A gushing sound can be heard as the javelin hits home! the Berserker howls in pain again! he continues his struggle against his bonds! frothing at the mouth and screaming curses at Bayard!
But the vines hold their bond! (OMG)
Berserker 2 continues his assault on Marneus!
But the Paladins defenses are too great!
Cyanwrath shouts in triumph as his spear hits home! But quickly switches to a roar of rage as his spear seemingly passes through nothing and disperses his opponent as if he were smokes. In his surprise his oppenent was able to strike him..some how.
He roars again at Aren bringing his spear about!
In his Rage Cyanwrath swung his spear wildly missing Aren!
Berserker 1 - 43/69(wow!), Grasping Vines, getting javelin'd by Bayard
Berserker 2 - 60/67 - CC with Marneus
Cyanwrath - 47/52 - CC with Aren
I think I'm a little too close to the action for comfort...
Aren disappears into a cloud of silver mist and reappears on the other side of the room- well out of Cyanwarath's reach...for the moment at least.
Misty Step- Briefly surrounded by silver mist, I teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space I can see. With no map, my intent is to move out of enemy melee range, somewhere in the room.
Now in relative safety, I begin to draw raw mana to my hand and shape it into an eldrich blast. I hurl the blast across the room at Langdedrosa.
"You'll have to try harder then that to break free!" knock on wood
I hurl another Javelin at my target
"Well that didn't quite hit the mark"
..and miss, the javelin flys through the air missing the entangled Berserker crashing Into the stone wall of the cave snapping in half
Marneus continues his struggle with the Berserker! But the two remain locked in combat
Berserker 1 continues his epic struggle with mother nature
Bayard, what's the DC of grasping vines?
Berserker 2 trades blows with Marneus!
But barely misses!
Cyanwrath stumbles from the eldritch blast. He regains his footing and charges Aren! He seems to be in some beastial rage. After closing the distance Cyanwrath swings his spear to and fro!
one hit, make a mirror image save
to explain mechanically what Langdedrosa just did, He moved his thirty, used action surge for another action and moved the rest of the distance onto Aren, he comes stock with Multiattack so he can swing twice
Berserker 1 - 43/69 - Grasping Vines, getting javelin'd by Bayard
Berserker 2 - 60/67 - CC with Marneus
Cyanwrath - 39/52 - CC with Aren
Gods, that hurt. Still, I was spared one gouge by my clones..only one more left. I was hoping to draw out his breath weapon with the clones, but Langdedrosa is no fool...I can't rely on the Arch Fey's tricks any longer. We'll need to fight our way out with blood.
I bring my spear around for another slash at the half dragon. I can sense his frustration now. Hopefully that works to my advantage.
Damn these wounds...!
DC 12 for the Vines
"At least my Vines are holding true"
he looks strong though so I need to finish this fast. I draw another javelin to continue my onslaught
A next javelin follows its predecessor into the cave wall
Marneus stays on his best guard fighting against the heretic, the last blow had come too close. Seeing the Berserker leaving himself wide open Marneus takes advantage of the gap and brings his long sword in!
Berserker 1 brings his arm upwards in rage against the vines finally freeing himself! he moves in towards Bayard for revenge!
Freedom!
Berserker 2 swings wildly back at Marneus attempting to over come his foe with brute strength but to no avail!
Cyanwrath looks at both of the copies or Aren deciding which is which. He slashes forward with his spear quickly, laughing to himself in triumph as his spear finds its mark.
Berserker 1 - 38/69 - CC with Bayard
Berserker 2 - 56/67 - CC with Marneus
Cyanwrath - 39/52 - CC with Aren
Looks like he finally got loose, time to get a little more personal. I leap towards the charging Berserker(1) stabbing at him with a fresh javelin.
and a third miss in a row
and again my javelin fails to find its target. Hes fast for being so big.
