She whirls around to face him, teeth clenched she points a finger at him. "It is NOT the same! Brought back to life? Fresh born like a baby? They have no station, no power, no resources! They are already at their lowest! I wanted to put them there! I wanted to hit them at their fullest, to show them that I could and they had nothing on me! But I had suffered this life of slavery for just too long and had that option removed from me! Until I can go back in time to before it was done and bring them down with my own hands, it is over!" She huffs in anger, her face close to him staring him straight in the eye, her voice comes out in a hard whisper through a jaw clenched almost tight enough to crack her own teeth "We are done talking about this. I want to forget it."
Almah, fall back with Garavel! shouted Apollo, as he saw the woman he most cares for slashed across the back, after her attempt to take the Gnoll Cleric down.
Firing his bow at the still standing Gnoll Ranger, the man once again lined up his shot for the creatures chest, hoping to drop it so he can move onto the larger and more intimidating target present.
Slashing out fearfully, Almah struck the Cleric as she 5 foot stepped away from the current Gnoll thread.
Garavel, we need to help the other guards! she cried, as the Cleric dropped before her.
Threat* -
As she gets up close and personal, Dmitri stands idle, having finally treaded into unwanted territory. If only because of his faith and her obvious disfavor of the situation does he not continue the conversation on that note.
As she gets up and personal with him, his eye begins to ache, a feeling he hadn't experienced for quite some time.
Feeling of it, and it's sudden bleeding in response, Dmitri gets the message. "I will not press it further..." he says, looking at her just as sternly. Relaxing a moment, he pulls his hair back once more, revealing the eye once again, the grotesque bit of chitin that escapes around his head as an Incubus horn that happens to be well hidden.
"It grows daily, as of late. I received it after we defeated Xulthos... What is your take on it? It is a mark of evil, and one I am rather proud of. Do you abhor it?" he asks, opening the left eye wide enough to where the notable spinning of it's strange, slowly emanating darkness falls upon her. Skin parts around it, revealing a cross shaped bit of skin beneath it. Along with the horn, a mighty scar goes all the way back to his ear, for some reason.
Brek moves within range of the unfolding melee, firing off a ray of fire at one of the injured gnolls and lands a hit, burning the gnoll badly and staggering it, which makes it easy for one of the guards to stab and kill it with his halberd.
Apollo barks orders again and fires again into melee, taking down the gnoll ranger that threatens Almah's life. Almah then works with Garavel to take down the cleric, doing so easily and with impunity. Garavel turns and, with a powerful stroke of his falchion, manages to land another critically-injuring blow, this time on the gnoll warchief. The chief seems only mildly fazed by the blow, but it's obvious that the creature was badly wounded.
The other guards work with Je'Grik, and together they take down two more gnoll threats, leaving only five remaining for them to deal with.
The warchief, however, is still a serious threat, and he rages before he slashes at Garavel with his greataxe. Powerfully, he slashes through Garavel's chest and through both of Garavel's arms, delivering a mighty and open, bleeding wound to the already-injured man. The gnolls attempt to take down Je'Grik and the guards, but they are all well-protected enough so that only one manages to land a glancing blow, in a vulnerable part of one of the guardsman's armor.
Initiative:
Brek - 15
Defenders of Kelmerane - 11
Apollo - 6
Gnolls - 4
Je'Grik - 3
Garavel - 2/34
Guard 1 - 16/19
Guard 2- 5/19
Guard 3 - 11/19
Guard 4 - (down!)
A gnoll ranger, (down!)
A gnoll cleric, (down!)
A gnoll warchief, 28/48
With the Ranger down and the Cleric now dealt with, Almah runs to Garavel's aid, hoisting his arm over her shoulder and moving away from the battle.
In passing, she says to Apollo; Garavel needs medical aid. Apollo, I'm leaving this to you, Brek, Je'Grik and the Guardsmen. Do you think you can handle it?
Nodding, Apollo looked at Garavel's pretty horrific wounds.
I've got it. Almah....I'll see you later. Make sure he gets some good rest. said Apollo both boldly and confidently.
With the safety of all present compromised, it was time for Apollo to drop his Bow. It was time for Apollo's courage to not waver. It was time....for Apollo to kill.
Charging the beastly Warchief, the man began to run at his enemy, dropping his bow 10 feet away from the creature, and drawing out what he thought of as his oversized tooth pick, as he took a might swing against the dog-like leader that stood before him.
Your killing days are over. Now, where's your leader? he questioned angstily, swiping viciously across the Gnoll's torso from bottom to top.
Round 3
Brek nods and then winces as he notices Apollo charge up to the warchief. Already in the thick of melee but away from any danger, Brek pinches his fingers and thinks Dark Fires with a shout in Ignan, he throws out a spell, sending it a blob of seething dark mass towards the gnoll chief.
Source Advanced Race Guide pg. 1 (Amazon)
School conjuration [earth]; Level druid 1, magus 1, sorcerer/wizard 1, witch 1 (goblin)
Casting
Casting Time 1 standard action
Components V, S
Effect
Range close (25 ft. + 5 ft./2 levels)
Effect single fist-sized blob of sticky mud
Duration instantaneous
Saving Throw Reflex negates, see text; Spell Resistance no
Description
When you cast this spell, you conjure a single ball of sticky mud and launch it at an enemy’s face as a ranged touch attack. If the mudball hits, the target is blinded. Each round at the beginning of its turn, a creature blinded by this spell can attempt a Reflex saving throw to shake off the mud, ending the effect. The mudball can also be wiped off by the creature affected by it or by a creature adjacent to the creature affected by it as a standard action.
"It grows daily, as of late. I received it after we defeated Xulthos... What is your take on it? It is a mark of evil, and one I am rather proud of. Do you abhor it?"
