Borodin Loginov |
The Death Collector - Round 1, Initiative 21
HP 63/63; AC 26/15/23; CMD227; +9F, +9R, +7W AP5/7
Adjustment: Bull’s Strength (20+ rounds)
Adjustment: Resist Lightning 10 (65+ rounds)
Adjustment: Protection from Evil (10 rounds)
Adjustment: Shield (50 rounds)
Adjustment: Mirror Image (49 rounds)
Effects: +21 to Sword (Arcane Pool Bonus) 10 rounds
SwA: Arcane Point to Enhance Sword
MA: Move to R10
SA: Cast Scorching Ray at Nightmare
Scorching Ray vs AC11: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Damage: 4d6 ⇒ (6, 5, 3, 5) = 19
As Nikolai yells a challenge to the creatures in the yard, Borodin lunges forward blade in hand. He casts yet another spell stops about half way into the muddy field and shoots a blazing hot ray from the tip of his sword. It scorches across the Nightmare’s chest as it rears back apparently ready to take flight.
DM Barcas |
Concealment (Darkness, 1-50 hits, 51-100 misses) 1d100 ⇒ 20
The Death Collector | Round 1, Initiative 18
Nightmare: 32/51 hp; AC 19/11T/17FF; +8F/+7R/+3W
MA: 20' to T9/U10
FA: Smoke
SA: Fly 50' to T4/U5 (25' horizontal, 40' vertical)
The flaming mount charges towards Borodin as his spell burns through its skin. The darkness that emanates from the orb near the center of the stockade makes it difficult for them to see, as it is darker than a moonless night, but he can make out the shape of the nightmare well enough to land the fiery arc. It gallops towards him, taking flight at the last moment as it turns and blasts a massive plume of fiery smoke at Borodin. The noxious fumes threaten to overwhelm him as his eyes and throat burn. The nightmare leaps into the air near the roof of the Varnhold town hall.
Valkyrie: 128/128 hp; AC 25/19T/24FF; +8F/+11R/+13R; DR 5/cold iron; immune to cold and poison; resist acid/fire/electricity 10; SR 19
SA: Call Lightning vs. Nikolai (Reflex DC 19 for half) 5d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 6, 1, 3) = 16
From atop the nightmare, the corrupted valkyrie raises her free hand. Dark clouds gather quickly in the starless sky, crackling with power and energy. With a peal of thunder, she calls down a bolt of lightning on the nearest enemy that she can see - Nikolai. The sudden flash of light gives them a brief moment where Varnhold is not overwhelmed with darkness, but it fades as the lightning connects with him. She shouts out to them, "Vordekai has allowed me to feast on the too few of the souls of this wretched town, but he has promised engorgement for bringing your souls to him! The one-eyed god sees all!"
Anyone who travels through the smoke must make a DC 16 Fortitude save or be sickened for 1d6 minutes. It also acts as concealment. Everyone (including Nikolai, who can change his Round 1 actions) is up!
INITIATIVE
21 Borodin
18 Nightmare
18 Valkyrie
17 Jemini
14 Verik
2 Nikolai
As it is incorporeal, it takes half damage from magical sources (and no damage from non-magic corporeal sources). It has 25 hp, AC 14, and fast healing 5 while in darkness (which also gives the normal 50% concealment chance). Anyone who attacks the orb from melee range must make a DC 15 Fortitude save or be blinded for 1d4 rounds.
Borodin Loginov |
Borodin manages to dodge aside the noxious fumes exhaled by the flying mount. He finally gets a closer look at the dark orb at the town center and now understands.
"Nikolai! The orb is what is keeping this place in the Shadow realm! If we destroy it, Varnhold will return to normal!"
Verik of Abadar |
Seeing their foes fly upwards to the top of the town hall compound, he looks at her lightning stroke fall near Nikolai, thankful he warded him at least to some degree against such with the scroll moments earlier.
Verik then looks towards the black orb, nodding at Borodin's insight and whispering furiously to both Jemini and Nikolai. "Perhaps that's the best way to get her down to where we can hew them down - we make for the orb to destroy it and force her to try and prevent us!"
Verik of Abadar |
Round 1, Initiative 14
The Death Collector
HP: 53/54; AC: 27/12T/27F; CMD 20; Saves: +11F/+4R/+12W
Current Conditions: None
Spell Durations: Resist Lightning (65 rounds), Protection from Evil (7 rounds), Bless (60 rounds)
MA: Move 30’ to R7 & ready shield
SA: Cast Bless (50’R)
FA: Speak
Verik cannot reliably invoke his most powerful prayer to reach the enemy as well as his allies, so he decides to start with a less potent blessing that may still aid his friends and turn the town hall courtyard more to their favor. Time to make myself a target I suppose – wardings do not fail me!
He strides boldly into the open space towards the dreadful pair above him, careful to maneuver around the lingering brimstone-smelling smoke that Borodin is subjected to. ”By Abadar’s hand, I bring forth a blessing to restore the center of this civilized place back towards the road of Weal and Virtue!” A soft white light briefly illuminates the area around him to fifty paces in all directions, though the light fails to push back the sphere of darkness that surrounds the shadowy orb.
”I’ve cracked eggs before, cowardly skulker of the rooftops! Let’s guess how many times my enchanted hammer will need to crack this bauble eh?” He pats his warhammer with his free hand for emphasis, though he does not draw it forth yet.
Bless to all for allies for 60 rounds (+1 to hit and fear saves, morale bonus)
Nikolai, of House Rogarvia |
Fort save DC 16 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (7) + 12 = 19
Reflex save DC 19 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
DC 20 Knowledge check 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
At the last second Nikolai sees the mount alight and considers pulling his massive bow, but he continues with his charge and swings at the center of the shadowy orb.
Miss chance 51+ to hit 1d100 ⇒ 24
The flaming blade slices through nothing, disappearing at its center and reappearing as it moves through the globe of darkness.
Jemini of Lebeda |
Round 1, Initiative 17
HP 58/58; AC 26 (32 vs valkyre)
Swift: smite valkyre
Move: skirt the smoke to Q8
Standard: activate divine bond
Jemini rushes forward, galvinating Verik and Nikolai as she passes by them. Her sword points at the valkyre aloft on the nightmare, "You're pitifully misguided if you believe the one-eyed abomination has any favors to grant - his offers only come at a terrible price. We shall end your reign of terror here! Forces of Good! Guide my blade!"
Borodin Loginov |
The Death Collector - Round 2, Initiative 21
HP 63/63; AC 26/15/23; CMD227; +9F, +9R, +7W AP5/7
Adjustment: Bull’s Strength (19+ rounds)
Adjustment: Resist Lightning 10 (64+ rounds)
Adjustment: Protection from Evil (9 rounds)
Adjustment: Shield (49 rounds)
Adjustment: Mirror Image (48 rounds)
Adjustment: Bless (59 rounds)
Effects: +21 to Sword (Arcane Pool Bonus)9 rounds
SwA:Spell Recall Scorching Ray
MA: Move to X10
SA: Cast Scorching Ray on Nightmare
Scorching Ray vs. AC11: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Damage: 4d6 ⇒ (4, 2, 3, 4) = 13
50% miss chance: 1d100 ⇒ 95
Borodin moves closer to the Orb of darkness. He uses his innate ability to recall the spell he just cast to rain more fire down upon the Valkyrie’s steed. Again a ray shoots forth from his blade and strikes the Nightmare squarely in the chest.
