An Ancient Evil

Game Master Celestial Healer

The kingdom of Leyland is in the midst of change. New technology and new social structures are taking the place of the old ways. In the midst of this, an ancient evil is awakening and threatening this prosperous nation. It falls upon a band of heroes to face this menace.


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F Elf Alchemist 4 {Init +3; Perception +8 (llv); HP 25/35}

Train group:
"I could blow it up for you," Sylvia offers helpfully. And hopefully.


Female Tiefling (Motherless) Inquisitor [Sin Eater, Preacher] 4 [HP: 25/28] [AC: 16 | T: 11 | FF: 15]

Train Group:
"Wouldn't that damage the tracks?"


F Elf Alchemist 4 {Init +3; Perception +8 (llv); HP 25/35}

Train Group:

"Tracks? Oh, right. The tracks..." Sylvia droops in disappointment, enthusiasm quenched, then perks up slightly as a thought occurs. "Perhaps we could go watch them remove it, Trina?"


Cheetah AC 20, Perception: +13, Speed 50

Overland group:
How large is the woman? Could wild shaped Caladrel carry her on his back without a saddle?

Caladrel looks at the sky as more storm clouds gather. He shakes his head at Jerry. Once again, he nods to the lady and and then to his own back. He does this a few times hoping that Jerry takes his hint.


46/46, AC 11

Overland Group:
Turning to look at the dark clouds rolling across the sky, he winces. "It does look like we're in for a slight cloudburst." He says with understatedly. "I'm not sure there's too many passing carriages, however...."

With a glance to Caladrel and his motions; "My cheetah friend her would be pleased to offer you a ride, he's very sturdy and very calm." The noble adds with a wry smile to Luce, who he knows can be a handful.

Then he leans forward to the lady; "It's alright, he'd be happy help."
Diplomacy (Persuasion): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26


Female Tiefling (Motherless) Inquisitor [Sin Eater, Preacher] 4 [HP: 25/28] [AC: 16 | T: 11 | FF: 15]

Train Group:
"Sure, it can't hurt I suppose." She gestures for Sylvia to lead the way.


Train group:
"Might as well," Smitty interjects. He has been quiet on this ride - so quiet you could almost forget he was with you. "As long as this iron carriage doesn't leave us here. The rain's still comin' down steady."

Since the staff seems otherwise occupied, no one is there to try to stop you. The other passengers regard you as if you are all quite strange. Without a platform, the lowest step at the doorway is still a good 2 feet off the ground, but you have no trouble.

The rain is steady, but no longer a raging storm. The track condition is as you were told: several people are busy clearing debris from the track and securing a large bough to a rope so that they can haul it aside. A stricken tree stands beside the track, looking oddly asymmetrical with such a large branch shorn from its trunk.

Perception checks, please.

Overland group:
The young woman regards you with some curiosity. "Your cheetah seems remarkably intelligent, milord. Does he understand speech? Remarkable animal, that."

"I would be most grateful for the assistance," she goes on. "It seems a great deal to ask. If the weather is turning foul when we reach the cottage, I insist that you shelter yourself inside. I remember when I was a girl, my mother had a pussy that hated to get wet. I would hate to see the temper of these great beasts. And no doubt some tea and crumpets would do you well before you continue on your journey."

She is light enough that the cheetah form could support her, I would think.


Cheetah AC 20, Perception: +13, Speed 50

Overland Group:
Celestial GM wrote:
...my mother had a pussy that hated to get wet.

You couldn't resist going there could you O.o

Caladrel stands up when he hears the girl accept Jerry's offer and moves closer so that she can easily mount him. Once she has a firm grip he takes off in the direction she indicates.


