Legacy of Fire

Game Master Megan Robertson

Erizi scratches his head. "Reveal you". "I am no betrayer of trust". "I know the residents of here should die, you I still am not sure". "Perhaps I choose to ally myself with the lesser of two evils, but my options are limited at the moment, so I will go with my instincts".

Silena smirks a disturbing dark smile, "... oh rest assured... I deserve to die... but I'm not ready to as yet. We ALL have it coming! But I do not think my fate is to die by Your hand.. unless I ask for it. But that is neither here nor there..."

She looks up at the sky searching for the moon's phase in the sky's day glare - grimacing she pulls a pair of smoked goggles from her belt pouch to don muttering under her breath but softly heard, "... I still have some time yet... maybe more. Only fate will tell... if my will is stronger than the beast..."

Then she pulls herself back from her musings to look at him sternly, "..The residents here deserve to die because they serve evil.. I'm not evil and I do not serve its causes. So you can stop worrying over that! Evil ALWAYS charges more for its power than its worth or willing to provide in exchange... THIS I know for a fact! Right now we need to get the measure of the enemy's strength.. and find out what diabolical power is behind Kardswann, his 'Charion King' he claims to be the mouthpiece for!"

Turning her attention to Oxvard, "Lead on to where you think your friend may be hiding.. we'll follow. I want to learn what intel he may have inadvertently obtained before taking any direct action right now."

"Death is inevitable but for now I choose to p*ss on it." He chuckles. "We've a job to do, if your willing to lend your sword it'd be appreciated." His dry sense of humor pops out, "Of course that could lead to a p*ssing match." He slap the newcomer on the back.

"Evil seldom considers itself evil". "As I have said for now I cast my lot with you, but now with my eyes shut". "What is our next step". "Should we kill them now"?

Then turning to Jengren he almost smiles. "I prefer this massive hammer...but it is something I am good at". "For now it swings in unison with The Merry Group".

"Hammer works. Dead is dead."

"Evil seldom considers itself evil". "As I have said for now I cast my lot with you, but now with my eyes shut". "What is our next step". "Should we kill them now"?

Then turning to Jengren he almost smiles. "I prefer this massive hammer...but it is something I am good at". "For now it swings in unison with The Merry Group".

Silena scoffs, "Then you've obviously not met the truly black-hearted and evil madmen working to spread fear and destruction without reason in the world. Be grateful."

Silena says no more on the matter, "No. No killing right now. We need intel - troop numbers, troop strength & type, and preparedness for battle... We are scouting right now. This way, we're seeking someone who may have some of the knowledge we seek..."

Silena nods to Oxvard and follows him to the part of the city that he thinks his companion may be hiding out in.

Silena gestures for everyone to spread out and begin searching the ruins about to find any trace of his previous presence.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Silena will move over to Oxvard and ask, tentatively and reluctantly, "You.. uhm.. would not happen to have a piece of clothing your companion might have worn before do you? Or something stained with his blood? I might be able to track him with that..."

So you are leaving the Battle Market, yes?

Map of Kelmarane

Oxvard thinks his companion is somewhere down in the ruins labelled B13. He's sorry but he has nothing of his. "Perhaps there is something in the cell we were held in. That's in the Battle Market," he says.

Responding to Oxvard, "Well, we'll NOT be returning to the battle market to cells with you with us where you might be recognized... for now. We will just trust to a through search of ruins to suffice."

Silena leads the way to the ruins near B13 and begins to search the area for any signs of the hidden compatriot of Oxvard.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Erizi follows along, keeping watch while the others explore the ruins.

Jengren will follow Silena as she leads the way through the market.

perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

He adjsuts his gear to makes sure it is snug and secure.

The cliffside behind the ruined church overlooks the fields west of Kelmarane through a ruined series of pillared arches. Across a short yard stands a column about 10 feet tall, upon which stands a splendid statue of Sarenrae with both arms upraised to the heavens. In the shadow of this statue are five graves marked with the lifesized statues of holy warriors. Remarkably, what appears to be a human man garbed in the fine robes of Sarenrae kneels before these graves, muttering a quiet series of prayers.