DM Barcas |
The Death Collector | Round 1, Initiative 18
Nightmare: 19/51 hp; AC 19/11T/17FF; +8F/+7R/+3W
MA: 55' to V11/W12 (35' horizontal, 40' vertical)
SA: Bite vs. Borodin (AC 26) 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
FA: Smoke vs. Borodin and Nikolai
The valkyrie spreads her terrible wings and lifts herself from the nightmare's back. Free of its rider and badly burned by Borodin's flames, the flame-winged horse soars down from the top of the town hall to the ground behind him. The nightmare snaps with blackened teeth and snorts out another plume of acerbic smoke that covers both Nikolai and Borodin.
The Death Collector | Round 1, Initiative 18
Valkyrie: 140/128 hp; AC 25/19T/24FF; +8F/+11R/+13R; DR 5/cold iron; immune to cold and poison; resist acid/fire/electricity 10; SR 19
SA: SLA divine power (+4)
MA: 5' to U4
Still hovering just above the top of the town hall, the valkyrie shouts out loudly, "Lord Vordekai, hear your servant! Lend me your might!" A malicious aura covers her in a nimbus of darkness, visible even with the entire courtyard darkened by the orb. She shows a hateful smile, affixing her sight on Jemini. Her attention seems divided between the paladin and cleric below to her right and the pair close enough to the orb to threaten it. "You still think that he holds no power, child? You will learn to embrace it in time as well - as my plaything to do with as I will."
INITIATIVE
21 Borodin
18 Nightmare
18 Valkyrie
17 Jemini
14 Verik
2 Nikolai
Everyone is up!
Borodin Loginov |
The Death Collector - Round 3, Initiative 21
HP 63/63; AC 26/15/23; CMD227; +9F, +9R, +7W AP5/7
Adjustment: Bull’s Strength (18+ rounds)
Adjustment: Resist Lightning 10 (63+ rounds)
Adjustment: Protection from Evil (8 rounds)
Adjustment: Shield (48 rounds)
Adjustment: Mirror Image (47 rounds)
Adjustment: Bless (58 rounds)
Effects: +2 to Sword (Arcane Pool Bonus)8 rounds
SwA:Arcane Strike
SA: Attack Nightmare with Augur
FA:Burn Hero Point (2/3)
MA: Move to AA8
Strike Nightmare: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31
Confirm Crit Nightmare: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31
Damage: 2d8 + 16 ⇒ (7, 5) + 16 = 28
Save vs Smoke DC16: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Hero Point reroll
Save vs Smoke DC16: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
Borodin holds his breath as the noxious cloud envelopes him. As the unnatural horse lunges forward to bite him, he brings up Augur in a diagonal sweeping arc catching the creature right under the neck. Augur bites deeply and the head severs from the body, both falling to the muddy ground with a sickening thud. Borodin turns his back on his vanquished foe and joins Nikolai on the opposite side of the Orb.
Verik of Abadar |
Round 2, Initiative 14
The Death Collector
HP: 53/54; AC: 27/12T/27F; CMD 20; Saves: +12F/+5R/+13W
Current Conditions: None
Spell Durations: Resist Lightning (64 rounds), Protection from Evil (6 rounds), Bless (59 rounds), Prayer (6 rounds)
MA: Move 20’ to U5
SA: Cast Prayer (50’R)
FA: Speak
Prayer effect vs. SR19: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13 valkyrie unaffected by penalty
Verik trots directly over to just below where the valkyrie hovers, raising his gauntleted hand high in a fist as he utters the strongest prayer he has remaining in his power.
"Oh Abadar! Aid your servants in this time of dire need! Abadar! Abadar! Abadar! Once I call thee to shield ourselves from this fallen maiden of Woe! Twice I call thee to give Cobblehoof's swift accuracy to breach her armor and mar her flesh! Thrice I call thee to give the Lawgiver's strength in crushing her form down to the earth! I beseech thee great Master!"
Through Verik's golden key symbol, a slight but growing chime of perfect tone can be heard, spreading across the town hall courtyard to all within it. A soft diffuse golden light seems to brighten the sky as well, casting a slight warmth that can be felt by them. Upon the valkyrie however, the chiming sound echoes angry and the light coalesces into golden motes that angrily buzz around her, though they seem repelled by some unholy aura and do not seem to distract her.
Prayer to all for allies for 6 rounds (+1 to hit/dmg/saves, luck bonus)
Nikolai, of House Rogarvia |
The Death Collector R2
Combat Stats
AC: 20
Hp: 84/86
Status: prot evil
Actions: Power Attack, rage
The nightmare's death relieves Nikolai, who swings again at the center of the darkness.
Power Attack 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (1) + 18 = 19
Miss chance 51+ 1d100 ⇒ 50
Damage 2d6 + 18 + 1d6 ⇒ (2, 5) + 18 + (5) = 30
Again, the big warrior connects with only air. He narrows his eyes in frustration and chops through the orb, hoping to reach across the veil and sunder the magical darkness.
Power Attack 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17
Miss chance 51+ 1d100 ⇒ 85
Damage 2d6 + 18 + 1d6 ⇒ (5, 4) + 18 + (2) = 29
DM Barcas |
The Death Collector | Round 2, Initiative 17
Jemini Lebeda: hp 58/58; AC 32/24T/26FF; +14F/+13R/+14W
Effects: Smite Evil (Valkyrie); Divine Bond
MA: 20' to T10
SA: Antagonize - Diplomacy (DC 27) 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (19) + 17 = 36
> Effect: For the next minute, the valkyrie takes a –2 penalty on all attacks rolls made against creatures other than Jemini and has a 10% spell failure chance on all spells that do not target Jemini or have Jemini within their area of effect.
Jemini strides into the center of the town forum, sword and shield at the ready. Her blade shines brightly with holy power even inside the Shadow Plane, buffeting by her own inner strength. She points the blade directly at the fallen valkyrie in a challenging display - but when she speaks, the words are quiet. "I pity you, fallen from such grace. You must have been such a glory to behold before Vordekai's dark touch befell your soul. Perhaps you will find that again one day and return to Valhalla."
The Death Collector | Round 2, Initiative 18
Valkyrie: 140/128 hp; AC 25/19T/24FF; +8F/+11R/+13R; DR 5/cold iron; immune to cold and poison; resist acid/fire/electricity 10; SR 19
Effects: Antagonize (Jemini); divine power (+4 to hit/damage, 1 additional attack; 11 rounds)
FRA: Full Attack - Dimensional Dervish
Teleport 50' to S9
Scythe vs. Jemini (AC 32) 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (18) + 23 = 41
> Damage 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16 - Jemini takes 16 damage
Teleport 15' to U11 (flanking Jemini)
Scythe vs. Jemini (AC 32) 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (15) + 25 = 40
> Damage 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18 - Jemini takes 18 damage
Teleport 35' to Z7
Scythe vs. Borodin (AC 26) 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (15) + 16 = 31
> Mirror Image (3 hits) 1d3 ⇒ 3
> Damage 1d8 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12 - Borodin takes 12 damage
Teleport 15' to X9 (flanking Nikolai)
Scythe vs. Nikolai (AC 20) 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19
Teleport 50' to AC12, 40' high
The corrupted valkyrie leaps from the top of the town hall, bringing her wings together like a raptor in dive. She heads for Jemini in a straight line. "Don't you dare speak of that place!" She suddenly disappears, enveloping herself in the very shadows that surround everything in the plane. She reappears a moment later in a swirl of shadow between Jemini and Verik. She brings her scythe down upon the holy warrior, using it much like a spinning spear. As she draws blood, the valkyrie vanishes again - only to emerge from the shadow immediately behind Jemini. Unprepared to fight the same warrior in two places at once, Jemini cannot get her shield up in time to block a vicious blow to her back. Before Jemini can smite her down with holy vigor, she vanishes again and teleports between Nikolai and Borodin. She slashes at him, appearing to be as unhindered by the multiple images as she is with the darkness, slashing open his chest. "I wasn't that fond of that beast. Perhaps you'll serve me next." She returns his taunt even as she fades into the darkness again, appearing next to Nikolai. She lunges at him, but her focus wavers back to Jemini just briefly enough for him to move out of the way.
