EDIT Tatiana has detect magic and Spellcraft +10, but looting is low on her priority list ;D
"So it's over then, we won?" Tarina asks, realizing she can understand everyone speaking Taldane once more.
Tarina will detect magic on the Stag Lord, but she has no spellcraft.
"Lets go kill him eh Halcorg? Dovan needs ta die, same with dem that ran. Hunt em. Kill em. No problems den mon." She was glad to have him step up, go alone would have been an issue. Feeling the healing magic wash over her was a blessing. :)
Once she had recovered her gear she hesitantly moves to where they were gathering their loot and begins to try and sense the magical presences among the littered items...
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Thanks to Tarina and Tatiana care (as well as extra attentions from Neji to Vodyanoy) the Gnome Illusionist, Maria Borknok and Akiros Ismort recover their senses.
Vodyanoy smiles a little to Neji, and tells her sweetly.
"Did we won?"
Akiros gets much better.
"I am deeply sorry I couldn't help you. As soon as I got back from our meeting the bandits captured me, and Devon took pleasure torturing me. I owe you my life, and I please my service to your kingdom."
Maria seems a bit distraught.
"I am sorry. I wanted to kill him. I wanted to kill him so bad that I put you all in risk. All to miss my change, by missing the shot. I beg for you to forgive me, and I thank you for getting the world rid of that monster."
The Four Swords go to Tatiana, and ask for a moment.
"My queen, we want to ask for a boon from you. We want you to grant us the honor of becoming the guardians and protectors of the Queen of Sloboda, and create an order for that purpose, to guard you and your descendants forever! Let us become the Sword Guardians of Sloboda!"
When you remove the Stag Helm from the Stag Lord you find a face burned and disfigured by acid burns. The Stag Helm is radiates a powerful and strange magic. Very powerful and malignant. He also has a weird ring. It is not of metal, but of some kind of plant fibers. And woven in those fibers is a single red hair, radiating powerful and mysterious magic (no amount of Spellcraft or divination allows you to find their effects, the only thing you can detect s the raw power of those items, and the danger of wearing them).
Triumphantly you march back towards Trivium. In all the farms in the "Bandit Lands" the news of the Stag Lord defeat is received with oaths of fealty to Tatiana, cheers (Manly to Seraph), request from blessings from Tarina, hugs (Halcorg and Mulray gets the most of those), kisses (Deliedhur and Xi'Tir rejects most of those ones, as Maria accepts them all :P ) and small gifts of food (many of them to Azurefang and Karou). Neji and Vodyanoy, on the other hand, seem to be in a world apart, talking and laughing together. And more than one child approaches timidly to Ti'Itza and Tepti just to run as soon as they turn to look at them. The declamations of Topper Red help narrating the battle, and spreading the news. Akiros and the Four swords keep next to Tatiana, keeping her, and the rest of you, safe at all times, helped by Xi'Tir, Daliedhur and Halcorg.
The news start to spread as wildfire and when your reach your own border there is a small multitude of your own subjects ready to receive you, cheering, chanting and celebrating your victory. The travel from there to Trivium becomes almost a parade, with many people going to see and cheer you, taking twice as normal. Many eyes look at the Lizardfolk, wondering were they came from, and why are they with you. Topper Red becomes a de-facto herald, announcing your persons, your deeds, and narrating the battle several times each day.
When you finally reach Trivium you see Anando Verisini ready to receive you in a podium, with a multitude filling the street throwing confetti and playing music to receive you.
The city guards escort you between the cheering people to the front of the podium, where Anando start a very formal discourse welcoming you back, and celebrating your victory.
When you start getting bored sick of it, a scream is heard for some distance away, and a second after a great rumbling noise is heard from the direction you came. You turn to see a building (if I get a map of Trivium I will tell you which one) crashing down inside a cloud of dust and debris.
Something has followed you into your own capital city.
Xi'Tir reunites with Chi.
Wards off the advances of the thankful fools with her fists and sword if needed.
When the commotion starts she smiles and readies herself for battle, calling Chi to remain close to her as she backpeddles into a side alley.
Seraph, still carrying Maria, gives the wounded baroness a light squeeze to comfort her. "No need for apologies, but next time let someone else shoot the arrow..." She say this in a teasing manner, despite the fact a broken arrow is still lodged in her back. Her comment was aimed at Daliedhur, their expert bow-woman(?). She looks back at Maria, a small smile on her face as she says. "Your free now, to rule wisely like the woman I believe you to be. Remember that my counsel is always yours if you need it Baroness."
Although the malignant aura is a bit off putting lol.
However on their return she takes the praise in stride and makes sure that others, other then herself, get their just dues as well. Including Vodyanoy and his family because without him things would have been far worse for them.
Seraph continues to keep close counsel with Maria on their return, removing the foul dye from her hair and bringing out the fiery red once more before they arrived in Trivium.
