Anti-heroes of the Lance

Game Master DEWN MOU'TAIN


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"I will always strive to write better" , 25 years gaming, 20 yrs DM

It was raining. And it was cold.
So cold that the rain froze in the air and landed like marbles upon glass. the buildings hammered and throbbed with the music of the falling rain.
While it was cold outside, inside the Palace it was hot. Very hot. It made you sweat, if you could sweat. The draconians that stayed within the Palace enjoyed the heat. filled them with vigor and viatality. Some of them anyways. some enjoyed the cold and languished near open windows. Others stayed in the drafty halls.
yet none of this mattered to you as you passed them all towards the inner sanctum of the Palace. the place where people usually were rewarded with rank, or died.
Finally, after many turns and door barriers crossed, you have arrived at a small room. It is small, dank, smelt terribly of spilled blood. Chains hung on the wall and suspended from the ceiling. A large brown stain showed recent use of this room as something other pleasantries.

You look at those that walked in with you. A draconian, a human, an elf. the human in armor, the elf in a dark hood. the draconian wrapped in monks robes, bandages hiding its scaly hands and feet.

the door opposite you slams open and a tall, imposing human steps in. you gawk for a moment, and then slam to your knees in supplication. everyone bows to Lord Ariakis.

Get up. he commands, annoyed.

you are here because you each are something special in your respective armies. I dont care what you did. I do care what you do for me now.
stepping to the brown stain, he looks down at it and grins.
pity i couldnt keep her. never had a silver dragon as a concubine.
shrugging he looks back at you.
there are some heroes out west that have given the Knights of Solomnia some backbone. one even just died keeping the tower from falling to the blue army.

unfortunately it didnt surpress them. instead it steeled them to fight harder. so an example must be made, something that will destroy their will.
the door opens, and two draconians drag in something wrapped in leather. it is about 10 feet in length. Lord Ariakis steps up and grabs the item, pulling it from its leather cover.

behold, a dragonlance!
the glint of silver on it lights up the room. the two draconians fall back in shock and awe. Stepping forward, Lord Ariakis snaps it out, and with two strikes, kills the draconians. the bodies of the draconians immediately turn to dust.

I want you to find out who is making these, and kill them. Kill them all.
with that, he drives the lance into the stone floor where it sinks 6 inches in and holds fast.


HP = 87/87 | AC=17 (T16) (FF 11) (vs. Trap 18) | Panache 7/7 | Mar Flex 4/4 | Mythic P 9/9 | Fort +8, Ref +18, Will +8 (+2 vs. Mind Effect & Poison/+1 vs. Trap/+2 vs. Fear) | Ini +11 | Per +12 (13 vs Surprise) Shadow Status

A'streth's eyes narrow at the ease with which his cousin are slain with this weapon.

"Yesss Lord Ariakusss, I ssshall do asss you command. Ssstil, it would be helpful to know the namesss of thessse foesss and perhapsss a dessscription of their appearanccce.

It would ssssem we ssshould start in Sssolamnia yesss?"


he kneels before ariakus

yes my Lord, we shall stop these from being produced


Active Spells:
Mage Armor(5 hours), False Life(5 hours)
Human Sorceror(Pestilence) 6 | HP: 42/42(53) | AC 11(15) | T 11(15) | FF 10(14) | F: 4(+6 vs Disease or Nausea) | R: 4 | W: 9 | Move 30 | Init 1 |
Skills:
Bluff 12, Perception 12, Spellcraft 9

Slowly rising to his feet wrapped in a foul smelling bundle of fetid rags. Shivam nods his head to Lord Ariakus.

I will feast on their rotting corpses myself master...hehehehehe... His laughter turns into a phlegm filled coughing fit. Upon composing himself. He gestures towards the west. Towards Solamnia his hands covered in moldy bandages.


"I will always strive to write better" , 25 years gaming, 20 yrs DM

this is what the dragonarmy leaders bring me, captain obvious in triplicate?! Lord Ariakas growls. Blue flames wreath his hands and arms, dancing like a whil-o-wisp.

Of course Solamnia, you simple minded fools. Start there. You! he barks, pointing at Thomas.

