DM Salsa Presents: The Rise of the Runelords (Inactive)

Game Master AdamWarnock

The goblin horde has been shattered. Sandpoint's heroes have proven themselves capable, but will they be able to defend their home from the things that lurk in the dark.


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TG1 | GW | FF | RH

Was that Saroune spoiler meant for Asuriel?


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ugh, yes it was. Sorry.


Female Angel-Blooded Aasimar (Angelkin) Oracle (Dual-Cursed Oracle) 4 Init +0 | Perception +1 | AC15/T10/F14 | HP 42/42 (Resists: Acid 5/Cold 5/Electric 5) | Fort +4, Ref +1, Will +3 | CMB +7, CMD 17

Ack. I hate it when I post as the wrong alias :/

Asuriel's eyes widen as she goes over her injuries. She pulls out bandages and goes to work on trying to patch her up the best that she can. She offers her a warm smile and rubs her fingers through her hair trying to sooth her much like her mother did for her when things got difficult.

When she has done everything she can do she pulls Thirzin aside and whispers to him. "I've done what I can hear, but, well, she's not in good shape at all. I've stabilized her and patched the wounds I can so, but she is far from healed. We're going to need to get her back to town so Hannah can take a look at her. She is probably going to lose consciousness as soon as we start moving again, so don't worry if she stops responding." I don't need to tell him to do his best to let nothing touch her, right?

The oracle is staring at their injured friend and seems to be debating whether or not to say something. She looks to Thirzin and offers a sharp nod of her head before moving away to make sure the rest of their party is in solid enough shape to move on.

Anyone else need the heals?


Transmuter Wizard 4 (Scrollmaster) Init +4 AC 14 (18)/ T 14/ F-F 10 (14) HP 30/30 Fort +3, Ref +6, Will +5 CMD 15

Saroune is good.


Female Human Barbarian 4// Init +2/ HP 61 (61) / 69 (69) // AC: 17(15)/T:12(10)/FF:15(12) - Percep: +9// F +8(+10)/R +3/W +3(+5)/CMB +9(+12) (+11(+14) grapple)- CMD 21 (23 grapple)

Noro is good as well, thanks to Asuriel... seriously considering since Noro can't get a decent man, she may consider an Aasimar...<wink>


Martial Flexibility 4/4 Init +5 | Percep 7 | AC 21/ T 13/ F-F 18 | HP 46/46 | Fort +10, Ref +7, Will +2 | CMD 19 (21 bull rush, sunder[Bardishe], 20 drag, overrun, trample, and trip)

I'm good


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Okay, so I just need to ask, who's got first watch? I'm guessing that you'll be waiting out the rainstorm.


Martial Flexibility 4/4 Init +5 | Percep 7 | AC 21/ T 13/ F-F 18 | HP 46/46 | Fort +10, Ref +7, Will +2 | CMD 19 (21 bull rush, sunder[Bardishe], 20 drag, overrun, trample, and trip)

Standard rotation, like last time.


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Saroune, Pavanna, and Olivius:

In the middle of the first watch, as the rain continues to spit and sputter in the fire, you hear Nualia stir from where she'd remained after eating supper.

"So, it's off to the headsman for me is it?"


Thirzin and Horatio:

Rosaline and Luca join the two of you, neither sleeping well and both worried over Sprig.

"Horatio, how did you come to know a fairy? I... I thought they were just a myth," Rosaline asks.

"Aye, I knew they were real, but I've never seen one either. What kinda trouble did ye an' yer friends get up to," Luca asks as well.


Noro, Asuriel, and Ping:

Noro, as you keep watch, the rain has stopped and the stars have appeared. Looking to the east, the gray light of dawn can be seen. Or at least it could until twelve little motes of light in every color of the rainbow begin to dance around you.


Martial Flexibility 4/4 Init +5 | Percep 7 | AC 21/ T 13/ F-F 18 | HP 46/46 | Fort +10, Ref +7, Will +2 | CMD 19 (21 bull rush, sunder[Bardishe], 20 drag, overrun, trample, and trip)

first watch:
Olivius only glances at her when she speaks. His eyes are iron. He doesn't answer, however. One does not speak to prisoners.


Male Human (Chelaxian) Bard 4 | AC 17, T 13, FF 14 | hp 38/38 | F +4, R +7, W +4 (+4 vs. bardic performance, sonic, language-dependent) | CMD 18 | Init +5 | Perception +7 | Bardic performance 14/15; 1st-lvl 5/5, 2nd lvl 2/2 | Portrait

Second Watch:

"Who, Sprig?" Horatio asks, shifting over slightly to make room for Rosaline by the fire. He's still picking idly at the guitar, trying to make sense of the unfamiliar number of strings, but the chords are slowly making sense. "You'll have to ask Thirzin about her. The rest of us don't have most of her story."

His fingers sitting over D minor, he stares into the flames before looking back to his sister. "There are a lot of things I thought were myth before I came to Sandpoint," he says with a sigh. "A lot of things have happened that haven't always made sense, that I didn't think were possible. Like fighting demons, befriending a dryad queen... or finding you." He picks out an arpeggio, barely paying attention. "These have been the strangest weeks of my life," he chuckles. "And to be honest, Sprig isn't one of the strangest parts of it."