Sonya, who up until this point has silently followed the group inwardly lamenting this disguise, can bear it no longer tearing the mask from her face and dropping the staff rushes ahead falling before the visage of Sarenrae next to the man praying. She listens for a moment to identify which prayer the man in praying before joining his words with her own until the prayer is complete.

Erizi scratches his head, noticing that he needs to shave it again as the masked woman rushes forward... "How bout that". "She must have run into someone she knows even here". "The Merry Group sure gets around".

"Well, that wasn't expected." he looks around to see if anyone is watching.

perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Silena watches Sonya discard her costume and run to the man in prayer.

She says nothing but calmly moves to gather the discarded mask and staff and wait to see what transpires...

As Sonya approaches, the cleric stands and turns toward her, a friendly smile marking his dark-skinned, handsome face.

"Welcome..." he says with a grin. Then his features seem to melt away, leaving a hideous skeletal face garbed in a grubby, fire-stained robe "...to my church," he finishes. "Your souls will feed the greatest heroes of Kelmarane!"

The figure lunges at Sonya, reaching out with clawed hands...

Surprise Round

Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20, damage 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10.

And I guess we'd better roll initiatives, anyone who is joining in.

Here's mine: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Jengren's Initiative: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

{Silena's} Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Now really confused, Erizi followi his instincts, and lets his Earthbreaker fall naturally into his hands. He was still not sure about this new group, but the attacking priest seemed more menacing at the moment.

"Oh What do I do"!

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18 Initiative.

Then his resolve hardens, and he steps forward ready to smash something.

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Sonya is shocked at the mans deception, and burning inwardly with a range none in the group have seen. The thought that someone would do such evil dressed as a cleric of her god. Doing such evil in front of a visage of her god, was unforgivable.

The "man's" claws dig into Sonya's exposed burns causing her to cry out in anguish, but Sonya's resolve keeps her on her feet, focused to kill this man no matter the personal cost.

geez playing a girl who grew up blind to the evils in this world seems to get me hurt a lot. I think Sonya might be finally starting to get this adventurers caution an paranoia soon.

Also Megan, please don't forget Cailin if he is with us.

Calain is here, I'll roll for him: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

OK, everyone, please post what you want to do. Doesn't matter if you drop by in initiative order, I'll sort it all out in a summary post (and DMPC Calain at that point).

Silena's eyes go wide in shock, disgust, and yes... fear for her gentle desert rose friend Sonya - she gasps, 'Undead!'

Knowledge {Religion}: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
- Identify type of Undead & Abilities if possible [DC 'Undead'CR+10]

Silena spins pirouetting as she moves forward and her spiked chain is in hand again as she yells, "Sonya! Get back from it... its Undead!"

No though of self protection Silena moves to interpose between the undead creature and Sonya with her body lashing out at it with her Cold Iron spiked chain... the weapon lighting with the flames of her infernal heritage with but a thought from the half-elven woman child..

Move Action: Charge 20'ft to creature & drawing weapon
Standard Action: Attack w/Cold Iron Spiked Chain 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 2 = 19
Damage: Cold Iron Spiked Chain 2d4 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (3, 1) + 3 + 1 = 8
Swift Action: Fires of hell {+1 fire damage}

Erizi's eyes fill with rage as he spots the unprovoked attack. "Now I have no doubt this is evil". he growls under his breath, then steps forward swinging his mighty hammer at the monstrosity.

1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17 Earthbreaker, Raging {If flanking is possible +2 more)

2d6 + 9 ⇒ (2, 6) + 9 = 17 Pounding damage

Sonya wants to wait until after the creature has taken its first round action to decide what she wants to do.

Jengren is conscious about the need to reserve his most potent spells but he also understands this could be test. He unleashes a an orb of acid at the undead creature.

att, RTA: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9;acid damage: 1d3 ⇒ 3

Sonya takes a small step back, allowing Selina to step infront of her as she channels Sarenrae's divine flame into her hands sending a cone of flames just past Selina and catching the creature aflame.

burning hands Reflex save for half damage DC 15. Damage: 3d4 ⇒ (4, 4, 3) = 11

Round 1

The Undead Cleric leaps at Sonya again, claws outstretched.

