Malaswyn Tyddewi |
Since the combat ended, Everyone has gained 24 hit points, except for Kriger, who has gained 63 hit points.
I figure that's not enough so I'm going to continue my prayers for two more rounds.
I continue to pray as the others talk and organise, as long as my prayers continue you feel as if you are walking under a warming sun and your wounds gradually heal.
3rd channel to heal: 5d6 ⇒ (4, 6, 6, 3, 6) = 25
4th channel to heal: 5d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 3, 5, 5) = 18
So that is 67 hit points to everyone, except Kriger who gets 106 hit points. If that doesn't get you up to full health, please let me know.
Raveneau Delahaye |
Drawing in gasping breath as Malaswyn's graces returns consciousness to him Raveneau jerks to a sitting position and his hand goes to his blade. When bloodshot eyes find no more sight of foes yet standing he snuffs the magic causing his daggers to circulate, and the blades find their way back to the sheathes within his clothes. Finding his way back to his feet and keeping his sword in hand he croaks in a yet raw voice "The day was won?"
HP 56/67
Other Mastermind |
Oh gods... those children...
Merten is taken aback at the ruin wrought by the combat. Why Griselle? What did you hope to accomplish with all this?
OM, did that guard who ran into the acid fog turn up when it dissipated?
Griselle's eyes seem to regain focus as Merten asks the question. She seems to think on it for a few seconds: "What indeed..!? Happiness I guess? What about you? Love lost?"
Merten Falstaff |
Happiness? By the All Seeing Eye... Merten snaps his mouth shut and favors Griselle with a rueful grin. You always do this, no sooner do I best you, then I spend precious time trying to explain myself to you. Well, no more. Merten squares his shoulders and moves closer to Griselle, staying out of her reach however. You've begged for your life, so start talking if you wish to keep it. Whatever you know about Drelev's plans and allies, now is the time to tell us.
Other Mastermind |
"Merten Falstaff, you scum of this earth! You've just KILLED MY LOVER!!!" she moves up to try and slap you.
Do you let her?
With tears in her eyes she says, vitriolic: "You thin empty man! You think I'm going to let you in on his plans? You think he tells me his plans? You think I don't want you to die!"
She looks at the two slain children: "You're just the next bunch of noble murderers..."
Merten Falstaff |
Merten makes no move to avoid the slap, and cheek stinging, lowers his crossbow. And now you know how it feels to lose that which is precious to you. Merten shakes his head, saddened and perhaps a bit wiser. You know, he adds in a small voice, I've been looking for you for years. I wanted to know why, though I knew in my heart of hearts that the why of it didn't matter. I wanted to know if you ever had any genuine love or affection for me. If you did at one time, you clearly no longer feel that way. Merten exhales loudly, then looks on Griselle with clear eyes. If I was a murderer, you would be dead already. I should leave you as you left me, naked and penniless. But for the time being, I'll see you bound and gagged so you can't cause any mischief. Kriger, if I might have your assistance for a moment...
Malaswyn Tyddewi |
As Merten puts Griselle in her place, I give the children a longer look.
"Were they innocents in this?" I look to the woman, "As Sarenrae's serveant, I can give them a chance to live again. Redemption, perhaps: for them or for you..."
I bustle to my feet from my kneeling prayer, "But we have only a few short days to act. Did Drelev have any diamonds? No other gemstone will do for the spell."
Kriger Eilifsson |
Kriger moves to aid the wizard. Rolling his eyes at the stubborn woman, "My you are a cranky one. Stop fighting me and do as your told! You're only making it worse!" He then attempts to grab her arms so someone can tie them off. "Once she stops being so stubborn, I'll hold her while one of you tie her up."
Malaswyn Tyddewi |
"So, you're putting up barriers to me helping them by the way you answer. Is that because you want these children to die?"
"Answer directly, do you know the location of any diamonds? If not, and you believe someone else might, tell us all you can which would help me to reach that person."
Frustration peaks through my usual calm veneer, "I'm not interested in an opinion: just practical information."
Other Mastermind |
Kriger manages to get Griselle restrained. She stares at Malaswyn with tear-stained cheeks: "I'm not the one who killed them. Don't you try deflecting your judgement on me, priest! You should know to bring diamonds to a slaughter... The baroness lives upstairs. She's the ones with the diamonds. All I had was his heart..." she finishes with a sob.
Merten Falstaff |
Merten bows his head and avoids looking at Griselle. The boy told us where the prisoner was, and aided us in rescuing him. He also told his father of our presence, but what son would do any less? I know naught of the girl, but she raised no hand against me. If Sarenrae will bring them back from the Boneyard through your works, I will aid in whatever way I can. He shakes his head, clearly conflicted but finally looks up at Griselle. Help us to end this without further bloodshed Griselle. Please.
