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104 posts. Alias of EngineHouse.


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As soon as Malthir's touch frees him Ricter hastily pulls at the straps of his helmet and gauntlets, throwing the armour pieces down with none of the respect he usually shows to his hard-won plate mail. He then rubs his eyes like he's trying to screw them back in for nearly a full minute, cursing under his breath the entire time. When he finally regains his composure:

"Thank-you Baron. And thank-you Fenna. That was the worst night of my life, but had it not been for your healing yesterday evening it would have been even worse"

He shifts and fidgets, seeking to relieve the aches and bruises caused by the weight of his armour in the long hours of paralysis.

"The one piece of luck in that ordeal was I was well placed to see your killing blow. Spectacular work"

He stamps over to the crumbled remains of Vordakai and becomes still, bowing his head in prayer:

"May Pharasma send your soul swiftly to hell. May your soul be trapped in rotten flesh that writhes with pain as you mind clutches hopelessly at the fading scraps of your memories. Many nothing remain save what is needed to suffer"


"I advise altering that message to specify "the bridge garrison" rather than "what men we have". Kip is right, it's not our remit to defend a Brevoy settlement - though it is strategically wise to send a small mounted force to confirm Nivikta's crossing holds and lend assistance if the battle is in the balance."

"We should keep the village garrisons in place - Agai is right now marching on your lands to loot and kill until he can replace his magical weaponry"


Yeah, sure. It would be appreciated.


Whilst leveling up, I remembered I can use discern lies as a spell-like ability! Any chance that could have been in effect whilst we interrogated Agai? It only lasts for 3 rounds, but that could have covered "Did you have anything to do with the people in the town missing?" and "What do you know about them going missing?". The save DC is 16, if it's OK to retcon that it was in effect. No problem if not.


"With all due respect, Baron, if we set Agai loose he will immediately make for our lands and launch a punitive raid. These creatures are cunning and vengeful, and they know firsthand that Kardas is without it's Guardians."

"Armiger Narsius arrived at a fortunate time. He can escort the prisoner back to the dungeons of Swordhaven, where he can await the judgement of the Varnhold authorities if and when we locate them. Fenna is right - the more serious charges cannot be upheld. The lesser crimes, however, need to be answered for. It's a useful side effect that keeping him in custody will keep his people fearful and docile"

As for Ricter's orders to Armiger Narsius:

"I suspect we are being spied upon by Fey forces. An enemy greater than these raiders knows that the Guardians are beyond the boarders of Kardas. I trust the Signifier's judgement that the undead threat will only diminish. Withdraw two thirds of our forces and distribute them evenly through the settled regions, and have them stay vigilant for signs of chaos. If anything inexplicable happens, no matter how seemingly trivial, send riders to Swordhaven so that the Baron can be notified"

Regarding the crow:

"It passes over daily, and stays for too long. Capturing and interrogating it would be an excellent idea, if one among us has the stealth."


As the guardians explore the town, Ricter comments:

"See again, that raven. It spies on us with unnatural dilligence, just like those crows attacked us with unnatural ferocity. What's more, that cat...'spoke' of a new bird song. These events feel related, but I lack the arcane knowledge to say more"

When Malthir gathers the guardians to discuss the next move:

"Maegar Varn may be absent, but he is still the rightful ruler of this town and we must enforce the laws he has laid down. Agai should be punished for at least grand theft and assault with murderous intent. His people looted this keep, after all. Research must be done as to what Varn's court would have deemed an acceptable sentance. Until then, I say he should be imprisoned in Swordhaven."

"By the same token, we should be ready to return the valuables we've gathered if a legitimate ruler of Varnhold is ever found. I will also set teams to work digging a cell so deep in the bedrock that after a couple of centries imprisoned down there this Maven of the Green will forget what her precious forests even looked like"

Alex: Did the bones of the skeletons of the army we destroyed seem clean and unweathered, or did they look like they'd spent many years in the ground?


"So be it then. We have siezed the initiative, and there is no better time to press home our advantage. The rest of the Statkari are mighty enough to safeguard Swordhaven in our absance"

"Besides, how much can we have to fear from a coward who'd sooner violate the dead than risk it's own skin?"


