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"What's your relationship with the bear? Are you a street performer?"
Street Performer? Allarnon becomes quite confused "Tarkir is my friend." he beams proudly and is unable to answer further as he is assaulted with more questions.
"That's weird. First time in Varisia, eh? From your build and tattos, I marked you for one of the shoanti. You know, from one of their many tribes. If you are not Shoanti, what do your tats symbolize?"
"Ah the barbaric nomadic tribe of the Storval Plataeu? My tattoo's were giving to me by the elders of my Order!"
"And how did you end up in the middle of tbis forest without the elves stoppin' you, eh?" Ed asks, breaking out of his stupor.
"They've been guarding it for as long as anyone can remember and you jus' wander in, get attacked by some drow and live to tell the tale?"
Allarnon thinks for a moment.
If the elders decided to drop me here, then they surely meant for me to meet these kind people to escort me on my passage.
Steeling himself he responds to Ederin as if it were common knowledge. "That's where the Council decided it was best to leave me to begin my right of passage. I have been sent to explore as much of the other world..... sorry Golarian, as I can before I return." Taking his hand Allarnon wipes a mop of hair from his face.
"Return? Return to where?" Lief is suddenly intensely more interested, what, with all the activity of falling stars and alien creatures. He even catches himself looking the man over for signs of an incomplete anatomy, or overcomplete, like a tail or something.
Ederin lowers his guard a bit. Allarnon seemed willing enough to discuss himself and his motives but the whole thing sounded odd.
"Other world, mate? What's that mean?"
Kaylayne waits with arms folded for the man (or bear) to answer. She has many questions and only fields slightly guilty about ganging up on him. However, she was as much captive/guest as Allarnon so that mitigated her feelings about intrusion.
"Your 'Council' decides your fates and what you do? Do you get to decide on anything that you do?" Kaylayne asks, feeling for the man's freedom, or lack of it. "Why are they in charge of your life? Or is it that the rite of passage needs their blessing?"
Dimitrio scratches his scraggly beard, "So not a dancing bear then. Good because we already have a dancer in the group."
He then waits patiently for the man to answer the group's questions. he brings his licked palm to his nose making sure it didn't smell funny.
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"Return? Return to where?"
"Return home of course. To the Tanglethorn. It's a small demi-plane that my Order created to keep us safe." Seeing Lief walk all about him, inspecting him causes Allarnon to spin his head all about in curiosity.
"Other world, mate? What's that mean?"
"This! Golarian!" Allarnon waves his hands about. "This is Golarian right?" he says with a look of concern.
"Your 'Council' decides your fates and what you do? Do you get to decide on anything that you do?" Kaylayne asks, feeling for the man's freedom, or lack of it. "Why are they in charge of your life? Or is it that the rite of passage needs their blessing?"
"The council doesn't decide my fate. I do. I choose to take part in the Passage. After reading about Golarian for so many years how could I not. I have seen every inch of Tanglethorn and want to see so much more." Allarnon sighs at having to explain simple details that should be common knowledge.
"Your elders don't decide things for you?"
"So not a dancing bear then. Good because we already have a dancer in the group."
Allarnon claps excitedly. Who is a dancer? My mother is quite the dancer when Father gives her the good berry juice.
As the questions commence Allarnon stretches as he begins to feel uncomfortable and overwhelmed. He grabs a longspear from the wall, using it as a makeshift walking stick. "So should we find Lady Eviana?"
The party spends the afternoon (largely) in conversation learning things about each other, though it seems very one sided at times…
Evening comes and a pair of elves come laden with platters bearing another vegetarian meal (juicy fire-roasted vegetables, bread, and wine) which they help serve along with the page. Everyone eats their fill and spends a few hours to their own devices before retiring for the night.
In the morning there is a note waiting for you from Eviana - apparently a very early riser indeed. ”We are awaiting a delivery from Kyonan, including answers to my questions. We intend to meet tonight to discuss our options, and I would like you all to join us after the first of those meetings if you would be so kind. Until then, enjoy the blessings of the day.”
It is 30 Arodus, 4709. The maps you carry of the drow patrols expire the day after tomorrow. Well the maps don’t, just the patrol route information.
"Your elders don't decide things for you?"
Kaylayne smiles.