Female Human Barbarian 4// Init +2/ HP 61 (61) / 69 (69) // AC: 17(15)/T:12(10)/FF:15(12) - Percep: +9// F +8(+10)/R +3/W +3(+5)/CMB +9(+12) (+11(+14) grapple)- CMD 21 (23 grapple)

third watch:

At the start of her watch Noro gives the prisoners some very icy stares. eventually she goes to Nualia, Do you know who I am? she asks grabbing her face and forcing her to look Noro in the eyes. Well, do you?

intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

...insert answer here...
Noro may be having a little conversation with her until the sun comes up

later in the watch as the rain stops, bout time.. she mutters. but that thought is cut short by the lights. What in the hells? she says as the motes dance around her.

she looks immediately at the prisoners. she has seen spellcasters look in their face when casting spells. she is looking for that.

perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
sense motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15


Martial Flexibility 4/4 Init +5 | Percep 7 | AC 21/ T 13/ F-F 18 | HP 46/46 | Fort +10, Ref +7, Will +2 | CMD 19 (21 bull rush, sunder[Bardishe], 20 drag, overrun, trample, and trip)

Before everyone beds down (and before Natulia wakes), Olivius is looking very uncomfortable. He figits with his food, plays at working. Eventually he gets up the nerve to speak to the ground. Thankfully, it's loud enough for everyone to hear.
I need to say something... Something that must be kept here with us and us alone. It may be the reason we saw a Racker mount at thistletop.
You see, I am a wanted man. I am being hunted. I recently abandoned my family and all they stand for. My Father is having none of it, and has ordered my death. Normally, this wouldn't call for the Hellknights, except...

He pauses and gulps down the frog in his throat.
My Father. He happens to be Lord Telraven.
He finally looks up with a very worried crease in his brow and a slightly haunted look in his eye.


Female Chelaxian Tiefling Bard (Archaeologist) 3/Cleric (Iomedae) 1
Quick Stats:
Perception +8, low-light, darkvision 120’ | Init +4 | AC 19/T 14/FF 15 | HP 36/36 (Resist cold 5, fire 5, electricity 5, DR2/cold iron) | Fort +4, Ref +6, Will +4 | CMD 16

With Olivius and his confession
Pavanna listens impassively, having already deduced most of what her countryman has to say. But the name he speaks...
Knowledge (nobility): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30
Sadly my knowledge of Cheliax itself is kind of patchy, especially its nobility and most especially in Salsa’s version of the setting. I’ll have to lean on the dice and blame Pavanna’s sheltered upbringing for any shortcomings. :-S
GM, I could use some help here. :blush:

During the first watch, with Nualia:
Inclined to follow Olivius’ example, Pavanna doesn’t let her attention wander from her sentry-duties. She does spare the prisoner a few words, but speaks detachedly and without looking at the aasimar.
“That’s up to the judge, Tobyn. But considering that you’ve been consorting with demons and setting goblins on a town full of people who’d done nothing to deserve death?” The tiefling shrugs.
Well, that should give her an opening for a good Motive Rant.... :-D


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Pavanna:

The House of Telraven is an up and coming house in Thrune's Cheliax. Many of the scions of the house have taken up places of prestige and power within the ranks fo the Asmodean church and the orders of the Hellknights. There are rumors, however, that the two youngest of the current Lord Telraven's children have been surprising disappointments.

I've got more, but it's on my other computer. I'll get it to you tomorrow

First Watch:

"He won't come tonight, not until he's healed. He's spent too long imprisoned for him to risk dying," Nualia says, almost as if she knows part of the reason why they don't face her. "Malfeshnekor has abandoned me. Lamashtu has forsaken me, and Desna would not take such a traitor back, even if I came with the Mother of Monsters' head on a silver platter."

Nualia falls silent for a moment, her eyes fixed on the embers at the heart of the fire.

"I am damned. I know I am, I knew it the night I set fire to the old church. I think I even knew it the night my child was born into this world a monster," she says without bitterness, without regret, only a weary sadness. "I've... I've never felt like i belonged anywhere. The other kids hated me when I was growing up. The adults were always asking me for favors, some irritating, others embarrassing, and a few were just silly. Then a boy started to court me. He wrote me poems and sang of my beauty. He talked to me like I was another person, not just something to be jealous of, or some sort of walking miracle."

Nualia smiles as she remembers that time, but the smile quickly fades as she remembers what came after.

"When he took me to the smuggler's tunnels one night, I followed without question. I wasn't so naive as to not know what he had in mind, and I knew that Tobyn wanted me to join a very prestigious convent within the Desnan church, but to join, you must be a virgin. I didn't care, though. I only wanted to feel like I belonged, and my trysts with Delek were on of the few times I could forget my troubles."

"Then I discovered that I had become pregnant. I told Delek first, believing that he would comfort and support me as he always had. Instead he slapped me in the face and called me a slut before running off. He was the first one I killed in Magnimar. I took my time, and by the time I was done, he looked a lot like Tsuto did," she says with a wistful, wicked grin.