Female Tiefling (Motherless) Inquisitor [Sin Eater, Preacher] 4 [HP: 25/28] [AC: 16 | T: 11 | FF: 15]

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30


F Elf Alchemist 4 {Init +3; Perception +8 (llv); HP 25/35}

Train Group:

Sylvia wanders down the steps and watches the efforts to remove the branch. "I'm certain fire would help," she mutters to herself, examining the scene, "One wonders why such a large tree is allowed to grow right next to these 'track' things. Simpler to blow up a clear way, then build the tracks."
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28


Train group:
You are a perceptive bunch.

As you watch the workers clearing the debris, a movement draws your attention in the other direction - to the rear of the train. You count four figures hurriedly clambering up to the rear-most car. Their faces are obscured by kerchiefs drawn up, leaving only their eyes exposed. You have never seen a train-robber, but you have likely heard of them and this is about how you would picture one.

What's more, turning back to the tree, you can now plainly see indications that the bough was cut with tools.

Overland group:
Who, me? I don't know what you're talking about. Her mother had a cat, that's all.

"Very gracious of you!" she smiles as she carefully gets astride the cat. In her awkward position, a tear in her bodice reveals an arresting view of what is concealed beneath. She straightens herself up and is ready to proceed. "Just up the road," she says cheerily, pointing ahead.


Cheetah AC 20, Perception: +13, Speed 50

Overland Group:
Hmmmm. sense motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6, Well I stand corrected. It was just an innocent phrase. My sincere apologies.

Caladrel stares ahead to not embarrass the woman. Once she is on top and has a firm grip, he takes off at a brisk trot heading down the road.


Female Tiefling (Motherless) Inquisitor [Sin Eater, Preacher] 4 [HP: 25/28] [AC: 16 | T: 11 | FF: 15]

Train Group:
"Bandits. Clever of them." The tiefling flashes the alchemist a fanged grin. "Shall we go ruin their day?" Without waiting for an answer she's headed back to their car to retrieve her glaive and gear.


F Elf Alchemist 4 {Init +3; Perception +8 (llv); HP 25/35}

Train Group:

Sylvia snorts. "Brute force, maybe marginally clever. Let's go get them." She grins back at Trina, loosening her coat to expose filled bandoliers full of vials and beckons to Smitty. "Let's go before she gets all the fun. Hey! They're headed towards Chanticleer!" Sudden panic crosses the odd elf's face as she races after the tiefling.


Train group:
You have two choices (maybe more - feel free to be creative): Are you going to head back, car-to-car, on the train? Or are you headed back on the ground to follow them where they boarded?

Overland group:
Elise rocks unsteadily at first, struggling to keep her balance on Caladrel's back, but she quickly rights herself. After some initial difficulty, she begins to enjoy the ride, and wears a big smile. "This is amazing!" she says happily.

You make your way along the road as the stormclouds gather overhead. Flashes of lightning and rumbles of thunder are getting very close. It is not long before the first drops of rain fall upon you. The howling wind scatters clusters of leaves across the dirt road. After you have gone on for a mile or so, she points to a lane headed into wooded area. "The cottage is just here. Please, let's take shelter."


Female Tiefling (Motherless) Inquisitor [Sin Eater, Preacher] 4 [HP: 25/28] [AC: 16 | T: 11 | FF: 15]

Train Group:
Trina was just heading back to the car to get her equipment, after that it'd be much quicker to follow on the ground, where they won't have to fight crowds and doors.


46/46, AC 11

Overland Group:
Jerry is a bit taken aback as he journey's through the woods, the dark sky above him getting a soft growl from Luce as she anticipates the downpour. Though he smiles as Elise gets the hang of the riding; "Yes, it is amazing. I remember when I first did it in the desert steppes."

As the lightning clashes nearby, Luce draws ahead annoyed by the precipitation. "Do you have a shed, or outbuilding for my friend?" He pats the lions flank.


Train Group:
The passengers in the car you were riding in seem unconcerned. They chatter idly while the train waits.

You gather your belongings and make a quick exit once again, hurrying along the length of the train to the rear. A windowless door stands shut on the rearmost car, through which you saw the bandits enter a few moments ago.