"Both Kalev and the Signifier speak wisdom, baron. I am ashamed to say that until today I did not realize how formadable a barrier this river was. This bridge has far greater strategic significance than I first though - we should consider constructing stronger fortifications here if Lord Varn's holding have been overrun."

"For now, the Hellknights shall remain here and patrols should be sent up along our eastern boarder. We must keep watch on this bridge until we can establish where this host came from."

"Do we have a narrow opportunity to strike down our unknown foe now that their army is crushed? Or will we soon need to defend ourselves from another angle? It is vital that the Guardians either ride east in full force or ride to Swordhaven with all haste. We have no way of telling which."


Ricter pulls off his helmet and wipes his brow, surveys the sea of shattered bones and mutters quietly:

"Your ordeal is over. Go forth to bliss or damnation, as Pharasma chooses"

He looks to Kalev as the half-orc laughs.

"You apatite for battle isn't sated, Kalev? Careful - from the looks of your your eyes could be bigger than your stomach this time"

Then, to add another miracle atop the extraordinarily light casualties, the Hellknight smiles.


Ricter first responds to Kalev

"I have ordered the enterances to the castle sealed until sunrise. If there are more of these creatures stalking us within these walls we have time to root them out before they escape. Trying to track it did not occure to me. Surely following a set of footprints along the hard streets of a busy town is impossible?"

Then he turns to Kip:

"The next time the Baron vanquishes a demon I expect you to call him out on his racism also. The Fey are beings of pure chaos, and pose just as much a threat to a civilized state as beings of pure evil."

"I will don my armour and sweep the castle for more of these creatures. I doubt their disguises can hide their chaotic natures. If one can be found, I will be able to extract all the proof required."

He leaves the stable and heads for his chambers, saying to Malthir as he goes:

"Thank-you for your aid, Baron. Time is of the essance. I suggest your patrons will be just as willing to reveal our foes as my own"


"Armiger Zoresk understood the dangers of his path. He will be content to know that his killer went on to fail."

"The puzzle you speak of, Casimir, seems obvious to me. As Kip says, these creatures carry out the wishes of powerful creatures from the first world. We know where one such creature dwells, scant leagues from the edge of our territory - the Boldeuwedd Queen. It has obviously decided the Order of the Chain is a threat to it, and is trying to tear us down."

"Somehow, we must drag it into the open and make it answer for the actions of it's kind? If it is not directly responsible, it will know what is."

"Your response will be that violence is not the answer, that we can negotiate and reason with it. That is folly! Eventually, the Fey WILL betray us, as surely as enough flips of a coin will turn up a head! We have to do something to safeguard this kingdom - the people of this kingdom! We have to bring this realm under CONTROL!"


Ricter stoically remains on his feet as the guards stem the worst of his bleeding. Those that aren't directly responsible for keeping him conscious are quickly given orders:

"This foe was capable of shape shifting. Alert all Statkari to the danger! Seal the gates to the castle - no-one, not even me, gets in or out until sunrise! Send requests to Spymaster Casimir and Councillor Thistlewade to join me here in the stable!"

Ricter looks down at the fallen creature, and recalls how the power he called upon struck at it with unusual force. It was Fey in origin.

"I suppose Magister Bendybrook should also be called down here. This is his area of...interest."

Ricter named the Guardians most likely to be able to explain what just happened, but no doubt everyone will hear the commotion. When anyone arrives he will explain enough for the spoilers to be revealed.


Totally not getting stabbed to death:

Feeling he is seconds from collapse, Ricter redoubles his efforts to strike the creature down.

"I will not die in a gods-forsaken stable!"

Two handed flail power attack (+2 from smite): 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 13 + 2 = 18

Attack damage (+4 from smite): 1d8 + 19 ⇒ (3) + 19 = 22

Iterative two handed flail power attack (+2 from smite): 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 8 + 2 = 27

Attack damage (+4 from smite): 1d8 + 19 ⇒ (1) + 19 = 20

HP: 9/67


DM AK:

My skills were FUBAR - when I creted the character you suggested I swapped 14 intelligence and 10 wisdom for 14 wisdom and 10 intelligence. I did, but forgot to adjust my skills! It's now fixed. Needless to say, I haven't got a high enough sense motive bonus to avoid another sneak attack.

