Wilaml Fmelvam |
Knowing we had gotten away kinda makes this post a little more fluff than anything important.
Also was there time to check what the veteran had on him and/or retrieve my longsword?
He had grabbed up everything he could from the den of the destroyer, but as their banner maiden began lighting fires in the warehouse he turned away from the exit. He strode back towards the altar, the vile cauldrons and the fresh sacrifices. Intent to strike a blow to the destroyer and its minions in a way that he hoped they would all feel.
He pulled free the symbol of the All Father, the Crescent Moon, and brandished it like the divine weapon it was as he stood over the symbol of the Destroyer. "Fa anira tyeamam eo anira Tymeananyanem E nyillaan aey weaml Faillaan, filnyn elane aeym tymelael illa aey ilma lean amacnyesa irama!"
"By the power of the Protector I cast you down Beast, back into your prison as you are not welcome here!"
As he finished his words he released another wave of his faith throughout the chamber, casting the strength of the Protector in all directions. Feeling this shrine of the Destroyer weakening he pressed on, continuing to brandish the Protector's symbol as the greatest weapon he could muster. To call upon their father's strength to aid them in these dark times and cast out the beast that tried to consume all that was beautiful.
"Irailm sa leam Faillaan! Nleam anirilan anirela wila E laamailm ane walaanmea aeym oecceamamla. Ane Tymeananyan anirilan amirenyir aey laaan ane irilms illw anilna filnyn anirilan amirenyir ela lean aeymla! Lae favela lairmela eo aelec, Anira Tymeananyanem nyessillwla ean!"
With that he released what little strength he had left, a great wave of positive energy erupted from his core. Enveloping the room in a gold haze for mere moments before dissipating once more. Now, Completely spent, he turned away from the powerless shrine. He tucked his cymbol back behind his armored plating and caught up with the others as the warehouse started to blaze behind him...
So I definitely grabbed those whips, a cultist outfit and some potions but the whips are more important. :)
Back on the boat
He administers to whoever is still wounded, using the last bit of his strength to heal them before bedding down for the night. Once alone he sets the evil weaponry on what little shelving he has and focuses all his might on them...
Detect Evil: 3 rounds to determine How evil these weapons are~
Once that was done he dressed down, removing his armor and cleaning it to the best of his ability. With his gear prepped and ready for the next day he sat and contemplated his actions. Regretting the failed attempt at dueling but hoping that the next time they faced a foe the battle would be as simple...
That done, time to level!
Chainmail |
Wil calls on the cleansing power of his faith, and the energy sweeps over the area and a popping sound is heard as the cauldrons bubbling brews are stilled. The altar is lit in a brief divine fire, and the swirling air behind the altar stills.
The warehouse is set ablaze and the evil magic whips are quickly consumed. The supplies and resources that are assembled begin to blaze as many of them seem to burn quickly. Although the structure will probably hold, billowing smoke rises from the four chimneys as the group leaves.
In the confusion, the escape to the wharf is quite easy. Minutes after boarding the ship, four large hideous winged figures arrive on the site carrying two riders each. In the distance, it is difficult to make out the details.
As Windfavor quickly gets the boat underway, you notice he carefully navigates the channel. He admits that while you were exploring, he sank two of the barges in the channel, making pursuit difficult by sea.
There is little left of the supply depot but a blackened husk of stone.
Seltyn Sevenleaf |
I guess I owe everybody a drink...
Seltyn's slightly injured, but he'll be fine. He smiles a little, glad to see how things went when we acted as a team. There are some capable elves on this boat. The queen will be glad to hear it.
Azlain |
Azlain climbs back up the mast shortly after the ship left port. Somehow, being up there in the swaying and open air was the only way he could avoid sea sickness.
Suny |
Suny sighs, wriggles out of both the cultists robes and her armor, nursing the dog bites she's received. Poking at some of the holes in said apparel she mutters,
"That's gon'a need a patchin'.."
Wilaml Fmelvam |
His long ear's twitched. Pride... The veteran died again before his eyes, over and over. Struck down by his comrade's blade. Betrayal... The man sent the runner, the first thing Wil wanted to do was kill the poor fool who followed that command. Arrogance... The cult's hidden shrine, those sacrifices, were they innocent? Or brainwashed sycophants?
As the altar burned before his eyes once more, he remembered the feeling of calling out to their Father for aid, that feeling of joy when he answered. Casting the rough Beast down and stomping out his foul influence for the time being...
It wasn't his mission, he didn't owe the Tree Mother anything but the knowledge that such a rare creature of beauty was restrained by foul and loathsome servants of the Rough Beast filled his mouth with bile...
She would be freed, by all the power he could muster, at the cost of his life if that was needed. She would be free and her jailers would pay dearly for their trepasses. They would pay dearly...
