Oreth has been mired in dark times.
First the Old One set the drums of war in motion and the embers of the Greyhawk Wars flared to life. It's smoldering flames are out in all but three areas. The Fiend-Lich's orcs in the Pomarj still war with the Dwarves, Elves, and Humans in surrounding lands, and Iuz's forces still skirmish with soldiers of Furyondy's northern border. The once Great Kingdom, fallen to bickering pieces during the Wars,and are now war torn fiefs controlled by undead Hextorians, undead or fiends, who continue to batter away at each other. Monstrous peoples and nations lick their wounds and wait for the next onslaught. Mercenary human nations hire out to both sides and wait for weakness to strike there own blows of conquest. The Scarlet Brotherhood sends their agents and assassins across the south to control the islands, shipping and spice trade to the northern lands.
Goodness is limited to scattered pockets and a few exhuasted nations in the Central Flaness.
Second, the Age of Worms did not come to pass by a narrow margin. Most do not even know how close they came to utter destruction.
Third, the Blood War came to Oreth. Devils took greater control of the Former Great Kingdom, turning people to evil and Devil worship, swelling their ranks. As the years pass, they are entrenching their values among the populaces, which assure them a steady crop of souls. The Demons respond the only way they know how. Widespread Chaos and destruction. Cagewrights try to free their lord Adimarchus and fail, leaving a huge portal hanging above Cauldron from which Carcerian forces stream through to throw all living things into chains and misery. Demogorgon initiates another Savage Tide which small groups of adventurers are, even now, struggling to avert. Finally, the Gnoll Lord Yeenoghu has found the Ghoul's Heart. It is said to be in the possession of a fallen angel, corrupted by it's evil. The lord wishes to accquire this deadly artifact but the reasons are not known. His agents have unified the previously weak demons living in the Demonscar of the Amedio Jungle, and are preparing for war.
The angel, whose name is known to only a few, has joined forces with a corrupt druid known as the Rotton One, and together are slowly turning the famed jungle into a rotted and corrupt version of itself. Scattered beings, races and tribes of the Amedio have joined together in an alliance to keep his 'Terror Forest' from spreading any further.
Greystoke, Fiend-Lich and Lord of the Pomarj has dispatched agents from the Bleak Academy and Horned Society to establish an enclave in the Hellfurnaces to find this Ghoul's Heart and claim it for him. Omicron, a Deathwalker of immense power, is the leader of this cabal but he goes against his lords' wishes an establishes a Necropatria of his own. His ambitions remain unknown save that all living things his agents encounter are brought back to his Necropolis...alive.
Just north of these threats lies the Hold of the Sea Princes. A large land once known for piracy, but of late known for civil war. Keoland in the north threatens to annex the territory if things are not brought back to order. The Scarlet Brotherhood struggles to regain more of the region they fully controlled scant years ago. Inland fiefs, cut off from support from the coast fall to monsters, bandits, and worse, or become fully independent. Free cities fight for promenance on the coast, struggling against pirates and Scarlet Brothers alike.
The territory has become wild from the coast to the mountains. If left unchecked, the horrors from the Hellfurnaces and Amedio will spill forth and wholly destroy the Hold of the Sea Princes before spreading further north.
Heroes are needed...
Remnants of the shattered Company of the Silver Scale, and their draconic patrons rise to fill the gap just north of the Hellfurnaces. The silver dragons, a good and strong family of five, along with copper and bronze dragon friends fight off the hordes as they come north, and work to unify the scattered fiefs to put up a resistance. So far they have created the Silver Scale protectorate of which they are the defacto rulers but whose administration falls to the mortals of the region. Their knights come from the Company of the Silver Scale. Once just the name of an adventuring party, but now grown through the efforts of surviving allies and grateful mortals the company once saved. They are the knights, soldiers, sheriffs, and militia of many SSP towns and hamlets. All wear a badge of office which looks much like a small great sheild in the shape of a dragon scale. They wear navy blue cloaks and come from all races and classes. Still, the people affectionately call them " The Boys in Blue".
The Boys in Blue are constantly looking for new recruits to fight on the frontlines, police the towns, or ride the back roads to bring peace to the interior and more people into the commonwealth of the SSP.
You find yourselves all veterans of your various fields in the croweded square of the free city of Sassarine, listening to a Boy in Blue barker as the crowd ebbs and flows around you.
What do you do?
A brawny young half-orc, uncombed, but not unclean, will volunteer in earnest.
