Male Human Oracle (FC) 15 Init: +8 Perc: +0 AC:24/14/20 F:+13 R:+14 W:+15 HP:124/124 Freedom of movement, Resist Cold/30, Air Walk 30'
Judge and GM:
While they have a moment, I would like to try and resolve my odd behavior while we are here if I can.
I would like to find out if Sakkarot has any prisoners or servants that I can sacrifice while we are here. I find myself...distracted until I can get this resolved.
I could care less about who you sacrifice. I would think that one of the crew members would be optimal. But that may have to wait a few days. Sorry, IC the Judge is aware that you have some rather strange quirks, but is not really aware of your need for a sacrifice.
The Judge watches as Enver makes his way back to his undead filled hut, before turning back to the bugbears.
The Judge does not say anything, but waits for the leader of the bugbears to speak again in response to the Judge's earlier, if brief, introduction.
Male Human Oracle (FC) 15 Init: +8 Perc: +0 AC:24/14/20 F:+13 R:+14 W:+15 HP:124/124 Freedom of movement, Resist Cold/30, Air Walk 30'
Judge and GM:
Dren is being circumspect about it...almost like he is not giving you the entire story, of course if you don't care don't bother with the sense motive.
bluff 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
We are the Ninth and are here to meet Sakkarot Fire-Axe.
The black-furred bugbear smiles an enormously toothy grin. (For just a moment, you're reminded of someone.)
"Then you are welcome here." He turns to the crowd behind him. It's mostly bugbears, but you can see a few goblins scampering around underfoot as well. He raises his voice. "These humans are my guests. I will deal with anyone who threatens or harms them. They are our allies!"
He walks over to the pile of crates at the end of the dock and swings his axe. The top of the crate shatters. He reaches inside and rummages for a moment, then pulls out a large two-handed sword. He raises it high above his head. "See!" He tosses the sword to one of the bugbears, who is immediately surrounded by a curious crowd, eagerly touching the metal weapon. "Behold! They bring us steel!"
A terrifying chorus of roars, growls and cheers rises up from the assembled monsters.
M DEAD KILLED BY DMDM Lore Warden 2/Arcane Duelist 3
Stats:
HP 4/45; AC 20(25 w def/CE)/16(21)/14; CMD 19; Init +5; Perception +4; Fort +7 (8 vs Poison), Ref +9, Will +3; Fire Res 1; BP 10/12; Spells Lvl 1 3/4 Initiative +5
Xen wrinkles his nose at the smell of goblins and bugbears
You're surprised to hear the bugbear leader speak Talirean Common completely without an accent. You're even more surprised a moment later, when he switches languages.
Infernal:
"I'm told your crew are hirelings, and not trustworthy. Best not to discuss our business in front of them. Come! Join me in my tent, as my guests. We have much to talk about."
and then, a moment later
Goblin:
He snaps a rapid series of orders. The crates are picked up and carried away in an orderly fashion. Those bugbears who don't have work to do fall back to the shadow of the trees.
"Enver? He's been playing with his staff a little too much. Don't worry about him.
"A dock is not the place for a strategy conversation. I have some of that drink that humans and dwarves like. The foamy stuff, made from rotting grain? Beer, I think you call it. Are you coming, or not?"
M DEAD KILLED BY DMDM Lore Warden 2/Arcane Duelist 3
Stats:
HP 4/45; AC 20(25 w def/CE)/16(21)/14; CMD 19; Init +5; Perception +4; Fort +7 (8 vs Poison), Ref +9, Will +3; Fire Res 1; BP 10/12; Spells Lvl 1 3/4 Initiative +5
Male Human Oracle (FC) 15 Init: +8 Perc: +0 AC:24/14/20 F:+13 R:+14 W:+15 HP:124/124 Freedom of movement, Resist Cold/30, Air Walk 30'
Infernal:
Lead on then.
Dren falls in behind the larger fighter types and follows the apparent Bugbear leader. As he passes some of the smaller Goblins his hand unknowingly shifts to his dagger...
Assuming everyone follows Sakkarot Fire-Axe (for it is he)...
Captain Odenkirk scowls and spits. "Gah. I do not like that thing. Look at its eyes! A night-stalker should not look back at you with the eyes of a man." He shakes his head. "In Homeland every blade would be turned against such an unnatural creature, before it could wreak some great woe... Frosthamar will anchor in the lake, further than a jotun can hurl a stone. Call for us when you are done."
You follow the black-furred bugbear through the camp.