He felt warm, extremely warm and opening his eyes he found the long blade in his lap was dancing with flames. Seemingly just as eager as he was to bring an end to those who served evil. It was that moment that he realized he couldn't rest. Not now, he needed to train first. Hone his muscles, his mind and his faith so that he could become an instrument of the divine.
He rose from his sitting position, shirtless and picked up the long blade before striding out on deck...
He climbed out on deck, shirtless and in nothing more than his beaten up traveling pants. The salty taste of the open sea was a welcomed change to the stifling warmth of his armor and despite the cool sting of the heavy sea breeze he found that he was able to focus. The gentle rolling of the deck made his training harder and he was glad.
He practiced his footwork, slashing with the blade and side stepping. Forward Stepping. Backstepping and blocking. He would have to practice his archery when he got a chance, brush up on his horse back riding as well. He just had so much to do and was glad that they all had retreated from that place with minimal injuries. He was saddened by his powers having been expended by destroying the shrine but it had been a necessary evil to accomplish that goal.
Unless you had moved before it happened Suny, Wil healed everyone near him for 12 hp with his first channel positive energy. Just so you know. ;) I had assumed for the last two everyone was, well, on the run! lol
Windfavor |
Windfavor helps looks at the potions, and perceptive elves quickly discover their nature.
3 oils of keen edge
3 potions of shield of faith +3
5 potions protection from arrow 10
3 potions of bull's strength
2 potions cat's grace
4 oils of magic vestment +1 (+1 to armor or shield for 6 hours)
Obviously the alchemists were no slouches.
Chainmail |
As the ship returns to elfhome, you could almost imagine you hear the screams of dwarves as they are being pummeled to the ground by a single large giant. It is probably just the wind playing tricks on you as the ship moves at speeds not often experience buy anyone not plummeting to the earth from a leap from a huge mountain.
Windfavor looks at the horizon and says, "With this ship under sail, what is behind me is not worth giving more than a passing glance. It makes a stern watch mostly a training exercise."
Thalas Lebarath |
How can Dwarfs struggle against giants? They get +4 AC against them!
"I shall have to take your word for it, Master Windfavor, though I note you say 'mostly'. How quickly do you make our passage? Shall we make Elfhome on the morrow?"
Wilaml Fmelvam |
Wil trained on deck more often during their return journey home, honing his control over the fiery blade for the next time they marched into battle. The sounds on the winds made him pause though, looking around momentarily before returning to his exercise. "Strange sounds on yonder wind doth blow~"
Each slash through the air either is accompanied by the blade bursting into flames or nothing at all. More often than not, nothing happens as the magic in the blade resists being summoned without purpose. Undaunted he continued his training exercises, enjoying the cool sea wind as it rushed over his skin.
Seltyn Sevenleaf |
Seltyn leafs through his spellbook, aware that he's got more magical power than yesterday. The party's help in getting him scrolls will pay off for everyone in the future.
He grinned, memorizing spells that once seemed too complex to cast. A brief image of dwarves, of all things, flashed across his mind. Perhaps a dwarf had created one of the scrolls he was using? Not likely, but not impossible.
It was a fair guess that the Rovagug cult was reeling from Windfavor's well-conceived action, and their hold on the human lands was weakened. Perhaps the humans themselves would find the courage to finish what the elves had started.
You're not forgotten, Radriel. We're coming for you.
Wilaml Fmelvam |
Wil continued to train with the blade, trying to hone his skill. Perfect his craft before the next battle. He'd become stronger, strong enough that they could crush this cult utterly. They had to find a way to break their hold over the human tribes that had sworn their allegiance, if they could do that they could tear them down easier...
Eirel Tatenaias |
Eirel will play a fairly passive role on the way back to Elfhome. The presence of the Rovagug shrine has worried him, as he was not aware of the God's presence in the area. He was unsure what to do, although looking through his tools and playing with Who calmed his nerves and allowed him to relax more. It appeared that the group were a fairly quiet bunch, although that impression might have been deceiving. He wasn't really sure.
Watching Wil with his training, he was impressed. The elf appeared to know what he was doing with the sword, although the heavy armour and the like didn't make much sense to him personally. He wasn't one for wearing all the metal. It interfered with understanding nature, plus in the warmer weather was sticky.
Seltyn Sevenleaf |
Many had come and gone. Some by happenstance, others by the lethality of their missions.
Of the original party, only he and Elorin remained. Telelthal, the half elf barbarian, had moved on, as well as Velesia Shadestep, a clever rogue and archer.
Marlamin the druid died horribly, defending them. Lienelda Pitanyel seemed a gift from the gods, and died almost as soon as she appeared, disappearing at the restored altar of an ancient elven god. They'd achieved that only at great cost. May she find peace in her self-sacrifice. Sister Maeve was another cleric who didn't last long.