Overland Group:
"Of course!" Elise says. "I am glad to hear you say that. We have a dear dog that distrusts other animals. I am afraid the merest sight of another animal makes him want to fight. We can shelter these wonderful cats in the stable. It will be good to keep the peace - especially during a storm when he will no doubt be excitable."

She leads you down the narrow lane off the main road. The path winds through the trees. Coming around a bend, you see a quaint wooden cottage tucked in a quiet grove. A thin trail of smoke rises from a chimney. Another building, which must be the stable, lies behind.

Elise dismounts from Caladrel and hurries to the door. "Gregory, we have guests!" she calls out. Then to Jerry, she explains, "Gregory is my brother. We look out for one another."


Cheetah AC 20, Perception: +13, Speed 50

Overland Group:
Once Elise dismounts, Caladrel waits until she goes to the door. Then he begins to return to his elven form. The hair retreats back into his body and his gear emerges. Quickly he rises and stands next to Jerry.


M Elf Druid 4 {AC 19, T 13, FF 17, HP 28/28}

Overland Group:
Hoping not to startle Elise, he clears his throat. "Dear Lady, I apologize for not being able to properly introduce myself earlier. My name is Caladrel Inthesial. Thank you for your generous offer to shelter us from the rain."


Overland Group:
Elise is clearly startled despite your best efforts to the contrary. After a brief gasp, she says, "My! You are full of surprises aren't you?! Best we keep this to ourselves; I hate to imagine my reputation in the village if it got out that I rode home on an elf."

A man of some 30 years comes around from rear of the cottage. He regards Elise fondly. "You are back!"

Elise addresses him curtly, "Gregory, can you assist this gentleman with his lioness. She should shelter in the stable."

"Of course." He looks with some suspicion at the newcomers and then looks back at Elise. He says nothing else, but motions for Jerry to follow him to the stable.


46/46, AC 11

Overland Group:
With a smile at Elises' understanding of his mounts needs, the noble is glad that they have a good stable.

"A beautiful abode you have, I'm Jerry." He holds out a hand to Gregory, in a gentlemanly manner - although not one of over-privilege. He moves after the gruff man, taking the pommel of Luces' exotic saddle in his other hand.


Female Tiefling (Motherless) Inquisitor [Sin Eater, Preacher] 4 [HP: 25/28] [AC: 16 | T: 11 | FF: 15]

Train Group:
"So. Do we have a plan? Or are we merely bursting in hoping to catch them unawares?" Trina glances between her two companions as they make their way toward the rearmost car, absently patting her belt to make sure her holstered pistol and her chirurgeon's bag are in their expected places.


Train Group:
That's what I'd like to know. The rearmost car stands before you.

Overland Group:
Gregory leads Jerry to the stable where Luce can remain, sheltered from the storm. The rain is beginning to fall heavily and the peals of thunder are quite close as you hurry back to the cottage.

The common room is cozy. A crackling fire upon the hearth spreads warmth throughout the little room. A wooden table with four chairs occupies the center of the room, where Elise invites you to sit. When Gregory walks in, his eyes seem more intent upon Elise than upon the guests. He crosses toward her, and Elise requests, "Gregory, can you fetch some more firewood? I hate for the fire to run low while the storm rages." He stops and turns to fetch the wood from outside.

A scrappy dog displays a keen interest in the visitors, sniffing you both and jumping up in excitement. Elise chastises the dog and orders him to lie down, which he does obediently.

A kettle begins to spout its steam beside the hearth, and Elise prepares her teapot with a blend taken from a canister upon a high shelf. She adds the hot water and the scent of lavender begins to fill the room. "Do either of you care for sugar or lemon?" she asks politely.

She has also prepared a dough, and is shaping it into neat circles upon a sheet. You believe there will be warm crumpets in short order.


F Elf Alchemist 4 {Init +3; Perception +8 (llv); HP 25/35}

Train Group:

"Plan?" Sylvia halts with one hand grasping the handle of the door to the next train car. "We should have a plan? Hmm, that would make some sense. Can't burst in lobbing firebombs willy nilly." Her tone is mildly regretful.