"Tobyn, though, was far worse. He made me sit and pray for-- No, he actually wanted me to beg for his and Desna's forgiveness. I said the words, but I didn't mean them, and each night I grew to hate my adopted father more and more. I was forbidden from seeing or talking to anyone, I was forced to don clothing that hid my sins. And the worst of it was I would have to give up the child when it was born. Then came the night when all of the town awoke to nightmares. The night my child was ripped from my belly, dead and misshapened. A monster. Tobyn ordered the midwives to not breathe a word of what had happened, and as I slipped into unconsciousness, I heard the man that I had seen as my father order my dead child burned. There would be no funeral for a monster."

"Desna never answered my prayers, but someone did. She whispered to me in my dreams. She told me I could be free of this celestial taint in my veins. I could slake my hate with the blood of those that had cast me out. I didn't know when I awoke that the Chopper had gone on his rampage, nor that it had ended the month before, nor that Kaijitsu had thrown his wife from the balcony of their manor. That didn't matter, though. I knew what I would do to begin slaking my hatred. First I would burn Tobyn, the man who'd dared call himself my father and his precious church to ash. It was fascinating, the way he screamed as he burned to death. I almost followed him, but the skin of those touched by other planes is not so vulnerable to flame," she says, her voice still weary and dispassionate, but her eyes fix on Pavanna for a moment, letting the silence linger for a little bit.

"Then I found this cult in Magnimar. I was lead to them really. They helped me find Delek and kept the guard from finding the two of us while I made what I thought of him clear. It's a pity I couldn't bring him back to be a plaything. I still wanted to hear him scream some more when he died two days later. I spent the next few years gathering what I needed to unite the goblins and raze Sandpoint to the ground. I found Tsuto, Orik, Lyrie, and Bruthazmus. I convinced the goblin tribes to follow me. Then the rededication of the cathedral came as did the Swallowtail Festival. I think you know the rest of what happened, thanks to Tsuto. I should have left him to burn in the jail, but I didn't know when I gave back the demonic claw I had been gifted to get him out what the idiot had let spill."

Nualia takes in a deep breath, steadying herself, "and there you have it, the tale of a lonely, foolish girl, who in the end could never find what she really wanted."


Female Human Fighter 1 | HP: 11/11 | AC: 20/16/14 (w/o Shield: 18/14/14) | F: +3 R: +6 W: -1 | Per: +3, Init: +4 | Arrows: 20

Second Watch:

Sprig stirs in the nest she'd been settled into, her small form cradled in Thirzin's arms.

"C-could ask me," the sprite says weakly. "Never told 'im everything."


Female Gnome Sorcerer 1 HP: 8/8 AC 12/12/11 | F+2 R +1 W+3 (+2 vs. Illusions)| Per:+8, Init: +2
Spells:
Elemental Ray 6/6 | 1st: 4/4

Third Watch, Close to Dawn:

Noro finds the two prisoners fast asleep. Nualia's even snoring a little.

Looking some more, you can see three sets of eyes framed by the same shade of icy blue hair, but they disappear almost as soon as you lay eyes on them. The lights rearrange themselves, seeming to form a path.


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Third Watch, At the beginning of the watch:

Nualia looks away as best she can.

"Noro Kasuri, right," she says quietly.


Female Human Barbarian 4// Init +2/ HP 61 (61) / 69 (69) // AC: 17(15)/T:12(10)/FF:15(12) - Percep: +9// F +8(+10)/R +3/W +3(+5)/CMB +9(+12) (+11(+14) grapple)- CMD 21 (23 grapple)

beginning of third watch:

that's right, you are smart. Now, you provided Tsuto with the magic to use on me. adn considering what he did to me, in a way, I also blame you. but right now, out of respect for the others here, I am sparing you the same fate Tsuto suffered.

releasing her face from her grip, I don't suppose you care to share with me what your plans were in there, do you? well at lest while you have the ability to speak. All I got out of Tsuto was some bloody garbled mumbo-jumbo. probably cause I ripped out his tongue.

Nualia, can see the hatred in Noro's eyes. she truly holds her responsible in part for what Tsuto did to her.

I believe Nulalia also is long time resident of Sandpoint so she probably has plenty of knowledge of Noro. and her dealings with tsuto in the past.

Third Watch, Close to Dawn:

Noro seems intrigued by the lights. giving a glance at the others ensureing they are alright. Noro proceeds to follow the path.

Noro is not very stealthy so it is probably easy to see her heading out.


Female Human Barbarian 4// Init +2/ HP 61 (61) / 69 (69) // AC: 17(15)/T:12(10)/FF:15(12) - Percep: +9// F +8(+10)/R +3/W +3(+5)/CMB +9(+12) (+11(+14) grapple)- CMD 21 (23 grapple)
Olivius_Telraven wrote:

Before everyone beds down (and before Natulia wakes), Olivius is looking very uncomfortable. He figits with his food, plays at working. Eventually he gets up the nerve to speak to the ground. Thankfully, it's loud enough for everyone to hear.

I need to say something... Something that must be kept here with us and us alone. It may be the reason we saw a Racker mount at thistletop.
You see, I am a wanted man. I am being hunted. I recently abandoned my family and all they stand for. My Father is having none of it, and has ordered my death. Normally, this wouldn't call for the Hellknights, except...