Marneus continues his conflict with Berserker 2, trading blows and holding his own against his foe!
derp
I scan the through the room and observe the bloody chaos. Marneus is valiant, but won't be able to carry on much longer. Bayard too is struggling and I have my own troubles to consider. The half-dragon's technique is nearly flawless, and even if I manage to somehow fell him, I'm not sure all of us would survive the ordeal...
...I think that it may be time to leave...
I take final look around the room, and then project the beguiling and fearsome presence of the Fey Dark.
10 foot cube originating from me, enemies must succeed a DC 13 Wisdom save or be feared until the end of my next turn.
The fight has proven too great..and your foes too strong. Truly the power of Tiamat may be returning to these lands and fills her followers with vigor and strength.
Marneus signals everyone back to the tunnel shouting orders to fall back. "Go! Run you fools!"
Ducking out of the way of swinging axes and whirling spears you make it back to the cave and head up the ladder first in line being Aren and Bayard shortly following him. As you make your way up the ladder you begin to feel it jerking back and forth..Marneus is destroying the rungs as you climb them. " The Emperor will decide my fate today, but you must fall back to Greenest! let them know we have failed them..."
Cyanwrath and the two berserkers appear at the end of the tunnel. Cyanwrath lets out another draconic roar challenging anyone to oppose him. " RUN! RUN! It matters not! The skies will soon darken under the great wings of Tiamat!"
Marneus spins as if offended by the mere mention of the foul deity, he spits on the ground, holding his arms aloft, challenging Cyanwrath. " Face me beast! For the Emperor's true servants will not fall! I am Wrath! I am Steel! I am the mercy of Angels! And I have been sent to destroy you!"
The last thing you see is the soft blue glow as Cyanwrath's mouth filling with crackling electricity and the last thing you hear is the crack of lightning and the boom of thunder echoing in the caves..
I stumble away from the floor opening with weary legs and fall- not from fatigue or wounds, but from grief...and shame. The weight of despair, embarrassment, and loss, and failure are too heavy.
How could I have let this happen? I have treated combat too much like a game, or fun, and now Marneus is dead.
Now though, Bayard and I have a responsibility to honor Marneus and his sacrifice. We must destroy and forever annihilate this cult, as Marneus died pursuing.
Greenest, must know that we've failed them, and Marneus. We must come up with a plan...
Bayard, how are you? How are your wounds? can you ride?
"I will have that Half-Dragon's skull in my trophy case for this, I am only a little wounded but can ride just fine. We need to get out of here while we have the chance"
"Agreed, let's move on, and move out. Greenest must know we've failed...
The ride back to Greenest is silent as you mourn the loss of Marneus. His time with the group was short but his sacrifice will live on.
You arrive back in Greenest with ease, heads hanging low and exhausted from the fight and the journey, the hour is late and torches are lit to fight back the darkness tracing its fingers around the keep. Being recognized the guards let you pass to the Governor. He sits in a high backed chair finishing a discussion with some advisers. Seeing your return he stands and approaches you ignoring the pleas of those he was talking to.
" The Heroes of Greenest return! My heart swells with pride to see you return safely!" He dispatches someone to find the monk Leosin to discuss the cave.
"So! what of the dragon eggs? The cultists? Do we know anything more or if Greenest will be safe?"
Leosin arrives smiling soon after Nighthill asks his questions. Looking around he notices the lack of one party member..
" Where is Marneus?.." he asks quietly..
"He fell. And saved us. Marneus deserves your prayers now, all of you- he's earned them...I don't wish to talk anymore about this. For me, the grief is still too near...
I take a knee out of respect and face the Lord Governor. He may not like what it is that I have to say, but it is the truth, and it's best that he hear it.
"...Still, my lord Governor, this enemy that we face, cannot be defeated by Bayard and I alone. We will require soldiers, and a broader commitment from you and your territory to truly fell this enemy, and both protect and avenge Greenest forever. The entire realm is at risk. If we do nothing, Tiamat will return, and she will annihilate anything she so desires."
My wounds still ooze, and the pain distracts me from the moment.