I may have to begin playing a monster wearing Ricter's skin?


DM AK:

Unable to flee from the clearly agile assassin and unwilling to try now that the force of absolute law is on his side, Ricter redoubles his efforts to strike the thing down even as his strength starts to fade:

Two handed flail power attack (+2 from smite): 1d20 + 13 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 13 + 2 = 31

Attack damage (+4 from smite): 1d8 + 19 ⇒ (2) + 19 = 21

Iterative two handed flail power attack (+2 from smite): 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 2 = 11

Attack damage (+4 from smite): 1d8 + 19 ⇒ (2) + 19 = 21

HP: 29/67


'Special' Event:

Ricter reels from the blow but steadies himself and draws his flail.

"Gods above, Gods below, aid me in rooting the blight from our heartland!"

Swift action to smite chaos against the creature, risking a wasted usage

Move action to draw flail

Two handed flail power attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17

Additional +2 to hit if target is chaotic

Attack damage: 1d8 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18

Additional +2 to damage if target is chaotic, +4 if it's also an outsider or Fey.

HP: 53/67

As he trades blows with the creature, Ricter forces himself to stay focused and recall what this thing may be:

Knowledge (Planes): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Edit:Reliable Strike re-roll: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25


'Special' Event:
Aware that shouting will soon attract unwelcome attention, Ricter lowers his voice but remains menacing

"Your future in our order is seconds away from being cut short. Had you progressed to being a true Hellknight, you would have learned that the powers we serve can lay all falsehoods bare before our eyes. Your continued lies are wasting your time, wasting the time of whatever treacherous forces you serve and, worst of all, wasting MY time!"

This usage of discern lies will remain active until I declare otherwise or the duration expires.

Council Meeting

"As you wish, Baron. If that is the path we are to take, I would suggest drawing up agreements with Varn sooner rather than later. Otherwise, the expansion of our two territories could degenerate into some kind of race."


'special' event:
Ricter stops walking and grabs Zoresk by the lapels, shoving him against a wall if there's one to hand and shouting:

"You think a Hellknight will be duped by your lies!? What traps or foes are you leading me towards, Armiger? TELL ME!"

Intimidate to force assistance: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (2) + 12 = 14

[ooc]Ricter is still concentrating on Discern lies - this usage will last for 7 rounds.

Council Meeting

The mortal dwellers in the woodlands will likely welcome the change. Woodcutters will be paid handsomely to undertake the work, and anyone who relies on the forest for hunting, foraging and suchlike can easily be relocated to another suitable forest, where we can build superior dwellings for them. We will not be asking people to give up their ancestral homes - nobody has lived in these parts for more than a handful of years.

"As for the reaction of the Fey...you are right that the forests are their realm. They can move through them easily and unseen, and fade away into them to foil any attempt at pursuit. The forests to the south west are an open road for their kind leading right to Swordhaven's gate. Creatures such that predatory seductress and that quick-footed murderer we battled in the ruined tower must be kept away from our citizens."

"That is not the main reason for the suggestion, though. Kardas needs farms to continue growing, and trying to claim existing grassland further and further from our capital will hamper logistics and potentially aggrevate our neighbors, as the Baron pointed out"


'special' event:
Ricter doesn't delay in heading for the stable. At one point in the march he looks sideways at Zoresk and says:

"You have done well to see that horses are prepared. Will anything delay or divert us from reaching the citadel and talking with the Signifier?"

Trusting his suspicions, Ricter uses his discern lies ability on the Armiger as he speaks.


In the Council Meeting

"Perhaps it would be beneficial to focus closer to home with our expansion? We are here to bring these wild lands under control. As long as the woods to the west stand, the dangers of the wild can walk freely all the way to the gates of Kardas. Our more civilized enemies, should any ever emerge, have ready materials for siege engines."

"A program of logging and clearing would pave the way for more farmland right between our most major settlements, increase security and provide plenty of timber for a river fleet or other projects."

I know there are no rules for this - perhaps treat clearance as preparing for a city district, so 4BP and 2 months? That's if IC we decide it's got any merit.

"If we do expand east, the sooner we discuss the future with Varn the better. `Boarder disputes will become harder to reconcile as space dwindles."