You are in charge. Lord Ariakas commands.


salutes his Lord

it will be as you command my Lord


HP = 87/87 | AC=17 (T16) (FF 11) (vs. Trap 18) | Panache 7/7 | Mar Flex 4/4 | Mythic P 9/9 | Fort +8, Ref +18, Will +8 (+2 vs. Mind Effect & Poison/+1 vs. Trap/+2 vs. Fear) | Ini +11 | Per +12 (13 vs Surprise) Shadow Status

A'streth is wise enough to know not to ask a question again to Lord Ariakus, despite the fact that he gave little to no information when prompted.

"Asss you wisssh Highlord", replies A'streth bowing and hurrying out of the audience.

Once Outside of the Room

A'streth turns to his new strike team, "I have an identity for travel purpossesss asss a craftsssman. We can ussse thissss cover to travel to Ssssolamnia undetected".

A'streth shifts in form, no loner a 7' towering golden scaled draconian, he instantly appears to be a older human, tall and thin. His voice shifting to common to show his mastery over the language, "Unless one of you has a better idea?"


Active Spells:
Mage Armor(5 hours), False Life(5 hours)
Human Sorceror(Pestilence) 6 | HP: 42/42(53) | AC 11(15) | T 11(15) | FF 10(14) | F: 4(+6 vs Disease or Nausea) | R: 4 | W: 9 | Move 30 | Init 1 |
Skills:
Bluff 12, Perception 12, Spellcraft 9

Are we waiting or one more?

Shivam gestures impatiently towards the exit, he seems to be encouraging his companions to move along ahead of him.

Craftsmen...Yes why not


nods to the others suggestion.

let's do that, you two gather what you need. we will depart in two hours.

he goes off to work on his disguise and any documents they would need

disguise: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24
linguistics, forgery: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20


HP = 87/87 | AC=17 (T16) (FF 11) (vs. Trap 18) | Panache 7/7 | Mar Flex 4/4 | Mythic P 9/9 | Fort +8, Ref +18, Will +8 (+2 vs. Mind Effect & Poison/+1 vs. Trap/+2 vs. Fear) | Ini +11 | Per +12 (13 vs Surprise) Shadow Status

A'streth will gather his gear and report to his prior Commander letting him know that a special assignment from Lord Ariakus has been given to him and not to expect him to reporting in again any time soon.

He then reports to the spot where he last left the group.

This shall be a wonderful opportunity to show off the strengths of the Draconians that my people will no longer be considered expendable...


Active Spells:
Mage Armor(5 hours), False Life(5 hours)
Human Sorceror(Pestilence) 6 | HP: 42/42(53) | AC 11(15) | T 11(15) | FF 10(14) | F: 4(+6 vs Disease or Nausea) | R: 4 | W: 9 | Move 30 | Init 1 |
Skills:
Bluff 12, Perception 12, Spellcraft 9

I have all I need with me Shivam says hacking up some phlegm.

If a disguise is needed, I can pass as a sick man needing aid


"I will always strive to write better" , 25 years gaming, 20 yrs DM

we were, but there isnt an option to message the guy, so we shall get rolling here. ill bump the recruitment for a fourth and see what shakes out.


Active Spells:
Mage Armor(5 hours), False Life(5 hours)
Human Sorceror(Pestilence) 6 | HP: 42/42(53) | AC 11(15) | T 11(15) | FF 10(14) | F: 4(+6 vs Disease or Nausea) | R: 4 | W: 9 | Move 30 | Init 1 |
Skills:
Bluff 12, Perception 12, Spellcraft 9

Shivam hoists his pack over his shoulders and says Are you two almost ready, I for one do not wish to see Lord Ariakus again until we have fulfilled his request


HP = 87/87 | AC=17 (T16) (FF 11) (vs. Trap 18) | Panache 7/7 | Mar Flex 4/4 | Mythic P 9/9 | Fort +8, Ref +18, Will +8 (+2 vs. Mind Effect & Poison/+1 vs. Trap/+2 vs. Fear) | Ini +11 | Per +12 (13 vs Surprise) Shadow Status

A'streth nods to the two humans, "Yesss, I am ready. Are we not waiting for another? If not then go we ssshall.

Are we better off traveling by sssea to ssave time to the high Cleristsss Tower?"

