds, Ithraeheste laughed softly, pulling out her sap.
"Seems the Kobolds want to go downwards. All in favour of... helping them along?"
Post by: Nerjin on October 12, 2014, 06:58:55 pm
Post by: Harbingerjm on October 12, 2014, 07:07:35 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on October 12, 2014, 07:10:05 pm
Ava did not think she'd like this Ithraeheste. Something about her raised her hackles, and there had been a certain amount of enjoyment in the kick to the belly she'd delivered.
((Assuming Ithy is disguised as a female drow, as in Osirio back-story. ))
Post by: flame99 on October 12, 2014, 07:15:12 pm
Ithraeheste moves quietly over to the cage door (Take 10 Move Silently, +10 mod), inspecting it to see whether opening it quietly is possible (???).The hinges seem slightly rusted, and would probably squeak a little while opening. However, they might not hear over the chanting. Besides, you'd probably be on the kobolds before they even knew what hit them.
Post by: Harbingerjm on October 12, 2014, 07:29:40 pm
"Speaking of assisting, the door is rusty. Do you have anything to grease the hinges?"
Post by: lawastooshort on October 13, 2014, 04:25:50 am
"Speaking of assisting, the door is rusty. Do you have anything to grease the hinges?"
Still feeling groggy, Ari is nonetheless pleased at being able butt in and whisper that yes – he has oil, and quite an excessive quantity, too…
”And I would also quite happily smash those feckers’ heads in, yes…”
Post by: Nerjin on October 13, 2014, 10:37:11 am
Post by: lawastooshort on October 13, 2014, 11:19:35 am
As the door opens, use Ghost Sound to try to make the kobolds believe their god would like them to show their faith by throwing themselves into the magma. In draconic of course.
Post by: flame99 on October 13, 2014, 06:25:39 pm
Spoiler: Draconic Speaking Time! (click to show/hide)
It's about the time the voice stops that one of the kobolds happens to look back and see the party awake. They ready their weapons!
Spoiler: Initiative (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: ASCII Map (click to show/hide)
Post by: Nerjin on October 13, 2014, 09:57:41 pm
Move towards nearest Kobold. Bash them with my Flail.
7 to hit, 8 damage (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4680192/)
Post by: lawastooshort on October 14, 2014, 02:39:39 am
(http://th08.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/i/2013/345/e/9/___gnome_portrait____by_sangrde-d6wb1cx.png)”Ho, hum, perhaps if I’d worked on my godly speech a little bit more that might’ve worked. Feck, let’s go…”
Ari had worked on his Giant considerably since last meeting Ava, and wasn’t shy of showing it.
”Now, you know you can’t rightly run quite so fast as me, Mountainous One, but if you can keep up I’m going to kick that eejit in the shins so you can bost his head off!”
Ari:
If I can reach an unwounded kobold that Ava could also reach, move into position to Flank and Aid Another for Ava to attack that one. If I can’t, attack the nearest surviving kobold with my morning star. They’re not that much bigger than me, so aim for the face with an overhead!
edit: I get +1 to hit and d6 damage.
edit 2: image, eheehee
Post by: GiglameshDespair on October 14, 2014, 04:29:27 am
Post by: Dwarmin on October 14, 2014, 09:35:52 am
(http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2011/264/6/a/6a3b0b9d48f42f5c7458225a1849fbfb-d4ajuca.jpg) "Why are we fighting? It is being clear the rat-dragons want us to do so. Better to escape, then dance to an unhappy tune.
Is Osirio giving too much of the credit to his foes? Perhaps, but he has not lived by obliging them..."
Ithraeheste moves back over to the others, eyeing them all briefly before addressing Osirio.
"Speaking of assisting, the door is rusty. Do you have anything to grease the hinges?"
"Ah, he keeps a small bit of the oil, for lanterns and burning things. This one will being to distract them while you work, my darling?" He said charmingly, vaulting to his feet, his flail spinning in figure eights. He took a small bottle from his belt and tossed it to the person who was not a Drow, but maybe a friend.
Or, he would have hoped so.
...
"NOW BEING THE CHARGE OF OSIRIO'S BOLD MEN!" he announced, quite loudly. He hoped it would catch on to the other party members.
Action: Give one of my pints of lantern oil to Ithra/NotIthra.
Then, move to attack Culpa's target with my flail!
+3 to-hit, 1d8+2 damage
Post by: GiglameshDespair on October 14, 2014, 11:22:06 am
"Avalanche. Not mountain. Mountains roar. Avalanches laugh." she said steadily to Ari, wondering why everyone seemed to get that wrong. Maybe the southron heat lulled their minds into dullness.
Post by: Dwarmin on October 14, 2014, 11:35:31 am
Trapped by the others in the way, Ava was one of the last to move out of the cage.
"Avalanche. Not mountain. Mountains roar. Avalanches laugh." she said steadily to Ari, wondering why everyone seemed to get that wrong. Maybe the southron heat lulled their minds into dullness.
"We should call the little man the mumble of the dirt-mound...
At least, this one will be making sure to remember the Ava's exact geography, from now on. Osirio knows mountains are harmless unless you are going to them, because they don't move. The avalanches will be burying you, no matter how fast one can run.
How many Rat-Dragons do we bury today, Ava of the Lanche?" He said with a knowing smile.
Post by: lawastooshort on October 14, 2014, 11:52:56 am
edit: image, eheheheh
Post by: flame99 on October 14, 2014, 12:08:59 pm
Spoiler: Yup, more Draconic (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Initiative (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: ASCII Map (click to show/hide)
Post by: Harbingerjm on October 14, 2014, 12:11:25 pm
Ithy steps out of the cage to the North West, and attempts to impale the kobold in that direction with a rapier strike.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on October 14, 2014, 12:30:33 pm
She slammed her hammer against the bars. A resounding crash echoed through the room.
"And we bury the shattered forms of all."
Post by: Dwarmin on October 15, 2014, 08:15:43 am
(http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2011/264/6/a/6a3b0b9d48f42f5c7458225a1849fbfb-d4ajuca.jpg) "First killing is going to Osirio! He is already the boldest man, it is seeming."
Post by: flame99 on October 15, 2014, 05:21:00 pm
The kobolds to the west of the lava pool take a few steps back, and fire their slings. Two of the stones go sailing off, one managing to bury it in the fungus to the south, and though the third hits Culpa, it plinks off his armour, doing little more than scuffing it. In a moment of panic, the kobold west of Osirio makes a desperate stab. Getting lucky, he punches through the armour, gouging through a large bit of flesh [5 DAMAGE].
Ari runs out, and makes the most of the fact that said kobold is now off balance. He swings his morningstar over his head, bringing it down squarely on the 'bold's forehead. The blow is extremely powerful, shattering its skull in a small explosion of gore.
Ava swings her maul, shattering the cage.
Spoiler: Initiative (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: ASCII Map (click to show/hide)
Post by: Nerjin on October 15, 2014, 11:13:24 pm
Move three left, politely smash the kobold to death. Or near death. Or at all would be lovely.
Post by: lawastooshort on October 16, 2014, 01:04:55 am
Move to the door/between the door and the kobolds, hopefully where I can also smash in another head at the same time. I.e. down/left 1, left 2 and then 1 left/up if appropriate by my turn.
edit: moved around :)
Post by: GiglameshDespair on October 16, 2014, 09:23:38 am
Post by: Dwarmin on October 16, 2014, 02:26:48 pm
"Are your injuries severe, Osirio?" Ara asked, though her expression under the scarf never changed.
Osirio shakes his head, his cocky grin a bit strained. A small spot of blood is seen spreading beneath his red silk coat, but he doesn't seem to be slowed down much.
Osirio: 8/13 HP
(http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2011/264/6/a/6a3b0b9d48f42f5c7458225a1849fbfb-d4ajuca.jpg) "Osirio has been scratched by the rat-dragons through this cheap armor, but he is still being on his feet...more bad luck for them." He whooped, moving for more Kobold crushing-as he moved, his sword hand suddenly blossomed in a dark purple light, as if engulfed by a dark flame. The power sped out, paused over the Corpse of the Kobold that hurt Osi, then angrily flowing past Ithys like silk on a wind (it pauses there a moment, sniffing past her shoulder like an inquisitive hound) before streaming toward her target.
Action: Cast a Hex-Curse on the nearest Kobold to the North (ithys target), or the Kobold furthest North in the group of three across the lava, if it's already dead.
Then, join in on the attack with whatever Kobold I can reach, if any.
--
Attack: +3 to-hit, 1d8+2 damage
Hex: Will save Dc 15, or suffer -2 penalty on attacks, saves, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls for 1 hour
Post by: Harbingerjm on October 16, 2014, 03:41:01 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on October 16, 2014, 05:03:39 pm
Post by: flame99 on October 18, 2014, 06:06:37 pm
Meanwhile, Osirio closes his eyes for a moment. With the sense of second sight learned by all who take up the title of Hexblade, he sees the whirling strings of fate within the cave; a splendid mosaic of the luck of the kobolds, the party, a rat running down the wall - even the strange fungi, all in a hectic, chaotic whirlwind of brilliant blues and reds. This ethereal world would cause any average person to go insane, but due to their curse of unluck, a Hexblade must learn to make sense of it. Though they cannot predict anything about the cacophonic winds of fortune, they can return from viewing it with their mind intact. And, for those who study deeply into the skill, impose some level of order onto it. With but a thought, the cursed purple winds about Osirio coalesce, and with the precision and speed of a master, he sculpts it into a form like a hound, which snaps forward greedily and quickly. Though it first charges for the corpse at Ithy's feet, it soon realizes that the target is dead, and turns quickly to instead attack one of the living 'bolds. It bites the creature, and for a moment the cultist's mind detects the hound, and tries to shake it off. Though it comes close to destroying the manifestation, it holds on tightly, before finally contaminating the winds about it. Mission completed, the hound returns to Osirio, for even when passed onto another, he is never entirely free of the curse.
All this occurs in the blink of an eye, which, to any outside observer, it would appear is simply what Osirio just performed. He opens his eyes quickly, and strides forward with confidence, despite the aura of bad luck around him, and the growing crimson sheen on his armour. He delivers a swift stab towards one of the kobolds, killing it mercifully fast.
In a mixture of grief and rage, another kobold makes a desperate attack. Skirting around the party's defensive strikes, the 'bold attempts to tackle Osirio. In a panic, the swings of both the Hexblade and Bard miss, allowing the kobold to tackle him. The Hexblade stumbles back, and teeters terrifyingly close to the edge, while in a plane unseen the hound snaps ineffectually at his legs, but Osirio remains standing nonetheless, throwing the kobold off of him.
The remaining kobold makes a less desperate move; simply stepping forward and thrusting with his spear. Despite his curse, the 'bold does strike true. It pierces painfully through the Hexblade's armour, though the strength behind it is lacking [3 DAMAGE].
Spoiler: Initiative (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: ASCII Map (click to show/hide)
Post by: GiglameshDespair on October 18, 2014, 07:33:56 pm
Use blood wind (http://dndtools.eu/spells/spell-compendium--86/blood-wind--3975/) to attack the kobold to the South of Avalanche.
Post by: lawastooshort on October 19, 2014, 12:52:59 am
Unless Osirio replies soon and in a way that suggests he needs a bit of wand of CLW, morningstar the kobold next to me.
Post by: Nerjin on October 19, 2014, 01:23:05 am
Down one, left one. Heal Osiro.
Post by: Dwarmin on October 19, 2014, 12:06:11 pm
The only prayer you said to Wee Jas was "Not today".
Osirio: 5/13 HP
He came back to a chorus of seemingly concerned party members.
"Hold still for a second Osiro, you need healing."
"You are hurt, Osirio?"
"...stop injuring him."
He was unused to anyone actually caring-even for the sake of politeness-if he lived, or died. He didn't know what to say.
"...Be healed or despair..."
(http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2011/264/6/a/6a3b0b9d48f42f5c7458225a1849fbfb-d4ajuca.jpg)"Ah, no worrying...just got the four winds knocked out from me..." He wheezed, transferring from a injured stumble, into a vicious rolling attack.
Action: Five foot step Southeast and hit the green kobold, if it still lives. Otherwise five foot step west, and hit the purple one.
--
Attack: +3 to-hit, 1d8+2 damage
Post by: flame99 on October 19, 2014, 12:54:22 pm
Culpa chants a short invocation as well, though his to Hextor. Though the god is one of pain and destruction, he manages to channel the raw power into healing; not Hextor's favourite thing for his followers to do, but even if He is watching, He'd be too preoccupied with basking in the fine mist that the westernmost ex-kobold has become [4 HP RESTORED].
Spoiler: Initiative (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: ASCII Map (click to show/hide)
Ithy's turn is next
Post by: Dwarmin on October 19, 2014, 01:15:02 pm
Still, he felt his wounds close up with a satisfying fleshy sound, and his pallor improved.
(http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2011/264/6/a/6a3b0b9d48f42f5c7458225a1849fbfb-d4ajuca.jpg)"This one never was knowing that healing could be quite that...odd.
This one is thanking you, The Culpa"
Osirio: 9/13 HP
Post by: Harbingerjm on October 19, 2014, 03:28:20 pm
Ithraeheste loomed over the last Kobold, face formed into a predatory grin.
"And now for questions and answers."
Post by: GiglameshDespair on October 19, 2014, 03:40:58 pm
Post by: flame99 on October 19, 2014, 07:05:08 pm
Spoiler: Initiative (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: ASCII Map (click to show/hide)
Osirio's turn is next
Post by: Dwarmin on October 20, 2014, 08:15:04 am
(http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2011/264/6/a/6a3b0b9d48f42f5c7458225a1849fbfb-d4ajuca.jpg)"Osirio wants you to drop the weapon...now."
Action: Demoralize the Bold!
Intimidate roll: +11 (+7 skill, +4 size diff)
Post by: flame99 on October 20, 2014, 10:06:21 am
Spoiler: Take a guess. Hint; it's Draconic. (click to show/hide)
Post by: lawastooshort on October 20, 2014, 10:15:54 am
Post by: Dwarmin on October 20, 2014, 10:35:01 am
"Ask the rat-dragon to swear fealty to me, ah, King Osirio-to tell the truth, and serve us however we desire. If I have his word, and he does what we ask, tell him that I promise I will not harm him. Use those exact words.
Tell this one if he lies or betrays us, Osirio will curse his soul forever-that a great black spider will stalk his every waking step for the rest of eternity, in life and death. Then, Ava will hammer his body into the afterlife." He said, putting on the glowing eyes again.
"Finally, ask him who took us prisoner, where they are-and who they were praying to...
Ah yes, the others of you should strip the dead, unless you have something to ask this one. We must be moving quickly now, and do not have much time to waste."
Post by: Harbingerjm on October 20, 2014, 10:48:20 am
Ithraeheste gets to looting.
Post by: lawastooshort on October 20, 2014, 10:52:09 am
Post by: GiglameshDespair on October 20, 2014, 11:15:33 am
Post by: Nerjin on October 20, 2014, 01:29:23 pm
Post by: flame99 on October 20, 2014, 02:59:55 pm
Spoiler: Draconic! Again. (click to show/hide)
Ithy begins to search around the room. Most have little of use; each with a small sling, an equally undersized half-spear, and some badly rotten pieces of leather used as make-shift armour. However, each wears a red robe, which might sell for a decent amount. Not too faded, nor waterlogged, with decent material. The evident leader carries a pouch of dried herbs, likely hallucinogenic. Selling them to an addict could be lucrative. In addition, you manage to find three coins in it.
Post by: lawastooshort on October 21, 2014, 03:00:38 am
”And why did you and your acquaintances capture us, kobold? To give your Tarulk our lives? There were only four of you? We killed more!”
Post by: GiglameshDespair on October 21, 2014, 04:50:07 am
Post by: Dwarmin on October 21, 2014, 08:41:22 am
[13/13 HP]
"Oh, and um... Elf woman...?"
"Osirio is sure Ari is a male. How else could he bargain for eggplants so well? No woman could get as many goats as he could in a single catapult, either." Osirio commented, remembering their very strange escape from the merchants, the full story of which will likely never be told, ever.
Post by: Nerjin on October 21, 2014, 09:43:52 am
Do I know anything about Tarulk, Denizen of the Darklands?
Post by: Dwarmin on October 21, 2014, 09:56:29 am
"You'll have to forgive me. I'm still attempting to remember who everyone is."
"Ah, just remember PATHS, my friend. A thing called the "mnemonic" devices.
Priestly Culpa
Ava-lanche
Tiny Ari
Handsome Osirio
Sneaky Ithra
Post by: Nerjin on October 21, 2014, 09:59:59 am
Post by: lawastooshort on October 21, 2014, 10:00:59 am
Bardic Knowledge check!
1d20=5 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/4687464/)+1
"Euh... Actually, no, I think not. You know, "Tall Osirio" and "Handsome Ari" works too."
Post by: Dwarmin on October 21, 2014, 10:19:50 am
Priestly Wielder of the Power of Hextor, Culpa
Ava-the Amazing hammer-lanche
Tiny tiny Ari
Handsome and Tall Hexblade, Osirio
Sneaky Stabber Sausage Maker, Ithra
Post by: Nerjin on October 21, 2014, 12:47:56 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on October 21, 2014, 12:58:37 pm
"That's all very well and good, brave and wonderous leader, but perhaps we should decide on what our next course of action is?"
Osirio was fairly deaf to sarcasm. His people tended to be quite literal.
"Well, it's being obvious-we will leave this room. Ithra scouting ahead, and rest of you are to follow me.
Maybe, we can be finding those Rat-Dragons, and be paying them what we are owing. Otherwise we are finding the way up to the sun, and calling it a bad day."
Post by: Nerjin on October 21, 2014, 01:00:30 pm
Post by: lawastooshort on October 21, 2014, 01:22:04 pm
Post by: Harbingerjm on October 21, 2014, 01:41:17 pm
"Let's go then, before Osirio tells us any more of the eggplant story. Anyone have anything to gag the kobold? You know, where I come from, we call them aubergines. Could tell you quite an embarrassing tale about Elder Dimble and an aubergine, but it's not the time nor place... Eggplants that is, not kobolds.""You... wish to gag the Kobold with an aubergine...?"
Post by: GiglameshDespair on October 21, 2014, 01:47:07 pm
She stood from the wall as the exchange ended. Having never seen an aubergine, se ignored that facet of the conversation.
"Should the kobold die?"
Post by: Dwarmin on October 21, 2014, 02:07:31 pm
"Should the kobold die?"
The Half-Elf shrugs, rolling his gaze over to lie upon Ava.
(http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2011/264/6/a/6a3b0b9d48f42f5c7458225a1849fbfb-d4ajuca.jpg)"Osirio promised he would not harm him. He won't. Given the choice of the matters, Osirio would gag and put the faithless creature in the cage, assuming it can actually be locked-he's not a threat to us right now. Our enemies should be knowing who we are, so we could leave him to tell the tale. And perhaps one day Osirio will see him again-this one sometimes gives luck, so that luck may come back.
Of course, no one else has promised not to harm him, and Osirio doesn't make all the decisions-the Kobold is his only subject! He may be better off dead. He did be stabbing me with the spear, not that Osirio takes it personally, but it hurt a bit...and he may be making trouble for us, if alive. And, if it may be saying, this is quite an embarrassing situation. Maybe better if few hear.
Either way this one is not enough of a fool to trust it. If we can't take it with us and we can't leave it here...ah, such a cruel world.
"King" Osirio's hands are clean, anyway...ah, either way make it quick, Ava-no suffering, if that is what you choose. Suffering would take longer.
We must be all going. There are probably lots more where he came from."
Osirio turned that moment away, plausible deniability at it's most basic form.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on October 21, 2014, 02:24:46 pm
Spoiler: Cage (click to show/hide)
Ava looked at the cage, seeing it's shattered bars scattered on the floor."I... do not think that can lock, Osirio. And I am not often in the mood of leaving enemies. It is our job to kill them."
At the mention of the luck going round, her eyes narrowed slightly."I hold the luck you have given. No one else. Not this rat dragon."
She stepped forward until she was almost eye to eye (well, chest to eye) with the wretched thing. She stared down into it for a long moment, letting it see the death in her cold blue eyes. With a sudden savage gesture, she swung the maul at the kobold.
Intimidate (if not still intimidated) then attack the kobold.
Post by: Dwarmin on October 22, 2014, 11:10:28 am
---
Action: Assuming nothing else happens, the team will leave the room! Ithra will scout ahead, Osirio will lead, the rest will fall in behind. Ari will be way in the back.
Osirio turns to the not-a-Drow afterwards.
(http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2011/264/6/a/6a3b0b9d48f42f5c7458225a1849fbfb-d4ajuca.jpg)"Ithra. Do you mind scouting ahead for us? You can go quieter than the rest, I know, and tell us if there is any trouble ahead. Or if you are finding the traps. The Rat-Dragons are fond of traps...just go and see, but do not engage anything you find. Is this seeming right to you?" Osirio framed it as a question, but it was probably more of an order.
Post by: Harbingerjm on October 22, 2014, 01:11:22 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on October 22, 2014, 02:09:56 pm
"Osirio. I do not trust zat voman. You said she is a cook, but she skulks in dark. When woke, she hissed like-" she strove in vain for the word. Snakes were not common in the icy north, oddly enough - "legless tiny dragon. I follow you, of course. But I am wary." She substituted, assuming Osirio was smart enough. He knew a lot more than she did. She knew what survival had taught her, and what Kotschtchie whispered to her. She had learned a few things by watching Osirio, and he had told her a few things about living in civilisation. Still, there was something about the drow that put her on edge.
Post by: flame99 on October 22, 2014, 05:54:03 pm
Spoiler: Draconic! (click to show/hide)
Culpa, after a moment of thought, recalls something about Tarulk in an old book he found in his master's libraries - On Monstrous Religions. The kobolds were remarked for having countless deities, but some were common between tribes, such as Kurtulmak. Tarulk was one such deity. She resides in the Darklands, which the civilized races call the Depths. She's only found in the tribes beneath Aretrian, and has yet to be observed outside of the city. She demands constant sacrifice, liking the civilized races best. She mandates that all who dwell in the sun must be killed, or given to the Darklands. She's thought to be the wife of Kurtulmak, but no evidence has been found.
Finally, with that all done, Ithy scouts ahead at Osirio's "request".
Spoiler: Ithy Time (click to show/hide)
Post by: Nerjin on October 22, 2014, 06:21:33 pm
Post by: lawastooshort on October 23, 2014, 07:44:57 am
Post by: GiglameshDespair on October 23, 2014, 07:59:51 am
Post by: lawastooshort on October 23, 2014, 08:27:16 am
Post by: Dwarmin on October 23, 2014, 08:34:24 am
"Osirio. I do not trust zat voman. You said she is a cook, but she skulks in dark. When woke, she hissed like-" she strove in vain for the word. Snakes were not common in the icy north, oddly enough - "legless tiny dragon. I follow you, of course. But I am wary." She substituted, assuming Osirio was smart enough.
Osirio approved of Ava's healthy paranoia. It was survival instinct, in these lands.
"Trust is a hard thing to come by, Ava. It is only rarely to have touched a heart, so you think you may know it fully. I thought I touched Ithra's heart long ago, but she is changed now, or she was different then, and different now. I do not know her as I once did, if I ever did...she was always good with a meat cleaver, but it seems she is carving more than sausage these last few years...Osirio does not trust to fragile paper promises, and words on the wind. He trusts in the deed, and the blood. He will watch and be wary, as you are.
Yet, for some, the best way...the only way...to ensure ones loyalty is to make sure they profit more from being your friend, than betraying you to your enemies. These people of the South, they do not know the biting cold, or the desert sun-they are soft. The little wolves can eat the big wolves, and then they all go hungry because they can no longer hunt as a pack. One who would lead Southern Wolves must be armored in suspicion, as well as his steel. He must protect his followers from their own weaknesses...and make sure they are well fed.
Osirio will watch closely, as does with all, and he will make sure she eats well. That is all any leader can do...along with making example of the oathbreakers." He finishes with a light smile.
"Well..." Culpa said looking at the newly liquified kobold who was likely only liquified because it didn't start saying anything until halfway through the swing with a mild amount of disapproval. "With that out of the way, probably didn't have anything important to say, I'm afraid I don't really know anything important about their goddess. Rather local and for good reason. She loathes those who dwell in the sun. There are a few other little tidbits but nothing really relevant I'm afraid."
"Hating everything under the sun? That is being a bit conclusive, isn't it? Even rocks and trees, this one supposes..."
"Don't say I've already told you too, eh? Even the bit with the escaping beetle?"
"You told us about the exploding beetle. Or was that the same story?"
Post by: GiglameshDespair on October 23, 2014, 09:59:07 am
...I think I vould prefer the company of volves.
She ripped a scrap of cloth from the robe of the freshly-mushed kobold, and began to clean her hammer, looking for anything of value as she did so.
Loot the kobold.
Post by: Dwarmin on October 23, 2014, 10:01:48 am
Ava considered Osirio's words for a while.
...I think I vould prefer the company of volves.
"Indeed. Still better to be the wolf than the sheep, my dear-South or North. Better the butcher, than the meat." He finishes, solemnly.
Post by: Harbingerjm on October 23, 2014, 01:38:29 pm
"There is a tunnel outside, split into two paths. One path is collapsed, and one blocked with a door. Unless one of you can get us past the blockage, I suggest we regroup near the door, and someone try to listen through it to determine how many foes lie beyond."
Post by: GiglameshDespair on October 23, 2014, 01:47:30 pm
Post by: Nerjin on October 23, 2014, 03:15:49 pm
What material is the door?
Post by: GiglameshDespair on October 23, 2014, 03:25:44 pm
A second later she spoke again.
Post by: Harbingerjm on October 23, 2014, 03:29:33 pm
"Couldn't Ms. Hammer easily bash through the door?" Culpa asked before leaning out into the hallway to examine the door."... Almost certainly. Why?"
Post by: Nerjin on October 23, 2014, 03:32:52 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on October 23, 2014, 03:36:59 pm
Post by: flame99 on October 23, 2014, 03:41:36 pm
What material is the door?Flimsy wood, likely cobbled together from whatever the 'bolds could get their hand on. It seems slightly rotten, at that. Certainly not going to hold against Ava for long.
Post by: Harbingerjm on October 23, 2014, 03:42:40 pm
Post by: Nerjin on October 23, 2014, 04:17:21 pm
Post by: Harbingerjm on October 23, 2014, 04:21:19 pm
Post by: Nerjin on October 23, 2014, 04:29:34 pm
Post by: Harbingerjm on October 23, 2014, 04:31:45 pm
Post by: Nerjin on October 23, 2014, 04:33:04 pm
Post by: Harbingerjm on October 23, 2014, 04:45:12 pm
"I think we'd be doing them a favor if we bashed it down honestly...""That's fine, they'll pay us back soon."
Ithraeheste smirks and pats the pocket she put the looted pouch in.
Post by: Nerjin on October 23, 2014, 04:48:36 pm
Post by: Harbingerjm on October 23, 2014, 04:53:26 pm
Post by: Nerjin on October 23, 2014, 04:57:41 pm
Post by: Harbingerjm on October 23, 2014, 05:00:10 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on October 23, 2014, 05:11:42 pm
"Taking something with strength is no theft. The price is paid with blood. Theirs or yours."
Post by: lawastooshort on October 24, 2014, 12:34:57 am
Stand opposite Ava behind the door, wait for comrades to draw missile weapons, and open the door.
Post by: Dwarmin on October 24, 2014, 08:24:19 am
Of course, murder is a poor thing too. Thankfully this isn't a murdering-at least officially! The Company of Osirio's Bold Men is having a letter of marque to kill as many rat-dragon kind (and everything else) as we find down here, as a threat to the city. It has a fancy looping signature from the local Baron, and all of that. He also authorized the total war, not in so many words-it is in us to be damaging the enemy infrastructuring, and deny them supply and sundry...at least, that is how Osirio reads it...
Mr Culpa, if it harms your senses, know that your share of loot is to do with as you wish-there is places where it may be more use, say the local poor-care-guild? You must agree, say, not to leave a dagger in the place where the Kobolds will use it again on an innocents. They will use those coins, even, to buy things from unscrupulous men aboveground-swords and poison and armor. Better we take them, yes." Osirio said, diplomatically. He thought Culpas War God might buy that line of reasoning.
Post by: Nerjin on October 24, 2014, 09:02:24 am
Action: Ready sling.
Post by: Dwarmin on October 24, 2014, 09:32:19 am
*
Spoiler: Elvish (click to show/hide)
Post by: lawastooshort on October 24, 2014, 12:19:08 pm
+1 to hit, d6 damage.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on October 24, 2014, 12:40:32 pm
Post by: Harbingerjm on October 24, 2014, 04:11:39 pm
Ithy moves up and listens at the door (Take 10, +3).
Post by: Dwarmin on October 25, 2014, 08:12:11 am
Action: Take five foot step behind Ari/Ava, Ready my shortbow, fire on any enemy revealed.
Attack: +2 to-hit, 1d6 damage
Post by: flame99 on October 27, 2014, 07:46:48 pm
"... It seems we have different ideas of what constitutes a ranged weapon."You hear what seems to be a single voice, giving an apparent sermon. However, you can't make out any distinct words. It does seem to be Draconic, though.
Ithy moves up and listens at the door (Take 10, +3).
Ari opens the door, giving it a small slam to unstick it, revealing seven kobolds bowing before an eighth, evidently in a religious ceremony. Around the center of the room is a dais, upon which stands the eighth. Another shrine to Tarulk sits in the room, and to the south, there's tunnel leading out Culpa fires his sling, aiming for the evident leader, burying the bullet into its temple, and it falls to the ground, dead. Osirio nocks an arrow, letting it loose at the leader too, though the arrow goes amiss.
Spoiler: Initiative (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: ASCII Map (click to show/hide)
Post by: Harbingerjm on October 27, 2014, 09:30:00 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on October 27, 2014, 09:37:27 pm
((If I charge, I'll need everyone else to charge as well in their move after the surprise round. Or I'll get mobbed. ))
Post by: lawastooshort on October 28, 2014, 01:29:44 am
Post by: Dwarmin on October 28, 2014, 08:42:17 am
"I am the one coming upon your left, My Ava!" He said, hoping she wouldn't backhand him into oblivion. The woman was no battlerager, but she didn't know how to fight as part of a team yet.
Action: Drop my bow and draw my Gusiarme along with my move action, as I move forward to hit Ava's target, or whichever I can. Stay at her side, though, and AoO anyone I can.
Attack: +3 to-hit, 2d4+3 damage
*A thousand rats can kill even a bear...
Post by: Nerjin on October 28, 2014, 10:22:53 am
Move towards the Kobold six spaces and cast Bane (DC: 14 Will Negates) (-1 Attack rolls. -1 Penalty to Saving throws vs fear)
Post by: flame99 on November 08, 2014, 09:26:27 pm
Spot check on the remaining kobolds.They are indeed kobolds, and there wouldn't be too much spectacular that you can see. No hidden 'bolds, no hidden weapons, no apparent traps...
Charge and crush the nearest kobold!The nearest kobold is charged and promptly crushed, with yet another explosion of blood. One makes a stab at you while you run past, though doesn't come anywhere near you.
((If I charge, I'll need everyone else to charge as well in their move after the surprise round. Or I'll get mobbed. ))
Start mumbling a chant to Inspire Courage and then charge and crush the next nearest kobold!
Start mumbling a chant to Inspire Courage and then charge and crush the next nearest kobold!You mumble the story of Finneaus the Rat-Slayer. It's a rousing epic about Finneaus's exploits in rats and the slaying thereof. You leave out the last few stanzas which detail his gruesome death at the hand of a rat swarm. Not great for morale, that.
The chant begun, you run to Ava's aid, though you don't quite make it.
"Well this is going well already." Culpa mumbled to himself as he ran forward roughly 30 feet "You have no chance! You should flee!" and with that he cast his remaining miracle of the day.You approach the 'bolds, and attempt to intimidate them, weaving a bit of divine magic into your words. The targeted bold doesn't resist the spell, and finds himself shaken up.
Move towards the Kobold six spaces and cast Bane (DC: 14 Will Negates) (-1 Attack rolls. -1 Penalty to Saving throws vs fear)
"Hsst! *Ei syral car tal cor ei shaes..." Osirio swore, letting his bow drop to the ground.You drop your bow, and draw your guisarme instead. You don't come close enough to hit any kobolds, but you're threatening a large area, and you stand a decent chance of killing anything that draws near.
"I am the one coming upon your left, My Ava!" He said, hoping she wouldn't backhand him into oblivion. The woman was no battlerager, but she didn't know how to fight as part of a team yet.
Action: Drop my bow and draw my Gusiarme along with my move action, as I move forward to hit Ava's target, or whichever I can. Stay at her side, though, and AoO anyone I can.
Attack: +3 to-hit, 2d4+3 damage
*A thousand rats can kill even a bear...
Spoiler: Initiative (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: ASCII Map (click to show/hide)
Post by: Harbingerjm on November 08, 2014, 09:37:23 pm
"Plans! So useful!"
Post by: GiglameshDespair on November 10, 2014, 03:34:47 pm
Come and die, rat dragons. My hammer hungers! Ava snarled, the fine red mist of kobold contrasted against the blue stone of her armour.
Post by: lawastooshort on November 11, 2014, 03:59:04 am
Move North, North-East, East East, smack kobold in face! Keep chanting!
Post by: flame99 on November 11, 2014, 01:19:42 pm
Move 1 square North, 3 squares East, 1 square South-East, 3 squares East (40 feet total).Ithy moves into position.
"Plans! So useful!"