Lieutenant Orders

Kesten, having prepared to defend against the Worgs but seeing no sign of them, should perhaps now take a more active role. If Kalev is willing, our forces could being to mount sorties into unexplored territory to hunt the creatures down. Kesten's Hellknight squad guided by elite rangers are powerful enough to handle the pack without requiring the guardians to be distracted from affairs of state.

Balthus is doing good work. He should continue as he is, but notify me if the mercenary presence seems to be dwindling. If it is, he could turn his attention to Tatzleford.

Pellius, having spent a great deal of time chasing that accursed troll, will no doubt be ready for an assignment more concrete. Someone needs to get eyes on the possible Numerian threat. A Hellknight detachment may be more suitable than one of Casmir's agents, since the journey there is dangerous for a single man and the regime sounds like a risky place to be subversive. Hellknights, on the other hand, tend to be tolerated by despots. They wouldn't make contact or try to actually spy - just pass through and see what's actually going on.

special event:
Given the urgency of the summons, Ricter forgoes his armor and instead dresses in the dark grey and black clothing he wears in court. He does have his flail on his belt, however, as he marches past the page towards the courtyard.

"Understood. Be about your business, boy"


Thrillseekers

"Cor! Who'd have thought we'd find a joint like this in this backwater! Girl, make yourself useful an get me an ale"

Ricter then makes his way towards the table next to the one where the high rollers play. The big game will probably be watched for divination, so Ricter plans to place himself on an adjacent table and make sure the high rollers are behind one of his opponents. That way, he can stare at it intently and detect chaos under the pretense of trying to read the player in front of him for bluffs.

If such a spot exists he takes his seat, quaffing his beer when it appears, and starts to play. When an opportunity to detect chaos on the main table arises he locks gaze with one of his opponents, makes sure the cone reaches past them onto his real target...and pauses. He recalls a lecture from the citadel in Cheliax.

Not all who break the law do so openly. Some, the most insidious, will use one law to block you whilst violating another. When hindered in this manner, do not think that you are right to ignore the rules you fight to project because 'the end justifies the means'. We uphold all law at all times.

Does breaking the rules of Thrillseekers - which may technically be a legitimate private club with a right to make rules on it's premises as far as local law is concerned - count a unlawful behavior? I'm not looking to start a debate, I just want to check one way or the other. I presume there's a line somewhere - otherwise Ricter may one day be left cursing impotently before a door with 'no hellnites' chalked onto it.


"Yeah, let's go drop the gear. Seems as good a way as any of working up a thirst!"

He looks to Kalev

"We'll be back before you know it! We'll run or at least walk briskly"

None of Ricter's combat gear is remotely concealable, so the only gear he'll have on him is his magic belt.


At Thrillseekers...

Despite the minor setback, Ricter makes sure to stay in character.

"Ai, too right magi...er...mate. This place is like a monastery. I guess we go dump the gear and come back. Stick to bottles and chairs if someone crosses us!"

"The inside 'o' this place must be like shacking up with Calistria if they've got coin to spare for talking doorknobs"

The Minions...

My forces sit idle whilst I busy myself with this petty espionage. When we return to Swordhaven I must petition the Baron for funds and support to begin strengthening the Order's holdings


"I doubt the baron has ever battled an evildoer who saw themselves as such. That didn't stop them from being agents of evil. The same goes for chaos - the other route to misery."

On the way to Thrillseekers, Ricter dons the hat (somewhat cautiously). As the disguise spell takes effect his dark full plate shifts to become a breastplate and heavy coat. His hairline recedes, his belly swells into a beer gut and his face fattens and reddens. He looks like a party-loving adventurer, as imagined by someone with a deep loathing for party loving adventurers.

"Let's go and drink 'til we vomit!"


"I agree with Kip with regards to contacting Pitax"

Ricter sounds somewhat surprised by this. He then continues:

"If nothing else, we can make it clear to them that we are not an easy target. Perhaps talks will even become more cordial than that. The South is becoming more and more secure against possible Warg raids, but that would change if we had to redeploy to protect the western settlements. My troops - by Hellknight and militia - are too few to guard every approach to our heartlands."

"I have no doubt that any raids Pitax sends against us will be mauled in short order by Kalev's patrols. If things escalate towards pitched battles, though, I can't offer re-enforcements without leaving us open to the wilds."