She looks at it and shrugs, "There are a lot of nasty things we drow grow up with. I don't have a problem with it. I'm not your wife so I don't have to look at it every day, but if you ask me it looks like you might have caught something from that bird-woman. Not sure what you mean if I 'bore' it, but I told you you shouldn't have slept with it."
Je'grik turns and looks at the next nearest gnoll and roars loudly at it, fangs showing and dripping.
Eight gnolls lie dead on the ground, to the mere half-dozen still standing, and so finally it looks like Kelmerane's defenders have the upper hand. Je'Grik emphasizes this fact with a feral roar at the gnolls, terrifying one with his expression of primal rage.
Brek casts a spell, calling a glob of dark matter into existence in his hand, and then he flings it at the gnoll chieftain. It strikes the gnoll chieftain right on target, directly on the face, blinding it.
Almah grabs Garavel, whom she sees is right on the verge of being killed by the gnoll chieftain, and the pair retreat towards the bridge and towards Apollo, while at the same time the gnoll-killer drops his bow and begins to dash towards the same gnoll chieftain. The chieftain is unable to strike at either of them as they retreat, as he's blinded, and after exchanging a few words with his lover and his compatriot, Apollo draws his sword and charges into battle with the chieftain.
The guardsmen see that Je'Grik has a solid grasp on killing two of the gnolls himself, so they each concentrate on one each. Two of them land a solid blow.
Apollo delivers a painfully-wicked slash on the gnoll chieftain and demands information. The gnoll chieftain wipes the mud off of his face and sneers at Apollo. "Leader? The Carrion King sits atop his throne in the House of the Beast, and directs only destruction. Such destruction, you are destined for."
Meanwhile, two gnolls engage Je'Grik, one of them managing to land a hit despite its fear of the tiefling, while the other stays back to support its ally. Three gnolls attack the guardsmen and one manages to land a hit on the guardsmen that the heroes brought with them.
Initiative:
Brek - 15
Defenders of Kelmerane - 11
Apollo - 6
Gnolls - 4
Je'Grik - 3
Garavel - 2/34 (running!)
Guard 1 - 12/19
Guard 2- 5/19
Guard 3 - 11/19
Guard 4 - (down!)
One gnoll at 6/11
One gnoll at 7/11
A gnoll ranger, (down!)
A gnoll cleric, (down!)
A gnoll warchief, 7/48, raging, blinded
Feeling his blood slip down his scales awakens Je'grik's fury, and he turns on the gnoll with a vengeance, slashing across the dog's harshly, ripping flesh apart.
Dmitri smiles before pulling the hair farther away from his eye to reveal the intrepidly disfigured section of the left side of his head, which seethed with energy the more it was revealed. Closing the eye, the energy subsided and the muscles closed in on themselves, but they quickly opened again as he raised both his eyes. "I wish it were as simple as a disease, but sadly my god has granted me immunity to such things. I may merely spread them as I wish, but I've no interest in such a thing. Far too unattractive... No, this is my Goddess' mark upon me, as a sign of her favor..." He said as he ran a finger along the horn.
Je'grik absolutely destroys one of the gnolls with his scimitar, instantly killing the impudent dog for daring to injure him. His sword rips through the gnoll's spine, severing it and killing it quite completely.
Brek fires off an elemental Ray at the gnoll Chief.
Haha! Well, thanks for the info. He'll soon join you in the afterlife. I s'pose even dogs have to go somewhere.
Grinning with malicious intent, Apollo takes another vicious swing at the Chieftain before coldly glancing over his shoulder towards Brek and Je'Grik. This one's mine. Focus on supporting Garavel's Guardsmen and we'll sustain minimal casualties.
Meanwhile, Almah continues to help Garavel back towards the Battle Market, in search of immediate medical attention.
Brek fires off a ray of fire at the gnoll chieftain, but his poor aim combined with the head distortion from the desert and the chieftain's ability to dodge create a miss, and the ray of fire zooms right past the gnoll. Apollo, however, isn't f&~@ing around with the gnoll and swings his sword powerfully to create a cross on the gnoll's chest, swinging horizontally to create a perpendicular wound to his previous slash. With a rumble, the gnoll falls to the ground, dead.
Seeing their chieftain dead and themselves outnumbered, the remaining gnolls turn tail and run for the hills, although the guardsmen they battle manage to kill one more of the dogs as they run.
The doors burst open to allow Almah and Garavel entrance, and the crowds in the large building part to allow their passage. Garavel is bleeding liberally from multiple slashing wounds on him, and Almah is hard-pressed to carry the big bodyguard. She is also injured, although not as badly as he is. She calls out for a healer, and both the Gorumite from before and Father Zastoran rush out to the center of the Battle Market floor to attend to them.
Brek takes a quick look around before examining the bodies of the gnolls left behind. He first examines the downed guard to see if he has a chance of survival.
"Great Job guys, You have done an immense job in holding back the gnolls until we arrived. You all should feel proud of yourselves." giving them encouraging words.
Calling out to Apollo, Brek checks to see if his victorious companion needs any further help.
"Apollo, you need any wounds check on or something? Great Swing with that weapon of yours."
Hearing the sudden commotion down the way, Dmitri immediately hides his eye from local view, and shooting a quick glance at Kori. He then smiles before saying, "Let's keep that a secret from the others, shall we? I trust they're not as used to it..." he says with a bit of a laugh.
Walking down the stairs over to the commotion, Dmitri looks throughout the crowd, which somewhat parts for him as he, in his staunch black armor, sort of strikes a nerve amongst them. The group wasn't totally disappointed in him during the fight, though some were more fearful as a result of his rather callous warning. They couldn't have gotten the best look of his eye from the rafters either, he thought. Finally he comes out amongst Apollo, Brek and Je'grik with a sudden eyebrow raised as he takes note of the injuries.
