Asta starts a low, droning chant, which echoes oddly....
Strawberry maintains her poise in spite of the insidious poison still at work on her system and shaken from the magic of the mites. She runs over to the other whiptail and gnashes at it.
Bite: bull aspect, shaken, poison
to hit to hurt
Torod stumbles backward as another wave of spasms interfere with his movements. He targets the giant whiptail and looses two more arrows.
Comp Longbow, mw mighty +2: tiger aspect, gravity bow, pb shot, rapid shot, shaken, poison
Comp Longbow, mw mighty +2: tiger aspect, gravity bow, pb shot, rapid shot, shaken, poison
The spider swarm moves to engage the other whiptail.
The giant spiders focus on the webbed centipede.
Seraph's new form allotted her swifter movement, SHe stepped over her allies and around the fighting spiders as she sought to flank the much larger Centipede with Strawberry. While also trying not to step into where everything now was fiercely entangled by Torod's magic.
Once in place she took her sword off her shoulder and swung it wide, hoping to cut the large insect down. Her swing was mirrored by a shadow version of her weapon. Ensuring that regardless if she hit, she'd injure the creature...
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Sunset throws a bomb at the nearby swarm, it’s more flash and bang than actual damage, but it does burn some bugs.
Asta begins summoning more help.
Strawberry filling the effect of the poison moves to attack the other whiptail, but fails to damage it. However the whiptail takes an opportunity to bit at the incoming cat, hitting due to Strawberry’s poisoned condition.
to hit, damage plus poison
Also feeling the poison effects, Torod shift back and fires more arrows one of which hits.
Asta tries to will the spider swarm to redirect it, but she is much too busy concentrating on summing more help. But the spider swarm does continue to eat the dying whiptail.
The large Seraph moves to attack the Whiptail, but just misses.
Asta’s two spiders continue to attack the whiptail, both hitting and poisoning the whiptail weakening its strength.
Whiptail bites at Strawberry and whip it tail a Torod , Both miss
Yellow swarm moves to engulf a celestial spider, the whiptail and Seraph
Green swarm moves to engulf the spider swarm and the dying whiptail.
The remaining mites continue to retreat leaving the field of battle.
to hit, damage plus poison
to hit, damage plus poison
to hit, damage plus poison
to hit, NL damage plus
Huge Tailwip Centipedes - Green : 46+3+6=55 dam dead.
Huge Tailwip Centipedes - yellow: +10+3+6+4+6 = 29 dam, spider poison 1/ 4 DC 14 1d2 Str; 2 str damage.
Centipede Swarm yellow - 3 dam
Centipede Swarm green - 3 dam
Asta - 12 dam, Dex damage 6
G.Spider - blue: 4 dam, poisoned 4/6r, Dex damage 5+2=7
G.Spider - orange: 9 dam poisoned 1/6r, Dex damage +2=2
Spider swarm: 6 dam.
Seraph 0 dam, Shaken -2 for 5/10R
Horse Julius - 8 dam
Sunset : 8 dam, shaken-2 for 8/10R, Centipede poison 4/6R 1d3 dex. Dex damage 6,
Torod : 19 dam, Shaken -2 for 4/10R, whiptail poison 2/6R DC17 1d4 dex. Dex damage 3+3=6
Strawberry - 20+13=33 dam, shaken -2 for 6/10R, whiptail poison 1/6R DC17 1d4 dex. Dex damage 4+3=7
Father - 7 dam (tied up - helpless)
Mother - 8 dam (tied up - helpless)
Son - 21 dam (dead) (tied up - helpless)
Daughter - 3 dam (conscious) (tied up - helpless)
Doom spell {link}
Shaken: A shaken character takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks. Shaken is a less severe state of fear than frightened or panicked.
Sunset grits her teeth and throws a second device at the carpet of bugs which has been left to its own devices for the moment.
Which,, Sunset prepares to roll up her sleeves and get even more drastic on the carpet of bugs...
Strawberry shifts over and continues to fight the whiptail.
Bite: bull aspect, shaken, flank
to hit to hurt
Claw: bull aspect, shaken, flank
to hit to hurt
Claw: bull aspect, shaken, flank
to hit to hurt
Seraph kept up her attacks, though her shaking hands made it difficult. Her skin burned as the poison tried to take hold in her veins but she resisted it. Just barely. As she swung, another spectral blade made a pass as well...