Kalthas Pennas, the wood elf, was replaced by Velesia. Seltyn knew almost nothing about him.
Talon Moonwalker had stood beside Seltyn the day they were summoned and chosen to start in service to their people. He was the most recent casualty. It was still painful to remember, and Seltyn mourned his friend, reminded even more by Elorin's rage at his loss.
He and Talon had quarreled plenty. What he wouldn't give for another argument with that brave, headstrong ranger, now!
The sadness of remembering the losses of so many beautiful elves was almost paralyzing. Were it not for his newfound faith in Labelas Eloreth, it may have well ruined him. He now trusted in the balance of time.
We'll get it done. Just not all at once. Patience. Planning. Choose the time and place, and shape it to our favor. Put time on our side, not theirs.
The current party was the best, yet. Between them, there was little they couldn't do. They just had to work together. As the wizard, it was his job to make it easier, and keep their efforts coordinated. With so many elves of such disparate temperaments, it was not an easy job, but their bonds were stronger in success. These kids were all right.
Perhaps they could work more as a unit if they took the time to know each other a little better. They'd always been in such a rush, there wasn't much time to just talk and know the fellow elves they were trusting with their very lives.
Seeing that Windfavor had things well in hand, Seltyn called a meeting. It was time to make their loyalty to the cause less abstract. He grabbed a bottle of medicinal liquor, and opened it.
Let's know each other a little better. Eirel, take this bottle and have a drink. You're the new guy, and we know nothing about you. Tell us something we don't know about you, then pass it to whoever you want. They will take a drink, tell us something about themselves, then pass it to whoever they want, and on down the line, until we've all shared something about ourselves, as much or as little as you like.
I feel as if I'm working with friends I barely know. Let's not be strangers. We're people outside of battle, too. If I die, I'd like to be remembered as more than just a spellcaster. We're all more than we seem.
Wilaml Fmelvam |
Wil ceased his training at Seltyn's call and, sheathing the flaming blade came to sit shirtless on deck with his fellows. Relishing the feeling of the sweat being whisked away by the cool ocean breeze, completely forgetting about the scars that covered most of his upper body. He was nowhere near as injured as Azlain but all of his life had been dedicated to war. So he too sat and quietly awaited his turn, nodding in agreement with Seltyn that is was high time they got to know each more personally outside of battle.
Eirel Tatenaias |
Taking the bottle, sipping and then spluttering for a while, Eirel thinks for a moment.
I was once a thorn into the sides of the human race. I stayed in their Forests and plagued them in ways to drive them to distraction. Loosening wagon wheels and trying to delay their supplies. It worked for a time, and then they got smart. My attempts became less and less effective, so I stopped in the end. Went wandering for a while. Found Who here, and we stayed together ever since that. Funny really, we barely know each other, he and I, yet get along just fine.
To friendship and loyalties.
He passes the bottle to Wil.
Suny |
Suny pads over to where the others are gathering on deck, a light robe draped about herself against the cooler nights sea breeze. A small globe of mage light, very dim to human eyes -though quite enough for those of Elves- floats along hovering just above a shoulder.
She smiles at her companions nad takes a seat upon a cushion of coiled ropes, politely waiting to hear what others say, as well as for the conversation to work its way around to her.
Wishing every one and theirs all the very best.
Seltyn Sevenleaf |
I suppose you all know my story. Elorin and I have been here from the start of these adventures. We've had mixed results, but our Lady has overall been pleased. I grew up the son of lore keepers, loyal to Elfhome. When I was asked to serve, I said yes. This is just what I do now, and I find I've gotten used to it. It's a pleasure to work alongside such a fine crew as we've got here.
Chainmail |
Sorry for the delay. The dwarves are wrapping up soon. It is obvious they have avoided a TPK, but have suffered massive casualties.
As the ship sails back to elfhome, the party replays the conversations on the wharf.
gather info Windfavor: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13
Windfavor reveals that he knows of an alchemist that can mix potions of waterbreathing for 75% of normal price. He will also make fair offers to buy potions if the group wishes to sell (60% of retail).
Lady Ciedrel |
As the group returns, the elven queen awaits them at the wharf. She seems to be all smiles on this sunny day. A party of younger elves is waiting to greet the return with a few banners and cakes.
When you return to the war room, the queen is more serious after your relate the details of the mission.
"The offensive power of the cult is blunted for now. Moving supplies through their unfavorable terrain and obtaining foodstuffs is a particular challenge. I think you removed their main center."
She adds: "The wood elves won two decisive battles after cutting down two of their main leaders with their dueling. Our advisor seems to think their use of glaives and pikes in combat can be quite effective. We have procured some for our armory."