"My Lord Governor, if I may, Bayard and I also require attention from a gifted priest. It may yet be possible to hunt Langdesrosa. Bayard is an exceptionally skilled hunter and tracker, and we must be off immediately. Unless my lord has a greater need elsewhere...?"
Nighthill and Leosin look distraught by the news. Leosin sits on a near by bench and rubs his face.
"It truly pains me to hear the loss of Marneus..But even now we have no time to grieve. I should not of sent you to go without more aid and it was too much to ask of anyone. I am sorry for the pain you have suffered attempting this quest."
Nighthill on the other hand seems to have taken a different attitude towards the news.." More support? And from where, master elf will I find more support? Greenest is in ruins, her people robbed of their goods and many of the militia are still recovering from that night!"
He takes a deep breath steadying himself "Forgive me..I forgot you had still helped us before but..Greenest is in near ruin Aren..we are having a hard time even recovering now after a handful of days..I cannot spare the man power to help you..I'm sorry" Nighthill explains that the keep's services are still theirs to use and they are more than welcome to stay and rest up.
Leosin stands again pacing the floor, thinking. "Did you find out where they were going? where the next target may be? and dare I ask...of the dragon eggs inside?.."
"Lord Governor, the use of the keep is sincerely appreciated, but perhaps I misspoke; I would never claim that you withheld men and resources from Bayard and I that you had easily on-hand. I only meant to make clear, that Bayard and I are equipped neither with the power or resources to fight the cult alone. Should we quest out alone again, I am not certain you wouldn't forever be without two more men-at-arms, if you get my meaning."
I give that a second to set in and consider how else to proceed...
"Surely, my lord, you are in a position to help us, help Greenest in ways other than manpower? Perhaps you have connections with surrounding governors that might be willing to aid our quest considering the circumstances? Or mayhaps the church? I do not mean to appear greedy, my lord, or to question your position or integrity, only eager to annihilate our enemy."
I make a deep bow to show respect and acknowledge that I am not in control of Governor Nighthill's territory or decisions.
Though I do turn to acknowledge Leosin and answer his questions.
"Master Leosin, thank you for the concern. We did, in fact, return with at least some information. It appears that Beregost may be their next target. Of course, nothing is certain but that is our best lead. Also, we have reason to believe that every land north of Naerytar may also be targeted. The dragon eggs, I am shamed to say, were never seen or heard of, by any of our party. They could be anywhere."
After a few hours of discussing and debating it is decided by Leosin that they all must travel to Elturel. It lies north of Greenest by about 6 days on horseback. The group makes last minute preparations and starts their journey North.
Leosin describes a man by the name of Ontharr Frume and that he would likely be the best source of information as to current course of the Cult and the best way to track them. Rain pours, winds howl and the sun beams down over the journey. Half way to Elturel though a dwarf sits on a log that had been felled near the road. The rain is light but he lacks a cloak..dew clings to his beard and he looks like he has just seen the bad end of a beating..
leosin halts the group before the Dwarf. Looking up from under his brushy brow the Dwarf sighs
"hullo.." he says in a voice surprisingly gentle for a Dwarf "If yer stopping to take anything, you'll half to go that way"
He points off into the woods." ye see, I've already been stopped, beat and robbed by a lot that ran off that way"
I climb down off my horse and slowly approach the dwarf on the log
Good morrow Master Dwarf, I am Aren of Locke, and this is Masters Leosin, and Bayard of the woodland realm.
I bow briefly during the introductions.
Ser, none of us three wish to rob you. Not but for a bit of your time...
I take a seat on the log next to the dwarf and peel off my boot to fish out a rock.
We've got business in Elturel, and it's likely to be of the most dangerous sort. Bayard and I very nearly, and very recently met almost certain doom, chasing a sworn foe. We race off now, to face enemies and lands unknown, and I am not certain we three will be able to succeed in our quest. Too few we are...Let us aid you now Master dwarf, and I assure you, there will be many opportunities to repay that debt. As it is...I also have red in my ledger...let us clothe you, and feed you, accept a cold beer at the inn, and should you feel obligated, help us when the time comes. Now, what say you?