Orb of Darkness: 16/25 hp; AC 14
> Reposition
> Distance: 1d3 ⇒ 3 -
> Direction 1 1d8 ⇒ 6
> Direction 2 1d8 ⇒ 5
> Direction 3 1d8 ⇒ 7
>> Orb moves to X10
Nikolai can see that he had some impact with one of his swings. Even as the damned thing tries to blind him, he knows that he has it - until it disappears and melts into the shadows! Growling, he tries to spy it in the darkness. The inky sphere coalesces again near the headless corpse of the nightmare, now oozing fiery blood onto the muddy ground. It may have moved to escape him like a coward, but it didn't move far enough.
INITIATIVE
21 Borodin
18 Valkyrie
17 Jemini
14 Verik
2 Nikolai
Borodin Loginov |
The Death Collector - Round 4, Initiative 21
HP 51/63; AC 26/15/23; CMD227; +10F, +10R, +8W AP2/7
Adjustment: Bull’s Strength (17+ rounds)
Adjustment: Resist Lightning 10 (62+ rounds)
Adjustment: Protection from Evil (7 rounds)
Adjustment: Shield (47 rounds)
Adjustment: Mirror Image (46 rounds)
Adjustment: Bless (57 rounds)
Adjustment: Prayer (5 rounds)
Effects: +2 to Sword (Arcane Pool Bonus)7 rounds
SwA:Spell Recall Arcane Pool 2/7
SA: Cast Magic Missile on Orb
MA: Move to X8
Borodin is about to take a swing at the Orb only to find that it moved to where he last stood. Instead of chasing it down he uses his training to recall the spell he cast on the Bodak. He moves closer to Nikolai and follows through with his casting. Three bolts of magical energy fly past the big man and strike the Orb.
damage: 3d4 + 3 ⇒ (2, 3, 3) + 3 = 11
Nikolai, of House Rogarvia |
Nikolai steps into the space where the valkyrie appeared, hoping to grab her should she reappear. He then strikes at the orb of darkness with Dragonsbreath to end the effect and lift the darkness.
Power Attack 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (14) + 18 = 32
Miss chance 51+ 1d100 ⇒ 80
Damage 2d6 + 18 + 1d6 ⇒ (5, 5) + 18 + (6) = 34
Power Attack 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (9) + 18 = 27
Miss chance 51+ 1d100 ⇒ 97
Damage 2d6 + 18 + 1d6 ⇒ (2, 1) + 18 + (2) = 23
Verik of Abadar |
Round 3, Initiative 14
The Death Collector
HP: 54/54; AC: 27/12T/27F; CMD 20; Saves: +12F/+5R/+13W
Current Conditions: None
Spell Durations: Resist Lightning (63 rounds), Protection from Evil (5 rounds), Bless (58 rounds), Prayer (5 rounds)
MA: move 20’ to U9 (diagonal to Jemini)
SA: Channel Energy (3d6 heal living, exclude nightmare, valkyrie; 2/8 remaining)
FA: speak, draw enchanted longsword
Channel: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Channel: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Channel: 1d6 ⇒ 4
Total energy heal to allies = 10hp
Verik is bewildered by the awesome ferocity of the valkryie's attack, having never seen or heard anything like her ability to strike from the shadows with such speed and maneuverability. He looks on at the dual bleeding wounds Jemini took from the corrupted maiden's scythe, faintly irritated that she did not heed his recommendation to take up the mithril chain hauberk from the elven treasure trove years ago. Probably wouldn't have mattered, but Nikolai's armor holds fast doesn't it...
Shaking off the idle thought, he strides forward even as Borodin and Nikolai combine spell and steel to shatter the shadowy orb of Vordekai. "YES!" Verik shouts in curt exclamation as he clangs his gauntlet upon the key-enameled shield and brings a wave of pure light to heal all of them, careful to wrap the aura around and away from the fallen nightmare and the corrupted valkyrie; the healing is not dramatic, but with the shadows gone it seems to have staunched Borodin's scythe wound completely, and at least lessens the flow of blood from Jemini's own wounds.
Drawing forth one of his Twins, he readies himself for the next assault that may come upon Jemini at any moment. With little to affect the valkyrie, Verik decides to use his mouth to try and draw at least a little ire upon himself instead of his companions. "Yes! That's it friends! I shall consecrate the remnants of that sundered egg and bring this place back to the grace of civilization once more! A fitting trophy I think to sit on a back shelf in the Vault of my Master!" He looks squarely at the terrible maiden and does his very best to sneer at her. "Don't you agree, failed protectress of broken baubles? Your false-god shall be very put out with you now I should think!"
Current HP's: Nikolai 86/86 hp, Borodin 61/63 hp, Jemini 34/58 hp, Verik 54/54 hp
Jemini of Lebeda |
HP 34/58; AC 32 (vs valkyrie)
Standard: ready action to attack valkyrie should she appear within reach
"Does it pain you still? Sarenrae teaches that nearly all creatures can find redemption; and so it could be with you too - Valhalla may rejoice in you once more. Why would you tear yourself away from it so?"
DM Barcas |
Nikolai Fortitude (DC 15) 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11
> Blinded 1d4 ⇒ 1 - Nikolai is blinded for 1 round
"NO!" The valkyrie sees now that she should have focused her assault on Nikolai rather than Jemini. The orb cracks under the pressure of Borodin's force spell - and shatters under Nikolai's assault. Daylight suddenly floods the courtyard as the shadows flee. The colors seem too vivid and too real after their jaunt through the Shadow Plane, where every hue was drained of all colors. They can see the dried blood on the valkyrie's scythe and their own weapons. Nikolai stumbles back, unable to see at all after the explosion of shadows and light. He blinks and tries to regain his bearing while his vision slowly starts to return.
The Death Collector | Round 3, Initiative 18
Valkyrie: 140/128 hp; AC 25/19T/24FF; +8F/+11R/+13R; DR 5/cold iron; immune to cold and poison; resist acid/fire/electricity 10; SR 19
Effects: Antagonize (Jemini); divine power (+4 to hit/damage, 1 additional attack; 10 rounds)
MA: 20' (15' horizontal, 10' vertical) to Z12, 30'
SA: mass inflict moderate wounds 2d8 + 12 ⇒ (1, 4) + 12 = 17 - all heroes take 17 damage (DC 20 Fortitude for half)
The valkyrie makes an even more terrible sight in the light of day. She swoops forward, stripped of her ability to bounce through the shadows to attack them from every direction, and stretches out her hand. "Your god is nothing! Know true power!" She unleashes a wave of her hatred and malice at them, causing bloody welts to raise and deep bruises to appear on their bodies underneath their armor. It burns with horrific pain, even stronger than Abadar's blessing.