Other Mastermind |
Note for the reader: This game has had a very long hiatus.
Where Things Stand in Fort Drelev
Slain in the heat of the battle are: Arnetta Drelev, the baron’s daughter, brought down by Kalsgrim’s arrow and crushed by Merten’s tentacle spell; ‘The Boy,’ Drelev’s son, killed by Stroon’s acid fog spell; Terrion Numesti, killed by the same spell. Baron Drelev, felled by Kriger’s axe; Imeckus Stroon, brought down by Raveneau’s cloud of daggers.
The Fort is now under alert, and Kalsgrim can spy some hill giants patrolling the courtyard. A fearsome sight! On the battlements, soldiers are running around. Most are looking at the fort's surrounding area, making it clear they do not know where the problem is, for now.
Without too much effort, Griselle takes some of you upstairs where you find baroness Pavetta Drelev, armed only with her tiny sandy dog. She surrenders with disdain. Griselle moves in the room and shows you where the diamonds are.
Everyone is back in the throne room. Lots of bodies. Griselle is having a tense conversation with Merten, and Pavetta Drelev is on her knees crying over the bodies of her children...
I'll post a broader recap in the discussion thread later today or tomorrow.
Kriger Eilifsson |
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Popping his neck from one side to the other, "Oh yeah, that feels better. Gotta work those kinks out after a good battle like that." Testing the blade of his axe with the edge of his thumb, a thin line of blood forms. Nodding in psychotic satisfaction, "Still sharp. That's my girl. Alright, Kals!" he continues, half-listening to Kalsgrim as he himself rambles on, "If we got more of the big fellas to bring down, it's time to get to it. I know it's only been like ten minutes since we fought that last battle, but it feels like forever." He looks to his fearless leader a moment and notices he's looking at him as if waiting for something. After a moment with a blank stare, "Right! Our next move. We go down there and we kill 'em, Chief. We kill 'em all. Thoughts?" he asks them all in a matter of fact tone.
Other Mastermind |
Pavetta Drelev, whom you took from her chambers but a minute ago and robbed of her diamonds looks up from the slain bodies of her children. She is dressed in the latest fashion in Brevoy, wearing an expensive dress of pink velvet with a mink vest over her shoulder. Atop her head is a diadem of gold.
She shouts with fury at Kriger, spitting as she curses: "You can't leave my children like this!? They've done nothing wrong!!!"
Raveneau Delahaye |
On the topic of the remaining foes, Raveneau offers "We've means and ways to an end... I'd sooner peel the onion by layer than attempt to slice it through entire, but my blade is to your will" gliding across the floor as he refrains from staying still.
He narrows eyes at Pavetta as she turns aggressive "Ware your words milady... lest we move from words."
Malaswyn Tyddewi |
Malaswyn sighs, "You married a black-hearted villain, and as a result you are no longer a noblewoman, no longer entitled to bark orders and commands."
He shakes his head mournfully, "But you are a grieving mother, don those robes: they are more fitting."
Then he addresses the group, Give me time to commune with Her Redeeming Flame and I can raise him from the dead. I will enchant the children with a gentle repose that preserves their bodies from decay and keeps their souls from the boneyard until I can raise them tomorrow. The Lords of Freiland are just and merciful; they do not suffer innocents to die."
Other Mastermind |
Pavetta is first silenced by Ravenius, then reassured by Malaswyn. Nevertheless, she preserves her noble and indignant mien: "I am glad you act so towards my children, for they are heirs to this land, lawfully granted to my deceased husband by the Swordlords of Restov. You will have to answer for the murder of the Baron my husband when I bring my case to the Swordlords. Thankfully, your mercy towards my children might save you from the rope..."
Surprisingly, there is no threat or emotion in her tone. She seems calm and relieved to see her children 'safe.'
"Will you have no mercy for my husband and my brother?" she points to the bodies of the baron and the wizard.
Outside, you can still hear the commotion of the guards and giants under alert.
Also, in a corner of the room, Merten and the woman who surrendered to you are in deep conversation. Merten has his hand on the woman's cheek, who is crying profusely.
Kalsgrim Lodovka |
"The Tiger Lords still have the garrison's children hostage. Kriger, check for concealed chambers or caches. We need something to tell us where they are, and it is likely to be hidden and protected."
To Pavetta, he says "You suggest we raise them, only to execute them for treason? We know of the plot hatched to assail the civilized lands, and the alliance with the Tiger Lords. Believe me when I say, the Swordlords will know what has been transpiring here!" Then he adds, in a slightly softer tone, "But there still may be hope for you and your children. We plan to deal with the Tiger Lords and free the hostages they hold. If you help us find them and deal with them, your children may still find places of prominence in this growing nation."