"All sounds well enough, especially if you help me get me items back...there are a few belongs they took that are from a past life.."
Durin seems obviously upset at the mention of his former lifestyle, whatever it was.
"It's a pleasure to meet all of you, Durin of clan Frostbreaker is my name..I'm a Rune Priest of Moradin by trade"
He straights himself out groaning a little bit and faces north. " Well than, off we go eh?"
Rune Priest=Cleric
If we're able, we will hunt down the vermin who stole from you, I swear. I do believe our elf friend here may be able to hunt down our prey with little difficulty. It's something of a specialty of his...
I scan the ground looking for any obvious tracks.
Bayard, do you see anything? Think you can track the bandits?
"These lands are foreign to me but let me see what I can find, I do miss the thrill of a good hunt"
Master Durin, point the way to your thieves, I think we might have a good bearing on them. I'll lead the way.
I bring my hands together as praying hands do, into a single audible clap.
A silver mist appears in the air before me, and forms into a gleaming great sword. Dark elvish runes are adorn the length of the shining blade, the handle decorated as a treant, the pommel a sphere of leaves topping the creature and ends of the hand guard appear as a griffon's clutched talons.
I'll suffer no wicked men would I could help a good dwarf. Let's be off!
Durin slides off the stone and onto his feet, he stretches and looks about rubbing his beard a little bit. He spins about, facing north towards a thick patch of woods.
"I took a few good blows to my noggin', but me thinks they ran off into there..seems as good a place as any for a band of...merry men.."
He searches around on the ground for a heavy stick to use as some sort of club.
"Very well master dwarf, indeed as good a place. Rest assured, we will soon hunt down your merry men, rightfully take what they have wrongfully stolen and cut their throats, if need be. I will of course default to whatever fate Moradin would have for them. We are not murderers, but there is sin to pay for."
I unstrap a dagger from my belt in its leather sheath and offer it to Durin,
"For the occasion..."
I take a few deep and heavy breaths to get my mind right for battle, and focus on the task ahead of us. This dwarf is exactly the sort Bayard and I need so survive our prey. I'll help him with whatever he needs. There's a kindness in his voice, but strength in his heart...and a power I'm sure, we haven't yet seen...
Durin nods, taking the dagger
"Hopefully we can get me items and leave this behind us.. Poor situations drive some men to unfavorable acts.."
He shrugs and grips the dagger
"Then again some men are just the better part of an ogre's ass and need to be taught a lesson as well though!"
Leosin smiles at the Dwarf and nods to the group
"You all go a head and find master Durin's gear.. I hate to see this group prey on any more travelers"
He beings to lash the horses up to a fallen tree, sitting down and taking a minute to relax.
"I'll watch our gear and the mounts, just to make sure we don't fall prey to the same situation!" Leosin laughs and rests beneath the shade of a nearby tree.
The woods lay to the North by a few hundred feet, all open field minus a few stumps and rocks a long the way. The path is straight forward and seems safe, nothing suspicious emanates from the woods!
I nod at Leosin, and assure him that we'll three be back after this is finished and head down the path to the Northern Woods.
As I get nearer the north woods, I take a moment to inspect the treeline.
Best be as quiet as we can now.
Durin furrows his brow a bit as he tries to grasp at what Aren was trying to do.
"Lad..I see you have elf in ye but..I don't think ye got the skill of forestry with that"
Aren fails to notice anything in the woods, seeing nothing but the green leaves and the brown bark surrounding him.
As he crouches low to get close without being seen he steps behind a tree and leans on it a little to survey the area some more. As he does so there is a loud crack as the trees rotted trunk buckles and tips and falls over, crashing through branches and slamming down onto the ground.
“Hopefully they are too far into the woods to hear all the racket we have been making, let’s get moving before they gain too much distance on us”
Seeing the rest of the party is ready to move out I unpack my gear and throw my javelin’s across my back and begin to lead the party into the dark woods. We cross the empty ground to the edge of the forest quickly but begin to slow our pace as we enter the thicker woods, doing our best not to crash through any undergrowth beside the path and stay as quiet as possible.