Rizzen we are currently in Sanction yes?


sea will be fastest, the only issue is finding a captain that won't mind having a sick passenger


Active Spells:
Mage Armor(5 hours), False Life(5 hours)
Human Sorceror(Pestilence) 6 | HP: 42/42(53) | AC 11(15) | T 11(15) | FF 10(14) | F: 4(+6 vs Disease or Nausea) | R: 4 | W: 9 | Move 30 | Init 1 |
Skills:
Bluff 12, Perception 12, Spellcraft 9

I was proposing a sick man guise in case of border crossings on land. We should be fine at sea


HP = 87/87 | AC=17 (T16) (FF 11) (vs. Trap 18) | Panache 7/7 | Mar Flex 4/4 | Mythic P 9/9 | Fort +8, Ref +18, Will +8 (+2 vs. Mind Effect & Poison/+1 vs. Trap/+2 vs. Fear) | Ini +11 | Per +12 (13 vs Surprise) Shadow Status

A'streth again takes the guise of an aged human male his voice slipping easily into common, "Good, I shall still utilize this human persona. Perhaps you should both hide weapons and pose as my apprentices. That should easily allow us to slip into Solamnia undetected or at least not harassed".


we won't have a problem getting into Solamnia, as long as we don't draw attention to ourselves


Active Spells:
Mage Armor(5 hours), False Life(5 hours)
Human Sorceror(Pestilence) 6 | HP: 42/42(53) | AC 11(15) | T 11(15) | FF 10(14) | F: 4(+6 vs Disease or Nausea) | R: 4 | W: 9 | Move 30 | Init 1 |
Skills:
Bluff 12, Perception 12, Spellcraft 9

Shall we be on our way then... Shivam pauses realizing he does not know his companions names By and by I am Shivam


call me Jacob


"I will always strive to write better" , 25 years gaming, 20 yrs DM

decent forgery check, thomas.

two hours pass, and everyone all returns back to the palace. Only this time, instead of the same room, you all meet out front, in the rain.


he stands before his team in a simple outfit. his wet dirty blonde hair clinging to his face. his sea green eyes intently taking them in.

we will travel by sea as a craftsman and his apprentices. i have all the documents we will need at this point in time. we are to avoid unnecessary trouble...as much as it pains me to say this we cannot cause and trouble for the foreseeable future. any questions?


Active Spells:
Mage Armor(5 hours), False Life(5 hours)
Human Sorceror(Pestilence) 6 | HP: 42/42(53) | AC 11(15) | T 11(15) | FF 10(14) | F: 4(+6 vs Disease or Nausea) | R: 4 | W: 9 | Move 30 | Init 1 |
Skills:
Bluff 12, Perception 12, Spellcraft 9

I suppose I am to be the craftsman and you two toadies my apprentices Shivam says as he begins to make his way to the docks, Not even the rain can hide the smell of briny wet fur smell that emanates from his outfit


do you have a craft? the person worth a craft will be the craftsman!


HP = 87/87 | AC=17 (T16) (FF 11) (vs. Trap 18) | Panache 7/7 | Mar Flex 4/4 | Mythic P 9/9 | Fort +8, Ref +18, Will +8 (+2 vs. Mind Effect & Poison/+1 vs. Trap/+2 vs. Fear) | Ini +11 | Per +12 (13 vs Surprise) Shadow Status

A'streth chuckles, "I am a master woodcrafter and millworker, what is your craft human?" he asks Shivam.


Active Spells:
Mage Armor(5 hours), False Life(5 hours)
Human Sorceror(Pestilence) 6 | HP: 42/42(53) | AC 11(15) | T 11(15) | FF 10(14) | F: 4(+6 vs Disease or Nausea) | R: 4 | W: 9 | Move 30 | Init 1 |
Skills:
Bluff 12, Perception 12, Spellcraft 9

It matters not to me who the craftsmen is, after all it is a ruse Shivam says as he continues on toward the docks.


HP = 87/87 | AC=17 (T16) (FF 11) (vs. Trap 18) | Panache 7/7 | Mar Flex 4/4 | Mythic P 9/9 | Fort +8, Ref +18, Will +8 (+2 vs. Mind Effect & Poison/+1 vs. Trap/+2 vs. Fear) | Ini +11 | Per +12 (13 vs Surprise) Shadow Status

A'streth shakes his head as he ignores the rain pounding down upon him, "I disagree. Showing actual skill in a craft allows the enemy to feel comfortable in your presence. Servants become part of the furniture especially those who are considered reliable Shivam. Long before most were aware of the birth of my people I was slaying those who were deemed trouble makers by the High Lords who let me into their homes to do work, so trusting, so foolish. That is the best way of murder, in the open and yet secret".