1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13, damage 1d4 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Calain emits a snarl and charges into the fray, swinging his hammer.

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18, damage 1d12 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Jengren hurls an orb of acid, which misses.

Erizi steps forwards, also swinging his hammer and flanking Calain neatly as if they'd been fighting together for years... his strike is sure, smashing into the undead monstrosity.

Sonya spreads her hands, chanting as she emits a stream of flame from her fingers.

Undead thing's save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Silena spins, her chain lashing out to strike the undead thing, a corner of her mind registering that it's an unusual form called a huecuva. They carry disease, so anyone struck by it could be infectered.

Under the onslaught, the undead creature crumples to the ground unmoving.

Combat over

Sonya approaches the corpse, carefully removing the sacred robes. Once off the undead creature she begins to examine the body hoping to find some clues to this creatures origins. Half a dozen thoughts running through her mind. Was this man's costume a guise to lure others like her in, or was he once a servant of the light taken by foul magic.

Once Sonya has finished her examination, she rises to her feet, drawing her want and pressing it to her injuries.

Heal Check on the body 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Knowledge: Religion on the creature to identify 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
Wand of Cure light wounds 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Silena stalks forward next to Sonya, She speaks her words full or detest, "A Huecuva... no doubt. They are the undead spirit of an apostate cleric, driven by a small flame of intelligence. Huecuvas hate all living things, but due to their blasphemous origins, they reserve a special loathing for persons of devout faith."

"They are despair incarnate... having lost their faith and life and turning against those of faith in their unlife. Shed no tears for this lost soul.. desert flower."

Silena looks around casting her gaze over the ruined section of town... grimaces... and pulls out her smoked goggles to shade her sensitive eyes from the day's glare.

"We should continue our search for Oxvard's comrade... and perhaps locate a 'bolt-hole' of our own here int he ruins for a hidden refuge ... never hurts to think ahead and prepare."

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

On a whim... Silena casts detect magic and scans the corpse of the slain undead Huecuva.. just to see if there is any loot to be obtained.

In passing she comments, "..it also might do us well to see if we cannot locate this... creature's once lair. There may be more hidden intell to be found.. or loot he has taken from others he has duped and slain."

Breathing hard from his exertion, Erizi points to the caved in head that his mighty hammer caused with the end of his hammer. He takes a seat, and rubs his neck, idly kicking pieces of Heucuva off his hammer with one sandal foot.

"That is the fate of those who choose evil as a way of life". "They pretend to be nice to draw you close, then spring on you trying to catch you off guard". "A smashed skull is the result".

He looks at Silena while making his speech.

Sonya's voice is somber and resolute when she speaks. "He chose evil, and swift justice was dealt. It was neccrssary, but he served the light and though he could not be redeemed he deserves a burial, by flame or under stone I do not care, but he must be buried if I must do it myself."

Silena ignores Erizi banter... as it does not apply to her but instead steps to Sonya's side crouching she gently settles a spiked gauntleted hand upon her shoulder, "..if it is important to you Desert Flower, then it is important to me. I did not mean I would not support your wishes. Fire would do.. but might invite unwanted attention, will a somewhat shallow but reverent burial do? The stone here is ... deep... its why Kalemarane is situated here.. there are aquifers below that are channeled into cracks that are plumed as natural wells. Perhaps a simple tarn of covering stones would suffice?"

...it is clear that ...gentle words are, hard in coming to Silena. Not that she is being deceitful.. but that her life has been so devoid of gentleness and companionship... such 'simple-kindness' is almost entirely foreign to her. But she is making a valiant effort to be comforting and helpful.

The remains have no treasure, indeed just the tattered robes it stood up in.

Nearby stands the ruins of what once was a church. Most of the walls of this forlorn ruin still stand, but the interior walls have been demolished and gutted.

A vulture circles overhead, decides there isn't anything here worth its attention and flaps off again.

