If only I had something on me to make fire with...
Ana mentally goes through everything in her backpack and through all the magic she knows, trying in vain to come up with any method to set the trolls on fire.
She mutters a curse under her breath, as she casts another Grease in the path of the wounded troll that is still standing.
Then she steers her horse away from the trolls, trying to adhere to Skall's advice of staying in the back.
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13 ride check for taking warhorse into combat.
Thovald lacks Rutilux's skill and grace, his mount, equally as brutish as his owner, runs straight in on the wounded troll guided by the barbarian's knees. The Ulfen warrior might not have the southern knight's form, but he will make up for it in strength and ferocity.
"Eat steel! You will find no more easy meals this day wretch!"
At last a true enemy, at shock trooper of the White Hags vanguard. Watch me well ancestors!
Thorvald brings the Werewolf Lords axe down in a mighty over handed chop.
1d20 + 11 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 11 - 2 = 20 to hit with rage and power attack. Add +2 if I can charge.
1d12 + 16 ⇒ (3) + 16 = 19 to damage
Seeing one troll make its way past Ana's spell Montulo moves closer and off to its left, it looks like he's trying to keep from bunching up. Skallagbiorn's spell follows the second troll into the grease and tears its spectral blade deeply through its flesh. At the same time, Skallagbiorn channels Gorum's might into Jediah's muscles as everyone witnesses his muscles bunch and cord beneath his armour, causing it to momentarily flex and groan. Thorvald, finally close enough to close the distance pushes his mount headlong towards the third troll, letting the reins fall loose as he swings his greataxe with mighty fury fuelled strength, tearing into the trolls already regenerating body. Anastasiya conjures another sheet of grease in front of the first troll while steering her mount back so that the others are between her and the monster. With the new puddle of grease between him and the troll, Jediah moves to the edge and braces to cut into it once it gets closer. Rutilux swings his flail but his concern over Sunfire ruins his aim. Meanwhile Sunfire strikes out again with his hooves and manages to plant one in the trolls face, causing it to fall backwards, seemingly dead or at least dying.
Zethyris follows Montulo, ready to aid the warrior. "Hmm, acid or fire to kill them, eh? We have Jediah's alchemist's fire... oh yes, Ana can shoot acid from her fingers - would that work as well?"
Zethyris will tumble behind the troll once he approaches, then will strike once he has flanking.
"Well done, Sunfire," Rutilux states and looks about.
Jediah thrusts down at the troll that has fallen on the magic grease.
D'oh "Acid ... yes ... yes, of course I can shoot acid!"
Ana shoots an acid splash at one of the trolls.
Isham continues to advance, continuing to provide tactical overwatch and advice, while concentrating fire on the same troll Ana is assaulting.
With ten feet of grease between him and the nearest troll Zethyris waits patiently while Isham continues to Kobe forward and relate tactical tips from his viewpoint. His second arrow falls short of his target however. Montulo moves right up to the edge of the grease beside Jediah. The first troll starts to cross the second geese spot and slips and falls almost immediately. The second troll still can't manage to get up.
Spells Prepared (CL 4):
Level 2 (2+1/day)
Zone of Truth (Domain) / (DC 15)
(*)Spiritual Weapon (100 ft + 10ft / lvl)...used[/i
(*)Bull’s Strength (+4 Str for 1 min)...[i]used[/i
[i]Level 1 (3+1/day)
Shield of Faith (Domain) (+2 AC)
(*)Murderous Command (DC 15)...used[/i
Divine Favor
Sanctuary
Level 0 (at will)
Spark
Detect Magic
Guidance (+1 Attack / Saving / Skill)
Stabilize
Domains
Ferocity
3-Rage
6-Bull's Strength, Mass
Glory
1-Shield of Faith
2-Bless Weapon
2-Zone of Truth
Special Qualities
Aura
Cleric Channel Positive Energy 2d6 (6/6 per day) (DC 16 Sacred Conduit)
Spontaneous Casting
Touch of Glory (6/day)
You can cause your hand to shimmer with divine radiance, allowing you to touch a creature as a standard action and give it a bonus equal to your cleric level on a single Charisma-based skill check or Charisma ability check. This ability lasts for 1 hour or until the creature touched elects to apply the bonus to a roll. You can use this ability to grant the bonus a number of times per day equal to 3 + your Wisdom modifier.