INITIATIVE
21 Borodin
18 Valkyrie
17 Jemini
14 Verik
2 Nikolai
Everyone is up!
Jemini of Lebeda |
Fortitude DC 20: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15
Round 3, Initiative 17
HP 24/58; AC 32 (vs valkyrie)
Standard: cure light (oracle) 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
With labored breath Jemini holds her sword hand to herself, a quick incantation and the worst of the pain that the creature had caused receded. Still, she was decidedly worse for wear. "That... is it...? I cannot believe... that you traded the eternal feast... and warring grounds... for this desolation... have you... considered... that your mind is not your own?"
Nikolai, of House Rogarvia |
DC 20 Fort save 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18 Nikolai's hp 59/86
Nikolai accepts the valkyrie's reaction as payment for the blindness.
The big man reaches behind to loose his great bow and quiver, holding them out in Jemini's direction. With the vision only barely returning to his eyes, he takes a few uncertain steps to the place he last saw her. His face seeks out the valkyrie and Dragonsbreath flares white hot.
"Creatures of darkness shouldn't come so close to the flame. Unless you dare."
Verik of Abadar |
Round 4, Initiative 14
The Death Collector
HP: 44/54; AC: 27/12T/27F; CMD 20; Saves: +12F/+5R/+13W
Current Conditions: None
Spell Durations: Resist Lightning (62 rounds), Protection from Evil (4 rounds), Bless (57 rounds), Prayer (4 rounds)
SA: Channel Energy (3d6 heal living, exclude nightmare, valkyrie; 1/8 remaining)
MA: move 25’ to X5
Channel: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Channel: 1d6 ⇒ 3
Channel: 1d6 ⇒ 2
Total energy heal to allies = 7hp
Verik brings the power authorized by the Master to his allies one more time, though the boils and welts upon his skin seem to distract him from bringing it to full fruition. He exhales sharply and utters a Berrin-inspired swear. "I'm not going to be able to keep up with this much longer...this courtyard gives her all the benefits I fear!"
Verik moves back towards what he considers is the main building of the town hall, spreading out away from the others and looking for a way to draw the corrupted valkyrie down from her aerial supremacy.
Current HP's: Nikolai 66/86 hp, Borodin 59/63 hp, Jemini 31/58 hp, Verik 44/54 hp
Borodin Loginov |
The Death Collector - Round 5, Initiative 21
HP 51/63; AC 26/15/23; CMD227; +10F, +10R, +8W AP2/7
Adjustment: Bull’s Strength (16+ rounds)
Adjustment: Resist Lightning 10 (61+ rounds)
Adjustment: Protection from Evil (6 rounds)
Adjustment: Shield (46 rounds)
Adjustment: Mirror Image (45 rounds)
Adjustment: Bless (56 rounds)
Adjustment: Prayer (4 rounds)
Effects: +2 to Sword (Arcane Pool Bonus)6 rounds
FRA: Move into Main Town hall building via door at X5
”We’ve got to seek cover. There’s no way we can beat her out here!” Borodin makes a dash for the front doors of the Town Hall and waves for his friends to follow.
DM Barcas |
The Death Collector | Round 5, Initiative 18
Valkyrie: 140/128 hp; AC 25/19T/24FF; +8F/+11R/+13R; DR 5/cold iron; immune to cold and poison; resist acid/fire/electricity 10; SR 19
Effects: Antagonize (Jemini, 8 rounds); divine power (+4 to hit/damage, 1 additional attack; 9 rounds)
MA: move 35' to Y10 (10' horizontal, 30' vertical)
SA: slay living vs. Nikolai (AC 11T) 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18
> Antagonize - Spell Failure (1-10 fails, 11-100 succeeds) 1d100 ⇒ 100
> Damage (DC 20 Fortitude) 12d6 + 12 ⇒ (5, 2, 5, 2, 3, 6, 5, 5, 4, 5, 3, 5) + 12 = 62 - Nikolai takes 62 damage (24 with save)
Nikolai's vision clears just in time to see the enraged and corrupted valkyrie descend upon him. He tries to bring his sword up with the bow in the other hand, but she doesn't attack him with her scythe. Instead, she simply reaches out and touches him. Nikolai is not nearly quick enough to dodge the unexpected touch. Her hand leaves a mark, a darkly glowing misama in the shape of her outstretched palm, on his chest. After a moment, it flares with an eerie light and starts to burn at him. The pain is as intense as the worst tortures that Choral subjected him to, making him feel like his very soul is being plucked out of his body. She looks past him to Jemini and sneers, "It looks like I have even greater battles to win here in the service of Lord Vordekai. You'll see!"
INITIATIVE
21 Borodin (59/63)
18 Valkyrie (140/128)
17 Jemini (31/58)
14 Verik (44/54)
2 Nikolai (4/86 or 42/86)
Nikolai, of House Rogarvia |
The Death Collector Round 5
DC 20 Fort save 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16
As always, I suck. So hero point to reroll save.
1d20 + 14 ⇒ (3) + 14 = 17
Nikolai: AC: 20
Hp: 4/86
Status: bless, prayer, prot evil, rage
Actions: Power Attack, full attack, fail
The incredible pain and crackling flesh scare Nikolai in a way he has not shown. His only answer is to unleash every bit of Strength against the valkyrie. He recalls his torture at the hands of the Conqueror, the many nightmares, and even the accusations against his future self, spitting hate even as Dragonsbreath spits flames.
Full attack with auspicious mark 1d20 + 1d6 + 18 ⇒ (5) + (2) + 18 = 25
Damage 2d6 + 18 ⇒ (3, 4) + 18 = 25 20 points after DR
[ooc]Full attack 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
Damage 2d6 + 18 ⇒ (4, 1) + 18 = 23
[ooc]Spirit attack 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19
Damage 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Predictably the valkyrie shrugs off the flames, but the blade at least digs into her magical flesh and draws blood. Nikolai spits in disgust.
So one of us drags the other back to Hell. Let it be finished then. My friends will avenge me on your master!
Jemini of Lebeda |
Nikolai, I think she's flying above you, I don't think you can attack her
Round 5, Initiative 17
HP 31/58; AC 32 (vs valkyrie)
Move: X6
Standard: Antagonize (Intimidate): 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (19) + 17 = 36
Worried for Nikolai, who's only barely standing on his feet, Jemini launches into a tirade as she makes her way after Verik and Borodin. "Did you Relinquish your Honor when you left Valhalla? Since when does your Pride permit you to fight like a Coward?"
As an aside to her allies she adds, "Prepare yourselves, this one is swifter than any I've seen - we must be ready." Bluff to convey secret message: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (4) + 17 = 21 Just saying that with her dimensional dervish the only reliable way to fight her in melee is with readied actions
Verik of Abadar |
Round 5, Initiative 14
The Death Collector
HP: 44/54; AC: 27/12T/27F; CMD 20; Saves: +12F/+5R/+13W
Current Conditions: None
Spell Durations: Resist Lightning (61 rounds), Protection from Evil (3 rounds), Bless (56 rounds), Prayer (3 rounds)
MA: Move 10’ to V5
SA: Command (Approach) upon valkyrie
FA: Hero Point for +8 to SR bypass
Command effect w/HP vs. SR19: 1d20 + 6 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 6 + 8 = 24
Valkyrie Will Save vs. DC18: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26 nope, saved
Verik sees the horrendous damage done to Nikolai, knowing there is precious little now that he can do to bolster the scion of Rogarvia against the fallen valkyrie. At least her perfect flesh is marred now by Dragonsbreath, but Verik knows it will take far more blows to lay her low.