When the screams start Seraph moves to defend Maria and Tatiana, drawing her greatsword as the dust cloud settles around them. "Find cover Miladies. Halcorg, Daliedhur, Spread out and get ready, whatever it is it's . Don't let it catch us all in the open."
She chuckles seeing Xi was already gone...
Victory... These human's were so short sighted.
Seeing how they gave glory to the one known as Tatiana he considered his options. He talked with Tepti when she wasn't performing her tasks on the strange items and begrudgingly he agreed with her logic. He approached the one known as Queen Tatiana.
His common tongue wasn't very good, the words they spoke were strange. Triv'um sounded somewhat familiar though. "Queen Tatiana, we wish to follow you to Triv'um. I can warm your scales so we can speak of an alliance."
Ti'Itza and Tepti follow along, if allowed, observing the way these strange humans interacted with one another while trying to also integrate themselves into their complex society. Tepti somehow though was more at ease then Ti'Itza, who was having a much harder time understanding most of them.
Trivium was as apparent as the rising sun to the lizardfolk, it astounded them that these mammals did nothing to hide their settlement. Instead it was like they were challenging all comers to come and attacking them. However stepping into the city changed their former opinion into thoughts of appreciation. Many warriors defended this place, its people prospered and appeared well fed. It was no wonder how they flourished while their people hid in the swamps.
Ti'Itza and Tepti was learning as much as they could, listening, watching and planning how they would change their own peoples way of thinking when they retook the swamps. When the trouble started Ti and Tepti reacted well, unconcerned with an unseen foe as they prepared to kill whatever came for them.
Tatiana tends to her flock. She offers to give Desna's holy blessing to anyone's weapon or armor .
Along the way, she will ask Topper Red and the rest of the surviving bandits to tell her the story of the Stag Lord. How and when did he start? Who was he working for? Did he have any political alliances or enemies? Any other useful information?
"You're are welcome to join us. Tell us about yourselves." Tatiana replies to Ti'Itza.
Between the banditry debriefing to make it feel less like an interrogation, she continues to ask the lizardfolk about their story. Who are they? Where are they from? How and when were they captured? What are their plans for the future?
Tatiana starts directing the non-combatants away from the destroyed building and casts Fly.
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About the Stag Lord, Topper Red tells you what he knows, in his great style.
"He grew up with an abusive parent in the Stolen Lands. But he outgrew him and when I meet him, he was the one abusing his parent. He drank and use him as a punching bag, hitting him all night long, until his father was unconscious. One day his father did not wake up in the morning, and he leaved him outside for the zombies to fest on his corpse. I was that happens if you burn your child with acid in the face. He make us worship his goddess, Nyrissa. He told us she was the one that "elevate" him to what he was. A bully! That is what he was! He didn't have connections, nor interest in anything that he wasn't able to get drunk with... When I get out of Pitax to live "the live of the outlaw" I didn't imagine it to be as brutal... and in some cases so short."
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Tatiana flies up the sky, seeing the people running away from the destruction. From her vantage point she sees a green glow, a powerful presence.
A giant Howlbear is attacking Trivium!
Like this one, but twice as big, a green glow, and a bad hair day
Seraph, still carrying Maria, gives the wounded baroness a light squeeze to comfort her. "No need for apologies, but next time let someone else shoot the arrow..." She say this in a teasing manner, despite the fact a broken arrow is still lodged in her back. Her comment was aimed at Daliedhur, their expert bow-woman(?).
The elven woman nods with a smile at Seraph's reference - "I will be happy to offer some training in handling the bow, if you ever so desire it, but unfortunately, regardless of how much will one puts behind a shot, its accuracy is never fully guaranteed" - she adds at MAria.
Astride Leaf, Daliedhur takes in the celebrations - even though she is not interested in being kissed, she accepts the praise firm in the belief that their victory was indeed an important one.
She smiles to the people and children around them, as affable as she can muster, while thinking about all the tasks still ahead of them, and already making plans for the deployment of necessary forces to incorporate the area previously controlled by the Stag Lord, namely the undead menace that still lingers there.
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As the commotion begins, and screams are heard in the distance, she spots the building crumbling to the ground - immediately turning Leaf around, she casts a spell to enhance her bow.
When the screams start Seraph moves to defend Maria and Tatiana, drawing her greatsword as the dust cloud settles around them. "Find cover Miladies. Halcorg, Daliedhur, Spread out and get ready, whatever it is it's . Don't let it catch us all in the open."
Nodding, she urges her horse at a brisk but careful pace towards the unfolding events, while shouting to the people all around - "Move out of the streets!"
To the Ravens, she signals in a quick motion for them to take a roundabout scouting approach to the area, while herself stretches to see what may be happening.
Mulray was just about to slip away from the formal festivities when the thundering crash and screams were heard. He bolted for his carriage, and drove toward the commotion. Keeping an eye out for allies on foot who could stand to get there more quickly, he also looked ahead for what they were to face....
He looked over at Karou hopping excitedly next to him.
"Yes, yes... I know you are looking forward to some action. I just hope no one is seriously injured..."