Stopping just in front of Brek and looking down at him from his rather tall height of 6'6, Dmitri seems unbothered by the fact that they'd just gotten into a spat without him. Besides, Kori likely hurt him more than most of them could have taken... and yet he still could handle easily triple the punishment he'd currently had.
"Brek, my friend. Thank you once again for assuring me this armor was in fact enchanted, it has been quite some time." he said, suddenly cracking a somewhat evil smile. "Pray tell, what happened here?" he asks, looking the group over entirely, but particularly throwing Apollo a raised brow.
Kori just shrugs, "Okay, sure, not really a talker." She joins Dmitri out of the building, and to where the others are. She merely nods to each of the others in greeting.
Picking a bit of flesh from the blade he used to fell the Warchief, Apollo flicks the fleshy lump onto the floor, scrunching his face up slightly as he looks at the mess around him.
It's not pretty. he aired out loud.
Turning to watch Almah help Garavel back to town, Apollo acknowledges Brek's presense with a friendly expression.
For a second there I thought I'd been set alight, but whatever you did to me, I felt a force like nothing I've felt before.
As for wounds? I haven't taken a scratch. This little toothpick he said, gesturing towards the longsword he carries has served me well. Thinking to himself, Apollo then expressed something worth thinking about.
What concerns me though is this encounter. After a year of almost nothing, why invade now?
The man just shrugs as he continues to converse with the "Sun-man".
Whatever the case I don't think that'll be the last we see of their kind, but for now we should focus on seeing if everyone else is okay.
If you can heal Apollo turns towards the guards, these men may need you assistance.
I'll join you in a sec, but I've got two things I need to take care of. he explains, pulling an arrow from his quiver and once again prying the teeth from the mouths of the two Gnoll's he'd just personally defeated, searching to see if they had anything of worth in the process.
Fang for the Chief, Central Incisor for the lackey. That makes 7 in total. Still not enough to really make a point with their flea ridden leader though. Still, it's a start!
After forcefully ripping two teeth from the fallen Gnoll's across the floor around him, Apollo makes his way over to the Guards, nodding awkwardly at Je'grik as he helps Brek tend to the injured guards, hoisting the most heavily injured one over his shoulder.
That man. he said, looking at the only dead Guard on the ground.
Did he have a family?
Questioning the other Guards he continued; He needs a proper burial. It's just unfortunate that things turned out the way they did.
Even so. announced the man, relieving himself of a rather large sigh. If it wasn't for the bravery of all of you here today, Kelmerane may have suffered a slaughter at the hands of those stinking mutts today. So, good work everyone!
Appreciative of the efforts put in to stop the Gnoll's path of vicious destruction from progressing any further, Apollo makes his way back with all those still in attendance and heads for the battle market, collecting the Bow he borrowed along the way.
Catching up to his injured loved one after seeing all guards back to their outpost, Apollo is careful to place his hands on Almah in a place that isn't wounded as he watches two of the towns Guardsmen carry Garavel away on a stretcher of such, most likely to Father Zastoran.
Almah, you'd better go too. Your wounds aren't just minor scratches and I wouldn't want to see you in further pain from infection.
As Dmitri shows up, Apollo leans over the pretty and dainty woman as he plants a kiss on her cheek.
Gnoll's. he said, looking up at the white haired psycho.
We go a whole year with little to no activity and now they reappear. Something must be going on and whether we want to or not, I've a feeling we're going to find out just what that is fairly soon.
"Glad you could join uss, Dmitri." Je'grik rasps as he let's the battle fury die. He didn't need it with the Gnolls running off, and it left him tired for a few moments anyway. "But you and Kori had a party of yer own, didn't you? Gave the people a show, I bet.."
Brek moves about seeing to the guardsman though he lets Je'drik perform the actual healing. Using Detect Magic to aid in the search of the gnolls.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Once back at the Battle Market, seeing Dmitri approach with Kori and hearing his questions. Brek was about to answer when Apollo did after greeting his love.
When he's done Brek adds in his own thoughts.
"You're welcome to the armor Dmitri, it serves you well as I can see. As what Apollo has said, a raiding party of gnolls attempted to invade Kelmerane but seem to have forgotten who resided here." inclining his head towards Apollo before continuing.
"Apollo despite not having any of his normal weapons on him still showed the gnolls why it was a bad idea as he dispatched them. We've lost a guard and the others wounded but other than that we're fine."
Pausing a moment.
"What Apollo said is true though, it's unusual for the gnolls to be showing up after so long. Though I believed Apollo and their deceased leader exchanged words to some effect before Apollo sent it to its maker."
Dmitri nodded towards Je'grik with a bit of a smile, but nothing more than that.
Dmitri stopped a moment upon the mentioning of more gnolls, once again. Placing a hand to his chin, he thought for a moment, though outloud. "Hmm... No." he said rather abruptly. "The gnolls, as much as I hate to admit it, aren't completely stupid creatures..." he said as he looked out towards the direction of the mountains. "If the 3 of you could dispatch them so quickly, they likely didn't have a grand army, which, may I remind you, this "Carrion King" has... but the fact they've come back is interesting to say the least." he said as he turned back to them.
"The problem is we don't know anything about them, and I'd much rather not have my home, or plans ruined by mangy dogs." with a bit of a laugh.
Drawing his scythe, he looked at the edge of the blade. Still the same old color that it was, but the leather he'd wrapped around it to hide that awful blue cloud pattern was far more appealing, he thought. It most definitely had not lost its' edge, he confirmed. "The last time we fought these beasts, they commanded a creature from the abyss. Not just a small one either, and as the only one amongst us that's really familiar on a personal level with such things, I have to say that they're not welcome in Kelmarane."