"Casimir, do we have any intelligence on Pitax's military forces? If fast raiding is all they are capable of, I expect Kalev will keep them outclassed. If they could in theory send larger forces, however, we must secure our western boarder with diplomacy as a matter of urgency. When is Ilya due to return?"


"As you know a steady stream of sell-swords are gathering their strength in Kardas after long and frequently dangerous journeys, prior to joining the war in the north. This is both a blessing and a curse. They bring a steady flow of wealth to our smithies and inns, but at the same time are trying to enjoy what could be the last peaceful days of their lives. In less disciplined bands, this enjoyment can take the form of intimidation, sexual harassment, theft and property damage."

"The policy at present is for Balthus to take a relatively discrete approach to law enforcement, meeting with the leaders of troublemakers and discussing complaints and using the threat of the Hellknights only as a last resort. This has reduced the number of incidents but hasn't stopped them"

"Pellius and his squads have exhausted any leads for the Troll renegade. Since the river patriots are not currently worthy of their attention, they could be useful in policing our settlements for disorderly behavior. Beatings and perhaps a handful of deaths will ensure the sell-swords keep tightly in line. I fear that they currently see Kardas as they see the serving girls in our inns - attractive, peaceful and ripe for exploitation. Hellknight boots on the streets will put an end to that illusion"

"As for a guild, I'm skeptical. I suspect the mercenaries 'stationed' here are just waiting for the right time to join the war. Mustering them into a formal fighting force so that they follow our orders will require us to pay them the wartime wage they could get in the north. That will get very expensive as we're flooded with applicants. Imagine marching towards the next bloody conflict, only to get there and find that you can earn the same pay to sit on the sidelines and watch it unfold?"

"If we're going to form a mercenary guild, we should get our moneys worth. Send them south with the Guardians in the lead and loggers in their wake. Bring order to the Stolen Lands with force of arms. Have any of the failed lords who've tried that in the past had access to such a large number of fighting men? An elite core of warriors uniquely able to battle Fey threats? Our own personal might?"


Sounds like Pellius's time is starting to be wasted. Have the River Patriots been causing any actual disruption? If so, perhaps his troops could be used in some sort of staged raid to make Lucius the hero of the hour. Those belligerents look to be the only issue in a kingdom going strength to strength.


"So be it then. By your will, Baron, the island will be purged of the abberations or I shall die in the attempt."


"I too am concerned by those numbers. What happens if all 20 wisps attack us en mass? Perhaps it would be wise to gather our strength a while longer before attempting this expedition, since to date the creatures have made no attacks on our citizenry. Why provoke them?"

"I know it is irksome to abandon the mission when we have already planned it at length, but all the ideas posed here can be put away for another day. Perhaps push further south and seek out those wargs for now?"


That plan sounds good. Remember the nets as well - chuck a net over Kalev and his quarry to guard against a fumbled grapple check.


"The air walking idea is a good one. Could we air walk all the way out to the island? If we pick a cloudy night we could reach it undetected without the aid of invisibility. The waters will be watched, the skies perhaps not so much?"

"Also, when a wisp is visible it's a bright light, is that so? Would that mean that, once denied their invisibility, they would stick out like beacons at night? If someone with invisibility sight was to quickly fly high over the island when it's dark, would spotting a wisp - particularly that large one - be as easy as spotting a lighthouse? Or am I misunderstanding the spells involved?"


"Could we make our own way to the island Fenna? Though I mayself have no seafaring experience, it looks like a trivial voyage. Perhaps we could arrange for a boat to be on standby to come and pick us up if we send up a plume of smoke or similar."

"If we do wreck ourselves, well - that's the exact sort of mishap that will lure out the wisps."

[b]"I agree that we will all need to fly - our back-up ranged weapons won't cut it against targets this well protected."

Feigning distress to the wisps sounds like a tricky bluff check. We'll need a way of concealing the less theatrically inclined members of the party without them seeing what we're up to.


Kip Bendybrook wrote:


Specifically to Ricter he adds in his playful tone, How long is your contract with Kardas? Do you think it will expire before the fortress sees any funding?