"No, I make up my own mind, mostly. I do have a voice that I listen to, but no Elders or Council telling me what to do. I am my own woman...now." Kaylayne fights back an unhappy memory.
"So should we find Lady Eviana?"
Kaylayne smiles.
"What a good idea! You should come with us, Allarnon. Why not? I think Dimitrio would like an audience for his dancing."
* * *
Kaylayne spends the day in mediation and wandering and generally wasting time. She might polish her armor, or test his aim with the sling, but nothing too taxing.
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Allarnon grabs the note and reads it. "Hmm seems we have some more time." He says with a frown.
Everyday counts but Tarkir does need to rest so it should be fine.
Allarnon slumps back to the floor and nuzzles further into Tarkir's warm fur as he throws his arms behind his head.
"You have all heard my tale. What brings you all hear together? Are you these..... Street performers? Is that the words you used before?"
"What a good idea! You should come with us, Allarnon. Why not? I think Dimitrio would like an audience for his dancing."
Shrugging his shoulders Allarnon agrees. "Sure, why not."
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Allarnon spends the day resting and getting to know everyone else.
Satisfied that he has absolutely no clue what Allarnon is talking about Ederin shakes his head and gives up trying to make heads or tails of it.
"We ain't street performers. Honestly I ain't exactly sure what we are. Business partners? Mercenaries for hire? Don't quite have a word for it, we've had a lot goin' on lately."
Ederin goes on to tell the story of what happened since they all met in the Drunken Lurch, skipping some details like the fight in the church and embellishing others until anyone steps in to correct him.
Ederin meditates that next morning but finds it difficult. The spells he knows come easily to him but there's something. A reservoir of information he can't quite decipher. As he mentally reaches out he feels the world begin to fall away, much like it had in Riddleport when he first gained his magical abilities. He pushes it away and stands up from his mat on the floor scowling.
Ain't ready for something like that again.
"So, I know I said this before but, we should really give those patrol routes to the elves, it'll probably save a few of lives." He says after they receive their note from Eviana. "At least for a couple days."
Lief spends some time with Allarnon, trying to understand how he's managed to communicate with the bear. How they have become friends. Insight like that, and he might finally understand how to approach Kaylayne in a non-threatening manner, and subdue the she-bear.
The young man takes time from the day's interactions to visit Wynd, and practice riding. He inquires with the elves, trying to understand how to better communicate with his horse. Insight like that, and he might also understand how to slow Kaylayne's hostility to a trot, at least.
Lief cleans up, and readies for dinner and meeting with Eviana and the elves.
The day passes uneventfully though the sense of tension among the elves increases steadily as rumors abound about open war. Even Wynd is skittish as Lief rides his resplendent horse around the town.
Returning to the lodge that evening, you find the leader of Crying Leaf dressed in a resplendent suit of shining mithral elven chainmail. There are a number of other elves here as well, similarly dressed, some even in mithral, poring over large maps of the nearby forest and city.
Eviana is seated with Kaerishiel, a host of her personal guard, and a few important-looking elves wearing gleaming armor. These elves are introduced as the leaders of the Celwynvian Watch, a group that has been patrolling the edge of the city for the past few years in an attempt to keep the drow inside. This group is led by an elven ranger named Shalelu Andosana, an attractive woman who seems strangely at ease despite the fact that she’s obviously just returned from scouting. Allarnon, it is this group that found you near the city the other day and Shalelu nods in recognition as you enter.
“We have come to a decision,” Eviana begins, looking both tired and grim. “We are escalating the war and taking the fight to the drow. The information you have provided us has convinced me that we might be able to drive the drow out of our city entirely. We must at least try.”
”Though our numbers are swelled from Kyonin we could still very much use your help. Allarnon here has already agreed to do so and I hope you will consider joining him in the form of a skirmish party, targeting select hot-spots for us. It is clear that your strength is greater than many of my warriors, and I would be a fool not to ask.”
”What say you? Will you help us?”
”There will of course be rewards, and you will have the thanks of my people. What else can I offer?”
It is clear she is somewhat uncomfortable asking for your help, but she is desperate, and though the planning maps show a solid force, the drow may still outnumber them. And of course you know there are other creatures in the city besides drow to contend with…
”There will of course be rewards, and you will have the thanks of my people. What else can I offer?”