Placing the scythe down and holding it against the floor he looked them over for a moment. "I'm rather fed up with these dogs' existence, and I don't even have to ask Apollo this because I know his answer, but what say we take the fight to them, for a change?" he asks, spinning his scythe in a circle using the tip as a pivot.
"The last time we fought these beasts, they commanded a creature from the abyss. Not just a small one either, and as the only one amongst us that's really familiar on a personal level with such things, I have to say that they're not welcome in Kelmarane."
After hearing what Brek has to say, Apollo looks over to Dmitri.
Well they're not welcome anywhere, but I think there's more to this than you or I know.
You could say that these dogs weren't those working for a more dominant power, but they were fairly well prepared. I counted 12 in total. Nine grunts, a Ranger, Priest and Warchief.
Wrapping his arms around Almah, his thoughts continued to flow freely.
This could have just been a smaller party from the presumed huge resistance awaiting us. What if they were just checking for weak points in our defense? What if they wanted to see if those who chased out the Gnoll threat a year ago still resided here? Gnoll's revel in death and destruction, so a little chance of revenge would be enough to motivate them. Besides, if they expect us to turn up every time they send in a few of their pups, they could easily have another group infiltrate our town while we're all distracted.
I don't know if the Carrion King knows of my existence or presence in Kelmerane yet, but what I do know is this:
Ghartok is the Carrion King. I remember the name well. He's one incredibly ruthless and brutal creature and even you would be lucky to survive one swing of his D.
Raising an eyebrow, Apollo decides to share his recent discoveries with the man, hoping Dmitri would be familiar with the symbol he'd seen.
Our next location is The House of the Beast. I don't know what or where this place is, but I believe it's where I'll be settling the score with Ghartok for all those of my family and friends he slaughtered. The Throne room is where my target awaits, but that's all I got from the worthless Chieftain I annihilated.
Having said that, we found some pretty decent looking armour and a weapon of the Chief, so that'll bring in a little more coin at least. Also, I was hoping you'd know something about a sigil I found on them. I'm not sure if it's of a religious nature or not, but the symbol was of a skull being grasped above by a clawed hand. Can't say it's something I recall that dirtbag Ghartok having back when we first met, but thought it was worth mentioning.
Speaking to Almah, Apollo asks; Is there anything else we can do around here? I've come across a lot of magical items during my time spent working within the markets of Katapesh and was hoping to turn my weapon into something that can better deal with these worthless mutt's. I'm in no rush to race ahead if I can better prepare myself for the fight I've been waiting for all these years!
Father Zastoran tends to Almah first, sending his most powerful healing energies into her and fully healing her of the damage she'd sustained. He and the Gorumite cleric both then take Garavel back and away, as well as the guards from before, and begin to tend to them.
Before leaving with the clerics, a guardsman stops by Apollo and answers him. "Yes..His name was Gorgio. A good man, there'll be lots at his funeral. Thank you for saving us, though. As much as I liked him, wouldn't want to join him" the guard leaves then, to be tended to mundanely and magically.
Almah sighs, pulling Apollo closer to herself. "A traveler dropped in yesterday, said he had some visions about the House of the Beast... I dismissed him, because I'd never heard of the place and I see lots of drifters, but...maybe it would be a good idea to see this man. I will find him for you."
Looking at the Sigil Dmitri takes a good hard look at it. There were plenty of things that looked similar to this in regards to Lamashtu,one of the chaotic goddesses of the abyss, but he couldn't be sure. More than likely, it's just a simple sigil to let people know about them... or a message.
As he investigated ad tried to call back through the rather dark expanse of his memories, he caressed the flat side of his scythe, checking for scratches in the magical blade. He'd yet to find one ever. Looking to Apollo, he retorted. "You speak the truth in regards to the defenses... In a way it's a good thing that they don't know of my, or Kori's existence. I've the feeling I am known well throughout the gnoll tribes, if only because I was the one who proclaimed Kardswann weak and forced his head to roll in front of his lessers..." he said with a smile as he turned the blade over.
"They don't know that Angmar is gone, and they don't know that me and Kori are still here. They know of you, and your slowly growing necklace, I imagine. Brek and Je'grik are likely news to them, as they just sort of happened across the climax of our previous adventure. But they're likely well known now... and as the master of "The Enchantress" I can also say that you both are easy to spot in a crowd..."
Placing his scythe back on his back, Dmitri presented apollo with his time-worn handkerchief. A fabric made of satin, though it served no more purpose than to wipe blood off. "It has been a year since we ventured as a group... I feel as though we should investigate this "oracle" that Almah has mentioned. At the very least I will go. I've learned to be quite convincing in this past year..." he said with a bit of pride, though it was rather obvious his intentions could just as easily turn dark.
"It sounds like we're going to go for another adventure then. Let us make our preparation and then meet at 'The Enchantress' later? I'll have to make arrangements at the shop and hopefully find someone one else to tend to it while I'm likely with all of you. The words of this oracle is likely to send us all on a hunt. A hunt I feel could turn at anytime."
Brek plays with conjured fire before bidding all of you farewell as he heads towards his shop.
Hearing the meeting place being declared as his residence, Dmitri somewhat perks up. Even in moments like this, he wanted to seem ready for their arrival. Koritylija would likely scowl the entire time she was there, which was a shame, but he expected it.
"Hmm... Yes." he said, tapping his chin somewhat. "Apollo, retrieve your hammer, though I would advise you keep that sword..." he said, remembering the time his weapon had been disarmed. "Should there be any more enemies like the one with the Flindbar last time, you'll end up useless should you be separated from your hammer..." he said as he proceeded on out the door. As cold as the advice was, Dmitri wasn't one to tell lies to his companions unless it served him well. "Should any of you need me, I will be within my dwelling." he said, tossing a hand up.
