”Lady Spring? Knights of what?” Trillis seems genuinely confused by Brother Butterfly’s baited words. ”Do you mean Lady Winter? I recall a doppelgänger chained up with the survivors of Briarstone, but I was unaware it had escaped.” She continues talking as she is led to the circle - there is no obvious effect upon her entering it. ”Fill a vase with water? You mean you wish me to create water? Or bless it? Unfortunately, I can do neither at the moment. Even with a holy symbol, I have no spells from the goddess. A woman came to the Chapel the night after your return to Thrushmoor. Interrupting my nightly commune with Pharasma, she cast a spell to silence my prayers before they could be set in my mind. Then she had men tie me up and bring me here. She has been trying to convert me to the worship of a being she calls the King in Yellow.”
Cats looks at Brother, then Mariner.
"She's evil. She catting us on."
The Mariner sees Cat's signal and turns to the Lady, "Mmmm, yes I see", pausing to grab something and points at her brocade, "Hey, looks like you've got something on your collar...".
When she looks down, the Mariner's broadsword continues the conversation, "BRAINS!"
"Evil? How can you tell?" Fearless draws his dagger. He is unsure what to do as he really didn't trust anyone.
"Evil? How can you tell?"
Cats looks at Fearless. ”Dammnit, Catless. I can just see it! Catrenrae tells me so!”
”What..?” Trillis replies to Cats’ accusation.
The Mariner raises his sword and her eyes go wide.
”No!”
... and hacks down into her arm. Blood splatters the ground. Cats raises his bow.
”Stop! What have I done?!”
INITIATIVE
INITIATIVE
Brother Butterfly (53/53)
Mariner (86/88) *shield of faith 2 rnds
Trillis
Fearless (40/40)
Cats (42/45)
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Brother Butterfly fully accepts her answers as legit and logical. While he still wonders a bit why The Priestess did not also correct him and mention that Lady Winter was a Royal Accuser, or why items as simple as Orisons might be blocked from her prayers, he is but one test away from trusting implicitly.
So, he responds quickly,
That answers are so good to hear. Having a witness and abductee here to attest to the righteousness of our assault on this manor calms my heart. A politician of The Count’s level can’t possibly sweep the abduction of the ranking Priestess under the…
Then he is interrupted by Cat’s citing,
She’s Evil.
To which BB responds.
R-U-G…. Huh?He was going to get out the magical incense, but now he is both shocked and confused. Dumbfounded and flatfooted.
”Lying shapeshifter!”, the Mariner slashes at her again,”You must have killed the real Trillis, where did you stuff her body!?”.
Cats waits to drill her with repeated deadly arrows, holding nothing back.
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Brother mumbles and has the bewildered look on his face as things happen so fast. He could blame it on being enchanted with the a detriment, but in reality- he just can't get a grip around that fact that his gut reaction to trusting her is wrong. THIS is what he's supposed to be good at. Knowing the b~$*+@$+ from the flowers.
Brother Butterfly hesitates in confusion as his allies continue to attack the poor woman. The Mariner slams the hilt of his sword into her back. Cats sights down an arrow...
Trillis raises her hands defensively and backs away.
”This is a mistake! Pharasma, have mercy!!”
INITIATIVE
Trillis (-18)
Fearless (40/40)
Cats (42/45)
Brother Butterfly (53/53)
Mariner (86/88) *shield of faith 1 rnds
Round 9, Init 24
"My Catrenrae's Light, let me cat this right," Cats says, invoking the spirit of Sarenrae into his bow, knowing the Lady of Light would not steer him wrong.
He fires twice at the evil aura'd fiend/friend in front of him. He will accept an AoO should the fiend/friend choose to attack.
to hit;
magic cold iron damage.
to hit;
magic cold iron damage.
AC: 19
HP: 45/45
LoH: 2/3 used
[ dice]1d20+10 damage.
[ dice]1d20+7[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d8+8[/dice] damage.
[ dice]1d20+10[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d10+6+2d6[/dice] slashing damage.
Mini Smite: 1/1: Once per day as a swift action, you can add your Charisma bonus to your attack rolls and deal 1 additional point of damage for each class level you have against evil creatures for 1 round. You must have a good alignment to take this trait.
