Item 2: arcane scroll of fox's cunning - 150 gp
Item 3: arcane scroll of acid arrow - 150 gp
Item 1: arcane scroll of vampiric touch - 375 gp
Item 2: potion/oil of shield of faith - 50 gp
Item 3: mask of the skull - 22000 gp
Item 4: immovable rod - 5000 gp
Item 1: divine scroll of summon nature's ally V - 1125 gp
Quote:
Northgreen Needs:
1 Minor
Item 1: arcane scroll of summon swarm - 150 gp
Quote:
Vierkirche Needs:
3 Minor
1 Medium
1 Major
Item 1: potion/oil of cure light wounds - 50 gp
Item 2: potion/oil of delay poison - 300 gp
Item 3: divine scroll of magic fang and curse water - 75 gp
Item 1: arcane scroll of daylight - 375 gp
Item 1: wand of magic circle against evil - 11250 gp
Quote:
Tatzlford Needs:
2 Minor
Item 1: potion/oil of remove paralysis - 300 gp
Item 2: potion/oil of erase - 50 gp
In short order, the Guardians and several Statkari were stood in the stable. With the threat of impending death lifted, Ricter was able to see the horrible truth clearly- rather than being a shape-shifter, it appeared that the thing that attempted to assassinate him was literally wearing human skin; Armiger Zoresk's.
Responsible for internal security of the castle, Warden Akiros looked particularly disgruntled by the attack.
The castle and courtyard are sealed he reported with little emotion.
Jhod was also on the scene after ten minutes but clearly had little idea what the creature could be. He was, however, willing and able to Speak With Dead, although he stated a clear preference for learning more about the creature before attempting something that could prove harmful to him...
I would not trust such men in Swordhaven. Northgreen appears to be secure for now- at least until such a time that the conflict in Brevoy is finished. Men who work only for coin can be a rot from within.
Battered and bruised, Akiros smiled gratefully at Malthir's accolades and wearily moved to receive his sash. The crowd seemed appreciative of another close fight.
Cue Fenna then i'll be moving events on quite swiftly. Kip, you back with us properly yet?
Akiros slammed Malthir to the dirt once more with a powerful tackle. As the Paladin tried to rise, he finally landed a second blow with his earth breaker- a powerful, two handed blow that finally brought low the Baron of Kardas...
Malthir continued to score the occasional hit while Akiros looked for openings to bring his hammer to bear. He tried a different ploy, aiming low for Malthir's legs with the long haft of his Earth Breaker as he sought to topple the Baron.
Again, one of Malthir's sword blows glanced off Akiros' breastplate but the frustrated and badly bruised Paladin managed to strike Akiros with the flat of his blade once again. Akiros continued to attack despite his fatigue but his attacks were slow and easily read.
Fatigued as he was, Akiros managed to deflect Malthir's sword, although it snaked past him once only to strike at his breastplate. Severely tired from the efforts of the day and his exertions, Akiros' next two strikes were feeble shadows of his former prowess, both glancing from Malthir's shield and armour with little power behind them.
Malthir bruised Akiros' hand with a firm whack of the flat of his blade, cracking a knuckle under the impact.
The former Paladin, ex-Bandit lieutenant, now savage warrior and Warden of the realm, attacked with all his might and rage. His roused fury and hunters focus seemed to be close to an end as his body trembled from the effort of sustaining his rage. The first blow of his mighty hammer hit Malthir square in the chest with a mighty, horizontal swing. The sheer force behind the heavy weapon was enough to almost knock Malthir flying out of the enclosure and he felt his ribcage threaten to shatter even in spite of his full plate. Never had Malthir felt such a powerful blow aimed to bruise and not kill. He seemed like he would surely fall, and yet he heroically held his ground, managing to get his broken shield up and block an attack as Akiros moved to finish the fight. Akiros, while only mildly wounded, seemed to pant from his exertions and the hammer sagged slightly in his steady grip. Malthir had outlasted the man's rage, but even a single blow was now likely enough to end his chance of winning the tournament...
Deep in his rage, Akiros did not respond to Malthir's jest. Despite the breastplate Akiros wore Malthir managed to strike him once even in his defensive stance; although the flat of his blade was mostly ignored by the tough Warden. Akiros counter-attacked but Malthir was able to interpose his shield and strong armour sections wherever Akiros targeted.
Seeing Malthir go on the defensive and knowing full well the potency of that defence having watched his Baron's fights, Akiros changed his tactic to one that suited the brutal nature of his blows- shattering Malthir's shield. The heavily enchanted darkwood shield stood up well to Akiros' repeated powerful blows- where a normal shield would have simply been smashed to splinters, Malthir's was badly dented instead.