One thing that hadn't been made apparent about Dmitri's new attire is that it actually contained a rather lengthy cape that almost reached the ground that bore his unholy crest for any that may be curious as to what deity he prayed to. Splayed across his shoulders was the image of the fallen angel lilith, hugging something that wasn't there. The armor was definitely made to order...
Upon returning, through the doors of the harem, Dmitri wasn't particularly worried about the events that transpired with Koritylija. Lyssandra was well-versed in the religion, and knew that Dmitri, even if fights with women were allowed should they give permission, was so adamant in his faith that he wouldn't harm a woman without good reason. Lyssandra was well-learned about his respective interest in her as well, which made her rather spiteful of the elf. If she were being honest, and she would, then she would likely make it a point that she'd hoped the elf never returned, but it was only because, in a twisted, sick, vile, evil way, she was madly in love, and madly territorial in regards to Dmitri. And it was all his sweet fault~
The women, in no small number, greeted their respective master of the house with respect and dignity, which was somewhat backwards in regards to Lilith's decree, but Dmitri was special in that regard, in that he was far more faithful, and understood more than the average cleric. As he walked back to his room he kissed hands, caressed shoulders, complimented the goings-on, and closed a few doors as he walked through the rose-tinted halls full of satin and debauchery.
Looking to a cluster of the girls as he walked, he spoke. "Ladies, it is a pleasure. Some of my old allies will be arriving here shortly after they've made some preparations. Some may be right behind me, and some may be here in an hour or so, but they will still be here." he said as he leaned over and kissed the closest one's hand. A tiefling, Esmeralda was her name. "I will reward you in gold, should you manage to make them relax a little." he said as he almost entered a doorway, stopping short.
"Hmm..." he turned to look at the 3 of them. A half-orc that didn't look half bad, a regular red-haired human, and a tiefling that obviously had devil within her... He smiled. "Do not attempt to seduce the Drow, unless you want a broken jaw, but by all means the rest are fair game." he said with a bit of a laugh. Apollo and Almah most certainly had a thing going, but Almah had enslaved Koritylija for a time. He couldn't let that slide... "Oh, and ladies?" he asked as he watched their eyes perk up. "30 gold to the one that beds the man with the hammer. 15 for whoever can loosen up the scary-looking Tiefling." he said with a wide grin and an evil smile.
With that, he took a bow and proceeded to the main bedroom, where he and his significant other slept. Just as expected, she was sitting there on the bed, draped in her familiar and only that. The rumor had already reached her, and he had no idea what it had been twisted into, but whatever reached her ears, she didn't seem angry, but she was more than ready to prove something. His eyes wandered over to the stand where the Wand of Infernal healing sat. He removed his scythe from his back and placed it against the wall and shut the door.
2 simple words she said to him, which pretty much got things started.
"Armor. Off."
As if he hadn't been injured enough today... No... No he hadn't. And with that thought, he locked the door.
"a challenge from the pain lover..." Je'grik mutters! looking at the women. This could prove interesting to say the least. "Let's see what they got~"
Kori listens to all of them prattle on discussing what they want, what they 'know', and what they plan to do, deciding to wait until they meet later to speak her piece. She was hungry and they were talking too much, too fast, she figured she could think better once she grabbed a room and a bite to eat.
From what she was told, there was room at the manse they had stayed at before, so she figured it was the best place to stay. She headed back into the battle market and demanded food first. Once sated, she took her belongings back to the manse to find a room she could claim for herself. Once she has settled in she makes her way to this place of Dmitri's he seems so proud of.
She enters the building, and there is nothing but obvious contempt on her face. She has no use for those that only know how to use their genitals to survive in the world. If they had any other capabilities, they would see that it is only a pleasurable pastime or a means for having powerful offspring, not a career. She is not surprised by the den of flesh, she has seen her fair share in those that they tried to make her work in, or the harems of those that owned her. They tried to make her behave by forcing themselves on her, but she showed them that she was put to much better use fighting men over pleasing them.
She still has a look over the stock, but too many of them men in places such as these were too pretty and often the muse of other men as well as women. They worry too much about beauty, soft skin, muscled for play with no real knowledge in how to really fight for life. She would not find a real man here, one worthy of being allowed to enjoy her, and possibly give her a equally powerful daughter to raise.
She merely waits with disdain for the others and head-woman to arrive with this seer. She is surprised, however, to see there are the usual looks she gets, but none of them were brave enough to approach her. The story of her fight in the Battle-market must have arrived before her.
Heading home to his little shop first, Brek begins to pack the items he'd most likely need for this this trip.
The dagger, a gift from a year ago, he straps to his side. No one else knows when such a thing might come in useful. Packing in his backpack, he's slightly surprised to find that there is little to pack as it seems that over the year, he's left it with exactly what's needed for an extended trip.
Rations as fresh as he could manage from the battle market, Waterskin with fresh water, his tools and finally the wands that he's being saving. A wand of Bull's strength and Infernal healing. One severely depleted and the other still fully charged. He knew that most likely he'd have to branch out his skill in crafting such magical objects.
It'd be useful as well as making things easier when he returns and attempts to use those skills in his business.
Once done, making arrangements to have his shop managed for an unlikely time frame, he heads to a place he almost never heads to willingly other than business with the less than savory clients;
'The Enchantress'
Leaving Almah's side, each of Kelmerane's greatest heroes departs from the Battle Market and spreads out around town to do what preparations they can before meeting at Dmitri's whorehouse.