Jemini’s scathing words have a clear impact upon the corrupted maiden…perhaps enough to get her to leave off of Nikolai for a few more precious moments. Yet with her proven ability to sweep them all with an unholy wounding affliction, there is no need for her to come into the reach of Jemini’s holy blade. Only one thought comes to Verik’s mind that could possibly work, to compel her to him with the inevitable power of the Lawgiver itself, pure and unyielding. Verik abruptly steps to his right by several paces, judging that should it work, the valkyrie will have to come on a path straight towards him, allowing herself to be exposed to assault by both Nikolai and Jemini, and Borodin too if he is quick enough to put himself at her flank. He raises his elvish longsword high and fills his mind with the mantra needed to focus the inevitable Lawgiver’s power of undeniable Law through his own voice.
”Dark maiden of a false-god, hear me! By the power of the Lawgiver and all of Utopia itself, I COMPEL you to APPROACH me and face true Judgment!”
For a moment he thinks it might work, for his intonation is clear and powerful, and the effect does not twist away from her as his prior prayer to Abadar had done. Yet her will is too strong and emboldened by dark powers to be overcome by the mortal Banker.
Borodin Loginov |
The Death Collector - Round 6, Initiative 21
HP 59/63; AC 26/15/23; CMD227; +10F, +10R, +8W AP2/7
Adjustment: Bull’s Strength (15+ rounds)
Adjustment: Resist Lightning 10 (60+ rounds)
Adjustment: Protection from Evil (5 rounds)
Adjustment: Shield (45 rounds)
Adjustment: Mirror Image (44 rounds)
Adjustment: Bless (55 rounds)
Adjustment: Prayer (3 rounds)
Effects: +2 to Sword (Arcane Pool Bonus)5 rounds
FA: Hero Point +8 Luck Bonus to Hit
SwA: Arcane Strike
SA: Spellstrike Attack on Valkyrie (Shocking Grasp)
MA: Move to Z10
Attack vs AC25: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (6) + 24 = 30
Sword Damage: 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13
Shocking Grasp: 5d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 1, 3, 4) = 18
Adjusted Sword Damage 8
Adjusted Shock Damage 8
Borodin sees the Valkyrie inflict a devastating blow to Nikolai and realizes he won’t make it to cover. The Magus charges his blade with electricity and dashes out to confront their foe. His strike is true but not as effective as he would have liked. ”No you B@#$%! Your god is the one that is false! Only a cowardly god would skulk forever in the shadows!”
DM Barcas |
Borodin Spell Resistance (SR 19) 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Lightning arcs from Borodin's blade, covering the valkyrie in sparks - yet the same eerie aura seems to absorb the shock entirely. At the same time, Nikolai's spirits leap out and try to grab at her, but it seems to invigorate her even more. Jemini and Verik both immediately grasp that she is not unlike the undead, in that Vordekai's corruption separates her from the healing power of the gods of righteousness. Her twisted nature has inverted the power to heal and harm along with the spells granted by her new lord.
The Death Collector | Round 6, Initiative 18
Valkyrie: 87/128 hp; AC 25/19T/24FF; +8F/+11R/+13R; DR 5/cold iron; immune to cold and poison; resist acid/fire/electricity 10; SR 19
Effects: Antagonize (Jemini, 7 rounds); divine power (+4 to hit/damage, 1 additional attack; 8 rounds)
MA: 15' to Y7
> Attack of Opportunity - Nikolai (AC 25) 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (14) + 16 = 30
>> Damage 2d6 + 18 ⇒ (1, 6) + 18 = 25 - Valkyrie takes 20 damage
> Attack of Opportunity - Borodin (AC 25) 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (13) + 16 = 29
>> Damage 1d8 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10 - Valkyrie takes 5 damage
SA: Vital Strike vs. Jemini (AC 32) 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (5) + 23 = 28
With Nikolai staggered in horrific pain before her, she turns her attention to Jemini - just as the holy warrior unleashes an insult that enrages her. Rather than finishing Nikolai off, she leaps forward towards Jemini. Unable to use the magic of the Shadow Plane to become one with the darkness, she leaves herself open to both Borodin and Nikolai. Moving at once, the younger self of the Dragon Lord and the man who spent his life in resistance to him strike out at their mutual foe, leaving deep gashes in her body. Her massive wings spread and flap as she soars just above the ground to attack Jemini, barely noticing the grievous wounds inflicted upon her. "You dare question my bravery?! I won't leave enough of your soul left for him to take!" She goes straight for a killing blow, sweeping the scythe at Jemini's neck. The younger daughter of Lord Lebeda sees the blade coming a half-second before it does, ducking just in time to keep it from severing her head. Coming out of her battle rage ever so slightly, she looks around and notices that her enemies now surround her on all sides. She looks to the sky, ready to take flight again despite Jemini's insults.
INITIATIVE
21 Borodin (59/63)
18 Valkyrie (87/128)
17 Jemini (31/58)
14 Verik (44/54)
2 Nikolai (42/86)
Verik of Abadar |
Round 6, Initiative 14
The Death Collector
HP: 44/54; AC: 27/12T/27F; CMD 20; Saves: +12F/+5R/+13W
Current Conditions: None
Spell Durations: Resist Lightning (60 rounds), Protection from Evil (2 rounds), Bless (55 rounds), Prayer (2 rounds), Grayflame (3 rounds)
MA: Move 20’ to Z6
SwA: Channel Grayflame to blade (0/8 remaining)
SA: Attack Valkyrie w/ sword
sword attack AC25: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30 hit
damage: 1d8 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 6 + (5) = 17 12 hp dmg
Verik moves in a sideways direction to skirt past Jemini and arrive at the valkyrie's flank, summoning his last powers of energy into the beautifully crafted elvish blade itself. Either our mortal craft will prove the better, or it won't... Perhaps a fitting thought with Varnhold on the scales in this contest of Weal versus Woe.
He moves into position with the blade now glowing with silvery-grey fire, its light mingling both with the orange fire of Dragonsbreath and the softer pure light of Jemini's holy blade. Taking a low approach he flicks the blade out and cuts up and to the side, gashing the terrible maiden across her armored right leg. No shouts of exultation or quips this time for the Banker; the severe gravity of the contest demands a solemn disposition.
Nikolai, of House Rogarvia |
The Death Collector, Round 6
Nikolai: AC: 20
Hp: 42/86
Status: bless, prayer, prot evil, rage
Actions: Power Attack, full attack
Nikolai's muscles ache and the blood feels thick as is sticks in his blackened veins. His stomach lurches as his broad chest turns in a tight circle. Dragonsbreath comes down diagonally, narrowly missing Verik's head on the valkyrie's other side.
Power Attack, flank 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (5) + 20 = 25
Damage 2d6 + 18 ⇒ (4, 2) + 18 = 24 19 damage
Power Attack, flank 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28
Damage 2d6 + 18 ⇒ (5, 3) + 18 = 26 21 damage
spirit attack, flank 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20
Damage 1d4 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
He swings again, cleaving one wing and then the other. The spirits of the dead, now including the slain of Varnhold, lash out in their own rage, but they cannot touch the valkyrie.
Nikolai sneers, his senses returning while his body begins to succumb to his wounds.
"You should have killed me when you had me, traitor. Nothing can save you now."