Special Attacks
Ferocious Strike (+2) (6/6 per day)
Whenever you make a melee attack, you can designate that attack as a ferocious strike. If the attack hits, it deals additional damage equal to 1/2 your cleric level (minimum +1). You can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + your Wisdom modifier.
As Skallangbiorn's spiritual weapon swings again at its target, the cleric focuses on the troll still standing, chanting to Gorum to call down his will upon the vicious creature. "Look to your fellow fiend and see your true enemy!"
"Ana, your spells seem to be working well! These beasts are big, but they could stand to improve their footwork."
Ride
Thorvald steadies his warhorse in order to deliver a massive blow
Rage plus power attack
Damage
"Look at me and know fear beast! I am the will of our ancestors made manifest!"
Thorvald brings the axe down.
"Brother, can you throw a flask of oil on it?! I will keep it down. Or if you don't have one I do! Magnificent charge!"
Julian pops out of cover, as is his wont. He shoots at the closest troll.
Seeing his troll is down, and grease spells are up, Rutilux stays close to the house and fires an arrow at the nearest remaining troll.
Thorvald sees that Rutilux makes no move to try and set the downed troll ablaze, but instead draws his bow. Following the arrow's trajectory Thorvald sees the two trolls threatening the other members of the party.
Wow, look at Jediahs muscles . . . He must be working out more lately.
"I see them. Maybe I can set fire to the grease Ana has created! Watch out that this one doesn't regenerate and catch you by suprise."
Julian pops out of the snow like a ninja.
How does he do that!
"Oh, never mind, Zethyris is going out into it."
Thorvald dogs into his survival kit to bring out his flask of oil to douse the regenerating troll with it.
"I'll get this one started."
Zethyris moves slowly into the grease towards the closest downed troll and slashes with his rapier, ducking deftly as he moves inside the trolls great reach. Following suit, Montulo moves in alongside Zethyris adding his own blade to the fray. Skallagbiorn's weapon continues to swing away at the first troll but despite it being knocked down the spectral sword continues to miss. He then casts a spell, focusing on breaking the will of the second troll and turning it against its ally but the creature is either too stubborn or too dumb to fall victim to Skallagbiorn's mystical control. With one troll already down, Thorvald decides to ensure it stays down for a little while longer. His great-axe sinks deeply into the trolls unmoving form. Hearing Zethyris and Montulo's conversation, realization dawns on Ana as she draws upon some of the most basic magics to toss a small glob of acid at the wounded troll who hisses and snarls in pain and frustration. Rutilux turns Sunfire around and draws his bow, firing it at the wounded troll but missing, almost skewering Zethyris in the process. With the creature just inside his reach, Jediah buries his glaive into the beasts hide and pierces its heart causing the rapidly beating organ to burst, showing those nearby in thick smelly troll blood. Julian pops up from the riverbed he was hiding behind and fires of a shot at the remaining troll still quite a distance away but misses.
[ooc]End of round four. Two trolls are down. The last troll moving is 45 ft from Rutilux and Thorvald, 20 ft from. Montulo and Zethyris, 25 from Jediah. 40 from Ana and Skallagbiorn. Isham and Julian are 120 ft away from the last moving troll.
Jediah draws his alchemist's fire and dumps it on the downed troll near him.
Jediah buries his glaive into the beasts hide and pierces its heart causing the rapidly beating organ to burst, showing those nearby in thick smelly troll blood.
"... can they regenerate that?" Zethyris questions, a baffled look on his face as troll blood drips down his cheek.
Jediah draws his alchemist's fire and dumps it on the downed troll near him.
"Right, better safe than sorry. If more of these things start appearing, we need to make sure Savol's troops are ready. I wonder where we can get alchemist's fire in large quantities?"
Zethyris waits until Jediah douses the troll in flame before moving on to the last troll standing. Should the troll start to move again, he stabs it to keep it down.