Jengren looks to the crowd and their reaction.

perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14

Someone's pet no doubt. A passive-aggressive test to see our strength.

Jengren leans over to Silena whispering, "Odd don't your think? Why would such a beast not attack others in the area? We were tested.

After a moments rest Erizi rises with a groan, and steps forward to explore the ruins of the church. He overhears Jengren's observation, but kind of hopes someone does come to investigate. That fight just loosened him up a bit.

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20 Perception

Noticing Erizi heading towards the church, Sonya calls out a swift warning. Do not enter the church! Before coming here we were told the gnolls have a genie patron. The genie was said to have entered that church and become twisted and evil by something he found inside. We must proceed into it with extreme caution.

Noticing Erizi heading towards the church, Sonya calls out a swift warning. Do not enter the church! Before coming here we were told the gnolls have a genie patron. The genie was said to have entered that church and become twisted and evil by something he found inside. We must proceed into it with extreme caution.

"I believe we no longer must fear the genie's patron". Erizi nods his head at the recently slain corpse. "And better we find, and dispose of whatever evil corrupted him, then let it strike again". "Still I will wait until you are all ready to enter...for now". Erizi continues towards the church, but waits outside impatiently.

Silena frowns slightly at Jengren's warnings, "... to be honest.. I'm not sure 'Jen'. This place looks mostly abandoned.. on the south side of the Kalemarane ruins.. I don't think any were about to see... and no one directed us to come here specifically.. we did that ourselves. I think perhaps this lost heretic undead priest may have been known to the gnolls.. and they simply avoided intruding upon his haunt.. in these ruins here. None of the Gnoll are worshippers of SARENRAE... the undead might have seemed content to plague only this are of the ruins."

Silena note Erizi's comments but turns her attention to Sonya to engage her in discussion, "...I'm pretty certain.. this unquiet dead is not the Carrion King that Kardwann was referring to... he does not even bear a crown. We are not ready to enter the temple for sure... but we need more intel. I want to go talk to Umdrella again... perhaps she has more information. Its obvious to me Oxvard's companion is not here.. or if he was.. life may not be in him anymore. We need to secure shelter and lodging ere it turns dark."

There is no crowd here... the folks in the Battle Market stayed there!

"There is nothing more to be gained here. Oxvard, Dahki.. stay close. We're not abandoning your companions yet Oxvard but its obvious he's not here. We need to secure some intel and shelter... we'll be here a dew days..."

looking up she searches for the moon in the ebbing daylight sky, "...hopefully there will be enough time."

Turning, "Jengren, Sonya... I'm going to go speak with Umdrella {map-B7} she mentioned some task she wanted accomplished about a snake... I'm curious to find out why... and what new intel she has learned, since her return. Are you going to make camp in the these ruins of the shrine to Sarenrae or come with me?"

I was definitely confused regarding the crowd and location.

"Good point Sil?' He winks at her. He looks at Calain,"Best if he stay behind. if you desire company, I can join you, we did treat her the best. If you think it's best to go at her alone then we will set up camp and to a prelim scout."

I still need to perform his funeral rights before the sun sets. Cailin, I could use your strength if you would not mind to give it. After he is laid to rest, we shall set camp here. My thought is if I repair his robes and remain in the area the legend that is sure to have sprouted from his previous kills should serve as a natural disguise.

Sonya waits for any objections before setting the rocks Cailin brings her in place, creating a small sun shaped sunburst using the smallest rocks. After a short prayer pleading that Sarenrae grant the man redemption she rises to her feet and follows Cailin's instructions on how to set a camp.

Silena ponders for a moment, "No. I don't think its best any of us go anywhere in this city alone. But I also feel we need to know what Umdrella may have learned on her return. Come with me if you will."

At Sonya's words Silena pays attention nodding in silence assent, "Do what you must Desert flower. Jen and I shall not be long... Oxvard and Dashki will be here with you as well see if they are willing to help with the burial."

Turning to Calain Silena remarks, "Oy... Godslayer.. Calain watch over our Comrades! Jen and I will not be gone long. Help Sonya to set up camp... get Oxavard and Dashki to help!"