The kobolds begin to act; One skirts around the party member's reach and slips through the door to the south, closing it behind him. It seems to be made much better than the previous one. It's still not terribly sturdy looking, but the wood is only mildly rotten, and a few bands of dull, rusted iron reinforce it. You hear a thud behind it that can only be the barricading of the door. Another runs to the backside of Ava, skewering the flanked giant, though the hastened attack doesn't hit with much force [1 DAMAGE]. The one across from Ava tries to take advantage of her momentary wince, but his spear tip finds only stone.
Another runs around the 'bolds attacking Ava, and instead goes for Ari Cole. Osirio thrusts his guisarme, but the kobold anticipates it, and dodges easily. However, Ari manages to duck out of danger as well, as the stab sails over his head. Another makes a similar move, though targeting Ithy instead, and finds more success, though it's still only a small gash [1 DAMAGE]
For lack of a better target, the final 'bold joins the attack on Ava, though the only effect is slightly scuffing a few scales.
Crush, crush, crush the kobold, violently into mush!The rat-dragon's pitiful attempts at a slaughter are over. Now it's time to begin the real one.
Come and die, rat dragons. My hammer hungers! Ava snarled, the fine red mist of kobold contrasted against the blue stone of her armour.
Ava hefts her maul over her head, and with a blood-thirsty grin, taunts the cowering beast. The beast, however, comes to his senses, and not an instant too soon. A large portion of the tail is sheared off, but the kobold itself comes off fine.
"Mumble mumble plans? Mumble!"Unfortunately, you can't go there because a kobold is already there. You content yourself with pulping him instead. His death is far less impressive than the others, though no less brutal. He survives the initial bludgeoning, if barely, but a quick kick to the head dispatches the creature.
Move North, North-East, East East, smack kobold in face! Keep chanting!
Spoiler: Initiative (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: ASCII Map (click to show/hide)
Post by: Nerjin on November 11, 2014, 01:39:27 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on November 11, 2014, 02:31:51 pm
Ava felt the warmth of blood bloom from the backstab. It had gone in at an angle, avoiding the tower shield strapped to her back.
<You stabbed...> she growled in Giant.
She growled, but managed to keep her temper. Beneath the scarf, her teeth bared themselves in a grimace, but they slowly settled back into the normal emotionless mask.
Kill!
Post by: Dwarmin on November 12, 2014, 09:43:13 am
Post by: flame99 on November 12, 2014, 11:12:37 am
Sling at the northernmost kobold.You try to fire a sling bullet at a kobold, but you release at the wrong time, and it sails to the north instead.
Action: Move forward and poke the Kobold to the North of Ava, or South if it is dead.You step a few feet to the east, and using the momentum, thrust the polearm deep into the 'bold north of Ava. The blow strikes deep, skewering it's heart. In a moment of fury, you drag it up, carving more still of the 'bold. Finally, you yank the guisarme back, allowing the mutilated corpse to rest.
Spoiler: Initiative (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: ASCII Map (click to show/hide)
Post by: Dwarmin on November 12, 2014, 11:29:39 am
She is mine! His wild thoughts insisted.
As his sight cleared, he saw the mess he had left and grinned joylessly. He wasn't quite sure what had come over him.
Action: More poking, on any kobolds left
Post by: GiglameshDespair on November 12, 2014, 12:40:07 pm
Post by: Harbingerjm on November 12, 2014, 07:40:16 pm
Spoiler: Draconic (click to show/hide)
Post by: flame99 on November 12, 2014, 08:19:26 pm
"Ithy" turns to face the Kobold that had attacked her, her smile displaying far too many teeth.The 'bolds suitably intimidated, you exchange a short series of jabs and dodges. Ithy doesn't manage to land a blow, but with a swift duck and a quick thrust, striking painfully, though thankfully not terribly deeply. [2 DAMAGE]Attack.Spoiler: Draconic (click to show/hide)
The kobolds shout to each other.
Spoiler: Draconic (click to show/hide)
From behind the door, you hear a ringing of a gong; no doubt an alarm being raised.
Crush! Maim! Kill!Ava does, indeed, crush, maim, and kill. Massively. The northern 'bold's skull is crushed and reduced to a fine dust, falling upon the other destroyed corpse. The southern one seems very scared.
Spoiler: Initiative (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: ASCII Map (click to show/hide)
Post by: lawastooshort on November 13, 2014, 04:29:31 am
Post by: GiglameshDespair on November 13, 2014, 08:37:50 am
<"Stop scurrying like weasels beneath snow! Stand and die!">
Post by: Nerjin on November 13, 2014, 08:56:38 am
Post by: flame99 on November 14, 2014, 12:44:48 pm
Keep Chanting and move to the kobold next to Ava and do Morningstar at his face!Chanting under your breath, you approach, mace in hand. As you draw near, you raise it above your head, and begin picking up speed. Then, at the critical moment when the 'bold will be introduced to your mace...
You trip.
Your foot catches a bit of fungi, and stumble a bit. You don't fall over, but the 'bold is now very aware of you, and very not dead.
Another sling to the Kobold if you please.You see considerably more luck than your ankle-biting companion. The sling bullet flies true, killing the 'bold threatening Ithy.
Spoiler: Initiative (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: ASCII Map (click to show/hide)
Post by: Dwarmin on November 14, 2014, 01:05:39 pm
Action: Move to flank the Kobold to the South, and try to trip him!
Attack Check: +3 vs Touch AC
Trip Check: +6 vs STR/DEX
Post by: flame99 on November 15, 2014, 10:58:06 pm
Osirio swept his guisarme down, trying to catch the kobold on the hooked edge and bring him to the floor.With a swift motion, you hook the 'bolds leg, and yank it fluidly out from under him. With hardly a thought, you swing the guisarme back around and hold the blade at the kobold's throat. He begins speaking, likely bargaining for his life.
Action: Move to flank the Kobold to the South, and try to trip him!
Attack Check: +3 vs Touch AC
Trip Check: +6 vs STR/DEX
Spoiler: Draconic (click to show/hide)
Post by: GiglameshDespair on November 16, 2014, 08:10:43 am
"<Kill it.>" she said in Giant, before she remembered.
"Kill it. Or I vill."
Post by: Dwarmin on November 16, 2014, 02:20:46 pm
Action: Finish it off!
Post by: Nerjin on November 16, 2014, 02:23:57 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on November 16, 2014, 02:27:57 pm
"I am sorry, kobold. I wish you the best in your afterlife." Culpa muttered as he touched his holy symbol.
Osirio pauses his killing thrust for a moment of byplay.
"Well, just so you are knowing, Rat-Dragon's don't believe in the afterlifes. They believe when one of them dies, he is reborn into one of the eggs that his clan has yet to hatch, assuming he was loyal in life.
They are immortal, in their own Rat-Dragons eyes."
Post by: Nerjin on November 16, 2014, 02:34:31 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on November 16, 2014, 02:38:32 pm
...but, oh yes, to the business at hand?"
Post by: Nerjin on November 16, 2014, 02:41:13 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on November 16, 2014, 02:42:49 pm
"And vhat if all of zhem died?"
She shook her head at the notion of cruelty.
"It cowered. It is veak. It has earned no kindness."
Post by: Dwarmin on November 16, 2014, 02:46:24 pm
Action: Snicker-snack!
Post by: Nerjin on November 16, 2014, 02:52:55 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on November 16, 2014, 03:19:02 pm
"You earn vhat you take. Nothing is given for nothing."
Post by: flame99 on November 16, 2014, 03:19:14 pm
"I do agree-this Rat Dragon has earned not the cruelty...or, the mercy."With a quick slash, the kobold is dead.
Action: Snicker-snack!
A quick search of the bodies reveals a similar haul to last time; each 'bold is wearing some red robes, leather armor, and holding a half spear. However, the one that was executed has a surprisingly well cut tourmaline tucked in his pocket. Beneath it is a small note, written in Common for some unknown reason.
Spoiler: Note (click to show/hide)
Culpa knows who Alathoth is; he's a demon said to have ravaged the world in ages long since past. However, he's supposed to have been chained by the gods long ago.
Post by: Nerjin on November 16, 2014, 03:24:59 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on November 16, 2014, 03:27:18 pm
"<Betrayal...>"
She swung her hammer down, pulping a nearby corpse's chest.
"Betrayed. I'll kill zhem."
Post by: Dwarmin on November 16, 2014, 03:33:43 pm
"Humm, seems we will have to be killing our employers now. Osirio agreed to do a job, and he WILL be getting paid-one way, or the other way....Ah, and a demon? Well, what can we be doing? I suppose we have a, ah, moral compunction to destroy this nest then, but not much economic. Better we be killing this one who betrayed us, and maybe it won't happen. Seems like more trouble, anyway...and not much money. Rough goings ahead, not a doubting.
Also, let Osirio see that paper...
While, Ava, can you smash open that door the rat bolted? Otherwise we are being trapped here, with no revenge."
Action: Osirio notes the handwriting on the paper and checks it against the documents he was given for the job, and looks for signature marks.
Post by: Nerjin on November 16, 2014, 03:39:17 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on November 16, 2014, 03:54:02 pm
Break the door to splinters.
Post by: Dwarmin on November 16, 2014, 04:07:20 pm
"I suppose this also means that we won't be getting paid for destroying the kobolds... Unfortunate."
"Maybe, maybe not, now that I am thinking. Who gives us the money and who sets us up? Perhaps not the same one. Perhaps he will hope we did not find a letter, and pay us. Maybe we will have to carve our price from his fancy hide, though there is not much money in a traitors meat and blood, alas-it is known.
If he is very smart, he will pay us, admit what he did, and offer us another job. Osirio does not mind working for someone who keeps his word, technically. To say, what does Osirio have against Alathoth, as personally? Osirio has known friendly Demons. Mostly friendly! Perhaps there is profit in this still, if he can convince Ava not to make a pulp of him."
Post by: flame99 on November 16, 2014, 04:10:53 pm
Action: Osirio notes the handwriting on the paper and checks it against the documents he was given for the job, and looks for signature marks.The signature on the documents reads "Gerald Rath". Additionally, the handwriting seems similar, although the note was obviously written much more quickly.
Ava nodded and moved to door, slinging her smaller shield across her large one. She took her hammer two-handed and began to batter the door.The door holds up surprisingly well, not disintegrating immediately like the last one, but after a few heavy blows, it finally buckles and breaks.
Break the door to splinters.
Post by: Nerjin on November 16, 2014, 04:17:19 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on November 16, 2014, 04:20:20 pm
Now-Osirio's Bold Men! are striding resolutely forward through the hard ships!" He announces loudly, though to who, often only Osirio knows.
Often only Osirio.
Action: Stride Resolutely onward!
Also, pick up my bow from the ground...
Re-equipping my shield and flail.
+2 AC (Now 16)
"This demon will destroy the world. Even the gods fear him. No one will survive if he is summoned. We need to stop even the opportunity of him being summoned. I'm sorry captain, but I won't let this man live after this. The gods themselves dictate that this demon stay chained."
"Ahf! Are you sure this one is THAT bad? Perhaps he just has the losers book, that the winners wrote about him? If you lose, they never write good things about you." Osirio was genuinely curious, but absurdly glad Culpa has called him "Captain". Finally, his leadership was being recognized.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on November 16, 2014, 04:28:07 pm
"Vere you injured, Osirio? My own..."
She cast Cure Light Wounds on herself, barely feeling the frostbite fangs.
"No issue."
Post by: Dwarmin on November 16, 2014, 04:33:25 pm
Post by: flame99 on November 16, 2014, 04:43:12 pm
Ava shrugged.The cold spreads across you, though you hardly acknowledge it. [5 HEALTH RESTORED]
"Vere you injured, Osirio? My own..."
She cast Cure Light Wounds on herself, barely feeling the frostbite fangs.
"No issue."
Also, I just noticed I haven't been awarding experience. The total so far comes up to 210 per player for both encounters.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on November 16, 2014, 04:51:08 pm
It was odd: in a way, she didn't want Osirio fighting. If he died, she had failed, and him fighting risked that. She did not like to fail. Her god would turn his face from her, and she would once again be the weak, worthless creature she was a child. On the other hand, a leader who did not fight was no leader at all, and he wouldn't be worth fighting for.
If he ever turned craven, she'd do him a favour and kill him. She supposed that would be a fair return.
She fell into step behind him, unlimbering her small shield again.
Post by: Nerjin on November 16, 2014, 05:01:17 pm
Post by: Harbingerjm on November 16, 2014, 06:17:05 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on November 16, 2014, 07:20:17 pm
In her head, Kostchtchie laughed.
Post by: Dwarmin on November 18, 2014, 09:21:39 am
"The texts in both temples I've studied within have stated that he destroyed many millions of lives all around the world. Entire cities were destroyed as if they were made of wheat. It... I'd rather not take the risk."
"Eh, the Risk and the Reward, huh?
Still, being there is no profit in the destruction of the world-most agree. Perhaps Osirio will think on this thing."
Osirio mulled, rubbing his chin and falling into a thoughtful silence.
He might have been a terrible person in most regards, but he wasn't mad enough to release something that would kill millions of people meaninglessly, either...of course, millions of common men died in wars as well, often for petty disputes over land, women, and flags-they didn't need Demons, only the swords and maces of other common men. What if such a force could force the world to a bitter peace, he mused? And what if Osirio could stand by such a force, and reap it's bounty...he might well allow such a thing. He knew Demons lied, however, and so did Gods. There was no sure things when dealing with beings of such power....but, Osirio was the sort who had decided long ago he would rather take a risk and fall, than die in his bed of old age. There was nothing but his Lady waiting at the end, no matter what he did. Why not aspire to greatness?
At the very least, however, Osirio would not allow such a being into the world....if he did not do it himself. He could not bear anyone else gaining so much power at his expense, likely to his own destruction. And that of his newfound friends. He was becoming fond of Ava, and he was beginning to become slightly...possessive, of her company. She was handy to have around.
Post by: Nerjin on November 18, 2014, 07:16:43 pm
Post by: flame99 on November 18, 2014, 07:53:34 pm
"I suppose that will have to suffice for now... Do we have a plan to get out of here or find our employer? I've never met him myself." Culpa said with a sigh as he looked around the room for anything that may have been missed.A search reveals little of note. However, you do discover that what you previously took for tool marks on the sides of the caves are, in fact, small bits of some kind of writing.
Calling the party over, the draconic speakers confirm the language, and translate bits of it. Most of it is meaningless, just a seemingly random and meaningless collection of words, but a rare few runs make sense. A few of note are "May Aether take us before the Lords", "Praise be to Tolor", and "Aretrian is filled with Hell's Fire; tread not its streets."
The writing is far too fine and too grammatically correct to be made by kobolds.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on November 19, 2014, 08:01:20 am
While the others stared at walls, she had sat cross-legged by a corpse, cleaning her hammer with another scrap of cloak torn from the body. The thought of the destruction of the world didn't faze her. If the world was so weak as to be destroyed, it deserved it. Strength was what mattered. She knew she was stronger than the others, but they had knowledge she neither knew nor cared about. She thought for a second, and rummaged through her pouch.
No rations. One of the kobolds must have got hungry. She would have sighed, if she was into showing emotion, and stood up, resting her hammer against her shoulder as normal.
"Are you finished staring at valls?" she inquired.
Post by: Dwarmin on November 19, 2014, 09:15:35 am
"You know, it's likely the place we are standing was once a street of a sort-and those writings are graffito. Cities usually end up building over themselves, layer by layer, the old ways forming the foundations of the new ways...though, who can know what place this once was? It might not even have been called Aretrian.
I am done. Let us go."
Post by: GiglameshDespair on November 19, 2014, 10:52:15 am
Post by: Dwarmin on November 19, 2014, 11:01:42 am
Continue on. Be cautious.
Osirio falls in smoothly beside her.
"Ah-Hungry, then? I could see you rummage. The Rat-Dragons did not eat my food, anyway." He says, hinting he's willing to share, without saying it.
Post by: flame99 on November 19, 2014, 12:22:12 pm
Eventually, the corridor leads to a large, high room. The work here is of much higher quality than the previous caverns, seeming to have been carved out by something more skilled. Two doorways lead out, barring the one you came from. One contains a rope ladder, leading up to what you suspect is the surface. The other leads deeper into the depths of the caverns; you have a feeling of foreboding about it. Should you continue through it, you suspect you'll face many uphill battles.
Initially, the room seems empty save for you four. However, as the party reaches the middle, you notice small crevices in the corners of the room, and in each one, a kobold hunched over with a crossbow. Almost synchronized in their movements, they fire a volley of bolts, aimed at Ava's larger frame. One hits the ground and breaks, another flies just over her shoulder, and the final two punch through the armor [4 DAMAGE].
From a small, shadowed hole in the ceiling, a lizardfolk drops down, brandishing a long sword.
I wonder if anybody will notice this?
Spoiler: Initiative (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: ASCII Map (click to show/hide)
Post by: GiglameshDespair on November 19, 2014, 12:37:10 pm
She staggered as the bolts punched into her chest.
((why does Ava not have a initiative?))
Post by: Dwarmin on November 19, 2014, 12:57:37 pm
Action: Curse and Melee strike the Lizardman
---
Attack: +3 to-hit, 1d8+2 damage
Hex: Will save Dc 15, or suffer -2 penalty on attacks, saves, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls for 1 hour
Post by: Nerjin on November 19, 2014, 02:16:33 pm
+2 Attack, 1d8+1 damage
Post by: GiglameshDespair on November 19, 2014, 02:33:55 pm
If the lizardman is still up, splatter it across the nearby wall.
If it's dead, Blood Wind the bottom right kobold. Take a step if I have to to get in range.
Post by: flame99 on November 20, 2014, 09:26:49 am
"I suggest you flee my friend, we have killed many of your allies today. Can we not leave the bloodshed at that?" Culpa said more for his own benefit than the Lizardman and the Kobolds.The Lizardfolk begins rasping in Common, though with a heavy Draconic accent.
+2 Attack, 1d8+1 damage
"You are the Sacrifices of Tolor, and the slayer of our slave-priests. Such crimes are not to be forgiven."
At the savage's threat, you send your flail hurtling towards him, and it hits with a satisfying crack. [8 DAMAGE]
He isn't down yet, though, and in a rage he swings wildly at Culpa, though he doesn't manage to land a hit.
Spoiler: Initiative (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: ASCII Map (click to show/hide)
Post by: GiglameshDespair on November 20, 2014, 09:48:39 am
If the lizardman is still up, splatter it across the nearby wall.
If it's dead, Blood Wind the bottom right kobold. Take a step if I have to to get in range.
Post by: Dwarmin on November 20, 2014, 10:22:38 am
Action: Melee strike the Lizardman, if dead, hit the bottom left Kobold.
Curse the bottom left Kobold.
---
Attack: +3 to-hit, 1d8+2 damage
Hex: Will save Dc 15, or suffer -2 penalty on attacks, saves, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls for 1 hour
Post by: Harbingerjm on November 20, 2014, 11:26:08 pm
Post by: lawastooshort on November 21, 2014, 02:25:13 pm
Post by: flame99 on November 25, 2014, 12:24:27 am
"Ithy" moves 1 square South-West, 2 Squares South, and takes cover below the ledge, Hiding in Plain Sight.Slipping away in the chaos, you hide yourself in the shade of the room left by the weakly flickering torches. The kobolds are fooled; to their black-and-white vision, you're just another crag on the rough walls. The lizardfolk's eyes are sharper, however. He seems to notice you flee despite his melee with Culpa, though he can't do much to stop it at the moment.
*changing*The lizardfolk is preoccupied with Culpa; you see your chance. With a swift motion, the guisarme blade whistles through the air, carving deep into the beast's torso, shattering scales and bones. He fights fitfully, convulsing, still trying to raise his blade it would seem, but soon gives up his efforts and embraces death, though not before a few curses are muttered.Action: Melee strike the Lizardman, if dead, hit the bottom left Kobold.
Curse the bottom left Kobold.
---
Attack: +3 to-hit, 1d8+2 damage
Hex: Will save Dc 15, or suffer -2 penalty on attacks, saves, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls for 1 hour
Ava yanked the bolts out of her chest, red spraying forth. The bloody missiles clattered to the floor. She snarled, deep and gutteral, like a wolf before it leaps.You give an invocation to Kostchtchie, but the projected swing of your maul merely glances off of the nearby wall. It destroys a decent chunk of the ledge, but the fleshy 'bold inside is untouched, if scared.
If the lizardman is still up, splatter it across the nearby wall.
If it's dead, Blood Wind the bottom right kobold. Take a step if I have to to get in range.
Speaking of which, the creatures have meanwhile prepared another volley. However, not all of them fire. The bottom right one leaps from his small hiding place, making for the exit. He shouts in Draconic that the Slave Master is dead, and runs for the exit to the surface. The top right one hesitates for a moment, seemingly weighing its options. The top left pulls a previously camouflaged cord; small vents flick open in the floor, releasing the gas you remember from your entrance, though not flowing nearly as fast. It wafts slowly upwards; for now, it isn't enough to affect you, but it soon will begin to.
The fourth and final kobold simply takes a shot at Culpa, though proves to be a bad shot, hitting the ground. Actually, judging from the angle, you think he was the one that hit it last time too.
Ari will move three squares south east and one south. Try to get a flask of oil over the kobold and Hide! Next round try to light it. But first CLW Ithy if it requests it.A flask of oil flies over it; you throw it a little high, but it instead hits the ceiling and coats the 'bold instead. Lighting it will involve a little hopping, but shouldn't be a problem. The top left clearly notices you; the bottom left is too busy being shocked by the sudden rain of oil, and the top right is still pondering what to do with his leader dead.
Spoiler: Initiative (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: ASCII Map (click to show/hide)
Post by: GiglameshDespair on November 25, 2014, 10:28:51 am
She had no wish to succumb to the cowardly rat-dragon's gas again. This time, she may nit wak, and she had no wish to meet her end - or, more importantly, for Osirio to meet his - being stabbed to death while unconscious by kobolds. Kostchtchie would spit on her soul.
Regretfully, she bit down on her bloodlust, swallowing the rage with difficulty. At least she had not been injured more... it would have been likely then she would not have stopped until all the kobolds were paste, dripping from the walls, gas be damned.
"Ve should leave, Osirio." she said, maintaining her neutral tone.
Post by: Dwarmin on November 26, 2014, 09:36:21 am
Osiro's calm, misty grey eyes flicked over to Ava. Even she seemed to be swallowing her rage, urging a retreat. That couldn't be easy for her, though it was for him-they were betrayed, outnumbered, and facing an enemy on bad terms. Next time he would make sure they had some way to resist the gas.
"Agreed. There will be another battle, another day, a ground of our choosing. Let us be going..."
He began striding to the door on his long legs only pausing to pick up the sword of the fallen lizardfolk, but after a moment he decided to leave it-he wanted the blade, a mark of his kill, but there was no time...
At the end, he paused and swung around, his shield raised to deflect the arrows he was sure were coming-what better odds than to shoot at a fleeing enemy, climbing up a rope ladder?
"Everyone up now! Osirio's Bold Men do not run away, we merely reposition for the tactical advantage!"
Action: Stride over and guard those climbing on the ladder with my shield. Use Total Defense/Fighting Defensively as warranted. I.e I'm acting as cover for them.
Afterwards climb up myself. Toss curses liberally at every kobold I can see who is a threat.
Post by: Nerjin on November 26, 2014, 01:49:44 pm
Post by: Harbingerjm on November 26, 2014, 05:06:11 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on November 26, 2014, 08:15:13 pm
She held her breath so as to not inhale the coward's gas and charged the bottom left kobold. He, at least, would not be escaping.
Post by: flame99 on November 28, 2014, 01:39:41 pm
Climbing to meet the sun, you emerge into a small alleyway between a couple tall buildings. The kobold you saw before is dashing through the streets, shielding his eyes from the sun. A small panic has erupted; people are scattering from him, and somebody's calling for the city guards.
Osirio stands guard should any of them try something, going on full defense. To your mild surprise, Ava doesn't run for the ladder; rather, she charges to kill the 'bolds.
Ava was uanble to contain her bloodlust quite so much as to miss the target on the way, however. She glanced around quickly, searching for the exit.You draw a deep breath, and charge the bottom left 'bold. The ledge provides him some cover, but you manage to awkwardly swing you maul in the small hole, killing him.
She held her breath so as to not inhale the coward's gas and charged the bottom left kobold. He, at least, would not be escaping.
The kobolds have readied their crossbows once more; the top left can't see Ava, and so fires at Osirio. Presumably. You can't really tell, because the bolt doesn't even clear the ledge. You get the feeling he's never actually used a crossbow before today. Actually, you aren't totally convinced any of them have. The top right has slightly more luck, instead clearing the hole and hitting a wall in the general direction of Ava.
The gas has risen to become a threat. Before it can, however, Ari and Osirio manage to draw a quick gasp, following Ava's example.
Spoiler: Initiative (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: ASCII Map (click to show/hide)
Post by: GiglameshDespair on November 28, 2014, 04:46:17 pm
Post by: Harbingerjm on November 28, 2014, 06:13:27 pm
Post by: Nerjin on November 28, 2014, 07:35:47 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on November 29, 2014, 09:25:31 am
Ari just seemed a bit lost...Osirio didn't want to leave him, but, well...
Action: Up the ladder after Ava!
((Also, Lawas profile says he has been offline for like a week. Probably abducted by the Neptunians.
I suggest Ari be auto-ed.))
Post by: flame99 on November 29, 2014, 11:22:26 am
Osirio waits for you to make your way up the ladder, still holding his breath. You take out your tower shield, and march forward under its protection. Soon, you're at the lizardman's corpse, and you pick up the sword. It seems like it was once fairly ornate, with what might have once been a jewel in the hilt and the remnants of an etching on the blade, but it's since fallen prey to rust and damage. However, it still holds a shard edge.
Ava withdrew her hammer from the cubbyhole. She hadn't swung it so much as thrust it like a spear, crushing the kobold against the wall. Now for the sword... She slung her small shield over her back and pulled out the mighty tower shield, using it for total cover as she moved to the swors and picked it up, still holding her breath.
The top right 'bold has finally made up his mind, it would seem; abandoning his ally, he runs deeper into the caverns. The top left, being amazingly brave and loyal for a kobold, continues raining bolts on the party, landing a solid hit on Osirio, despite his defenses [6 DAMAGE].
Ithy sheaths her rapier, draws her sap and sprints for the Kobold (40ft movespeed go!).You chase the kobold down successfully, and with a movement faster than the eye can follow, you bring the sap down on his head. Hard. He instantly falls unconscious, and frankly, from the sound of that crack, you suspect you might have done a bit of lethal damage as well.
Culpa is caught off guard when his companion rushes off into the crowd "We should wait here for the captain!!" after a second or two he also rushes after the kobold having a bad feeling about this. He knew he likely couldn't keep up, but that wouldn't stop him from trying.Though you aren't so fast as to keep up with Ithy, you do manage to stay in the general area, and see her beat the 'bold senseless.
The crowd is still a but unnerved, but with the 'bold dealt with, many begin moving on about their day.
Spoiler: Initiative (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: ASCII Map (click to show/hide)
Post by: GiglameshDespair on November 29, 2014, 11:33:08 am
Go back, give Osirio cover, and leave up the ladder after he does.
Post by: Harbingerjm on November 29, 2014, 07:16:08 pm
That done, she looks over and addresses Culpa.
"Got any rope?"
Post by: Nerjin on November 29, 2014, 11:47:50 pm
Post by: Harbingerjm on November 29, 2014, 11:58:19 pm
Ithraeheste shrugs, frisks the kobold for anything valuable or pointy, and starts dragging it back to the exit they just came through.
Post by: Nerjin on November 30, 2014, 12:01:40 am
Post by: Dwarmin on December 01, 2014, 09:29:18 am
A mad exchange played in his head as he leaped for the ladder, imagining his voice and Ava's. He didn't know why they sounded so ridiculous in his mind. He was sure it was due to the pain and lack of oxygen.
You go up first!
"You go up virst, comvrade!"
No, you go up first.
"Nooooo, you go up virst! <3 "
Action: Up the ladder before we all die!
7/13 HP
Post by: flame99 on December 01, 2014, 10:05:14 am
Osirio couldn't exactly scream, because then he would breath in the gas, nevertheless the situation was quite infuriating. He was tired of tiny crossbow bolts!After a little bit of a standoff between you and Ava, you grab the ladder, and climb. It's a little difficult, what with the lack of fresh air, but before long you've escaped the gas, and are breathing sweet, fresh air once more.
A mad exchange played in his head as he leaped for the ladder, imagining his voice and Ava's. He didn't know why they sounded so ridiculous in his mind. He was sure it was due to the pain and lack of oxygen.
You go up first!
"You go up virst, comvrade!"
No, you go up first.
"Nooooo, you go up virst! <3 "
Action: Up the ladder before we all die!
7/13 HP
To your slight annoyance, the others initially seem to have wandered off, but you quickly find them gathered around the 'bold.
Ava backed up rapidly. If she could have killed the kobold, she would have, but Osirio was more importatn. She memorised what she could of the kobold's appearance, in case she ever encounted it again. It would die. Messily.You try to memorize the kobold, but to little avail; it's dim, his position makes him hard to see, and frankly, they all look fairly alike to you. However, you can make out a scar over his left eye. It's not a terribly rare trait among 'bolds, but it's something.
Go back, give Osirio cover, and leave up the ladder after he does.
Memorizing done, you heft yourself up the ladder after Osirio, and join the party around the kobold.
Ithy and Culpa meet them halfway there, Culpa carrying the light figure of the beast towards them.
The crowd has largely begun moving on; monster attacks are uncommon, but certainly not unheard of.
Post by: Nerjin on December 01, 2014, 10:08:48 am
Post by: Dwarmin on December 01, 2014, 10:28:45 am
Action: Pull up the rope ladder we just climbed and take it with us. Unwind a chunk of rope with my knife to bind the bold.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 01, 2014, 11:15:33 am
"<Cowards! Scum! Weakling kobolds! I'll kill them!>" She made a wordless sound of frustration and stalked away a short distance, getting control of her bloodlust. She shook her head and placed a cure light wounds on herself.
After a short while she wandered back and presented the sword to Osirio, looking down at the kobold. The fingers of her hammer hand flexed.
"Vhy do ve need a captive? If ve kill zhem all, it is no matter. Zhis is just a follower. Vorthless. I vill heal you, Osirio. Hold still."
Post by: Dwarmin on December 01, 2014, 11:24:41 am
At least, I am wanting some clues about the gas they used on us...surely, letting him breathe a little while longer is worth the small chance of that."
Osirio took the proffered sword in one hand and held still, waiting for the healing sting.
"...Ah, thank you, Ava. This was a fine blade, once...I am sorry to say I have nothing to offer in return, unless you are still hungry." he said, shrugging.
Osirio frowned, not unpleased with the gift, but the Lizardman had not taken much care of it. He would have to have it repaired, and made beautiful again.
Action: Also, examine my new sword in detail...
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 01, 2014, 11:54:51 am
Also cure light wounds on Osirio.
"If anyvone else is injured, the priest can heal zhem."
Post by: flame99 on December 01, 2014, 12:23:37 pm
Ava had hauled the ladder up and carefully placed the sword down. The nshe growled and drove her hammer into the ground, cracking the stone cobbles of the ground.The 'bold is tied, and Ava is healed [8 DAMAGE HEALED].
"<Cowards! Scum! Weakling kobolds! I'll kill them!>" She made a wordless sound of frustration and stalked away a short distance, getting control of her bloodlust. She shook her head and placed a cure light wounds on herself.
After a short while she wandered back and presented the sword to Osirio, looking down at the kobold. The fingers of her hammer hand flexed.
"Vhy do ve need a captive? If ve kill zhem all, it is no matter. Zhis is just a follower. Vorthless. I vill heal you, Osirio. Hold still."
"Well, we should be asking him some things, since Ithys went to the trouble of running him down-a dead enemy is telling nothing, after all. A live one may yet have something interesting to say. I would not throw away a potential advantage until I exhaust it.It's largely claimed by rust and grime, but it would still seem to be repairable. The crossguard is made of silver, or at least painted to look like it. In the center of it, there's a ruby; chipped, but somehow still gleaming in defiance of the rest of the sword once some of the dirt is brushed off. The hilt is made of wood, with the lower end being claimed by rot. The blade itself is largely made of simple steel, but near the cross guard is an engraving. It's hard to read, but eventually, you make out the words on one side; it says in Common, "Aretrian Lords will Fall". There's an inscription on the other side, but it's either been rendered unreadable by damage, or it's in a language you don't understand.
At least, I am wanting some clues about the gas they used on us...surely, letting him breathe a little while longer is worth the small chance of that."
Osirio took the proffered sword in one hand and held still, waiting for the healing sting.
"...Ah, thank you, Ava. This was a fine blade, once...I am sorry to say I have nothing to offer in return, unless you are still hungry." he said, shrugging.
Osirio frowned, not unpleased with the gift, but the Lizardman had not taken much care of it. He would have to have it repaired, and made beautiful again.
Action: Also, examine my new sword in detail...
Restoration should be possible, but expensive.
Ava nodded, and with a firm tug, pulled the bolt from Osirio with a splurch. Frost-fog billowed from her hand, and she placed it against the wound. That reminded her - she'd have to repair her armour somehow. Maybe she could pay someone to do it. She'd done it herself before, but she wouldn't call herself an armoursmith.And finally, you heal Osirio with a small jolt of chilling pain. [5 DAMAGE HEALED]
Also cure light wounds on Osirio.
"If anyvone else is injured, the priest can heal zhem."
Post by: Dwarmin on December 01, 2014, 12:30:07 pm
When he notes the gem, however, he smiles and laughs.
"Ah-hah! My Dark Lady gives me regard. Rubies are the most valued to the Jasidin-surely this a sign of the Goddess's favor..." he preens.