Isham continues his advance and the rain of arrows, though at this point discontinuing the stream of tactical direction.
'Everyone clearly seems to understand their role at this point.'
Skall expends his move action to shift the spiritual greatsword to the remaining troll. "Great Gorum, let this be your glorious victory!!"
.
...crit threat
...woohoo!! Confirm, baby!
Ana moves closer to the last remaining troll, to splash some acid on it as well.
"The one I downed, I don't have fire or acid to keep it so," Rutilux announces.Seeing his last shot nearly hit an ally, he switches back to his lance and gets a bit of distance from the remains of the troll he ended. Should it start to rise again, he'll charge it anew.
"I'll be with you in a few seconds, Rutilux. Try to keep it dead till then ... just keep hitting it faster than it can regenerate."
"Ah - a dulcet quote for the ages, 'try to keep it dead.. just keep hitting it when it gets up'. Remind me to transcribe that tonight," quips Isham.
Julian sprints to the barn to look for survivors.
Jediah accompanies Julian after the trolls are disposed of.
Wiping the steaming viscera from his brow and eyes, Zethyris stands determined before the body of the troll. Rapier's blade poised inches away from the destroyed heart as he watches carefully for any signs of the creatures flesh beginning to knit together. With two creatures downed and the third struggling to get up from where it lays in the grease Isham gives his chilled lungs a rest and continues striding closer to the rest of the party as he lets loose another arrow which plants itself in the grease beside the still moving troll. Montulo moves towards the still floundering troll, his aged frame moving across the grease with practiced ease as he sidesteps a clumsy swing from the troll as it continues to flounder and fail to rise. Skallagbiorn, still a distance away from the greasy mess and the troll, points towards the last troll and makes Gorum's sign of battle as the spectral great sword hanging in the air above the other troll shifts in weave and flies towards the remaining troll. Straight and true it flies as the translucent blade buries itself in the troll chest up to the hilt as if plunged there with titanic might before the motes of energy scatter and disappear upon the wind.
Content that the third troll will not rise for at least a few moments, Thorvald lets his greataxe fall to the ground as he pulls out a sheepskin pouch of oil and liberally coats the third trolls fast mending flesh so that he can set the body ablaze and burn the foul creatures existence out of this countryside. Muttering and chanting escapes from Anastasiya's lips as she bends her will to harness and control the wild energies of the elemental earth even as her horse whiskers and stamps her hooves, uncomfortable with the smell of the trolls nearby. The energies finally manifest as a shimmering mass of white and crystalline powder in a vaguely ball shaped mass floating just above Anastasiya's hand before she flings it in the direction of the troll. Unfortunately he aim isn't as good as others and the powder ball crumples to the ground near the troll hissing and bubbling uselessly as it eats away a small portion of the grease before fading and being consumed as the rest of the grease seems to flow into the gaps, sealing the ground beneath an unbroken blot of oil and sludge.
Unwilling to risk allowing the first troll rising again, Jediah reaches into his back pack and drops a vial of alchemical materials onto the body. Within seconds the body is completely engulfed in flames and a combination of sizzling and popping can be heard as the body quickly burns away to ash. Julian abandons stealth and rushes past the battle to begin searching for survivors.
Despite its great size and extraordinary regenerative abilities the last remaining troll finally falls for the last time from its wounds and is summarily finished off by Anastasiya's conjured acid.
"We will have to get some more alchemist's fire soon, if we are to fight more of these."
Zethyris follows Julian, heading to the house to look for survivors.
"Agreed," Rutilux dismounts and joins Zeth into the house. While he is worried for his horse's wounds, it will have to wait.