Comp Longbow, mw mighty +2: tiger aspect, gravity bow, pb shot, rapid shot, shaken, poison
Comp Longbow, mw mighty +2: tiger aspect, gravity bow, pb shot, rapid shot, shaken, poison
Forgot Strawberry save
The spider currently being besieged by the centipede swarm runs away from them, scuttles around its comrade and attacks the giant centipede. A single air elemental appears on top of the enemy swarm and turns into a whirlwind on the spot!
Asta kneels next to the settler closest to her and lays hands on her. The Witch's eyes briefly flare crimson, but the woman's injuries start to close!
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Sunset throws her bomb, but it goes astray exploding harmlessly to the east of the swarm.
Strawberry feeling the poison continue to work lashes out at the remaining whiptail Clawing it twice.
Seraph resist the swarm poison as she shifts to attack the whiptail, but her aim is off missing.
Torod feels his system defeat the poison as he fires twice at the whiptail, one arrow finds it mark driving deep into the creature killing it.
Asta’s spider swarm bites at the green swarm causing some damage.
Asta call for help is answered by a single small air elemental, which turns into whirlwind over the yellow swarm. The strong winds try to battler and vacuum the centipedes to no avail, So the small elemental moves to the green swarm where it fails to batter, but does vacuum the centipedes into its swirling vortex. Moving them further away from the group.
The which then turns using a hex to fully heal the mother.
The yellow swarm move to engulf the two celestial spiders killing one.
Huge Tailwip Centipedes - yellow: 29+8+8+1+10=56 dam Dead..
Centipede Swarm yellow - 3 dam
Centipede Swarm green - 3+4+5=12 dam
Asta - 12 dam, Dex damage 6
G.Spider - blue: 4+11=15 dam, poisoned 5/6r, Dex damage 7
G.Spider - orange: 9+7=16 dam poisoned 2/6r, Dex damage 2
Spider swarm: 6 dam.
Seraph 0 dam, Shaken -2 for 6/10R
Horse Julius - 8 dam
Sunset : 8 dam, shaken-2 for 9/10R, Dex damage 6,
Torod : 19 dam, Shaken -2 for 5/10R, Dex damage 6
Strawberry : 33 dam, shaken -2 for 7/10R, whiptail poison 2/6R DC17 1d4 dex. Dex damage 7+1=8
Father : 7 dam (tied up - helpless)
Mother : 8-8=0 dam (tied up - helpless)
Son - 21 dam (dead) (tied up - helpless)
Daughter - 3 dam (conscious) (tied up - helpless)
Doom spell {link}
Shaken: A shaken character takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks. Shaken is a less severe state of fear than frightened or panicked.
Asta draws her dagger, and cuts the mother's bonds as quickly as she can. As soon as the woman is freed, she hands her the knife.
"Listen to me," she urges her. "We must work together. Cut your daughter's bonds, I will heal her wounds. After that, we move on to your husband. We'll do our best to get you out."
The small air elemental tries to fly over the entangled area before resuming its proper shape -- and dumping the centipedes back into the mess.
The remaining spider moves away from the swarm -- and spits webbing at it.
Seraph grips her massive blade tightly as she swings it at her larger opponent once more. Intent on cutting the insect down and ending it's continued threat to her comrades and the survivors...
With their large enemy defeated Seraph turns her attention to recovering the fallen son of the family. She stomps her giant way through the entangled area.
Torod concentrates to end the Entangle effect before going to help free the family from their bindings. "We will withdraw to safety."
A very wounded and fatigued Strawberry Deathstrike ambles over to the family. She fights the poison which is still very active in her system. Its effects can be seen in her movements, which is not as smooth as normal.
She goes over to Torod, ready to help.
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Asta frees the mother giving her a knife and telling her to free the others.
The air elemental drops the centipede swarm and then acts as bait to draw the swarm away.
The spider moves away from the swarm and tries to web it, but to no affect.
Sunset moves to use burning hands on the yellow swarm roasting some bugs, but there are still plenty there.
Seraph starts to swings at the whiptail, but realizing it’s dead she moves into the entangle area to recover the bug bitten body of the boy.
Torod takes a moment to dismiss the entangle as a poisoned strawberry moves to help the family as best she can.
The mother still in shock moves to free her daughter.
The yellow swarm moves over the last remaining summoned spider killing
The green swarm moves over to the air elemental wounding it.
Centipede Swarm yellow - 3+4=7 dam
Centipede Swarm green - 12 dam
Asta - 12 dam, Dex damage 6
Spider swarm: 6 dam.
