Varrel |
Seeing the great hulking brute, Varrel has to hold back on his hex. While he was certain this brute.would not resist it he deserved a...less kind form of justice.
Shaktan, I believe I have found you a playmate. Do introduce your self.
Initiative- Varrel will delay until after Shaktan's charge1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
Una Therlmagne |
Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
As Una takes a 5 foot step to get out of the melee fighter's path, she targets the ogrekin with two crossbow bolts.
Attack 1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Damage 1: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Attack 2: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Damage 2: 1d10 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Asherick Whiteplume |
Ashe moves forward heading left of Shakhan who is right handed advancing on 'Cabbagehead'.
Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
"Give up 'Cabbagehead' your outnumbered and out matched! The only thing going into a pit... is YOUR HEAD if you fight us!!"
Varrel |
Varrel looks at the situation and ponders. Between Una's deadly bolts, Shaktans axe and the angry paladin the ogrekin likely had his hands full and Hytogg and Varrel needed to conserve their magical energies for the fight with the Golem and eventually the Necromancer.
He maintains a ready action to slumber the ogrekin should any of his allies get hurt.
Show him how a REAL warrior fights, Shaktan
Megan Robertson |
Phew, a veritable whirlwind of an attack...
Cabbagehead's intitiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Round #1
Varrel watches, Chatterbeak on his shoulder, as the brawl unfolds before him, content to see Shakhan in his element.
Una steps forwards raising her crossbow and loosing a couple of bolts which thud into Cabbagehead's body. He judders, and blood flows down him, he glances down almost in surprise.
Hytogg pulls out his holy symbol and chants a prayer as he casts bless on the party.
Cabbagehead, recovering from Una's bolts with a shake of that misshapen head, steps forwards to meet Shakhan's onslaught. His massive fists flash forward.
Cabbagehead fist attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21, dmg 1d4 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Undeterred, Shakhan steps up, a familiar sight to those who frequented the arena scene a couple of years back, shield high and axe scything round unerringly into Cabbagehead's throat...
Ashe calls upon Cabbagehead to surrender from his vantage to Shakhan's left...
... but Cabbagehead, blood gushing from his throat, falls forward heavily to the ground, unmoving, with a crash that surely shakes the very floor!
Asherick Whiteplume |
Ashe moves forward toward the felled ogre-kin he almost walk past his body... but pauses his steely vizor regarding the fallen giant expression unreadable.
Lifting his visor Ashe knells and touches the downed giant. Giving him his Sacred Touch to stabilize him - a silvery glow suffusing his armored hand.
Not standing he turns to the party, "This will not heal him only keep him from dying. I am only saving him to answer questions as to the location and deeds of his master Ryloth if he knows anything. But only after we are done clearing this lair IF 'Cabbagehead' still lives at that point. We can always kill him later... if need be. Plus, I'd rather not leave a fresh Ogre corpse for the apprentice necromancer to Animate Dead upon."
Ashe regards the body with a deep frown... obviously h would rather just end the brutal wretch now... but principles are principles...
"Cabbagehead is no threat anymore. Good work Una, Shakhan! Of course you are ALL free to kill 'Cabbagehead' now if you wish - if that is your desire... I'll not stop you. But he may know information that will help us find the architect of this foul place and the deeds-crimes done here."
Ashe stands and detects evil upon the body of Cabbagehead just to know for sure.
Asherick Whiteplume |
Ashe grimaces, but makes no comment.
"We have prisoners that need rescuing... lets see to them."
Varrel |
Varrel glances into the pits, Is more than one holding prisoners
then looks at Shaktan, Well done my friend. You are bleeding a bit though. Ashe, might you lay hands on our Barbarian's wounds?
Shakhan |
Varrel glances into the pits, Is more than one holding prisoners
then looks at Shaktan, Well done my friend. You are bleeding a bit though. Ashe, might you lay hands on our Barbarian's wounds?
Not necessary - Shakhan wasn't hit :)
Shakhan turns to Varrel with surprise on his face, then looks down on his torso - noting the thick ogrekin blood on it. "Ah-hrmph. Don't worry, this isn't mine." He wipes at it, but only really manages to smudge more of himself.
Megan Robertson |
Cabbagehead is on 0 hp...
OK. There are 3 pits (the dark areas in D9). Each pit currently contains
two frightened, malnourished, and sickly humans, victims who have been imprisoned here for weeks. One is female.