Spells Prepared (CL 4):
Level 2 (2+1/day)
Zone of Truth (Domain) / (DC 15)
Level 1 (3+1/day)
Shield of Faith (Domain) (+2 AC)
Divine Favor …Turned to Cure Light Wounds...used
Sanctuary
Level 0 (at will)
Spark
Detect Magic
Guidance (+1 Attack / Saving / Skill)
Stabilize
Domains
Ferocity
3-Rage
6-Bull's Strength, Mass
Glory
1-Shield of Faith
2-Bless Weapon
2-Zone of Truth
Special Qualities
Aura
Cleric Channel Positive Energy 2d6 (6/6 per day) (DC 16 Sacred Conduit)
Spontaneous Casting
Touch of Glory (6/day)
You can cause your hand to shimmer with divine radiance, allowing you to touch a creature as a standard action and give it a bonus equal to your cleric level on a single Charisma-based skill check or Charisma ability check. This ability lasts for 1 hour or until the creature touched elects to apply the bonus to a roll. You can use this ability to grant the bonus a number of times per day equal to 3 + your Wisdom modifier.
Special Attacks
Ferocious Strike (+2) (6/6 per day)
Whenever you make a melee attack, you can designate that attack as a ferocious strike. If the attack hits, it deals additional damage equal to 1/2 your cleric level (minimum +1). You can use this ability a number of times per day equal to 3 + your Wisdom modifier.
Skallangbiorn pulls his helm off, dropping it into the snow next to him as he plants his greatsword in the ground. "Great Gorum, let the blood of our enemies wash you in glory and honor. This day's victory is yours..." The Ulfen cleric drops to his knees and offers his prayers of thanks to his god, the smells of burning troll flesh permeating his nostrils. The smell brings a wicked and gruesome smile to his face.
His prayers finished, Skall stands and gathers his gear, donning his helm once more and gripping his newfound blade. He follows the others to the house and pauses next to Rutilux's mount. "Great Lord in Iron, Sunfire is your power realized, his charge a great testament to the battle. I ask you grant this mighty creature renewed vigor as he bears his rider to the next engagement."
…Healing on Sunfire
Once done, he'll stand outside the house, listening and scanning the surrounding area to hopefully root out a surprise attack from the surrounding woods.
To Zethyris, "Agreed, though Ana's acid seems to fit the bill as well. An extremely useful spell, that."
With a brief hand on his shoulder, Isham addresses Skallangbiorn, "Thank you for caring for Sunfire."
Isham sets about ensuring the group is back together, and organizing teams to search the premises. Isham ensures that everyone is aware of where each other are, and are supposed to be, so any attack or ambush will be known quickly.
"Barn or house? I think we should search both quickly, then set about retrieving the horses."
Sunfire's wounds shrink from horrible gouges to mere scars, well earned in battle. The horse bobs its head as if in respect.
Ana slowly walks up to the house, addressing the people who she suspects to be inside:
"Hello? Anybody in there still alive? You can come out now: the trolls are dead, we mean you no harm."
She tries to be as friendly and non-intimidating as she can be - which isn't easy, still agitated from the battle, and covered in splashes of troll blood as she is.
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Thorvald worked his flint over tinder to ignite the troll. His large forge calloused hands making his implements look small.
He knew he hadn't imagined Ana's jealously when Rutilux put Rose on his horse.
Rose is a very attractive woman . . . Perhaps she was just being catty as women were wont to do. Women weren't so different from men after all right? Amongst warriors there was tension. Big dog little dog and all that. No one wants to be the little dog after all.
The rasped steel walked across the flint sending showers of sparks down on the paraffin treated hemp.
Rutilux didn't ignore me just once or twice, but three times. I rode to his aid and he showed no awknowedgement. I was right next to him speaking to him directly and he rode off. I tell him I will tend to this one and he calls out for Ana to come."
The steel dug in deeper sending showers of super heated fragments down as the tinder took hold and smoldered.
Maybe he was just caught up in the battle, or maybe . . . He was just caught up in his thoughts. . . Which were centered on Ana . . .
Smoke turned to fire and the tinder ignited sending flames over the entire body.
Thorvald's eyes glimmered hidden behind his Kodiak Skull helm's eye holes as he watched the flames spread consuming everything they touched.
A quick search of the barn reveals an ulfen woman dead and partially eaten in one of the stalls as well as the remainder of several goats, cows, a dog and a draft horse. It looks as if the woman walked in one the trolls while they were eating and didn't get away fast enough.