It's unusually well organized for a camp of monstrous humanoids. Bugbears dominate, but there are plenty of scampering goblins and a few orcs. Once, you see the massive outline of a giant in the distance. Twice, you see large white bears moving around the camp. The bears don't seem to be pets or servants, but they're obviously not wild animals either; nobody seems to take much notice of them.
Sakkarot Fire-Axe's tent is in the center of camp. It's huge, and made of fine wool dyed red -- obviously obtained somehow from human lands, as the monsters are not noted for their spinning and dying skills. But in one respect, it's absolutely typical of a bugbear residence: there are a number of heads mounted on stakes in front of it, in varying states of decay. They're of various species, but several were clearly once human. One of them still wears a rather elaborate looking helmet.
"Come in, come in. Servants!" Sakkarot claps his powerful hands together twice. "Bring food and drink -- the human 'beer' that we've been saving. And announce a feast! Tonight, we celebrate! For we are now the Tribe of Steel!"
A few moments later, you are seated on cushions in the dark interior of the tent's central room. Sakkarot does, in fact, have a small barrel of beer.
"The Wall is not perfect. Small parties of two or three can climb over certain high and rugged cliffs, and small boats can reach the southern shore of the lake sometimes... my people have no knowledge of sailcraft, but anyone can paddle a canoe. So there have always been raids and counter-raids.
"These were clumsy things: a lonely farm terrorized and then burned, a few heads taken. Half the time they'd be caught and killed by patrols before ever they got back to the Wall or the lake. I've been training them to do better... stealth and careful watching, a bit of theft, no killing unless it can go undetected. They can learn.
"And so." He sets the keg between you and taps it with a hatchet. Beer foams upwards. A moment later, when all of you who care to have a full mug, he turns and looks at you all intently. "So it is true. You are almost all human. And yet you bring weapons to arm Talingarde's greatest enemies, and I am told it is you who will break the Wall for us. Tell me, how can this be? Who are you?"
HP 169/169; AC:37/21/29; Saves: +22/+23/+20; Init +10; Per +28(See Invisibility), CMD 42
Misc:
Effects: Resist Cold 30, Fly 30', Telepathic Bond
Jax eagerly takes a mug of beer and raises it in a salute to the bugbear.
We are, my dear friend, enemies of Talingarde. The Wall is not impenetrable, as you have said yourself. It has cracks. You live in the harsh north, I'm sure you've seen how rocks with cracks in them can slowly be torn apart by water freezing within those cracks. We will be the water that brings down the Wall.
The tiefling grins from ear to ear in his human guise. And tonight, we celebrate. To the downfall of our enemies!
While the bugbear is drinking, Jax will look at the party members and shrug.
The Judge listens to Sakkarot and then his companions:
There is no reason for your kind to be banished to the cold north, just as there is no reason for the worship of all but Mitra to be banished from Talingarde. We are here to teach a lesson to those who would keep your people behind the wall. And that lesson is that banishing and ignoring the enemy can cause the enemy to grow while the banishers sit behind their high walls in the ignorant belief that they are safe. A new dawn is nearly upon us and your great tribe is one part of bringing the true lord before the soft land to the south.
Sakkarot takes a long swig and then wipes his muzzle. "Hm. Not bad... the goblins can make fermented drinks, but they generally lack the patience..."
"Indeed, my horde believes it will claim a great empire in the warm, soft South." He takes another swig. "But you... you are traitors to your own kind. You must know that. When Balentyne falls and my horde pours through its shattered gates, we will slaughter the Talireans by the thousands. Yet I see no regret in your eyes. Tell me, how can
this be?"
M DEAD KILLED BY DMDM Lore Warden 2/Arcane Duelist 3
Stats:
HP 4/45; AC 20(25 w def/CE)/16(21)/14; CMD 19; Init +5; Perception +4; Fort +7 (8 vs Poison), Ref +9, Will +3; Fire Res 1; BP 10/12; Spells Lvl 1 3/4 Initiative +5
Female Aasimar Wizard 6 (HP 53/53; AC 18/18/15; CMD 16 Fort +5; Ref +7 Will +8; Init +3; Perception +11; Darkvision 60 ft)
Sakkarot is rather 'charming' and philosophical for a bugbear.
'Nor are Talireans 'my kind.' Besides, your great people need Living Space, if your horde is to grow stronger.'
'And just as importantly, as a learned Sage once said, it is far better to RULE from the Highest Heavens than to serve in the Pit'
'That and there was nothing good on TV when we thought up this plan'.
'There is nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success, than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things. We are that New Order.'