He pauses and gulps down the frog in his throat.
My Father. He happens to be Lord Telraven.
He finally looks up with a very worried crease in his brow and a slightly haunted look in his eye.

Noro listens to the story but seems lost. Look, Olives, I don't know anything about those guys, the hellknights, Lord Tel-chicken, or whatever. but I want you to know, You earned my respect. and those guys that are hunting you, just might have to deal with ole Noro here, and that is something that they may regret.

By the way, whats a Racker?


Female Gnome Sorcerer 1 HP: 8/8 AC 12/12/11 | F+2 R +1 W+3 (+2 vs. Illusions)| Per:+8, Init: +2
Spells:
Elemental Ray 6/6 | 1st: 4/4

=== Shortly after Olivius' Bombshell ===
Ping and her sisters can't quite keep themselves from snickering at "Lord Tel-Chicken". There may have even been a trio of ba-koks coming from behind Olivius right afterwards, though they were either really soft or really far away.

Third Watch Just before Sunrise:

The lights don't lead you far, just far enough from camp for you to be in the dim light. They wink out when three, nearly identical gnomes appear. Ping stands in the center her hands holding her sisters'.

"N-noro, I know you aren't really a touchy-feely person, but..."

"But we wanted to thank you," The one on the left interrupts.

"Ping's told us a little, and we know that you are a good person inside, even if you try to hide it," the one on the right adds.

"Would it be okay if we gave you a hug," Ping asks once her sisters are done.


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Third Watch at the beginning of the watch.:

Yup, she would. She grew up in Sandpoint.

"What does it matter? Unless my plan was to commit suicide, I'd say it's obvious I failed," she says, looking as far away from Noro as she could.

The silence that follows lingers for a moment, the wind stirring in the trees.

"I wanted revenge," she says a little while later, looking off into the woods. "I wanted to hurt all of those that had made me feel like I was freak, an outsider. I always thought that you must have felt the same. In that sense, the plan was simple, gather power and allies until I could raze Sandpoint and put everyone to the sword."

The wind blows, bringing a chill bite with it. Nualia once again silent.

"I wanted to cast it all aside, to be a monster, and I was willing to do anything to do that. Even help a man rape a defenseless woman," she continues on, after a moment. "Now, though, I wonder what would have happened if we had been in each other's place. Would I have made friends? Would I have come to accept who I am?"

She gives a snort of laughter at her own thoughts.

"Maybe I'm just desperately looking for ways to keep from thinking about what's coming. I'm a traitor and a failure. Neither Desna nor Lamashtu will treat me kindly. I made my choices, though. I made them knowing where they might lead."

"In the end, I choose this path. I have no one to blame but myself."


Martial Flexibility 4/4 Init +5 | Percep 7 | AC 21/ T 13/ F-F 18 | HP 46/46 | Fort +10, Ref +7, Will +2 | CMD 19 (21 bull rush, sunder[Bardishe], 20 drag, overrun, trample, and trip)

Don't forget about Pavanna's knowledge!


Martial Flexibility 4/4 Init +5 | Percep 7 | AC 21/ T 13/ F-F 18 | HP 46/46 | Fort +10, Ref +7, Will +2 | CMD 19 (21 bull rush, sunder[Bardishe], 20 drag, overrun, trample, and trip)

Olivius shoots a withering glare at the sisters. I appreciate that Noro. He says, turning back. But I ask you to be sure you are taking this seriously. I am actively hunted by my Father. A "Racker" is a member of the Hellknight Order of the Rack. They specialize in counter insurgency and manhunts, and they could be after my hide, though I don't know this for sure. As for my Father, he is one of the best devil binders in Cheliax. Bar none.


Female Human Barbarian 4// Init +2/ HP 61 (61) / 69 (69) // AC: 17(15)/T:12(10)/FF:15(12) - Percep: +9// F +8(+10)/R +3/W +3(+5)/CMB +9(+12) (+11(+14) grapple)- CMD 21 (23 grapple)

Noro places a reassuring hand on Olive's shoulder. I don't care if you father brings hell itself against us, you were there when I needed you, I will be there when you need me. besides, I can't turn down a good fight. speaking of bar, I really need a drink when we get back.

With Nulalia:

you know, there was a point yesterday that I was about to drop everything and join up with you. But I took the time to look deep inside myself, it wasn't who I was. What you did, wasn't who you really are either.

Noro calms a bit, but still, I can not forgive you for what you put me through, what you put us through, at least not yet. get some rest. I offer you a night reprieve but rest assured I will not have so much mercy if you try to harm me or them ever again.

with that Noro goes on to her watch

just before sunrise:

Noro looks at them sternly, then with a quick glance around, she cracks a smile and gets down on one knee to be at their height, sure she says giving each of them a hug.

now not a word, I got a tough girl reputation to maintain. kay?


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Third Watch, beginning of the watch:

Nualia gives you a soft, bitter chuckle.

"What can I do? I've been forsaken, cast aside like a broken, useless tool. I do not expect forgiveness for what I've done, though," she tells you as her expression becomes more and more grim. "I don't expect anything but a long agonizing death, so... thank you for this."


