No worries
Once the sun sailed below the horizon Odenkrik gave the order and the Frosthammer set for the shores near Aldencross. Under the cover of darkness the ship silently glide across the waters only illuminated by the light of a cresent moon. Expertly Odenkirk had the sails trimmed and with a deep thumb the Frosthammer stopped in the low waters 5 feet from the shore. The captain nodded indicating you had arrived.
Drogan will start to gather up his things while Zull gets into position above the captain. After a few moments Drogan will try and be far enough away so they don't perceive his casting and attempt a hold person on the Captain. If successful Zull will CDG him. If not Zull will hold for Drogan to try again. He will move with the captain if he moves to make sure he stays in position.
Randu hangs between Erodin and Drogan, and begins to clean his sword as if now is a good time for a polish.
As you make your way of the ship you can't help but noticing the relieve on the faces of the crew, the captain is more difficult to read. Drogan is by the railing when your plan unfolds, no one is focussed at you, they are looking to Erodin making his way towards the captain. Recognising your gesture Erodin the captain begins to take a step towards you raising his hand.
10+spell level+casting stat.
DC 16
The infernal magic grabs hold and suddenly Odenkrik freezes as if he was a statue.
As the magic takes hold a small sinister looking demon pops into existence as its tail pierces the captain in the neck.
DC 15 fort save or die, save VS poison if he lives is DC 13 or take
Drogan watches for a moment to see if the life leaves the captains eyes.
Now men give this lot their payment. Eternal servitude to our dark master. The pits of Hell await thee.
If the captain dies from the tail stab to the neck, Randu whirls to attack the nearest crew member... if the captain still lives HE is the target.
"Your captain was a poor hunter... the reason? He lacked patience."
While Zull tries his best to slay the captain, it only manages to scratch the skin of his neck causing a small bleeding. Randu is more proficient dealing a more serious wound to the captain's thigh.
Initiative:
Erodin 23
Randu 15
Drogan 15
Odenkirk and crew 15
Not wishing to be harmed by these pirates Drogan speaks a few words of divine power calling forth a shield of protection.
Current AC: 23
[b]Zull hide yourself my friend.[/b[
The imp turns invisible again and moves upward out of range and awaits orders.
Stunned by the sudden and vicious attack from the imp and Randu the sailors are just a second to act and that becomes lethal to one as Erodin swings his blade in a flat arc and it bites deeply into his chest.
Randu positions himself so the captain is between him and his sailors, and then impales him through the heart if he can.
Randu's sword finishes what was started not long ago as the captain lays impaled before him. Not swayed by the dead of their captain the Norsemen attack. Several warcries in Norspik pierce the night as two jump over the corpse of Odenkirk. The first impales Randu in his left thigh while the other stumbles and is far of his mark. Seeking a personal revenge the wounded sailor and his closest comrade make an honest attempt at wounding Erodin but fails. The last two hastily close in on Drogan but is unable to land a blow.
Next Round
As he's cut, Randu nods, "Good. You know that when the wolf is among the flock, it's best not to be a sheep. It won't save you, but good."
He stabs at the one that injured him.
Fools. Kill them all.
More metal is turned towards the Norsemen. Both Drogan's and Randu's weapons bite deeply into their intended victims while Erodin's blade is high above its mark. The two sailors in front of Randu seem to excel under pressure and both manage to wound the noble, two quick stabs pont to the right thigh and one to the left arm.
[]
You will follow your captain to the pits of hell.
Drogan presses the attack.
Randu stabs at a foe immediately in front of him
As their captain did the sailors begin to fall. One clutches his cut throat in front of Randu while another falls silently with a crushed skull to Drogan's mace. The teeth tears into another victim. Erodin is once again unfavoured by the gods and misses. Angered by his fallen comrade's demise the remaining sailor lands a vicious blow to Randu left arm. The other sailors are shaken by the rapidly turning combat.
Next round
Randu grunts, and is indeed looking bloodied as the hits on him continue. He coolly strikes against the next closest sailor, "Nip all you want. You're just jackals attacking lions...humph. You'll learn how that ends soon enough."