"There's three of us and Chanticleer. That makes three of us. I'm not much good hand to hand. Why don't you two go first and I'll follow and toss bombs over your head if need be?"


Female Tiefling (Motherless) Inquisitor [Sin Eater, Preacher] 4 [HP: 25/28] [AC: 16 | T: 11 | FF: 15]

Train Group:
"Which means I'm going in first, then?" Trina replies with a slight smirk. "Best we not be caught unawares, I think. La beno de la eterna leviĝis sur nin ĉiujn." The same bolstering fearlessness fills the trio as the tiefling finishes her spell, then glaive in hand and healing wand in tail she pushes her hood back, steps up to the door, and nods to Sylvia. "Let's give our bandits a little panic attack, shall we? Open it up."

Bless to the party.


M Elf Druid 4 {AC 19, T 13, FF 17, HP 28/28}

Overland:
Caladrel pats the dog on the head. He takes a seat near the hearth and says to Elise, "Thank you for providing us shelter from the storm. No lemon or sugar for my tea please. Don't worry, we will not intrude too long. As soon as the rain slows, we will be back on our way."

When she hands him a cup, he takes a small sip. The sweet smell of the tea magnifies itself as the warm liquid touches his tongue. "Amazing, how nature provides us with such sweet herbs to delight our senses. Do you harvest these herbs nearby?"


46/46, AC 11

Overland Group:
Taking off his wet cloak and leaving it by the door, along with his boots. Jerry enters the warmth of the living room with a relaxed sigh, the comfortable cottage appears idyllic after the woods and the storm - whilst not as grandiose as the manor house, it's has it's own charm.

"A hint of honey would be most appreciated, especially with lavender tea." He replies to Elises query; "The storm seems to be picking up a bit." He glances to Caladrel whom is more in tune with the nature world and cycles of the weather.


Predator

Overland Group:
The lioness pads gently into the warmth of the stables, glad to be out of the inclement weather & far away from that horrid forest. After her servant has removed all her riding gear and left her abode, she stretches out amongst the straw and begins getting herself clean.


Train group:
You open the door to the rear car and see stacked crates all around. Little has been disturbed however, and you do not see the bandits inside. A clear path runs the length of the car toward the one ahead of it.

Train group Perception DC 14:
You hear raised voices from the car ahead of this one.

Overland group:
"I do," Elise says, "I have my own herb garden. Plus some tea leaves from the Far East, of course. I think a good tea is one of life's simple pleasures." She produces a honey pot for Jerry. "Please, tell me what you think." She tends to her crumpets, which are puffing up as they cook in the skillet.

Caladrel finds it quite good.


Female Tiefling (Motherless) Inquisitor [Sin Eater, Preacher] 4 [HP: 25/28] [AC: 16 | T: 11 | FF: 15]

Train Group:
Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23
Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

"Voices ahead," she says, speaking low and quietly to her two companions. "We might be able to catch them unawares." Trina attempts to sneak closer to the other door and listen in on the conversation within before bursting in or being noticed.


F Elf Alchemist 4 {Init +3; Perception +8 (llv); HP 25/35}

Train Group:

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Stealth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Sylvia pulls a vial from her bandolier and tosses the contents down her throat, suppressing a cough. "I need to make that more palatable," she whispers to Smitty as her fine skin is overlaid with a somewhat scaly layer. Drink mutagen: +2 natural armor, +4 Dex, -2 Wis. Move/rolls after the mutagen.

Sylvia tiptoes after Trina, surprisingly quiet for once.


Train Group:
You hear a man's raised voice in the next car. He is yelling at someone to open a safe, and seems anxious about the time it is taking. He threatens to put a bullet in the person's skull.

Overland Group:
I am going to move this along just a tad. I didn't have a post from Jerry, but I am surmising that his good manners will win out when it comes to table etiquette.