Nikolai is now fatigued and no longer raging. 28/72 hp
Borodin Loginov |
The Death Collector - Round 7, Initiative 21
HP 59/63; AC 26/15/23; CMD227; +10F, +10R, +8W AP1/7
Adjustment: Bull’s Strength (14+ rounds)
Adjustment: Resist Lightning 10 (59+ rounds)
Adjustment: Protection from Evil (4 rounds)
Adjustment: Shield (44 rounds)
Adjustment: Mirror Image (43 rounds)
Adjustment: Bless (54 rounds)
Adjustment: Prayer (2 rounds)
Effects: +2 to Sword (Arcane Pool Bonus)4 rounds
SwA: Spell Recall (Shocking Grasp)
SA: Spellstrike Attack on Valkyrie (Shocking Grasp)
MA: Move to Z8 (Flanking)
Attack vs AC25: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (20) + 18 = 38
Crit Confirmation vs AC25: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (12) + 18 = 30
SR19: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Sword Damage: 2d8 + 14 + 1d6 ⇒ (3, 8) + 14 + (4) = 29 Total Damage=24
Shocking Grasp: 10d6 ⇒ (1, 5, 6, 3, 4, 2, 4, 4, 4, 1) = 34 Resisted Damage=0
Borodin recharges his blade and dives back into to melee. He knows that their fate lies upon a razor’s edge. He comes up behind the fallen maiden and strikes her hard in the back. Augur bites deeply but his spell is rebuffed.
Jemini of Lebeda |
The scythe still mere inches from Jemini's neck, she sees how her comrades rapidly descend on the valkyrie. Before it can turn to flee again she attacks quickly, her longsword enveloped in righteous anger that pierces through all protections.
Smiting attack 1: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (14) + 16 = 30 damage no DR: 1d8 + 9 + 2d6 ⇒ (1) + 9 + (3, 3) = 16
Smiting attack 1: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29 damage no DR: 1d8 + 9 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + 9 + (5, 1) = 19
DM Barcas |
The valkyrie looks at the surrounding warriors with great worry as Borodin, Verik, and Nikolai all land injurious strokes of their blades. Verik cuts her from one side with the smiting power of Abadar while Nikolai tries to hack off her wings with heavy overhand blows from Dragonsbreath. Her magical protection absorbs an incredible blast of electricity that accompanies Borodin's vicious thrust in her back, buying her a few seconds to escape. Her bloodied wings unfurl and flap one time, powerfully drawing her into the air. For a moment, it looks like she has escaped them to draw upon the dark power of Vordekai again - but only for a moment.
Nikolai reaches out and grabs her by the leg, pulling her back down with the last of his strength. As the exhaustion of the battle saps his great strength, it looks like she will break free - but both Borodin and Verik jump forward and grab onto her, preventing her from freeing herself. Caught in midair for a moment, trying to swipe and kick her way to freedom, she leaves herself open to Jemini. The holy templar quickly thrusts her holy longsword into the fallen warrior's chest, piercing her blackened heart. With a screech of pain, the valkyrie tries to slash at one of them, any of them, all of them, until Jemini gives one final push and drives the blade in all the way to its hilt. The holy might of the sword flares with sacred light, burning her from the inside out. She screams as holy light bursts from her eyes and mouth, burning them out, then drops to the ground. She whispers her last words with her smoking lips: "Lies... All this time..."
Jemini of Lebeda |
Jemini shakes her head sadly, "Foolish angel, how could you not see beyond such promises?"
It is a pity that Elsir isn't here, together with Verik we might find a convincing reason. Jemini turns to Verik, "Can you fathom a reason for this devotion these followers have for him? It just seems so hollow that they'd dedicate themselves purely on the basis of promises. Even we have only been tempted to join him by promises and displays of power." She includes Nikolai and Borodin now, "It is likely that the valkyrie has been a long-standing disciple of Vordekai, at least that is what I gather from her final words. That raises the question, what has she been doing in the last few millennia while the lich was laying low? And if that is true for the valkyrie - how many more functionaries like her does he command?"
Borodin Loginov |
Borodin pulls forth an oiled cloth and thoroughly cleans his blade before sheathing it. "It is the unattainable carrot followed by the inevitable stick as we saw with poor Pharn. I agree that it makes no sense for that kind of blind devotion but it unfortunately exists. I would bet that there are more agents that are out there."
He furrows his brow for a moment and turns to the Banker. "Didn't you tell me one time you were scouting on a mountain near the gold mine where you spied a witch queen accompanied by a four armed giant, a blue dragon, and a satyr? Could some of these be in league with Vordekai?"
Verik of Abadar |
Verik watches the silvery-grey flame fade from his blade, the last of his power expended in the final gambit to free Varnhold from its terrible curse. As Jemini asks her solemn question of him he stands there a moment longer, looking at the fallen form of the valkyrie and slightly shaking his head. "I don't know," he says at last. He is truly dumbstruck by the corrupted maiden's loyalty to the fallen lich of over ten millennia. So much I have no knowledge of, and do not understand here even after the years... "The valkyrie should be a devoted of...of Gorum? Would some serve Iomedae? I do not know why one of the immortal agents of the infinite planes would turn from the grace of their pure callings in this way..."
Borodin's question brings his mind back to those first months so long ago, they almost seem to be part of a dream at this point. "Yes I remember...the procession of whom we now know as the Fey Queen Nyrissa I believe. Terrifying as I recall - yet to me it seems as if her game...and that of Choral...are set versus each other and have no room for a third rival such as Vordekai. No, I think he plays his own game, his awakening being something unanticipated by both Winter and Summer."
Sheathing his elvish blade, he excuses himself from the First Founder and Spymaster of Newhaven and walks to the center of the courtyard near where the shadowy orb was sundered and shattered. Verik removes his helm and looks around at the remains of the buildings around him, the once-proud center of civilization that was Varnhold. "I must do something to set this anew..." he murmurs. Verik gently sets his helm down upon the lifeless ground, a work of marvelous craftsmanship that was part of the plate armor designed for him. The crafting allows him to focus, to order his mind on the larger works that made Varnhold a reality, bringing it forth from the mind of Meagar Varn when this place was simply a field of grass in a mountain valley. The Banker of Abadar begins to pray, using the helm as a focal point, a small prayer to consecrate the grounds in the name of Abadar and all the benevolent gods that desire a thriving of people. It is not much, but it is all he has left, and he prays fervently for something to take root here and foster for the future.
casting consecrate at center of the square
DM Barcas |
The shattered corpse of the valkyrie lays in the middle of the stockade, still smoking from her burned-out eyes. Lady Fraeja may have once been a beacon of hope while ferrying the dead to Valhalla - but somehow she abandoned her path in favor of following an agent of death. In her corruption, she led the culling of thousands of souls living in Varnhold. By drawing them into the Shadow Plane through the use of the umbral artifact, Vordekai likely gained thousands of undead servants - without a trail by which to track them to his mountain temple. Of the hundreds of undead zombies left in Varnhold, many were freed by the Founders and now lay truly dead near the city center. There are more that they will have to purge, but they are bereft of guidance and a mere nuisance now.