Kaylayne barely hesitates in stepping forward, her mind made up long ago. Strangely, she knows what she wants.
"I will lend my aid," Kaylayne starts, speaking as she collects her thoughts. "I...I need a teacher. A spiritualist. Someone who understands both religious and spiritual matters. I want some to help point me in a direction and understand things about myself. I seek knowledge."
Kaylayne thinks about what she just asked for.
"Yes, I will help. And if you could find someone to help me, that would be appreciated."
”There will of course be rewards, and you will have the thanks of my people. What else can I offer?”Kaylayne barely hesitates in stepping forward, her mind made up long ago. Strangely, she knows what she wants.
"I will lend my aid," Kaylayne starts, speaking as she collects her thoughts. "I...I need a teacher. A spiritualist. Someone who understands both religious and spiritual matters. I want some to help point me in a direction and understand things about myself. I seek knowledge."
Kaylayne thinks about what she just asked for.
"Yes, I will help. And if you could find someone to help me, that would be appreciated."
Dimitrio felt uncomfortable among all the warriors in resplendent armor. This was serious business and the elves were talking like this drow threatened their very existence.
He looks around to see what the group thought when Layne steps forth.
"Yes, Ok I can help but how long do you think you need us for? Is this a couple of hot-spots only?
The bard is unsure whether to commit and waits to see what the others think, "Lief? Shorty? What do you all think? We're not going to leave Layne by herself, are we? Who knows what sort of trouble the girl will get into."
"We are escalating the war and taking the fight to the drow. The information you have provided us has convinced me that we might be able to drive the drow out of our city entirely. We must at least try."
Lief sits forward in his chair, hearing the decision come to be announced. "Please excuse my ignorance. You've already been taking the fight to the drow, but you said yourself that every time you attack them in the city, they are painfully absent, only to wear you down again once they return from this 'Armageddon Echo'. What's different this time? I think we can be more than effective against small numbers of them, I agree. But you've been fighting them for how long now? To no observable effect?"
"I'm in." Ederin shrugs. "We can't jus' let a bunch o' drow who can pull stars from the sky go runnin' free. I don't much like bein' away from home but this bigger than me, yeah?"
"When are you plannin' this strike? Lief has a bunch o' drow patrols on paper that I've been tryin' to get him to give up. If we attack quickly we can get their scouts, cut off the warnin' bells."
Lief raises an eyebrow at Ederin. "I could have sworn we already turned those maps over to Eviana. Before we left to escort Aetheri?" Lief looks confused for a moment. He reaches into his backpack, unsure if he'll find the maps on his person, or not.
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Allarnon smiles as he notices Shalelu. Bending over he whispers to Lief. "She is the one who I met with the bow to my face! " He says winking.
Quietly he sits in the corner and listens to everyone questions and what the elves plan to do about the drow. His face turns red momentarily as he realizes the rest had not agreed yet to help the elves in their plight.
"If these dark-skinned elves are not dealt with they could destroy all of Golarian, running across it like a pack of hungry wolves. Tanglethorn would be next...." Allarnon says clenching his fist around his longspear. The wood creaks underneath.
"Yes, I will help. And if you could find someone to help me, that would be appreciated."
Eviana looks relieved as the ice breaks and the first of them answers with resounding support. She smiles sweetly at Kaylayne, ”Iaon Griffen shall visit you this night. She may be able to help you.”
"Yes, Ok I can help but how long do you think you need us for? Is this a couple of hot-spots only?
”We will commit all but a skeleton crew to protect Crying Leaf. For us, this is total war - we’re committing everything we have to the effort. So, victory or defeat, I imagine it will all happen within a few days.” she frowns, worrying about the task ahead.
Lief sits forward in his chair, hearing the decision come to be announced. "Please excuse my ignorance. You've already been taking the fight to the drow, but you said yourself that every time you attack them in the city, they are painfully absent, only to wear you down again once they return from this 'Armageddon Echo'. What's different this time? I think we can be more than effective against small numbers of them, I agree. But you've been fighting them for how long now? To no observable effect?"