"We will gather our strength for as long as is necessary. If it takes a hundred years to liberate Galt, so be it. Even if I don't live to see it, the Order of the Chain will complete it's mission here."

"But whilst I am willing to wait the rest of my life for us to gather our strength, I would prefer not to do it in a near-ruin. More importantly, it would benefit Kardas more in the short term to secure the land around the fortress - as Kip says - and invest the bare minimum required to defend it efficiently. Once that barrier is built between us and the dangers to the south we can turn our attention to the more noble works of trade centers and seats of learning, secure in the knowledge that they can flourish without fear."

"As for a separate fiefdom, I can think of nothing more counterproductive. Kardas and the Order of the Chain should work together as closely as possible since we share the same ethos of prosperity through order. Peaceful towns, safe citizens - and no dealings with smugglers and criminals behind closed doors."

He looks to Casimir

"Encourage the establishment of black markets!? How does one as cunning as yourself arrive at an idea so ridiculous? What illegal trade goods do you see Kardas taking a cut of? Don't you ban things for a reason?"


"Some might object to improving the Shrike River for trade. Remember you can't claim a single copper back for your troubles - float any river, and all that. Assuming Kardas is a river kingdom, of course."

"I will also add that the keep set aside for my order's garrison force still requires some work to be properly defensible. A few resources allocated there could give a valuable second strong-point in the event of another incursion."


Ah, yeah, the start of that post wasn't that clear. I was addressing Kip's reservations about only a portion of the guardians going after the Wargs. The idea is me, Malthir and Fenna can retreat to one of the hamlets if necessary, and won't have to worry so much about counter attacks if we fail in our first attack. The Hellknights will remain on the southern boarder - It's the wild things to the south that concern Ricter. Attacks from nations can be anticipated.


Though his time is spread thin between making the new keep defensible and monitoring the militia in Kardas, Ricter is present when the diplomatic party leaves.

"There is no cause for concern, Kip. My bretheran are deployed along our southern boarder. Should we need to retreat, they stand ready to repeal a counter attack - the boarder villages will not suffer should we find ourselves temporarily outmatched."

Later, Ricter sends word to the keep to be spread amongst the three squads posted in the boarder hamlets:

The Baron is considering a sortie into the wilderness whilst a number of a guardians are away from the Barony. The target is a warg pack, which may be provoked to counter-attack should we be unable to best them.

Put plans in place to protect the local population from an attack specifically by fast, organized predators. Evacuation as would be performed in the face of a further troll attack will be impossible due to the speed of the creatures - concentrate on identifying suitable strong-points to defend.

Inform the locals of what you are preparing for and make sure they know their part in your plans. Make it clear the danger they are potentially in. They will be easier to keep under control when properly afraid of the monsters they rely on us to protect them from.


"The Sword Lords will no doubt have requests or demands. Having members of the Statkari there able to answer such things there and then - in most cases - will probably make the damage control that much easier. I also agree that this is work for the subtler members of our band"


"You are correct that the Hellknights would not aid the defence of Kardas against Brevoy under the exact circumstances you describe."

"This is a serious matter since Kardas would not exist without the charter. It was not set up as an independant nation from the start. The tide of immigrants that has given this barony it's size and prosperity would have been a mere trickle had Kardas been founded by a band of unknown adventurers instead of a group with the patronage of the Dragonscale Throne. That, Magister, is why this issue is not the nonsense it may first appear to be to some. This entire realm could be viewed as the profits of fraud"

"As you rightly say, Duke, we Guardians are guilty of no intentional wrongdoing and the two reasonable options you present reflect this. I would suggest to the Baron that swearing fealty to the power that most percieve to have granted his authority all along is the most elegent solution. Kardas can continue it's growth - which would likely be redoubled by it's strengthened ties with the dominant local power - and two of the many, many factions that divide and weaken this fractured region become a stronger, unified whole."

"That is how this matter would be resolved in a perfect world. Sadly, the reality is that such unity will be for nought since all can see that Brevoy will soon collapse into civil war, regardless of what Kardas may do. The levy of armed forces you speak of will come as surely as the next sunrise and it will weaken the Barony such that it will surely fall to the swarms of violent, chaotic creatures that infest this region."