Diplomacy 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
'To put it simply great chief, like yourself, it is our Destiny to rule.'
But at that moment, the tent flap of the inner chamber opens. Two people enter. One is a tall man who bears unmistakable traces of orcish ancestry in his skin and face. The hilts of two large, curved swords protrude from over his shoulders. The other is a bright-eyed young human woman.
"Ah. My friends, meet Lazar-Knez, also called the Wolf That Watches, and Raisa. And now you have met all of the Fourth Knot."
The tall half-orc simply nods and sits. He has a posture of alertness about him, like a woodland animal that is poised to flee or pounce.
The young woman throws her arms in the air. "Oh wow! Other humans! This is great!" She turns to Zimu. "Oh, you're a woman! We could talk! About... girl stuff!" She turns to look at the rest of you, pausing to stare openly for a moment at Sir Edmin. "Whoa. Well, hello there, Handsome!"
She's in her late teens or early twenties, with mousy brown hair and bright blue eyes. There's something slightly strange about her, though you can't immediately put your finger on it.
Male Human Oracle (FC) 15 Init: +8 Perc: +0 AC:24/14/20 F:+13 R:+14 W:+15 HP:124/124 Freedom of movement, Resist Cold/30, Air Walk 30'
Dren, appears to sip his beer, having no interest in the human pursuit of getting drunk and losing control, he can barely restrain the spirits as it is.
Male Human Oracle (FC) 15 Init: +8 Perc: +0 AC:24/14/20 F:+13 R:+14 W:+15 HP:124/124 Freedom of movement, Resist Cold/30, Air Walk 30'
Dren silently calls upon his powers Guidance via silent spell.
Dren tries to impress his force of will on the bugbear leader, first he turns into a Bugbear, then he drops his guise,
We all have our own reasons Sakkarot, but we will all do our part to make sure that this cause succeeds. I am a shape-shifter...of a sort. This is the first time I have tried to become one of your kind.
But what about some entertainment? Do you have an enemy that you have captured or a slave you care nothing about. I would like to sacrifice it...and see what happens. Let's just say I am guessing that it will be...entertaining.
When Sakkarot responds:
Your tribes may overwhelm the humans to the south, or they may rally and stand strong. But, the Dark Lord does not reward weaklings. He rewards the strong. If the Talingardian guts is too weak to survive as a people, then it shall die and another shall take its place. Perhaps bugbears, or goblins, or orcs, or other humans who are stronger such as those who live here beyond the Wall and have survived living amongst your tribes for eons.
__________________
When the rest of the Fourth arrives.
Well met Lazar-Knez and Lady Raisa. We are the Ninth. The final knot. After several weeks on the ship with the tyrant captain, it is good to be on solid ground. I am Tohram and these are my companions, Edmin, Dren, Jax, Xen and Cy. The Judge introduces the rest of the party without actually indicating which is which to allow the others to introduce themselves as they will.
M DEAD KILLED BY DMDM Lore Warden 2/Arcane Duelist 3
Stats:
HP 4/45; AC 20(25 w def/CE)/16(21)/14; CMD 19; Init +5; Perception +4; Fort +7 (8 vs Poison), Ref +9, Will +3; Fire Res 1; BP 10/12; Spells Lvl 1 3/4 Initiative +5
Douglas Muir 406 wrote:
She turns to look at the rest of you, pausing to stare openly for a moment at Sir Edmin. "Whoa. Well, hello there, Handsome!"
Male Human Oracle (FC) 15 Init: +8 Perc: +0 AC:24/14/20 F:+13 R:+14 W:+15 HP:124/124 Freedom of movement, Resist Cold/30, Air Walk 30'
Xenfal, from what I have seen females are fickle creatures. Before you know it she will be staring at that hat you seem to be so enamored with and offering you what you desire.
Female Aasimar Wizard 6 (HP 53/53; AC 18/18/15; CMD 16 Fort +5; Ref +7 Will +8; Init +3; Perception +11; Darkvision 60 ft)
Cуровую looks at Dren and makes note that she will research the spell Empowered Utter Crushing Hopeless Despair and she will of course need 'volunteers.'
M DEAD KILLED BY DMDM Lore Warden 2/Arcane Duelist 3
Stats:
HP 4/45; AC 20(25 w def/CE)/16(21)/14; CMD 19; Init +5; Perception +4; Fort +7 (8 vs Poison), Ref +9, Will +3; Fire Res 1; BP 10/12; Spells Lvl 1 3/4 Initiative +5
Male Human Oracle (FC) 15 Init: +8 Perc: +0 AC:24/14/20 F:+13 R:+14 W:+15 HP:124/124 Freedom of movement, Resist Cold/30, Air Walk 30'
Cуровую зиму wrote:
Cуровую looks at Dren and makes note that she will research the spell Empowered Utter Crushing Hopeless Despair and she will of course need 'volunteers.'