Brek, Apollo, and Je'Grik are accosted by women as soon as they come in, but only two or three at a time. The women in there know better than to simply mob their clients, and a few of them are already working... Perfumery and the smell of sex pervades the place, and every surface is draped in a satin or kashmir cloth or a pillow. Obviously, this is meant to be a place of comfort and sin.
Nonetheless, our heroes don't have to wait long for Dmitri to emerge, bare-chested but otherwise armored the same, from his back bedroom. A devilish smile is upon his face, and he licks his lips in pleasure. The group talks a little bit of small talk for a few minutes before the interruption.
A giant of a man, towering a full four inches over even Dmitri, ducks under the door and into Dmitri's whorehouse. Bald-headed with a red tattoo of a sun atop his head, and wearing blaze orange hot-weather robes, this older man still has a light smile gracing his face. "This is the Enchantress, and you are...Brek, Dmitri, Kori, Apollo, and Je'Grik, are you not?"
Getting his affirmation, he nods. "I am afraid that I have grave news for you."
"The Carrion King plans to march on Kelmerane soon, in order to destroy it and kill the interlopers responsible for destroying the Kulldis tribe. Such a powerful warlord likely is growing dissatisfied with his throne within the House of the Beast, and wishes to expand his influence."
"I urge you to seek him out, before he invades your home and he kills your loved ones and your children, and to kill him and disperse his armies. I would wish for nothing less than the destruction of this town, not so soon after it was rebuilt."
Walking out into the room, Dmitri is missing the chest section of his full plate, but nothing else. The sight of scars across his chest that are no doubt claw marks are apparent. Apparently they didn't always want to use the wand after they were done...
That aside, he enters the room and is riding high on everything that just happened in the bedroom. Gathering his senses again, however, he takes note that the group is currently being assaulted by all manner of women. The tiefling and half-orc seem to be going after Je'grik, but everyone else is acting as per usual.
Tossing his arms up in joy, Dmitri eyes practically glisten at the fact that he's got everyone in his own personal den of debauchery for once. "Please, treat yourself to any manner of fun that you wish. I can't think of anything that I've not seen happen here before. Sometimes the girls don't even make it to their rooms before they... well... I'm sure you can imagine." he says as he collapses into one of the chairs.
Behind him, his wife emerges from the halls just as he sits down. He left his chest piece as well as his scythe in the other room as he didn't particularly fear anything happening that he couldn't handle here with his own hands. Throwing a hand up, and presenting his wife, he smiles wide as he says; "Gentlemen, the lovely Lyssandra Mavis. Love of my life, and the overseer of this establishment in my stead when I am gone."
She takes his hand and holds it gently as he looks about. At that point, the man comes in and announces himself after he looks on with surprise. 7 Feet tall was an impressive feat, for certain. The half-orc would have to handle him, he thought to himself. That was, until he announced his purpose and told them what he'd already been thinking.
"Well, well... and to who do we owe the pleasure? Rather rude for a man to come giving advice without giving his name first, don't you think?"
Take care in breaking the news to his family then. Let them know how valued Gorgio was to us and how he helped to valiantly defend Kelmerane against the Gnoll threat. Look after yourself as well my friend, and if you need help with the funeral, let me know. he said, responding to the guard.
Leaning over Almah's shoulder with his face held close to hers, Apollo listens intently as she tells him of the man she saw earlier.
What did he look like, just so I know who to look out for? he asked. Anyone with information about that place would be good company in my eyes.
I'll tell you over lunch responded Almah.
with Almah fuelling Apollo's curiosity, Dmitri spoke, of which Apollo raised an eyebrow to, listening to hear what the man had to say for himself.
Useless? he laughed. I have a Bow. With or without my Hammer, I'll be useful for as long as I have arrows.
Ah Dmitri, cold and never appreciative of those he fights alongside. Well....apart from Kori, haha.
I did have my Axe for backup purposes, but you're right, I should keep hold of this sword for now at least, even if it's pretty flimsy. I'd much rather look into strengthening or upgrading my Hammer, though. That thing hits hard, but it needs to hit harder! smirked the man.
Oh and Brek! he said, as the Ifreeti man was ready to leave. after I've had lunch with Almah, I'll pop by your shop as there's something I want to discuss with you.
Watching as all those in attendance began to depart, Apollo didn't seem particularly overjoyed with the fact their next meeting would take place within Dmitri's famed whorehouse.
Why The Enchantress? he sighed, Almah turning around to face him with a slightly concerned but somewhat playful attitude about the whole situation.
Well, it's not somewhere I'd pick to have a meeting, but if it calms most of you down, so be it. Anyway... she said Haven't we got lunch to attend to? I want to treat my man to a nice meal before the courtesans lead him astray. she smiles, both trustingly and playfully.
Ha. Yea we do, and I've worked up quite the appetite! he said as his stomach let out a rather loud rumble.
As Dmitri emerges and introduces his wife, Kori merely looks at her as if appraising her, never known to offer warm greetings and handshakes. She half shrugs as if to say, 'eh, whatever' before returning to the rest of the group as they chit chat, not having much to say.
As the big man enters, she also looks him over, but he doesn't seem to be her preference. Listening to his explanation, she nods, "Okay, then lets go kill him. Sounds simple enough. I have no loved ones here and do not really care about this place, but I've decided to stay awhile and don't want to be bothered by a bunch of the stupid dog-men. Are you all ready to leave now? I am...." She stands and prepares to leave, before turning to the big man and asking, "So, where is he?"
By the Sands!! Those women were as pesky as he remembered! Brek cannot help but give credit to those girls. They fairly swarmed him the moment he stepped foot into The Enchantress. He was supremely glad the moment the rest came in as that meants less attention was on him though it seems that the girls had something to prove today.
Apollo wanted to ask him something but he didn't see him at the shop, granted perhaps there were other matters that could have taken up his time or that he moved about too quickly with his arrangements.