Malthir, your shield has gained the Broken condition (it has 35HP, its taken more than half that in damage)- so your AC is now 2 points lower than it was. I'll give you a chance to post as this tactic was probably unexpected...
Akiros nodded in agreement with Kalev's analysis and clasped his wrist in respect.
Baron Malthir VS Warden Akiros
Akiros' tactic was predictable- he ran right at Malthir with hammer raised high and brought it crashing down upon the Baron of Kardas, shoving Malthir's hastily raised sword aside with the haft of his weapon. Although the force of the blow made Malthir stagger backwards a step involuntarily, his enchanted full plate prevented anything other than superficial damage to the metal plates of his armour.
The Final Single Combat Tournament Round- Baron Malthir VS Warden Akiros
1d20 ⇒ 13 Malthir init
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14 Akiros init
As the only fight not to run concurrently with another event or bout, the finale had truly drawn the crowds and the Hellknights were doing their best to keep the crowd at a respectful distance to the fence, aware that an assassin could easily make an attempt on the Baron's life and then melt into the crowd. Akiros had returned to the small arena in much the same manner as before- with his two-handed hammer clutched in both hands.
Malthir, I suspect you might have had an equipment change? Won't declare Akiros' action until he knows what he's up against.
I had no intention of going easy on you, Malthir Akiros answered grimly as he grabbed a cloth to wipe sweat from his brow. But yes, it would appear that Old Deadeye's blessings are with me. Truly, I have never fought so well in all my years. Luck was not with Kalev. I need no further rest, Baron. I am ready.
Cleft crashed into Akiros again and he grunted in pain as the long-hafted blade slammed into the Warden's head. The blow staggered him but did not stop him from slamming his earth-breaker into Kalev's breastplate with enough force to send him crashing into a nearby fence of the enclosure. The crowd stared in awe as Marshall Kalev failed to rise and Jhod rushed over to check his condition while Akiros staggered to the fence near Kalev, tired and anxious that he had swung too hard...
Kalev swung his bardiche so that the flat collided with Akiros' head with near-perfect precision and a great deal of power behind the swing. For all Kalev's agility and the armour he wore, even his stag-like grace as he moved away was not enough. Akiros brought his hammer around savagely as he spun and used his momentum to send it crashing into Kalev's other shoulder.
Despite the immense pain in both of his shoulders (Kalev was fairly sure both had been partially or fully dislocated by the hammer blows), Kalev got clear and awaited Akiros' next attack. It came with no hesitation or fear from the stout Warden, who simply ran at Kalev with his hammer raised high once more...
Akiros was poised and ready when the whistle blew- with his hammer held in both hands. He hurled himself at the Marshall recklessly and ferociously, allowing Kalev an easy strike on him as he rushed in, hammer raised high overhead. He brought the hammer crashing down onto Kalev's shoulder with a distinct crack as Kalev's bone shuddered against the powerful impact.
That probably looked a bit confusing from the outside. Akiros piled on the damage with rage powers that deal damage on successful overruns and bull rushes. Modifiers were also changing a lot from attacking prone, use of reckless abandon and use of power attack.
As Akiros pressed his advantage with his gauntlets, Pellius' dagger was brought up too slow to adequately be useful. Akiros himself still struggled with the tower shield preventing him from harming the man behind it.
1d20 + 10 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 10 - 4 = 7 AOO on Akiros miss
With both men on their feet once more, Akiros pummelled Hellknight Pellius with his gauntlets and ignored the swordbreaker dagger that glanced from his breastplate; he found that the Hellknight's tower shield continually thwarted him even as he attempted to force him back.
Growling in anger for his lost hammer, Akiros flexed the metal gauntlets he wore along with his breastplate and simply hurled himself bodily at Pellius. The Hellknight was taken by surprise by the ferocity of Akiros' tackle and Akiros drove him to the ground- the warden slammed his gauntlet into the man's head even as he forced him prone. Akiros seemed to fight with utter ferocity, paying absolutely no heed to his defence as he fought.
Korvus brought a lance to the fight but had little opportunity to use it- Akiros willingly took a blow from the weapon to get inside its reach, slammed Korvus against the fence and knocked him down to the ground. Akiros then proceeded to use the two-handed hammer he favoured to beat the Hellknight into submission. The match was visceral and brutal; and over in less than thirty seconds.
Akiros has apparently been giving the issue of security of the Barony a great deal of thought and in a moment of relative quiet he adds his thoughts to the mix as Kardas' warden. He unfurls one of the maps of the known Stolen Lands, with Kardas' borders clearly marked. He points at the eastern border of the Stolen Lands with his dagger.