To all of his allies, Kalsgrim asks "We'll either need to defeat the garrison, turn the garrison to our side, or leave before we are discovered." His stern gaze invites opinions on the best course of action. What do you think? Can a +23 diplomacy win over the garrison? I do get once chance to reroll if needed. We would need to make sure none of the Tiger Lords' monster minions escape to warn them we are coming if we go that route. Maybe a rousing speech from the baron's window, along with a pledge to free their daughters, might give me a circumstance bonus?
Malaswyn Tyddewi |
How many of the Tiger Lord's minions remain? Can we kill them first, then make the rousing speech?
"Perhaps we should put the Tiger Lord's agents to the sword, then speak to the people?"
After saying this, Malaswyn clears a space, settles on his haunches with his holy symbol in his hands and pours himself into a mantra of devotion.
15 minutes of prayer to use his empty slots to get raise dead and a second gentle repose.
Other Mastermind |
Kalsgrim believes he may sway the garrison, but not as long as they believe the Tiger Lords to be a viable threat. As far as you know, there is a group of Tiger Lords in the keep, and the hill giants you've heard are in the courtyard.
Pavetta shuts up. She's a dark shade of crimson, but she is no longer shouting at the top of her lungs.
All of a sudden, Merten, with Griselle hanging from his neck, gives you a sheepish look, mutters: "Love first... Sorry guys." and vanishes as Griselle kisses him with passion!
Kriger Eilifsson |
"The Tiger Lords still have the garrison's children hostage. Kriger, check for concealed chambers or caches. We need something to tell us where they are, and it is likely to be hidden and protected."
"On it!" Kriger then scours the place for any such hidden places.
Perception: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (10) + 28 = 38
Kriger Eilifsson |
You know, that's a good question. Probably look through the throne room first? They always tend to hold secret passages sometimes. Did we use maps before? I can't remember. Honestly, if any of you have any idea on where to look, please just say so. Because honestly, I have NO idea. :P
Oh and looking for some type of hidden doors/secret passages/etc. Something to that nature.
Other Mastermind |
Kriger starts walking around the throne room, tapping walls and moving furniture meticulously. It is a big room however.
In the room, dead bodies are lying in vulgar postures. The air is filled with the acrid smell of the acid fog. Pavetta has placed her children on their backs, side by side, and cries. Her tiny dog laps her hand and yaps his sadness in support.
Outside, alarm bells have started to ring and you can hear shouts coming from the courtyard and the battlement.
What are the others doing? Or what do you wish to do?
Other Mastermind |
Pavetta gets up and finds a font of energy to summon her regal mien. Defiant but calm, she replies: "I will help you in any way I can, Duke Kalsgrim, but you must promise me the following: Firstly, you will ensure that my children are resuscitated in the next few days."
"Secondly, my children will remain the rightful heirs to Fort Drelev and the barony. I will ensure that they pledge their allegiance to you."
"Lastly, I want the bodies of my husband and my brother preserved by divine incantation on the morrow for possible resuscitation..."
Raveneau Delahaye |
Raveneau checks his person, righting his belts and ensuring his blades are well stored... ready for use after but a moment's pause. He doesn't speak to the truth or falsehood of her claims, but more to the urgency of the situation "Choices need be made and talk of that which she does should not be swift or rushed... it might be best to see her quiescent and act with steel afore we let fly with words again."
Kriger Eilifsson |
Listening in on the conversation as he looks around the throne room for any sort of hidden passageway, "Raveneau's right!" he hollers while looking down at something curious before giving it away to being nothing. Rising from his search, "We got trouble in the courtyard and it's gonna have to be taken care of before we can do anything else just like he said. I say we tie her up and get back to this issue when we're done." He then looks around at all the dead bodies, "And we have got to clean this place up," he says as a matter of fact while shaking his head at the scene. Grabbing his axe from its sheath, "Well? Shall we?" he asks, a twinkle in his eye. "I'm thinkin' we got some giants to drop and a Tiger Lord or two with them... or twenty... whichever," he says with a shrug.
Other Mastermind |
The throne room has two windows, on each sides of the dais. These overlook the inner courtyard. A sneaky peek lets you see a plethora of Drelev grunts on the battlements, perhaps twety or so archers looking for targets. In the courtyards, there are four hill giants armed with clubs and rocks.
The outer courtyard lies beyond the battlement right in front of you and cannot be seen from the throne room.
Kalsgrim Lodovka |
To the other heroes:
"Prepare to fight. We start with the giants and Tiger Lords. The garrison can decide if they will join us or not."