"Bring together disparate nations is a beautiful thing worth striving for. Until Brevoy itself is unified and peaceful, though, bringing Kardas into it's struggles will likely doom us. A nations laws have been broken and that cannot go unresolved, but fore the sake of this barony and all the potential it holds, there must be another way?"

There is actually the hint of a plea in the Hellknight's voice


"Of course, these may not be average soldiers. Kip is right we should rebuke them in the nicest way possible, but stalling or excuses may create more animosity than clearly and immediately explaining our reasoning."


Ricter will bring the 'sweeps' up with Casimir, but views it as too minor a decision to involve the rest of the Guardians and Statkari.

"If they come to demand assistance we have nothing to fear from them. The fact we are potentially useful to them means they do not have the strength to threaten us - at least not in the near future. As for the immediate threat, I would not be confident sending an army of a hundred average soldiers against all the Guardians, all the Statkari and four Hellknights."


Ricter nods in approval as Kip explains his doubts about the dragon

"Your logic is sound, as is your plan to consult the other inhabitants of this land - though good luck getting the truth out of them"

In response to Kip's revelation:

"The nature of the creatures involved makes the attack look less like part of a war effort. Nonetheless, you're right that we should not sit on this any longer. We need to send a member of the Statkari, perhaps even one of the Guardians, to Varnland. I know speed is important but there are some things you can't sum up in 25 words of magical message"


"That is more than acceptable. The Order of the Chain do not thnik themselves above hard labour when the mission calls for it. As soon as we are done here I will begin making the nexessary arrangements"


Ricter remains deliberately polite

"Indeed, the troll base does sound appropriate Magister. Another bastion of order built on the ruins of chaos - just like Swordhaven itself, in fact. And I'm glad you've been having a good time. Let's hear what work you managed to get done"


Though he has often remained in the Hellknight barracks in the past days, Ricter is present at the meeting:

"Intimidation is central to Hellknight doctrine. It's the reason we adopt the trappings of devils whilst remaining untainted by evil. If we were to perform a tatoo it would be to strike awe and, to an extent, fear. However, with the memory of the troll attack still fresh in their minds I expect the townsfolk would be quietly thankful to have so dreadful a force between them and the wilderness."


After about a minute, Ricter has recovered.

"And that, Baron, was a Hellknight Reckoning. The pain I feel now pales in comparison to the wounds the trolls inflicted, but this I cannot simply heal with magic. My flesh will have to mend itself."

He sees Malthir's reaction, or rather lack of it

"It is good to see you are not shocked, though I didn't really expect you to be. You understand the necessity of this."

The Hellknight puts his jacket back on, covering his ruined forearms. He no longer shows any signs of discomfort.

"Whilst we are here in private, there is something else I need to discuss with you. Reckonings are not the most...questionable rituals the order of the chain performs. You saw that the Order of the Chain force here consisted mainly of Armigers, the rank-and-file of our order. They are striving to acheive the disipline and strength required to don our plate armour and become true Hellknights. Before they can do this, though, they must pass a final test - the slaying of a devil in single combat"

"Thankfully, devils are not exactly common in this or any other part of the world. One cannot hunt one down in the forest. It is necessary to summon them in order to grant our Armigers the chance to progress."

"Will you constent to the Order of the Chain summoning devils within the boarder of Kardas? I can absolutely gaurantee no denzine of Hell will leave the trial chamber we construct. The Hellknights have had centuries of experience dealing with their kind"


"Your offer is appreciated, Baron, but only the Signifier can deliver a Reckoning according to our laws as written. I will find a suitable space. There is no need for unnecessary secrecy, however. If you wish you can attend the ritual."

Later that evening, Ricter's Reckoning is performed. Four Hellknights including Signifier Gracius are in attendance (possibly along with Malthir). Heavy chains are anchored to the floor and wrapped about Ricter's arms and legs, and wound into a winch held by each of his bretheran. These chains are already wound tight enough to cut the blood to his hands and feet when he begins to speak:

"Let it be known that I, Field Maralictor Ricter Vorsk, have knowingly breeched the dictums of the Measure and must face Reckoning"

"The first count is a breach of mercilessness. In the untamed wilderness myself and my companions came upon a creature of chaos who have bent lawful workers to it's will. Though the creature faced justice I instead allowed it to walk free, and as a result of my inaction it was allowed to return and attempt vengeance"

Gracius replies with a single sylable and as one the four Hellknights turn the inches. The chains tighten and the faint squeek of flesh pulled tight is heard. Ricter grimaces.