Out in the field behind the house is an ulfen man and an ulfen teen. Both have been dismembered, probably trying to scare or fight off the trolls.
Meanwhile in front of the house Ana tries hard to sound comforting but she has difficulty keeping her commanding tone from coming out. Despite this you can hear movement inside and can see someone on the other side of the nearby window quickly peek before the doors bolt is released with a clack and the door slowly swings in revealing a terrified teenaged girl wielding a hot fire poker and a boy, no older than eight or nine, hiding behind a shield he can barely hold upright.
The two eye you all warily but when the girl spots Thorvald she drops her poker and rushes into him, crushing her face into his chest and sobbing, "Th, thank y-ou. Thank you for saving us." she looks up into his face covered in tears, "My Da, my mum, Eirick? Where are they? Did you save them too?"
Zethyris feels his heart fill at the sight of survivors at the same time the bottom of his stomach drops out, knowing that they will have to give the worst of news to the children.
I hope Thorvald breaks it to them gently. Thank the Lucky Drunk for small mercies, at least they cannot see the bodies from here.
He turns away, attempting to hide the emotion clouding his face. Moving out of earshot of the survivors, he confers with the party members who are not comforting the children.
"We have to bring them with us. They can't stay here. I'll put them on my horse and give them my rations if needed, but we are getting them somewhere safe."
Thank Desna it isn't me who has to tell them. Should I help Thorvald? No. Just look at him: he has a natural talent with children. He hasn't spoken a word yet, and the girl likes him already. Good to know. If we ever have children, he can take care of them while I go on adventures...
Ana watches Thorvald approvingly (but from a safe distance) as he comforts the girl.
Then she turns around to Zethyris and replies in a low voice:
"Yes, of course we are getting them somewhere safe. The question is: where do we bring them? Maybe they have relatives close by. Or there is a village where they know people. We need to ask them at some point."
Something stirs in the cleric's tall frame when he sees the children. His first instinct to call them over and witness the glory with which their family died freezes in his heart. Instead, Skall motions for Thorvald to take the children back inside.
"Perhaps get a fire going while we gather the horses and prepare to leave." Skall sheathes his greatsword and steps towards the field behind the house. "Keep them distracted, I will see to the others that they are given their rest. They fought with honor and deserve their glory in the beyond."
With that the Ulfen cleric of Gorum set about the grim task of gathering the dead. As he goes, he begins the process of a sermon to ensure these dead who'd fallen in a valiant effort to defend their family saw rest and did not return with anger or anguish in their souls.
Julian looks on, expressionless, at the children.
Thorvald was wrapped up in his own thoughts and was caught off guard at the girls embrace. A few months ago he would have been more awkward, but his time with Ana and Dagmar had changed him.
My outside is not who I am. I will not let it dictate who I can be. Ana has shown me that with her favor. Dagmar is no longer with us, but I think I know what she would do. . .
Thorvald held the girl and motioned for the boy to come to him.
"I am Thorvald, The Blackshield. We found a man, a woman and a young man outside your home. . . The three of them are in Pharasma's embrace now, but they no doubt lived by the ways of Erastil and they died in the way our Lord in Iron would approve. They sold themselves dearly and Desna saw to it that we arrived in time to give their sacrifice meaning by rescuing you."
"I will not tell you not to weep for it is hard, but know that your family members have made it to Valhalla and you will see them again if you also earn your way there, but it is not your time."
"I see that you armed yourselves as best as you could. Many men would not have been so clever as to grab a hot poker, either you are very resourceful or your parents taught you well. You have earned the right to be respected as a hearthmaiden. You have shown bravery, both of you. . . Young man, I earned my first title in circumstances not too unlike your own. What both of you can do now is hold your heads up high and live by the examples of your fallen kinsmen"
"Yes, of course we are getting them somewhere safe. The question is: where do we bring them? Maybe they have relatives close by. Or there is a village where they know people. We need to ask them at some point."
Composure somewhat regained, Zethyris nods. "We should probably stay here until they are ready to move on. Once the grief is no longer overwhelming, we can ask them about the future, and take them to safety. I don't think they will want to move out in their current state."