They look up as Varrel and Majenko (flapping above) glance into the pits.
"Have you come to rescue us?" asks the woman.
Varrel |
Honestly, we didn't know you were here. I'll not leave you though, no goodly soul deserves this fate. Ashe, forgive me for being pessimistic, but look into their natures please, while I find a ladder.
Varrel starts looking around for something to let them up.
Asherick Whiteplume |
Ashe gets a perplexed look upon his face gazing at 'Cabbagehead's' prone form.
Looking up at Varrel he comes out of his curious stupor, "Yes, of course... and by the way...'Cabbagehead' is not evil."
Ashe walks over to the pits and gazes down at the various prisoners Detecting for Evil, "Worry not citizens, we're going to get you out of there momentarily... your safe now. I am Sir Whiteplume."
Ashe makes sure they can all see his honorary Korvosan Guard Tabard clearly displayed over his plate armor.
Majenko flutters down to perch again upon his armored shoulder also gazing curiously down into the pit.
Ashe thinks at Majenko, {My friend, there is a Necromancer Apprentice somewhere in this lair... I do not know how powerful he is in skill. From now on stay hidden near the cave walls at least 25'ft feet from me at all times. I do not want you slain or harmed by a fireball or lighting bolt spell targeted at me. Keep your keen senses trained to find anything invisible in our area and telepathically warn us all ok?}
Majenko regards Ashe... in silence for a few moments wondering at his foresight, {Ok. I'll hide and keep watch... }
Then the small dragon takes flight and flies upon in to the shadowy recesses of the caves above.
Majenko Stealth: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (10) + 19 = 29
Majenko Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Varrel |
Varrel, not wanting to get into a big thing but unfortunately cannot resist, If he's not evil Ashe then why do you not offer him succor at your home, just like the derro. Forgive me, but I have a very hard time understanding how you judge who is and who isn't worthy of a second chance. Why the derro? His races reputation is just as bad as an ogrekin's. By existing down herehe has been party to the suffering of people just like these in the pits and no less deserving of retribution than cabbagehead. You said you had no issue with us killing him. I give you clear example,
Varrel pauses in his search for a ladder, People, was this jailer, who kept you here against your will, of good or black heart. Merely allowing your capture to continue was enough for me, but if he took pleasure in your suffering, inflicted harm or allowed you to come to harm though inaction, tell me now and I will end his existence and in doing so, grant you some pittence for his crimes and save any he could harm in the future.
Varrel draws his Masterwork Mace and awaits an answer. If the prisoners indicate Cabbagehead was in any way cruel, tortureous or lazy enough to allow them to starve, he will coupe de grace the ogrekin. If not he'll put the weapon away. Either way Varrel says:
Is it truly worth letting a killer like the.Spiderking or Cabbagehead or the Derro live because they might repent? What of those who suffered. And what of those who will suffer if you are wrong?
Asherick Whiteplume |
Ashe replies and perhaps a little sharply, "Varrel, I had no idea he was not evil until he was subdued! The fight was very fast I did not even get a chance to attack him myself! OF COURSE - I would offer him mercy if he would be agreeable to it and willing to change his odious habits and stop serving evil masters! It takes a level of concentration and time to read a creature's nature - time I do not always have in combat. Forgive me if I happen to not have been spot on for once!"
His ire raised he retorts to Una, "Yes of course let's go kill all the cruel, selfish and un-nice people in the world! There are all kinds of people in the world some cruel, some selfish and some nice... but cruelty and selfishness are not a death offense! Were it so there would be executions every minute of every day! We are ALL guilty of cruelty or selfishness at some point to varying degrees - where does it end? And for the record, mob rule is not usually justice - look at poor Trina!"
Ashe waves his hand dismissively angry at himself for getting angry...
"Enough of this, lets help these people!"
Walking over to the pits Ashe calls down as he unlimbers his pack to pull his rope and grapple hook, "Are any of you injured? I'm going to lower down a rope and hook. Wrap the robe about you under your arms and hook the hook to the rope..I'll pull you up one at a time. Send the injured up first."
His demeanor shows he has no intention of debating the issue further.
Megan Robertson |
The woman says, "Cabbagehead seemed to delight in our discomfort, and would torment us with insults and threats, and by withholding food and water... but he did not actually harm us."