Dren's eyes look up and meet yours for a second...and a small smirk comes to the corner of his mouth. He then looks away and his usual expressionless visage comes over his face.
You get the feeling that his comment might have been trying to elicite a reaction from you in some way.
One notable thing about Raisa: she's wearing the biggest, most in-your-face holy symbol of Asmodeus you've ever seen. It's made of black iron, it hangs on a chain around her neck, and it must weigh at least ten pounds.
M DEAD KILLED BY DMDM Lore Warden 2/Arcane Duelist 3
Stats:
HP 4/45; AC 20(25 w def/CE)/16(21)/14; CMD 19; Init +5; Perception +4; Fort +7 (8 vs Poison), Ref +9, Will +3; Fire Res 1; BP 10/12; Spells Lvl 1 3/4 Initiative +5
Not being one to drink beer, Xen pulls one of his remaining bottles of wine out of his haversack and a couple goblets.
He pours himself one and offers the second to Zimu, if she refuses to Raisa.
Perception: there's literally something a bit off about Raisa. One of her eyes is slightly higher than the other. She has a slight hunchback. Her arms seem just a little too long. A couple of the fingers on her left hand have no fingernails, just blank skin. And there's just something a bit strange about the way she moves.
We all have our own reasons Sakkarot, but we will all do our part to make sure that this cause succeeds. I am a shape-shifter...of a sort. This is the first time I have tried to become one of your kind.
Sakkarot raises one eyebrow; he seems interested but not particularly impressed. The Wolf-That-Watches gives you a long, keen, searching stare. Raisa laughs and claps her hands. "Ha ha, great! Can you do more?"
Quote:
But what about some entertainment? Do you have an enemy that you have captured or a slave you care nothing about. I would like to sacrifice it...and see what happens. Let's just say I am guessing that it will be...entertaining.[/b]
diplomacy guidance 1d20+11+1
"Ha! We're out of captives. Slaves... well, there's always a goblin or two in the pen. They get hungry, they steal, they get caught. They make fine examples... why? Are you a servant of the Dark Father?" Sakkarot signs himself with the sign of the pentacle. "I wouldn't think He would be interested in goblins..."
Who is sitting where? Edmin, Xen, Zimu: 1d7 ⇒ 11d6 ⇒ 31d5 ⇒ 3 Okay, so Edmin is on the far left, Zimu and Xen are seated next to each other. After a moment's hesitation, Raisa plumps herself down on a cushion between Xen and Zimu. She gives Zimu a friendly squeeze on the shoulder. "Hi! I'm really glad to meet you!" She turns to stare at Xen for a moment. "Hey, you're cute too. Is that a hat?"
Note in passing: this whole business is going to be slightly surreal for Sir Edmin. How he deals with it is up to you, but it's going to at least be pretty weird.
M DEAD KILLED BY DMDM Lore Warden 2/Arcane Duelist 3
Stats:
HP 4/45; AC 20(25 w def/CE)/16(21)/14; CMD 19; Init +5; Perception +4; Fort +7 (8 vs Poison), Ref +9, Will +3; Fire Res 1; BP 10/12; Spells Lvl 1 3/4 Initiative +5
No it is not a hat. It is the most fabulous hat ever purchased. That is quite the necklace you have there.
Jax glances to the Judge and nods towards the newcomers, not saying anything until after he's spoken.
Pleased to meet the two of you.
Sense motive on the woman. 1d20+6
Jax only:
There's something really strange about her. That said, in terms of motivations she seems as transparent as water: she's excited, gregarious, a little naive, perhaps rather poorly socialized. You have the strong impression that it would be easy to get information from her. In fact, the challenge would probably be to get her to stop talking.
Quote:
if Message is up, to Cimu: Allow the Judge to take the lead in speaking with the Fourth. Irin said it would be a good idea.
As an aside: At this point, Jax could just say "Irin told me.." and say whatever he wants <.<. He -did- get a "private" session with her :)
That's a totally fair and valid point. And you know he'd be thinking about it.
No it is not a hat. It is the most fabulous hat ever purchased.
"Oh! Well, it's really large and colorful!"
Quote:
That is quite the necklace you have there.