Zethyris glances back towards Thorvald and the children for a moment, then begins quietly patrolling, looking for any signs of further danger.
His thoughts wander as he walks, thinking of the children at the orphanage in Westcrown. They loved games and laughter, but every once and a while you could see it in their eyes, especially the ones who came when they were older - the pain, the longing. Those eyes that looked so much older than the face they were in.
Head in the clouds, only his scout's training and elven eyes allow him to patrol with any semblance of competence.
Rutilux nods in agreement, "What Thorvald says is true, your kinsfolk left this world as heroes. I know it is small comfort to you, but what they wanted most in this world was to see you safe, and by buying us time, they've arranged for that. I'm Rutilux Talonn. We serve the Kodiakborne, have you heard of him? He is a great and generous man. I know he would help provide for you both."
Jediah keeps an eye out for any more threats.
Upon hearing of their families deaths the two begin crying again, moving to comfort each other as they head back into the house, the maiden turns back, "Thank you for saving me and my brother. Please come in from the cold, I'll make something."
Inside the house is sparse, like most ulfen steads, there are sturdily built chairs, a large table and a hearth dominating the east side of the main room. The girl tries to busy herself in the kitchen but you can tell that she isn't taking the news very well as she clumsily bumps things and spills water. The boy sits in one of the chairs, still holding the shield, looking at Isham strangely. After a minute, from behind the shield, "Why are you so short? And why is your skin so dark? You look funny."
Then from the kitchen, "Stenly! Don't be rude. These southern folk help keep you out of a trolls belly... Like mom and dad.. And Eirick." she starts sobbing again then drops to her knees trying to cover her face, "They're gone and never coming back." "Were all alone now, just the two of us."
Julian has been uncharacteristically antsy since finding the children, practically pacing once they are indoors. Finally, after the girl begins sobbing again, his silence is broken.
"Listen ...brave Ulfen children. I ...I lost my father not all that long ago. You feel alone? Perhaps you are. We are born alone and we die alone, and life can feel pointless. But ...you can define your own life and your own meaning. Was your parents' sacrifice pointless? Only if you waste it. They died knowing they protected you. You are the efforts of all their labors come to fruition. You must now live your life accordingly. Find meaning. Create meaning, and do so with all the love you had for your parents. Perhaps some of these folk are right and you will see them in the afterlife. If not ...no matter. Your life is your own; if you wish to confirm the meaning of your parents' death, live it fully."
He then sits, perhaps less awkwardly. "You have a ...lovely home."
Upon hearing of their families deaths the two begin crying again, moving to comfort each other as they head back into the house, the maiden turns back, "Thank you for saving me and my brother. Please come in from the cold, I'll make something."
Rutilux nods, wondering if the routine will help the young maiden, "Thank you for your hospitality. I'll be just a minute while I see to the horses..." He heads back outside to do just that.
While outside, he discovers Sunfire has been healed. He smiles at that and pats his horse a bit, while setting all the animals up safely and as warm as possible if a stable or something like it is available.
He also retrieves their former 'prisoners', Rose first.
Should he see the priest of Gorum during this, he says, "I believe it was you who healed Sunfire. You have my thanks."
He returns to catch the end of a conversation with an obviously distraught maiden and Julian
"Listen ...brave Ulfen children. I ...I lost my father not all that long ago. You feel alone? Perhaps you are. We are born alone and we die alone, and life can feel pointless. But ...you can define your own life and your own meaning. Was your parents' sacrifice pointless? Only if you waste it. They died knowing they protected you. You are the efforts of all their labors come to fruition. You must now live your life accordingly. Find meaning. Create meaning, and do so with all the love you had for your parents. Perhaps some of these folk are right and you will see them in the afterlife. If not ...no matter. Your life is your own; if you wish to confirm the meaning of your parents' death, live it fully."
He then sits, perhaps less awkwardly. "You have a ...lovely home."
"Well said," Rutilux murmurs I think we underestimate Julian's empathy. Maybe he underestimates it in himself.
He looks at the maiden, "Forgive me, lass. What is your name?"