+5 Bab +4 Dex +1 magic +1 PBS -2 DA -2 Rapid=+7/+7 to hit
+2 Str +1 magic +4 DA+1 PBS = +8 damage
The moment feels like an execution as the Mariner as Cats aims his deadly bow. He wasn't about to let Cats take all the guilt should the Sarenrae's truth-seeing eyes prove to have needed spectacles later. He nods an apology, even if it is to a doppleganger, and strikes with his sword to end it quickly.
Fearless steps back. "This...this isn't right." He drops his dagger. He grabs Mariner's arm. "Stop this!" He screams. "How are we just going to murder her?" She is begging for her life. The paranoia plays tricks on his mind as he staggers backwards. "This...this is just like my visions. They are going to murder me next."
Fearless snatches his dagger up from the ground and backs to the wall, preparing to defend himself.
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To Lady Trillis Your only hope is total submission. Prostrated on the floor. When you are tied up and firmly under our control - only then will you have a chance to prove your identity as a follower of Pharasma. But know- if you are the doppleganger - we took you prisoner last time and you killed and escaped. Your judgement and death will be handed out here and now - The Watchmen will not make the same mistake again. Our Mercy ended when you took another life.
BB has a prayer on his lips to counterspell anything that she might try. Because she flatly told us she retained no spells - so if she tries anything magical or divine - BB attempts to counterspell with Dispel Magic.
”I suggest you take this chance for redemption! If you are true, then Catrenrae might forgive you. She even forgive me. Me,” Cats orders, still keeping his bow trained.
Cats fires his arrows. Trilliss dodges one that was poorly aimed, but screams in pain as the second flies true and lodged in her shoulder.
”AAAEEiii! I submit! I submit!! I am no doppelgänger! I am Lady Trilliss Mavaine, priestess of Pharasma and caretaker of New Chapel!”
She throws herself to the floor, following Brother Butterfly’s instructions. Face down, she prays.
”Grey Lady, if now is my time, guide me through the boneyard and judge me by service to you.”
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"Holy f$$&ing Desna... what is happening." Fearless' eyes are wide as his hair is matted and damp with sweat. "We came to save her and..an..and you are trying to cut her f*!*ing throat lik...like that damned reservoir dogs play a few years back." He holds his head in both hands as a tear starts to form. He jerks his arm out, pointing at each of them one by one. "I ain't here to kill an innocent woman....You all say you have changed. Have you really? HAVE YOU REALLY?" He yells, his paranoia at full throttle.
The Mariner holds back the strike, mostly by Fearless's pleading, ”Aye still don't believe you!”, pointing the razor tip at her, ”What did Brother try to give to you the first time we met?! A headband and what else?!!”
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BB senses motive to see if she is in fact casting a spell- which he will do his best to disrupt with dispel magic.
Mariner, hold your questions for the truth cloud. That's where the truth will work the best. But still not full proof.
Fearless- wrap her up in rope - if you really want to see the truth of today - you will help. You will also be doing this as repentance for saying Desna's name in vain!
Everyone-- we are all beset by twists and turns of the mind. It is believing in our core beings and working together that we have survived so long. Not a couple minutes ago - we heard time-remnants of ourselves giving dire warnings on how to defeat the houndbeast. That is trippy s#~~. Kast is confident that Sarenrae gives him clear guidance- then I too endorse Kast on his swift actions.
BB will still be on edge to counterspell anything. Once wrapped in silk rope or manacles. He will pull out the magic item that helps determine truth.
Brother Butterfly does not notice any spellcasting. Just prayers that are interrupted by the Mariner’s questions. Latching on to a test that she seems eager to pass, Trilliss looks between the old sea dog and the plump priest.
”Yes! You..” She looks to Brother Butterfly. ”Jasper isn’t it? And he is Klyn? You brought items to me when we first met at New Chapel. A magical headband and some pearls. I bid you keep the headband, and I see your companion wears it now!” She points hesitantly at Cats.
Cats will again try to look at her through his Cats' eyes.
Fearless shakes his head no. "Nuh, ugh" No part in killing her. We are better than this."[/b] He says as she answers the question. "See!"
