Teyran Rilskel's page

Dang it, I thought I'd posted what I had yesterday when my vision was starting to blur. I guess not.

Teyran nodded, the pain was beginning to dull, though he didn't know if that was a good sign or bad. "I would be interested in speaking to them at the first opportunity. If we could make allies of another set of explorers, we could have this region mapped all the quicker. There is also the fact that if they are on our side, it lessens the likelihood that they would sell their maps to our enemies if war comes to the Stolen Lands. . ."

When Garess looked back at the tent, Teyran did as well, looking over his shoulder. He turned back to the others and sighed wearily. "Politics," He said, "I left my order all those years ago to escape it, and now it hounds me like a starving dog after a hare."

He turned his attention fully to Garess, and his words seemed more like a request than an opinion. "If we cannot have a friendly ear as Sword Baron, I would rather there be none. Let them bicker and squabble amongst themselves while we secure this region. With any luck, when they come to a decision, they will find themselves irrelevant."

Teyran said nothing to the assembled mass, instead returning to his companions and speaking quietly. He smiled wearily at them before he spoke. "It seems the more we accomplish, the more remains to be done. As much as I regret to admit it, Varn was right: we cannot allow bandits, who reformed only to save their lives, to mix among the populace. I suggest we lead them to the Temple of the Elk and build a garrison there. It would provide a fine buffer between the fort and the forces to the south, and if they could be trusted, it would send a fine message to the faeries that we encountered that we are looking out for them as well."

As before, he tried to maintain composure, but his hand unconsciously drifted to his wound, and he was unable to hide his pained expression.

Any thoughts for how to proceed? Teyran's first inclination is to try and declare the Sword Council irrelevant and invalid, which I'm pretty sure you all know is a pretty bad idea.

Are we assuming that there was any healing that went on after we got back to the fort? I ask because it determines whether I now have 16hp, or 2hp. Unless you say otherwise, I'm going to assume that I started the fight at full health.

When Varn fell, Teyran immediately sheathed his sword. He was no fool, he kicked away his opponent's weapon. He knelt down near the fallen warrior, and placed a hand on the other man's shoulder.Teyran closed his eyes as he focused.

Lay on Hands: 1d6 ⇒ 3

If that wasn't enough to bring him about, Teyran would call for more skilled healers, otherwise he would address Varn. "If you were the sort to show mercy, I would have had no reason to challenge you. You are a fine warrior, but strenth is not leadership. You are a fiine warrior, and you may yet get the chance to fight for your country, but not in the way you would prefer. Now, retrieve your sword, and have your wounds tended."

Teyran would have preferred to take his own advice rather than give it. There was a maddening ache in his side where he'd been struck, and that, combined with the stress of the last day had combined into a deep seated desire to lock himself away somewhere and hibernate until the world was better, or destroyed. That was not an option, however. He refused to let anyone else see him in pain, least of all the sword council.

I don't know if adding critical threat rolls will mess up what is already there, so I'm going to post them here. Also, until this moment, I've never really appreciated what you can get with a high strength melee character.

Critical threat 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Potential bonus damage: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (6, 4) + 8 = 18

Critical threat 10: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Potential bonus damage: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (4, 5) + 8 = 17

Critical threat 11: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
Potential bonus damage: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (1, 4) + 8 = 13

Critical threat 13: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Potential bonus damage: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (6, 3) + 8 = 17

Critical threat 14: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Potential bonus damage: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (4, 4) + 8 = 16

Attack 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Damage 1: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (5, 4) + 8 = 17

Attack 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Damage 2: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (4, 6) + 8 = 18

Attack 3: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Damage 3: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (1, 5) + 8 = 14

Attack 4: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Damage 4: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (2, 1) + 8 = 11

Attack 5: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Damage 5: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (4, 1) + 8 = 13

Attack 6: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Damage 6: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (3, 5) + 8 = 16

Attack 7: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Damage 7: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (2, 1) + 8 = 11

Attack 8: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Damage 8: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (6, 3) + 8 = 17

Attack 9: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Damage 9: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (6, 3) + 8 = 17

Attack 10: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Damage 10: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (2, 1) + 8 = 11

Attack 11: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Damage 11: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (6, 5) + 8 = 19

Attack 12: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Damage 12: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (1, 2) + 8 = 11

Attack 13: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Damage 13: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (4, 2) + 8 = 14

Attack 14: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Damage 14: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (3, 2) + 8 = 13

Attack 15: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
Damage 15: 2d6 + 8 ⇒ (1, 5) + 8 = 14

We don't have to go round by round, doing it as a montage would probably be better for all involved.