”Well, most of our efforts have been containment which we’ve only just discovered had failed, and skirmishes which have succeeded, but only to a point. This Armageddon Echo seems to be where they hide when we come with strength. However, with the information in the journals, I think we can pinpoint this refuge of theirs, maybe follow the drow through, and push them out of Golarian completely.” She becomes a little flushed with the thought they could succeed.
"When are you plannin' this strike? Lief has a bunch o' drow patrols on paper that I've been tryin' to get him to give up. If we attack quickly we can get their scouts, cut off the warnin' bells."
”We’ll leave in the morning, in two waves.”
Eviana turns to Shalelu and asks her to explain the plan. Shalelu nods, then speaks.
”This is a map of Celwynvian, based partially on old records from Kyonin, modified as appropriate to the current state of things, and reflecting some of the notes from your map. In some cases, we’ve had to make educated guesses as to the condition of streets and buildings from our observations, and much of the interior is not well known to us since venturing inside can be quite dangerous. The streets are patrolled by both drow and demons, making reconnaissance difficult. There are only a few unobstructed ways into the city, and we must secure them first if we are to have any chance of reclaiming the site.”
At this point, Eviana begins talking strategy. She lays out a plan to strike at the center of Celwynvian, a place called the Academy of the Arts - it is here that the journals claim the drow refuge is located. Unfortunately, the Academy of the Arts is well behind enemy lines, and before the final assault on the core can be attempted, all of the major roads into the city must be secured so that the army of Crying Leaf can be brought against the drow with ease.
Eviana explains that the best road into the city crosses in front of the ancient library of Reenai to the west (#2 on the map), and Shalelu reports that the drow have been using this building to watch over the road and prevent intruders from gaining easy access. Eviana would like you to infiltrate this structure and take out the drow hiding within while the rest of the forces attack other critical spots around the eastern perimeter of the ruins.
After this, the army will march inward, making its way toward the Academy. Since the interior is not well known, the plans get noticeably less organized from this point onward and most of the talk turns to contingencies.
As the meeting continues, Shalelu mentions that there are more than just drow and demons in the city. Two days ago, she saw a green dragon circling the skies above. This bit of news sends a ripple of murmurs through the gathered elves and instigates at least one mention of the name “Razorhorn.” If the drow have a dragon on their side, this battle could be quite a bit more difficult than anticipated.
Kaerishiel is mostly quiet through the meeting. He discusses the strength of his company where appropriate, but disagrees with both Shalelu and Eviana on a number of key points. He seems to favor more direct approaches and you suspect that, while his plans may be more successful, they would also result in the highest casualties. None the less, he is pleased about their course of war - an approach he has argued for for some time.
"She is the one who I met with the bow to my face!"
Lief looks in the direction of Shalelu, then nods in appreciation to Allarnon. "I can think of worse things." He winks back, then turns to continue listening to the plans beginning to unfold.
"If these dark-skinned elves are not dealt with they could destroy all of Golarian, running across it like a pack of hungry wolves. Tanglethorn would be next...."
Lief leans over, quietly. "Easy now, big guy. We are well aware of the danger they pose. We need to be smart about our tactics, otherwise we're doomed to repeat the elves' failures."
When the elves speak on new plans, plans refined through the intelligence of the new information in the journals, Lief heartens. More so, when the tide seems to favor the less confrontational approach.
"This. This sounds promising. Are you sending foot soldiers, cavalry? What magic will your forces bring to bear upon the dark-loving, poison-using drow?"
Ederin picks up on the mumbled fears of the elves when the dragon is mentioned.
"Razorhorn, is that a type o' dragon or is this one you know already? If it's his name then you likely got something to tell us, yeah?"
He looks over the maps as he waits for a response and tries to get a feel for the city layout. "How big are the roads exactly? Cavalry ain't usually any good in places like this, horses need to much room to maneuver and streets ain't typically big enough." The years he spent fighting to survive on the streets of Riddleport come flooding back to him and he points to a few places he'd likely set up an ambush.
"I ain't sayin' it's what they've done, but if I was runnin' these streets those would be prime spots to kiss a few grog-blossoms." He does his best to assist if he can, but doesn't really expect the elves to listen to him.
Dimitrio listens and runs scenarios in his head. Their recent encounter with drakes had been deadly enough, he was not looking forward to encountering a green dragon.