He will think much on this later, nothing that it was Ava who retrieved the blade for him, though he killed the one who wielded it to lay claim to it. Perhaps some sort of divine metaphor...
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 01, 2014, 01:33:21 pm
Quietly, her stomach growled.
Ava's hunger won out. Rage always took it out of her. She gave the kobold a casual kick to the ribs to stop it getting any ideas.
Osirio. Give me food."
Post by: Dwarmin on December 01, 2014, 01:45:19 pm
He reached in his hip satchel and tossed her a small bag containing pretty much the only thing the Kobolds couldn't stomach-Extremely Spicy Basilisk Meat strips, hot enough to require a fortitude save. Basilisk tastes a bit like turkey, and is one of Osirio's favored foods from his homeland.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 01, 2014, 03:17:20 pm
It tasted... like fire.
Ava hissed in surprise as the sudden burning erupted in her mouth, her normal glacial composure melting away in an instant. She coughed out the half chewed meat, and glared at Osirio. Was this a betrayal? Or did desert-dwellers enjoy eating alchemist's fire with their meats?
"Vhat is zhis poizon?"
She quickly swigged from her water flask, but it didn't seem to do much.
Post by: Dwarmin on December 01, 2014, 03:29:17 pm
"Ah? It's called seasoning. That's my mothers recipe, that you disparage so-such spices tend to grow in dry lands, and what little meat we have is specially prepared to provide the best taste, the absolute best. Poison...pah! I couldn't even get the Salamandra Peppers like I wanted. It would have been much better then. Pff, Northerners...
Also, ah, water is only going to make it worse, if you have a problem with that."
Osirio knew a swig of water could just spread the spice around, rather than negating it, making it much worse. A common mistake-he supposed he could recommend the "cure", a swig of cold milk, but...he didn't think they had any.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 01, 2014, 04:02:52 pm
The Laugh of the Avalanche had been burnt before - a dragonfire adept had breathed a plume of fire over her. One arm had been burnt raw and bloody. It was a similar sensation now filling her mouth, only moved around by the water, and spreading a trail of fire down her throat. She suppressed a dry cough. Now she was getting used to the pain, she began to ignore it. The pain of burning flared, rather than the throb of cold and the stab of frost. It was a different pain than she was used to.
"Keep... keep your seasoning. I might as vell be chewing on my knife blade. Fire is no taste. Ve could feed zhem to our enemies to murder zhem." Internally, she made a note: this was the sort of thing Osirio liked? It didn't make sense. Unless he enjoyed pain, maybe? She'd seen some like that, though Osirio did not seem like a berserker. Still, something to keep in mind.
Post by: Nerjin on December 01, 2014, 04:14:08 pm
Post by: lawastooshort on December 01, 2014, 04:22:28 pm
"Can't we be taking him back to the watch, like - our employers? Find a little cell or something? Otherwise I might know a place... We could just stuff 'im in a sack and go for a drink. Laugh of the Avalanche, I have some blander food if you be wanting it, but me portions are terribly big, like you."
Knowledge Local check at +4 to see if I know somewhere quiet already! And then Knowledge Local and Bardic Knowledge if it'll help to see if I've heard of the best inn round here for honest crime fighting types like we. Suggest we go there for non-fiery food.
Post by: Dwarmin on December 01, 2014, 04:24:05 pm
"Is it really that hot? Well... No matter. We should probably get off the streets before someone comes asking questions or tries to kill our captive. Captain, do you know anywhere we could have some privacy with our... friend?"
"Abandoned warehouses just pop up around every corner...though a back alley would suffice..."
Osirio continues to nosh his basilisk, enjoying the brisk nostril cleansing flames. He offers some to Culpa, hoping the priest will appreciate his cultured fare.
Action: To a quiet torturing place, we go-surely Avi knows?
Post by: lawastooshort on December 01, 2014, 04:25:18 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on December 01, 2014, 04:28:41 pm
"Plenty of quiet places, I reckon. I've got a spare sack, though. Y'know, in case like."
"I've always wanted to see Bodydump Alley. Does that actually exist?" Osirio mentions. He had heard they dumped bodies there.
Post by: lawastooshort on December 01, 2014, 04:32:37 pm
Ari looked up (as he nearly always had to) hopefully (as he quite often did) and put his best convincing look on, but judged Osirio's eyes to probably not be the eyes of a man wanting a pint of mild after a hard day's work. Damn.
"Okay. The sidestreet then."
Post by: Dwarmin on December 01, 2014, 04:41:49 pm
Post by: Nerjin on December 01, 2014, 04:54:39 pm
"Gyack! What the hell did you put on this? Alchemist's Fire is right!" Culpa seemed of two minds though and after a few seconds took another bite "Ach... This is... Ugh, not that bad but... Fire. I'm done with this... One more." Culpa took another bite and nodded lightly "Yeah... okay... Not so bad. Just... I think I won't be able to taste anything for a month." Having finished his venture into torture Culpa seemed surprised that the Kobold was on the floor. Bending over, sheepishly, he picked him up "Where are we off to? A bar or something?"
Post by: Dwarmin on December 01, 2014, 05:01:09 pm
"Where are we off to? A bar or something?"
"A quiet place where we can ask rat-dragons questions then leave a mess we won't have to pay to clean up. Avi knows many such places."
"Gyack! What the hell did you put on this? Alchemist's Fire is right!"
"At least someone appreciates it." Osirio says defensively.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 01, 2014, 05:16:43 pm
"At least someone appreciates it." Osirio says defensively.
"I have known of some who appreciate being bled and beaten. Maybe you are similar vith zhe zeazoning.
Vhat vill ve do about the betrayer? Ve still have to kill him."
Ava looked up, judging the time of day.
Post by: lawastooshort on December 01, 2014, 05:22:05 pm
"You can have your 'pints' later." Osirio says, with full measures of disdain.
"Avi or Ava or Ari? Pints is pints, in any case."
Post by: Dwarmin on December 01, 2014, 05:25:48 pm
"You can have your 'pints' later." Osirio says, with full measures of disdain.
"Avi or Ava or Ari? Pints is pints, in any case."
"You should refer yourself in the third person more, so Osirio would remember it better."
The team was getting awfully snippy!
Post by: Nerjin on December 01, 2014, 05:28:47 pm
Post by: lawastooshort on December 01, 2014, 05:29:58 pm
Post by: lawastooshort on December 01, 2014, 05:31:22 pm
Apparently trying to scrape the spice off of his tongue Culpa chose to interject "Okay, let's get moving please. We should save our anger for the captain. My god has spoken to me while I was eating and declared we should destroy him as soon as possible. I think we can all work together nicely for that long right?"
"Your god is in his jerkybeefstuff? Can Osirio be giving Ari some?"
Post by: Dwarmin on December 01, 2014, 05:32:23 pm
"Snippy or snappy, Ari would like to know - let's be getting off to a dark alley to interrify this fecker so we can all have some rest. Eh?"
Osirio decided not to pursue the fact that Ari had apparently read his mind.
Apparently trying to scrape the spice off of his tongue Culpa chose to interject "Okay, let's get moving please. We should save our anger for the captain. My god has spoken to me while I was eating and declared we should destroy him as soon as possible. I think we can all work together nicely for that long right?"
Osirio was glad they weren't talking about him. He was their captain too.
Apparently trying to scrape the spice off of his tongue Culpa chose to interject "Okay, let's get moving please. We should save our anger for the captain. My god has spoken to me while I was eating and declared we should destroy him as soon as possible. I think we can all work together nicely for that long right?"
"Your god is in his jerkybeefstuff? Can Osirio be giving Ari some?"
"I have enough to share. Enjoy...little one." He said, handing him the jerky bag.
Post by: Nerjin on December 01, 2014, 05:33:32 pm
Get going
Post by: lawastooshort on December 01, 2014, 05:41:59 pm
Also get going!
Post by: flame99 on December 01, 2014, 05:44:01 pm
((If you'll let me after my absence...))If you want quiet, you aren't exactly in the best part of Aretrian for it. Most of the "quiet" places are found to the north, along the border between the market district and some of the finer homes. The alleys there are far from devoid of people, but most will be concerned with interrogating their own prisoners.
"Can't we be taking him back to the watch, like - our employers? Find a little cell or something? Otherwise I might know a place... We could just stuff 'im in a sack and go for a drink. Laugh of the Avalanche, I have some blander food if you be wanting it, but me portions are terribly big, like you."
Knowledge Local check at +4 to see if I know somewhere quiet already! And then Knowledge Local and Bardic Knowledge if it'll help to see if I've heard of the best inn round here for honest crime fighting types like we. Suggest we go there for non-fiery food.
However, even nearby, some of the alleys and smaller side streets tend to be mostly deserted. The worst likely scenario is that an urchin will discover you. Should your memory serve correctly, the closest such road would be just a few blocks down; the 'bold is fairly light, even by the standards of a 'bold, and it won't be hard to carry him there.
As for inns suitable for heroes, there are a handful throughout Aretrian (Inns with more shady corners than planks are more common in this day and age), but most are in some of the richer districts, and tend to be pricey. The Holy Rat, however, is fairly close, and not too expensive. The patrons are usually acolytes, incognito church members breaking temperance vows, and the occasional vigilante (The latter are easily identifiable due to the painfully bright clothing they were, and before long, the large stab wounds in them). All told, a relatively good place, morally speaking, though not as far as quality goes.
"I digress-fire is the best taste. I'd prefer the burn, myself, when it comes to these things-who eats just to eat? Who loves, just to love? Boring. Send me to the long sleep. Every meal should be a battle. Every lover should carry a dagger. A life ought to be flavorful, I think-sweet or sour or hot, Osirio cares not." Osirio replies poetically, and perhaps a bit melodramatically.Ari leads the party to a small side street; narrow, and due to a small turn, nigh invisible from the main street. The 'bold begins to weakly stir; he isn't quite awake yet, but it won't be long."Is it really that hot? Well... No matter. We should probably get off the streets before someone comes asking questions or tries to kill our captive. Captain, do you know anywhere we could have some privacy with our... friend?"
"Abandoned warehouses just pop up around every corner...though a back alley would suffice..."
Osirio continues to nosh his basilisk, enjoying the brisk nostril cleansing flames. He offers some to Culpa, hoping the priest will appreciate his cultured fare.
Action: To a quiet torturing place, we go-surely Avi knows?
The buildings of Aretrian are built close, and so you can't judge as accurately as you would in the open. However, twilight is beginning to set in, and from the light, you'd say that night will soon fall."At least someone appreciates it." Osirio says defensively.
"I have known of some who appreciate being bled and beaten. Maybe you are similar vith zhe zeazoning.
Vhat vill ve do about the betrayer? Ve still have to kill him."
Ava looked up, judging the time of day.
Though you yourself would be fine, having lived in the mountains for so long, you wonder how your companions will fare; Aretrian nights can be bitterly cold, after all, and the end of fall is nearing, if you haven't lost track of the days. There aren't any trees to really judge here, though, so you might be off.
Post by: lawastooshort on December 01, 2014, 05:47:40 pm
"This'll do then. You're good with words, Cap'n Osirio."
edit: cheap enough, not as cheap enough
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 01, 2014, 05:56:01 pm
Post by: flame99 on December 01, 2014, 05:56:01 pm
Whilst waiting for the interrifying to commence, Knowledge Local check for something much farther down the moral scale and higher up the ale-quality scale, whilst remaining as cheap enough for someone with 0.27 gold pieces.. Note it as destination for later and persuade comrades that it is ideal inn for budding heroes.The Blodleter's Buut [sic] is about as amoral as you can get, while still retaining decent booze and low cost. It's run by an old orcish family, and it's said that they actually brew all their ale from mushrooms found in the Undercroft, most of which are also renown for being hallucinogens. Whether or not that's true, it's damn good beer. The only possible problem is that the patrons love to fight, more so than your common drunken orcs. They usually don't take too kindly to non-orcs entering their bar. Or orcs, for that matter. But once the rowdy customers are out of the way, the booze is powerful, the beds are surprisingly nice (Just...Don't ask what the sheets are made of. You won't like the answer), and according to legend, if you can best the owner, Garag'ul, in a fight, he'll give you and your friends free drinks for as long as you're still conscious to order them. However, nobody's managed to do this yet, so the rumors remain unverified.
"This'll do then. You're good with words, Cap'n Osirio."
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 01, 2014, 07:21:02 pm
Follow the little one.
Post by: Harbingerjm on December 01, 2014, 08:03:06 pm
Post by: Nerjin on December 01, 2014, 10:54:51 pm
Post by: flame99 on December 02, 2014, 10:56:17 am
"You...You slayed of swine Taraka, yes no?"
Post by: Nerjin on December 02, 2014, 11:11:05 am
Post by: flame99 on December 02, 2014, 11:16:07 am
"Would that be the lizardman?"He sighs.
"No. Taraka kobold king. Taraka slayed of King Garu, and enslaved of me and of family.
Am I of enslaved by yous?"
Post by: Nerjin on December 02, 2014, 11:18:38 am
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 02, 2014, 11:37:43 am
Post by: Harbingerjm on December 02, 2014, 02:48:56 pm
Spoiler: Draconic (click to show/hide)
Post by: flame99 on December 02, 2014, 02:58:29 pm
Spoiler: Also Draconic (click to show/hide)
Post by: Harbingerjm on December 02, 2014, 03:13:02 pm
Spoiler: Elven (click to show/hide)
Post by: Nerjin on December 03, 2014, 12:19:46 am
Post by: Dwarmin on December 03, 2014, 09:34:03 am
Kobold politics...he knews the Avalanche was keen to crush this one, but perhaps...well, he was willing to let some things go, but he couldn't have Ava crushing every possible ally. The Kobolds were at least some part of unraveling the demon conspiracy, which he was sure they had been unwittingly entangled in. If they did not use their cunning in this manner, they were all like to feed the crows, sooner rather than later.
"Perhaps, we can work out an accommodation. Allow me a moment to speak to my men." Osi said kindly.
He turns to his friends. He makes no effort to mask his voice, to the Kobolds undoubtedly sharp ears.
"Osirio has a thought. The head of this Taraka would be a mighty prize. Having friends in the undercroft would be a greater one. It may even allow us to find out more about this conspiracy-of which, I remind you, we are now an unwilling part of-it occurs to me a mighty odd coincidence that a new king of the Kobolds rises, and has a connection to the man who betrayed us. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, after all...what do all of you think of exploring this possibility further?" He asks, the spirit of Democracy.
Post by: Nerjin on December 03, 2014, 10:08:06 am
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 03, 2014, 11:10:40 am
Post by: Dwarmin on December 03, 2014, 11:34:29 am
"You can't kill everyone, Ava. No matter how hard you try. A man must be ready to lower his weapon and make a common cause, or he will surely drown under the weight of his enemies, alone and encircled.
I thought you would have learned that lesson long ago-when I saved you in that pit, in the snow. A few chosen words amongst those men and instead of killing each other, you might have stormed the walls and killed the cultists together-instead you provided the entertainment by butchering one another. If I had chosen to fight all the cultists instead of bargaining for your release, we would have both died. Think about that, Ava. Not every problem can be solved with that hammer of yours, or my guisarme...there is a time for words, and a time for deed. If we make him an ally, then he's not a foe anymore, is he? At worst, a single Kobold remains alive, but that's a small price to pay if something comes of it.
And, we do need allies-we cannot afford to be careless any longer, Ava-when we found that note, it meant that we are now in a game of thrones, where pieces must be moved, and actions pondered. A misstep will mean all our deaths."
Post by: lawastooshort on December 03, 2014, 01:22:13 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on December 03, 2014, 01:31:08 pm
Post by: lawastooshort on December 03, 2014, 01:49:54 pm
Ari turns to the wretch and speaks in Draconic.
"Who should be king, then?"
Post by: flame99 on December 03, 2014, 02:05:42 pm
"Opali is Garu's heir; but should he be dead, the throne rightfully goes to the sister, Rul. But I doubt you will let them take it. I only ask Taraka is killed, and with luck, the heirs are safe."
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 03, 2014, 02:19:10 pm
"I follow you, of course, until either my death or yours.
I doubt the trustworthiness of the rat-dragon. Minutes ago it vas trying to kill us."
Avalanche was not, in her nature, particularly subtle. In the north, it was simpler. Someone tried to kill you, and you tried to kill them back. Someone died, and the matter was settled. When she raided caravans, she simply killed those who attacked her and those who ran she ignored.
Ava had never learned any notions of honour - or even, in fact really knew what it was - but leaving someone who attacked her alive rankled it, and those with a keen eye could see it in her otherwise neutral body language. Still, she was following Osirio. He understood all this treacherous ground.
At the conversation in draconic she shot a glance at the kobold and Ari.
"Speak in common, not vyrmtongue. I do not understand vyrmspeech."
Post by: lawastooshort on December 03, 2014, 04:16:22 pm
When the time comes, lead as many of my comrades as possible to The Blodleter's Buut. There drink ale, and get a bed.
Post by: Harbingerjm on December 03, 2014, 05:57:24 pm
Spoiler: Elven (click to show/hide)
Post by: flame99 on December 04, 2014, 06:12:03 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on December 05, 2014, 11:35:53 am
"You will do as you will. Take this offer to your heir, if you should find them-we will help one gain a throne, for a price to be agreed on.
If you do agree so, drop a written message upon this spot, a note hidden under a white rock-preferably you do so at night. One of mine will retrieve it, and mayhaps we will answer upon the following night. We may meet and speak and debate. Perhaps this will be so."
With that, he cut the Kobolds bonds.
...
"Now, my friends.
Let's us go get paid." Osirio says, with a smile.
"Remember-assuming the man who sent us betrayed us, he cannot know that we know that he knows that we know that he betrayed us...or something like that.
Nor can he move against us, at least in public-too many questions, for a man who must needs summon a demon must not gain attention to himself. Let us go get out money-and see what he does. His reaction will be most amusing."
Osirio turns to Ithys with a look of mock sympathy.
"Oh, and I'm sorry my dear, but you died most tragically in the Undercroft-I think a spear through the head, most gruesome. Only a ghost stalks us now, alas-one who follows unseen, watches for the watchers, and follows those who might follow us. Don't worry, we will still insist on your share, for your proper burial.
Is this one understanding Osirio?"
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 05, 2014, 01:33:07 pm
Finally, she released the kobold with a light push, turning away from it.
"Zhen lead on, Osirio."
Follow Osirio
Post by: Nerjin on December 05, 2014, 02:07:18 pm
Post by: flame99 on December 05, 2014, 03:50:19 pm
You join one of the shorter queues, and thankfully, you reach the attendant before too long. It is still incredibly boring, however. The man on the other side speaks in a monotone, clearly very bored, and at a pace that makes molasses seem like quicksilver.
"Hello. How are you. What can I do for you?"
The final question seems more like a statement than a question. Osirio explains they want their bounty, placing a few kobold fingers on the desk.
"Very well. One moment while I get the proper paperwork."
What feels like an eon passes while he disappears into a room in the back before he finally returns. He hands you the form, along with a quill and more of the ink, the smell of which has almost become sickening. Writing quickly, he signs the name of each, along with some relevant details to Ithy's "death". The whole process takes a solid five minutes while you become even more sick of the smell of ink. Finally, mercifully, the attendant takes the form from you. Osirio reaches out momentarily, expecting the worker to hand him the gold, only for him to instead disappear into the back room once more. A few more wasted minutes later, and finally he presses the small pouch of gold into your hands; 100 gold pieces, twenty for each "living" party and about enough to cover Ithy's burial costs, were there any actual costs to pay.
You step outside, finally free of that damnable smell. You never want to see an inkwell again.
Ithy, throughout this whole ordeal, sees nothing of note outside. It would seem that your Gerald Rath is not present at the offices tonight.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 05, 2014, 04:47:08 pm
She stretched sinously, her muscles cracking like breaking timber, and her stomach rumbled.
"Are ve done zhere? "
She still hadn't eaten.
Post by: lawastooshort on December 05, 2014, 05:10:31 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 05, 2014, 05:21:53 pm
"I have eaten volf meat raw from zhe beast. I am not fussy."
Post by: lawastooshort on December 06, 2014, 02:25:18 am
Post by: Dwarmin on December 06, 2014, 09:59:51 am
Action: Time for rest!
Post by: Nerjin on December 06, 2014, 10:33:47 am
Action: Rest
Post by: lawastooshort on December 06, 2014, 03:55:07 pm
Post by: flame99 on December 06, 2014, 04:05:56 pm
You request a room and a meal. He nods, writes something in all but illegible handwriting on a scrap of paper, shouts something in Orcish to the room behind him (Evidently a kitchen of sorts), and requests two silver a person.
Do you wish to do anything else before retiring to your rooms?
Post by: lawastooshort on December 06, 2014, 04:21:36 pm
Buy my companions a pint of choicest ale each, and maybe try to listen a bit to see if anyone around us is talking about anything interesting. Look about - are there any performers here tonight?
Post by: flame99 on December 06, 2014, 04:31:19 pm
"I wonder if they have a poetry hour here. Not that I remember. Drink?"You buy each of the party one pint of their finest brews - called Silkcap Ale - costing a total of five silver. There aren't any performers just yet, but according to a sign posted on a wall, an Orcish tribal music group should be arriving soon. You've heard tales that more often than not, such groups tend to double as an easy way to arrange meetings between partners in crime. You don't recognize the band billed on the sign, however.
Buy my companions a pint of choicest ale each, and maybe try to listen a bit to see if anyone around us is talking about anything interesting. Look about - are there any performers here tonight?
Post by: Nerjin on December 06, 2014, 04:43:39 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 06, 2014, 06:02:55 pm
"So vhat is our plan? I hammer, but you vhink."
Post by: lawastooshort on December 07, 2014, 02:07:15 am
"How about, for a plan, we all nicely trot offf to bed and rest for tomorrow before anyone causes any problems? I am referring to the musical ensemble due to arrive shortly, of course."
Post by: Dwarmin on December 08, 2014, 09:29:00 am
"So vhat is our plan? I hammer, but you vhink."
Osirio seems to be enjoying the salted nuts, but that's all. At least he hopes they are nuts.
"At this moment? Wait for Ithys to return with the hopeful news we are not being watched or followed tonight. I don't fancy being stabbed in my sleep.
Afterwards, Osirio is going to a bathhouse to clean up nicely, then a show-he hears the Aretrian Symphony Opera is to be putting on the 11th Imperial Symphony of Bachevalius. He is hoping to find some refined, ah, company as it were.
You should come! Do you enjoy music?" He says, nudging her shoulder, thinking she could certainly do with some refinement.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 08, 2014, 10:23:56 am
"Then I vill come." she agreed, and ripped a chunk of bread from the half-loaf she held with her teeth.
Post by: flame99 on December 08, 2014, 10:37:05 am
Scoffing at the booze Culpa whispers, with no true attempt at subtlety, "You didn't mention there'd be orcs here. Especially not the owners. Bah." Culpa shoved the booze towards Ari "Here, you seemed eager to get your pints. Have mine. I don't want anything from a damned orc."The bartender gives a low snarl, and fingers his battleaxe. For the time being, however, he merely glares at you. It would seem the patrons haven't heard you.
Before long, a group of orcs, carrying drums and the occasional horn (Most of which you suspect started life as a bone), and get on the stage. After a few minutes of discussion, which almost breaks into a brawl on several occasions, they begin playing. It's a fairly strange song; not as savage as one might expect, but ominous and sinister sounding nonetheless. The horns carry most of the melody, being a low, sonorous sound, while the drum beats serve to punctuate the notes. It's oddly hypnotizing, actually. Not to the degree of a fascinate spell, not that these orcs are likely to be bards, but the music worms it's way into your mind nonetheless. You almost seem to fall into a trance for a short moment, before snapping out of it. It's unsettling, to say the least. It would seem several of the patrons have been lulled into a similar trance. A handful have slumped over in sleep, though it's anyone's guess if that's due to the alcohol, music, or plain exhaustion.
The ale is already starting to take effect, and quite quickly. Those of you who've drunk the coppery liquid are beginning to feel drowsy, and conversation is becoming hard. This, combined with the hearty meal, has left you hardly able to stay awake. Perhaps it would be best to call it a night. Anything else to do before retiring to your rooms?
Post by: Dwarmin on December 08, 2014, 10:49:25 am
Ava thought of the music she had heard. Deep thundering drums and bellowing horns: it got her icy blood pumping and urging for battle. It was good. It was also completely unlike opera, but Ava didn't know that. Maybe if Osirio heard some good battle-music he would be more inclined to the violence Ava thrived on. A more war-like attitude might do him well.
"Then I vill come." she agreed, and ripped a chunk of bread from the half-loaf she held with her teeth.
"Ugh, that fat Orcish drummer is pounding my sinuses dry. Let's go.
I'll introduce you to my tailor as well. Maybe he can give you something a bit more...well, you know." Osirio said, sadly plucking a loose thread from what he assumed was a bearskin coat.
Action: To the opera! By which I mean, timeshiftwarp forward.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 08, 2014, 12:57:40 pm
She deposited her hammer in the room, along with her shields.
She kept her knife.
Action: With Osirio! Apparently to a tailor, and then the opera.
Post by: Dwarmin on December 08, 2014, 01:22:47 pm
"Is zhere zomething vrong with gnoll-hide?"
"Gnolls? Those are a kind of dog, right?
...Anyway, the Gnoll died for you (and probably was killed by you) the least you can do is spruce up his hide with some bits of colored linen. Look the part, eh? You're one of Osirio's Bold Men! Half of our asking price is in the presentation." Osirio said, keen to teach Ava the ways of the mercenary.
Post by: Nerjin on December 08, 2014, 04:31:36 pm
So saying he leaves with the other two but immediately parts ways to find a tavern more suitable for his liking. Specifically: Somewhere with very few orcs and as cheap as possible.
Find tavern. Rent room. Sleep. Pray for spells. Meet up with the party in the morning.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 08, 2014, 08:13:12 pm
"...I did kill zhe gnoll, yes. He objected most viercely to me skinning him." She smiled faintly under her scarf. One could suspect she had made a joke.
Post by: flame99 on December 08, 2014, 09:05:50 pm
"I think I'll go somewhere else. This establishment... is sub-par." Culpa tosses two silver onto the table "For my drink."The cheapest place around turns out to be the Furless Rat. It only costs 2 copper a night (You don't bother with a meal, since you've already eaten), and you quickly fall asleep, hardly even noticing the filthy sheets.
So saying he leaves with the other two but immediately parts ways to find a tavern more suitable for his liking. Specifically: Somewhere with very few orcs and as cheap as possible.
Find tavern. Rent room. Sleep. Pray for spells. Meet up with the party in the morning.
The rest of the party rests as well. In the morning, the party is informed that a courier left a letter for them last night.
Spoiler: Letter (click to show/hide)
Note read, Osirio and Ava head off for the Opera House of Aretrian; one of the largest in the city. But, first, the two of you stop by a tailor to get Ava some less ragged clothing. A considerable amount of time is spent taking measurements, stitching cloth, and sewing clasps, before finally, Ava emerges, now wearing a fine blue dress instead of her previous gnollskin garments.
That done, the pair head for the Opera House at last, paying to see the show. It's a breathtaking piece, each swell more tremendous than the last before building into a triumphant crescendo, and ending the final movement with a sweet refrain from the strings section. The whole affair lasts quite a long time, and by the time you emerge, you're almost blinded by the sunlight.
Do any of the other members of the party do anything while Ava and Osirio are off? And if not, what do you do while waiting 'till midnight? Do you even intend to attend the meeting, for that matter?
Post by: Nerjin on December 09, 2014, 12:34:12 pm
"So what do you think Captain? It's probably a trap."
Post by: Dwarmin on December 09, 2014, 01:02:49 pm
Wait for those two to return and then...
"So what do you think Captain? It's probably a trap."
"Certainly sounds like a trap. The question is, do we spring the trap?"
Osirio thinks-if it was him-he would cause some sort of commotion in the area that night, either a murder or a robbery. Then, when the group showed up there would be a handy horde of guards around to accost them...or maybe someone was interested in trying to help them. The area would be well guarded, he was sure. No safer place to meet.
"I think this is a potential not to be ignored, however. I propose Osirio shall go-he will meet at this spot. We must scout the area beforehand, of course...and we must scour the city for any rumors about this Lord, and the place at hand. The rest of you will be some ways away, but ready to help if needed.
Osirio has a cunning plan, of course, do not worry."
Post by: lawastooshort on December 09, 2014, 01:40:14 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on December 09, 2014, 01:43:56 pm
"I could happily spend the day listening and seeking for rumours and tales is something I could do all day, and quite well if i do say so meself, but i wonder if any of you could spare me a few coins to grease some tongues so to speak? And not necessarily me own, i might add..."
"Didn't you get your pay?
In any cases, I have a wedding to plan."
Post by: lawastooshort on December 09, 2014, 01:52:15 pm
Edit: "Oh right, no, there it is, right in me purse all along. Daft eejit. But a wedding? Poppycock and feckradish, but I see how you's wanting it to be. I'm only partly daft, I be warning you. Let'sme back here at dinner time."
Action: Leave. Bardic knowledge check what I know about a Lord of Aretrian, and another about its rulers and supposed power structures. Then, unless I remember anything that might affect my choice of destination, go to two different inns to Gather Information. If necessary spend up to 5gp at the cheaper one, and 10gp at the posher one, the hope being to get two different points of view.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 09, 2014, 03:17:34 pm
Even so, it was with a certain amount of relief she had changed back into her scale armour and reapplied the white paint. Being unarmoured made her hackles prickle.
Osirio going alone - no, too dangerous. She'd go with him. If he was captured, she was no subtle thief for a rescue mission anyway, and as the strongest, she was least likely to be captured.
"Vait, Osirio. You going alone is too dangerous. I vill accompany you." She shrugged. "I am no sneak-vief, to scurry in the background. If you vere zlain, I vould have failed."
Wait... wedding? She paused a second. "And vhat is zhis about a vedding?"
Post by: Dwarmin on December 09, 2014, 03:38:26 pm
Wait... wedding? She paused a second. "And vhat is zhis about a vedding?"
"Oh, well, what better way to deter violence than to have plenty of witnesses? I was thinking of hiring a band. Even better if we establish what is considered an alibi for being there...considering how it might go."
Osirio looked around and saw the inn's room was mostly filled with breakfast hungry patrons.
He jumped on the table dramatically and spoke in a carrying voice.
"Everyone, I have an announcement! Me and my fiancee Ava Snow are finally getting married! And you are all invited to the traditional Northern moonlight wedding tonight on Thalin Street! We'll have free food and music!" He announced enthusiastically.
He lowered a hand to Ava, grinning.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 09, 2014, 03:53:28 pm
"Osi- vhat- I-"
She reached out and took his hand. Beneath her scarf, she realised she was blushing slightly, and was glad her face could not be seen beneath scarf and paint. This was not what she expected. Maybe he could have done this instead with the dro-
No, definitely not.
Post by: Nerjin on December 09, 2014, 09:55:25 pm
Post by: Harbingerjm on December 09, 2014, 11:45:22 pm
Do any of the other members of the party do anything while Ava and Osirio are off? And if not, what do you do while waiting 'till midnight? Do you even intend to attend the meeting, for that matter?Changeling goes looking for a safe place to stash stuff, and shopping for a couple of pairs of cheap clothes to stash there.
Post by: Dwarmin on December 11, 2014, 09:32:23 am
"You see, I am cunning." He announces.
"If they are our friends, I have given them a venue where any man can be completely anonymous, and meet without causing suspicion-Osirio will make sure to talk to many people to deter this thing. Being a public event, with no guest list. Who can be out of a place at a wedding and who would cause trouble? We can meet in safety for both parties, and no one will be any the wiser.
If they meant for this to be a trap, they will have many witnesses. For those who must strike at midnight, they will shy off and we will have our answer.
The rest of you must spread the word, and listen for rumors about this lord, as well. During the festivities, I and Ava will be pretend to bride and groom, the center of attention-Culpa, Ari, and Ithy's will mingle in the crowd and keep overwatchful, looking for anything out of place."
Action: Osirio goes to inspect the spot for the "wedding", and also spreads word around to all his friends-by which he means, peddlers, whores and pickpockets. He looks for a really cheap band...
Post by: Nerjin on December 11, 2014, 11:50:09 am
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 11, 2014, 05:15:43 pm
I am no actor though. I hope you are not expecting me to do much talking."
Post by: flame99 on December 11, 2014, 08:36:09 pm
He also takes a chance to check out the alley beforehand. There's little of note, but one of the cellar doors has been left unlocked. Opening it with a hint of trepidation, he finds inside a narrow staircase leading to a surprisingly lavish room. Still a cellar, sure, but one with velvet cushioned chairs, a wide, finely carved table, and a facade hiding the natural dirt and stone of the room. Seven chairs sit near the table on the side opposite the door, and five chairs closer. A more in-depth search reveals little of note.
That done, he then goes in search of a cheap band for hire. You do come across one, charging a mere three gold. They would appear to have never even held their respective instruments in their life, but the music you promised wasn't necessarily promised to be good.
"Ithy" begins looking around for a safe storage place; initially, to little success, but soon she finds a small grotto near the river running through Aretrian. It's almost impossible to see from the banks, and should be secure. Buying a few sets of peasant's clothing, she stashes them there.
The midnight hour is soon approaching. It won't be long until your appointment with the alleged Lords arrive. A small group of celebrators have already arrived at the alley on Thalin Street, should any of you be present to see it. Do you have any last minute preparations?
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 11, 2014, 08:42:34 pm
Then she waits.
Post by: Nerjin on December 11, 2014, 09:27:46 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on December 12, 2014, 10:03:57 am
"Captain... I just want to say how proud I am that you and Ava will be getting married under the eyes of Hextor." Culpa said placing a hand on the Osirio's shoulder. "I just hope this doesn't break apart our little band of men hm?"