Also, if you want a little more than just rolls out of me, you could PM me with a few prompts of the 'Varn does this! How do you respond?' sort so I can give a little something to work with.

Teyran watched Varn warily for a moment, wondering what his words meant. He underestimated Garess? Why? Did he believe that Teyran was nothing but a pawn in some game of power? What foolishness.

Teyran scoffed, loudly. "Lord Garess learned of my intentions in the same moment you did. If he has organized for you to be challenged in this way, then he is clearly a master of schemes."

He turned to the rest of the swordlords, as if to speak, but then said nothing. If he won the fight against Varn, they would have to contend with him soon enough. If he lost the fight, he would likely die, and nothing he said would have meaning to them anyway.

It's an interesting thing playing a death seeker. If I'm not mistaken, this is the third time that my character has gotten into a situation that I'm not sure I'll be able to get out of. . .

Teyran had considered Antha's offer and declined, claiming that the fight was his to bear.

During the sword council, Teyran watched Varn as closely as he could, studying the other man, trying to determine if his heart was as black as Teyran suspected, or if he was just a reckless fool.

Using Detect Evil, to determine if Varn is evil.

When Varn was finished with his boast, Teyran spoke up. "I will! You would throw your men away at useless counter attacks, and you have let your pride cloud your view of reality. If you are the greatest among the Sword Lords, then it is no wonder that Restov has fallen!"

"Then I suppose I will be that man." Teyran said. "I have no fear of him, except from the consequences of his leadership. I will challenge him for his title, and that will bring this nonsense to a close. Unless I fail, in which case he will likely kill me. He looked at Antha, and continued. "If that happens, you have the scroll, use it to bring them in line. I have no desire to politic with this band of fools, but if I fail it will be up to the rest of you to ensure that they don't rekindle a failed civil war."

And I've been the opposite, which is kind of an interesting change of pace.

As far as the Sword Council thing goes, Teyran has just about decided to challenge Varn. He figures that if he and his allies acquire as much legitimate power as they can right now, all of this politics nonsense will become moot. He also wants to marginalize the Sword Council because he thinks they only care about refighting battles that have already been lost.

In fact, I think I'll post that now.

"That will be all." Teyran said with a smile, not certain if the man was mocking him or not.

When the Lady Orlavsky approached, Teyran bowed his head reverently. His tone and manner quickly changed after she spoke, however. "They would follow such a man? No wonder they are leading the march into exile." He paused for a moment before continuing. "The prospect having someone speak for me is growing appealing, though as Lady Scapegrace has said, there is little legitimate, recognized authority in this region, so it may come down to a challenge anyway. We shall see."

"We will lead. Let Varn's forces worry about our flanks. If this convoy hasn't been overtaken by now, I rather doubt that we will before we make it back."

That wasn't the whole truth of it, of course. Teyran may have forgiven them of their banditry in any legal capacity, but that didn't change the fact that these were highwaymen, robbers at the very best, but likely much worse. He wanted to keep them as far from civilians as he could.

We were probably waiting for me on that front, and I think I have everything in order now.

I have no opinion on the subject, I've never had a character at level six that didn't start there.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Noting Tad's misgivings, and having some of his own, Teyran said. "And this troll army, where did it come from, exactly?" He let the question go when Antha spoke. "Oh never mind. I suppose we will do as best we can," He added in responce, indicating that this had not been his preferred outcome.

Teyran raised his voice, in the manner a commander would when speaking to his troops, and announced, "Falgrim Sneeg! You and the men loyal to you, from now until a time undetermined, are conscripts in service to. . ." He paused for a half moment, wondering to whose name he should pledge them. To claim Garess would be lending power to the sword council in all its newfound irrelevance. Claiming Lady Orlavsky, on the other hand, would reveal things that he would prefer to remain private, Morley's stray comment aside. Finally,he had it! "You are to answer to the charter members of the expedition to reclaim the Stolen Lands. From this moment on, you will be expected to act as a soldier would. If you cannot do that, I suggest trusting your luck to outrun the arrows of Varn's archers."

Teyran nodded somberly. "We are, each of us, fools, and if we are to die, then this seems as fine a patch of ground to do it on as any other." The statement was odd, in that his words and tone seemed at odds with his previous resolve. It seemed to suggest that it was all a façade hiding a much darker outlook.