"Yeah, drow poison is bad enough but green dragon breath sounds a lot more horrifying. So what do you know? Location, habits, etc.? Is it associated with the drow or just inhabit the same place?"
"This. This sounds promising. Are you sending foot soldiers, cavalry? What magic will your forces bring to bear upon the dark-loving, poison-using drow?"
Shalelu responds, ”The terrain in and around the city precludes cavalry in any helpful sense.” She goes on to explain that other than a few rangers, and Iaon, the terrain in and near the city is considered difficult due to the heavy underbrush.
Eviana adds that they have few true wizards, but many clerics and other support casters along with the fighter-types, especially rangers.
"Razorhorn, is that a type o' dragon or is this one you know already? If it's his name then you likely got something to tell us, yeah?"
"I ain't sayin' it's what they've done, but if I was runnin' these streets those would be prime spots to kiss a few grog-blossoms." He does his best to assist if he can, but doesn't really expect the elves to listen to him.
Shalelu responds, ”Green. Very, very green. It’s only been seen at a distance, through the trees. We’ve not had an actual encounter, so I don’t know if it’s affiliated with the Drow or not. If it is Razorhorn, we don’t know much about him, but his mother, Verchazmia, was very bad, very dangerous, and only recently killed here in Crying Leaf during a raid. She killed many warriors that day…”
The elves do listen to counsel and Eviana seems to take it seriously at least though a few of her lieutenants stiffen. The city is large, and the streets are plenty broad enough for a good cavalry push - save that they’re overgrown with hundreds of years of flora.
"Yeah, drow poison is bad enough but green dragon breath sounds a lot more horrifying. So what do you know? Location, habits, etc.? Is it associated with the drow or just inhabit the same place?"
Kaerishiel speaks, ”We only knew the mother. She mentioned a son, Razorhorn, but we do not know his, or her, lair. There’s a dragon hoard somewhere in the forest, but so far it has not been found. Verchazmia was one of the more dangerous dragons in all of Golorrien I can tell you that.”
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"Razorhorn!" Allarnon whispers under his breath.
"No wonder your assaults were having so much trouble. The Drow are bad enough but to also deal with a dragon is terrifying to say the least."
Allarnon shivers under his cloak at the thought of his skin melting from his bones. Do you have any additional supplies that may help us be a bit more resistant to the dragon's breath or even to allow us to fly and reach the beast?" He asks the Council of elves. "If the dragon Razorthorn flies out of our reach there is little we can do about him slaughtering everyone in it's path."
"Gotta admit I don't know all that much about dragons. Heard storied o' course but didn't figure I'd ever see one in my life. Are they the vengeful type? You know, the type to come after the elves 'at killed their mum?" He raises and eyebrow at the elven soldiers.
"I've got a whole bunch o' arrows Al, hopefully that's enough. Do dragons have any weaknesses we should know about?"
A damn dragon? Ederin can hardly believe it. Was livin' in a shack eatin' stale bread less than a year ago, now I'm worryin' about a real life dragon.
Allarnon shivers under his cloak at the thought of his skin melting from his bones. Do you have any additional supplies that may help us be a bit more resistant to the dragon's breath or even to allow us to fly and reach the beast?" He asks the Council of elves. "If the dragon Razorthorn flies out of our reach there is little we can do about him slaughtering everyone in it's path."
Kaerishiel smiles and holds up his bow, ”But if you don’t have one of these, or know how to use it, I think I saw a potion of fly in the storeroom somewhere. I could be wrong - check with supply. That said, if Razorhorn is working for the Drow - it’s a problem indeed.”
"Gotta admit I don't know all that much about dragons. Heard storied o' course but didn't figure I'd ever see one in my life. Are they the vengeful type? You know, the type to come after the elves 'at killed their mum?" He raises and eyebrow at the elven soldiers.
"I've got a whole bunch o' arrows Al, hopefully that's enough. Do dragons have any weaknesses we should know about?"
A damn dragon? Ederin can hardly believe it. Was livin' in a shack eatin' stale bread less than a year ago, now I'm worryin' about a real life dragon.
Shalelu responds, ”Every dragon is different and they have their own personalities. But green means poison and evil sure enough. I can’t imagine he’s happy we killed his mom. When we took her down it was with the archery fire of dozens. We had laid a trap, well several traps, and one finally snared her. It took a very long time, and cost us many lives.”