Jerry, too, finds the tea remarkably flavorful, once it has been fixed to his liking.

Roll Will saves, please.


Female Tiefling (Motherless) Inquisitor [Sin Eater, Preacher] 4 [HP: 25/28] [AC: 16 | T: 11 | FF: 15]

Train Group:
"Lovely, a hostage situation," Trina mutters under her breath. "Our time is likely regretfully short. Time to act swiftly."

She closes her eyes, and her entire body seems to shimmer, suddenly blurring, fading into the surrounding air as if she had begun to go incorporeal. She then attempts to open the door as silently as possible, get a look at what awaits her on the other side, and move before the opponent gets the opportunity.

Activating extended blur SLA. Stealth roll was posted above, if I don't need to make a second roll.


46/46, AC 11

Overland Group:
Upholding to the proper etiquette of the situation, Jerry awaits his hostess and compliments her on the tea. "It's not often that one finds lavender honey." he comments as he has a sip. Glad to be in the dry warmth after a difficult ride, he does try to keep his dusty hands from the furniture.

Will Roll: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Apologies for the lack of posts recently.


F Elf Alchemist 4 {Init +3; Perception +8 (llv); HP 25/35}

Train Group:

"Be careful," Sylvia hisses to the shifty tiefling, "Chanticleer is back there somewhere." The gangly elf draws her rapier as Trina's hand moves to the doorknob, then pulls a small clay sphere from her belt pouch, preparing for action.


Train Group:
Smitty stands behind you somewhat as you quietly open the door to the car. You take advantage of the commotion in the car ahead of you, which masks your sound. Inside, you see three figures. A man in the uniform of the railroad cowers beside a safe, staring down the barrel of a pistol wielded by a bandit. The bandit continues yelling his threats, and you can tell it is the same voice that you heard through the door.

A second bandit - a red-haired woman brandishing another revolver, stands watching the scene from further down the car. She fidgets impatiently.

"Open it, or I'll put a bullet in your skull and then find somebody else who will!" The loud-mouth bandit declares.

Overland Group:
Elise sets out the scones and sips her tea, looking at the two of you expectantly.

Let's see if Caladrel comes by to make his own save.


M Elf Druid 4 {AC 19, T 13, FF 17, HP 28/28}

Overland Group:
Should have seen this coming, am I in ravenloft where everybody is evil? ;-)

will save: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13 +2 vs enhancements, +4 vs fey and plant-targeted effects and I am immune to sleep if it matters.


Female Tiefling (Motherless) Inquisitor [Sin Eater, Preacher] 4 [HP: 25/28] [AC: 16 | T: 11 | FF: 15]

Train Group:
Trina signals subtly to Sylvia and Smitty toward the redheaded woman off to the side, then gestures to herself then toward the man with the worker at gunpoint.

How far is it to the loud man, and are there any cover or obstacles - boxes, storage, etc. - in the room? That'll affect how she goes about this.


46/46, AC 11

Overland Group:
Jerry smiles back at her; "Delicious tea." His eyes drop down to the scones and he realises he hasn't had much to eat since breakfast only the few bites he has grabbed on the road.

At least it's not AD&D where I've an elf 90% immune to charm who's frequently charmed. Or the paladin who is often afeared.


Train Group:

MAP

You are entering from the East. The crates are stacked along the walls on either side; the center is relatively clear. The railroad worker is marked H.

Overland Group:
You feel somewhat lightheaded, but do not notice any other effect. However, you are fairly certain that you were subject to some manner of enchantment. You cannot help but contemplate the unique tea you have been served.

Outside, the thunderstorm rages about the small cottage.


M Elf Druid 4 {AC 19, T 13, FF 17, HP 28/28}

overland group:
Caladrel sets the tea cup down. "Hmmm, the tea starts off well, but seems to have slightly bitter after taste. I do hope you will not be offended if I pass on finishing the remainder. Perhaps the herbs from the east contracted some sort of blight." He glances out the window, "I do hope the storm will pass soon. We must be on our way."