Osirio seems to be distracted, reading a arcane tome titled, The Reparations of the Weave, while leaning back in his chair, totally at ease.
"...Oh, I may be in love, but I'm not retired. Osirio's Bold Men will continue...though, I am thinking of naming them the Merry Men, due to the new happiness in my life. Or perhaps the Snow Men, in honor of my new wife.
We shall talk on this, more later." He says, giving Culpa the look.
He leans over to Ava, whispering softly, the fingers of his left hand gently kneading the tightness in her shoulder. He thought she was a bit too tense.
"You're doing great. Just keep pretending to be the nervous bride! Remember you are a warrior, and this a battlefield like any other-a smile is your shield, and courtesy your armor. The weapons are real enough, of course.
...Also, I like that dress, you should know. It really brings out the coloring of your eyes."
Osirio himself fancied a pure white vest and slacks, probably the opposite color of the soul underneath. He had conjured a truly ridiculous, oversized floppy hat with a long feather in the brim. He had cunningly sewn his own dagger to a concealed pocket in the inside of the hat with a patch of leather and a few loops of a needle. He was ready to go.
He leaned back in his chair, waiting for everything to explode. Or maybe things would work this time. You could never really tell.
Action: Osirio mingles and relaxes, making sure to talk to lots of people-looking for the right person...
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 12, 2014, 11:36:42 am
"I must zay I prefer my actual armour to courtesy. This feels too vulnerable for my liking."
Despite her words, her lips twitched upwards.
"And you know I am not much vun for smiles."
Post by: flame99 on December 12, 2014, 11:42:08 am
"I didn't get my pay? Gods Damn that two faced scoundrel! Blast and feck."Ari had asked around at various inns and taverns (Spending a total of three gold in various drinks), and had gotten a few different perspectives. It would seem the lower class believe in it more, but there are still some skeptics. They seem to think they're from the gods, and that they intend to lead them to ascension. It seems that there's a bit of an underground religion, though a small one.
Edit: "Oh right, no, there it is, right in me purse all along. Daft eejit. But a wedding? Poppycock and feckradish, but I see how you's wanting it to be. I'm only partly daft, I be warning you. Let'sme back here at dinner time."
Action: Leave. Bardic knowledge check what I know about a Lord of Aretrian, and another about its rulers and supposed power structures. Then, unless I remember anything that might affect my choice of destination, go to two different inns to Gather Information. If necessary spend up to 5gp at the cheaper one, and 10gp at the posher one, the hope being to get two different points of view.
The upper class, however, have something of an opposite belief; most claim that it's all absolute idiocy, many claiming that it's an altered form of old Orcish beliefs, and as such is savage and should be shunned. Those that do believe in the theory tend to think them as demonic rather than angelic, though a few members of the apparent religion are still about, but they're much quieter about it. However, even among those who worship them, they seem to believe they're inhuman.
Navigating the strange cross section of the populace with almost unnatural ease, Osirio is at the wedding, along with the rest of the party, and a large number of people. It would seem that word has spread quickly, and even some of the more vulgar of the de facto nobility have shown up; their rich purple robes standing out sharply against the fairly drab colors of the commoners and criminals. Several seem to have begun noticing some missing wallets. The band plays a decidedly out-of-key version of a wedding song common out to the west.
Then comes a sudden crack coming from the alley. Most would simply think it a false note from one of the drummers, but you recognize the sound; there's no mistaking the unique pitch of it. Somebody's teleported into the cellar.
It would seem the Lords have arrived.
Post by: Dwarmin on December 12, 2014, 12:15:22 pm
Despite her words, her lips twitched upwards.
"And you know I am not much vun for smiles."
Osirio motioned for the horrible band to begin to play a rousing Rikilie dance. He doubted they were capable, but it was quite a noisy song. Maybe if they played loud enough no one would notice how bad they were.
"Osirio shall endeavor to thaw your stoicism then-just so."
With that, he swept her to her feet into a quick dance step.
...
Later, some time later, he turned to Ava as the Lords arrived.
"Now, we make the introductions. I hope they have not come to be the party crashing...er, party crashers. " He said, tapping his hat where he had hidden his knife.
He didn't ask where Ava had hidden her knife. That dress was a wonderfully nice fit.
He went to meet the mystery guests, with his "wife" by his side.
"My Lords. Welcome! Osirio is glad you have managed to making it. It's not much of a celebration, agreed but the attendance has surprised even me. So many people here.
Please, let us go to our table and speak more freely. I'm sure you wish to give your best wishes to my lovely snow-wife?"
Action: Who goes before Osirio?
Post by: flame99 on December 12, 2014, 01:18:53 pm
The appearance of the men strike you. They stand tall, at about 6 feet each, and wear loose robes, obscuring all details about their body. Each is also wearing a mask, dyed with strange, vibrant colors, and unusual carvings. Aside from this, no features can be discerned. You quickly regain your composure, and greet them. As if in reply, one stands. Its robe is a pure white, as is his mask, though it's lined with golden carvings, forming an angular picture of a sun, inside a circle. It begins to speak, in a masculine voice clearly used to speaking loudly.
"Ah, you have come. Oriso, no? I am Ulthra, the Law-Bringer, and the unofficial leader of the Lords. As you have no doubt heard in rumors and legend, we rule Aretrian, though from the shadows, for reasons better left unsaid. We know you have been in the caverns, and we suspect you've stumbled across a problem we've been dealing with for quite some time. You're bound to have figured this out eventually, but we've found evidence of...ah...shall we say, insurgents, operating out of the Caverns, and using the creatures of the Undercroft as warriors. Currently, they pose little threat, but they have plans set in motion that may be disastrous.
Ah, but I ramble. You see, the seven of us cannot hold off these foes forever. Though the City Guard is formidable enough to fend off the invaders, we need to move quickly, decapitate this organization, and prevent their plans. This is where you come in. You are skilled, can move quickly through their lines to destroy their leadership, and are a small enough group to delay being noticed. In exchange for such services, you will be given information, earn our favor, and of course, receive goods and gold. So, what is your decision? Shall you become our blade in this battle, to complement the shield of the City Guard?"
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 12, 2014, 01:30:48 pm
She hoped Osirio would forgive her for that particularly nasty step on his foot just now, though...
---
Ava nodded at Osirio. So that was why he was wearing the silly hat. She remained silent as they slipped away form the party to meet the Lords.
She regarded the cloaked figures with a neutral expression. "Oriso"? She raised an eyebrow, looking unimpressed, looking at each of the figures in turn, studying the masks.
Post by: Dwarmin on December 12, 2014, 01:32:46 pm
He thinks a moment.
"An offer almost too good to be true...we have a suspicious, however, that the guard might be infiltrated by these...insurgents. Are you aware of this? A shield is much more useful if it does not grow a hand and stab you in the stomach-if you will permit me to mangle a metaphor."
Post by: flame99 on December 12, 2014, 03:05:58 pm
Ava let herself be swept along. She wasn't much of a dancer, placing her feet down like she was going into a battle-stance rather than a dance, but she tired her best. Despite herself, it was somewhat fun to whirl around. She let a smile grow. Simply for appearances. Of course.Uthra aside, you look over them, from left to right. The first wears a black mask, with red carvings depicting...Well...You aren't sure. It's a number of curves with no evident pattern or shape. The second wears a white mask with black carvings depicting an eye. The third wears a gray mask carved with a sword in silver. The fourth is Ulthra; the fifth wears a blue mask with a droplet of water carved in a lighter blue. Sixth wears red, with a golden flame. Finally, the seventh wears a blank, pure-white mask. You also note that the robes of each matches the main color of their mask.
She hoped Osirio would forgive her for that particularly nasty step on his foot just now, though...
---
Ava nodded at Osirio. So that was why he was wearing the silly hat. She remained silent as they slipped away form the party to meet the Lords.
She regarded the cloaked figures with a neutral expression. "Oriso"? She raised an eyebrow, looking unimpressed, looking at each of the figures in turn, studying the masks.
"oSirio." The half-elf corrects, politelyUthra shares what seems to be a glance between his fellows - How do they even see, for that matter? The masks have no holes - before Uthra speaks once more. "They have infiltrated the Guard. Sinthol, rally some of the top-ranks. Those we know are trusted. The heads of the chapters should be safe. Tell them to feed their subordinates conflicting information about the actions of their peers, and let's see what they act on. We may be able to root out the traitors that way. Pray tell, Osirio, do you know how to find this man?"
He thinks a moment.
"An offer almost too good to be true...we have a suspicious, however, that the guard might be infiltrated by these...insurgents. Are you aware of this? A shield is much more useful if it does not grow a hand and stab you in the stomach-if you will permit me to mangle a metaphor."
The gray-masked one, evidently Sinthol, stands, and mutters a few words. With a brief flash of light, it disappears.
Ulthra seems to take special care to pronounce Osirio's name correctly.
Post by: Dwarmin on December 12, 2014, 03:15:26 pm
"We found this on the body of a kobold we killed. The handwriting is similar to a certain signature, one of Gerald Rath-a man hired us, and sent us to die, apparently....I suggest you perform a scrying upon it, and see who it leads you to. It may be a false lead. We will deal with a man, once we know they are guilty.
As for your offer, I suppose we must accept.
Only a single condition, might I ask, and more terrible metaphors. Consider when one pulls a diseased root from the ground. Would it not be better to have a healthy seed in it's place? I would ask that if my Bold Men remove a traitor-that Osirio be considered to take a place in the guard, or better. If we succeed and win, in this most dire game, would we have not proven trust? Osirio is merely a mercenary...but, he has designs to be more, much more. Can you satisfy my desires in this regard?"
Action: If they agree, agree in turn!
---
Sometime, before or later...
Osirio took a moment for a bit of fresh air from the press of the crowd, telling Ava he needed to find a privy. He needed a moment...there was something on his mind. He went down an alleyway, then turned around and leaned up against a wall. He was feeling well enough, though nearly insensible from lack of sleep-he had been running all day on adrenaline, and hadn't slept at all the previous night.
No, there was something else on his mind.
"Revi. I need to talk with you. Are you here?" He asked quietly, feeling a bit ridiculous. This was the name he had only used with Ithy's...back when he had known her much better.
He had a feeling she would be close, watching over him....or maybe it was just lack of sleep.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 12, 2014, 04:20:40 pm
"Vhy us?"
Ava glared at the masks. Those who hide themselves behind others earned no respect from her, even if they must be powerful mages. If it ever came down to a fight, it may be good to know. Spellcasters were always the hardest to kill, though once she got in range they tended to splatter easily.
Post by: Dwarmin on December 12, 2014, 04:33:22 pm
Osirio wondered if they were powerful spellcasters, or if they relied more on trickery, misdirection and subterfuge than raw power. Most likely both...Osirio tended to face spellcasters head on, when he could-thought he didn't like to, he could withstand a degree of magical assault-he had been training most his life to channel his interior energies into defense...
Action: Osirio also his Knowledge: Arcana to see if he can recall any meaning of the symbols on the masks
Rank/+5
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 12, 2014, 04:52:13 pm
Post by: flame99 on December 12, 2014, 08:45:27 pm
Action: If they agree, agree in turn!"Ah, you're a man with ambition, I see. I like that. The terms sound agreeable. I shall see to it, once the turn-coat is dealt with."
Ava manages to discern, in general terms, what was being used. It would appear to be a magic item, though the effect is identical to Dimension Door.
Osirio looks at the seven masks. Ulthra's sun is an old symbol of order, you recall. Used by some of the earlier goblin tribes to differentiate themselves from their wild(er) brethren. The black one seems to be a sort of blend between two symbols used by early elves; they represent insanity and pain. The eye doesn't have any symbolic meaning that you know of. The water drop, flame, and sword are all fairly obvious; representing water, fire, and combat respectively, of course. The blank one is, well, blank.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 13, 2014, 03:07:46 am
"Vhy us?" she repeated, louder.
Post by: flame99 on December 13, 2014, 01:03:57 pm
Ava narrowed her eyes at the ignoring of her question.You were in the Undercroft. From our reconnaissance, there was a kobold cult working with the insurgents down there. You would inevitably figure out the truth of things, and it would be safer and more profitable for all parties involved, save the insurgents, for us to contact you and explain who is the good and bad guy in this fight. And, besides, you're a small, skilled group of warriors. While a chapter of City Guard might be able to out fight you, they'd be detected the instant they got anywhere near an insurgent fortification. You, on the other hand, might be able to slip through unnoticed, strike quickly at important targets, make your way out while destroying their front lines, and do all this quickly and relatively easily. Should a large number of City Guard approach, every fortification would be armed, generals and lords would be spirited away deep in the Caverns, important information would be destroyed, and so forth.
"Vhy us?" she repeated, louder.
Post by: Dwarmin on December 13, 2014, 01:15:07 pm
When she the wolf, Ava was not like any other woman Osirio had known. One had to be careful around her...which made the times when Ava put the wolf to sleep and became like...no one else he had known, for that matter-all the more intriguing. Osirio had to think more on that, but for now...well, Instead, he offers his own opinion in the terms of conciliation.
"...Indeed, I am supposing it is being the fair answer. Left to our devices, we might blunder into your plans unwittingly-be destroyed unerringly-or even end up working for your enemies, blind to the greater truth. It is better if work toward a common goal.
Now, before we make ways-what else can you tell us about these insurgents we will fight? My Company Cleric claims they intend to summon a terrible force into the world, what caused a devastation in the previous incarnation. Do they have the ultimate power to do this thing? Is it, as they say 'the worst case of the scenario'? What other forces do they have at their command-or, what ultimate forces command them?"
((I'm willing to move the scene on after they answer this last question.))
Post by: flame99 on December 13, 2014, 01:36:02 pm
Finally, your first assignment. At 225 Hallas, there is a small noble's home. We believe him to be connected to the insurgency. Your goal is to enter this home, and destroy or capture him and any other insurgents you can find. Capturing him alive is preferable, but it will be a difficult task to transport him much of anywhere. You are permitted to use lethal force.
And, I think now is a good time to end our conversation; we must go check on Sinthol's progress, and I'm sure that you've preparations to make."
With that, each stands, chants their invocation, and disappears.
Post by: Dwarmin on December 13, 2014, 01:50:42 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 13, 2014, 02:40:57 pm
"Very vell. Let us get back."
She turned her back on the Lords and began climbing out of the cellar.
"Zhey vill vonder zhere ve've been if ve take too long."
Post by: Dwarmin on December 13, 2014, 02:48:23 pm
"When the bridge and groom escape from the press for a moment, they merely smile and nod to one another. They must expect we are, busy, yes?"
He laughs-a real laugh, from a man who usually fakes them.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 13, 2014, 03:23:32 pm
One eyebrow lifted, but in flirting or a warning, who could tell?
Post by: Dwarmin on December 13, 2014, 03:35:16 pm
"Pfh. My real wife will no doubt be the trading chip, to gain Osirio an advantage in Politics, a marriage into a powerful family to gain wealth and prestige. Duty will come into the thing, of course, to make an heir, just so-but, love? Unlikely. Lust, hopefully, at least...fondness is probably more than this one can hope for.
Osirio would not waste time doting a woman who does not desire him, however, and satisfy his needs elsewhere. That is the way of things." He says, smiling slyly.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 13, 2014, 04:21:39 pm
"Vell, zhey use magic items, at least partially. Zhey vould be useful, if ve could take zhem from zhem. Tele-port-ation-" she said, struggling slightly with the long, foreign word - "Is alvays useful. Ve should look into finding zomething zhat blocks scrying, zhough."
Post by: Dwarmin on December 13, 2014, 04:43:54 pm
...I admit, though, the look on the face of the stylist when you drew your dagger was quite amusing and worth the trip anyway." He says levelly.
The poor stylist had come at Ava with a pair of hair-clippers and Ava had thought she was an assassin...
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 13, 2014, 05:07:31 pm
Ava had always cut her own fringe when it got too long, letting the rest grow for the most part. So when the woman had swung some scissors towards her face, Ava had got... defensive.
Post by: Harbingerjm on December 14, 2014, 08:37:06 am
Sometime, before or later...Best a little before.
Osirio took a moment for a bit of fresh air from the press of the crowd, telling Ava he needed to find a privy. He needed a moment...there was something on his mind. He went down an alleyway, then turned around and leaned up against a wall. He was feeling well enough, though nearly insensible from lack of sleep-he had been running all day on adrenaline, and hadn't slept at all the previous night.
No, there was something else on his mind.
"Revi. I need to talk with you. Are you here?" He asked quietly, feeling a bit ridiculous. This was the name he had only used with Ithy's...back when he had known her much better.
He had a feeling she would be close, watching over him....or maybe it was just lack of sleep.
The shadows in the alley shifted slightly, then hissed out a response.
Spoiler: Elven (click to show/hide)
Post by: Dwarmin on December 15, 2014, 09:27:55 am
The shadows in the alley shifted slightly, then hissed out a response.Spoiler: Elven (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Elven (click to show/hide)
"You should have varned me. I don't understand vhy my hair had needed cutting, anyvay. I cut my own hair and never vorried before."
Ava had always cut her own fringe when it got too long, letting the rest grow for the most part. So when the woman had swung some scissors towards her face, Ava had got... defensive.
Osirio brightens up at the thought. He runs his hand through Ava's hair fondly, if a bit absently-mindedly. He withdraws quickly after a long moment, as if he did something wrong.
"I forgot you have much to learn.
In the any case, I suppose it's time for vows. Don't worry-the priest is a complete fraud, so we will not be legally bound in any sense...I've even got us a bridal suite! Osirio will sleep on the comforter."
He took her by the hand so they would make a good showing when they emerged. He paused a moment.
"Oh yes. I should ask-how real do you want the kiss to be? I am well obliged to give you what ever you want, my Snow-Wife." He says, smiling wryly.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 15, 2014, 12:18:10 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on December 15, 2014, 12:33:04 pm
With that, he leads her back to the party...
[END]
Post by: Harbingerjm on December 15, 2014, 07:27:19 pm
A brief pause, ended by what sounded like a supressed snort.He asks in his own accented Elven, trying to make out her form in the shadows. She was so different then the person he had once known...but then again, Osirio had changed in that time as well, had he not? Maybe she recognized as little of him, as he did of her.Spoiler: Elven (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Elven (click to show/hide)
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 15, 2014, 09:02:55 pm
"I will make sure it is very convincing. Only you, and I will know the truth." Osirio says, casually excluding his teammates.
With that, he leads her back to the party...
[END]
His hand was wrapped around hers. She didn't smile, but her grip was firm around his.
"It vill be our secret..."
He lead. She followed.
END
Post by: Dwarmin on December 16, 2014, 09:06:43 am
A brief pause, ended by what sounded like a supressed snort.He asks in his own accented Elven, trying to make out her form in the shadows. She was so different then the person he had once known...but then again, Osirio had changed in that time as well, had he not? Maybe she recognized as little of him, as he did of her.Spoiler: Elven (click to show/hide)Spoiler: Elven (click to show/hide)
Osirio nods, seemingly clearing his head.
"...Ah, no more than a bad joke, I guess. We'll need to leave this for another night. I was just thinking...well, know that you'll always be more than a friend to me, Reva. What you helped me through, long ago...I can't forget that. Nor what I felt for you. It's hard for a man to move on, without putting pay to his past...but, not the time. I must needs be back.
...I also needed to remind you to pick up the stone in the alley, after the celebration. Our friends might have left us a message. Be careful, of course. They might have left something else."
With that he strolled out. He supposed it wasn't the right time...but, he was finding it hard to move on. He just wanted to look into her eyes-he recalled they were a brilliant shade of dark purple you could drown in-and see if the felt for her how he had before...but, he was quickly finding that Reva often kept her hood lowered.
[END]
Post by: Dwarmin on December 17, 2014, 12:36:41 pm
The "couple" returned back to their table, just as the barbequed pork shanks were being served to the guests. Delicious!
Osirio, hungry and in high spirits, proceeded to tell Ava some things about his childhood...well, the good parts anyway.
"You know I am a man of the desert, far to the South of our Aretrian...the desert they call the "Bonedrifts", because of the pure white sand that stretches for miles unto miles-in truth, my elders said it was made from the powder of long dead stones of a long dead sea, turned to dust after uncounted millenia. A desert that was once an ocean, if you believe the tales.
It is not as hot as you might imagine, though, nor as desolate. There is water, and where there is water there is life...I was born to an Elven mother who fell for the rouges charm of a Human sorcerer during a summer dance. Ah, my father was a good man, but he couldn't be bothered to stick about-all true, the Elven clan my mother belonged too...well, they did not like the idea, to be sure. I spent most of my youth wishing my father would come home-as he sometimes did, every year or so-and take me away on his adventures...he told me so much about the world I could not hope to understand, of his own travels and dangers...I wanted to follow. He would bring me and my mother small treasures, but I loved the books most of all. I could not understand half the languages they were written in, at first, but they were like magic portals into other worlds. One step, and Osirio was lost...
Oh, there are other joys in the sands, do not think otherwise. You have already learned to enjoy Osirio's cooking-I must one day introduce to you to Jerboa Stew, the most choice of dishes! There are powerful Blue Dragons who live under the sands, and they protect all those who dwell in peace in the desert, as long as they pay proper respect and tribute...they are very useful to talk to, and trade with, if they do not eat you. Osirio used to practice riddle games against the Blues-the price of a beautiful gem, worth the taste his own hide. High risk games, for very foolish young men...and foolish young dragons, who were left poorer.
And, you have not lived until you've ridden a Slingsail. It rides over the dunes like a ship on the waves-very fast, very dangerous...very fun. Osirio only had a small one, fit for himself, but he has heard some afford them as large as seagoing vessels. Once upon a time, Osirio dreamed of owning his very own-becoming a trader, maybe...or a sand pirate. "
Osirio laughs.
"Well, I saw my father last on my fifteenth birthday, and never again. After two years I was forced to leave on my own, to spare my poor mother-she will still be young, long after Osirio is dust. This is painful for any mother...to lose a son. I do not hope to ever see her again, but I hope she is well. I miss her, dearly...but, the clan was always against us. We could have no peace.
...You must see-to an Elf clan, what was Osirio but a half-breed of a nuisance? Why bother getting to know him when he will die in a mayfly's span, at least according to their reckoning? It was most vexing...and, of course, my cursed powers marked me as a threat. I had always thought to inherit a portion of power from my father by blood, but what I got, I could not control. Bad things happened around me-and when people bothered me, they would have accidents...I was blamed, though I did not know these things I did. I became...angry, and introverted..."
He pauses to spear a pork shank with his fork.
"I lashed out, like an angry child-I must admit-and with every day they turned more so against me. So, I was driven away, and a hex on them I say. Osirio then promised to have no family, to bind himself to no friends, to seek nothing, but escape from this vale of tears...you see? Osirio was once a bitter, confused boy. He did much harm, to himself and others. Osirio would have become a monster, surely, but...to say-he was saved, though only by a monster worse than himself...though I could not tell she was a monster at first. That is a story for another day, however.
What of your childhood, Ava? Is it something you feel you can talk about?" He asked.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 17, 2014, 01:41:59 pm
Serenely, she ripped a chunk of meat and crammed it in her mouth, tossing her head back to swallow the half-chewed chunk.
"My life vas vorthless until I killed my varther. After zhat was the vhite days, and I do not remember much but vog from zhose days. I did not remember your name, or even if you ever said it."She turned her head to look at him. "But I remembered your face. You were even more gaunt zhen. You..."
She broke off. Realisation seemed of dawn on her face. "Of course. I forgot." She reached towards his hand, turning it over so the palm was up. "You..."
She dropped fifteen coins into his hand and sat back. "I remember. 'You are owing me fifteen gold, little-znow-girl.'. So now you are repaid zhat part." She looked satisfied and turned back to the food, ripping off more meat to gulp down.
Post by: Dwarmin on December 17, 2014, 02:03:31 pm
"A debt is repaid, then. Such a small amount for a life...but, Osirio knows the value of his coin, just so." He says, weighing the money.
He nodded at her other remark,
"Ah, yes gaunt-your Northern winds, and of course Osirio did not eat nearly as well then. He has learned to catch a better price, and no more caravan jobs, of course. They treat a man like a pack animal-poor feed.
...Well, tell me about the journey that brought you South. I recall hearing some rumors about those who dared acost someone matching your description and ending up...in poor health? Why did you come for this one, anyway? A girl could have stayed far in the North, and Osirio would never have known." He said, speculatively. He was actually interested in the answer.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 17, 2014, 03:39:29 pm
She remembered a young man, barely bearded and shaking, but holding a old sword before him, as if she'd walk onto the blade. His wife, a pretty young thing, cowered behind him. Ava had split the skull of their horse and left their wagon immobile. His wife hadn't even paid attention to her once her husband was dead, merely howling and sobbing. It was the first time Ava had encountered grief. Even when she mother had died, the Voice had filled her with red, rather than tears. Avalanche had taken the time to place their bodies in the wagon and set it alight before she continued on. Sometimes, she wondered why. She'd never bothered in the north, leaving the corpses of her victims to freeze hard in the frost.
"I met zhe gnome, along the vay. I vas raiding a caravan vhen the ground collapsed into zome zort of-" she cast for the word. "Grave? Tomb? Zhere was zome kind of puzzle in each room, and undead. The gnome read and spoke in dragontongue to open zhe doors. I destroyed zhe bone-men. Ve got out, in time, and parted vays.
Many thought to attack me. I vas alone, and vomen seem to be veak in zhese lands. Zoft and zimpering. Zome laughed at my hammer, and claimed it vas too big to vield. I proved zhem wrong. It vas chance we met again - I vas merely drifting. I nearly left again vhen you said I could not repay the life-debt. I do not like these zouthron lands. The north is honest, if cruel. But I vill stay for you, until the life-debt is done. Once it is...
I do not know. But I am not one who cares for deep thinking of zhe future."
Post by: Dwarmin on December 17, 2014, 04:02:57 pm
Yet, he would have hoped to show you some reasons to stay, at least for a time." He comments.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 17, 2014, 04:19:11 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on December 17, 2014, 04:27:11 pm
"Yes, as you imply-the future is unknown. You still have your debt, and I still have yet to find my place. We will do these things, but for now they remain a time away. I do warn you, I am not easily deterred. If I find your continued services invaluable, I may very well take a great effort to keep you in my company." he says, the left side of his mouth twitching in a smile.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 17, 2014, 05:04:54 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on December 17, 2014, 05:22:57 pm
"Ah, the fabled Laugh of Avalanche. Osirio is glad in his heart, to hear it again, and fortunate it is not followed by a hammerfall-thankfully, for our guests."
Osirio suspected the last thing many had heard was her laugh.
Post by: flame99 on December 23, 2014, 11:09:02 pm
Doing some basic reconnaissance, you find that the noble at 255 Hallas is known to be a bit of an eccentric. His surname is Arias, though you can't find his first. He's hired several mining crews, stating that he intends to enlarge his basement. There's a few links between him and criminals, though most could be chalked up coincidence and rumors. You do manage to find information about a servant's entrance. It might serve as a suitable entrance point.
Post by: Nerjin on December 23, 2014, 11:14:23 pm
Yes, truly this, the manliest of questions puts to rest any further mistakes of Culpa being a female. Which he is not.
Post by: Dwarmin on December 24, 2014, 09:52:28 am
"Seems good enough. We need information on the staff, however-we want to infiltrate when the place is least...occupied...better chance we get a man alive, which Osirio intends to. The underlings do not matter."
He yawns.
"...Gnome, do you have any more of the hot-waking-up potion?" Osirio says, while rattling his empty mug-referring to Ari's alchemical concoction of roasted beans and hot water.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 24, 2014, 10:30:37 am
"Couid ve not just visit him? Then ve kill zhe guards and beat him until ze talks."
Post by: Dwarmin on December 24, 2014, 10:43:49 am
Thus, Osirio thinks we should attack at a proper time, when his many are absent, or asleep."
Osirio hadn't actually drunk very much last night, but he hadn't slept very well-due to Ava's snoring, which it turns out was also like an avalanche.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 24, 2014, 11:34:07 am
Post by: Dwarmin on December 24, 2014, 11:58:02 am
((Speaking of which, how big is this place, how many stories/entrances in all? Is this going to be a single scene, or more like a mini-dungeon?
Also, do we know what the guy looks like we're supposed to kidnap? :P I'm willing for a retcon of them giving us his personal description.))
Post by: Dwarmin on December 24, 2014, 12:17:40 pm
"Let us make our final preparations and make an attack at nightfall.
I need to make some purchases...a good pair of chains, a decent lock, and a few lead-weighted saps. Good for taking a man, if he's not good enough to avoid being taken.
Ah, I will need but 5 gold from each of you, as this will deplete my funds entirely. Osirio has no doubt he and you will be able to recoup his costs with the job, however."
Action: Osirio goes and purchases four saps, one for every team member who doesn't have one.
He also buys a pair of manacles, with an average lock.
Total Cost: 60 Gold
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 24, 2014, 01:27:17 pm
"Are ve avoiding killing? It vould be more secretive if ve killed any vitnesses. I am not sneaky." Her tone had a hint of distaste. Fighting without killing someone just wasn't right. She covered her face as a matter of course, but there were only going to be so many blue-armoured snow-barbarians with a giant hammer in the city.
She didn't like the idea of leaving her hammer behind, but it was very distinctive. She could use her knife, she supposed, and with her magic it should make up for the less deadly blows.
"If ve must fight without bloodzhed, get me a larger zap zhan the vest of you. Veapons are easy to handle vith the blessing of my god."
Post by: Dwarmin on December 24, 2014, 01:33:46 pm
"Only the noble need be taken alive, if that's possible...
It's better if we kill everyone else, as you say. You need not hold back against the rest of the scum, Ava."
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 24, 2014, 01:46:32 pm
"Zhat is good."
She regarded him a minute.
"You look tired. Did you sleep poorly?"
Post by: Dwarmin on December 24, 2014, 02:33:54 pm
"Ah, well...the room sounded as if you were wielding a hammer in your dreams last night. You snore in your sleep."
He folds his arms.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 24, 2014, 03:10:44 pm
"You are miztaken. I do not znore."
The notion she did, for some reason, annoyed her immensely, and she was careful not to let it show.
Post by: Dwarmin on December 24, 2014, 03:16:55 pm
"I suppose there was a Dragon sleeping in the loft above us, then, ey? Osirio must have merely imagined that sound, like roof was about to fall in and crush him."
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 24, 2014, 03:23:38 pm
"Maybe zhat wound you took has poizoned your blood, and given you a fever of zhe mind. I can give you zome bloodletting to let zhe poizon out if you vish. Maybe aftervard you vill not be hearing false zhings."
Post by: Dwarmin on December 24, 2014, 03:47:53 pm
"Maybe Osirio can fix that unhealthy rumbling noise your nose makes by cutting off your head, little-snow-girl. Then, he will sleep so more fitfully."
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 24, 2014, 04:00:40 pm
"If you want to sleep vell, I vould alvays be happy to help with a blow from my hammer, zhough I can't promise you'd vake up. Maybe that's zzomething you'd like."
Post by: Dwarmin on December 24, 2014, 04:06:22 pm
"Osirio thinks your snoring would waken him even if he was dead-perhaps he should take the precaution of having you buried, so those of us still alive can get some sleep."
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 24, 2014, 04:54:47 pm
"You vill not need to vorry. Maybe vhen I turn your head into an ornament for my hammer I vill be zure to have cut off your ears virst."
All this exchange, of course, had been whispered. Maybe from a further away perspective, it would have seemed sweet - two leaning in together, eyes locked, whispering.
Unless one of the other members of Osirio's Bold Men stepped in, though, there very well might be more than words exchanged.
Post by: Nerjin on December 24, 2014, 06:14:32 pm
"Hey..." Culpa inturrupted the conversation "I hate to break up the married couple but we have other things to do don't we?"
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 24, 2014, 07:27:40 pm
"Very vell. Do not vorry, Culpa. I vill deal vith our voes."
She strongly considered using her hammer anyway - hitting non lethally was more difficult, but few remained standing after, alive or no.
Post by: lawastooshort on December 26, 2014, 04:31:01 pm
"...Gnome, do you have any more of the hot-waking-up potion?" Osirio says, while rattling his empty mug-referring to Ari's alchemical concoction of roasted beans and hot water.
"Elf: no more of this batch, no. Luckily I need more. Or something stronger. Gah. Are we going right away? If not perhaps we could find one of these mining crews and interrogate them. Find out what they're doing. Or another way in. Anyway. Not the time for quickwitted planning. Let's go."
Let Osirio have some coffee. Accept a sap and tag along, massaging my temples.
Post by: Dwarmin on December 27, 2014, 09:28:31 am
Ava leaned back with a hmmph before her anger melted like snow in a furnace.
"Very vell. Do not vorry, Culpa. I vill deal vith our voes."
She strongly considered using her hammer anyway - hitting non lethally was more difficult, but few remained standing after, alive or no.
Osirio hmmphed as well, turning away, trying to control his temper. He noticed his hand had been clenching the tabletop, leaving a peculiar purple indent where he had released some of his cursed magic in his temper...well, he supposed the owners of this place had better have bought insurance.
He thought for a moment, tamping down the anger. Stop, and think, had been his training...he had never known a woman so stubborn. Even to the point of denying reality! Even more so, he had to wonder...after awhile of simmering, he turned to Ava and started again, modulating his tone to be somewhat softer and more placatory. It seemed to him that his biting sarcasm quickly stoked her rage, so he tried to keep that down. He spoke to her quietly again.