”I don’t know about the son, but the mother also cast spells.”
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"I only know what I have read in stories myself. I hear their claws are as long as I am tall and twice as powerful. They can swallow a man whole and they can fire deadly flames from their mouth, eyes and back ends as well! The elders said they stand as tall as a mountain!" Allarnon shares with wide eyes.
Shalelu responds, ”Every dragon is different and they have their own personalities. But green means poison and evil sure enough. I can’t imagine he’s happy we killed his mom. When we took her down it was with the archery fire of dozens. We had laid a trap, well several traps, and one finally snared her. It took a very long time, and cost us many lives.”
”I don’t know about the son, but the mother also cast spells.”
Listening in rapt silence Allarnon begins to get a little scared.
What did I just volunteer for. They just mentioned Drow. Not some Dragon! The elders were right. This world is full of evil, bent on destroying itself......nothing has changed.
Eviana looks relieved as the ice breaks and the first of them answers with resounding support. She smiles sweetly at Kaylayne, ”Iaon Griffen shall visit you this night. She may be able to help you.”
Kaylayne smiles at the deal struck. "It does not have to be this night. In fact, I would prefer it after we are victorious over the drow. I need more time to prepare what avenues of thought I would pursue...and more time to hear and reflect on answers. Thank you."
Kaylayne steps back and waits for the warriors to decide on what is needed and how to do it. She is no warrior, no battle maven, but she will do her part as best she can.
"We leave in the morning, yes? I can be ready. I will be ready."
Shalelu responds, ”Every dragon is different and they have their own personalities. But green means poison and evil sure enough. I can’t imagine he’s happy we killed his mom. When we took her down it was with the archery fire of dozens. We had laid a trap, well several traps, and one finally snared her. It took a very long time, and cost us many lives.”
”I don’t know about the son, but the mother also cast spells.”
"A dragon? We were told about the drow. Not about some dragon. How do you kill a dragon anyway?"
He shook his head, "We'll try to stay clear of the baby dragon whose mamma you killed and let you all archers deal with him."
The questions fade, but the discussion goes into the night. You are, at one point, advised where to be (a basecamp just outside the city, an hour or so away from here but just 10 minutes from Celwynvian) and when (early tomorrow) for the assault.
As mentioned, there will be two main waves. Clusters of shock troops (that includes you) will invade key points, while the army moves into position. In a perfect world, the army will relieve you within a half hour or hour of your hitting the target. You will then fall back to the basecamp for further instructions and targets.
You’ll answer to Eviana directly as far as chain of command goes.
Everyone please post a quick overnight post so I know you’re ready and we’ll begin. Totally fine with further questions and role play with the elves as well of course.
Dimitrio's mind is still wondering about the dragon when the word 'demon' pops into his head.
"OK, let's talk these demons you've seen. What type of demon? We fought some demon-cats a while a go..."
He then continues, "I have a cold iron dagger with me as well as a silver one for any devils we might encounter, will this be enough or do we need stronger magic for these demons?"
He looks at Ederin, "Shorty, you got special arrows? What about the rest of you?"
Very uncharacteristic of him, the bard was actually worried about what tomorrow would bring. His days of dancing seemed to be in his past. His days of worrying about a gang of Varisian thugs coming after him seemed trivial. And it had only been a few weeks.
Even though the lights were out, Dimitrio knew that no one had fallen as sleep just yet. He spoke out loud to no one in particular, "So, what do you want your tombstone to say?"
The elves have seen a wide variety of demons - the drow are in league with them.
The great weakness of demons is a holy or other good weapon. Such weapons overcome every demon's natural resistances, and are one of the few types of weapons that all demons fear equally. Against some, cold iron can work too.
When dealing with demons, it is best to remember that they abide by no contract other than power, and displaying power is key to keeping them under control.
All demons are immune to electricity and poison effects. Many have other resistances based on their forms and chaotic natures.
The elves have seen a wide variety of demons - the drow are in league with them.
The great weakness of demons is a holy or other good weapon. Such weapons overcome every demon's natural resistances, and are one of the few types of weapons that all demons fear equally. Against some, cold iron can work too.