Teyran shook his head, not inclined to continue that line of conversation. He had that conversation often enough in his head that it needn't be spoken. "Regardless, I have heard of little of late but the doom that encroaches from north and south, but we will surely gain from hearing of this threat. Speak, if you would."

Teyran nodded, "That is all that I asked, and it will be done." True, Teyran had hoped to turn loose anyone who wished to flee Brevan Territory, but this did seem to be a decent compromise.

He turned back to Falgrim and added, "I do not wish to have men fighting for me that do not want to, it is a drain on morale that we can ill afford. I would have offered those without the stomach for war unrestricted access to the borders, but I suppose this is the best we have for the moment."

Teyran listened carefully to what Antha told him, and then replied in equally hushed tones.

If it could be avoided, Teyran had no interest in fighting. For one thing, a man who had earned the title 'Rampaging Blade' would likely be a danger to everyone present, especially if his sense of honor was on the line. There was also the fact that a battle would waste time and dull both of them, here in a time and place where keenness was required. Finally, there was the fact that Varn had likely spent his entire life honing his skills with a blade, whereas it had been over a century since Teyran would have called himself a competent swordsman.

That was probably about the least diplomatic route I could have taken.

Teyran nodded, "I did, and I intend to keep it," He said, unsure the best way to proceed. It seemed impossible to rise to this challenge without insulting, and likely humiliating Varn, but if Teyran did so from his own authority, rather than Lady Orlovsky's, then at least the Sworldlord might save face in being defeated by another warrior, rather than by politics. He did not know if that would make a difference though.

Watching Falgrim as he spoke, Teyran raised his voice to equal the volume of Varn's and shouted "These men could have charged past us in their attempt to escape, leaving the wolves to crash against us like waves on the shore. We might have been forced into a desperate fight to protect women and children, if these men had proven cowardly. Instead they turned and fought with us, at cost of their own. For that, I promised them amnesty, and I keep my promises."

He turned to face the Rostlanders before he continued. "Anyone wishing to arrest these men can do so after subduing me."

I'm here.

"Let them go, we have greater concerns for the moment. We can hunt them down later." Teyran called to the others. It wouldn't do to have half their soldiers chase after the retreating wolves, only to be led into a trap, as seemed likely.

As the sounds of battle ceased, Teyran keep a watch for Falgrim and Varn, wondering how the two of them would react to recent events. He made a point to gather his companions to hear their thoughts. "I would prefer to put them all to the sword, but recent events have made me think it might be a better idea to offer these bandits a place as soldiers, it would seem as though we have no shortage of foes, and a lack of allies. What are your thoughts?"

"Get to their flanks!" Teyran shouted to anyone who could hear. "Attack the wolves where they are weak!" Teyran himself surged forward, intending to lead by example.

Strategy I suppose will be standard, trying to flank

Teyran watched the man in disbelief for a moment, surely he knew time was too short to be playing games like this. "I am a paladin! To speak the words is to swear to them! Very well, if you wish for pomp and circumstance, then any man who fights by my side will have his prior misdeeds remembered against him no more. I swear this upon my name as a servant of the Everlight, as speaker for Lord Garess, and as an agent of Lady Orlavsky."

"Is that to your satisfaction?" He said, readying his sword for battle.

To Teyran, something had seemed to change in the wind. He knew that one way or the other, this was why he'd come here. Whether he died in battle in a few moments, or rallied the forces arrayed and won the day, this was what it had all led up to.

He placed an armored hand on Tad's shoulder. "It's all right." He said quietly with a smile. He stepped forward, placing himself next to Tad. When he spoke again, his voice was authoritative and strong, meant to be heard by as many as possible.

"Fight by my side tonight, and you will be free to seek your fate elsewhere, but you can do better than that. My fellows and I seek to reclaim the Stolen Lands from banditry, from slavers, and from petty tyrants who rule through fear and violence. We seek to tame this land, and turn it to just and decent society. If you can fight for such a goal, then you will earn your amnesty. Cast aside your criminality, and I will call you my brother!"

Teyran could scarcely believe his own words. Was he truly offering amnesty to bandits? To no less than the Stag Lord himself, the one Akiros had warned them of? He had set out all but pledging the death of every lawless thug between his home and a good death, and now he was offering them not only pardon but acceptance as well?! It was all the more disconcerting to think that this group had likely counted among it's number the thief that Erisa had happened upon the night that- no, that wound was too deep and too fresh to even consider.