"...Alright, so the fact that you snore, is a point I will admit is under some contention. The question is, why does this thing bother you so much?" He asked, genuinely curious.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 27, 2014, 05:42:58 pm
In truth, it was more she didn't know the words. The idea of snoring was abhorrent to her. Maybe as a child, she had hated and feared someone who snored, but she did not recall. The White Days had had a long a reach, and she had no great wish to remember her childhood. But for the naturally taciturn woman, speaking in a tongue not her own, she couldn't explain. Ava regarded him with eyes calm once more, locking any emotion behind a stoic mask.
She hesitated for a moment, before slowly saying "I do not think I can explain vell enough. Maybe zome ozer time, Ozirio. Common is not my tongue. Giantspeak is."
She paused again before adding: "Of courze, zhe matter is moot, as I do not znore."
Post by: Dwarmin on December 28, 2014, 01:15:55 pm
Still, his body language suggested he was mollified for the moment. She seemed to be genuinely at a loss-literally or emotionally-to answer his question. He felt a a small measure keen pity for her, mixed with greater amount of more prodigious hawkish curiosity.
He decided at that moment he would have to learn Giantspeak. He knew it was similar to Dwarven and Terran in certain regards, but he only knew certain trade words in those languages, ones he would he be hard pressed to recall. He couldn't hope to understand her in any meaningful regard until he understood the subtle nuances of her own tongue...er, language.
Most telling, the book (Osirio is often seen reading) in his hands next time he gets a free moment will be titled "The Ways of Maat and Maug-Understanding our Tallbrothers"
[End]
Post by: Dwarmin on December 29, 2014, 04:08:38 pm
...When one considers the race of giants, some images spring to my mind-towering, bestial warriors marching down upon tiny, insignificant warriors with the roar of an avalanche. Small swords and spears seem like toothpicks to the hammers of the giants, as large as horsecarts.
And yet somehow, in our stories, the small warriors always win.
What do the Giant's stories say?
In truth, most of them resemble our own-Giantkind is in many ways similar to humankind. There own stories indicate trials and victories over large, imposing enemies such as Dragons, or the sacking of cities, and the Glory for and pining of the old times in which they ruled supreme...at the base of giantkin culture lies a feeling of superiority-called "the Ordning"-which is a word for the laws they once enforced, and stands for a era of their enlightened rule-a true relic of the ancient times when Giants of all types were much more prevalent and powerful, often ruling large groups of primitive elves, men, and dwarves as Kings-some wisely, some not so, much as men ruled afterwards. Over the centuries, however, the "Stommven" (Man-Tribes) became more advanced through technology, and more numerous. The Giants found themselves overthrown by sheer attrition, their Ancient Gods banished to the Endtimes, and were scattered to the points of the compass. Nearly all ancient Giant cities-amazingly advanced and prosperous in those times-are only desolate ruins today, showing a glimpse into the majesty and reach they once held control over-in many cases, their people created their own cities around them, and remnants of Giant architecture can still be seen in some of our own modern day cities, such as Aretrian, Ferryborn, Dialelund, Sweetsling Rift, and Lychyard. In these times, the Giants themselves are usually a dwindling, bestial people-the Ordning is often used to justify the crimes and atrocities they commit upon other folks, when once it united Empires and kept them safe and prosperous...
...In short, most Giantkind feel the world should still belong to them-even as the kingdoms of men have pushed them further and further into extinction. Not only through war, but a dwindling. Giants breed slowly-and those who breed with humans produce weak half-breeds, often unable to achieve a tenth of the strength of their magnificent forebears, and few of those ever reach maturity, often falling to congenital disease, such as insanity, or heart attacks*. Those who do survive, produce even thinner and weaker blood in the ensuing generations. The blood of true Giants is believed to be long extinct-one need only look to some Giantkinds defacement of their own ancient murals of Heroes and Kings, a symbolic denial of the evidence that once they were of much greater stature than the Giants we know today...
...Most Giantkind still follow the ways of "Slaag uft Liv", or the "Life of Battle"...believing purity of spirit earned through endless conflict, and upholding the ancient law of Ordning may yet be their final redemption...
...
*Surprisingly, Heart disease is a usual fatality among the Giantkind of today, likely related to their weakened blood and larger, stronger bodies-it often strikes newborns, but nearly every Giant and the various half-Giants species are vulnerable to it, especially as they grow older. Their own term for this is "Syd Sorga", which merely translates to "Sudden Sorrow"-an uncommonly morose term for an usually unsympathetic and taciturn race. The irony that their hearts cannot support their bodies is one of brutal derision among their foes, and unending misery to them.
((Go filler RP!))
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 29, 2014, 05:06:09 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on December 29, 2014, 05:23:08 pm
He glanced over at Ava, resting in the chair across from him, and smiled. Well, in a certain light, she could look quite...quite...
...not much to do but wait, now. He knew she wasn't asleep. No snoring-it would likely rattle the windows and scare all the patrons away.
Osirio spoke hesitantly.
"...Ava, can I ask you something? Have you ever heard of the Giantkine Phrase "Syd Sorga"? Of course, he mangled the pronunciation, making it sound more like "Slide Sorghum".
He wasn't sure exactly why this thing he had read bothered him so much.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 29, 2014, 06:53:29 pm
"Zlide...? Ah, Syd Sorga."
The other eye opened, and she looked at him.
"Yes, I have heard of it. A pitiful death, to be murdered by your own heart. It is not zomething I vorry about. I do not doubt I vill die a good death in battle."
Ava's voice seemd almost optimistic at the prospect. She considered a second whether to speak more.
"It is the veakness and the strength of Giantkind. None vant to die in zheir bed. It keeps us on the path of battle, so ve may find a glorious death, or at least not vaste zhe time ve do have with idle deeds. The ztrong devour the veak, and syd sorga enzures ve do not ztray. No vun remembers zlaves, but dragonzlayers are zung of for generations.
And vhen ve are in battle..."
Her tone changed, becoming something with almost relish.
"And you can hear your heart roar as it beats. Your blood zings to you. Az a great fire soons burns to ash, zo do ve. Ve do not mourn zhat ve die, Ozirio. Ve mourn zhat ve cannot fight any more. Half-bloods cannot ztand the fire, and zhey melt avay. And ze true giants are tainted zhings, now. Not liek zhey vere before. But I have the favour of Kostchtchie. I vield zhe hammer vith the ztrength I ziezed from him vhen I killed my varther. I vill not melt avay zo easily."
Post by: Dwarmin on December 29, 2014, 07:13:03 pm
He supposes the two of them have that in common, at least...Osirio hadn't been lying when he said he never saw his father again after his fifteenth birthday.
"This one has never heard you speak this way before. It intrigues him." He says, honestly. "It seems speaking the common tongue for the time subdues your temper, somewhat." He notes.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 29, 2014, 08:29:07 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on December 30, 2014, 09:25:05 am
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 30, 2014, 10:10:45 pm
"It is good to speak zhe varther-tongue. If nothing else, ve can speak vithout being understood by enemies. It may be uzeful in zhis den of volves. Zhe gnome can help you, zhough he giant is poor. I could try to teach you, but I am no teacher."
Post by: Nerjin on December 30, 2014, 10:13:18 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 30, 2014, 10:35:48 pm
Post by: Nerjin on December 30, 2014, 10:57:58 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 30, 2014, 11:22:09 pm
Post by: Nerjin on December 30, 2014, 11:27:01 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 31, 2014, 12:17:08 am
Post by: Nerjin on December 31, 2014, 12:19:48 am
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 31, 2014, 12:39:28 am
Post by: Nerjin on December 31, 2014, 12:55:40 am
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 31, 2014, 01:30:11 am
Post by: Dwarmin on December 31, 2014, 09:54:13 am
As for his own thoughts, he thought that repairing a heart condition really was the sort of thing it would take a miracle to perform-from what he knew, Gods tended to reserve their powers for injuries and sicknesses of a temporal nature, obtained more or less from your and others free wills and random consequences-things like blood weaknesses and old age, that you were inherit to suffer from as a mortal, they were much less likely to help with. He thought it had something to do with the whole celestial balance thing, how if every God began improving their worshipers to much, eventually there would be no mortals to worship them-only demigods, who didn't really need the Gods help anymore.
Or maybe he was just being cynical.
Post by: Nerjin on December 31, 2014, 01:10:55 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on December 31, 2014, 01:25:35 pm
"A very Priestly answer, oh priestly-one. But, what does your God want you do? You can find specifics, among friends.
I admit, I know little of your Hex-tor, except he is God of War, and has many hands."
Post by: Nerjin on December 31, 2014, 01:28:36 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on December 31, 2014, 01:38:20 pm
Osirio knows his Goddess Wee Jas-blessed be her eternal beauty-wants him to advance law and order, be protecting and learning the arcane arts, and respecting the ancestors. She also likes flattery, as most women do, and is fond of the glory and praise as reward for her lonely duties as the Kind Shepard of the Dead.
So, what does your Hex-tor God want from you, The Culpa?"
Osirio speaks with great reverence whenever he speaks about Wee Jas, and usually rolls the small ruby skull-the emblem he wears on his neck-in his hand when doing so.
Post by: flame99 on December 31, 2014, 05:18:44 pm
However, for now you possess the equipment you shopped for, and stand in front of the gate. Surprisingly well hidden behind a hedge to the side is a servant's entrance, which is supposed to lead into a smallish complex containing servant's quarters, which connects to the house proper. You don't have disguises, so if you intend to enter there, you better hope none of the servants like their master.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on December 31, 2014, 07:02:25 pm
Ava could try to pick the lock herself, but she was no master with it, only having primitive tools and not much practice in the north. Meat wagons don't lock up much, and she otherwise smashed the lockboxes with her hammer.
She had pulled the scarf up over her face, and painted on her white face-paint to cover what wasn't hidden by scarf. The great maul rested on her shoulder.
Post by: Harbingerjm on December 31, 2014, 10:53:37 pm
"Why would you assume I can do that? I don't have my lockpick with me; it was one of the many things I lost recently, and it's far too expensive to replace just yet."
Post by: GiglameshDespair on January 01, 2015, 12:01:07 pm
"Ah. I azzumed you vould have use."
Post by: Nerjin on January 01, 2015, 03:55:22 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on January 01, 2015, 04:08:04 pm
Post by: lawastooshort on January 01, 2015, 04:19:39 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on January 01, 2015, 04:26:44 pm
Post by: lawastooshort on January 01, 2015, 04:31:59 pm
Ari tried to convey with his voice that the lack of burning involved meant that this was a plan that he disliked. He wondered if he would ever get to liking the fighting like this monstrous fiend: he much preferred smashing a sleeping git's skull in or burning them alive when they weren't expecting it. Like when they was asleep. Seemed a lot less risky. He wasn't obsessed with getting in his own face smashed to death like some.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on January 01, 2015, 04:58:21 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on January 02, 2015, 10:55:19 am
"Hmm. Well. Let's bost this door down then and go do our business. We get them manacles?"
Osirio nodded, patting a pouch on his belt. He had already given a sap to everyone who didn't have one-three padded maces-a large one for Ava (He hoped the size would make up for it's non-lethal nature), a medium one for himself, and a tiny one for Ari, which looked a bit like a baby rattle.
"May this be a simple suggestion, but can Ava lend her tools to Ithys? For the Teamwork. It's likely even the most foolish employer installs an alarm bell on his servants entrance."
Post by: Harbingerjm on January 02, 2015, 10:36:02 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on January 03, 2015, 09:26:43 am
"I have lockpicks myzelf. I have no great skill vith zhem, but I could try."
Osirio snorts.
"Go ahead then, Ava-try to open it with your picks, and use the hammer if we have to. I have faith in you." he says, hoping the door won't explode when she tries.
He was becoming quite fond of her, anyway.
Not so fond he didn't take a step back of course.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on January 03, 2015, 07:09:56 pm
"Hummph. Zhis may take a vhile."
Take twenty on opening the lock at +2
Post by: Harbingerjm on January 03, 2015, 10:43:16 pm
To give Ava room, of course.
Post by: Nerjin on January 04, 2015, 11:54:52 am
Post by: flame99 on January 04, 2015, 06:14:15 pm
Regardless, it leads into what appears to be the servants' quarters. It's a fairly plain place, amounting to a simple hallway, with small depressions leading into small rooms; each contains a bed, a small chest of drawers, and a sleeping body, save a few that are (Fairly poorly) stuffed with straw, clearly intended to mimic the appearance of someone sleeping there.
Quietly walking down the hall, you manage to get to the other end without waking any, though several stir in their sleep. They seem to be used to midnight noises. You reach the other end of the hall, and gingerly testing the door, it leads into a kitchen. A chef is in there, tending to what looks like a casserole. He doesn't seem to notice you; he just goes on humming.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on January 05, 2015, 07:07:25 pm
With sap held firmly in hand, she stepped up behind him and swung it down in a brutal arc.
Post by: Dwarmin on January 06, 2015, 09:16:38 am
He should really have been more specific in the planning phase.
Action: Help clunk the chef if Ava misses! Make sure to take the casserole off the heat, we wouldn't want it to burn...
Post by: lawastooshort on January 06, 2015, 05:14:40 pm
Post by: flame99 on January 06, 2015, 10:00:42 pm
After giving good, solid glares to Osirio and the drow, Ava padded in.You try to approach silently, though this plan very quickly proves ineffective, as the first step you take turns out to be onto a creaking board. The chef notices at once, and lets out a small shout of alarm. Before he can do much else, however, she rushes in, and swings her sap overhand, resulting in an unconscious chef. However, the shout, burst of speed, and thump of him hitting the floor has almost certainly woken up, at the very least, the servants. You can hear them beginning to wake.
With sap held firmly in hand, she stepped up behind him and swung it down in a brutal arc.
Osirio nodded. He thought this was a fairly poor omen, however-he had hoped to come late enough at night that everyone would be asleep...now someone was expecting dinner!Osirio begins to rush in to Ava's aid, though quickly slows once he sees the unconscious chef. Politely, he moves the casserole off of the stove. It seems to be primarily made of egg and sausage; an overnight breakfast casserole, perhaps? In that case, he didn't have to worry about Arias being awake. Or wouldn't, if not for the struggle.
He should really have been more specific in the planning phase.
Action: Help clunk the chef if Ava misses! Make sure to take the casserole off the heat, we wouldn't want it to burn...
Dinner at all hours - Ari approved of that. Creeping up behind Osirio, he stood on tiptoes to try to get a taste of what was cooking, but... well... He's two foot tall. He moved across the kitchen to the next exit once the cook was down, and listened.Ignoring the rousing servants, he listens at the eastern of the two doors. It's faint, but you think you can make out what sounds like metal on metal.
Barring the pantry and the door you just came from, there are two exits; one leading to a parlor of sorts, the other to a dining room.
Post by: Harbingerjm on January 06, 2015, 11:44:34 pm
Post by: lawastooshort on January 07, 2015, 04:26:04 am
Hide (+5) by the door in such a manner that I can ambush any fecker what comes through. Ready a Morningstar to the groin attack. Listen (+6) again.
Post by: Dwarmin on January 07, 2015, 09:36:33 am
"...Hmm, needs nutmeg...do you have nutmeg?" He asked the unconscious chef.
No response.
Action: Help beat any servants if needed-otherwise, tie them up with their own belts/clothes, rifle their pockets for keys and useful notes, and stick them in closets.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on January 07, 2015, 10:32:18 am
"Kill zhem?" she asked quietly.
Post by: Dwarmin on January 07, 2015, 11:04:02 am
Hearing the servants begin to stir, Ava looked back. She shifted her hammer to her dominant hand.
"Kill zhem?" she asked quietly.
Osirio shook his head and replied just as quietly. He continued to stir the casserole.
"...Not now. We'll deal with them once we're done-just bind them for now, unless they force you to kill them. We may need to question them...or someone may get away anyway, which will make them not worth killing.
...I merely despise waste, you know? Let's not waste lives. It's unprofessional. I may be a monster, but I'm not an Animal..." Osirio muses.
Post by: flame99 on January 07, 2015, 01:25:42 pm
Ithy moves into the nearest room and beats the servant over the head with her sap.
Osirio added a bit of salt to the casserole and stirred it a bit.Ithy, moving almost silently, creeps into several of the servants' "rooms". Osirio aids her in doing so, though not before sampling the casserole. Seven servants in all, counting the chef, now unconscious, bound and gagged.
"...Hmm, needs nutmeg...do you have nutmeg?" He asked the unconscious chef.
No response.
Action: Help beat any servants if needed-otherwise, tie them up with their own belts/clothes, rifle their pockets for keys and useful notes, and stick them in closets.
”Urg…” whispers Ari to whoever can hear, ”Someone’s sharpening knives in there, I do believe. The only explanation is cannibals… I think we need to be more violent.”Ari slinks into the shadows, trying and largely succeeding at hiding himself. Listening, he thinks he hears...ticking? The metal-on-metal sound has grown louder as well. He grabs his morningstar, preparing to attack at a moment's notice. Ari's preparation very quickly proves to be worthwhile, as the silence is quickly shattered by the door being forcefully opened. Through it steps a humanoid figure in strange, bronze armor, brandishing a heavy looking hammer with relative ease, with a shield in the other hand. He certainly looks quite imposing and dangerous.
Hide (+5) by the door in such a manner that I can ambush any fecker what comes through. Ready a Morningstar to the groin attack. Listen (+6) again.
Operating more on instinct and reflex, Ari drives his morningstar into its groin region. The weapon pierces the bronze armor (Which proves to be thinner than it first appeared), revealing a glimpse of cogs and chains; some sort of construct, then? [3 DAMAGE]
Regardless, the thing raises its hammer, hitting the floorboards with a loud crash and only barely missing Ari.
Spoiler: Initiative (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: ASCII Map (click to show/hide)
= Chef (Unconscious)Post by: Dwarmin on January 07, 2015, 01:51:33 pm
Quote
Operating more on instinct and reflex, Ari drives his morningstar into its groin region.
"Your usual tactics are ineffective, Gnome..." Osirio comments, dryly.
He moves to help at a quick pace, his hand blazing with dark purple curselight...a machine has a thousand moving parts, after all, and only one needs to fail...
Osirio's flail spins round and round in a steel cage as he looks for a weakspot, holding in a pattern intended for his own defense. Analyzing his enemy, how it moves, what he can remember about these things...
Action: Go Help Ari!
Curse that machine, then move in and strike it with my flail while fighting defensively.
Attack: -1 to-hit, 1d8+2 damage, +2 AC (AC now 18)
Hex: Will save Dc 15, or suffer -2 penalty on attacks, saves, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls for 1 hour
Also, analyze it with Arcane Knowledge, if possible (+5)
Post by: Nerjin on January 07, 2015, 02:12:51 pm
Up 2, Right 3. Light Flail: +2 to Hit. 1d8+1 damage.
Post by: Dwarmin on January 07, 2015, 02:15:23 pm
"Why would things go right? I hate machines."
"You know Culpa, you might have hurt it's feelings." Osirio chided, jokingly.
Post by: Nerjin on January 07, 2015, 02:18:24 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on January 07, 2015, 02:30:12 pm
Osirio loved these mid-battle philosophical debates. So much more exciting when you could be beheaded any moment!
Post by: GiglameshDespair on January 07, 2015, 02:33:45 pm
"Zomevun vorth fighting?"
She tossed the sap aside, taking her hammer into both hands. She pulled down her scarf and bit her finger, smearing the blood on the head of her hammer. The blood seem to crystallise and expand, spreading to form jagged red spikes on the maul, ignoring the words between Osirio and the priest.
Drop sap (free action).
Cast Blade of Blood as a swift action.
Charge, wielding hammer two-handed. 2d8+1d6+4 damage, +5 (+3+2) to hit.
Post by: Nerjin on January 07, 2015, 02:52:18 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on January 07, 2015, 03:10:41 pm
It seems to me man was always intended to make tools he needed to survive. Is a construct anything, but a tool with thoughts? If it thinks and moves like a man? Well, one must think that all men are tools to some extent. It seems to me men are tools of the Gods, after all."
Post by: lawastooshort on January 07, 2015, 05:03:43 pm
He noticed the elf and the priest rushing to his aid, jabbering about who knows what - it simply wasn't the time, unless they truly did not care for him, which he suspected was probably the case in any case - there was some kind of mechanical cannibal coming after very specifically him, and he was very much unready to be eaten alive.
He tried not to scream lest he awaken the accursed household.
"Goodgodsbeatthisfeckertopiecesmen-"
Morningstar to the shin!
Post by: Nerjin on January 07, 2015, 06:09:47 pm
Post by: Harbingerjm on January 07, 2015, 10:42:59 pm
Ithy continues the servant-mugging, because Sneak Attack.
Post by: flame99 on January 07, 2015, 11:22:04 pm
"Why would things go right? I hate machines." Culpa ran towards the Machine, taking a que from Osirio's actions, and attempted to smash the creature with his flail.Culpa runs to the machine, and attempts to bash the abomination to scrap metal. Though his effort is valiant, the shield of the thing deflects the blow.
Up 2, Right 3. Light Flail: +2 to Hit. 1d8+1 damage.
Osirio's curse strikes true; the luck-hound wreaks havoc within the machinery, as the simple mind of the construct fails to do much of anything to fend it off, save provide token resistance. He proceeds to try and study the thing, fighting primarily for defense as he does so. Unsurprisingly, this doesn't yield much of a result as far as hitting the thing goes, but he does recognize it; Clockwork Guardians are usually used by some of the wealthier and more paranoid members of society as guards.QuoteOperating more on instinct and reflex, Ari drives his morningstar into its groin region.
"Your usual tactics are ineffective, Gnome..." Osirio comments, dryly.
He moves to help at a quick pace, his hand blazing with dark purple curselight...a machine has a thousand moving parts, after all, and only one needs to fail...
Osirio's flail spins round and round in a steel cage as he looks for a weakspot, holding in a pattern intended for his own defense. Analyzing his enemy, how it moves, what he can remember about these things...
Action: Go Help Ari!
Curse that machine, then move in and strike it with my flail while fighting defensively.
Attack: -1 to-hit, 1d8+2 damage, +2 AC (AC now 18)
Hex: Will save Dc 15, or suffer -2 penalty on attacks, saves, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls for 1 hour
Also, analyze it with Arcane Knowledge, if possible (+5)
They're slow, and not very bright, but their hammer strike is devastatingly powerful. In addition, the bronze plating that makes up their "skin" is deceptively sturdy, as it's usually treated with a number of wards and abjurations. However, they are known to be fairly vulnerable to magic.
And on the note of having a devastatingly powerful hammer strike, it would appear the automaton has chosen now to show it off. Swinging at Osirio, the hammer connects with a painful crack, and a newly dented shield. Osirio's vision blurs for a moment, and he's sent reeling. Just barely, though, he manages to cling on to consciousness. [7 DAMAGE]
Spoiler: Initiative (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: ASCII Map (click to show/hide)
Post by: lawastooshort on January 08, 2015, 05:16:50 am
He waves his Wand of Cure Light Wounds at Osirio in a panic and start Inspiring Courage by mumbling an epic chant about that time when his cousin’s friend’s missus stole some beans off Elder Fulchbottle. Normally the recollection would make him snigger with joy, but the battle fever had gripped Ari, and he was deadly serious.
((I believe he can use the wand and do whatever whilst Performing
edit: Yes, due to Melodic Casting))
Post by: GiglameshDespair on January 08, 2015, 08:00:25 am
Drop sap (free action).
Cast Blade of Blood as a swift action.
Charge, wielding hammer two-handed. 2d8+1d6+4 damage, +5 (+3+2) to hit.
Post by: Dwarmin on January 08, 2015, 11:12:54 am
Also, feel free to use your magic-this thing has a weakness to it!"
Action: The thing moves pretty slow, right-Osirio picks up the chef (or the lightest hostage available) and uses him/her as a human shield, interposing himself between anyone the Guardian looks like it's trying to attack-hopefully confusing it between legitimate targets and real ones. And it's better if it smashes them, then us.
8/13 HP
Post by: Nerjin on January 08, 2015, 01:10:47 pm
Swing my flail, yet again.
Post by: flame99 on January 09, 2015, 01:29:10 pm
”Urrruggguuugggrhhhg!” shouts Ari, throwing caution to the wind and deciding the beast’s shin to probably be impregnable anyway, ”Urruuggghhgggnnng!!”Ari, taking out his wand, quickly says the command word, and a small arc of light leaps from the tip towards Osirio, causing his wounds to knit together [5 DAMAGE HEALED]. That done, he begins his mumbling chant, the sonorous sound managing to inspire courage in his allies, despite the sinister tone to the mutterings.
He waves his Wand of Cure Light Wounds at Osirio in a panic and start Inspiring Courage by mumbling an epic chant about that time when his cousin’s friend’s missus stole some beans off Elder Fulchbottle. Normally the recollection would make him snigger with joy, but the battle fever had gripped Ari, and he was deadly serious.
((I believe he can use the wand and do whatever whilst Performing
edit: Yes, due to Melodic Casting))
Ithy, on the other hand, merely watches from the shadows.
Ava has, at once, begun moving towards the construct. She moves forward, a cold fury in her eyes, matching even the chill of her homeland. Dropping her sap, she hefts her hammer as she walks. She swings it widely, and on another plane that only Osirio can see out of the group, the curse-hound bites into the construct. The shield moves to intercept, and would handily, were it not for the none-too-coincidental seizing of the mechanics controlling the arm. The blow strikes with devastating force, the enchantment given by Ava passing easily through the wards inscribed on the armor. [TO-HIT ROLL: 15, 19 DAMAGE]. A great number of gears fall out, and a great clang and tormented shriek of metal is emanated. The thing, however, just barely hangs on to "life".
"Then let's be done with it." Culpa said as he swung his flail yet again.Culpa is glad to very quickly correct this. With a fierce swing of his flail, the helm forming the head of the thing crumples, causing it to fall to the ground, inert [TO-HIT ROLL: 18, 5 DAMAGE].
Swing my flail, yet again.
Digging through the wreckage of the creature, you find the core of it; it takes the shape of a rough cylinder, fitting easily in the palm of your hand. You're familiar enough with them to know that you can, by flicking it quickly, cause a discharge of magic; however, exactly what spell would be cast isn't always known. This particular one casts a random cantrip.
[270 EXPERIENCE GAINED]
Post by: lawastooshort on January 09, 2015, 01:36:20 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on January 09, 2015, 01:42:12 pm
That Chef made a pretty good casserole.
"Well! Nice shot, Mr. Culpa. I'm sure he felt the full force of your argument...can I examine that cylinder a moment? And, let's see...well, that's a lot of scrap. Might be useful, after we're done."
Osirio frowned at his dented shield. He supposed it was better than a dent in his head...
Action: Examine the cylinder with my arcane knowledge, if possible. (+5)
Follow Ari if he signals or all clear, or we hear a terrible crunching noise from his general direction
13/13 HP
Post by: GiglameshDespair on January 09, 2015, 01:48:47 pm
"Zhat died too eazy. Metal zhould be stronger zhan that."
The cook had seen her. She was distinctive.
"Zhe cook-master probably zaw me before I knocked him out. And zhere has been a lot of noize. Ve make ze cook lead uz to zhe target, kill ze cook and capture the target."
Post by: Dwarmin on January 09, 2015, 01:58:38 pm
As a rule, he found such things distasteful...which was he had people like Ava do it for him.
Second Action! Slap the chef awake and try to convince him to help lead us to his master with my diplomacy (+9)
Tell him catching this *evil* man will likely spare the rest of the people in the household a grisly fate.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on January 09, 2015, 02:16:58 pm
Zhere is nothing like zhis up North. Ztill, it vas veak.
She picked up the hammer it used and compared it to her own.
Post by: Dwarmin on January 09, 2015, 02:27:37 pm
"Weak, indeed-but they could make a hundred of these things if they had the money...and there is only one Ava Snow. One day these machines will replace all the heroes, I think." He muses.
Post by: lawastooshort on January 09, 2015, 02:33:53 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on January 09, 2015, 02:51:03 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on January 09, 2015, 03:10:22 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on January 09, 2015, 05:03:30 pm
Post by: Nerjin on January 09, 2015, 06:20:31 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on January 09, 2015, 06:33:36 pm
Post by: Nerjin on January 09, 2015, 06:35:25 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on January 09, 2015, 06:40:03 pm
Well, if you zo wish, you have to kill every one of zhese zervants. Vait by zhe door zo when the vuns who snuck out return you can batter zhem to death. A zingle one living vould raize zhe alarm. I have no problem with zhat, but Ozirio might."
Post by: Dwarmin on January 10, 2015, 09:28:21 am
"Economically it wouldn't work. From what I understand these creatures are rather expensive to make and even harder to maintain. Plus the elements can be unkind to clockworks. That being said I hope you are wrong as well Captain. It would be... unwise to tempt fate. Another question: Do you think that, when the master of the house is gone, we might appropriate this place as a base to work with? It would be better than going to that beastly bar every night in order to sleep."
"And we always learn to make things more cheaply, don't we...? Progress, Mr. Culpa...
...As for the other plan...we would have to have someone to replace the masters if we were to do this-either we convince the master to change sides, find a lookalike, or a family member, or a good actor. Ava is right on that-we can't exactly occupy a place where the owner was found lying in a ditch with his parts removed, or has mysteriously vanished with no explanation. We would be attracting too much attention. We would need a way to make sure the volves...er, wolves do not get our scent, to use Ava's colorful expression."
Post by: lawastooshort on January 10, 2015, 10:34:35 am
He was beginning to understand the ghastly perversions of the tall, and they were more unedifying than his elders had ever led him to suspect.
He crept on, feeling a chill in his soul.
Post by: flame99 on January 16, 2015, 06:19:26 pm
Realising that his chanting has saved his life, Ari continues mumbling, before Hiding and Moving Silentlyish through the door the construct came through. After trying to remove its armoured groin plate for himself.It takes a bit of yanking, but Ari does manage to eventually recover the groin plate. It's too large for him, but it'll make a nice trophy regardless.
Osirio was actually sort of glad he didn't have to enact "Plan B".[1] Let's see...This marking means it's lower class. Or higher. You can't remember. And that symbol there-- was it fire? Wait, no, air. Or maybe astral energy. Arrgh, this is getting you nowhere! At least you know it can be used as a sort of magic battery, but you don't really have the materials nor skills to make use of it that way.
That Chef made a pretty good casserole.
"Well! Nice shot, Mr. Culpa. I'm sure he felt the full force of your argument...can I examine that cylinder a moment? And, let's see...well, that's a lot of scrap. Might be useful, after we're done."
Osirio frowned at his dented shield. He supposed it was better than a dent in his head...
Action: Examine the cylinder with my arcane knowledge, if possible. (+5)
Follow Ari if he signals or all clear, or we hear a terrible crunching noise from his general direction
13/13 HP
"Indeed. We don't have the time to torture him, though...I am thinking that we should hand off the other staff to the Lords once they arrive to taken our prisoner into custody, assuming we do. They will be out of the way then-no matter what they choose to do with them. The chef will likely die in any case, as the situation permits, but I can hopefully convince him it is more likely everyone else will live if he helps us capture this man...of course, if he refuses, you can kill him. And if we do not catch the man alive, it's likely the rest of them must be killed as well." Osirio says, a bit bitterly, if quietly enough the hostages could not hear.[17+5]Frustrated with the cylinder, Osirio instead wakes the chef. He assures him that he has no intention of hurting him (Technically true), and in fact, he's working for the chef's good (Well, he is a citizen of Aretrian, and Osirio is working for the city's leader...). Having calmed him and convincing him you mean no harm (You have to wonder if that blow to his head messed with his memory), you begin spinning a story [18+3], telling him that Arias is a dangerous rebel, working to slay the people of Aretrian. The fact that you have no proof for the second part, and the first may actually be a moral thing, is carefully stepped around. Once you've finished, the chef is all too ready to aid you. Noticing the scrap pile, he tells you it probably woke Sentim (Arias's first name, apparently), but he could help you bypass the other clockwork warriors.
As a rule, he found such things distasteful...which was he had people like Ava do it for him.
Second Action! Slap the chef awake and try to convince him to help lead us to his master with my diplomacy (+9)
Tell him catching this *evil* man will likely spare the rest of the people in the household a grisly fate.
Arias won't be in his room; he'll be heading underground, into his spacious basement. He doesn't know where he intends to go from there, but apparently you aren't the first assassins to come here, and he hid down there the previous times. He'll be with some elite bodyguards, taking a simple rope elevator from the second floor. You might be able to intercept them, taking the stairs. You probably won't be able to take on the bodyguards in a straight fight, according to him. Few can. Finally, he agrees to lead the way.
While Osirio roused the cook, Avalanche routed through the machine. She lifted the dented helm, shaking it to let the components tumble out before placing it on her head and looking out the glass eyes. She made a sound a tossed the helm aside.Comparing the hammer to Ava's maul, it shapes up poorly. The weapon, though infinitely lighter and easier to carry, would only be about half as powerful. It would seem the clockwork's power comes primarily from sheer strength.
Zhere is nothing like zhis up North. Ztill, it vas veak.
She picked up the hammer it used and compared it to her own.[/b]
((In other words, it's a standard medium-sized warhammer, assuming it has no magic properties.))
Ari also remembers to Listen (+6) as he scouts ahead. As much as Mumbling permits.[10+6] Nothing. Well, a few rats, but nothing of note.
Realising that his chanting has saved his life, Ari continues mumbling, before Hiding and Moving Silentlyish through the door the construct came through. After trying to remove its armoured groin plate for himself.Finally, Ari gently opens the door and peak through. It would seem his hiding and silent movement was for nothing, because there isn't anything to see nor hear him.
The chef begins walking ahead of you, beckoning for you to follow. You go through several rooms of the house; lobbies, lounges, libraries, and an awful lot of spacious pantries. The chef explains frankly that the master is fond of food and drink, perhaps overly. And, he often has guests, who seem to be often ravenous. Not that he's ever seen them, but he hears of their visit often. Finally, you come to a nondescript wooden door.