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”She’s evil. Catrenrae tells me so. We’ll need her to prove her divine powers...because somecat ain’t right,” Cats asserts assertively because he knows things. With Mariner standing guard, Cats will break out his ropes and tie up the Trillis.
”I’ll let you go after we figure out who or what you really are...or when you prove that Pharascat likes you. We’ll see.”
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With her bound, BB helps her to her feet.
Healing for your injuries will be done soon. If you can prove yourself. Right now, we are going to check to see if the coast is clear and move to the Gatehouse/guardhouse. That appears to be the most defendable position -if it's clear of enemies.
With that, he swings open the doors and brandishes his mace in one hand and shield in another.
Fearless, please check out the pathway for dangers. Our goal is the GateHouse. Mariner, in from of Trillis - Cats Behind.
If Fearless is still inoperable, BB takes the lead and marches forward- looking around for dangers and making his way to the (assumed) open door of the gatehouse.
When near Fearless - Just so you know, I am offended at your choice of words. Desna continues to bless our journey - she is the keeper of Dreams, the master of luck, the patron of travelers. She is NOT like Calistra and using the word " F$&#" and her name in the same sentence......
He stops talking. He's so angry right now. He'll just let the weight of his point land on Fearless's shoulders.
”C’mon Trilliss, we may or may not be killing you, but I can definitely say that you’ll live if you ask for forgiveness from Catrenrae. She will give even you your redemption.”
Cats takes Trillis, following BB’s plan as best he can. He keeps trying to get Trillis to repent and ask for redemption.
"I've got the fore Brother, you grab this lasses' leash", the Mariner arms up with shield and a throwing ax, following in behind Fearless.
Lady Trilliss is trussed up and moved to the gatehouse. Though it is not too bright, she shields her eyes against the late afternoon glow of Thrushmoor’s overcast sky.
The interior of the Gatehouse is 20 feet by 10 and contains a couple chairs, a bench built along one wall, and two heavy crossbows propped up against a barrel of quarrels in one corner.
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Brother Butterfly sets up the incense. He makes certain that the front door is barred. He will leave the back door open- just so Fearless doesn't feel trapped with psychos from an insane asylum. We wouldn't want Fearless to worry about something like that!
The incense fills a lot of area so some spilling out the back door is not a big deal to his end goals of finding the truth.
Great and Honored Desna - bless these proceedings. Let the truth find it's way into our hearts and minds. As Keeper of Dreams, you impart wisdom in the wild and supernatural visages that you impart on the sleeping. Let these moments help discover the truth and aid in your fight against the False King in Yellow.
So Lady Trillis - Have you converted to this blaphemous and chaos focused religion? Are you a shapeshifter or doppleganger? Have you murdered anyone in the last 3 weeks?
He looks to the others to add more questions of their own.
prompting them with hand gestures.
Fearless brushes the weight of Brother Butterfly's god from his shoulder. He walks away to watch the pathway for danger. Though not without the final word. "Would rather offend your God with words than offend her by killing an innocent woman Shapeshifter." He retorts as he leaves air quotes hanging over the word God as if he still doesn't believe in them.
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Pondering how to better enhance this investigation. He thinks of all his option. He has opened up his spirit to Desna’s positive influence. He will be opening up his mind further – via the incense. Maybe his ID can be given some alchemical enhancement to help too…..he takes stock of drugs that he knows that might help and his mental bank is empty.
The incense burns, and Brother asks his questions. His eyes squint in concentration as he does his best to focus not just on Lady Trillis’s words, but the whispers inside her mind that the incense unlocks for the world to hear.
Lady Trilliss is trussed up and moved to the gatehouse. Though it is not too bright, she shields her eyes against the late afternoon glow of Thrushmoor’s overcast sky.
* * *
Sense Motive
Sense Motive
”The only reason you are alive is so that you can repent and earn redemption, like I did...from Catrenrae. Don’t you want to be saved? Admit your sins and be redeemed. Don’t make us kill you. It will be the will of Catrenrae, evil one.” Cats is deadly serious about the threat...not a threat, a duty.