A few minutes into the woods I take another look around to see if we can see any traces of the troop of thieves.
"Ill be damned if I cannot track prey in woods that are so similar to the ones I grew up in"
Not seeing any telling signs through the thick bush beside the path I signal to the party to stay low while I scout ahead to track our foes better.
Durin looks on at the elves, stroking his beard, assessing the situation. He shrugs to himself as Bayard scouts ahead.
"I'll circle around opposite of Bayard lad, see if I can't get a better view of what's ahead.."
Durin had spent an uncomfortable amount of time on the surface with a group of merchant Dwarves, traveling the roads and spending his own fair share of time in the woods with them..he had picked up a thing or two from the Dwarven Rangers who protected the caravans.
Durin circles about opposite of Bayard, keeping low and trying to see what's around..
Durin sees a small cleared area that is littered with some goods, tents and a smoldering fire. But no Bandits! He stays out of sight..if anyone is there to see him..
Bayard stays out of sight! Although his elven eyes reveal nothing a head!
Aren fails to hide and to see his foe! In fact he has probably alerted them to his presence with knocking the tree over!
Durin and Bayard are hidden!
The camp can be seen but..no bandits!
The camps fire is the central location. 10 feet East from it are 3 medium sized tents. Just North of it 10 feet as well are two barrels and a crate! nothing seems to be exposed, who knows what's inside. West of the fire pit is a sword stabbed in the ground with a few arrows..although no bows.
A rough map, assume N E S W like a normal compass
Barrels
^
Weaponry< fire > Tents
v
Party
Aren kicks around in the open trying to discern what is what in the surrounding area. After inspecting around a bit a rustle in the brush is heard, emerging from the thicket is a very tall, very big Half-Orc..it's a wonder how he was actually staying out of sight.
He straightens himself up almost clearing 7 feet..he seems more Orc than just Half honestly.
"I'm tired of just standing in the bushes!" he jabs a finger at Aren "Whadda ya want elf?!" He seems rather upset at your intrusion on upon the camp site.
I stare at the orc's pointed finger for a moment, and then look up to meet his gaze.
Wait in the bushes on your own time, orc. While I've been making a racket trudging up to your pitiful abode, a dozen rangers have been scouting your camp. The dwarf you savagely burgled is of the cloth, and under the protection of the Holy Church of Moradin. His possessions will be returned to us, immediately. Call your other men out, lest you and they be slain. Dead or alive, you're coming with me.
The Half Orc laughs "Rangers!? Oh okay! Rangers! from the high peaks of the mountains come down to hunt me and my boys down eh!? In a matter of a day!?" He seems to think the subject is very funny as he continues his laughter.
The bushes rattle again and a Hobgoblin looking feelow stammers "R-rangers?..Toe-Splitter don't fight Rangers!" he stammers backward and starts to take off through the brush. "Rangers is comin' boys! Clear out!"
A few other shouts and questioning voices are heard in the brush as sounds come from the North. Seeing his forces slowly dwindle the Half Orc sighs. "I ain't runnin... I'm just going to get me boys back and we'll show you a thing or two Elf!" He takes off into the brush shouting at the others trying to rally them back, his voice slowly growing softer as it gains distance
Durin steps out from the woods and into the open watching the group clear.
"If I had known that'd work I guess I'da tried it me selff eh?" He laughs at the though and begins to rummage through the crates searching for his items
"Well, they're gone for now master dwarf. I'm only glad that we could get back what is yours without too much trouble. If the orc does make good on his promise, and comes our way again, I'll have more than sweet words and exaggerated threats to offer him."
I give Durin a hearty pat on the shoulder and meander around the camp, looking for anything of value the cowards may have left behind- We have an adventure to fund after all.
Once Durin is done picking his things from the trunk, I take a peek inside, and in the tents pitched around camp for anything interesting, or valuable.