"Hear we are. I must say, I'm anxious. The master said to never enter here. I wonder what secrets he's been keeping."
With that, he pushes it open. At once, he shortly gasps, and seems struck by what he sees, and mutters a small invocation to Estanna.
Looking over his shoulder, you see a vast set of switchback stairs, alongside a massive pit, leading far below sight. There's a large alcove going along the edge of the pit, with a rope in it, likely to the mentioned elevator. The rope is still moving over the pully. It would appear the elevator is still in motion. The chef has taken a few steps back, evidently none too fond of the large drop.
Post by: Dwarmin on January 17, 2015, 11:54:22 am
Osirio withdrew his long guisarme from his back and attempted to lever the haft end of it in the pulley wheel, against the wall.
He cast a sardonic glance at Ava-her thoughts clearly on tossing the unflappable chef down the pit. It was just a tell-her left eye started doing a twitchy dance whenever she wanted to kill someone. Which was often.
He spoke to her quietly, a hand on her shoulder.
"The Chef helped us of his own free will, Ava. Let's save him a bit longer-he's been quite useful so far. We shouldn't harm him...at least, intentionally. One does not toss away a useful tool until it's use is...expended."
Action: Use my guisarme to jam the pulley and stop the elevator!
Post by: GiglameshDespair on January 17, 2015, 01:16:24 pm
In response to her master's words she hummed non-committally. She couldn't see the cook having much use... and the cook needed to die at some point, anyway. She couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed, but she nodded in acceptance, stepping up to the edge herself and looking down.
Post by: flame99 on January 17, 2015, 01:25:20 pm
Action: Use my guisarme to jam the pulley and stop the elevator!Unfortunately, the pulley isn't within view nor reach. Presumably, it's back up somewhere on the second floor. You can still cut it, if you like, or you could try some other method of jamming it.
Post by: flame99 on January 18, 2015, 09:50:41 pm
Ava had been seized by an urge to boot the larger man down the pit, it was true. Somehow, the words "This is Aretrian" came to mind unbidden.Ava steps forwards, to look down into the abyss. Your mind reels at the depth; you aren't sure how far down it is, but you see a small glimmer of light somewhere below. Arias, likely. The sheer sides imply the chasm was made with magic, though the staircases are of clearly dwarvern make. The chef nervously steps forward.
In response to her master's words she hummed non-committally. She couldn't see the cook having much use... and the cook needed to die at some point, anyway. She couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed, but she nodded in acceptance, stepping up to the edge herself and looking down.
"Well...Eh, I suppose we'd best set off, right? No point staying here."
Post by: Nerjin on January 18, 2015, 10:52:53 pm
Can we reach the rope?
Post by: flame99 on January 18, 2015, 11:38:15 pm
"We should cut the rope I think."Osirio can reach it with his guisarme.
Can we reach the rope?
Post by: Dwarmin on January 20, 2015, 09:40:26 am
"Well, I suppose this is one way of completing a mission. Sloppy, though...it'll make our job easier in any case, though."
He pokes the edge of his guisarme against the rope and begins to saw.
Action: Cut the rope!
Post by: GiglameshDespair on January 20, 2015, 09:55:12 am
When the lift hit the bottom, she'd be on them before they could recover.
Post by: Dwarmin on January 20, 2015, 10:08:11 am
"The rest of you follow! Don't let her go alone-keep an eye out for surprises." He says to them, angrily. He knew Ava wasn't likely to bother counting the numbers of enemies left, or looking for traps on the stairs. He didn't want her to be harmed...
"You can stay with me, however, Mr. Robichaud*."
*the chef needs a name!
Post by: Nerjin on January 20, 2015, 10:16:34 am
Post by: flame99 on January 21, 2015, 09:14:19 pm
Osiro shrugs.It takes you a bit, but soon the rope is cut through. As it falls down, you see the light recede a short way, a great crash, and finally, the light disappears.
"Well, I suppose this is one way of completing a mission. Sloppy, though...it'll make our job easier in any case, though."
He pokes the edge of his guisarme against the rope and begins to saw.
Action: Cut the rope!
Ava sets of down the stairs, trailed by Culpa, Ari, Ithy, and possibly Osirio ((Did you intend for him to head down the stairs as well?)). After a time of walking, you come to the bottom. Arias and his escorts appear to have left already. A large, sturdy looking wooden platform is broken, with loose rope hanging off of it; the elevator, no doubt. The walls here seem much more natural than the sheer walls on the sides of the pit.
A tunnel is dug into the side of the stairs, evidently done by pick. A trail of blood leads from the broken platform to the other end of the tunnel, which leads to a large natural cavern. Through it, you see a man befitting Arias's description, along with three knights (You can't tell if they're flesh or clockwork from here). Arais holds a lantern aloft, and is walking with a limp. In addition, he's evidently the source of the blood, with a deep looking wound in his arm. The group doesn't stand terribly far away, but they are on the other side of a large chasm (How deep does this place run? How deep are you right now, for that matter?), crossed by a sturdy wooden bridge. A gentle breeze flows from the chasm; oddly, it alternates directions. It will flow outwards from the ravine for a number of seconds, before tapering off, and a new wind flows into it.
Farther into the cave, you see some of the blueish fungi from your encounter with the kobolds, though it numbers far fewer than it did there. Arias and his guardians don't seem to have noticed you quite yet.
Post by: Dwarmin on January 22, 2015, 09:10:38 am
Post by: Harbingerjm on January 25, 2015, 08:24:23 am
Hide in Plain Sight and head after them.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on January 25, 2015, 08:28:37 am
Then she thudded after them, taking a slightly different path than the one she thought the drow took.
"Vith me!"
Move quietly
Get close enough to Blood Wind one of them in the back/face. Bring the other's with me. If they get out ranged weapons, only attack with them.
Post by: Dwarmin on January 25, 2015, 12:58:48 pm
Post by: Nerjin on January 25, 2015, 04:47:40 pm
Post by: flame99 on January 26, 2015, 10:56:12 pm
Action: Hustle down and join the party!Flying down the steps, Osirio reaches the bottom much faster than the rest of the party, who were more vigilant in their descent. You reach the bottom in time to see Ava head into the shadows.
Oh, the cavern is breathing. How reassuring.[17+12-5] Ithy slinks into the shadows and stalks after the group of four. She remains largely undetected, but as her foot catches a loose rock, one stiffens.
Hide in Plain Sight and head after them.
"Sire, I heard something."
"It's nothing, save the cave's moans.", Arias replies.
"But, Sire--"
"You question me, Reinas?"
"No, m'lord. Of course not. Let us continue."
Well then. It would appear Arias's confidence will be his undoing.
Ava watched the drow hide in the shadows and run after them.[Ava: 19+1][Culpa: 13+3][Ari: 16+2] Ava, managing to be surprisingly stealthy, leads the way for the party, who manage to remain silent as well. Soon, Ava is within range of casting Blood Wind, or rather being able to with a few steps; even a few feet closer would lead you into the corona of Arias's lantern. It will have to suffice. For now, you prepare to attack; at the drop of a pin, you could begin the assault.
Then she thudded after them, taking a slightly different path than the one she thought the drow took.
"Vith me!"
Move quietly
Get close enough to Blood Wind one of them in the back/face. Bring the other's with me. If they get out ranged weapons, only attack with them.
Action: Osirio gets into range and joins the battle, ey? Guisarme poke on whoever is in range!Osirio follows behind Ava, though not directly in her footsteps; instead, he opts for a more direct approach, and prepares to attack at Ava's mark.
((I wasn't sure if you intended to begin the fight or not, Gig. Assuming you attack, Ari, Osirio, and presumably Ithy and Culpa (Unless Harbinger or Nerjin decides otherwise) will join in on the fray.))
Post by: GiglameshDespair on January 26, 2015, 11:17:24 pm
Post by: Harbingerjm on January 26, 2015, 11:21:05 pm
((I wasn't sure if you intended to begin the fight or not, Gig. Assuming you attack, Ari, Osirio, and presumably Ithy and Culpa (Unless Harbinger or Nerjin decides otherwise) will join in on the fray.))Ithy loops around, avoiding the fight, and tries to get ahead of the fleeing enemies.
Post by: flame99 on January 31, 2015, 10:13:03 pm
Ithy begins skulking ahead of Arias and his entourage, preparing to intercept them if they flee.
Ari begins harrying the already surprised knight, kicking him in the shin and generally making a nuisance of himself.
Osirio steps forward, guisarme in hand, and thrusts viciously at Renais. [16+3+2, 6 DAMAGE] It punches through the thick armor of the knight, skewering him handily. Culpa, almost at the same time, steps forward and swings his flail. With a painful crack, the spiked ball comes down hard on Renais [20! (4+1)*2 DAMAGE] However, the knight, though now in pain, hardly misses a beat, swinging his greatsword at the cleric. [12+6, miss] Just by a hair, Culpa avoids the blade, and with a small eruption of sparks, the heavy weapon hits the cave floor.
Meanwhile, the other two knights mobilize, one moving to aid with the attack on Culpa, the other moving towards Osirio. The first strikes true, hitting the priest, and though his armor takes the brunt of it [1+1+2], he's still wounded by the blade. The second also hits [13+6], though still not in a massively wounding way [1+2+2 DAMAGE].
Ari, tired of merely harrying the opponent, goes for a more direct approach, swinging his morningstar into the knight's groin [20! 3*2 DAMAGE], to great effect. The knight doubles over in pain.
While this happens, Arias, in a somewhat panic stricken state, blows out his lantern, plunging the area into darkness. Though the echoes of the cave make it hard to pinpoint where, exactly, he's off to, he is very much off, sprinting at a breakneck pace.
Ithy, skulking in the now-more-complete darkness, raises her rapier to the fleeing noble in the darkness, located by her keen sense of hearing, and politely asking just where he thinks he's going.
Spoiler: Initiative (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: ASCII MAP (That you last saw!) (click to show/hide)
Post by: GiglameshDespair on February 01, 2015, 10:49:19 am
Charge and Crush Renais!
Post by: Dwarmin on February 01, 2015, 01:08:24 pm
Action: 5ft step left, and attempt to curse, and then trip the blue knight with my guisarme.
Hex: Will save Dc 15, or suffer -2 penalty on attacks, saves, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls for 1 hour
Attack: +3 vs Touch AC
Strength Check: +2 (remember to count the penalty if my curse hits, and to AoO him if he stands up)
Post by: Nerjin on February 01, 2015, 03:13:22 pm
Total Defense: +4 Dodge Bonus to AC
Post by: lawastooshort on February 04, 2015, 09:56:27 am
Post by: flame99 on February 07, 2015, 02:07:58 pm
Pff. Osirio wondered if the fool had bothered with Elven guards. He wasn't nearly as blind as the others with his own low-light vision. Silently, he stepped back, his guisarme swished to a nearby guards feet, while he swirled the streams of chaos magic toward him.Osirio attempts to curse the knight, [WILL: 4] which takes hold easily. He then swipes with his guisarme, aiming to trip the knight, [3] though it notices this attempt and sidesteps. Appears that they have some form of low light or darkvision as well, or at least that one does.
Action: 5ft step left, and attempt to curse, and then trip the blue knight with my guisarme.
Hex: Will save Dc 15, or suffer -2 penalty on attacks, saves, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls for 1 hour
Attack: +3 vs Touch AC
Strength Check: +2 (remember to count the penalty if my curse hits, and to AoO him if he stands up)
Unable to see Culpa figured it might be better to simply wait this one out.Culpa, being rendered effectively blind, stays alert and on defense.
Total Defense: +4 Dodge Bonus to AC
Ava attempted to peer through the dark with her low-light vision. There, a shadowy figure, not the right shape for one of her allies.[11+3] Ava moves to take out Renais, but his armor proves to be too thick; she hits him on a heavily plated part, and the blow merely glances off with little more than a clang.
Charge and Crush Renais!
Ithy still holds Arias at rapier-point.
Spoiler: Initiative (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: ASCII MAP (That you last saw!) (click to show/hide)
Post by: Harbingerjm on February 07, 2015, 10:43:30 pm
Move Action: Move Silently 2 squares South (Take 10, +10).
Ready Action: If Arias doesn't obey, Attack him.
Post by: flame99 on February 09, 2015, 10:46:49 pm
Spoiler: The Heroes (click to show/hide)
The opponents can be done quickly as well; however, I'd like to ask what other information you'd like to have on these?
EDIT: Weapon damage added.
Post by: flame99 on February 10, 2015, 06:55:59 pm
"Fine, fine, you caught me. So what? Are you taking me to your devil-leaders? Gonna toss me into the pit over there? Or are you just a common Drow brigand? Renais. Put. Your fucking sword. Down."
"Yessir. Right away sir."
Spoiler: The Heroes (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: The Enemies (click to show/hide)
Post by: Dwarmin on February 10, 2015, 07:12:13 pm
"Devil-leaders. That's interesting. Is it so surprising that our own employers insist you are the cultist devil-worshiper? They insisted we should catch you alive, if we could.
It seems we are at an interesting point in the story. So many different outcomes. By action, or inaction, your guards can provoke us further and Ithy's can kill you, then we can fight your guards, if they want to-sort of pointless, since who will pay them then? A dead man is apparently acceptable to our employers, however. Your guards may even prevail, but then it seems to me everyone loses. Likewise, they can choose to cut their losses and leave you to your fate-whatever that may be. But, how can they do that while you live? T'would be most dishonorable, not to mention they wouldn't be paid then either. Better to wait and see what happens. It would be best to kill you now, and cut a deal with your guards for the remains of your valuables, but...let's try something else first.
I think you should tell the truth, Mr. Arias. That would be a good start. Enlighten as to your demon worshiping ways-or perhaps, why a very specific group of people would want you to be captured or killed?
I warn you, sir, I and my men do know there is a some sort of plot afoot-a cult looking to unleash a horrible force unto the world, with ties to the city. Do not try blanket denials. As cliche as it may sound, this is really bigger than either of us. The question is, what do you know about all this?"
Post by: GiglameshDespair on February 10, 2015, 08:00:27 pm
"I don't care if ve kill zhem. Prefer zhat vay. Zimpler."
Post by: Nerjin on February 10, 2015, 08:57:03 pm
Post by: flame99 on February 10, 2015, 08:58:16 pm
"Gods, you can talk a lot, can't you? Well, doesn't surprise me that the Lords aren't telling you the full story. You are working for the Lords, no? Or have I gotten myself caught up in yet another tiresome conspiracy? Well, they aren't human, you know. Or elves, or orcs or anything else you can think of. No, they're creatures of chaos, from some unnameable plane. What, exactly, they plan, I'm not sure. But it involves a lot of people dying. And I do mean a lot; Nazeric will likely largely be a wasteland if they get they're way. And the "devil" I'm worshiping is an entity trying to stop them; an ancient, chained deity named Talor. He lies far below the city, biding his time to escape. I suspect that will be coming soon. His methods will not be without loss, but I trust it will be lesser than what the Lords deign to do. As for why they want me dead; isn't it obvious? I act for Talor. With me dead, He loses a valuable asset, not to mention that should any implications to my treason be found, it'll serve as a solid warning to any who follow in my footsteps.
As for this plot...I will be honest. Talor is a horrible force, and many will die if he wakes, but many more will die if he doesn't. He hungers for mankind, but his hunger will sate itself in time, and he isn't so unwise to destroy his source of sustenance. But the Lords? They don't need man; in fact, man stands as an obstacle.
But I suspect you don't particularly care, do you? The people of this city prefer gold over their own life. If that's a bargain you're willing to make-- and it will be the bargain you make if you aid the Lords--, then go right ahead."
Post by: lawastooshort on February 11, 2015, 08:34:15 am
Bardic Knowledge check to see if I know anything about Talor that might support what the man says.
If I do, then kick Osirio's shin to get him to bend down, and whisper it to him.
If I don't, then kick Osirio's shin.
"Does it hurt? The shin or the blood. I could heal both or either whilst we talk."
Post by: Dwarmin on February 11, 2015, 09:43:12 am
"So, two terrible forces coming together. Mankind suffers as a result, no matter the victor. It seems we must choose between being slaves, or corpses. I know my decision in regards to such things, but I can't make it for others...
I am intrigued, however. You mention your deity as Tal-or. Yet, the force my group had some evidence pointing to was a being which a friend of mine tells me was a great destroyer in a bygone age-not the one you mention. It seems, perhaps, our employers did not enlighten us to this fact. Do you know anything about something called Alat-hoth?" Osirio says carefully-he deliberately skews saying the names of the demons, since he has long held a personal belief that speaking of them can summon their...interest.
Osirio was merely buying a bit of time for the man to pontificate, really-he knew Ithys could tell is the man was lying and would let him know if so, and both Culpa and Ari might know something about this other force mentioned. He was at that moment quite thankful for having a mercenary band at his back.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on February 11, 2015, 12:59:04 pm
"Ve can talk more vhen ve are out of here."
Post by: Dwarmin on February 11, 2015, 01:09:22 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on February 11, 2015, 04:49:18 pm
Post by: flame99 on February 11, 2015, 06:27:05 pm
But, I can't say I know much about him. He's supposed to have some sort of history with Talor, but He doesn't share many stories."
Post by: Nerjin on February 12, 2015, 11:56:34 pm
"The gods themselves stopped this demon. What evidence do you have against our employers?"
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: flame99 on February 14, 2015, 01:47:06 pm
Post by: flame99 on February 14, 2015, 04:46:32 pm
The priest, finally certain that he wouldn't be killed the second he lit the torch, grabbed the tindersticks and lit them. Upon igniting the torch [which he carried in his weapon hand keeping his shield at his side] he looked around the room trying to memorize it just in case he must extinguish the torch again."Try the constant oppression of everyone who would ever think to oppose them. Try the utter destruction of the life around Aretrian. Try the squalor so many have been forced into. If you need further proof, I can take you to meet with Talor."
"The gods themselves stopped this demon. What evidence do you have against our employers?"Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: Nerjin on February 14, 2015, 11:26:28 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on February 18, 2015, 07:04:48 pm
"Well, I'm convinced. Introduce me to this Tal-or of yours. I am interested to hear his side of the story."
Action: Let's meet this Talor fellow.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on February 18, 2015, 07:20:10 pm
"If you're zure, Ozirio. Zhen ve vill."
Post by: Dwarmin on February 18, 2015, 07:25:01 pm
If he's telling the truth, then things change. Maybe we are on the wrong side. Maybe no side is the right side.
To you, sir, I only ask one more question-would your people still summon your hungry God if the threat from the Lords was ended? It seems to me your solution is an efficient one, but best reserved until all other options are expended, yes?"
Post by: flame99 on February 18, 2015, 07:53:04 pm
"Well, one must think. If he's lying, we'll be fighting again soon-which is what we were doing anyway. It's hardly worth a bit of time to see if the situation go the other way."No, I wouldn't. Nor would any of the other rebels. But, the problem is, unless Talor seeks to deceive us all, which is a possibility, upon the Lord's being gone, His bindings would slacken. And with that, he'd be free. Not quite as powerful as he'd be if he were released otherwise, but free nonetheless. For the last fucking time, Renais. Yes, they're assassins, yes, that's your duty, but use some common sense! Marrus, take his blade.
If he's telling the truth, then things change. Maybe we are on the wrong side. Maybe no side is the right side.
To you, sir, I only ask one more question-would your people still summon your hungry God if the threat from the Lords was ended? It seems to me your solution is an efficient one, but best reserved until all other options are expended, yes?"
So. I suppose we'll set off, then. But I must warn you, the guards were with me for a reason and it wasn't assassins. These caverns are dangerous, haunted by monsters. I, being more of a political rebel, am unable to really fight. And don't think about any funny business with killing me and being done with this. Once we're in the hearts of the caverns, you'll likely be lost in the twisting mazes, stalked by beasts that know it by heart.
Now, we'll run into a few landmarks, most of them dangerous. The first will be a large abandoned fortress, once owned by the drow. Some creatures undoubtedly remain, as does some treasure, if you're feeling adventurous. I've yet to get around to pillaging it. Next along, after a long stretch of caverns, will be a tribe of strange plant-creatures. They're friendly enough, and know me well. We can rest there once we arrive. Finally, we'll come across a set of three massive lakes, in a triangular shape. Around the nearest, we need to creep around very carefully. I've yet to see it, but some say it's the haunt of an aboleth. The farthest is our goal. It's flooded with sahuagin and kua-toa, but in the center is an island, with an opening to caverns further below. This is the home of Talor. Before setting off, any last questions?"
Post by: GiglameshDespair on February 18, 2015, 08:34:07 pm
"Fine. But your guards vill go virst. And you vill stay next to me. Zo if you try anyving, I vill crush your skull vith zhis hammer."
She thudded said hammer's head into the ground to demonstrate the weight. She beckoned the hostage over.
"If your guards get too close, even not on purpoze, I vill kill you."
It was the terms she'd given before when she'd had a hostage. She hadn't had the Common words then, but everyone understand the threat of a knife to a child's throat. That day had ended in red.
She hadn't ruled out this one would, either. She wouldn't sabotage Osirio's talking efforts, even if she disagreed, but she wouldn't be too sad if she had to fight.
Post by: Dwarmin on February 19, 2015, 09:16:14 am
I am ready to depart. No doubt, if we do end up in a monsters belly or worse, we might end up trusting one another after this, I think..."
As the group settled into a formation, he patted Ithy's gently on the shoulder.
"It seems your travels have lead you back home, my dear Ithys. Perhaps we will run into your extended family?" he said with a sarcastic air. He had enough stories of Drow to not be terribly interested in being filled full of poison arrows and carted off to serve some spider architecture crazed matriarchal Empire. It really wasn't as pleasant as it sounded.
Action: Knowledge Arcana checks on sahuagin, kua-toa, and aboleth
Post by: Harbingerjm on February 19, 2015, 09:38:46 am
Follow along, keeping eyes out for trouble.
Post by: lawastooshort on February 20, 2015, 07:55:08 am
Post by: flame99 on February 23, 2015, 09:06:59 pm
"I think Ava has made her reservations clear enough.[14+5] You've heard some stories about hideous creatures resembling humanoid fish calling themselves Sahuagin before. They're supposed to be largely cave creatures, not fond of the light, but every so often they're supposed to rise up from the seas and storm coastal cities. Most have always regarded them as legends. They're fabled to train sharks, dolphins, and according to one particularly fantastical story, a whale. Even if that's true, you certainly won't come across a whale down here, though. [7+5] The Kuo-Toa are more frog like, and are often driven more by greed than the Sahuagin's bloodlust. They're irrational, but one may reason with them, the clerics especially. It does help to line their pockets first, though. There is no love lost between the Sahuagin and Kuo-Toa; even in the largely apocryphal stories regarding them, not one speaks of them interacting besides warring.
I am ready to depart. No doubt, if we do end up in a monsters belly or worse, we might end up trusting one another after this, I think..."
As the group settled into a formation, he patted Ithy's gently on the shoulder.
"It seems your travels have lead you back home, my dear Ithys. Perhaps we will run into your extended family?" he said with a sarcastic air. He had enough stories of Drow to not be terribly interested in being filled full of poison arrows and carted off to serve some spider architecture crazed matriarchal Empire. It really wasn't as pleasant as it sounded.
Action: Knowledge Arcana checks on sahuagin, kua-toa, and aboleth
The Aboleth, on the other hand, [4+5] is entirely an unknown.
Also follow along, pondering as I do so: what are sahuagin, kua-toa, aboleths, and triangular lakes? Bardic Knowledge! Try to keep away from the front.You've heard some tales over the years, enough at least to have pieced together what Osirio also knows about the Sahuagin and Kuo-Toa. The Aboleth is likewise something you've never heard of. Triangular lakes you've heard stories of, like the (in)famous Guardian Lakes encircling and serving to protect a small fortress in the west. None of those lakes have any relevance to the matter at hand, though.
The party sets out towards the destination, guided by Arias and lit by torch and lantern. The guards are careful to stay away, with Renais being stripped of his blade due to his apparent over-eagerness. A few times, a low rustling prompts Arias to douse the lights and tell everyone to remain silent, before continuing on. Upon prompting, he says "Not now--angering Them now would be suicide. Once we reach the village." Something about the way he says "Them" implants the capital T firmly in your mind. You walk for what feels like hours through the inky blackness, the breathing of the wind rushing in and out of the chasm behind you slowly fading until it seems like little more than an echo of your heartbeat. So gradually that you don't even notice it, you begin to hear a new sound at the very edge of perception. With a start you realize you've been listening to it for several minutes now, and identify it vaguely as the sound of cascading water. It's shortly thereafter that a tongue of light from the torch falls upon a bit of carved masonry. Arias throws up his lantern and takes a few steps forwards, confirming what he thought.
"We've reached our first landmark. Welcome to the Drow fortress. Named, as best as I can decipher from the faded scripts, Narasul. What, if anything, this means in the dark elves' tongue, I don't know. We're about two thirds away from our final destination, and the path to the village is about ten minutes from here, if memory serves. We can stop and rest there, and come back here if your lust for gold should get the better of you. You do seem like the adventurous types, after all, and Talor isn't exactly going anywhere!" the noble states with an air of excitement, before chuckling quietly at his own joke.
Post by: lawastooshort on February 24, 2015, 01:38:33 am
"Well, I'd quite like a rest. My legs aren't quite as unnaturally long as some. You know, I knew some triangular lakes once. Far to the west. Funny things they are. Not terribly trustworthy, as a lake shape."
((edit: oh yes, I can speak Elven too and know about triangular lakes))
Post by: Harbingerjm on February 24, 2015, 02:00:04 am
I suppose Aid Another is out :P
Post by: Dwarmin on February 24, 2015, 09:17:50 am
"Well, I'd quite like a rest. My legs aren't quite as unnaturally long as some. You know, I knew some triangular lakes once. Far to the west. Funny things they are. Not terribly trustworthy, as a lake shape."
"I once knew some hexagonal lakes...
Take it from me, don't go swimming in one of those." Osirio replies mysteriously.
Wonder what Narasul means (I can speak Elvish). Also, onwards and junk
Post by: GiglameshDespair on February 24, 2015, 10:24:12 am
Post by: Dwarmin on February 24, 2015, 11:06:40 am
It's not like it was a magic sword, or anything. Frocaster was the only one with a real Firesword. The rest of us doused ours in flaming oil before we charged the enemy lines."
He paused to take a breath.
"Flaaaames of Fuuuury!, he made us yell, every time." Osirio rolls his eyes. "Of course, one time it rained during battle and we were laughed off the field. Needless to say I gained an aversion to theatrics, but a love of mercenary alliteration...
That doesn't answer your question very well, does it. Oh well.
Anyway, what is a 'seal'? Is that like a dog, of some sort?" He asked.
Post by: lawastooshort on February 24, 2015, 11:14:19 am
Post by: GiglameshDespair on February 24, 2015, 11:41:14 am
”A seal? Why, it’s a furious combustible sea creature the size and breadth of fully four score cows! Blasphemously naked it is, and it’s got teeth the size of oak trees and digestive juices the strength of molten rock… they’re typically rather amiable animals though, so I’ve heard tell. More so than dogs. Long as you don't look wrong at it. Saw many a great deal of 'em in the distance, back home.""...a little like them, I zuppoze. Zhey have fur, but zhey have fins like fish, and zhey are bloated both fat that keeps zhem varm in the vater.
They are used to make kiviak, and the fat is fermented. Zhey vere vhat zhe fishing villages lived off."
Post by: Dwarmin on February 24, 2015, 11:46:50 am
And, Kiv-iak. Is this a good tasting food?" Osirio comments.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on February 24, 2015, 12:19:56 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on February 24, 2015, 12:43:19 pm
Post by: Harbingerjm on February 24, 2015, 01:03:47 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on February 24, 2015, 03:54:29 pm
Post by: Nerjin on February 24, 2015, 06:57:29 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on February 25, 2015, 09:10:18 am
"I suggest we keep moving. Better to not tarry longer than w-... Wait, Captain, did you say you lit the sword on fire with oil?"
"Frocaster was not that much of a strategist, to be sure."
Post by: GiglameshDespair on February 25, 2015, 09:34:00 am
Post by: flame99 on February 25, 2015, 01:22:38 pm
After a quick search confirms there is no evident sentinel, the party sets off for the mentioned village. Arias seems considerably more talkative, now. He whiles away the time you spend walking telling various stories. Most of these are painfully mundane. He does catch your interest at one point by mentioning something he once saw a gnome do with an eggplant. Soon, you're spared from the stories by a humanoid mushroom of sorts stepping into the light. He makes a rasping noise, which Arias appears to understand. After about a minute of them rasping back and forth, he turns to you and says they've decided to allow them to enter. But do be careful. They're keeping a careful eye on you five.
It's a surprisingly lively place; populated by a number of the fungaloid men and some slightly bigger creatures, seeming to be woven out of vines and ivy. The houses seem to be made from what you think is mushroom wood; there's a few massive fungi around, and it's feasible that they could be used for construction. Arias and his knights head for a house themselves. One of the fungaloids come up to you, and begins rasping. After trying to communicate you don't understand their language, you realize that it's trying to form Common words with the rasps. After several repetitions, you think it's offering to lead you to your dorms.
Post by: Dwarmin on February 25, 2015, 01:30:48 pm
"How long will we be resting here, Mister Arias?" He said, following the fungaloid to his 'dorm'
Post by: flame99 on February 25, 2015, 01:36:47 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on February 25, 2015, 01:47:30 pm
Also, I should mention my men managed to capture your servants and bind them. We didn't kill any...but, if you can send a message to the outside world from here, you may want to get someone to free them." He helpfully suggests.
Post by: flame99 on February 25, 2015, 01:50:29 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on February 25, 2015, 04:10:04 pm
Action: To the mushroom dorms!
Post by: GiglameshDespair on February 25, 2015, 04:39:57 pm
She regarded them without expression, then shrugged and followed the mushman to the dorms.
Post by: Harbingerjm on February 25, 2015, 09:50:37 pm
Ari hasn't heard of Narasul before. The elven speakers do recognize that the suffix -ul means "place of" or "home of", assuming that's the same between elves' and dark elves' tongues. Nobody present is sure what Naras is, but one of the knights suggests that maybe it was a warlord who made his home there.Undercommon.
Doubting that the mushroom people will tolerate holding Arias at swordpoint, Ithy heads to the dorms with the others.
Post by: Nerjin on February 25, 2015, 11:16:13 pm
TO THE DORMS. Heal self.
Post by: lawastooshort on February 26, 2015, 01:35:18 am
Post by: flame99 on February 26, 2015, 09:58:29 pm
Despite the...unusual materials of the bed (Are those lichen fiber sheets?), it's surprisingly comfortable. That night, however, you're plagued by various nightmares.
Spoiler: Osirio (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Ava (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Ari (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Culpa (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: "Ithy" (click to show/hide)
Despite your troubled dreams, you feel infinitely more experienced upon waking. [3000 EXPERIENCED GAINED!]
Should any ask Arias about this, he would say it's an effect of the spores the mushroom men emit. They use it as a sort of hive mind, but others who breathe it in can sometimes glean useful knowledge. This isn't nearly as effective after the first exposure to it, though.
Post by: Harbingerjm on February 27, 2015, 12:43:45 am
Post by: lawastooshort on February 27, 2015, 04:24:15 am
Post by: Dwarmin on February 27, 2015, 04:24:02 pm
"Osirio had a great dream. He was pursued by a loathsome monster, but he slew it with his mighty sword. As it died, I was consumed in triumphant white light. I felt a great pain, but also victory. Osirio always wins, even in his sleep." he brags.
"And I admit, I am stronger as well. I have felt...I have no name for it, but the forces I manipulate are more receptive to me. The power I feel is...quite amazing." He beams.
”Have any of you ever seen or heard of a strange mask, of blue and lighter blue?”
Osirio sprinkled a bit of hot spice from a pouch, on the thing was probably not a quiche.
"The Lords of Aretrian wore masks. There was a mask in my dream too, I think. Hmm."
Post by: GiglameshDespair on February 27, 2015, 06:39:10 pm
She too had had strange dreams. Painful dreams. Normally she dreamed of war, as her god shaped her mind to his own ends, but tonight she'd dreamed of what she pictured desert as - a vast sea of sand, perfectly flat. The heat had cooked it into daggers that had flayed her bare... a ignominious end for one who sought battle. Her unease showed on her face, but she felt too warm to pull her scarf up to hide her features.
Thirst... she'd never really known thirst, being surrounded by water in the northern lands, even if it was frozen. Deserts... she'd have to visit a desert and conquer it. She would of abide worry of a oversized beach.
The figure she'd seen was almost forgotten as sourly she poked at her meal with the knife. The fungus oozed slightly as the monstrous blade pierced it. Avalanche wasn't fussy over a life of necessity, but she'd prefer something redder.
Post by: Harbingerjm on February 28, 2015, 01:18:12 am
"The Lords of Aretrian wore masks. There was a mask in my dream too, I think. Hmm."
Spoiler: Abyssal (click to show/hide)
"What."
Post by: Nerjin on February 28, 2015, 12:11:51 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on February 28, 2015, 12:21:54 pm
Still, we do have some time to dally, do we not?
I think we should investigate those ruins that were pointed out to us earlier. There is bound to be something of use in those old place...also, I am curious, naturally. I want to test myself before moving on."
Post by: Nerjin on February 28, 2015, 12:42:50 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on February 28, 2015, 02:10:39 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on March 01, 2015, 02:05:22 pm
"You're the captain." Culpa replied after a small pause.
"Do I sense a hesitation, Mr. Culpa?" Osiro prodded.