Air elemental: 9 dam
Seraph 0 dam, Shaken -2 for 7/10R
Horse Julius - 8 dam
Sunset : 8 dam, shaken-2 for 10/10R, Dex damage 6,
Torod : 19 dam, Shaken -2 for 6/10R, Dex damage 6
Strawberry : 33 dam, shaken -2 for 8/10R, Dex damage 8
Father : 7 dam (tied up - helpless)
Mother : free
Son - 21 dam (dead) (tied up - helpless)
Daughter - 3 dam freed
Doom spell {link}
Shaken: A shaken character takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks. Shaken is a less severe state of fear than frightened or panicked.
Asta lays hand on the daughter and floods her with healing energy.
"Everyone get ready! One more to cut free and then we withdraw."
Torod frees the husband then begins to usher the group around the slow moving swarm to safety.
Seraph feels the plants give way and uses the moment the reach the fallen boy. Using one hand she grabs up the bug bitten body and throughs it over one massive shoulder.
Her enlarged form made her movements easier and as the others retreated she looked towards the twisted tree.
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Sunset cast another burning hands on the swarm burning more bugs but they are still plenty more.
Asta heals the daughter.
Torod cuts the husband free and gets the group moving away from the swarm
Seraph grabs the boy’s body and starts retreating.
The yellow swarm goes to finish the spider swarm off and the green finishes the air elemental, giving the group head start of their retreat.
The two swarms follow their prey for a while but are eventually lost in the darkness.
The group continues to move for an hour before reaching the family’s waggon and taking a breather. It is still nighttime and there are no signs of Mite guards at the border.
Asta - 12 dam, Dex damage 6
Horse Julius - 8 dam
Sunset : 8 dam, Dex damage 6,
Torod: 19 dam, Dex damage 6
Strawberry : 33 dam, Dex damage 8
Father : 7 dam
Son - 21 dam (dead) (tied up - helpless)
Grigori comes down stairs and orders breakfast as he joins Justinian at his table, ”Still no word from your colleagues? They have been gone for quite sometime, but I see you are not worried. Hum, the eggs are quite good this morning.” Grigori seems quite well rested and unconcerned.
Sunset does her best to help tha family recover both themselves, their wagon and as much of their 'life' as she can.
The journey away from the Mite's territoy Sunset's eye keep scanning the surrounds for any signs of pursuit.
Other than nods acknowledging any interactions and such Sunset remains mute.
At the earliest opportunity, Asta provides healing for the others.
After that is done, she casts an unreadable look at Torod and speaks in a strange language.
To the settler family, she speaks in a soft, compassionate voice: "Words can never suffice, but please accept my condolences. You would honour me if you would accept the hospitality of Castle Greenheart, at least for the immediate future."
She secured the boys body in her bedroll and set him in the families wagon. She patted her brave injured steed then, he'd aided her greatly in battle. When Asta approached with an offer of healing Seraph refuses, indicating she isn't harmed as she directs Asta to Julius instead. As Asta works her healing hexes Seraph speaks to her in celestial.
"I am sorry, my dear, but I do not speak that language - yet," Asta says while she pours healing energy into Julius.
When Seraph explains, she shakes her head.
"We need to get these people to safety - and mobilize troops. I want to include the Sootscales, too. This tragedy must not be in vain."
Torod casts Lesser Restoration on himself and Strawberry
He also casts Cure Light Wounds for himself and twice for Strawberry
Asta has seen Torod angry. This is not it. Something about this situation has hurt him deeply. He is disappointed in Asta.
"Strawberry and I will keep watch. Let's get moving people."
Sunset continues to be 'Out rider' if Fluff isn't needed to help haul the wagon.
"Good morning to you as well, Grigori." Justinian says in an even tone. "I am fine, thank you for asking." He gives the man a meaningful look. Do not presume familiarity with me.
"Worried? Why would I be worried? They are more than capable of taking care of themselves. And myself and those that remain are more than capable of handling things here. Are you concerned for them?" Justinian pauses to eat his breakfast. He'd be damned if he let conversation with this man cause his eggs to go cold. After a few bites he asks:
"So tell me, Grigori, what are your plans here in Stagheart? Are you staying? Just passing through? Returning to Restov?" Justinian lets this last bit slip to give Grigori the impression that Justinian knows something about him as well.
The Witch has been quiet throughout the long journey. Her face has remained inexpressive, but her eyes are haunted, even in the dark. When dawn rises, you can see slivers of ruby in their sapphire depths, and shadows lurking beneath them.