Female Gnome Sorcerer 1 HP: 8/8 AC 12/12/11 | F+2 R +1 W+3 (+2 vs. Illusions)| Per:+8, Init: +2
Spells:
Elemental Ray 6/6 | 1st: 4/4

Third Watch, crack of dawn:

You are almost bowled over by three enthusiastic gnomes as they hug you all at once.

"Don't worry, your secret's safe with us," Ting tells you.

"And we'll buy the first round," Fling adds with a laugh.

"'We'? Who's this we? Last I checked the two of you are broke," Ping asks, giving the other two a look.

"Not once we get back to town and sing about how Noro punched a demon doggie to death," Ting says.

Pretty soon, the three of them are plotting on how to paint an epic mural of all of the fights you've been in on the ceiling of the chapel. Given that there's talk about pranking a certain priestess of Sarenrae, it's almost a certainty that things aren't going to be boring around Sandpoint for a while.


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Going to push things monday. I wanted to resolve a few things, but either everyone's been too busy or they aren't interested. If we need to, we can take a break. Just let me know.


Female Human Barbarian 4// Init +2/ HP 61 (61) / 69 (69) // AC: 17(15)/T:12(10)/FF:15(12) - Percep: +9// F +8(+10)/R +3/W +3(+5)/CMB +9(+12) (+11(+14) grapple)- CMD 21 (23 grapple)

third watch crack of dawn:

Noro is actually caught laughing and smiling.

probably for the first time in a long time, she doesn't feel like a monster.

before returning to camp, she pulls Ping aside, She give her a special hug, thank you

those two words seem to imply so much.


Female Gnome Sorcerer 1 HP: 8/8 AC 12/12/11 | F+2 R +1 W+3 (+2 vs. Illusions)| Per:+8, Init: +2
Spells:
Elemental Ray 6/6 | 1st: 4/4

Third Watch, Crack of Dawn:

Ping returns the hug with as much warmth and caring as she could.

"Thank you for saving my sisters," she whispers back. "We owe you much, Noro. Consider yourself part of the family."


Martial Flexibility 4/4 Init +5 | Percep 7 | AC 21/ T 13/ F-F 18 | HP 46/46 | Fort +10, Ref +7, Will +2 | CMD 19 (21 bull rush, sunder[Bardishe], 20 drag, overrun, trample, and trip)

My convos are kinda stuck on Pavanna, saroune, or anyone who wants to comment on Olivius.


Female Human Barbarian 4// Init +2/ HP 61 (61) / 69 (69) // AC: 17(15)/T:12(10)/FF:15(12) - Percep: +9// F +8(+10)/R +3/W +3(+5)/CMB +9(+12) (+11(+14) grapple)- CMD 21 (23 grapple)

Noro replied to you.


Martial Flexibility 4/4 Init +5 | Percep 7 | AC 21/ T 13/ F-F 18 | HP 46/46 | Fort +10, Ref +7, Will +2 | CMD 19 (21 bull rush, sunder[Bardishe], 20 drag, overrun, trample, and trip)

Yes. I saw. I'll reply to that soon. Just wanted to give a beat for other input.


Dwarf Ranger 3/Barbarian 1 Init +4 | Perception +9 | AC18/T10/F18 | HP 49/49 | Fort +8, Ref +7, Will +4 | CMB +8, CMD 22 (26 vs trip & bull rush)

The original conversation with Olivius
Thirzin strokes his beard, listening to the others speak. Once things quiet down, he stands and clears his throat, walking over to his brother in arms.

"And that's all?" The dwarf asks quietly, as his rough hand rests on his friend's shoulder. "Lad, we've spilled blood together. Ain't no past history that'll turn us away."

2nd Watch:

Thirzin looks down to his friend and smiles softly, the first tender look on the dwarf's haggard face in far too long.

"Aye, lass, I'd love to hear the full story m'self. I just know you showed up one day. Just don't over exert yourself?"


Transmuter Wizard 4 (Scrollmaster) Init +4 AC 14 (18)/ T 14/ F-F 10 (14) HP 30/30 Fort +3, Ref +6, Will +5 CMD 15

First Watch:
Saroune listens to Nualia's tale, her face hardening. "So that's it then? You had a hard life, so it explains all of the horrible things you've done?"

She looks to Olivius and Pavanna, two soldiers that had faced extreme adversity and come out stronger for it. Not just stronger, but more noble and heroic than she could ever hope to be. "Could we just gag her, please? Her every word is poison."

Sitting around the fire with her spellbook in her lap, Saroune watches her friends embrace Olivius's past, but she remained silent. She had already made her displeasure known to the warrior. Now they would see what might become of his secrets.


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First Watch:

"Poison? Ha!" Nualia laughs in Saroune's face, "I may have been mad, but I was aware of what I did. Gag me if you wish, but I only told my tale. I am a fool, but I am not so great a fool as to think I deserve pity or forgiveness, much less expect it."

She grins at you, Saroune, a gleam of madness in her eyes.

"Don't blame me for your actions. If you feel pity for this pathetic wretch trussed up before you, then that is your doing, not mine."

Her grin fades, as does the gleam, the weariness back once more.