Post by: Nerjin on March 01, 2015, 02:10:34 pm
Post by: flame99 on March 01, 2015, 03:37:16 pm
Regardless, the path there is once more uneventful. Arias makes small talk, while the knights remain silent and warily distant from the party. Renais holds his sword once more; it looks like Arias has made him understand just how bad an idea attacking you would be, given circumstances. Coming to the carved masonry exterior of Narasul, you search for a few minutes for the entryway, but you're instead greeted with a heavy thing of bronzed metal. It looks like it's only really possible to open it using a pulley system inside, but even if you could get to it, the ropes seem to have rotted and frayed away. The door is ornately carved with runes that you think make up the name in Undercommon. There's an abundance of hand holds, so you might be able to climb up and over using them and getting in via the space the door would be raised into. Alternatively, the masonry is crumbling away; you could search for a hole somewhere, or, if you don't mind making a LOT of noise, you could make your own entrance.
Post by: Dwarmin on March 01, 2015, 04:06:16 pm
"Someone help me get this armor off." He orders.
Action: Remove my armor (30 seconds to take it off if others help), and climb the wall until successful. If success, lower my rope ladder down and get everyone inside. Put my armor back on if i'm not swallowed whole by something at the point.
+2 Modifer
Post by: GiglameshDespair on March 01, 2015, 04:07:35 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on March 01, 2015, 04:12:23 pm
"I figure we could still shoot the ropes on the pulley if we wanted in and this does not work. Makes me think.
Why didn't they use chains on their gate? Ropes are easy to sever in a siege. Perhaps someone broke the gate already, then used ropes to quickly repair it...ah, curiosity, it will be the death of good Osirio." Says Osirio, who's really not that good.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on March 01, 2015, 04:45:02 pm
"Zhere. Go climb. I vant to fight zomething."
Post by: Harbingerjm on March 01, 2015, 04:47:09 pm
Regardless, the path there is once more uneventful. Arias makes small talk, while the knights remain silent and warily distant from the party. Renais holds his sword once more; it looks like Arias has made him understand just how bad an idea attacking you would be, given circumstances. Coming to the carved masonry exterior of Narasul, you search for a few minutes for the entryway, but you're instead greeted with a heavy thing of bronzed metal. It looks like it's only really possible to open it using a pulley system inside, but even if you could get to it, the ropes seem to have rotted and frayed away. The door is ornately carved with runes that you think make up the name in Undercommon. There's an abundance of hand holds, so you might be able to climb up and over using them and getting in via the space the door would be raised into. Alternatively, the masonry is crumbling away; you could search for a hole somewhere, or, if you don't mind making a LOT of noise, you could make your own entrance.Ithy studies the door. Take 20 Search (+3), Take 10 Decipher Script (+3), and Undercommon is on Changeling's language list.
Post by: Dwarmin on March 02, 2015, 09:04:58 am
"Zhe clasp was stiff. I vas trying not to break your armour." She unclipped them, taking perhaps a fraction of a second longer than necessary. She pulled the armour off, and lightly (for Ava) tapped him on the stomach.
"Zhere. Go climb. I vant to fight zomething."
Osirio *oof'd*, then smiled brightly, nodding to her.
"Anything to make you happy, mi vanima belegohtar." He ended in Elvish, going to climb the wall.
Post by: flame99 on March 02, 2015, 07:38:25 pm
"Ah, well. It's always the door that's the problem. And if we lower it, the whole place will be alerted-whoevers left in here." Osirio says, shrugging. "I will climb up, and then lower the rope ladder I've been helpfully stowing in my pack, to a safe height. We should all be able to ascend more or less in peace then."[7+2][13+2][2+2][17+2][16+2] It takes you a while, with the first attempt being punctuated by a painful fall (though thankfully not enough to do anything beyond bruise). The second, however, sees you to the top of the slab. You lower the rope ladder down, after anchoring it on a protruding rock in the ceiling near you. Wouldn't exactly lift a giant, but it should be enough to get the party up. Hopefully, you add mentally, glancing at Ava's massive armor and hammer.
"Someone help me get this armor off." He orders.
Action: Remove my armor (30 seconds to take it off if others help), and climb the wall until successful. If success, lower my rope ladder down and get everyone inside. Put my armor back on if i'm not swallowed whole by something at the point.
+2 Modifer
Ithy studies the door. Take 20 Search (+3), Take 10 Decipher Script (+3), and Undercommon is on Changeling's language list.[12+3]You know the meanings of most of the runes on the door; some of the more esoteric ones escape you, but they're probably names, words unique to regional dialects, or just meaningless adornments. "Narasul" does indeed mean home of Naras in this sense. The remaining runes brag of victories against giant beasts and horrid abomination, save for a few marking it as under the rule of Queen Laariun. Your search doesn't reveal any hidden things, but you do notice that "Naras-" seems to have once been something else, the previous name having been struck out and a new name added. Looks like Naras isn't the original owner.
Your search, however, is cut short by an ear-piercing screech from the inside of the fort. Three dusky shapes, like massive bats, burst out of the opening. A closer examination would reveal they're night hunter bats. Either way, they don't seem to have taken kindly to Osirio's intrusion!
Getting in their assault before anyone else can react, two of the bats first rush Osirio, making eerie screeching sounds all the while. [Bat 1 tail 3+1, bat 1 bite 13-1][Bat 2 tail 4+1, bat 2 bite 18-1[DAMAGE 3]] Despite being unarmored, Osirio manages to duck and weave his way through the bats' onslaught of fangs and spined tails without a scratch, right up until one manages to sink their teeth into his flesh.
The third and fourth initially head for the unfortunate hexblade as well, but they notice the rest of the party at the door, gracefully correct course, and seem intent on warding them away from the door. Likely unfortunately for one of the bats, this currently means Ava. [Bat 3 tail 5+1, bat 3 bite 3-1] Perhaps predictably, the bat can't find any purchase on her flesh, instead only meeting scales. The other seems intent on harrowing Arias, who'd come close to the door, being the one with the lit lantern.
Spoiler: Initiative (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: ASCII Map (click to show/hide)
Post by: Nerjin on March 02, 2015, 10:50:03 pm
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: lawastooshort on March 03, 2015, 01:30:09 am
Move and attack one of the nearer pair if still possible on my turn.
Post by: Dwarmin on March 03, 2015, 09:39:42 am
Taking a step forward Culpa swings wildly at the Night Hunter bat. "Do you need help captain?"
"Give me a little bowshot when get the chance, Mr. Culpa." Osirio said spinning around, shield up, his flail not being used for attack but to ward off the bats swarming attacks. Deftly dancing around on the thin slab to avoid the bat bites-he felt like he was back in one of his fathers early training sessions, asking him when he would ever really need to practice fighting on top of a high, narrow beam...
"Thanks, Dad." He mutters.
Action: Total defense, AC +4 (AC now 17)
32/35 HP
Post by: GiglameshDespair on March 03, 2015, 11:09:21 am
Obliterate the bat that dares attack Ava!
+5 to hit, 2d8+6 damage
Post by: lawastooshort on March 03, 2015, 01:10:33 pm
Whilst waiting, wave arms furiously to attract the cowards' attention.
Post by: flame99 on March 03, 2015, 06:53:07 pm
Taking a step forward Culpa swings wildly at the Night Hunter bat. "Do you need help captain?"[15+5][DAMAGE: 4+1] You make a viciously accurate swing, well beyond the abilities you had formerly. It astonishes even you. Judging from the crack, you think you might have broken something in the bat, or at least fractured it. Unfortunately, it keeps flying. You could use a bit of new equipment, you feel.Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Osirio focuses purely on not being hit, not bothering to attack in the slightest.Taking a step forward Culpa swings wildly at the Night Hunter bat. "Do you need help captain?"
"Give me a little bowshot when get the chance, Mr. Culpa." Osirio said spinning around, shield up, his flail not being used for attack but to ward off the bats swarming attacks. Deftly dancing around on the thin slab to avoid the bat bites-he felt like he was back in one of his fathers early training sessions, asking him when he would ever really need to practice fighting on top of a high, narrow beam...
"Thanks, Dad." He mutters.
Action: Total defense, AC +4 (AC now 17)
32/35 HP
The bats suddenly seem a lot fiercer. It looks like they weren't entirely all there during the start of their onslaught, likely in a panicked state, since it seems like they're just trying to defend their home. But now they're serious, and panicked scrabbling has given way to skillful blows aimed to maximize injuries. [BAT 1: Tail 10+6, bite 2+4, claw 13+4 [DAMAGE: 1+4], claw 12+4][BAT 2: Tail 6+6, bite 12+4, claw 8+4, 5+4] The two bats on Osirio seem to fade into blurs of claws and spines and fangs, but through what some might suspect to be a minor miracle, he manages to deflect or dodge all the attacks coming for him. The third bat, gunning for Culpa, [BAT 3: Tail 1+6, bite 3+4, claw 2+4, bite 20! [3+4, no crit][DAMAGE: 2+4]] is hindered badly by a now very clearly broken leg. However, shrieking in pain, it manages to lurch forwards and land a painful blow, raking one if its claws across his face. The fourth, meanwhile, continues to chew on Arias, and rather successfully. The noble appears to have passed out, though the bat doesn't consider this and continues ripping at him. Fortunately, he's still breathing, but he'll certainly be down for a while. Also fortunately, the lantern stayed lit during the fall.
Renais, seeing his master so greviously injured, charges the bat! [RENAIS: Greatsword 13+5+2[DAMAGE: 4+4+3]] The blade digs deeply into the bat's body, with a spurt of blood. The bat releases yet another bloodcurdling shriek, clearly in pain. One might think it's begging for death. The second knight stalks forwards, glad to oblige. [KNIGHT 2: Greatsword 19! [17+5, CRITICAL HIT x2!][DAMAGE: (3+5*2]] With a tremendous blow, the greatsword meets bat-flesh. A sickening ripping sound comes from the wounded beast as the steel cuts it almost in half. It makes an attempt to scream once more, but it can't get air through its throats, instead giving a low moan as if falls, dead. You're suddenly very, very glad he's on your side. The third hurries to Arias's fallen form, and stands over it. He takes a readied stance, prepared to slice anything that so much as glances at his master.
Spoiler: Initiative (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: ASCII Map (click to show/hide)
Post by: GiglameshDespair on March 03, 2015, 07:19:26 pm
Ava smiled her cold smile. At last. She ignored the creature's scrabbling at her armour and swung with more force than precisely necessary, both hands holding the hammer - she'd slung her shield to help Osirio get his armour off.
Obliterate the bat that dares attack Ava!
+5 to hit, 2d8+6 damage
Post by: Harbingerjm on March 03, 2015, 11:29:14 pm
Post by: flame99 on March 04, 2015, 06:26:27 pm
Ithy 5-foot-steps East, and Attacks the Bat to the South (+3 to hit, +2d6 damage).[Rapier 14+3+2 [DAMAGE: 6+5] Creeping up unknown to the bat, you lunge with the rapier, thrusting it in front of you. It lands solidly in a fleshy path to several of the bat's organs. The thing shrieks in pain, but manages to keep moving, if painfully.
Ava stalks forward, maul in hand. She decides that the bat hasn't suffered enough for attacking her, and so goes about exacting further pain. [Maul 16+5 [4+6+6]] In typical fashion, the hammer blow comes down on the bat, and when it comes back up, there is no bat. Just a fine dark red slurry.Ava smiled her cold smile. At last. She ignored the creature's scrabbling at her armour and swung with more force than precisely necessary, both hands holding the hammer - she'd slung her shield to help Osirio get his armour off.
Obliterate the bat that dares attack Ava!
+5 to hit, 2d8+6 damage
Ari initially tries to make for the bat that was after Culpa, but soon notices that it's no longer anything resembling a bat. As such, the new nearest target is too high up for him to get to.
Spoiler: Initiative (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: ASCII Map (click to show/hide)
Post by: GiglameshDespair on March 04, 2015, 06:34:52 pm
"Zhat is better. Now..."
She raised her hammer again.
Post by: Dwarmin on March 04, 2015, 06:40:46 pm
"Pests. Osirio hate the rats with wings!"
Action: Power attack slam, while fighting defensively
Attack: -2 to-hit, 1d8+4 damage, +2 AC (AC now 15)
27/35 HP
Post by: lawastooshort on March 05, 2015, 01:26:20 am
Wand of Cure Light Wounds at our horribly wounded prisoner-guide.
"Shall we come up there and join you cap'n? Although, you know, I'm being a bit rather terribly important down here, distracting the great bats, aye."
Post by: Dwarmin on March 05, 2015, 09:43:04 am
Post by: lawastooshort on March 05, 2015, 11:03:46 am
Ari glances at the reviving nobleman Arias and remembers his manners.
"Which he was a crook, your honour, but that doesn't as necessarily excuse my shooting him in the face with an arrer. Even now, even when I raise a bow in jest, me arms do tremble so in fear of his ghost, you know. And out of respect and all that."
Post by: flame99 on March 05, 2015, 11:13:54 am
"Huurumph."[3 DAMAGE HEALED] With a zap from the wand, several of Arias's wounds knit together. The man begins to stir in his unconsciousness, and manages to open his eyes after a few seconds. He's still badly wounded, though, and won't be doing much any time soon.
Wand of Cure Light Wounds at our horribly wounded prisoner-guide.
"Shall we come up there and join you cap'n? Although, you know, I'm being a bit rather terribly important down here, distracting the great bats, aye."
Spoiler: Initiative (click to show/hide)
Post by: Nerjin on March 05, 2015, 11:16:01 am
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Post by: lawastooshort on March 05, 2015, 11:19:06 am
Scrabble about on the floor for a throwable stone.
"Well, what's honour and swearing when there's giant bats, eh."
If it's still applicable by the time we come round again: throw a stone at a bat!
Post by: Dwarmin on March 05, 2015, 11:32:48 am
Post by: flame99 on March 05, 2015, 11:45:52 am
"I just never had the funds to purchase a ranged weapon myself. I di-... Oh right." Culpa hoped the shadows of the cave hid his embarrassed blush as he slid a small, nearly forgotten, piece of leather off his belt and placed a stone inside it.[Sling 12+5 [DAMAGE: 3+1]] The rock hurls off towards the bat, thudding into the back of it. Doesn't seem to have done so much damage, but it certainly stung. The bat screeches, and turns towards you!Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Osirio let his guard down a bit, looking for the right moment to catch a bat off guard with his swinging flail. He wasn't sure how much longer he could dance around until they got lucky and injured him badly.[Flail 20![19-2, Critial Hit!][DAMAGE: 3+4*3] Taking a break from his dodging, though still being careful of getting attacked, Osirio instead pounces at the inattentive bat. His swing hits solidly on the bat's head, breaking through the skull, plunging it into the depths of unconsciousness. If that blow didn't kill it--which it almost certainly did--, the resulting fall definitely finished it off.
"Pests. Osirio hate the rats with wings!"
Action: Power attack slam, while fighting defensively
Attack: -2 to-hit, 1d8+4 damage, +2 AC (AC now 15)
27/35 HP
The remaining bat seems to have gotten the message. It disengages from Osirio after seeing the brutal death of its three comrades, and instead disappears into the darkness. [150 EXPERIENCE EACH! Those knights certainly suck up a lot of it...]
What follows is a generally slow procession from one side to the other. Osirio dons his armor, now that getting up is easy due to the ladder. The three knights still struggle with it, but after a long string of attempts at climbing, they make their way over. Arias is transported over by a bit of a chain method; one knight stands atop the slab, another on the opposite side of the door, and one on the cavern side. The first helps him climb, before being helped up by the second, which lowers him down to be caught by the third. His wounds deepen a bit throughout this, but they're soon patched with bandages.
This room seems to be a guardroom, with a number of weapons in racks lining the walls. Most are consumed by rust, but a few are in remarkably good shape. Further examination reveals the reason for this; they're magical! Further search reveals two flails, a morningstar that, while a little large, could probably be used by Ari, a dagger, and a rapier, all enchanted with magic [Namely a +1 bonus]. Amazing how things work out like that. Ava, on the other hand, doesn't find an upgrade to her maul. Then again, there's probably little need for one.
The knights take the opportunity to inform you that the three of them will not be going any further into the fortress before Arias is well enough. They have magical balms and poultices to aid with his recovery, but it could still be a while. The five of you can press on further without them, if you'd like. Renais sets about building a fire from some supplies Arias had in his pack, while another takes the wounded aristocrat near the soon-to-be fire, and begins applying a disgusting smelling cream to the wounds.
A look around reveals two obvious doors; one to the north, and one to the east, ignoring the one you came through. The eastern one seems to have been opened recently. There also looks to have once been a door to the west, but the elements must have claimed the supports to it, as it's now a caved in pile of rubble.
Post by: lawastooshort on March 05, 2015, 11:53:39 am
Post by: GiglameshDespair on March 05, 2015, 12:11:42 pm
Ava had brought both of the more intact bats over with her, and with a few hacks of her brutal knife removed the wings and feet. She began the messy process of skinning them and gutting the carcasses, impaling chunks of meat and setting them to roast.
It wasn't long before the odour of roasted meat - and a touch of burnt hair began to fill the air.
Her arms red to the elbows, Ava took a position leaning against the wall and waited for the meat to cook more. The skins made a bloody pile to her side.
Post by: Dwarmin on March 05, 2015, 12:17:57 pm
"Yes, we should rest a moment-those flying rats took a few chunks from Osirio...as for the weapons, take what you will. We have found a small trove of treasure here...I suspect, the armaments of whatever defenders may remain here. We may have surprised them before they could arm themselves."
He picked up the fancy flail, which was shaped roughly like a giant insect, big surprise. You could tell it was magic just by looking-it was completely clean, with no a single sign of rust or grime. He attached to his back alongside his old flail.
(http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/baldursgategame/images/7/7f/Drow_Flail_%2B3_item_artwork_BG2.png/revision/latest?cb=20130629075453)
"Such puny little vhings are of no use to me, magic or not. Now zhere is zomething better to eat zhan fungus."
"True, your hammer is already enchanted, is it not? It certainly seems stronger than any normal weapon I've ever seen...oof, you are making a mess, Ava." Osirio said, reaching into his backpack for his cooking tools. "I will show you how to cook flying-rat."
Osirio then began taking out his small jars of exotic hot seasonings.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on March 05, 2015, 12:25:58 pm
She raised a threatening eyebrow as he reached for the jars of zeas- seasoning.
"You may zery vell ruin your own. Ozirio, but you vill not touch mine, or you find yourzelf vith bad luck."
Post by: Dwarmin on March 05, 2015, 12:37:15 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on March 05, 2015, 12:40:20 pm
Idlly, she picked some raw fragment off her blood-coated hands and popped it in her mouth, chewing reflectively on the meat.
Post by: Dwarmin on March 05, 2015, 12:55:31 pm
First, he makes sure the fire is much hotter-stoking the coals and feeding it more wood. At the same time, he begins two seasonings (one brown, one white) in a small bowl. After a time, he carefully separates the bat meat into strips, coats them in the seasoning, then sets them to cook over a small pan. He turns them over once or twice, turning the meat a dark, golden brown. He occasionally adds a few things. They are finished in a little less than 7 minutes.
"Ayha. They are done." He says, picking up a piece with a fork and offering it to Ava. "Try it. I promise, I have left the heat out."
The meat is in fact, not really spicy at all. Osirio has simply combined sugar and cinnamon and a few other things to create a sort of delicious caramelized bat-meat bacon. It's a very nice combination of sweet, salty and chewy.
Post by: Nerjin on March 05, 2015, 01:47:44 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on March 05, 2015, 01:55:32 pm
Osirio played the chain a bit for Culpa's satisfaction, retracting it in and out of the elaborate hilt without a single click or clank. He wasn't sure quite what mechanism allowed it to spool itself so usefully, but it was no doubt useful when you couldn't afford a chained weapon banging around in the caverns.
Post by: Nerjin on March 05, 2015, 02:00:13 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on March 05, 2015, 02:03:04 pm
Were you speaking of something else?" Osirio said patiently. Culpa seemed a bit distracted.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on March 05, 2015, 02:03:32 pm
"It is strange. Good, but strange."
Her next bites were significantly larger.
She snorted at the flail demonstration.
"Magic or not, it is veak. Try swinging zhis for a veapon."
She held out all forty pounds of hammer with one arm.
Post by: Nerjin on March 05, 2015, 02:07:40 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on March 05, 2015, 02:14:59 pm
"I'm glad you enjoy it, Ava. My Father may have taught me how to fight and kill-and when not to do those things-but, my Mother taught me how to cook. It is rare I have shown the skills she taught me, whereas many have found the brunt end of my fathers teachings to their eternal satisfaction.
As for the weapon, there are some things you need magic to truly harm. If your hammer is only steel, you might find it less than useful against certain foes-it takes magic to kill magic, you know. We must see to having your weapon enchanted."
"I just know of many noblemen or commoners who get duped into buying something that looks deadly which only gets them killed. Spiked swords, double sided swords, hell even a Dire Flail at one point. Do you know what happened to the last one? He swung it and hit his opponents shield before the other end of the weapon brained himself. I simply loathe that sort of thing. A good, basic, design is worth all the aesthetic in the world. I just worry about our captain is all. You seem the type to prefer elaborate designs. I'd hate to see you killed over something like that."
"Osirio is unlikely to be killed by his own weapon, surely...as for elaborate designs, that is merely the Elvishness in me. I enjoy the trappings of power and luxury. I like to do things with a certain amount of style-as the leader of a Mercenary band, how I portray myself to the world is almost as important as the quality of armor I wear. I must not only be seen to be a survivor, but one who maintains an mythic air. It's all a show, of course, but what else is life?"
Post by: GiglameshDespair on March 05, 2015, 02:47:25 pm
"Vancy weapons and skills are vorthless. If you kill all who oppoze you, zhen zhey should speak vell of you, vancy weapon or not.."
Post by: Dwarmin on March 05, 2015, 02:56:27 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on March 05, 2015, 03:06:27 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on March 05, 2015, 03:15:21 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on March 05, 2015, 04:14:14 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on March 05, 2015, 04:22:26 pm
"Exactly. Everything you did, what do you have of those efforts now? You are alive, surely, but that is all. You earned nothing that you could keep. Nothing of any worth."
Post by: GiglameshDespair on March 05, 2015, 04:56:48 pm
"If ve ever head up North, ve could find my lair and see vhat it holds inside. I left zhe zhings zhere by choice. Zhey don't matter much if I cannot use zhem."
Post by: Dwarmin on March 05, 2015, 05:01:07 pm
Have you ever thought of the future, Ava? Your Future?" He asks, interested.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on March 05, 2015, 05:24:41 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on March 05, 2015, 05:44:18 pm
You can't use that as an excuse.
You have to want something for yourself. You make plans because you *will* die, not because you *may* die. The plans you make are what we do before that happens-in other words, living your life." Osirio says simply.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on March 05, 2015, 06:27:48 pm
"Having enemies to fight and meat to eat is enough."
Post by: Dwarmin on March 05, 2015, 06:36:09 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on March 05, 2015, 06:52:17 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on March 05, 2015, 06:58:12 pm
Post by: Nerjin on March 05, 2015, 11:00:07 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on March 06, 2015, 09:19:41 am
Post by: Nerjin on March 06, 2015, 07:59:14 pm
Post by: lawastooshort on March 07, 2015, 03:02:21 am
Post by: Dwarmin on March 07, 2015, 09:23:01 am
For it seems to me, Mr. Culpa, eternal life does not equal eternal youth. Eventually, your mortal mind would run mad-it would cease to be your own, even if could hold on to it a remarkably long time. Not that he is against this, mind you. Wee Jas is a benevolent Goddess who teaches us that while death is our ultimate destination, their is no limit to how we may attempt to evade her grasp-either physical or moral. Her only edict is that undeath never be inflicted against the will of the owner-those who create slaves attempt to usurp the power of death, are anathema to her."
He turns to Culpa with a glint in his grey eyes.
"If your thoughts ever turn from fancy to action, Mr. Culpa, you should speak to me. Many powerful undead Lords serve as the Jasidin, retaining their minds and free will, and even serving the forces of Law and Order-and they could help you in this regard."
Post by: Nerjin on March 07, 2015, 10:07:59 am
Post by: Dwarmin on March 07, 2015, 10:31:32 am
You are correct otherwise, however-unnatural undead, and those created against their will, are abominations to her. She is as much an enemy to them as any other God, and instructs us to put them to the torch and end their suffering when we can."
Post by: Nerjin on March 07, 2015, 10:53:15 am
Post by: Dwarmin on March 07, 2015, 11:05:06 am
Post by: Nerjin on March 07, 2015, 11:38:10 am
Post by: GiglameshDespair on March 07, 2015, 01:11:53 pm
The Voice had told her of lichdom. It seemed it wanted her to go that route, in the end, and it didn't seem so bad. Eternally seeking battle, untiring and endless. Maybe. Ava had no real fear of death, and no great longing for eternal life. Still, one needed a lot of materials for lichdom. More than she'd ever get raiding meat-wagons, certainly.
She considered it further. "To fight forever vould be no bad vhing."
She listened to Culpa and shook her head.
"Do not beg for scraps from your god, priest. Take power and proclaim your master's name vith blood. I do not ask from my god. I demand. And I am ztrong."
Post by: Nerjin on March 07, 2015, 01:22:06 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on March 07, 2015, 03:33:37 pm
She shifted, the heavy head of her long hammer grinding on the stone.
"Could or vould - it matters not vhich if it vas not done. Vhat makes you zhink your new god vill not abandon you like your old vun?"
Post by: Nerjin on March 07, 2015, 07:16:45 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on March 07, 2015, 08:02:10 pm
The strong eat the veak." She said the phrase surprisingly clear. "I vant to fight the ztrong, but I do not care if I kill zhe veak. If I crush zhem under my foot, zhey were not even worth a thought. You vhink zhe volf give a thought to the rabbit, priest?"
Ava's body responded to the anger in front of her. Like two dogs bristling against each other, she reared up in turn, lifting her hammer onto her shoulder. When she spoke, however, it was not a hostile challenge as much as a honest question.
"Shall ve find out who is stronger zhen, priest? Let us zee if your god vill zave you from me."
Post by: Nerjin on March 08, 2015, 08:41:12 am
Post by: GiglameshDespair on March 08, 2015, 03:46:05 pm
A thought seemed to occur to her.
"Zomething I vhink of, priest. Your god threw away a zervant to get you. Vhy vould he not throw you avay for another?"
Post by: Dwarmin on March 09, 2015, 09:02:23 am
"Indeed, Mr. Culpa. Wee Jas rarely aids those who believe in her-she is perhaps honest, no? It is why, ironically, I do believe in her. I cannot conceive of a God who acts for any reason but self interest, personally. I think the Gods have a hard time noticing us who are not blessed...like yourself. As much as my belief allows, one must still be careful about relying on Gods too much...then again, your powers are tied to your faith, so you must be stronger in that faith, I understand.
I would also politely ask both not to kill one another on duty, but while I am your captain, I am not your father-what you do in your own time is none of Osirio's business."
He paused a moment, wondering which side he would take. He couldn't show favoritism, he thought. It's not like she would appreciate it, anyway.
"Still, I'd hate to lose either of you. I trust you will resolve this conflict at the appropriate time."
Post by: GiglameshDespair on March 09, 2015, 12:25:19 pm
She retrieved another piece of bat-bacon and bit down. Yes, this was much better than the poisonous fire Osirio had given her before. She looked around, feeling she'd sufficiently shown her dominance over the priest - much more, she'd probably want to fight him anyway, and now Osirio had told her otherwise.
Post by: Nerjin on March 09, 2015, 09:49:46 pm
Post by: lawastooshort on March 16, 2015, 08:41:30 am
Post by: Dwarmin on March 16, 2015, 08:46:26 am
"The world is tomorrow, gnome. Today I will be content with domination over this one old fort. I can't help but wonder, if we could conquer it by force of arms and make it our own. It would certainly be better than an inn."
Post by: GiglameshDespair on March 16, 2015, 11:46:17 am
I vould be fine vith zhis as a lair, especially if the bats come back so ve can kill more. Zhould be zome good fights down here in zhe dark."
Post by: flame99 on March 17, 2015, 07:17:15 pm
One of the other two knights, not Renais, tells you that Arias will need to stay put. As his guards, they're honorbound to stay with him. They'll set about making the place more secure, and if you can lead it to them, they'll deal with any threats you should stumble across. But, the knights will be staying here.
So; the question remains. Which door to enter? The northern one, evidently disturbed recently? Or the eastern one, likely untouched for decades? Do you fear more the threat of new intruders, or the wrath of ancient things awoken?
Post by: GiglameshDespair on March 18, 2015, 08:08:32 am
"If ve are to make zhis our lair, zhen ve should hunt down vhatever is living here."
Post by: lawastooshort on March 18, 2015, 08:15:04 am
Try to make a suitable torch out of some wood from the fire.
Post by: Dwarmin on March 18, 2015, 08:31:59 am
Action: Northern door, ho
Post by: GiglameshDespair on March 18, 2015, 09:08:09 am
Ava stalked to the northern door and strode through.
Post by: Dwarmin on March 18, 2015, 12:02:00 pm
"You know, I've been thinking of getting a cat." He comments. "I've heard they can reduce stress, and lead one to a more harmonious life.
I cannot help but wonder recently, I am missing something in my life. Perhaps I need a fortress-or some new armor. Maybe a Warhorse. It's very vexing." He muses.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on March 18, 2015, 03:20:43 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on March 19, 2015, 08:46:27 am
Post by: Nerjin on March 19, 2015, 11:27:54 am
Post by: flame99 on March 19, 2015, 07:32:58 pm
"Yes, we should. You first, Ava!"It's far from the world's best torch, but it'll last for the time.
Try to make a suitable torch out of some wood from the fire.
After that, the party turns its collective attention on the northern door. Despite having been open, it's still stuck pretty firmly. It takes a few good pushes to get it to swing open. Inside, you find a room with a few bed frames, rotten chairs, and a hearth long doused. But; what's that? Near the back, there's still a single glowing ember. Someone was here, and not terribly long ago. Perhaps more striking is the three dead drow in the middle of the room, evidently set there intentionally, their corpses ravaged by rot, but not so badly to suggest their death was more than a few weeks, maybe a month ago. And on them, folded neatly, is a piece of paper. Further investigation would reveal it's a map, evidently of the fortress. The labels are in Undercommon, but Ithy can translate, if she so chooses.
Spoiler: Map (click to show/hide)
You'd appear to be in the Commons. Looking around, you confirm the existence of the staircase noted by the map. And on the first step lies a quickly scrawled note, in Common. It reads:
"Good morning, Osirio's Bold Men. I see you've made friends with our mutual foes. Please, come up for a drink."
The signature is a meaningless symbol to the layman's eye, but to you, it's unmistakable.
Above the flight of stairs awaits the Lord of Aretrian dressed in red-on-black.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on March 19, 2015, 09:16:17 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on March 20, 2015, 08:46:50 am
"Ah, my Lord. You misunderstand me. When so many lies begin to pile upon one another, a man must needs seek the truth.
The man you send us to kill has an interesting story. He calls you the villains, of course. He seems to serve a different cause than what you led us to believe. Perhaps you are the ones who sought to lead us astray. How can a man know?" He asks, in a bored tone.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on March 20, 2015, 09:03:30 am
Post by: lawastooshort on March 20, 2015, 11:10:35 am
Post by: flame99 on March 22, 2015, 12:39:27 pm
Determined to be useful, Ari let his overflowingly powerful mind wander hither and forth, and decided to do a Bardic Knowledge Check! Do I know anything about mines deep below the city of Aretrian?[4+4] You don't know anything beyond common knowledge. However, as a reasonably intelligent sentient creature, you can assume that the denizens of the caverns have to get metal from somewhere, and dedicated mines would uncover more than just spelunking.
Osirio nodded his head politely. He motioned for his allies to stand back.With a soft, barely audible sigh, footsteps make their way down the stairs. In a few seconds, the figure clad in black, with the black-and-red mask, comes into view. It speaks, in a voice that seems to almost change; at times, a high voice befitting a woman, while at others a low growl unmistakably masculine.
"Ah, my Lord. You misunderstand me. When so many lies begin to pile upon one another, a man must needs seek the truth.
The man you send us to kill has an interesting story. He calls you the villains, of course. He seems to serve a different cause than what you led us to believe. Perhaps you are the ones who sought to lead us astray. How can a man know?" He asks, in a bored tone.
"I wasn't kidding about that drink, I had a nice Cospenian liqueur up there. But oh well. And you mistake me, little Osirio. I do not wish to condemn, I wish to commend! For this will undoubtedly bring my pompous brother some modicum of grief. I do love his suffering. But let us make one thing clear, child-of-sand.
Faster than the eye can follow, it moves forward like a shadow, suddenly closing the distance between him and the half-elf. A single, gloved hand is at his throat. And do you feel claws?
"Free the beast we've imprisoned down here, and I will make the short remainder of your life miserable."
In reaction, Ava swings her maul, which is almost nonchalantly deflected with a single hand.
"Calm yourself, herald-of-death. I will bring no pain nor death to your supposed lover just yet. Not unless he should fail me. Though I must say, I do admire your spirit. If only all kept to such honor." He turns and takes a few steps back. "But, I've not even introduced myself. I would be Naras the Cruel, master of this place and Lord of Aretrian-- but no doubt you knew that. Now, go along. Sate your curiosity, but do not dare take it so far as to threaten us. For though I do hate my brother, I myself have plans hinging on his convoluted scheme. And I will know if you try to. Goodbye, child-of-sand. I will be watching with great interest."
He starts once more up the stairs.
Post by: Dwarmin on March 22, 2015, 01:11:26 pm
He could be very patient, of course.
...
"Well, at least we got the threats out of the way...what are the chances one of them would live here?"