Lady Ciedrel |
"Our smiths have crafted a suit of armor and need to fit it to one of your fighters. The wood elves outfit a champion with significant equipment as they put great stock in this dueling. We are not convinced, but we do think you may need better protection if you find yourself in danger."
Lady Ciedrel produces a very light suit of full plate made out of what looks to be delicate material, but actually is quite durable.
Full mithral plate +1 of light fortification (25% chance to avoid sneak attack or critical)
She looks to Seltyn.
"Who should I fit this for?"
Seltyn Sevenleaf |
Seltyn looks at the fine mithral, admiring its quality.
Azlain is our most athletic warrior. I think this armor would suit his style very well. He likes his mobility. If he doesn't want it, I'm sure Wil would wear it.
Azlain |
Azlain seems surprised when Seltyn mentions him, then slowly nods.
"I... thank you. And thank you, your majesty."
It'll slow me down a little, but in 2 more levels I'll get Armor Training 2 and be able to move normally in it. Mithril Full Plate is pretty amazing. I'd be a fool to pass it up.
Wilaml Fmelvam |
Wil nods in complete agreement, gladdened that he wasn't asked as he felt Azlain would utilize it more than himself. Seeing the look of surprise on his comrades face brings him some peace, despite the unsettling tingle that was crawling beneath his skin. After congratulating Azlain he turned to their Queen and addressed her directly.
"Your Majesty, is there another way to slow them further? Do we happen to know of any who oppose them other than ourselves or our close allies?"
Seltyn Sevenleaf |
Since it's mithral, it's considered medium armor for encumbrance, etc. Shouldn't slow you down any more than your breastplate. Just a very nice bump to your AC, and check penalties!
An item made from mithral weighs half as much as the same item made from other metals. In the case of weapons, this lighter weight does not change a weapon's size category or the ease with which it can be wielded (whether it is light, one-handed, or two-handed). Items not primarily of metal are not meaningfully affected by being partially made of mithral. (A longsword can be a mithral weapon, while a quarterstaff cannot.) Mithral weapons count as silver for the purpose of overcoming damage reduction.
Weapons or armors fashioned from mithral are always masterwork items as well; the masterwork cost is included in the prices given below.
Mithral has 30 hit points per inch of thickness and hardness 15.
Thalas Lebarath |
Thalas' eyes widen when he sees the armor Lady Ciedrel presents. The material and craftsmanship were equal that of any of what he'd seen in his youth when the Elven people flourished across all the land and their craft was surpassed by none.
Lady Ciedrel |
"We have been invited to visit the do-gooder wizards you met in their hamlet since you departed. I guess they liked your group after the big troll ambush."
She checks with her advisor.
"The cult is blunted for now. Derrick seem to think moving against one of their temples may be wise. But I would rather let them continue to keep the cult at bay. They may be trying to get us to do their work for them."
There is still the island to visit too.
Wilaml Fmelvam |
Blunted. He wanted them crushed under heel, broken and scattered to the winds. The Beast wouldn't gain another foothold if he could help it. Despite his own feelings the Queen was right, there was better things to do. The Alchemists would need to be sought out.
"Perhaps we can seek out the Alchemists now? An alliance with them and acquiring their knowledge could be pivotal in the future."
Eirel Tatenaias |
Eirel listens to the points made so far, and mulls them over for a moment before speaking when there is a pause.
It appears that you have multiple paths ahead of you as a group. These desert people might well be useful to speak to. It depends entirely what you hope to gain from them. If you wish further allies, or information.
These alchemists, what do you hope to gain? We had a great many potions from the raid on that warehouse, do you really think more might be gained than what we already have? Do we have the material resources to trade with them?
If the cult is blunted already, then is it worth continuing on when their position is already weakened and they might be less likely to effectively resist us.
If we move in one way, what do we give up in the others, is this known to us? Time is the only thing we really have to spend, and thus we must spend it wisely. Seltyn, lead us.
Wilaml Fmelvam |
His features turned hard at the druids wild rambling. What did they have to gain? Everything! "It's simple Eirel we gained enough potions for just Us. I think on the scale of an army not individuals. I don't want these cultists blunted, I want to smash them completely. Cast them down with the god they worship and take back that which was never there's to hold! So the chemists could give us the resources to keel our soldiers on their feet lest we feel like fighting a battle of attrition. Same with the desert people. Allies, supplies and manpower are of the greatest importance and im more than willing to split up to achieve multiple goals. Send me against the cultists if you need to I will not shirk facing them while you secure allies."
Thalas Lebarath |
"I believe the island to be our best option at present. Our travel time with the Slipstream means the time necessary to commit to such a venture should be minimal and it offers the fastest method of return should Lady Ciedrel require it," Thalas states, having considered and judged their options.