How secure do we feel our eastern borders are? Are you all convinced that Maegar Varn will do us no harm if he spies weakness? Are there any further steps we can take to further cement an alliance wirh him- if there are, I believe we should pursue them...
He jabs his dagger towards the south.
Spymaster, we need more information on Mivon and whether they are in any position to open hostilities with us. Probably, we are too small for them to really see us as a threat and the reputation of the Stolen Lands means taking our lands at this early stage of colonisation isn't worth it. Still, we could do with some agents there.
The blade gestures to the west.
I believe Casimir's last reports indicate the settling of the Slough region directly west of us indicated that the attempt was successful; and Brevoy is reaping benefits from the rich trade route. I don't believe they are currently a threat; they seem to simply be consolidating power, for now.
For emphasis, the grim Warden plunges the short blade into the table just north of the end of the map- the border with Brevoy.
Varn warned us that Surtovan men demanding 'tribute' from their 'vassal state' would soon be coming. With the civil war looming, will they have enough strength to spare to crush Kardas if we refuse? I'm inclined to think so, without a military force to at least give them pause.
Sorry for the extended absence... please don't hold things up on Kip's account.
** spoiler omitted **
Kip:
Akiros listens but reveals little in way of body language or conversation. He takes another deep gulp of water and sighs.
I... In my arrogance, I have been waiting for a sign from Iomedae, that I have done enough good to redeem myself. I do not see how I can be the judge of my own redemption, without bias. Yet at the same time, I cannot help but question the inherent structure and laws of Iomedae's faith. Law, is not necessary for Good to prevail. We rule Kardas here with a mixture of laws and good judgement; and we appear to be building a fine frontier kingdom and community. I wish to die defending the people who have entrusted their lives to us here, with my sword in my hand.
But I do have one, selfish desire... I wish to return to Restov for a month or two. I want to see my family again. I want to go the grave of my beloved and beg for forgiveness. I want to make my peace with old friends, have a chance to explain my actions and seek the forgiveness of my former sword brothers. But- I am a murderer and a wanted man in Brevoy; notorious for my deed of anger. I do not see my request being fulfilled anytime soon.
The thought of killing Kundal now, even to bring him back through magic, does not sit well with me. He is a good man and a skilled warrior; a good candidate despite my unease. We also have no idea if the werewolf's curse is tied to the body or the soul... That being said, I think he'd be willing to give it a try...
A troublemaker? Kalev says with a raised eyebrow. I sense this is more serious than just a bar-brawl or minor theft...?
Hastily accompanying you to the castle, Akiros walks and talks.
A stranger to our lands, although we're sure hes from somewhere in the River Kingdoms. Hes decided to exercise the first river freedom by speaking out against our leadership; you five in particular.
Casimir wrote:
Casimir reaches down to clasp the hand of Akiros.
Akrios, my friend. Every time you have that look on your face, I know we have trouble to deal with. But cheer up - we have brought back trophies of victory and tales of triumph that ought to lighten the mood of our dear citizens.
That is good to hear; perhaps you can tell us of your adventures over dinner.
You are invited to take baths before the evening meal if you wish. Once you are ready for the meal, you find the other Statkari already in discussion about what to do with the troublemaker; Sootscales seems to be in favour of 'Mikmekking' him, making vicious stabbing motions with his bread knife while jabbering enthusiastically.
The ring was a ring of sustenance, something we should probably liquidate for gold coins.
Sensing the unease in the people, Ilya will use his contacts in the diplomatic corps to find out what is going on in Swordhaven.
Diplomacy (gather information) 1d20+9
Ilya:
You deduce in inquiries along the way to the castle that apparently an outspoken orator has been attracting throngs of people and critizing the leadership of the Guardians of the Greenbelt. In particular, the Guardian's 'failure to apprehend the evildoers that slaughtered Scorchbark' has been a hot topic. His oratory is attracting more and more people each day.
Malthir, the kingdom's unrest has increased by three since you left Swordhaven, update the kingdom sheet accordingly (and possibly your plans if you wish). Ilya can explain why IC in the castle ;).
Malthir wrote:
When Vaysh and Malthir marry, who do we think should take up the mantel of Magister?
A magister is a master of the arcane arts; and the Old Beldama is certainly that. You sense that persuading her could be difficult though... Svetlana has no magic so would be an ill fit, as would Kressle.
Arriving back in Swordhaven by early afternoon, you are met by Akiros and a small honor guard at the edges of the castle district. The ex-bandit looks tired, and bows at your approach.
Statkari- Lady Vaysh and the others have requested your presence at dinner tonight; we have a troublemaker to discuss...