A small number of survivors, bloody and exhausted from their ordeal, stagger out of the town hall. A few more living men and women emerge from their homes upon the appearance of sunlight, fighting their way back to the stockade. All in all, the town of Varnhold was home to several thousand men, women, and children - and now is home to merely dozens of survivors. They sob in relieved joy that the ordeal is over and that they are finally safe. One of the survivors, a bearded and grizzled smith called Rickard Soresky, who managed to evade the undead for weeks with a small band explains what happened to the Founders as they work on consecrating the courtyard and dragging it back to order. "Almost a month ago - I think it has been a month - a great storm started, unlike any I have seen before. It rained for a day and night, with clouds so thick that it seemed as night even when it was day. When the storm finally broke, the sun did not return. We thought it strange, but the Baron did not seem worried - not until the sickness started. A plague fell upon the town, claiming dozens each day. Varn sent men out on horseback to request aid - but not one returned, and it seemed a sea of darkness surrounded the city. We buried as many as we could, but we were overwhelmed. Then one night, all at once, the dead rose and attacked those that remained of the living. The same night is the first time we saw that cursed fallen angel," he says while pointing at the valkyrie. "She fell upon us, slaying a dozen at a time - only for them to rise up moments later! Baron Varn challenged her to single combat in the center of the city - she defeated him, but did not kill him. She and her hellbeast departed with him, headed south through the air. She returned several days later, capturing survivors and toying with them before killing them. It was terrible. We prayed to Cayden, Iomedae, Abadar, anyone we thought might listen, for safety and saviors. It seems the gods answered, though so few remain..."
Borodin Loginov |
The gods have no care for us, old man. Borodin looks around the square, counting the remaining townsfolk. In the back of his mind he is calculating the odds of survival for Varnhold with what is left of the population.
"Be that as it may, we are going to have to organize everyone with defensive duties until we can bring in more people to fortify Varnhold."
He looks down at the former "Lady" Fraeja and spits on her corpse. "We may have defeated a supernatural foe, but there are plenty of goblins and the like that would take advantage of our weakness here." He looks at his companions, asking any or all of them. "How quickly can we bring in some of our troops from Sanctuary? And more importantly, how many?"
Nikolai, of House Rogarvia |
"Troops from Dragonswatch would be faster, though we'll need to raise troops to watch the South."
Nikolai muses over the examples of war he's read about over the last few years. He locks eyes with the aged smith.
"Varn will need new settlers. No one can replace their lost, but there are stores and farms that must run for its recovery. There will need to be marriages and children. You should get your leadership in order and then decide what lies available for claim."
Verik of Abadar |
Earlier...
Verik kneels in prayer at the center of the ruined town square of what was Varnhold, uttering the invocations to give rise to a proper consecration of the grounds to better protect the place from the lingering undead of its former citizenry. The consecrate prayer would provide protection, true, but it is also a first attempt to rid the heart of this once-vibrant town the terrible affliction that was dealt to it. Paltry as it is, it is all Verik Jarrow has left to bestow. So he kneels and prays fervently, using his crafted fine steel open-faced helm as a focal point, mustering every final bit of power and will that he can scrape from inside himself to give something back to this haunted place of sorrows...
...and that is when he sees it unfold before him. He visualizes the restoration of the buildings and edifices of Varnhold. He sees the paving of streets and walkways, the lighting of lamps to ward away the darkness, the growth of orderly trees and manicured bushes in new parks that foster life. Verik sees Varnhold, growing, expanding before his eyes everywhere he looks from the central square, the towers with bells ringing, the shops and markets and inns, and many more houses besides what existed before. Verik draws in a sharp breath, for the golden-tinged vision of what he sees, all cast in a bright white light, is not just about the buildings of this new Varnhold. The Banker sees and hears life once again: of children shouting and playing in the parks, of earnest craftsmen and merchants trading their many wares in a bustling economy, of good folk meeting and talking with one another in the open spaces. It is a beautiful vision that brings tears to the Banker's eyes, a vision that he knows will be inevitable if only he works to see it to its conclusion. Before now, only Sanctuary loomed in his mind as the object of his efforts to realize the glory of the Master of the First Vault; once not so long ago, he barely dared that he was worthy enough to foster the construction of a proper city out of the chaotic wilds. In that time he was Banker and Founder, and he was content. Yet this vision shows him that there is much, much more for him to do in the service of the Master. He must right the many wrongs that were laid upon the innocents of Varnhold, preserve their righteous efforts to settle and tame this land, and help to carry it to heights that they dared not dream of before.
Suddenly Verik Jarrow finds himself hurtling down one of these golden-tinged streets away from the center of a new Varnhold. The cobbled street turns to a wider roadway leading out of the rejuvenated city, and heads towards a distant mountain to its east. Verik skims just above the road with his arms outstretched as he often does when he flies over the Tuskwater, hurtling ever faster until the fields and farms to either side become a golden blur. Reaching the mountain's base he is suddenly catapulted up into the air to sail up the mountain itself, the blue skies of his world changing to a soft white radiance that comes from no sun. Verik reaches the mountain's peak, settling upon its ridge - below him lies the majestic golden towers and edifices of Axis, the Eternal City, the perfect city, stretching endlessly away from him in all visible directions to eternity. The breath catches in his throat, too awed by what he now sees to give it words. This is the grand city of Abadar, the Master of the First Vault. Almost as if by mere thought, Verik sees the district of the Eternal City that is towered by four perfect golden gates, its white walls and elaborate towers beyond measure. And there in the distance, the massive golden colossus known as the Lawgiver walks slowly around the perimeter of the Master's golden district, its four gates impassible by those not blessed by the Master and his assigned designates for entry. And there, above the district flies the great tawny Cobblehoof with his mithril barding, soaring and shifting in precisely measured circles. All around the district move other creatures of pure Order as well - lithe humanoid axiomites and clockwork inevitables in various shapes and sizes, golden celestial mastiffs and two-headed eagles, iron-bodied glowing horses the size of ponies and even an occasional archon on errand.
Verik marvels at all he sees of the Eternal City and his Master's district within it, yearning to go forward for judgment and hopefully admittance. The First Vault lies at its center, and perhaps he...
"It is not your appointed time yet, young mortal Banker known as Verik Jarrow."
Verik turns around quickly, coming face to face with three creatures who stand or hover but paces away from him that he never heard or saw approach. First, one of the iron-bodied, pony-sized horse constructs that glows with a golden light from within - an orsheval by name, designated servitors of Abadar. Second, a majestic tawny colored eagle with two white-feathered heads, their kind the flock of great Cobblehoof. Third, a black-skinned humanoid warrior in half-plate bearing the head of a black mastiff with golden eyes - a hound archon - sentinels and captains of the great armies of both Heaven and Axis. Verik feels weak at the knees and kneels to the powerful agents of Law that have come to see him, to address him directly.
"Rise." says the hound archon. "Rise and be recognized." The archon raises a hand and Verik cannot help but to rise, at which point the creature of perfect Order and Weal nods approvingly to him.
Around the perimeter he now sees a series of tiny creatures swirling around them, seven each of two types if his counting is correct. Seven are winged mechanical spheres of bronze and copper, set with two arms and a large single eye, while the other seven are softly glowing orbs of a warm and calming light encased by elaborate golden latticework. Spheres and Orbs...Arbiters and Lanterns... Verik thinks to himself suddenly, though he does not understand how he knows that, as if the identification has just been unlocked from a dormant section in his mind. Interestingly, Verik notices the 'spheres' flutter around him but seem hesitant to get close, their buzzing sounds just slightly discordant and off-key to his ears. By comparison, the 'orbs' move and weave around Verik in a much closer orbit, the warmth of their light soothing and pleasant to the Banker. He finds the differing reactions fascinating and remarkable, though he doesn't understand the significance.