Silena looks over at Erizi... noting his eagerness to go into the temple immediately. She ponders asking what will he do... but decides not to.. he obviously does not trust her.. best to leave the brute to his own choices. Right now they had a task to do. If he wanted to help.. he'd volunteer.. but she was not about to waste anymore time trying a fruitless task of recruiting him... since he could not see past her skin tone.

Turning to Jengren, "...let's go and be quick."

With that she sets out to stride for the north of town and Umdrella abode.

Calain agrees to help Sonya bury the remains of that which was once a priest of Sarenrae, as will Oxvard. Dashki is sulking again, but grudgingly consents to help make camp.

Jengren and Silena head out for Umdrella's home. It's just as smelly and dirty as ever, but Umdrella is there. She's eating her supper, although you don't really want to contemplate what's in it. She waves a half-gnawed bone at you as you enter.

"Hello there. Do you want some?"

Erizi stands at the entrance to the temple until dark, wondering why the Merry Group chooses inaction. Finally his rumbling belly, and the chill of the night bring him down to the camp. He sets and mopes and really doesn't talk to anyone, since he didn't get his way.

Finally as sleep begins to overtake him, he decides to speak. Maybe the priestess could help him to understand. "I see that The Merry Group seems to care for each other, but I do not understand how such a group came together". "Perhaps a common goal"? "I see that you are all capable, but seem reluctant to do what must be done". "Help me to understand".

Silena smiles guardedly, "Thank you Umdrella.. but no, I prefer my food more seasoned. I see you have made it back to Kalemarane safely, are you well?"

"I know we have had a rocky start... all beyond MY personal control... but for the foreseeable future you will be dealing with me."

"What have you learned of the city on your return.. has anything changed, did Kardswann notice your absence? And what is this snake you want killed?"

Jengren walks the town with Silena towards Umdrella's residence. He mentally notes the features of the town, guards, and gathering locations. When they arrive at Umdrella's he lets Silena speak without interruption.

"I am fine, thank you," says Umdrella, rather tight-lipped. "I have not been to the Battle Market since my return, so I have no idea what Kardswann thinks or knows. As for the snake, it is a giant mamba and it lives in the ruined slave market. I fancy its head for my stewpot!"

The ruined slave market is location B1 on the map

Sonya ponders Erizi's questions a moment before answering. "To be honest, I am new to this group as well. I do not believe there is a common goal that united them.....us. To be honest, the most uniting thing we have is that we all don't belong in normal society. I mean honesly look at this little group."

Sonya holds out her arms letting Erizi look at then in the light. The blackened scorched flesh running up both arms as though she had been burned alive yet somehow the arms function. "You have the daughter of a jeweler, raised without a care in this world, drug through the flames for some divine purpose she herself can't even speak to. Sonya points to Cailin, "A half-orc called a "mad dog" who believes he's lost his soul in the fighting pit." Pointing to Selina's remaining gear and reigned horse, A lost little girl, raised in a wicked home taken advantage of by a wicked whisper of power and escape. Now cursed and falling deeper into her own dispair and torment, all the time convincing herself she deserves it just for birth." Sonya points towards Dashki, "A gnoll hunter, beaten and enslaved by the gnolls he hates, going so far as to betray his own kind to them." She points to Oxvard and chuckles, "Now we even found a lost man in the desert. Then we run into you, Erizi.

So I cannot answer your question. I can tell you, I want nothing more than to march right into that church as I believe it is why I was brought here. Just I wanted to pray with a cleric of my faith, and had by throat clawed at. Just as I wanted to leave the ruins we were in before before a wicked leopard man plunged a dagger into my back and nearly took my life with it. Had it not been for Cailin's strength and Selina's quick magic, I would have passed from this world. I am coming to learn to heed their warnings of danger. What is another day? A temple to "The Everlight" is most glorious in the daylight anyways. So we shall enter tomorrow and revel in all its beauty then.

Sorry to leave you out Jengren but Sonya doesn't know too much of you yet. We need to remedy that soon.

Sweet! Nice simplification of Silena...very cool! :)