"Secrets are poison. You've already had one of your companions confess his, who else in your company is hiding things from the rest, hmm? Perhaps you should look to the person at your side instead of the enemy at your feet if you want to find your poison."


Second Watch:

I've planned this since I first introduced Sprig. I hope you guys enjoy it.

"I'll try," the sprite promises. "I'll try, but it'd help if I knew what your know of the First World and the fey."

The little sprite looks up at four big people around her though eyelids heavy from the day's trials and trauma.

Luca speaks up first.

"I'm afraid I know naught of the fairies our their realm, lass," she says.

"I've read stories, but that was when I was little. Do they really have little elves that live in trees and make cookies," Rosaline asks, her eyes dancing with delight.


Female Chelaxian Tiefling Bard (Archaeologist) 3/Cleric (Iomedae) 1
Quick Stats:
Perception +8, low-light, darkvision 120’ | Init +4 | AC 19/T 14/FF 15 | HP 36/36 (Resist cold 5, fire 5, electricity 5, DR2/cold iron) | Fort +4, Ref +6, Will +4 | CMD 16

Olivius’ coming clean:

Olivius_Telraven wrote:
Olivius shoots a withering glare at the sisters. I appreciate that Noro. He says, turning back. But I ask you to be sure you are taking this seriously. I am actively hunted by my Father. A "Racker" is a member of the Hellknight Order of the Rack. They specialize in counter insurgency and manhunts, and they could be after my hide, though I don't know this for sure. As for my Father, he is one of the best devil binders in Cheliax. Bar none.
Noro Kas wrote:
Noro places a reassuring hand on Olive's shoulder. I don't care if you father brings hell itself against us, you were there when I needed you, I will be there when you need me. besides, I can't turn down a good fight. speaking of bar, I really need a drink when we get back.
Thirzin Bronzebeard wrote:
"And that's all?" The dwarf asks quietly, as his rough hand rests on his friend's shoulder. "Lad, we've spilled blood together. Ain't no past history that'll turn us away."

“Well-said, both of you,” Pavanna nods. Despite her firm words, her expression is... thoughtful. Who would have thought enduring the chattering gossip of novices newly arrived from Cheliax would bear such fruit as this? “But you all need to know who we might be dealing with. The Telravens are rising stars in the Chelish aristocracy, partly because of the current Master of the House and his skill in contracting with devils. I don’t know how much to trust the whispers, but they hold that Arturo Telraven forged a compact for six scions of worth. He may have many of them already: I’ve heard of wizards, an Asmodean clergywoman, diplomats, officers in the Hellknights and the Chelish Imperial Army...”

She stops for a moment, thinking, then smiles crookedly at Olivius and continues in a whimsical tone. “... I also wonder if perhaps he out-smarted himself. Those same whispers say the two youngest children are considered ‘disappointments’. Considering that I’ve seen the worth of one of them with my own eyes, I wonder if the devil in question chose to use a different definition of ‘worth’ for them than Arturo intended. Words are notoriously slippery about their meanings, especially in the mouths of devils.”

When she stops chuckling at that, she sobers and looks to Olivius and the others. “For that matter, the Racker may not have been looking for a Telraven who’s found his worth outside of his family’s schemes,” she adds. “The Rack might be hunting Mother and myself. We’ve been eluding —” and occasionally dispatching “— someone’s agents since before we left Cheliax so hastily. I don’t know why they’re so keen to deal with Quinta Alazario and her daughter, but if it may have escalated to the point of involving the Rack, I intend to find out at the first chance I get.”

First Watch, with Nualia:
Pavanna’s mouth twists as the aasimar speaks, and hardens at her exchange with Saroune. Turning level eyes on their prisoner for a moment, the tiefling speaks quietly. “... ‘We are all the sum of our tears. Too little and the ground is not fertile, and nothing can grow there. Too much, the best of us is washed away.’ All too easily, Tobyn, I could have been sitting there, and you could have been standing here. I do pity the girl you were... but the wilful murderer you have become?” She shakes her head and looks back to her duties as sentry.

After a long moment, Pavanna starts speaking again. Lecturing the prisoner? Reminding herself? Not even she knows.
“‘The universe speaks in many languages but only one voice. The language is not dwarven or human or aasimar or tiefling or elven. It speaks in the language of hope. It speaks in the language of trust. It speaks in the language of strength and the language of compassion. It is the language of the heart and the language of the soul.
“‘But always it is the same voice. It is the voice of our ancestors speaking through us. And the voice of our inheritors waiting to be born. It is the small, still voice that says: ‘We are one.’ No matter the blood, no matter the skin, no matter the world, no matter the star: we are one. No matter the pain, no matter the darkness, no matter the loss, no matter the fear: we are one.
“‘Here gathered together in common cause we agree to recognise this singular truth and this singular rule: that we must be kind to one another. Because each voice enriches us and ennobles us, and each voice lost, diminishes us. We are the voice of the universe, the soul of creation, the fire that will light the way to a better future. We are one.
“‘We are one.’”