DM
Belthic listens with rapt and growing enthusiasm as the Blue Boy proclaims his announcement. This is just what he has been looking for. Someone must stand up to fight this evil that has fallen across the land. The Dwarven people have always been at the forefront of the battle against evil, and though their numbers are not what they once were, they will stand as strong as ever. He would make Moradin proud.
Jostling his way to the front, he tries to be among the first to volunteer.
Near the rear of the crowd, a short thin man, dressed in dusty yellow robes rubs his shaven head and hitches his pack. He listens with interest to the barker's pitch.
Jeric ponders the scene before him quietly, watching the recruiter with an even gaze. Knowing that he must take a stand in order to take revenge for his family, Jeric steps forward to speak with the barker.
"I am Jeric. A mage of some small skill. Perhaps you would have use for one such as I?" He asks, already knowing the answer.
There's a stir throught the crowd as a column of men march into the square. First into the area is a group of two dozen arbalesters dressed in heavy studded leather armour and each bearing a large shield on their back.They are led by a single armoured figure bearing a maul.
Then a lone knight on a heavy warhorse behind whom comes a second group of two dozen footmen these armed with Halberds and armoured in chain..again they are led by a maul bearing footman.
At the end of the column a single man in homespun leads a Mule loaded with the knights personal possessions(which don't amount to much)
The column halts with military precision and the lone horseman rides forward towards the man who seems to be in charge of recruiting
"Greetings Sir..I am Basil de Fermer, Knight Batchelor in the service of St Cuthbert.The church sends these men, volunteers every one, to aid in the defence of these lands"
The young mans voice rings out over the square.
"In addition the church sends funds for the upkeep of these men to the amount of 750 gold pieces"
He motions to the unarmoured man who hurries forward with a small coffer.Opening it the knight withdraws a surprisingly small bag.
"Or to be more exact 75 platinum pieces"
He hands the bag to the somewhat surprised recruiting officer lowering his voice to speaking level
"Do be a good chap and see that gets to the proper people would you. and can some one see to my men"
You all move up with about a dozen other eager young men and women to the barker who smiles and points to a clerk beside the dias upon which he speaks. You all line up to sign your name on parchement watermarked with the Sassarine coat of arms and what look to be holy symbols of affiliated churches.
Loud noises behind you cause you to turn and see a small contingent of soldiers from Keoland () arrive and an imposing young officer announce their aid to the Silver Scale Protectorate by joining the Company of the Silver Scale.
The crowd mutters and jostles to get a better look at the new batch of heroes ready to fight and die in the south. Some shot hurry others congratulate you, some seem to mutter something else...
Make Spot and Listen checks please. Sir Knight, you must take a -4 penalty on your rolls as you are distracted by your conversation with the barker and the lusty eyes from the crowd for your exposed platinum.
Belthic, you see a figure moving from a shadow into an upper story window behind the dias and line of people signing up for the SSC. Jeric, you hear a voice faintly through the din say ' Fight and die?! Hahee, they will be dying faster than they think, praise be to the Heart'.
Those of you signing up for the SSC can test your religion knowledge and history knowledge for the coats of arms that appear on the document.
Jeric, hearing some disturbing words, glances about, looking for the source, as he hisses to those nearby.
"There is trouble afoot! Be on your guard." He says, as he tightens his grip on his quarterstaff.
Sir Basil seems oblivious to the disturbance in the crowd as he ontinues to talk to the barker about who he should speak to regarding the housing of his men
Jeric, several people in the crowd turn to you as you speak your warning, but it appears some misinterpret your intentions. some bravos tense and appear to spring on you, thinking to prove themselves to they Boys in Blue by quelling, to them, what looks like a trouble maker.
What do you do?
The rest of you have moved in to the signing table but, as yet, have not signed.
Consider yourselves five feet from the table and the clerk with a group of men in front of you.
Sir Basil, you are still on the dias with the barker, your men spread out in squads behind you.
Jeric, as some of the men appear to pounce on you, the laughter you heard earlier seem louder.
"I don't have time to waste watching you puff out your chest."
With these men all tensing up, and myself unaware of any real danger, I will try to physically force my way to the front of the table.
After making arrangements to hand over command of the men to the local forces and ensuring that the money is in reliable hands Sir Basil moves towards the recruiting table and waits patiently until it is clear
Belthic is quietly amused at the pompous posturing, and one upmanship of the largely human population rushing to sigh up. He guessed that if his life was so short, he might be more impatient as well. Oh well, there will still be a place for a Priest of Moradin to sign up. There always was.