To Pavetta:
"I am giving you an opportunity to preserve yourself by helping us. We are going to retake Fort Drelev right now. If you aid us as you can, you may return to Providence with us. If not, we will simply banish you; and these are harsh lands to traverse."
"The fate of the children, your husband and your brother are decided. Both children will be fostered at Providence. They can lead the lives they choose as adults, including service to the nation if they are so inclined."
"Your brother and husband are gone, and will not return. The word will be spread through civilized lands that they were traitors. Numesti will be in charge of this place when we raise him, if he is so inclined."
"Choose now."
Malaswyn Tyddewi |
Malaswyn stands from his reverie and approaches the dead prisoner.
He kneels beside the man and produces his holy symbol. In a trance he places a diamond above the symbol and it floats an inch above, gently spinning in place.
As Malaswyn begins his prayer a light fills the diamond and then gradually dims, the light suffusing the man instead.
After Lord Numasti is raised, Malaswyn leaves the others to speak and instead prays again for the power to heal the man.
[ooc]over 150 hot points and all health problems and status effects removed.[/oic]
Then he moves to the children and casts a blessing of gentle repose on each.
"Their bodies are preserved for eleven days. I can call them back to life in the next twenty-two days."
That done, he gives a grim smile to Numasti, "Her fire shines upon you."
Other Mastermind |
To Pavetta:"I am giving you an opportunity to preserve yourself by helping us. We are going to retake Fort Drelev right now. If you aid us as you can, you may return to Providence with us. If not, we will simply banish you; and these are harsh lands to traverse."
"The fate of the children, your husband and your brother are decided. Both children will be fostered at Providence. They can lead the lives they choose as adults, including service to the nation if they are so inclined."
"Your brother and husband are gone, and will not return. The word will be spread through civilized lands that they were traitors. Numesti will be in charge of this place when we raise him, if he is so inclined."
"Choose now."
Pavetta, already shook by the words of others, seems to make up her mind. She wipes her tears and watches with a measure of relief as Malaswyn preserves their bodies. She is visibly shook when she sees the priest perform a miracle, but otherwise does not comment on it.
Finally, she says: "My husband was a bastard, I'll grant you that, your Grace, but my children are his rightful heirs and I cannot in good faith show support their heritage being given away. I choose exile, with my children, that we may mourn their father's and uncle's deaths and honour their memory. Now, I would like to be escorted to my quarters, along with my children, where I shall remain until it is time for us to depart."
Other Mastermind |
Malaswyn stands from his reverie and approaches the dead prisoner.
He kneels beside the man and produces his holy symbol. In a trance he places a diamond above the symbol and it floats an inch above, gently spinning in place.As Malaswyn begins his prayer a light fills the diamond and then gradually dims, the light suffusing the man instead.
After Lord Numasti is raised, Malaswyn leaves the others to speak and instead prays again for the power to heal the man.
That done, he gives a grim smile to Numasti, "Her fire shines upon you."
Numesti's body, a moment ago torn horribly by pain, sickness, malnutrition, torture, and acid, by the grace of Saranrae is healed and cured. The man now looks nothing like what you had seen before, though his shredded clothes serve as a reminder of his previous state. His grey eyes shine with resolve as he wakes and sits, looking around.
You all watch silently as, by a miracle, he is alive, though he was dead. This seems truly the greatest of feats.
Taking in the scene around him, the man studies the heraldry on Kalsgrim's tunic and manages a tired smile: "Alas, Duke Kalsgrim, it seems you have received my message! I pray my daughter is well? From the looks of it, Lord Drelev's reign of cowardly ruling has met his fate. This is as it should be, though it does pain me. As for you, holy man, you must be Malaswyn of Sarenrae. Know that I am forever in your and Her debt. With my own hands shall I build a shrine in Fort Drelev to honour her."
Kalsgrim Lodovka |
To Pavetta:
"You presume much. The children are not to be exiled, only you. And they may still come to rule a city, territory or more. If they show the the desire, aptitude and morality to do so. And we must survive the battle to come for them to be restored, so it is up to you if you wish to cooperate in that effort or not. This is not a negotiation; decide."
To Lord Numesti:
Kalsgrim has a warm smile for Terrion. "Indeed, your daughter is well. Her bravery and skill saved many lives, and she is still to the east of here. She is helping with the repair and defense of the town she helped save."
"The situation here, however, is still dire. It is true that the traitor Drelev is slain. But Tiger Lord warriors and giants remain outside, and the garrison still lives under threat of familial hostages."
Did Drelev have a crown, or chain of office or something? I'm thinking Kalsgrim is going to co-opt it as a sign to those they fight that Drelev is gone.