The smaller orsheval servitor steps forward and speaks to him with perfect cadence and tone. "You have much to do, Banker Verik Jarrow. The scales show you have earned more, but you must balance the scales by becoming more in return. You have seen the vision of what must be? What new tasks are expected of you? The Master of the First Vault does not reward prior accomplishments to be followed by idleness, for greater tasks await the worthy, tireless in their devotion and desire to prove worth."
Verik nods wordlessly, his voice failing him. It is then the two-headed eagle speaks with both heads, their voices combined in perfect unison as they seem to examine him critically. "He has learned the flight, but needs guidance on the transference." One head looks to the orsheval. "Will you provide instruction?"
"Agreed. Mortal Banker Jarrow. Observe." Suddenly the small iron-bodied horse flares with greater light from within its constructed body, the light warping around its form and turning it briefly to pure light, suddenly whisking away to another point the light touches instantly in the distance, the orsheval reforming there in a blink of a mortal eye. "Instruction complete. Remember the form, and do precisely as shown."
Verik understands then in that moment that he can do such a thing, folding himself in pure light to appear somewhere within his direct sight in the near-same instant. "Th...thank you, orsheval, servitor of the Master. What...name...may I call you?"
The iron horse snorts once and replies, "We are orsheval. Individuality is irrelevant to us. You may call upon us to serve a task if you have great need - payment is both required and expected as is the way."
"You may summon our newer flock to you if you have great need," intones the two-headed eagle to Verik, "for the celestial mastiffs cannot take to the air or see as we do."
The black-skinned hound archon nods his head and peers at Verik with his golden eyes, his voice rumbling deeply. "And you may summon our brethren to smite down your wicked foes, when both Order and Weal are needed." Several of the orb-like lantern archons chime and swirl around both Verik and the more powerful hound archon, though Verik nods in understanding at their use of Celestial. "Yes young Banker, they too will attend you if summoned, though they prefer to arrive in numbers, as you can see."
With that, Verik bows deeply to each of them, thanking them for what they have shown him. "I will strive to prove myself worthy for the Master. Thank you again for all of...this...that you have bestowed upon me."
The orsheval nods ever-so-slightly in return. "We expect nothing less from you. Do not falter from our expectations of you. Now go. Walk in the light of the Master. Achieve..."
Verik feels his material form whisked away once again, heading back down the majestic mountain, back to Golarion and Avistan, to once-proud Varnhold that was wrought out of the Stolen Lands. Returning back to the town hall square, the golden vision of the city fades from his eyes, leaving Verik with the shattered remnants of the now.
Yet he remembers, and knows what can and will be for this place. The consecration prayer holds firm in the square, and all around him he can feel a warmth from the sunlight that fills the place. It will take much toil and time to reverse the destruction that has occurred here, but it begins on this very day. Empowered by this knowledge, the weary Verik rises to his feet with a final blessing to his helm with the golden keys of his office, and begins to assist the others in making the square safe for the town's few survivors.
Verik of Abadar |
Currently...
Verik nods in visible agreement to Nikolai at his words to Rickard Soresky, stepping in-line with the Dragonlord of Rogarvia to show support. Yet he knows the words are hard, and these wretched people that have endured so much pain and loss must hear something of hope if they are to take the necessary next steps. So in remembrance of what Varnhold can and will be someday, the Banker strives as best he can to say something meaningful to them and not fall upon hollow platitudes.
"Master Soresky, we hear you. Good people of Varnhold - WE HAVE COME FOR YOU!" Verik walks slowly now towards them, wringing his hands in a clear sign of apology. "I am so very sorry that we did not come sooner! That we could not have saved more of you. We Founders of Newhaven came as soon as we heard something was amiss here, but the confounding mystery of what caused fair Varnhold to 'disappear' was beyond our understanding! Scouts we sent, and other wayfarers came here as well after your dark storm...but they too were lost to shadows and death. I...we...grieve for your losses, and the loss of Lord Varn to our shared enemy known as Vordekai."
All true as Verik well knows, but he wants to give them something, anything to give them hope and inspiration. At first he thinks logically to bring the crowd over to Jemini's attention, the obvious choice time and again in Newhaven. But this time his mind thinks of another, one of their own and with the temperament and desire that perhaps suits the Varnholders better.
"PEOPLE OF VARNHOLD!" Verik commands attention from all then, using his oratory skill and long practice to bring them in, though his next words must be the true thing. "We four Founders of Newhaven stand with you here and now, but there is one who desires to stand with you even so...she who bade us to come to you in all possible haste and find you! Even now SHE would be here with sword-arm true and shield raised, but for the birth of her firstborn son that binds both Varnhold and Newhaven together! Aylene Myrdal, heir of Lord Varn would be here to stand with you, WILL be here to stand with you as soon as she can take to horse, and will not turn away from those that her father gave his oath and last measure of strength to protect." Turning his head to sweep them all with his gaze and a nodding assurance, he adds, "Until she arrives, I shall stand with you and lend all that I have to help you. As High Cleric of Newhaven, my call to the All-Faiths Conclave will be heeded, and representatives of all benevolent faiths that you hold dear shall come to you here, and work tirelessly as I shall for Varnhold's restoration. This is my oath unto you."
Jemini of Lebeda |
Jemini nods, agreement evident in her face. The benevolent faiths will stand up to this challenge, of that she was certain. Her voice rings out, clearly audible across the assembly: "Aylene Myrdal - Varnhold's own - and her husband Berrin Myrdal, General of Newhaven. Both will come. Varnhold will know that we stand together. We are now one heart. That beats to a steady rhythm. One people. That cannot be brought down. Those who have threatened Varnhold's very existence are also threaten that of Newhaven. Together we will stand and face the abomination called Vordekai, and together we will see his callous designs for domination falter and fall."
"But first! First we must recover. Mourn, but rebuild. Grow, faster than before. Even now refugees from foreign parts are making their way to Newhaven and Varnhold. We will welcome them, here, in Sanctuary, everywhere - for where no one can replace the loss of loved ones, we can find new hands, new hearts, new minds to join with ours. With them comes new strength for our future. No field will lay untilled, no brick will be unlayed, no mouths will go hungry, no body able and willing to help will find themselves impotent against the odds."
"Come, Varnhold! Stand together with us!"
Jemini of Lebeda |
Progression time, in the months that follow Jemini notably:
Verik: "An order of knights? What? No? ...like a street militia? - a nation militia? ...I... but why doesn't it fit? They're not a guild, obviously, not a knightly order, a standing group is not a gathering. Not a society. Definitely not a religious thing." Pages rustle as he flips through documents ever more urgently. "They're not disciples, apostles, soldiers, merchants, servants. What is this thing you're starting Jemini? What?! Give me a name at least!"
Jemini has spend 1000gp on followers, the money is intended to buy them a recognizable uniform (parade armor, 25gp, 40 of them) - their mission is simply to act as a helpful handy(wo)men throughout Newhaven. Each based on their individual skills, craft, guide, advise, even just helping out with chores or running errands for elderly. Semi-independent and without explicit compensation, scattered throughout the nation - but the nature of their actions make them well-liked and they can often secure themselves small favors (free board in the inn's common room for example).
Over time the group establishes itself in the culture of Newhaven; it becomes en-vogue for certain young adults to volunteer themselves to this service for a year or two. No military aspects is associated with the group.
Buuuut... I've not come up with a nice name for it all. I welcome suggestions