Drogan continues his assault and sends Zull to assist Erodin who seems a bit our of practice at killing.
After dispatching the other sailor Drogan moves to provide a flank for Erodin.
Need some help friend
Zull flies over above one of sailors on Erodin as well and attempts to sting him.
DC 13 Poison for
Like trees in a storm the sailors tumble. Randu deals a vicious wound to the last one in front of him, the man is barely standing. Drogan cracks several rips on his last opponent, he falls clutching his chest which moves disproportionally. Three quick steps and he comes up behind Erodin's engagement, Zull is however quicker and a well placed sting causes the sailor to bleed and shortly after move uneasily. This steals just enough of his attention for Erodin to sewer his head from his body. The blade continues its path and buries itself deeply into the lefter upper arm of the sailor remaining before him. Seeing the battle is lost the wounded sailor lets his sword fall to the deck and clutches his bleeding arm. "Mercy!" he pleads. The one in front of Randu glances over with disgust at his surrendering mate, he senses there are some truth to the decision and awaits what the result of the plead is.
Next Round
"What do you say about these rest, Drogan? Should we spare a few if they agree to swear obedience to Asmodeous and to us? Or just kill them all as less than useful to the cause?" Randu inquires.
Best not to disobey orders yet my young friend. The cardinal wishes not survivors. These souls have already been promised to Asmodeus. Now finish him off. I will start to set the fires needed to burn this wretched boat and send it to the depths. Erodin fetch the chest with there payment from the cardinal. Zull give the area a quick scan make sure no patrols are about.
Drogan gives a few orders before summoning up a ball of flame. He uses it to set small fires about the ship letting them spread until they become one burning the ship and the dead bodies before sinking bellow the water.
The blood of the departed sailors soaks into the wood of the Frosthammer colouring the deck a dark red. Zull quickly takes flight searching the silent lake for any trace of witnesses, later returning having found none. Going over the corpses Erodin finds little of interest save a complex iron key. Once he continues to the rests of the crew he finds a heavy lock box. The fits perfectly and the lock springs open. Lifting the lid he finds a small fortune in gold. A little further away he discovers the seal skin stacked beneath a sheet of canvas. Among the food he finds a small crate labelled "Rations" in side is however six bottles of fine whiskey. Working to securing the treasures Erodin stacks them upon the rocky beach. Feeling comfortable Drogan lights the cursed ship and as an ancient Norse funeral pyre the ships silently rests on the dark lake, for a time piercing the night before sinking near the shore.
"Nice Rations," Randu is actually tickled, then looks to Drogan, "Has your god graced you with healing spells today? "
Healing magic my boy. I have no need for such a thing. Let the sheer invigoration of evil wash over you and heal your wounds.
Perhaps next time you should try to avoid the attacks. He smiles.
Now we should take on the disguise of your everyday travelers or adventurers. We will get a room. Once in the town we can then decide on the best course to gather information. These crickets should prove quite useful. Perhaps we can even disguise ourselves as knights and get inside the watch wall. Now let us be off. Zull stay out of sight for now and scout ahead. Once in the city you should take on the shape of a rat and you will be my familiar.
"A dozen jackals mean a lion's going to get some bites," Randu shrugs, "But yes, good idea about disguises."
You are close now. Just a few miles from here sits the watchtower of Balentyne – your goal. Already Sakkarot’s horde gathers and prepares to move. Within two weeks, they will be in a small valley north of the lake awaiting your signal. Fire the rocket into the air at just the right moment and you will take the first step towards claiming vengeance against Talingarde.
Destiny has taken you here. Destiny has given you a mission. There is no doubt that the future of this green and pleasant land lies in your hands. You could go to that town right now and warn them of the plots of the sinister Cardinal Thorn. You could give yourself up and face the justice you deserve. You could turn back from the horror and the slaughter that you are going to inflict upon these Mitran sheep. This is that moment. This is the turning point. After this, there is no going back. Any one eager for redemption?
Pause.
I thought not. Come, my friends. We have work to do. We must burn Balentyne.
The night has still reign over the lands near Aldencross and you must decide how and when you want to approach the town.