Belthic tries to have a calming effect over any commotion in his immediate area, and patiently waits his turn to sign up for the Boys in Blue.
Knowledge Religion
Knowledge History (1d20 1=4, 1d20 1=3)
Obviously Belthic has never heard of these guys :).
Belatedly realizing that his attempt at subtlety may have backfired, Jeric scans about as he hears the laughter again, mentally preparing a spell as he does so.
DM:
Ready Action (cast Mage Armor when threat appears)
The attempts to learn the local human gods and noble coats of arms fail. they just don't look familiar despite elements you have seen in standards from other realms.
Jeric: four guys seem ready to spring on you. All fists and insults. No weapons.
Belthic: ignores the human scuffle and the figure moving on the roof to get closer to the sign up table. Garret: despite your obvious strength, the strapping farmboys you try to muscle through, throw you back a foot to stand next to a dwarf and stare you down, saying Wait your turn half-breed or we'll put your pig nose in the dirt where it belongs!Yeah, another says and knock the bearded tin can too. they stare menancingly at Belthic while cracking their knuckles.
Sir Belthic: The barker is uncomfortable taking the money and seems overwhelmed at the idea of berthing the men you have brought. He says for you to find his CO, Father Merdrivus, in the Sea Spray Inn just behind him.
As everyone prepares to throw down, and the clerk behind the table get up to get out of the way. Jeric, you hear the laughter again, this time in stereo. Three ragged figures throw off their cowls and robes, revealing near skeletal forms. they stand half naked, and imbedded in their chests with tubes and glowing reddish runes are large stone disks with onyx. they scream 'Praise the Heart!' and hit the central stone. A building buzz of power sounds forth from the devices and the men stand, shaking and yelling in ecstacy while their eyes glow green.
These men are spread out around the square, the nearst to you is 15' away, through a crowd of agitated new-recruits.
Initiative (1d20+6=16)
From his position at the rear of the crowd, Thale has been considering the barker's offer. "This could be an opportunity to attract the favorable notice of the local officials." But he worries that such an obligation would conflict with his vows to the temple. Deep in thought he does not notice the gathering menace in the crowd.
As things begin to happen someone in the crowd jostles him, breaking his reverie. Hearing a paniced cry, he looks about to render aid.
I risk a glance at the nearby dwarf and say "I believe these men just insulted us. Care to assist me in teaching them a lesson." And then when the other men pull off their hoods, "Now that doesn't make a lick of sense."
|
Basil looks around in confusion until the servants of evil reveal themselves at which point he grins widely unhooks the silver mace at his belt and moves towards the nearest target( the bastard sword is on the horse at the moment)
Meanwhile the sergeants commanding the foot men swing into action and the squads begin what appear to be practiced drills.
The unarmoured servant runs for cover
Belthic's eyebrows raise in surprise as the situation becomes serious. "What"s this?" he exclaims, his voice rising.
Initiative (1d20=20)
OOC(Great. Never a 20 when you really need it. Belthic was not expecting combat today, so most of the spells he memorized were non combat)
Belthic casts Protection from Evil, and readies his Warhammer.
Thanks to the stress of the moment, Jeric reacts slowly, his mind sluggish at the task of recalling a spell. "Get help!" He calls to the fleeing clerk, knowing that such a thing is unlikely.
Consolidated Initiative
Belthic of Shaduum 20
Thale Nyus 16
Garret "Sledge" Whitestone 11
Jeric Darkstar 9
Sir Basil de Fermer 8
The first things to catch Thale's eye are the skeletal figures. Raising his quarterstaff high, he moves toward them, wracking his brain to figure out the devices on their chests.
Updated Initiative
Belthic 20
Hooded Figures 18
Thale Nyus 16
Garret Whitestone 11
Thugs: 10
Jeric Darkstar 9
Sir Basil de Fermer
The following unfolds:
Belthic Two thugs move in closer to you and seem ready to jump you.
Hooded Figures: The devices on their chests continue to whine with an increasing crescendo, forcing more passerby to stop and stare at the strange phenomenon. Some mothers scream and cover the eyes of the children as The Hooded men turn around and shout in ecstascy or breath faster. Their skin now glows a bright green and purple smoke froths from their mouths, eyes and ears.
Thale Nyus: you move your way through the crowd as best you can to get near one of the men with the devices embedded in them. True, you have never seen the like of them before in terms of undead. Howevern as one of The Hooded turn to you as you approach, the wild look in his face you do recognize as you have seen it before, sometimes in the mirror: devotion. Living or dead, The Hooded are fanatics
Garret Delays action as two thugs bear down on him. One swings low, one swings high for the head.