When dealing with demons, it is best to remember that they abide by no contract other than power, and displaying power is key to keeping them under control.
All demons are immune to electricity and poison effects. Many have other resistances based on their forms and chaotic natures.
Dimitrio frowns, "Cold iron I got but good weapons, that was Garry's thing."
He signals the butterfly over his heart and jokes, "I'm good, well mostly and I worship Desna. Is there way to turn our weapons 'good'? Something we could use as needed?"
Kaerishiel laughs. "Just hit harder." he suggests.
Eviana gives him a somewhat cross look but has no better suggestion for the party at this time.
Ederin thinks over his combat in the woods and realizes he's going through more arrows than ever before. "If you got any cold iron arrows to spare I'll buy 'em, or regular arrows and some of those blanches."
Other than an arrow resupply Ederin is ready to go. Having never been 'to war' before he finds himself more nervous than usual before a big fight and his sleep is fitful and restless. When he does sleep he's haunted by images of dragon fire and the over grown corpse of an ancient city full of drow.
By first sunlight he's anxious to get to task so he can stop thinking about what might happen and focus on what is happening.
Kaylayne nods and listens and makes ready for war.
Ederin, and others, help yourself to any 'common' gear you need, free of charge within reason. If it's one thing they have, it's lots and lots of cold iron arrows. :)
They also have Ghost Salts but you'll have to buy it. That said, they have quite a bit of it so help yourself just take off the 200gp per 'dose'.
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Hearing of Demons and Dragons causes Allarnon to try and think back what he knows of them, which is very little.
"I have some Cold Iron stones for my sling but little else"
Heading over to the stores Allarnon begins to dig around, his hand visibly shaking. Taking a breath he begins to calm himself.
How do I get mixed up in an actual war on my first week here. Mother would feed me to the dinosaurs if she knew...
Grabbing a few items he sets them aside on top of the lid of one of the wooden crates. Digging through his pouch he leaves enough gold for the items.
- Ghost Salts (1) -200 gp
- Mwk Cold Iron Longspear -310 GP
Allarnon grabs the second spear and gives it a quick twirl in the air. It's weight feels perfect. He straps it on a loop of his back so that he two spears create an 'x' like pattern with the tips raised in the air.
"Any of youhave any other suggestions for myself or Tarkir. I... have never done this sort of thing before."
Allarnon grabs the second spear and gives it a quick twirl in the air. It's weight feels perfect. He straps it on a loop of his back so that he two spears create an 'x' like pattern with the tips raised in the air.
"Any of youhave any other suggestions for myself or Tarkir. I... have never done this sort of thing before."
Dimitrio refrains from giving the old standby of Don't get hit; this was serious business and they were all a little edgy.
"Listen big guy, we fought demons and drow before. The elves have nasty poison that will knock you out. They may also throw darkness at us since they can see in the dark. if you hang around us, I think we have the darkness issue under control. Oh and most importantly, they bleed when cut."
He scratches his head, "For poison, we have this foul-testing syrup that will help and also smelling salts in case you do fall."
He then raises his hand, "Demons... cold iron is the best we got..."
Kaylayne will purchase one dose of ghost salts and treat 10 stones with it.
"Any of you have any other suggestions for myself or Tarkir. I... have never done this sort of thing before."
Kaylayne laughs.
"You think any of us have done this before? Ha! Two months or so ago, I was a barkeep recently arrived to Riddleport. I was being chased by my own ghost or not. I've never been a soldier. Just a survivor. I don't have a clue about war." Kaylayne points at Lief. "That one there? A few months ago, he was fresh off the boat. Didn't know a thing about a thing unless it was a book. Now look at him...hobnobbing with elven princesses. Dimitrio? A dancer. A gambler? Something. Now? And Ederin? Born and bred on the streets of Riddleport. Not sure he's ever done this. We've lived because we've been lucky...but that ain't it. We're alive because we try our hardest, and for the most part, work together. We just seem to pull together when things get bad."
Kaylayne looks at her roasting ghost salted stones, using a stick to make sure each is coated properly. When they are cooled, she puts the stones in a special pouch at her belt.
"Just don't get yourself killed. Stay alert and hope for the best, I think. That's all I got. That's all I'm gunna do."