46/46, AC 11

Overland Group:
With a flick of his wrist he waves away any tea concerns, for Jerry has had worse, alot worse. However the sky outside is a touch troubling; "Certainly we need to move we are in a race to prove that nature is better than machine. Although with some fortune their engines labouring as hard as can be in this precipitation, since Luce hates this weather really." He shrugs.


Female Tiefling (Motherless) Inquisitor [Sin Eater, Preacher] 4 [HP: 25/28] [AC: 16 | T: 11 | FF: 15]

Train Group:
"Go," she whispers, tugging down the hood of her cloak, drawing her gun, and charging into the room.

Trina doesn't give the bandits time to think. The path is clear, and it's a much swifter, much more direct path to simply bolt at the first bandit, putting herself between him and the cowering worker, than try to sneak up on him. The blurred, freakish tiefling lunges at the worker, pistol in hand and bared toward the robbers. "Drop the guns," she snarls, hefting her own weapon toward the head of the man in front of her.

Move to H3. If the man makes a hostile action, she's not averse to putting a bullet in him after what she's seen.


F Elf Alchemist 4 {Init +3; Perception +8 (llv); HP 25/35}

Train Group:

Sylvia dashes in after the tiefling.
Do we have only a surprise round move here or can she double move?If single action, she stops at I4 and threatens the bad man with her rapier. Otherwise, she double moves through H to menace E2.


Train Group:
It is a surprise round. You do not have time to double move.

Smitty follows, and stands slightly behind you, his ornate firearm leveled at the nearest bandit.

The brute that was threatening the railroad agent is clearly caught off guard by your entrance, while the red-headed woman looks more annoyed than anything else. She grits her teeth in exasperation. "Idiots!" she says to you. "You shouldn't meddle. Go back to where you came from, and nobody will get hurt."

The brute looks at you uncertainly, but keeps his pistol aimed roughly in the direction of the cowering agent.

If you want to keep talking, you may do so. If you want to fight, or push your way any further into the car, you will have to roll initiative.

Overland Group:
Elise looks frustrated about something, but seems to force herself to smile politely.

Gregory returns, his arms laden with firewood and his entire form drenched with rainwater. He seems to pay it no heed, and places the sodden wood by the hearth. He does not acknowledge either of you, but continues to stare at his "sister" with unblinking affection.

Beneath the table, the dog has begun tugging insistently at the leg of Caladrel's trousers. When Elise notices it, she yells sternly at the beast, "Bad dogs get leashed outside in the rain!"

She recovers herself and says sweetly, "My apologies. We are trying to train him better."


Female Tiefling (Motherless) Inquisitor [Sin Eater, Preacher] 4 [HP: 25/28] [AC: 16 | T: 11 | FF: 15]

Train Group:
"I am afraid that is not an option. The contents of this vessel do not belong to you. Drop your weapons and yield, or we will be forced to remove them." She bares her fangs slightly at the bandit in front of her, and as if on cue, the eyes on the tendrils curling out of her hair suddenly open, glancing around the chamber before locking onto the nearest thief and glaring in their bizarre cephalopodian way.

Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Intimidate: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19


46/46, AC 11

Overland Group:
Jerry shrugs; "No problem, sometimes I've found animals are smarter than some people - that's why we keep them." He smiles to Elise with a wink.

"Has the weather been bad around here? I hope the roads are in good condition." He muses to their hosts.


M Elf Druid 4 {AC 19, T 13, FF 17, HP 28/28}

overland group:
Caladrel studies the dog and tries to figure out if it is trying to warn him about something. sense motive: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15


46/46, AC 11

Overland Group:
Trying to conceal a glance at Caladrel, whom is acting on the canines suspicious behaviour.

Jerry takes a bite of the crumpet; "Don't the pair of you get lonely in the woods? Certainly there's many resources and great views." He smiles softly. "But the nearest village must be a fair distance?"

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