Post by: GiglameshDespair on March 22, 2015, 01:44:48 pm
"Are you unharmed, Ozirio?"
Post by: Dwarmin on March 22, 2015, 02:00:38 pm
"He...'It'...didn't harm me. I believe it was a threat of implied force, rather the application of force itself. A wise strategy, if you wish to conceal your true strength..." Osirio says, with a shrug. "Only my pride is injured. The Lord is fast, I'll give him that."
Post by: GiglameshDespair on March 22, 2015, 03:54:00 pm
"Hmmph... vhat now, Ozirio? It zeems ve vill not be having zhis as a lair after all."
Post by: lawastooshort on March 23, 2015, 03:59:22 am
Post by: Dwarmin on March 23, 2015, 08:17:51 am
Osirio looked at the map, but he couldn't read the undercommon scrawl-it was like an Elf trying to write words using the wrong hand, while drunk.
"Let's clear out the rooms behind us before we move to this central hall area-first this room to the East, then the one to the South." He said, pointing to East.
But first, he wondered if the Drow had any loot...
Action: Let's go to the barracks. After looting the Drow!
Post by: GiglameshDespair on March 23, 2015, 11:24:26 am
She walked close to Osirio as she thought.
She must become stronger.
Post by: lawastooshort on March 23, 2015, 11:30:00 am
Post by: Nerjin on March 23, 2015, 02:46:52 pm
Post by: flame99 on March 25, 2015, 06:24:19 pm
Spoiler: Note (click to show/hide)
Post by: Dwarmin on March 25, 2015, 06:37:43 pm
"These silly things are useful if you know how to use them. Good to sell-they are very difficult to make. Unless anyone wants one to practice with?"
((Note, these are exotic weapons~-4 tohit if you don't have the feat~that sell for 100 gold a piece. Jackpot. :P If anyone wants us, please do say))
Post by: GiglameshDespair on March 25, 2015, 06:59:15 pm
The bolt made a sound closer to splort than thud.
She shrugged and handed it back to Osirio before yanking a bracelet off a decomposing wrist.
Loot 200 gp worth of stuff.
She looked at the drow more closely as a thought struck. What exactly did the drow die of?
Post by: Nerjin on March 25, 2015, 11:18:26 pm
Post by: lawastooshort on March 26, 2015, 05:02:54 am
"What does the note say? What were they down here for?"
And also, why not, inspect the corpses to see what they died of.
Post by: Dwarmin on March 26, 2015, 08:43:33 am
Osirio tucked the gold and valuables into his own pouch.
"The note implies they were a scouting group for a reclamation expedition.
Given the date and the fact this places seems yet to reclaimed, implies they failed, or abandoned the project for some reason..." Osirio muses.
Post by: lawastooshort on March 26, 2015, 09:05:29 am
Post by: Dwarmin on March 26, 2015, 09:13:52 am
I don't suppose it really matters, does it?"
Post by: lawastooshort on March 26, 2015, 11:08:51 am
Post by: Dwarmin on March 26, 2015, 11:14:32 am
Post by: Nerjin on March 26, 2015, 02:30:18 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on March 26, 2015, 02:35:53 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on March 26, 2015, 02:36:52 pm
Cut off their arms and legs as well, Mr. Culpa."
Post by: Nerjin on March 26, 2015, 02:38:44 pm
Post by: lawastooshort on March 27, 2015, 02:12:55 am
Post by: Nerjin on March 27, 2015, 06:49:17 am
Post by: lawastooshort on March 27, 2015, 07:27:07 am
Ari was quite disappointed.
”Can you reanimate whole corpses, Mr Culpa? Should we not call you Father Culpa? Do reanimated corpses have thought? I do not possibly understand how a reanimated corpse could work, if not like a puppet, in which case… Hmm. Can you protect against reanimated corpses? Anyway, I am glad we have a priestly man with us.”
Post by: Nerjin on March 27, 2015, 07:01:51 pm
Post by: flame99 on March 30, 2015, 10:19:42 pm
EDIT: Oh, and it should also be noted that the furniture has all been moved toward the same thing: In the general direction of the waterfall.
Post by: Dwarmin on March 31, 2015, 10:59:31 am
Action: Is there anything visible on the racks or in the coffers to loot?
Post by: lawastooshort on March 31, 2015, 11:11:19 am
Does the water come straight from above straight down?
Post by: GiglameshDespair on March 31, 2015, 12:13:01 pm
It should have moved zhe furniture avay, not closer. Hoa!"
With her maul she batted a chair to crash into the waterfall.
Post by: flame99 on April 06, 2015, 10:53:42 pm
"Seems suspicious. The water broke through the ceiling, clearly. Perhaps that moved the furniture.." He mused.A thorough search wouldn't reveal anything of value. The most you find is a set of clothes that, in some bygone era, may have been worth something. However, what seems to have once been richly dyed silks would be merely dull tatters now.
Action: Is there anything visible on the racks or in the coffers to loot?
"That doesn't make sense if the water came straight from above..."It kind of looks like it's pouring over an edge somewhere above, but you can't be sure. It falls along the side of the cliff.
Does the water come straight from above straight down?
Ava remembered to pick up the remaining 360 gp, before moving on. Regarding the waterfall, she frowned.As the chair flies towards the waterfall, a number of Water Weird reach out and try to swat at it before being forced away by the current! It seems the water's elementally charged. Such a concentration of Water Weirds is only found either in the demense of truly powerful wizards and sorcerers, in the Plane of Water, or in areas just outside of it.
It should have moved zhe furniture avay, not closer. Hoa!"
With her maul she batted a chair to crash into the waterfall.
But, what's interesting is that while you hear the chair crash against the sides of the pit, it never seems to actually hit the bottom. Instead, the sound just fades off before becoming inaudible. Seems to be extremely deep.
Post by: Dwarmin on April 07, 2015, 08:25:36 am
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
"...Hmm, I guess this is actually some sort of portal to the Plane of Water..." Osirio muses, weighing if they should lower Ari down with a rope to make sure.
"...While we could something amusing here, there is little for us to gain-though I've heard elementally charged water is a powerful ingredient in certain potions, this one is clearly with the guard dogs. We should move on-and be wary of the water from now on. Who knows what else came through? At least it isn't attacking us directly."
Action: To the library!
Post by: GiglameshDespair on April 07, 2015, 02:02:32 pm
She followed close to Osirio, almost crowding him, head scannign for threats.
Post by: Dwarmin on April 07, 2015, 02:18:55 pm
There are more places than merely the High Heavens and the Nine Hells..." he comments.
Post by: Nerjin on April 07, 2015, 02:30:10 pm
Post by: lawastooshort on April 07, 2015, 03:29:59 pm
Follow along.
Post by: Dwarmin on April 15, 2015, 03:23:33 pm
Post by: flame99 on April 16, 2015, 05:10:26 pm
It terminates in a simple door, hewn of stone. And what's this? You hear something from behind it. A scuttling of countless legs scrambling against earth and a flurry of wings, perhaps? Or maybe pages being turned quickly? A smaller offspring of the fall you'd seen earlier? Many of these, or something else?
Whatever it is, it seems to have noticed you, as the sound dies away into silence at your approach.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on April 16, 2015, 06:17:16 pm
Summon Ice Beast I - Badger
Post by: lawastooshort on April 17, 2015, 07:28:33 am
"Sounds like trouble... Come on lads, here's a little ditty I wrote to keep yer spirits up..."
Commence Inspiring Courage with a tremendous chant about the desolate standing stones of the north!*
((*actual words to come later))
Post by: Dwarmin on April 17, 2015, 08:26:36 am
"Are we even sure this is something to be worried about? It could be the nothing...
...Ah, anyway-come on out, you! Osirio does not play the games."
He stepped forward, banging his shield with his flail and generally making himself a target.
Action: Enter boldly and announce Osirio's presence!
Post by: GiglameshDespair on April 17, 2015, 08:28:52 am
Post by: lawastooshort on April 17, 2015, 08:31:18 am
"Are we even sure this is something to be worried about? It could be the nothing..."
"It's something that reads right quick, Osirio. Course it ain't the nothing... It could be books on legs or all sorts or worse."
Post by: GiglameshDespair on April 17, 2015, 08:34:02 am
Post by: Nerjin on April 19, 2015, 10:44:59 am
Cast Light on my Light Flail
Post by: flame99 on April 21, 2015, 08:14:58 pm
Spoiler: Initiative (click to show/hide)
Post by: Dwarmin on April 22, 2015, 08:12:54 am
It was the best he could come up with.
Action: Arcana check on these things? +7
Also, flail smash on the closest one. Unless my arcana check shows thats a bad idea.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on April 22, 2015, 08:35:50 am
She and her ice beast (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=1134959) Badger (http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Badger)she had summoned (http://www.bay12forums.com/smf/index.php?topic=144701.msg6170271#msg6170271), charged together at one of the swarms.
Post by: lawastooshort on April 22, 2015, 10:11:34 am
Don't stop chanting. Move to protect Culpa's rear such that neither of us can be flanked.
Also Bardic Knowledge check - what do I know about evil animate books?
Post by: Nerjin on April 22, 2015, 07:41:20 pm
Smash one of the books with my Light Flail
Post by: My Name is Immaterial on June 07, 2015, 06:31:33 pm
Post by: flame99 on June 08, 2015, 10:10:53 pm
[???+7] Osirio considers the books, but comes up with little. He's heard mention of living books, but never seen any, or heard details. Well, hitting them can't be *that* bad, can it? You suppose you'll find out. [8+5, miss] Or not, seeing as they scuttle away from the descending flail.
[???+4] Ari actually knows a decent amount about these constructs; even made a simpler version while studying magic. They're commonly made specifically to guard libraries of magi. They aren't particularly dangerous, but in large numbers, as present here, they can kill. They'll relentlessly attack anyone unless the creator or someone designated by the creator commands it otherwise. But there's something else; the marks on the binding of the book mean...Something. [???+1] You've seen the mark before, but you can't remember where, or what it means. Fire resistance, maybe? But you could be wrong.
Regardless, he continues his chant, and moves to a defensive position behind Ava.
Ava then ceases to support Ari's defensive position and runs for a book swarm. Well, good idea while it lasted. She and her boar both go for one of them down the hall; [16+6, 7+5+3] the boar is left simply rooting at the now inanimate books, as the maul managed to crush all of them.
Slinking through the shadows, Ithy [8, miss] attempts to skewer some of the remaining books, but instead meets only stone.
The two remaining book swarms both encircle Culpa and Osirio, swarming over them and biting across their skin! Thankfully, they don't seem to be doing a lot of biting. [1 DAMAGE (CULPA), 2 DAMAGE (OSIRIO)]
Spoiler: Initiative (click to show/hide)
Spoiler: Map (click to show/hide)
Post by: My Name is Immaterial on June 08, 2015, 10:49:34 pm
"Ithy" keeps close ranks with the rest of the party, and swings at the nearest swarm with their rapier.
Post by: Dwarmin on June 09, 2015, 03:17:21 pm
"This is the battle that is taking TOO LONG!" He raged, sliding away from the swarm, and slamming his flail down ferociously.
Action: 5ft Step one space South out of the swarm, and +2 Power attack on these pesky pages! Random target unless I know which one has less HP.
Attack: +3 to-hit, 1d8+5 damage
31/35 HP
Post by: GiglameshDespair on June 09, 2015, 04:01:25 pm
She smiled slightly.
Batter dem books near Osirio while Ice Ice Badger attacks the one near Culpa.
(Ava: +6, 2d8+3, Ice Ice Badger: claw +4, 1d2-1+1d6cold)
Post by: flame99 on June 09, 2015, 04:25:29 pm
Post by: lawastooshort on June 12, 2015, 02:07:15 am
"Hmm... magical books mean magical feckers, oft as not - we should be prepared for some nasty kind of magical nonsense..." he said, in between the words of his hideous chant, which was variations on the themes of burning, loneliness, despair, and horrible gaping wounds being dealt to one's enemies.
Post by: flame99 on June 17, 2015, 05:33:37 pm
Culpa, maybe encouraged and/or scared by his cohort's wrath, does the same: A number of fierce blows reducing the swarm to powderized literature. Eugh. Is that Pelor Shrugged? Truly you've excised a great evil from the world.
Post by: Dwarmin on June 17, 2015, 05:55:16 pm
"...That was taking a bit longer than anticipated...in any case, we have won, and the knowledge is now being ours...be careful what you read, or touch. As you can see, magic books are...tricky. The wrong book may take you to another world, or make you into a different person-and not being in a poetic, imaginative sense."
Action: Osirio begins to search the book stocks for anything remotely interesting. Arcana be checking, yo.
((Where's our XP, BTW? Is the encounter not over yet?))
Post by: GiglameshDespair on June 17, 2015, 05:57:31 pm
"Hmmph." she said, though it wasn't an annoyed one. "Never zaw zhe need for veading. Books never helped me.""
Post by: flame99 on June 17, 2015, 06:06:28 pm
((Where's our XP, BTW? Is the encounter not over yet?))((In the mystical plane known as "I forgot". 225 experience for all!))
Post by: Dwarmin on June 17, 2015, 06:19:38 pm
That I say, you should be careful of magic tomes. They can be very dangerous, especially to the unlearned.
For example, have you ever heard of the Verbum Scripsi? The Tome that Becomes You?" He asked wryly, knowing it was extremely unlikely she had ever heard of such a thing...though he was interested, if she had such legends in her own lands.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on June 17, 2015, 08:15:25 pm
Ava shook her head. She pulled a book off the shelf, looked at it, and casually dropped it on the floor when it failed to catch her interest.
"No, not heard of zhis Verdum Scripski."
Post by: Nerjin on June 18, 2015, 09:40:55 am
Post by: Dwarmin on June 18, 2015, 10:07:17 am
This Verbum Scripsi is in some ways a form of immortality. One who desires eternal life must first make an blank book composed of pages made from the skin of your species...through various enchantments, you scrub the life that came before-the memory of which still lies in the pages. Then, you begin to write. The tome takes your life as it is when you write-a copy of your soul, if you will. It is barely intelligent, however. It is a simulacrum...at least to start. The power is that, Verbum Scripsi is very...possessive. It seeks to entice those who come after to read the book-you may think it a jumble of words and and phrases, but for certain people it is a undeniable challenge-like myself. I was so sure there was some secret to eternal life, I pored over the tome for days...
Those who read too much give their life force and strength to the shade of the author, who begins to recover some form and function. Eventually, a particularly strong spirit will attempt to copy themselves from the script, to the reader. One can find their mind overthrown in such a manner, and given enough time, the Verbum Scripsi can even alter your physical form, by draining the energy of other living beings in a less delicate way. Of course, even possessing the knowledge of such a thing is a death-crime among most arcane circles. Many Mages desire eternal life, but having hundreds of copies of yourself running around is not a good idea.
Osirio was curious to find this secret himself, once upon a time. He nearly found himself overwritten-into the form of a centuries dead Sorceress. It was a near thing. Her will was very strong, and she had been very patient...and at the time, I was not entirely sure if I wanted to live."
Osirio runs his finger down the spine of one of the books on the shelves thoughtfully.
"Now and again, I still hear her voice in my head-a laugh, a comment, a gesture. She is not so much intruder, as the prisoner now, and I'm not sure if she can-or if I even want to-purge her completely. I like her sense of humor, her strength of will. I admire her. Honest and ruthless, traits I much enjoy.
...That is why you should be careful, anyway. Magic can give you interesting scars. Better to avoid the trouble, though. Leave it to the professionals."
Post by: Nerjin on June 18, 2015, 10:42:45 am
Post by: Dwarmin on June 18, 2015, 10:51:18 am
Post by: GiglameshDespair on June 18, 2015, 02:57:33 pm
"You have a voman in your head? Zhat talks to you?"
Post by: Dwarmin on June 18, 2015, 03:05:15 pm
And, she rarely speaks, or answers if I consciously try to contact her. If her presence is inside me, it is not very strong anymore. In truth, I believe she is content to watch and live through me, if she can be said to live at all." Osirio replies casually. His grin slowly widens.
"Surely you are not jealous, Ava? The Sorceress has been dead for more than 8,000 years..." He replies flippantly.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on June 18, 2015, 03:37:26 pm
"Jealous? Vhy vould I be jealous?"
Post by: Dwarmin on June 18, 2015, 03:54:25 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on June 18, 2015, 05:37:35 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on June 18, 2015, 05:41:36 pm
"...Hmm. Don't worry, she says not jealous of you, either." He says, not indicating if that was a joke or not.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on June 18, 2015, 08:02:58 pm
"Humph. You are mocking me."
Post by: Nerjin on June 18, 2015, 11:37:13 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on June 19, 2015, 08:48:44 am
Ava pouted slightly beneath her scarf.
"Humph. You are mocking me."
"Am I?' Osirio replied with what can only be poetically described as an 'amused glint' in his eyes.
"I suppose I will have to make amends for it later.' He said, with mock resignation.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on June 19, 2015, 09:06:14 pm
POke around for anything else valuable, or other rooms coming off the library.
Post by: Dwarmin on June 24, 2015, 11:40:38 am
Hephhephhephheph))
Post by: flame99 on June 29, 2015, 05:53:08 pm
Osirio nattily swiped book dust off himself, controlling his breathing.[13+7] You browse over the books. Many aren't of any great interest to you; a few manuscripts on tactics and combat, what you presume are drow folk tales...A particularly hefty handful of tomes catches your eye, however. The Archmagi's Familiar: A study on the Art of Binding, the title declares. You've heard of it in hushed tones. A guide form of magic not commonly practiced and wholly despised by most churches. Glancing over it, six volumes should be present, but the fifth is missing. The books seem to comprise a basic introduction and tutorial to the art. Even then, many parts of it are carefully encoded, it would appear, requiring a mentor to interpret it.
"...That was taking a bit longer than anticipated...in any case, we have won, and the knowledge is now being ours...be careful what you read, or touch. As you can see, magic books are...tricky. The wrong book may take you to another world, or make you into a different person-and not being in a poetic, imaginative sense."
Action: Osirio begins to search the book stocks for anything remotely interesting. Arcana be checking, yo.
((Where's our XP, BTW? Is the encounter not over yet?))
Setting the thick tomes aside, you continue to search the shelves, once more without interest for a long stretch; however, you eventually find something in a slimmer volume. Runes etch into a book made of some leather you can't identify, declaring...Something. You've never seen anything like this, nor has any of the party. You try to open it, but find that to be impossible; perhaps some form of magic holds it shut?
"I zerpose you vill."Aside from a wealth of literature and knowledge, little of value to the snow warrior turns up. An examination of the perimeter reveals nothing in the way of trap doors, or hidden ones. No, clearly there's nothing fur--
POke around for anything else valuable, or other rooms coming off the library.
The bookshelf beside you shifts. Whirling around, you look around, before noticing a figure crouched in the shadows atop the bookshelf.
((This is Immaterial's character; he will post his sheet shortly and take control of them.))
Post by: GiglameshDespair on June 29, 2015, 06:03:38 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on June 29, 2015, 06:12:02 pm
Post by: My Name is Immaterial on June 29, 2015, 06:20:56 pm
"You zhere! Come down so I'll crush you!""No? I would rather not be crushed, so I shall stay up here. If you want to come up to crush me, you are welcome to try."
"Ah, what is it being so sneaky upon us? A little Goblinoid? Perhaps a Turkeyman we might catch and eat, or another runty Kobold seeking to spy upon us? Osirio wishes for you to flee into the endless darkness, pest, in a truly literal and metaphorical fashion. Ava will be the one making you into a bad sculpture, otherwise. My darling snow-wife, she is an excellent artist with the hammer-such strokes! Such striking sprays of blood and gore! Alas, but the subjects of her work, tend to suffer her creativity. They are never quite in the same shape afterwards..." The Half Elf Osirio drawled, drawing his flail and shield."None of the above; I am but a simple researcher. Now, would you mind calling off your wife?"
Post by: Dwarmin on June 29, 2015, 06:29:01 pm
Step out of the shadows and into the light, ah, friend. Hmm, you are taller than I was seeing. Be explaining yourself. Have you come to join the legendary Osirio's Bold Men, or perhaps just to die? Both positions are available, if you're interested."
Post by: My Name is Immaterial on June 29, 2015, 06:34:39 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on June 29, 2015, 06:44:31 pm
(http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2011/264/6/a/6a3b0b9d48f42f5c7458225a1849fbfb-d4ajuca.jpg)
"Osirio is an optimist. He must believe you came to join his band of mercenaries.
Otherwise, this becomes a tragic tale. Allow me to spin it!
A lone adventurer descends into the depths boldly, seeking great power and long lost lore. He comes so close to his goal, but danger forces him to flee. To his surprise and gratitude, a band of warriors unknowingly saves him from a most gruesome fate. He reveals himself, but a dilemma arises. He finds he has won his life, but lost what he came for-the band is more numerous, more armed, and quite ruthless. They no doubt have also come for the old powers in the deep places of the world. Alas, such is the wages of fate, that cruel and fickle mistress.
How does the story end? Does the man make his haste, allowing his life, hoping for another lucky day? Or does he negotiate and delay, hoping he might find a way to snatch a profit from the Dragon's Jaws?"
Post by: GiglameshDespair on June 29, 2015, 07:00:34 pm
"Humph. My hammer reaches vurther zhan I, rezearcher."
As Osirio and the researcher began to talk, she turned around and walked to besides uer 'husband'.
"Zhere. You von't be next to my hammer."
Post by: My Name is Immaterial on June 29, 2015, 11:44:44 pm
(https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTo7maN2s5jHnG9CqKFkKq2D85G9CGrDOxgmX3kcEHQe0s6Vs-H)
"I was following your metaphor up until the last part. What dragon? Are you the dragon?"
He seems a bit skeptical at the idea.
Post by: Dwarmin on June 30, 2015, 09:09:12 am
"No, that was another metaphor! The Dragon's Jaws-the end of the journey, yes? Having the bad luck. You must snatch the good luck from the bad, as they say. At the risk of being being devoured, it goes without saying.
Still, what will you do, now? Do you have a name to give? A pleasant introduction of yourself?
I myself am Osirio DuSirc. I and my band come here...on a errand altogether unrelated. This was merely a passing diversion, in truth."
Post by: My Name is Immaterial on June 30, 2015, 10:56:27 am
"Walker Branson. A pleasure, DuSirc. What did you say that brought you down here?"
Post by: GiglameshDespair on June 30, 2015, 10:58:42 am
She glanced at the others.
"Not Mountain. Avalanche."
Post by: Dwarmin on June 30, 2015, 11:03:34 am
"Ah, yes...My Ava is quite a pile of heavy stones, either way. Take that as you may.
Ahem..and, Mr. Walking Branson, I specifically did not say what brought us down here. It's better not to let strangers onto your plans. I'm never quite sure who to trust in Aretrian, which is why I recruited most of these people far from these pit of a city, and some years ago."
Post by: My Name is Immaterial on July 02, 2015, 03:37:58 am
"A wise decision, what with the Lor-ah, but nevermind. I needn't bother you folk with my conspiracy theories."
Post by: Dwarmin on July 02, 2015, 08:24:16 am
Post by: GiglameshDespair on July 02, 2015, 08:31:54 am
"Zhen vill ve keep exploring?"
She turned back to the new companion, looking at him more closely.
"How vell can you use zhat spear?"
Post by: Dwarmin on July 02, 2015, 08:37:11 am
Post by: My Name is Immaterial on July 02, 2015, 02:11:13 pm
"I would be dead if it were not for you. Take what you will. I may ask to take a look at certain books if our interests overlap. I would appreciate the escort. The spear? I am a student of the weapon: I have no remarkable skill, but neither do I have any remarkable deficiency."
Walker continues his search for books on the Lords.
Post by: Dwarmin on July 02, 2015, 02:38:30 pm
While we peruse these stacks, maybe you can enlighten Osirio as to your...conspiracy theories? Assuming you trust me, of course, Mr. Walking." He says with a smile, putting the magical books into his satchel.
Then, he talks. Osirio is good at talking...
"You should know my friends names, since they are too shy to offer them!
The Priestly fellow is Mr. Culpa. I'm not quite sure what he believes in, but he does seem to have a strong faith in...whatever. He fixed my arm once, and now we're friends for life. He's a very poor dancer. I think he was born to dance badly.
The Drow in the shadows...somewhere around here...is one Ithraeheste Fr'Aviir, an old...companion of mine. She doesn't talk much, or even appear to move or breath, or blink-if she's doing her job, you'll barely know she's there! We have a history, but that was a long time ago. She used a fish to catch my heart. I fought a Kraken in her boudoir, and it was a draw. Afterwards, we decided life was too short for Krakens, and parted ways-I've disliked sailing ever since.
Ava Snowhammer, you must have gathered already. She's really quite vicious, if you get to know her. She's only my wife in spirit, not law-the Priest was a fraud, though the drama was real. I won her in a bet against a skin of wine. Nowadays, I'm having trouble getting rid of her, really. That explains the comment about the stones, if you didn't get it by now.
Oh, and the short one is Ari Cole. He's...present. He tells depressing stories in the middle of battle for some reason-we all fight that much harder to make him be quiet. I owe him a crossbow bolt to the gut. I ought to plot his fiendish demise one of these days, but he's persistently useful, despite your first impression.
Together, we make Osirio's Bold Men, a currently luckless mercenary force-we're not quite sure who we're working for right now. It's complicated. Who would believe there were so many liars in this town? I just want to get paid, personally, but people-always dragging me into their expanded plots...enough to make one want to sail away, and never come back...but, I personally hate sailing."
Action: Osirio takes them magic books for his dang self
Post by: My Name is Immaterial on July 04, 2015, 04:05:39 pm
Walker looks around for a moment. When he turns back to you, he has a wild, crazy look in his eyes.
"Ever heard of The Lords? A shadowy group, conspiring to doom our world. Information on them is sparse- no, removed, hidden, destroyed. You probably think I'm crazy, but I don't care. I know they're real, I just know it. They're hiding something, some key to real, true power... It'll be mine, soon enough... But never mind that! A pleasure to meet the lot of you!"
As quickly as the wild look came, it's gone again.
Post by: Dwarmin on July 06, 2015, 08:38:12 am
Action: Also, let's be leaving, yo.
Post by: flame99 on July 06, 2015, 02:16:31 pm
(https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTo7maN2s5jHnG9CqKFkKq2D85G9CGrDOxgmX3kcEHQe0s6Vs-H)A swift search reveals, to your annoyance, no such books. The legends had said this place was heavily touched by the Lords; you find it strange that no record of them was left here. Perhaps, they simply were legends.
"I would be dead if it were not for you. Take what you will. I may ask to take a look at certain books if our interests overlap. I would appreciate the escort. The spear? I am a student of the weapon: I have no remarkable skill, but neither do I have any remarkable deficiency."
Walker continues his search for books on the Lords.
Action: Osirio takes them magic books for his dang selfAfter a moment's considerations, you decide to retrieve both the locked volume, and the tomes on Binding; the former proving themselves shockingly heavy altogether.
"The Lords of Aretrian? I thought they were just a myth!" Osirio claims, a trifle sarcastically.Where is it, exactly, that you'd like to leave to?
Action: Also, let's be leaving, yo.
Post by: Nerjin on July 06, 2015, 02:37:39 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on July 06, 2015, 03:04:26 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on July 06, 2015, 03:14:28 pm
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Action: Found it. So, to the stores! Literally the only way left to go!
Post by: flame99 on July 06, 2015, 03:16:13 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on July 06, 2015, 03:20:00 pm
You can still try to go up into Naras's evident hiding spot.
((with the disc 3 boss still up there? :P He literally has plot armor.))
Post by: lawastooshort on July 07, 2015, 07:22:54 am
Can I have a quick look at the books too? And then follow to leave. As an aside to Mr Walken:
”He doesn’t really mean depressing as such, you know – it’s just his light hearted and witty way. People generally concur that my life-affirming chanted anecdotes are really quite wonderful and positive. Would you like to hear one?”
Post by: GiglameshDespair on July 07, 2015, 07:24:57 am
Post by: lawastooshort on July 07, 2015, 09:40:18 am
Post by: GiglameshDespair on July 07, 2015, 11:59:31 am
"I vas never taught manners. Zhey have no use to me."
Post by: Dwarmin on July 07, 2015, 01:16:49 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on July 07, 2015, 01:19:22 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on July 07, 2015, 01:26:23 pm
Post by: Nerjin on July 07, 2015, 01:27:12 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on July 08, 2015, 08:53:39 am
Post by: GiglameshDespair on July 08, 2015, 09:55:08 am
Post by: Dwarmin on July 08, 2015, 10:01:57 am
Post by: lawastooshort on July 08, 2015, 11:23:40 am
Post by: Dwarmin on July 08, 2015, 11:26:24 am
Post by: Nerjin on July 08, 2015, 11:37:57 pm
Post by: flame99 on July 09, 2015, 10:00:21 pm
”I’m sorry… should we continue to the stores? There is likely to be much of interest in the stores… I wish I had had the chance to look at these books before they were smashed to smithereens, but then they were somewhat bent on eating us, so it’s a good thing I didn’t. I’ve gone off this whole magic thing recently anyway.”Looking at the (once-)living books, it seems that they don't contain much but runes scribed into them on a scant few pages. No doubt those used to create the constructs themselves. The more mundane books are precisely that; mundane. Intriguing, if you're the sort intrigued by rambling treatises on methods of lichen farming, but mundane.
Can I have a quick look at the books too? And then follow to leave. As an aside to Mr Walken:
”He doesn’t really mean depressing as such, you know – it’s just his light hearted and witty way. People generally concur that my life-affirming chanted anecdotes are really quite wonderful and positive. Would you like to hear one?”
The party heads for the storeroom, and the trip there turns out to be uneventful. As you open the storeroom, a horde of rats, evidently still scrounging for what's left, flood out, retreating into cracks and holes in the fortress walls. Crates, most hewn of stone, line the walls; on shelves sit the occasional item, most evidently mementos. Little of interest stands out at first glance.
Post by: lawastooshort on July 10, 2015, 06:48:16 am
Have a careful Search!
Post by: Dwarmin on July 10, 2015, 11:04:49 am
"Check in that one, Gnome! Faster! Faster!"
Action: Use my Gnome prodding stick to make Ari search faster (by which I mean, aid action)
Post by: lawastooshort on July 10, 2015, 02:51:48 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on July 10, 2015, 03:01:25 pm
Post by: Nerjin on July 10, 2015, 03:29:43 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on July 10, 2015, 03:52:50 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on July 10, 2015, 04:27:09 pm
...Much like you, Ari." Osirio said lightly, almost missing the obvious joke for a minute.
Post by: Nerjin on July 10, 2015, 04:29:17 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on July 10, 2015, 04:39:57 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on July 10, 2015, 04:42:52 pm
Post by: My Name is Immaterial on July 10, 2015, 10:37:27 pm
Osirio began nudging Ari with the blunt end of his guisarme toward the more suspicious looking crates, no doubt full of razor blades to the face and giant mutant rat monsters."Such an interesting leadership strategy..."
"Check in that one, Gnome! Faster! Faster!"
Action: Use my Gnome prodding stick to make Ari search faster (by which I mean, aid action)
Post by: Nerjin on July 10, 2015, 11:00:42 pm
Post by: Dwarmin on July 11, 2015, 09:24:27 am
Post by: Nerjin on July 11, 2015, 01:04:51 pm
Post by: GiglameshDespair on July 11, 2015, 01:07:11 pm
"Not had elf. Zhe znow elves never stood and vought. Ran and shot arrows from a distance, zo I couldn't catch zhem. If Ozirio dies, perhaps ve'll zee."
Search at a measly +1.
Post by: Dwarmin on July 11, 2015, 01:18:28 pm
You know what species is truly delicious? Sahuagin. Like the richest tasting of the salmon, best when grilled over coals with lemon juice. If you ever spend time on a pira...er, a sailing vessel...whose purpose is peaceful trade and exploration, you would learn to like the flavor.
Osirio did not eat much fish in the desert-it was an acquired taste. "
Post by: GiglameshDespair on July 11, 2015, 06:10:46 pm
Post by: Nerjin on July 12, 2015, 12:08:47 am
Post by: My Name is Immaterial on July 12, 2015, 12:14:30 am
This coming from a guy who binds extradimensional beings to his soul on a daily basis.
Post by: GiglameshDespair on July 12, 2015, 05:52:38 am
Post by: Dwarmin on July 12, 2015, 11:21:18 am
Ava frowned at the unfamiliar word. "Sentient?"
"Hyu, sentient creatures are said to be intelligent enough to understand they themselves exist-for example, a wolf looking into a mirror would only see another wolf, whereas a 'sentient' would understand it as a reflection of itself. It is a complicated idea.
To an Elf, at least in a racial sense, the line does not really exist. Most of my down to earth cousins would tend to say, meat is meat. I don't make a habit of consuming sentient beings, but Sahuagin are an exception-they raid sailors mercilessly, and when your deck ends up littered with a few dozen corpses, and you've had nothing but stone hard biscuits for the last three months, we'll see what you do!
...
As for cooking, most of us do not have your wild constitution, Ava. The North no doubt keeps meat cold and fresh, but down in the warmer countries you are advised to cook your meal well so you do catch a blood disease or parasite."
Post by: GiglameshDespair on August 02, 2015, 07:00:54 pm
"Vhat are zhese zag-hoo-ain? Are zhey a good fight?"
Post by: Dwarmin on August 03, 2015, 08:25:17 am
Post by: flame99 on August 22, 2015, 03:29:06 am
Spoiler: Somewhere, in a place beyond light, beyond order and definition... (click to show/hide)
((Aretrian shall continue, very soon. For the time being take this bit of cryptic exposition. Interestingly enough if you all payed very close attention, you could probably figure out most of the major story elements at this point.))