On the other hand, Teyran knew the Dawnflower would approve of his offer of mercy. Erisa as well; she'd been a more ardent servant of Sarenrae than even Teyran himself. As much as he hated to admit it, she would have been proud to hear his appeal.

Teyran watched the Stag Lord, sword at his side, waiting for a response. It seemed as though there were two possibilities. The Stag Lord might reject his offer, and battle would ring out, possibly the final, worthy fight Teyran had been seeking for weeks now. The other likelihood was that the Stag Lord would agree to the pardon, and the combined forces would win the field, leaving Teyran to wonder what, exactly, he was to do with an army of thieves and whores.

Any response among the bandits? They were mainly who he was addressing, what with that comment about leniency

I think that's got to be a first. I've never heard of a trip to New York making someone more sane. Then again, I'm probably projecting, but I'm okay with that.

Are you in any full length classes? If so, damn. I took two five week classes over the summer to balance one that was ten weeks, and I can't say I would do it if I had a choice. I certainly wouldn't take a class that requires real work on that short a period, so no science classes and certainly no math.

I figured that might be coming. I'm not sure why I didn't take the initiative and roll myself, I'll say laziness.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Teyran couldn't help but notice the wolves that were pursuing the bandits. This presented a great opportunity to rid themselves of two threats at once. If Varn's forces engaged the bandits, then they would be slowed down and forced to fight the wolves as well, and would be likely decimated in the gauntlet of teeth and steel. On the other hand, the bandit force seemed large enough that victory against them couldn't be counted on, how could the refugees counter a force of wolves that would cause them to retreat. Teyran knew the right course.

As he moved toward the battle, he shouted orders at the top of his voice, hoping the soldiers not technically under his command yet would rally behind him. "Fight at our side! If you run, they will track you by scent to the end of the world, if you stand and fight, you may yet see another dawn! I promise leniency for all who fight for me!"

Teyran looked toward the soldiers announcing bandits, and then back at Alexis. He quickly announced, "You have my word, lady. Varn will not turn these soldiers to useless counter attacks while I live." He then turned back toward the sounds of battle and drew his sword before charging toward the battle.

The note applies to all charter holders, which is all of us. The only real authority that Teyran has over anyone else is that Garess asked him to speak for him, but now we are all above Garess. . .

Teyran nodded, "There is much wisdom in what you say. To press this claim against Varn seems likely to invite violence. Perhaps you might hold on to this and keep it safe until we are back at the fortress? He said, replacing the scroll in the case and offering it to Antha.

Teyran nodded "You make a fine point my lady, and I apologize if I have spoken out of turn. I had expected nothing of this sort." The more thought he gave her words, the less ridiculous, and the more reasonable, they sounded. He had expected that Garess would remain in charge, as it was his keep. For whatever reason, however, he was considered an exile among the Swordlords, and the others might not respect his authority. Establishing a new nation, and handing over control to the charter members who'd come to the Stolen Lands to reclaim them sidestepped the issue quite nicely.

When Alexis bowed to him, Teyran immediately offered to help her up, looking embarrassed. "Now, now my lady. Regardless of what that paper says or doesn't, I'm no one that you need to bow to."

Let me see if I've got this straight, we came here to secure the refugees, and in the process, speak for Garess, but we all just got promoted over his head, right?

Teyran watched Tad warily as he accepted the case and opened it. He looked over the scroll, read it, and then read it again as a look of confusion crept across his face. "It is. . .Perhaps it would be best if I simply read it aloud. . ." He did precisely that, and then looked up at the others. "We are to found a nation, and revolt against Natala and Orlavsky, then?"

Teyran got back to his feet, nodding in agreement with Alexis. "I am eager to hear your thoughts. Though first I hope you would entertain a question or two. I fear I have been out of earshot for some time, and I am now ignorant of the names and motivations of people. Why would she do all of this, lust for power, madness over losing her brother? Had I known things would come to this, I might not have been such a recluse for the last century or so."

Teyran chuckled at Arasmes's comment as he approached. "Apparently our friend finds fun in leading the charge against monstrous bears, and facing groups of bandits alone." He whispered to the cleric, hoping he was quiet enough to spare any embarrassment the cleric might feel from the others hearing.

As he stepped past Arasmes, Teyran approached Alexis and knelt before her. "My lady," He said, "I was at the wedding when all of this unpleasantness began. I had hoped that it would be under better circumstances if our paths crossed again. My deepest condolences for all that has happened."