Active Spells:
Mage Armor(5 hours), False Life(5 hours)
Human Sorceror(Pestilence) 6 | HP: 42/42(53) | AC 11(15) | T 11(15) | FF 10(14) | F: 4(+6 vs Disease or Nausea) | R: 4 | W: 9 | Move 30 | Init 1 |
Skills:
Bluff 12, Perception 12, Spellcraft 9

Shivam ponders A'streths words One can assume that Lord Ariakus chose you because of your expertise in these matters... Shivam says as he continues trudging on through the muck. I care not how the mission is accomplished but that it is done. If you both feel that is the best course of action so be it


looks at the draconian

you will be the craftsman.


HP = 87/87 | AC=17 (T16) (FF 11) (vs. Trap 18) | Panache 7/7 | Mar Flex 4/4 | Mythic P 9/9 | Fort +8, Ref +18, Will +8 (+2 vs. Mind Effect & Poison/+1 vs. Trap/+2 vs. Fear) | Ini +11 | Per +12 (13 vs Surprise) Shadow Status

A'streth grins at Shivam, "You will enjoy the feeling of slowly walking away after admiring your handiwork and the devastation it caused I assure you. There is a feeling hard to describe in such an experience". He literally licks his lips thinking about it.


let's be at it, if one of you jeopardize the mission you will pay dearly


Active Spells:
Mage Armor(5 hours), False Life(5 hours)
Human Sorceror(Pestilence) 6 | HP: 42/42(53) | AC 11(15) | T 11(15) | FF 10(14) | F: 4(+6 vs Disease or Nausea) | R: 4 | W: 9 | Move 30 | Init 1 |
Skills:
Bluff 12, Perception 12, Spellcraft 9
Quote:
"You will enjoy the feeling of slowly walking away after admiring your handiwork and the devastation it caused I assure you. There is a feeling hard to describe in such an experience". He literally licks his lips thinking about it.

A feeling I have experienced alot of and one that never gets old Shivam says grinning back and showing his yellow and black teeth.

Quote:
let's be at it, if one of you jeopardize the mission you will pay dearly

There is no need for threats...friend Shivam says in a low voice Should we fail death will be a welcome escape I would wager


it's not a threat. just a reminder of what will happen to us


"I will always strive to write better" , 25 years gaming, 20 yrs DM

walking through the muck and mud, you wind your way throught he city of Sanction and eventually end up at the docks. Old docks and new spit out at various lengths to accomodate the ships that provide for the war effort, and for the merchants that trade with the new Empire.

The harbor itself is teeming with activity. sailors working for the ships, warehouse handlers, haulers, goalers, merchants, slaves, and various sorts of humanoids bustle through this district working. Yet, where there are sailors and a harbor, there are taverns and inns and bars.


Active Spells:
Mage Armor(5 hours), False Life(5 hours)
Human Sorceror(Pestilence) 6 | HP: 42/42(53) | AC 11(15) | T 11(15) | FF 10(14) | F: 4(+6 vs Disease or Nausea) | R: 4 | W: 9 | Move 30 | Init 1 |
Skills:
Bluff 12, Perception 12, Spellcraft 9

Shivam shuffles his way along taking pleasure in the fact that most folks give him a wide berth. He will be looking for inn or tavern with a lot of sailors.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30

Would either of you two happen to know where we could get passage Shivam says to his 2 compatriots


i suggest we don't travel straight to solomnia


HP = 87/87 | AC=17 (T16) (FF 11) (vs. Trap 18) | Panache 7/7 | Mar Flex 4/4 | Mythic P 9/9 | Fort +8, Ref +18, Will +8 (+2 vs. Mind Effect & Poison/+1 vs. Trap/+2 vs. Fear) | Ini +11 | Per +12 (13 vs Surprise) Shadow Status

A'streth nods to Thomas, "Agreed, we should travel to Kalaman on a merchant ship, then on foot to Solamnia. In this guise I have traveled to Kalaman before.

Shivam, I believe we should go to an Inn and find a Captain. A merchant who is more interested in coin. Using our cover story will arouse less suspicion if he is boarded by overzealous city guards".

A'streth is in his human disguise at the moment.