The Man now. This was different. Few were as big as either Apollo and Dmtri and this towering man looking for them made them even smaller which wasn't looking good for him being even smaller. Oh well, more space to take cover from he supposed with a shrug.
His words though was something to be taken not of.
"So this carrion King wants to pay us a visit? In a not so friendly way? What a coincidence, I do believe my friends here wanted to do the same." Brek grins, looking to lighten up the mood before it went all tense and heavy.
The introduction of Dmtri's wife could do no better but to at least give her the respect due to her in her own abode. A low bow to denote respect to a lady and his host in their own abode would suffice.
"Thank you for hosting us in your abode, Dmtri and the lovely Lady Lyssandra."
Greeting done, Brek steps back looking to see how the intervening hours would play out.
Awaiting for Almah's response, she didn't have much to say for herself other than what she had already mentioned to the man earlier. There was a traveller who claimed to have seen visions regarding The House of the Beast, and he needed seeking out.
Finishing up a rather enjoyable lunch with Almah (a little later than planned), Apollo made way back to his living quarters, checking on Nom, donning his armour and grabbing his Hammer from the wall mounts hanging it, as he then made his way back to the Battle Market.
Stopping by Brek's shop as planned, he waited ten minutes but when the Ifreeti didn't show, figuring the man had forgotten all about his request, Apollo made his way upstairs and into Almah's living quarters, leaving his primary weapon with her and giving a quick peck on the cheek, as he made his way back down the stairs and into The Enchantress unarmed. Afterall, he didn't want to cause a stir, and if those residing i the Battle Market caught glimpse of Kelmerane's heroes armed to the teeth, they'd know something was up.
No, Apollo didn't want to draw attention to himself or anyone else he associated with for that matter.
Making his way downstairs and cautiously into The Enchantress, Apollo could see that Brek, Je'grik and Kori were already in attendance.
Wincing at the smell, the man was a little taken back as he entered Dmitri's paradise, and being accosted by two to three women at a time only served to make him feel even more uncomfortable in a place he was unfamiliar with and unhappy to be present in.
Regardless, as Dmitri emerged, bare-chested but otherwise armored the same, Apollo just stared at the grinning man.
Well, I guess this place suits you. said Apollo, a little surprised by the lack of privacy as the groans and moans of those within the place grew louder and wilder with each curtained room he passed.
It didn't take long however, for someone else to make their presence known here, as a huge, towering man ducked under the door and into Dmitri's whorehouse.
Yep spoke Apollo, confirming his name to the bald headed man, as he assumed the names of each of them.
Listening to what the man had to say, Apollo fell deep into thought.
So Ghartok finally reveals his ugly face. I see several options here. Either we go to him, or....
With Brek's words interrupting his thoughts, Apollo agreed with the fiery man and had a few words to say himself.
Well. said Apollo. I don't think you guys even know who the Carrion King is, but having met him some time ago now, that stinking, dirty beast of a dog-man is a cancer you wouldn't want to mess with. I have my own doubts, but what needs to be done must be done, and if anyone here's to put that b**** down, it'll be me, whether it costs me my life or not.
Almost as if in a dream like state, Apollo then looked up to the bald-headed man and asked; Are you the one Almah spoke of? The one who had visions of The House of the Beast? How do you know of such information?
as he waited for the mans response, Apollo turned to the group and said; If Ghartok wants to come here, I say we let him. all we need is to empty the residents of this town, sending them back to the Monastery with temporary shelter if need be, and when Ghartok and his pups come wading in, their entrance will be far from glorious when they discover Kelmerane has no residents to kill, and find only us here waiting for them. It'd also give us more time to prepare.
The giant of a man nods, "I am that man, sent by Almah. My name is Zayifid, a traveler disinterested in questioning the visions sent to me by the Dawnflower. As for the House of the Beast, it lies on the far side of the Pale Mountain."
He looks down on Apollo when the Shoanti warrior speaks, his face impassive, but one of his eyes twitches. "You would do well not to do that, young man. The monastery upon the hill is not so far from here that the King's armies cannot find it, nor is it large or stable enough to house the full five hundred residents of this place. If you wish to face the King and all of his forces together, here, in your own streets, I certainly cannot stop you, but I cannot recommend it."
Dmitri listens to Apollo and visibly rolls his eyes in unamusement whenever Apollo languishes upon the idea of killing Ghartok. The way he figured it, blood was blood, and he'd likely find himself going toe to toe with this gnoll leader. It wasn't the type of race to lead through intelligence, so the gnoll known as "Ghartok" was likely some ridiculous towering monstrosity...
He thought a moment about informing him about it, but realized that, some time ago, when they'd adventured, that he had felt the goodness in Apollo's soul, somewhat like a taint. It wasn't the usual kind of goodness, either. It was the kind that didn't just go about it's day being nice, it was the type that actively sought out good deeds and selflessness, and that rubbed Dmitri in one of the only bad ways he could be rubbed.
Dmitri frankly didn't understand the concept of selflessness. One would argue that he did, but frankly he'd never given another man anything besides a long sliver of metal in their stomach and necks. He'd given plenty to women, however, but he didn't do it because he was wanting to be nice. He did it because he saw it as a way to worship his patron. Selflessness and Self-Sacrifice were two very different things, and he knew only of one.
Among them, Brek, Je'grik (Surprisingly) and Apollo were good. Only he and Kori didn't walk around with that taint of sorts, and that bothered him quite a bit. It was half the reason he hadn't associated with them a large amount over the past year unless he'd absolutely deemed it necessary, such as with his armor and Brek. The only time he'd seen the majority of them was during the wedding, and they most definitely did not stay for the glorious afterparty...