Durin rummages through the trunk looking for his items. He holds up a shirt of chainmail of Dwarven quality, he smiles fitting it back over himself. He looks through more and finds a tattered book which he secures to his belt, a warhammer, a shield and a pouch.
He opens the pouch and pours the contents into his hands, showing them to Aren and Bayard. They seem to be pieces of necklaces, golden hammers inscribed with Dwarven runes, and embedded with precious gems. Durin smiles as tears well up in his eyes..
"Take these..for saving me journal and armor, please it's all I can offer.." he puts them back into the pouch and places it in Aren's hands, clasping it tightly.
"They belonged to me brothers.. they were crafted for them and inscribed with their names showing their rank in the local garrison. One day Drow broke in from the mines and attacked us..we fought tooth and nail to drive them back and eventually succeeded, but we lost many..including me' three brothers."
He wipes his nose and collects himself.
"I've spent far too long carrying their loss with me.. and I know you're good folk for helping me. Please take them in hopes they get you closer to reaching your goal"
Durin collects the rest of his gear and waves to the two adventurers, continuing off down the trail, singing a Dwarven hymn.
The party acquires 3 pieces of Dwarven jewelry worth 25gp each and a total of 75gp.
"Well we still have a lot of road in front of us so we best keep moving, who knows if and when those bandits will be back"
I begin collecting my gear to continue our trek to Elturel
"Too right Bayard. I'm afraid we're off to a darker part of our journey, but I'm glad we could do some honest good along the way."
Empty of anything of value, I pull the nearby bandit tents down to the ground and dump them into a pile in the center of camp.
"Still, we'll need another strong arm if we mean to come out the other side of this journey still alive."
Standing over the pile of tents, I snap my fingers together where wisps of Elvish runes spark and ignite the tents where they lay.
"Let's be off. Leosin may be wondering where we've been swept off to".
I hand Bayard one of the golden hammer necklaces and humbly wear mine around my neck- a keepsake to remember a friend...
You return back to Leosin and see him sitting comfortably with the horses awaiting your return. You mount up and continue on your way to Elturel.
Elturel, a large, orderly city overlooking the River Chionthar, is filled with merchants, river traders, and farmer;s markets. It's most distinguishing feature is a brilliant magical light the hovers above it, illuminating it day and night. This light is painful to undead and is visible from almost every corner of Elturgard, appearing from afar as a star or distant sun.
You gain entrance into the city with ease and Leosin leads the group to an inn a sign reading "A Pair of Black Antlers" sways in the gentle breeze.
"You all may do as you will, I may need a few hours to contact Ontharr, I'll have to send a messenger to the Order of the Gauntlet to find his location."
Bayard, What do you say to a drink? We've earned a cold brew and a long smoke, I'd say.
I wave down the nearest wench and order two cold beers and a plate of meat for Bayard and I. Looking for a couple empty chairs, I find us a seat near the back to settle in for a couple hours. I stuff a heaping pack into my pipe and strike a match on the wood tabletop while we wait for the brew.
We're still short one strong arm, and here is as good a place as any to recruit...
As I finish my long day of training with the Master Guild Artisan here in Elturel, studying the art of shieldcraft and the application of filigree to my shield, I decide a well deserved ale is in order. With my freshly finished shield, bearing Tyr's symbol of ever-reliable scales atop the greatest weapon ever crafted, a warhammer, I head to an inn that a fellow guildmate recommended, "Black Antlers" he called it.
I enter the smoky common room, and take in the many sights. The innkeeper makes eye contact, I nod, and head for an empty table near the bar, after all, I don't like waiting to have my tankard refilled. Resting my warhammer against the table's edge, I swing my shield, which appears to feels lighter now that it proclaims my deity, across my back and take a seat.
Barkeep! Gimme the best ale y've got, from the best dwarven brewer ye could find!
And'll tip ye well if it's served by yer cutest wench!
As I sit back in my chair, sharpening a short blade I see the dwarf enter the common room and sit at the bar
Aren, Take a look at the dwarf with the warhammer. Any person walking around with a weapon like that is surely looking for a little adventure, how about we learn his story?"