It appears that whilst malnourished and filthy, the captives have not come to physical harm. They are weak, but manage with your help to scramble up.
The detect evil reveals the sort of readings you'd expect from typical low-life street scum. Nothing major but probably dishonest, what you might see from pick-pockets and opportunist thieves.
Varrel |
Varrel coupe de grace's the ogrekin.
Where does it end, my friend? It ends in the blood of the innocent. Not being evil does not excuse the orgekin from allowing these people to remain down here to starve, to taunt them as they slowly rot in their own excrement, to eventually be carted off to an evil wizard for torture, experimentation and death. I like your heart my friend, but try living under someone's bootheel for a century then tell me about forgiveness. I will not die regretting the death of ANOTHER innocent because I didn't have the heart to stop a rabid dog. This ogrekin was a thinking, reasoning being who CHOSE to let this continue. I was like you, once and had to learn the hard way.
Varrel, remembering where they were, quietens. One day, someone you care about will pay for your foregiveness, Ashe. It.. rips your heart out and makes you...want so badly to undo your mistake. But you can't and so you will live with the responsibility for that error. You'll carry it with you until you forget what you stood for. Until retribution for the victims is all you have left.
Varrel goes quiet and moves to help Una. He does not meet anyone's gaze.
Asherick Whiteplume |
Ashe only shakes his head... in pity.
"Friend Varrel, I only hope YOU are never judged by YOUR standards of justice or mercy."
His tone is soft, un-accusative, but disappointed... as if he had made some personal failing.
Ashe will bind the wounds, treat injuries on any of the prisoners needing so offering them each some water and the pieces of tough jerky he keeps from Majenko and himself.
Ashe seems somber, but gives what aid he can to comfort the prisoners getting them ready to travel.
Varrel |
Varrel does not respond to Ashe's comment.
He does not understand.
Despite how he's feeling inside, Varrel meets the eyes of those prisoners with kindness.
He aids where he can and has Chatterbeak keep watch on the hall, with instructions to raise the alarm should anyone enter.
When those who can be helped are ready to depart he asks, These people need to be escourted out. Let's not dally, for while we are here for the young mans remains, I would catch the cause of this and his apprentice before they can flee. They may even know we are here if they have wandered into any of the rooms we've cleared
I will take point as usual, Ashe if you'd follow under my light spell with the prisoners in the middle between Una and Hytogg and Shaktan at the rear, we can move off fairly quickly. Anyone have anything else to offer?
If no one objects to the Marching Order, Varrel will move ahead as far as he can in the low light, taking the most direct route through the cleared rooms (Avoiding the magically trapped rooms). Taking them through the library he stops briefly to ask the prisoners had seen this chained derro commit any atrocities. He does nothing about it, the question is for Ashe to hear, if they say he did cause harm it's something for the paladin to think about.
Varrel Perception1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25
Chatterbeak Perception1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Megan Robertson |
Outstanding role-play here, folks! Thank you, it's a priviledge to be your DM.
Where now, folks? The library via the secret passage, or one of the passages leading northish from the 'prison pit' cave (D9)?
Just to refresh your memories, Map
Asherick Whiteplume |
Ashe moves through the twisting caverns silently following Varrel getting the captives back to room [D7] where Nexus is.
"We should NOT split up. The Vreeg, the apprentice has unknown spellcasting capabilities."
"The trap room has a reset time if we take the captives quickly into the secret passage that bypasses that room and have them wait in the secret passage they should be safe for the time being while we deal with Vreeg. Taking then to true safety will risk letting Vreeg escape."
"After they are relatively safe in the secret passage we go back to the secret door to the library and seek Vreeg."
Turning to the rescued captives Ashe says, "Once your in the secret passage always go to the right hand passage it will lead you to the exit through a crypt. If you want I'll sketch you a simple map ere we leave to deal with Vreeg. But I would suggest waiting for our return... there are unknown undead roaming the dead Warrens and you are all not fully recovered.
Varrel |
Varrel eyes the prisoners for thier response to his queries.about any harm.done.them by this derro in the library.
Megan Robertson |
The captives agree to wait in the passageway if that's what you want, although the female says she'd rather just leave. They look nervous.
You can get them there without incident.
Majenko flutters around as quietly as he can, reporting that he cannot see anyone...
So, who's doing what?