You successfully stow the werewolf in a locked room. Akiros volunteers to maintain vigil over the werewolf until morning. The burning intensity in Akiros' gaze gives you the distinct impression this volunteering is not optional...
The killings were both within a mile of each other and Swordhaven. Both killings were done near a small copse of trees. I had one of the Marshall's men examine for tracks earlier today- they found tracks leading into the copse at both sites but lost the trail in the woods themselves.
Akiros pauses, and then speaks up with a suggestion.
If it pleases you, the bodies of the slain are being kept in a chamber of the castle before burial, so that we can examine them. Perhaps we should start there?
But... there have been two murders in two nights. The people look to you to protect them from another killing. The wolf... worg... whatever it is... may strike again tonight!
Sorry should have clarified- its early nightfall aka 8PM or so.
My choice of words was poor... the killings are related to each other, not to the trolls. Not directly to the trolls anyhow. I can't help but think of these lands as a chess board for greater powers. A few days ago some livestock were slaughtered, but it was blamed on wild animals.
But then two nights ago, a serving girl at The Lonely Hippogriff named Saki never made it home after her shift ended. She was found dead this morning. Last night, a shepherd boy named Beven was slaughtered along with half a dozen of his sheep. We've rounded the rest up in case Fenna's special talents could be used to ascertain whats happening. We believe that its a particularily large wolf or perhaps a Worg- there is a renowned winter wolf to the east of Swordhaven named Howls-With-the-North-Wind that leads a Worg pack so that could be a lead. Both killings took place outside the city itself- and we have kept both sites secure. The local militia don't know what to make of it, and even if they did most of them would piss themselves if they were to face a Worg...
Either way, its two killings on two consecutive nights. The people are scared to leave their homes... Fearful that the killer will strike again later tonight...
This is the same night as Karas attacked you, you haven't gone to sleep yet. Ilya planned to prepare identify tomorrow.
You haven't been back long before Akiros comes and finds you and gives you a report at the council meeting Malthir calls for.
A travelling merchant came into town with rumours of trolls slaughtering a village to the north... and we've also had two related killings in Swordhaven come to our attention. Its almost like something knew you wouldn't be around today... How fared your travels?
The troll rumours will be an ongoing event for the duration of the chapter or until they are resolved. Kardas gains three points of unrest and on a failed loyalty check will gain two unrest every event phase until the source of the problem is dealt with (you make the check every month). The killings do not yet cause any unrest but may do so if left unchecked/unsolved.
Managing the personal protection of the other lords, Akiros still leads a very spartan lifestyle in comparison with others (Sootscales for example, is growing quite fat- although it doesn't seem to be impairing him...). He takes simple comfort in his duties and his loyalty is unquestionable. His mood and demeanour is still fairly sombre, and when asked about possibly having an atonement spell cast upon him, he simply shakes his head and politely changes the subject. It seems Akiros still has many steps to walk upon his own personal road to redemption.
My belief is that we should help them, whether it be now or later. Earlier would give them a better chance for success, but later would also help. So the lords of Kardas speak though, I shall acquiesce. We will see how they are doing in 6 months and possibly help them at that time.I count that Cas, Ilya, Fenna voted for later aide, Kalev and myslef for aide now...
Summoning them back to the Guidlhall:
Loy, Latricia, your request is fair. We grant your request for the use of the land for 'Tatzlford'. But at this time we can not help you with aide. Our hold on this Kingdom is tenuous and we have not the extra funds to grant your request for material aide. In six months we will meet with you and see how you progress, at that time we may be able to offer you more aide.
We can offer you some limited protection. The woods you wish to build in are dangerous, if you need our help, send a messenger and we will do what we can to aide you in your defense.
Now we must dine together and learn more about our new neighbors.
Kalev, perhaps you can arrange for Red-Eyes and his pack to keep a watch over their village as well...
While fighting with Akiros, Well met Akiros, we are glad you decided to stand on the side of the righteous this day, the bandits of the GreenBelt are finished!
Your words get through to Akiros, but he is far too deep into his rage to respond to them, only growling in bestial approval back at you.
Akiros leaps from the northwest tower, landing with a grunt and making his way over towards Malthir and Auchs. His eyes are mostly glazed over in bloodlust, sword and shield in hand. The sword is dripping red with blood.
Malthir:
Its hard to tell in his rage, but Akiros appears to be moving to aid you rather than kill you.
Insubordination my lord! Akiros' voice booms back from the south-west tower above.
Celthric's hatred for Jex came to a head- the coward stabbed Jex in the back and threw him from the tower; but the situation has been dealt with my lord.
Going to pause here to allow the group to make those perception rolls and declare any actions before the next event happens in a matter of moments.