As they headed toward their meeting with Orlovsky, Teyran couldn't help but nod at the wisdom in Antha's words. "You make a fine point, my lady. I find I cannot help but consider them. To be honest, I do not even know what it is that will be discussed, only that Lord Garess asked me to speak for him, and I promised that I would. And you need not speak of yourself in such a way. We are each more than the circumstances of our birth and the attitudes of our parents. Why, I've seen a devilspawn who was a more ardent servant of the Everlight than the head of my order-" He cut himself off, realizing he'd said too much. That he instinctively looked down at his armor didn't help matters either.

Teyran was surprised at LoTae's reaction. Hadn't she made it clear that she did not want her name known by those she didn't choose to inform? Why then, would she react with hostility when Teyran abided by her wishes? It took him a moment to realize that he should have introduced her by the name he'd offered, rather than drawing attention. He decided he would have to apologize when the proper moment arose.

He considered Tad's offer, and seemed to be working at convincing himself to agree to it, before finally changing his mind. "No, I will go. It wouldn't be right to push this off on someone else, I did volunteer after all. I appreciate your offer, but you should see to your. . .sister, was it? I suspect she will want to see you as soon as possible." Teyran seemed to regard addressing the sword council as
akin to going to the gallows, but he took it in stride.

He turned back to Varn and announced "I will speak for Lord Garess."

Teyran had never heard of the man, which was unsurprising, considering his long years in isolation. When the Swordlord offered his introduction, Teyran unobtrusively offered him the letter that he'd been given by Garess. "I am Teyran Rilskel, a sword for the Dawnflower. These are my companions." He introduced each of them by name, all except for LoTae, instead he added, "And I believe the Elven lady would prefer to introduce herself."

Teyran led the group as they approached the soldiers, his sword was sheathed and he carried the crossbow without a bolt. The crossbow was for show, he didn't think he could hit anything with it, but he didn't want to appear unarmed. Thinking about the crossbow made him admire Morley, that he could hit a moving target from the distances that Teyran had seen was no small feat, especially since he was doing it with that ridiculous contraption. Still, it seemed effective.

"We are here to guide the refugees from Restov to the fortress in the Stolen Lands." He announced, thankful that Lady Orlovsky at least had competent soldiers at her command. He made no mention of the letter, expecting the matter to come up with someone of greater influence, perhaps this Master Varn.

Teyran nodded, "It will be as you ask. He turned to the others and announced, "As Morley suggested, we can take some time to accomplish whatever needs doing, and we will head out in an hours time.

With the others free to do as they chose, Teyran stayed where he was, apparently content to idly wait.

Here's mine:

BAB +1

Fort +4
Ref +3
Will +4

Hp +8

Divine Grace
Lay on hands: 1d6 4 times per day

Oops, I meant to put that on discussion.

"You needn't worry, Kaz dekhel, it is not my intention to harass elves that we happen upon, at least, not to a greater degree than you were. And with you on our side, it becomes a non issue. Teyran said, using the nickname he'd given the elf as something of a reminder that she still hadn't introduced herself. If it bothered him, he didn't show it, since his next words were, "Shall we afford ourselves a moment's rest, or head out now?"

Sorry folks, I keep forgetting that we gained a level. I'll take care of that either when I get home or tomorrow, depending on how tired I am.

Teyran was clearly getting into speech giving mode, the way his tone rose with each word. "We can ensure that any other bandits that attack this fortress buy themselves nothing but an early death. We can offer a place of refuge for anyone who is not interested in this ridiculous civil war, and we can put to the sword any bandit that refuses to surrender!" Teyran seemed to catch himself as soon as the words had been spoken. He looked toward Kesten, an expression of embarrassment crossing his face. He added, "By your leave, of course."

Teyran listened carefully, having a hard time keeping track of so many names that he'd heard for the first time so recently. "Beg your pardon, but you said that Lord Orlovsky betrayed Lord Sellemius to the Surtovas? I was under the impression that Orlovsky declared himself an enemy of the Surtovas, why would he do such a thing?"

"She ran afoul of the bandits as we were attacking the bandit camp. After the fight, she, uh, requested an audience with you. Beyond that, I believe she can speak for herself." Teyran said, prodding his horse forward at a slow but steady pace. A decorum with the Swordlord must be maintained, but he would not hide his eagerness to get back within the walls of the keep, where could at least let down some of his guard.