Female Human Barbarian 4// Init +2/ HP 61 (61) / 69 (69) // AC: 17(15)/T:12(10)/FF:15(12) - Percep: +9// F +8(+10)/R +3/W +3(+5)/CMB +9(+12) (+11(+14) grapple)- CMD 21 (23 grapple)

first watch:

As Pavanna finishes her speech, a piece of left over dinner smacks her shoulder as Noro adds, how about the voice of quiet, I am trying to sleep!

clean out our skeletons:

Noro can't help but smile, so you guys have family that make deals with devils and demons, and here you are stuck with me. You sure you didn't inherit some of that demon bargaining when you agreed to let me join ya? Noro tries to hide a chuckle hoping to boost her own self confidence yet also assure them that she has their backs, no matter what.

besides, it ain't like I got anything better to do than help keep you lot from getting ripped apart for bitter family members and their demonic pets, right?


Martial Flexibility 4/4 Init +5 | Percep 7 | AC 21/ T 13/ F-F 18 | HP 46/46 | Fort +10, Ref +7, Will +2 | CMD 19 (21 bull rush, sunder[Bardishe], 20 drag, overrun, trample, and trip)

the airing of grievances:

Olivius smiles at the gathered companionship. It's a releived, tired thing. Secrets are hard to keep.
Thank you. All of you. I only hope that it will never come to facing my family.


Female Chelaxian Tiefling Bard (Archaeologist) 3/Cleric (Iomedae) 1
Quick Stats:
Perception +8, low-light, darkvision 120’ | Init +4 | AC 19/T 14/FF 15 | HP 36/36 (Resist cold 5, fire 5, electricity 5, DR2/cold iron) | Fort +4, Ref +6, Will +4 | CMD 16

First Watch:
Jolted from her musings, Pavanna flicks a glance at where Noro lies. I really thought I was speaking softer than that.... Brushing off her pauldron, she adds dryly, “Don’t worry, 妹妹: there’s room for the voice of ‘grumpy’, too.”


Male Human (Chelaxian) Bard 4 | AC 17, T 13, FF 14 | hp 38/38 | F +4, R +7, W +4 (+4 vs. bardic performance, sonic, language-dependent) | CMD 18 | Init +5 | Perception +7 | Bardic performance 14/15; 1st-lvl 5/5, 2nd lvl 2/2 | Portrait

Olivius' bombshell:

Knowledge (nobility): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

He's heard little of the Telravens, spare one off-hand comment his father made once during a rant about "blasted up-and-comers trying to make a new way in the world". There were so many noble houses, after all, constantly falling in and out of favour. After trying to get his thoughts in order, he sighs and shakes his head. "And just when I thought I had you figured out," he chuckles.

Second watch:

Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (11) + 10 = 21

Horatio winces at the memory of Rosaline's bedtime stories. He'd had tales of knights and dragons, while his sister's head had been filled with saccharine nonsense. "Not quite, Sis," he grins, tousling her matted hair. "Elves are tall and can be found in cities the world over. And I can't speak for the cookies." His expression sobering, he continues, "I know a little. I've heard of the First World, a primal place which lies behind our own world, where magic suffuses the plane itself and the fey themselves are created from it. I've learned the პირველი ენა, or 'First Tongue', the language we call 'Sylvan', and I've met a dryad queen. I've heard of fey folk both marvelous and horrifying, from the pixies to the redcaps, and I've heard stories from those claiming to have survived an encounter with the nuckelavee. But of the origins of the fey, or their societies, or their mysterious lords..." He shakes his head, admitting, "I know very little.

"Tell us your story, Sprig. Tell us how you found us, and why you chose Thirzin."


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First Watch:

Nualia listens, curling tighter around herself with each word, though she does chuckle at Noro and Pavanna's banter.

The haughty priestess full of anger and rage is gone, replaced by a young woman that had lost everything.

"Hope," she says softly, "what hope is there for one such as I, Iomedaean? I've lied and stolen and killed. I knew what I was doing. I was promised vengeance for damning my soul, and I took it." She looks at her feet and sighs. "I do not expect pity. I do not expect forgiveness, but... I... I'm scared..."

The silver-haired aasimar shivers despite the warmth of the fire.

"I thought I knew what it was like to be alone, to have no one, but I... I always had this feeling that someone was there if I needed them. I could draw upon it to power my spells. Even when I abandoned Desna for Lamashtu, I could still feel that connection, even if it had changed, but... b-but now it's gone! Just gone and that frightens me. I have no one. I cast them into the fire, knowing what the cost would be, but..."

She looks up at you, Pavanna, violet eyes bright in the firelight.

"Is there any hope for me?"


Second Watch:

"Well, not all of us are as pleasing to the eyes or as kind as Kyna, you know," Sprig says with a chuckle at what Horatio says. "There is one thing that all fey share, though. When we die in the First World, we are reborn shortly after. I was born after your visit to Kyna's realm, but I remember your bravery as you fought to defeat the Green Mother. I remember being forced to bend what was my forest to her will. You see, I was the queen of that realm before Kyna. When I was reborn, the memories of my old life were still with me, though they are like a dream, and grow less and less each day. I picked Thirzin because I could feel his spirit. Because he is a forestwalker, and because he seemed like the one in most need of some levity."