Asherick Whiteplume |
Ashe nods to the rescued citizens and says to the female, "We're only concerned about your safety... we do not know all the threat here in the Dead Warrens. But you are free to go if that is what you truly want. But we would be remiss is we just abandoned you."
With that Ashe heads out to return to the secret door to the library, when Varrel move to take point again Ashe lets him do so and once everyone is in position Ashe will Detect Evil beyond the door and gesture everyone to wait for his results.
Once he has scanned he will open the secret door and enter moving into the room taking position to the left Dauntless Heart in hand ... shield held high. Total Defense posture.
Varrel |
Varrel lets Ashe go first then follows, taking the other side of the door. Ready action to slumber first enemy he sees
Megan Robertson |
Ex-prisoners settled for the moment (seems the woman will stay with the rest for now), you all head in the direction of the library...
Ashe's detect evil reveals nothing untoward, and you proceed along the narrow passageway, shoulders of all but the slimmest brushing the walls as you go.
The library is a squarish chamber, clean and swept, lit by a couple of lanterns that cast a warm glow. Two wide, freestanding bookshelves stand in this room, the shelves filled with row upon row of tomes and scrolls.
Map Update - you are in D10.
Asherick Whiteplume |
Ashe stalks about the library making sure there are no occupants within or any false shelves or secret compartments in the bookcases.
Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
In passing curiosity Ashe reads some of the spine titles of the tomes on the shelves.
Varrel |
Varrel seeing no enemies forthcoming does a quick search with chatterbeak for anything useful.
Varrel Perception1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Chatterbeak Perception1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16
Megan Robertson |
The books and scrolls are mostly treatises on necromancy or the art of crafting golems, but there's also a surprisingly large number of books about diseases and plagues here as well.
Una finds a couple of scrolls that look magical, wedged between the pages of a fat picture book on humanoid anatomy. Varrel, Hytogg and Chatterbeak between them figure out that they are a scroll of identify and a scroll of command undead.
Varrel |
Hytogg should probably carry the scrolls, If you don't mind Una. Command Undead doesn't fall within my casting expertise and I'm unable to read a scroll while fighting anyway. We may need to use that one.
He looks to the group.
Shall we continue?
Varrel |
I hope you are right, Shaktan. Everyone, remember what I told you about the Golem, use the correct weapon and fight it with all you have. My frigid touch spell will slow it but won't hurt it.
He moves to take point again.
Asherick Whiteplume |
Ashe nods in agreement, "Indeed".
"I want nothing of any use left in this place for Ryloth. Ere were done dealing with his apprentice and his monstrous creations, I at least shall return to remove all of this lore so it may not serve evil's cause anymore. I do not want this lore destroyed... as I'm sure Master Hytogg would also be against. All information can be useful if only to inform what one might expect from those who use such foul magics and how to defend or counter them."
"It might be wise for us to cast any protective or defensive spells now as I'd like for us to quickly move through any subsequent rooms until we find our quarry and end him... no more search room by room. We enter a room if no one is there we move the the next room until the foes is found - no searching of delaying. Let's END this!"
IF the party agrees to a 'blitzkreig' tactic... Ashe will pause and speak a soft prayer of invocation to the lady of paladins, and drink a potion of protection from evil and pour his potion of bless weapon upon Dauntless Heart.
Varrel |
Varrel nods.
I have no magical protections to cast. At least none with sufficient duration, for what you propose. I am with you though. Lets go
Ashe, check your inbox ;)
Megan Robertson |
Preparations made, the party proceeds through the door in the east wall of the library...
The nauseating mixture of decay and strange chemicals fills the air of this large room. Glinting saws, pliers, long stitching needles, and other surgical equipment are organized on shelves and benches along the walls. A sturdy wooden table in the center of the room supports a large humanoid shape — a thing stitched together from a patchwork of dozens of different bodies. The thing would stand nearly seven feet tall if it rose. Head looks disproprtionately small, though.
Map Update - you are now in D11.
Asherick Whiteplume |
Ashe moves forward cautiously, shield high for maximum defense. Scans the room for evil. Then approaches the body stopping just beyond 10' feet from the corpse.
Ashe gives the construction of flesh a careful look trying to determine if any of its parts might belong to the Shaonti Warrior, Gaekhen,... tattoos, same skin tone etc...
Silently he gestures for Varrel to cover the west exit from the room...