"The second count is a breach of Discipline. When confronting a hostile Fey in battle sanctioned by the rulers of this land I was sent up by magics of the mind and my will was found lacking. I fell under the spell of a creature of chaos and was forced to stand inactive, humiliating myself and the Order."

With another command the chains are pulled tighter still. Ricter's fists clench as blood begins to seep between the links

"The third...arg...the third count is a breach of...Order. On our travels we came upon the hidden realm of a bool...bolder...boldeuwedd fey and I followed the demands of a creature of chaos without challenge. I...ARRGH!"

Ricter is cut off as the chains are tightened a third time. His hands are no longer clenched but hang loosely. They are tinged blue as they are starved of blood. The chains are visibly sunk into his limbs.

Gracius and the other Hellknights loosen the chains and Ricter looks about to fall to his knees, but does not. Instead he staggers to the wall and braces himself against it, still standing.


"Sorry Malthir, I did not speak clearly. The ritual I wish to perform does not concern Sirian's remains, and indeed it would be inappropriate to perform it in his resting place. I merely need an empty room from which sound does not carry."

The Hellknight sighs

"Continuing vagueness is only making this sound more suspicious. I'll be blunt. In accordance with the traditions of my order I need to undergo some mild torture, and I want to avoid distressing anyone with the noise. I'll find another room similar to this if there is one. With your leave, that is."


"Remember, Baron, that you give me orders now not requests. The Order of the Chain will make ideal trainers for the new militia. I will put the word out for recruits, and make it clear that they no longer have to face the wrath of the Stolen Lands alone."

"With that in mind, a tourney seems like a fine idea, Fenna. A display of the ever growing might of the guardians and that of the Hellknights would go a long way towards making the people feel safe enough to colonize southwards."

Kip wrote:
Of course he could take a few pot shots at some Hellknights to expend some charges and lower the price! ;)

If you do, best keep your distance. Remember, we can smite you.

"Also, one other thing. Are the remains of Lord Sirian to be moved to a more honourable resting place than this hidden room? If so, I would like to use it for a small non-magical ritual this evening"


Whilst talking with Grachius:

"We will not discourage or delay any Armiger in taking the test. It is our duty to give them the chance to progress as soon as they are ready. Waiting until a test is required to approach the Statkuri on the subject could well cause such delays. Secrecy can only harm our efforts here. I will speak with the Baron about our traditions as soon as possible."

"We could be in luck - a well constructed stronghold lies abandoned to the south of here. I may be able to have it assigned to us. However, I am due a Reckoning right now and I am not to delay it until it is convinient. Make ready the chains - I will find a suitable space in the castle."

Later, in the chamber where Jhod is performing the ritual on Sirian:

Upon entering the chamber Ricter notes that it is secure, out-of-the-way and well sound proofed. Upon hearing Malthir's comment he replies softly, as if on hallowed ground:

"Baron, the ritual Jhod is performing is pure in the eyes of Pharasma. He is not wrenching a soul back and trapping it in it's own ruined corpse. He merely helping it complete it's business on this plane as it stands waiting in the boneyard. Kalev, there's nothing to fear here"

With that the Hellknight bows his head in silent prayer.


After accepting his new title, Ricter addresses the assembled Hellknights and Armigers.

"Soldiers of the Order of the Chain! I do not need to remind you of your duty or of your might. I do, though, need to order caution. You have come far from our heartland and find yourselves in a realm quite unlike it. Order is not yet dominant here. Chaos surrounds us and not even we can crush it through force of arms. The laws of Kardas stand against it as a sapling faces a storm: sometimes choosing to bend instead of break, so that one day their strength may grow to openly defy it!"

"Under the rule of Swordhaven you may be asked to allow what you would otherwise punish. For us to succeed in our mission here, you must do so without pause. The law demands it, and though the law of Kardas differs from that of Cheliax it is still the purest expression of that which we are sworn to defend!"

Speech finished, Ricter turns to Fenna

"Agreed. Now is the perfect time to have such a discussion of your laws"

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