As the city comes in view on the horizon, Asta breaks her silence, addressing the settlers: "Once again, I would offer you the hospitality of the castle. Please accept."
Regardless the settlers' reply, she moves a bit away, beckoning for Seraph to join her and speaking in a lowered voice:
If Asta is still standing after her chat with Seraph, she approaches Sunset.
"Your weapon resisted you several times during the battle. Is there anything we can do to make it work better?"
And finally .... Torod.
If they see an outriders on their journey back, Torod will send them off with word of the war against the mites.
"Your weapon resisted you several times during the battle. Is there anything we can do to make it work better?"
Sunset strightens slightly when Asta approaches to speak. She runs fingers through wind swept hair as she thinks on Asta's words.
"Nah. They din't resist nothin'. They be a work in progress, ye might say. Ye live an' ye learn. Now? T'is time ta' be gatherin' whut t'is we can fer whut t'is that's comin' next." Sunset scratches absently at her still disheveled clothes even as she looks longingly towards her own home stead.
"Well," Asta says to Torod.
The Witch Queen draws a breath and smooths her skirts. Her eyes gleam icy blue.
"So we move on. As soon as we're back in the city, we convene the full Council. Mikmek included. Let us draw a battle plan and make sure this cannot be done to alienate us from the Sootscales as well. We must move swiftly and efficiently."
Asta claps a hand on Sunset's shoulder.
"My regret. But home and hearth have to wait; we must tend all this land, and it comes first."
Asta claps a hand on Sunset's shoulder.
"My regret. But home and hearth have to wait; we must tend all this land, and it comes first."
At Asta's comment Sunset raises an eyebrow.
"Luv, I dun't know if ye've noticed but..." She indicates hers self and her current state. "I look an' feel like I've been dragged @rse-first through a damn big patch a nettles." Sunset squares her shoulders.
"Fluff has been doin' good duty as a draught horse, which they in't bred ta' do. Now, I am goin' home. I am goin' ta' be seein' ta' my critters an kin. I am havin' warm vittles an a loooong hot bath; an' I am goin' ta' get me a new hat." She glances to the others.
"We bin ridin' all night after a day a troubles. Goin' in't anything, politics or other wise, right about now in't tha' smartest thing ta' be doin', Ah reacon." Sunset looks defiantly/determined at the group.
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Grigori chuckles when Justinian asked if he was concerned for the kingdom's leaders, "They are big boys and girls and responsible for themselves. What's the worst that could happen? As for my plans?, I may eventually visit Restov, but for now I'll stick around there are people here in need of my insight of the obvious."
Asta and Torod heal what they can of the wounds and poison damage, but they are still in rough shape and exhaustion for being up nearly 24 hours is starting to set in.
The family is grateful for being rescued mostly, but quite in their grief for their dead son.
As the group approaches the city Torod alerts a watch man to raise an alarm.
A citizen rushes into the Inn's common room with news, "The leaders are back! Looks like they's been in a battle. I hear they rescued most of the family, but they also say we are at war with the mite now!"
Asta - 12 dam, Dex damage 6
Horse Julius - 8-13=0 dam
Sunset : 8-11=0 dam, Dex damage 6,
Torod: 19-8-9=2 dam, Dex damage 6-3=3
Strawberry : 33-8-17=8 dam, Dex damage 8-4=4
Father : 7-8=0 dam
Son -(dead)
"At least stay long enough to let the Clerics look you over," Asta insists. "I didn't have the power to fix everything ailing us, they might be able to do more."
Once the councillors are safely inside the castle, Asta flags down a servant.
"Send someone to the Sootscale Embassy. Tell ambassador Mikmek that I would like to speak with him at his earliest convenience on a matter of grave importance. Pass by the kitchen on your way out, and tell them I want a pot of black tea. Black as pitch. No honey, but I want a sliced lemon. I need to stay awake for a while yet."
Torod goes to find Justinian. If we are to go to war. His advice will be needed.
Sunset grudingly nods at Asta's words about seeing Clerics. Subconsciously wincing and felsingas she does so, the ills still visited upon herself making themselves known again.
"I would say this under the living sky, not a roof where I am called 'queen'. I have shamed myself, and dragged you all into war. When we forged our bond, we vowed to strike each other down if we found the other to have become corrupted beyond tolerance. I would hold to that vow. So please, look into my heart and tell me whether I have fallen. If so, then slay me here, in the field. If not, then tell me whether you would feel better suited to becoming another's knight, for should I live, I must plan for and execute a war. I will need to do .... terrible things."