Sitting down, he released his wife's hand and placed it upon his chin and asked a very good question. "Apollo, dare I ask, but what if it isn't you?" he said with a raised brow. "Also the man has a point. The town isn't just 30 people anymore. It's over 500, and that's an understatement. If we want this person dead, it falls to all of us, and, I can't believe I'm saying this, but we can't be selfish when it comes to "Who gets to kill the big, evil gnoll."
It has to be me. By all means, have your fill of murder, but just leave Ghartok for me. We have unfinished business to settle, and whether I live or die, that business needs to be settled. This is what I've been waiting for, and has been my whole purpose in accepting Almah's original offer and the reason I've traveled with you all for so long.
With Dmitri and Zayifid's concerns for Apollo's plan, the man just shrugged.
I'm well aware of our numbers, but from what I can recall, the Monastery was pretty huge. Sure, it'll be a tight squeeze to get everyone in, but that's not in dispute here. It's simply an idea that would help reduce the number of casualties that are likely to occur here.
Dmitri sighed a long, disgusted sigh. It sort of permeated the room and seemed to wrap particularly around the women. The trios that had so hungrily attempted to harass the group silenced themselves as he grew annoyed. "Destiny this... Gnoll that. Ghartok, ultimate purpose, reason for living, even the abyss would have it's stomach turn at such reckless self-depreciation!" he said as he somewhat angrily stood up.
"I originally joined the exhibition for the goal of simply enjoying myself. The prospect of gnoll extermination, the glory, it excited me." he said with a sudden increase in pitch, yet a lowering of his voice. "I didn't seek out some higher calling. Angmar, Brek, Je'grik, all of them sought out Haleen. Kori sought to break her chains. We've traveled with many others who no doubt were lost to the desert sands in the wee hours of the night. A mere display of my faith ran off that neat freak of an alchemist! But not one of them grind upon my nerves more than you!" He said as he tossed his arm away from his chest.
Pushing his hair back a bit, he laughed. "Your ideas are hopeful, at best, but impractical, always. The Monastary, at best, could barely contain our original number of people, which I believe was at most, 40! This city is large. It has a healthy number of people. They cannot be contained within the confines of a simple clergy, let alone live there for an entire battle that, let me remind you, would be against an innumerable amount of gnolls, but you would like that, wouldn't you?!"[b] he said with a wry smile.
Turning around, he gave a quick nod to the girls, which immediately took the hint and gathered their somewhat minimal belongings and began to leave the room. Lyssandra herself rubbed her hand along his back in silence as she left to leave them to the privacy, closing off the rest of the area to the sounds of the moans. It was silence now.
With the doors shut, Dmitri continued. [b]"I am a lecherous individual that worships a deity that the majority of this city does not enjoy the company of. She is a humble, lewd individual that values nothing beyond sadomasochism. Sins of the flesh, wondrous ones. Blatant displays of debauchery! The exorbitant murder of her enemies!" he said rather loudly as he began to walk about the room's tables, which had been so recently vacated.
"An enemy of Lilith is an enemy of women. A man, beast, whatever, that openly displays violence, or abuse, of any sort to her teachings and those of the fairer sex. Were you, Apollo, to ever hit a woman of a fairer race, I would cut you down in an instant, yet there is still some common sense in you, and it is out of this that I berate you, and allow you to consistently be on my mind. You were a comrade, and beneath such a lawful deity, I value equals and fear authority." He turned to glare at the man.
Rushing towards him, bare-chested, he pulled his hair away just a little so that Apollo only might see his eye beneath the cloak of hair. Placing his hands that brimmed with the dark energy in his rage, he spoke simply. "I can feel it. I can feel it in the air. When you're slaying these things, beneath the mask of righteous fury for your fallen loved ones, you enjoy it. You enjoy the glory! You basque in it... As a man that frequently basques in whatever their is present, I know it when I see it, and frankly when you're crushing the skulls of these bastard hounds, you're enjoying it more than me." he says, slinking away and laughing a little.
"Evil is killing things and enjoying it. Good is killing things that deserve it. Evil takes precedence. Should you do both? That is evil. I welcome you to walk that path with me." he says with a bit of a laugh.
As the silence falls after his rant, he breathes a moment.
"Tomorrow morning. Be prepared." he said in regards to the beginning of another journey. "Let us see if fate feels the need to give? Or take. The glory shall be all the same, don't you all think?" he said as he walked off back to his quarters.
Having remained silent throughout the entire conversation and frankly being bored. Dmtri did have a point bless his evil heart but he made very valid points. Apollo, sands take him seemed willing to storm straight into the heart of the gnoll armies without due consideration and his obsession could doom them all.
There was something he could do now.
Turning to Zayifid, Brek begins to question him.
"What do your vision from the dawnflower reveal?"
"Is there anything else you can tell me about this Carrion King and how he operates.?"
"We destroyed a tribe here in Kelmarane, do you know anything else of the other tribes?"
"What are the other nearby towns or villages like or have they all being destroyed by this Carrion King?"
Looking for Almah, Brek poses this request to her.
"It seems like we're going to be gone for a while and I think we're going to need a few things like supplies and a map. Is there anything like this we could get in this town discreetly?"
Kori watches as they all try to make plans, then once again Dmitri talks a lot about nothing in particular, before she speaks up in frustration. "Move the people? Wait and defend the town? These are actions of someone who will always have to watch every dark corner for their enemy. These are the actions of a victim. We are not victims, we are conquerers." She actually says this proudly about the group of them, a level of pride in others not often seen from her.
"We are the attackers, we take the fight to them. Let them be the victims. Let them look over their shoulders in fear. Like we did when we took this town from them. We are the lion taking down the prey, not the prey waiting to strike in defense of our lives."