Lief takes what he can get, for free. If that includes a rapier made of cold iron, so be it. Otherwise, he feels perfectly incapable of setting against demons and dragons. He voices none of his frustration, in the presence of the elves.
Among his crew, he speaks up, briefly. "Hypothetically speaking, are we really capable of dealing with a dragon? Ederin has the distance, but the rest of us usually require getting closer to the creature. Do you suppose the elves have scrolls of magic to protect us against the breath weapon? How are we set for healing? I can't see how we're going to get through this without one or two of us hitting the floor again, from poison, or dragon breath." His mood is grim, his words have no lilt.
The scrolls have some magics to protect against the breath, but they're being used by other teams. They don't have any to spare (not having many to begin with). They do apologize...
I think the party has plenty of healing but again, not much you can do about it now. You could have ordered a wand yesterday, but not now.
I"ll continue in a moment.
The rest of the night passes uneventfully. You are awakened early from bed to find the entire camp on the move. Elven teams in clusters of a half dozen or so are moving with purpose to gather their last remaining needs before departing. By the time you’ve finished your morning obligations, many of the elves have already left Crying Leaf on their way to Celwynvian.
You get on the path and walk the hour or so to the western edge of the city and prepare for the final assault. You’re a few hundred yards from your target, when rustling in the undergrowth grabs your attention, and you see demons a short way off! These creatures’ bloated frames shudder with each heaving step, yet despite their shape, they move with surprising quickness.
Allarnon
Dimitrio
Ederin (+2 in urban terrain)
Kaylayne (acts in surprise round)
Lief
Demons
Dimitrio moves forward in the underbrush, rapier out. He then blows a kiss to his hand sending the fine dust in a swirl towards the demons, who quickly become covered in sparkles.
"Welcoming committee! Stay sharp."
____________
Pink and Purple wail as their eyes are clouded by the dust. The DM wails as a crit is lost to saving throws.
Round 1, Init 18+
HP: 42/42
AC: 22 (Touch 14/ FF: 18)
Equipped Weapons: +1 Composite Longbow (+2)
Conditions:
Relevant Data:
+7/+2 BAB
+4 Dex
+1 Bow
+1 Weapon Focus
-2 To Hit: Rapid Shot
-2 to hit Deadly Aim
+4 Damage Deadly Aim
Many Shot - First attack fires two arrows
Improved Precise Shot - No negatives from partial Cover or partial concealment
30 Arrows (Cold Iron)/ 24 Blunt Arrows (15 Silvered (Blanch) 6 Silvered (Alchemical))
Seeing the demons approach Ederin takes a step forward, easily navigating the thick underbrush and launches a volley of arrows at his approaching enemies.
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As the group begins prepare following the army of elven soldiers Allarnon pets the top of Tarkir's head and whispers into the small bears ear.
"Seems we are going to war my friend. Keep yourself safe."
*************************************
Hearing the demons Allarnon crouches down low, placing a hand on Tarkir's back. The bear's fur begins to bristle and stand on end as it lets out a low rumble from it's throat.
Pointing in the direction Allarnon whispers. "Get them!:
Tarkir rushes through the heavily wooded area towards the nearest demon as he lets out an ear shattering roar.
Seeing his friend rush into the fray Allarnon runs through the thick overbrush as he had countless times before with little problem. Grabbing ahold of a log he leaps over the small distance. As he is running his back arches forward as if snapping in half. Before everyone's eyes Allarnon seems to begin to grow twice his size and bulk as his nose begins to elongate. Bones snap, break and quickly realign themselves as he throws himself into the air at the group of demons. As he reaches them his skin begins to toughen and grow large tufts of brown and black fur. Intermixed within the fur are large swathes of bright red that closely resemble the tattoos that Allarnon had before.
He follows up Tarkir's roar with one of his own. Just as fierce and twice as loud he raises a paw the size of a small child into the air. Prepared to protect everyone behind him.
-Tarkir (Greater Magic Fang +2 Att / Dam; 6 hours)
Yes, you guys are twitchy and would have weapons out this close to the city no problem.
Orange is felled ON the first 'attack', and blue too is wounded by the other two arrows, but still stands.
Round 1
Kaylayne enchants 3 cold iron stones with magic stone.