Standing off to the side with her, Seraph's face becomes unreadable as Asta ask her to do something that would be within her right. The chain around Asta's wrist moves as though it were being gently tugged as Asta's words turned dark. However, Seraph doesn't draw her blade, nor does anything hostile to her Queen. Instead she steps forward and places her hands over Asta's injuries, a soft light emanating as she heals her Queen. She spoke softly in between castings. "Forgive your vassal's words... But don't be foolish. You are not corrupted Milady and we learned a harsh lesson. It doesn't excuse the fact that the mites wanted to feed people to insects over a simple border transgression which was not a term we agreed to in the treaty nor should it be considered a hostile invasion. Such barbaric customs is not what we want in an ally..."
She considered her next words carefully. "I don't know what happened between you and the Mite King. Simply put, I don't care why it happened because I know you tried for amicable terms and the Mites were spoiling for a fight. Besides I would not have stood there and watched anyone be eaten alive, so you are in the right to me. Such vile evil is repugnant to our oaths."
She stands up then and embraces Asta, squeezing her tightly in an attempt to reassure her. "As your vassal and as your friend, I stand with you. Always. So take heart and know I will lead the attack willingly and without reserve if you bide me to." She pauses before adding sheepishly. "May I suggest though that when we see the Kobolds we need to discuss an amendment to allow proper representation in minor disputes to the treaties? An outline would ensure that the next time something happens both parties know where they stand and that they are not being used."
She releases Asta and holds her at arm's length, her hands on her shoulders. "Now. We can only learn through failures, chalk this up to inexperience and move forward. Don't degrade yourself, or allow anyone else to, over something beyond our control."
When they return to their allies she moves to heal Sunset, looking over the worst of her injuries before tehy made it back to town.
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Asta has some tea as messenger is sent to the ambassador Mikmek residents. The messenger reports back that Mikmek was away visiting his tribe something about a moon radish feast, but that a ravine has been sent.
Torod finds Justinian having breakfast with Grigori chatting like old friends. Grigori finishes saying "..... couldn't get worse, but that would be tempting fate."
Seraph insures everyone is healed of physical damage, but there is still the dexterity damage for the poison to deal with.
Status:
Asta: Dex damage 6
Sunset: Dex damage 6
Torod: Dex damage 3
Strawberry: Dex damage 4
Son -(dead)
Torod enters the inn. He shows sign of battle with his armor bloodied and dented. His clothes are torn and fresh wounds are visible all over his person.
Torod looks at Grigori with malice. He thinks very poorly of Grigori. He thinks that Grigori is a troublemaker whose words hurt the community. Torod thinks that Grigori should be silenced harshly and his look says as much. Grigori treads on dangerous water whenever Torod is around.
But he speaks to Justinian. "Justinian your advice is needed. We have little time and we need you now."
Asta mutters a brief imprecation at the news that Mikmek is away.
"Are there any other members of the Sootscale embassy staff present?" she asks.
Seeing Torod enter, and the condition he's in, Justinian stands with a nod to the innkeep to cover Grigori's meal. "I will take my leave, Grigori. I will give you a piece of advice: while your...'insight' may be appreciated by few of the people, unsubstantiated attacks on the Council are not. You are a guest here...for now. I would strongly suggest you act like one."
When they are outside, Justinian takes a long slow look at Torod. "By the gods, what the hell happened out there?" He doesn't really need an answer, he knows - the mites did not feel like talking. Or at the very least, left Asta with little options. And the Council went in unprepared for a fight. But he says none of this.
"Here, friend." He places a hand on Torod's shoulder and the healing grace of Iomedae flows through him.
As they mount, he nods back toward the inn. "That one is a tough nut to crack. He has a purpose, but I don't know what or why. I've been trying to get into it, without any luck so far. It would appear I should have been elsewhere." He says with another look at the ragged half-elf. "Be that as it may, Asta left me without much choice. We could not just leave Girgori here alone to work his mischief." Justinian pauses, considering his next words carefully. He believes he knows Torod's thoughts on the matter, but he also knows that Torod and Asta have been friends for some time.
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All the kobolds from the embassy are at the moon radish feast, they are not expected back until the evening.
Girgori is seen taking with the mite victim family later in the morning offering his condolences.
Girgori plans to give another talk at noon.
Asta, Torod, Sunset, and Seraph need to make fortitude DC10 saved or be fatigued since they have been up for 24 hours.
"You were where you needed to be at the time. And don't worry over Grigori too much. He will overreach himself in time and we will put him in his place."
Torod considers for a moment before responding.