Female Human Barbarian 4// Init +2/ HP 61 (61) / 69 (69) // AC: 17(15)/T:12(10)/FF:15(12) - Percep: +9// F +8(+10)/R +3/W +3(+5)/CMB +9(+12) (+11(+14) grapple)- CMD 21 (23 grapple)

first watch:

Noro raises her hand at Pavanna's retort, she gives a thumbs up, indicating she agrees with her statement and hopefully, Pav understands that Noro is only trying to make a little levity.


Transmuter Wizard 4 (Scrollmaster) Init +4 AC 14 (18)/ T 14/ F-F 10 (14) HP 30/30 Fort +3, Ref +6, Will +5 CMD 15

First Watch:
Saroune decides against engaging Nualia. In the span of a conversation, the aasimar had run of a gamut of emotions, each of them designed to manipulate. The wizard had encountered mad men and women in her time, some of them were still teaching at the Acadamae, and she knew that there was precious little she could say that could reach Nualia. She was too far gone, too filled with her anger and delusions. Even this latest attempt to garner sympathy was likely a manipulation.

"That will be up to the people of Sandpoint to decide," Saroune says. "You have much to answer for."


Male Human (Chelaxian) Bard 4 | AC 17, T 13, FF 14 | hp 38/38 | F +4, R +7, W +4 (+4 vs. bardic performance, sonic, language-dependent) | CMD 18 | Init +5 | Perception +7 | Bardic performance 14/15; 1st-lvl 5/5, 2nd lvl 2/2 | Portrait

Second Watch:

"Well, forgive me," Horatio says, with a small smile. "I had no idea I was talking to royalty." Nudging Rosaline in the ribs, he adds, "Well, sis? Now you can say you've met a faerie queen! What would your parents think?" Turning his attention back to the tiny fey, his expression curious, he asks, "What do you remember of those times, Sprig?"


Martial Flexibility 4/4 Init +5 | Percep 7 | AC 21/ T 13/ F-F 18 | HP 46/46 | Fort +10, Ref +7, Will +2 | CMD 19 (21 bull rush, sunder[Bardishe], 20 drag, overrun, trample, and trip)

the revelation:

Olivius is greatly relieved by his comrades' mostly positive reception of who he is, though he acknowledges the commisar's (and other's) critiques of his handling of his identity in the first place. He takes his watch with conviction that he was now where he should be.


Female Angel-Blooded Aasimar (Angelkin) Oracle (Dual-Cursed Oracle) 4 Init +0 | Perception +1 | AC15/T10/F14 | HP 42/42 (Resists: Acid 5/Cold 5/Electric 5) | Fort +4, Ref +1, Will +3 | CMB +7, CMD 17

Asuriel was exhausted by the events of the day, not that everyone else hadn't been either, but she lets her fatigue consume her in her rest. Vivid dreams of flying high above Thistletop fortress with Nualiaiaia consume her, as they laugh and hold hands circling high above the raging waters below. She was vaguely aware of someone nudging her to wake up for watch, but in her dreams it just translated to her mother shaking her and telling her it was time to rise for morning prayers. Already?

She mumbles incoherently and pushes Noro and Ping away from her drugged-like sleep trance. "Five. More minutes."


Female Gnome Sorcerer 1 HP: 8/8 AC 12/12/11 | F+2 R +1 W+3 (+2 vs. Illusions)| Per:+8, Init: +2
Spells:
Elemental Ray 6/6 | 1st: 4/4

Ping shrugs at Noro and then grins mischievously as she proceeds to alter the color of Asuriel's hair, skin, and clothes, turning them hot-pink, electric-blue, neon-green, orange, and violet. She then whispers to Noro, "Mind helping me out with waking her up?"


Dwarf Ranger 3/Barbarian 1 Init +4 | Perception +9 | AC18/T10/F18 | HP 49/49 | Fort +8, Ref +7, Will +4 | CMB +8, CMD 22 (26 vs trip & bull rush)

Second Watch:

The dwarf sits there, dumbfounded. Both by the fact of who had been wandering around in the hood of his cloak, who he'd been protective of, and lastly about the comment regarding levity. The dwarf is obviously uncomfortable with some part of that revelation. Likely all of that revelation.

"I.." the dwarf just trails off, unsure how to respond.


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First Watch:

Nualia says nothing Saroune's words. She just stares into the fire, hoping that it would help keep her demons at bay.

Second Watch:

Seeing Thirzin's unease, Sprig struggles to get up so she can comfort the dwarven ranger. After she falls back into the nest she's wrapped in, breathing heavily from the exertion.

"Th-thirzin. I didn't..." she begins, but the rest of her apology dies unsaid.

Luca, in much better shape than Sprig, wraps one arm around Thirzin's shoulders as the other goes to comfort the little sprite.

Roasline sees what is going on and turns to Horatio.

"I think it might be better to leave them be for now."

Moving things along

The next morning dawns, the air cool and crisp. After breaking down camp, the Heroes head off for Sandpoint. A little while after setting out, you see a familiar face. Orik Vancaskerkin sits on a fallen log beside the road. He looks up and waves in greeting as you approach.

"I see ya didn't kill Lyrie. You have my thanks for that," he says.

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