Thugs: Attack the dwarf and half-orc. Their allies and bystanders start to form a ring around them. The Barker looks on from the Dias and calls for Sir Basil to go inside for Father Merdrivus, but finds himself too stunned to move.
Jeric: Rests his quater-staff in the crooks of his elbows to cast a spell.
Sir Basil The Barker Calls to you to find Father Merdrivus as you move off stage and towards the melee with the thugs. None of them notice that you are armed, but your men do, and quickly form into squads to present arms and go into battle stances. This draws some cries of alarm from members of the populace thinking they are about to be attacked by exotic arquebuses.
The punches from the thugs on Garret are easily blocked by the experienced warrior. The thugs attacking the dwarven priest quickly learn how solid and heavy the dwarves in their 'tin can' armor actually are.
Basils voice cuts through the hubbub.."Clear the square Sergeant get these people out of here" He ignores the barker trusting on the sounds of the crowd to bring the priests forth.
Jeric: Rests his quarter-staff in the crooks of his elbows to cast a spell.
.
Sorry. I had you moving to the nearest Hooded which was by the scribe, Belthic, Garret and thugs. the other two are spread out in the square. You could be giving orders as you move off the dias.
(OOC what is the concentration Check for, as I moved before the skeletons they shouldn't have been within Attack of Opportunity range yet. If they were I would have moved away before casting the spell.)
Belthic looks at the strange creatures trying to figure out what they are
Knowledge Religion (1d20 1=18)
Garret drops a quick shoulder roll to get behind the thugs, and comes up swinging.
If I can close with the hooded on the first round I swing at it
if I can't close treat those as my rolls for round 2
Hooded Figures: The devices on their chests continue to whine with an increasing crescendo, forcing more passerby to stop and stare at the strange phenomenon. Some mothers scream and cover the eyes of the children as The Hooded men turn around and shout in ecstascy or breath faster. Their skin now glows a bright green and purple smoke froths from their mouths, eyes and ears.
Thale Nyus: you move your way through the crowd as best you can to get near one of the men with the devices embedded in them. True, you have never seen the like of them before in terms of undead. Howevern as one of The Hooded turn to you as you approach, the wild look in his face you do recognize as you have seen it before, sometimes in the mirror: devotion. Living or dead, The Hooded are fanatics
"I don't know exactly what's happening, but this isn't good." Thale thinks. He shouts out to the crowd around the (formerly) Hooded Figures, "Stand back from them, stand back!" As long as the hooded ones remain in place, Thale will try to get between one and the crowd and herd people away.
Thale . The flesh seems to be intact from what you can tell. And the one smiling full-teethed at you is breahing hard.
Thale .
Before the second round:
Belthic your spell goes off despite the thugs trying to attack you. The Hooded near you is gaining the color of some types of corporal undead you have read about but do not seem undead to you.
thale you face off from a Hooded who smiles wide and breathes sharply through his teeth. His eyes now glow green as he stares at you. A crowd of spectators has formed a ring around you at a distace of 10 feet.
Garret the roll is executd perfectly by puts you out of range for an attack. The thugs facing you start to turn around.
Jecric your spell goes off, no problem. You are currently about mid-way between a human traveller and the growing human ring about him and a Hooded, and from the tussle with a group of men in front of the registry table.
Sir Basil you stride forward, weapon in hand, off the dias towards The Hooded as the Blue Boy Barker pleads with you to find Father Mendrivus.
Still shouting in his hoarse voice for the crowd to clear out, Thale swings his quarterstaff around in a wide arc about him to further encourage them. They've got to get back. Perhaps some real swinging will get them to move. He drops into a ready crouch, preparing for combat against the Hooded.
Belthic, not knowing what these things are decides to see if the power of Moradin can force them to withdraw. He moves to a non threatened position and presents his holy symbol.
"Back servants of Evil" he commands.
Turn Attempt (1d20 1=18)
Up to 5 HD.
This may be a topic for the discussion thread, but how strictly do you want us to post in order?
If I can close with the hooded on the first round I swing at it
if I can't close treat those as my rolls for round 2
As stated those are my round two actions
Keeping an eye on his hooded opponent, Thale shrugs off his pack and readies himself for combat.
Thale's readied attack results if needed:
Garret the roll is executd perfectly by puts you out of range for an attack. The thugs facing you start to turn around.
I'll close with the thugs and keep swinging.