"Cardinal Thorn gave it to me!" Raisa hefts the massive holy symbol in one hand and beams at it with undisguised delight. "He's such a wonderful man! Cardinal Thorn... he's the best!" Her voice trembles with undisguised emotion. Either she's an extraordinarily convincing liar, or she really adores the Cardinal.
Sakkarot clears his throat. "Raisa," he rumbles, "we have much to discuss with our guests."
"Oh, sorry, sir! Was I being...? I was? Sorry! I'll just sit quietly, sir. Sorry! I mean, sorry. I mean... being quiet now, Warlord Sakkarot!"
Raisa will sit quietly for the next little while, unless addressed directly. However, every so often she'll give Zimu's arm a friendly squeeze, accompanied by a bright smile. And she's frankly ogling the two "cute" male members of the party. Whether you find this off-putting, endearing, amusing or annoying is entirely a matter of personal taste.
M DEAD KILLED BY DMDM Lore Warden 2/Arcane Duelist 3
Stats:
HP 4/45; AC 20(25 w def/CE)/16(21)/14; CMD 19; Init +5; Perception +4; Fort +7 (8 vs Poison), Ref +9, Will +3; Fire Res 1; BP 10/12; Spells Lvl 1 3/4 Initiative +5
Xenfal gives her a wink and a winning smile as he sips his wine, and adjusts his hat.
Sakkarot turns to you. "Miss Raisa does make a good point. We are all of us loyal to Cardinal Thorn and to the Dark Father. For it was by them that we were all saved, in our various ways... I am guessing the same is true for you?"
M DEAD KILLED BY DMDM Lore Warden 2/Arcane Duelist 3
Stats:
HP 4/45; AC 20(25 w def/CE)/16(21)/14; CMD 19; Init +5; Perception +4; Fort +7 (8 vs Poison), Ref +9, Will +3; Fire Res 1; BP 10/12; Spells Lvl 1 3/4 Initiative +5
Saved?...Xen seems to chew on the word. As good a word as any I suppose. I am sure we all have long stories of how we ended up here. But perhaps we should get down to business, I am not sure that our good captain wont up and leave us here.
Female Aasimar Wizard 6 (HP 53/53; AC 18/18/15; CMD 16 Fort +5; Ref +7 Will +8; Init +3; Perception +11; Darkvision 60 ft)
Dren that reaction was out of character.
:)
Cуровую takes the glass of wine offered by Xen, holds it near her lips, takes a look at Xen, then takes a look at Raisa Perception, looks at Xen again and then says,
M DEAD KILLED BY DMDM Lore Warden 2/Arcane Duelist 3
Stats:
HP 4/45; AC 20(25 w def/CE)/16(21)/14; CMD 19; Init +5; Perception +4; Fort +7 (8 vs Poison), Ref +9, Will +3; Fire Res 1; BP 10/12; Spells Lvl 1 3/4 Initiative +5
No I insist Zimu.
Gotta let her think she is doing well darling. Cause our dark prince there isn't going to give her the time of day. He whispers to her
Male Human Oracle (FC) 15 Init: +8 Perc: +0 AC:24/14/20 F:+13 R:+14 W:+15 HP:124/124 Freedom of movement, Resist Cold/30, Air Walk 30'
Douglas Muir 406 wrote:
Dren of the Dark Tapestry wrote:
We all have our own reasons Sakkarot, but we will all do our part to make sure that this cause succeeds. I am a shape-shifter...of a sort. This is the first time I have tried to become one of your kind.
Sakkarot raises one eyebrow; he seems interested but not particularly impressed. The Wolf-That-Watches gives you a long, keen, searching stare. Raisa laughs and claps her hands. "Ha ha, great! Can you do more?"
Quote:
But what about some entertainment? Do you have an enemy that you have captured or a slave you care nothing about. I would like to sacrifice it...and see what happens. Let's just say I am guessing that it will be...entertaining.[/b]
diplomacy guidance 1d20+11+1
"Ha! We're out of captives. Slaves... well, there's always a goblin or two in the pen. They get hungry, they steal, they get caught. They make fine examples... why? Are you a servant of the Dark Father?" Sakkarot signs himself with the sign of the pentacle. "I wouldn't think He would be interested in goblins..."
Not a direct servant, but I do serve his cause. I think this "entertainment" will help to further the Dark Father's cause and cost you nothing but a Goblin slave that you will use as fodder at the wall.
I can do more but I don't waste the gift to use as parlor tricks. Raisa, I am sure you have many powers that give you an advantage over our enemies.