”I worship Pharasma! I am no shapeshifter!” Trilliss weeps. ”They brought me to a creature, and she did something to me. I have not felt the same since, and I have sinned... I have sinned. But I had no choice! Please help me! I repent!” Some of what she says feels true, but she is clearly tortured by something she is not revealing.
"What aren't you catting the Lady of Light? Come clean and be reborn," Cats replies to Trilliss. "Seek redemption! Seek the light!" Cats urges.
Cats looks to BB to use the wand to heal the Lady, at least once. There is a big arrow sticking out her side, after all.
The Mariner stands guard just outside the back door. He can hear the squeal and pleading, still confused but just knows somethin' wasn't right. "She's got the evil in her", he comments back through the door, while keeping eyes forward.
Still outside Fearless hears the screams. He shakes his head and tries to drown it out as Mariner joins him. "Yea and so do we..."
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Okay, now we are getting somewhere. You are a Priestess of Pharasma, and one that has "been around the block" . I think you know what creature Melissen brought you to confront. Do you know what it is? Or at least can you describe it.
Also, have you always been sensitive to light? The room we found you in had thick drapes that were drawn and you seemed a bit awkward when we walked you to this guardhouse.
He waits for her to answer a few of her questions. Holding the same stern and business like tone that Cats was displaying,
We want you to be redeemed, we really do. You are a cornerstone of this community. That type of stone makes a foundation. But if your foundation is on shifting sands, WE - The Watchmen - Fearless, Kast,Mariner and myself need to know.
He pulls out the wand of cure.
This wand can heal some of your arrow wounds- do you want that help- or do you want me to work with my healing kit instead?
Trilliss tries to clasp her hands in prayer, but immediately abandons the attempt against her bindings. ”The creature that.. she was... I... I... She came out of the mists to me upon wings. I could only see her face... her beautiful face. She sang to me with a voice like a celestial.”
The priestess stares, lost in the memory. ”Her teeth were like glass. So sharp I could barely feel them...” She rocks back and forth, arms held to her stomach as if in pain. ”Ohh!” She wails. ”Ohhh Pharasma.. I want redemption. I want to be saved!”
Trilliss babbles on, her focus coming and going as she tells her story in fragmented pieces. Some of it seems true, some false, and some tainted by madness. Her wails pierce the air as the light of day begins to fade.
Watching the courtyard, Fearless and the Mariner notice movement from the main house and what looks to be a guest residence. A half dozen cloaked figures bearing torches gather near the garden fountain. Behind them, his form just barely visible in the doorframe, stands a big man dressed all in black. His voice carries across the courtyard.
"What the hell is this?", the Mariner whispers to Fearless and crouches low, "Let's get back inside. -Brother -company - open the door." He gently taps on the gatehouse door.
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Seeing that she is at least trying to be truthful, BB uses the wand on her. Give her some of her strength back. I know that Mariner and Cats put a hurting on her.
Her teeth were like glass
Sounds like a vampire. Uhhh, oh. But this one did singing and the lady was only sensative to light - it didn't burn her to a crisp. Maybe there's salvation indeed.
Brother uses the wand to heal her.
Kerfuffle
He wracks his brain trying to figure out what attacked her and if it is reversible.
****
Brother Opens the door. To let them in. Ready to "hold the line and create a chokehold.
Fearless points far in the opposite direction before heading back inside. "Yea! It was over there across town. " He steps back in and shuts the door once Mariner is through. "More trouble is coming." he looks back as sees the woman still alive. He breathes a sigh of relief. "About a half dozen. They seem just as obsessed with a yellow sign as the rest of them." He draws his dagger, ready to defend Trilliss.
"What's the call chiefs- stay or slaughter?", the Mariner grabs the door cross bar, ready to use it in either fashion.
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As Brother thankfully heals the woman who is seeking redemption, Cats goes to address the approaching men. He doesn't want conflict, but knows he might not have a choice.
"What's the call chiefs- stay or slaughter?"
"Let me see if I can avoid more bloodshed," Cats whispers back to Mariner.
Cats picks up his bow and leans against the doorway to address the group's queries.
"We have seen the yellow sign. We have seen it in our dreams and in our nightcats. We have seen it all over the asylum. We are here because it called to us," Cats replies, speaking no lies. "What of it to you?"