"I will always strive to write better" , 25 years gaming, 20 yrs DM

shivam, you easily see several taverns with lots of sailors


Active Spells:
Mage Armor(5 hours), False Life(5 hours)
Human Sorceror(Pestilence) 6 | HP: 42/42(53) | AC 11(15) | T 11(15) | FF 10(14) | F: 4(+6 vs Disease or Nausea) | R: 4 | W: 9 | Move 30 | Init 1 |
Skills:
Bluff 12, Perception 12, Spellcraft 9

Well do either of you have a preference Shivam says indicating the various Taverns. If not Shivam heads over to a tavern


HP = 87/87 | AC=17 (T16) (FF 11) (vs. Trap 18) | Panache 7/7 | Mar Flex 4/4 | Mythic P 9/9 | Fort +8, Ref +18, Will +8 (+2 vs. Mind Effect & Poison/+1 vs. Trap/+2 vs. Fear) | Ini +11 | Per +12 (13 vs Surprise) Shadow Status

A'streth shakes his head, "As you wish Shivam" and follows where the human leads.


"I will always strive to write better" , 25 years gaming, 20 yrs DM

picking one at random, shivam leads the group into one of the more run down taverns, if such a thing could be said for this district.
The sign above the door hangs on a single nail from a chain that should be too small to remain intact. The sign sways slowly in the slight breeze off the sea, making a loud rusty creak to all those nearby.
The inn of Damocles reads a passing patron, who shudders and walks away.

walking below the sign, shivam opens the door and steps inside. the smell of unwashed bodies mixing with extremely strong alcoholic drinks, and various wenches provide for a cocktail of odors and stench. THe room is surprisingly bright compared to the smell, allowing no shadow to appear in any corner, nook or cranny. even under the tables are free of shadow.
The noise of people laughing and making merriment thunders in your ears as you push on and find a seat in the middle of the room, as all the tables along the walls are taken.


Active Spells:
Mage Armor(5 hours), False Life(5 hours)
Human Sorceror(Pestilence) 6 | HP: 42/42(53) | AC 11(15) | T 11(15) | FF 10(14) | F: 4(+6 vs Disease or Nausea) | R: 4 | W: 9 | Move 30 | Init 1 |
Skills:
Bluff 12, Perception 12, Spellcraft 9

Shivam will wait for a serving wench to come over Excuse me miss, Me and my two compatriots are looking to book some travel. Whom is the best captain along these docks Shivam orders a water and pays with a gold piece Keep the change


HP = 87/87 | AC=17 (T16) (FF 11) (vs. Trap 18) | Panache 7/7 | Mar Flex 4/4 | Mythic P 9/9 | Fort +8, Ref +18, Will +8 (+2 vs. Mind Effect & Poison/+1 vs. Trap/+2 vs. Fear) | Ini +11 | Per +12 (13 vs Surprise) Shadow Status

A'streth looks around for potential threats in the crowd.

Perception 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22


Thomas leans back appearing nonchalant , he keepsv his focus on the people around him.
bluff: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (18) + 13 = 31

perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29


"I will always strive to write better" , 25 years gaming, 20 yrs DM

tis mad eye moody you want, mi'lord. she says, nodding in the direction of the back corner. Slipping the coin into her bossom, she slips away.

The man indicated sits in back smooking a pipe, the smoke wrapping around his head like a strange hat.
One of his eyes appears to be a bit larger than the other, and is constantly looking about the room while his other eye looks at the tip of his nose.


Active Spells:
Mage Armor(5 hours), False Life(5 hours)
Human Sorceror(Pestilence) 6 | HP: 42/42(53) | AC 11(15) | T 11(15) | FF 10(14) | F: 4(+6 vs Disease or Nausea) | R: 4 | W: 9 | Move 30 | Init 1 |
Skills:
Bluff 12, Perception 12, Spellcraft 9

Well, shall we go make our introductions Shivam says as he gets up out of the chair


"I will always strive to write better" , 25 years gaming, 20 yrs DM

thomas:
while scanning the room, you spot a couple of gentlemen that look a little out of place. at first you figure its their first time in port, but the longer you glance at them it gnaws at you. finally, you figure it out. their upper lip is more pale than the rest of their face.


leans forward to whisper to his group

there are some solominics here. we need to be careful.


Active Spells:
Mage Armor(5 hours), False Life(5 hours)
Human Sorceror(Pestilence) 6 | HP: 42/42(53) | AC 11(15) | T 11(15) | FF 10(14) | F: 4(+6 vs Disease or Nausea) | R: 4 | W: 9 | Move 30 | Init 1 |
Skills:
Bluff 12, Perception 12, Spellcraft 9

Shivam will straighten out his robes and sit down.Who or what is a solominic? Shivam whispers back


Solamnic

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