From her vantage point, Tatiana calls down to her companions,
Xi continued casting, smiling darkly as their opponent was identified. "Gonna be eatin' owlbear tonight Chi."
"What's happening? Tarina asks in celestial, as she cannot see the building that collapsed She does see her allies beginning to react however, and she reaches out to Azurefang, and jumps aboard him and directs him to follow the others.
If it's obvious that Tarina is clueless, Tatiana calls down to her in Celestial,
Halcorg begins to move forward with the others. He calls out to Neji.
Could use you grow bigger magic.
At the same time, as he is moving with the others, he takes several fragrant herbs from his medicine bag which he rubs on his earthbreaker and klar causing both to shine briefly with a dull leaden glow.
Cast Lead Blades
Neji zaps Halcorg with a bolt of magic, causing the Shoanti man to double in size. The azure-haired gnome then turns to her fiance and asks, "Can you hit the owlbear with that thing you used on Stag Head? We'll just have Halcorg and D-Man smash its skull for good measure."
Meanwhile, Destroyerman draws his falchion and moves defensively in front of the gnomes. His defense measures call for Neji to get his shields raised before charging into combat.
Where could such massive creature have come from without us noticing it? - the elf ponders.
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Mulray was just about to slip away from the formal festivities when the thundering crash and screams were heard. He bolted for his carriage, and drove toward the commotion. Keeping an eye out for allies on foot who could stand to get there more quickly, he also looked ahead for what they were to face....
He looked over at Karou hopping excitedly next to him.
"Yes, yes... I know you are looking forward to some action. I just hope no one is seriously injured..."
The four swords quickly climb to the sides of your carriage. You avoid the crowd and get quickly into an alley next to the destroyed building.
A huge Owlbear paw descend on you, and Mulray is barely able to turn around and avoid getting himself, and his carriage crushed.It is a huge Owlbear, glowing faintly green, except on its eyes, brilliant pools of evil green light.
He screams, and you hear the roar of Nature's hate calling.
The four swords jump down the carriage and start approaching the beast.
"The last to hit it pay the drinks!"
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"What's happening? Tarina asks in celestial, as she cannot see the building that collapsed She does see her allies beginning to react however, and she reaches out to Azurefang, and jumps aboard him [dice=Ride]1d20+1 [dice=Handle animal]1d20+16 and directs him to follow the others.
She also turns the corner to see the huge Owlbear. She also sees a people trying to run away, panicked.
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Halcorg begins to move forward with the others. He calls out to Neji.
Could use you grow bigger magic.
At the same time, as he is moving with the others, he takes several fragrant herbs from his medicine bag which he rubs on his earthbreaker and klar causing both to shine briefly with a dull leaden glow.
Cast Lead Blades
Neji zaps Halcorg with a bolt of magic, causing the Shoanti man to double in size. The azure-haired gnome then turns to her fiance and asks, "Can you hit the owlbear with that thing you used on Stag Head? We'll just have Halcorg and D-Man smash its skull for good measure."
Meanwhile, Destroyerman draws his falchion and moves defensively in front of the gnomes. His defense measures call for Neji to get his shields raised before charging into combat.Neji makes Halcorg grow bug, as a Giant, and follows him together with Voyanoy and Destroyerman. At the distance you see several of the others at the corner, eyes wide at seeing the enemy (which you can't yet).
Voyanoy smiles at you.
"I'll try, even if it didn't work as I wanted the last time. If not I should be able to confuse it or trick it out of the city."
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Tatiana, Mulray, Tarina, Xi'Tir and Daliedhur are ready to attack the Huge Owlbear, when the next building gives way and collapses. A huge cloud of dust and debris covers everything on it's path, only a dull greenish glow coming from the inside.
You hear crying and screams from the building ruins. And worst yet, sounds like a monster eating.
Neji quickly reinforces Destroyerman's armor, activating his primary forcefield. She wishes the Eidolon was easier to get battle ready. When he gets going, he's quite the war machine, but until then, he's just a sitting statue. Perhaps she should pick up something that could keep his primary forcefield running for most of the day? That would certainly save time.
The attacking beast had Tai'Itza on his feet quickly. The destruction the creature was unleashing on Trivium made the Lizardfolks blood boil and his battle cry made the sky above crack with the peal of thunder. He raised his claws to the sky and with a roar brought them striking down and a bolt of lightning tore from the sky above. Crashing down on the massive owlbear and shocking the air 30 ft above it!
Tepti, hastened by the haste spell from Ti'Itza bursts forward.
She moves to a place where she can see the beast more clearly. Casting Divine Favor on herself as she looked to see if it wore any gear.
Xi'tir laughs when the magic washes over her. The crashing building gives her a clear view of the beast. "Ya made a mistake basta'd!"
She keeps Chi close, lest her feline friend be a quick bite to the beast and draws her composite bow. Lining up her shot and unleashing hell on the creature...
Round 1
After dropping the four swords a stone's throw from the beast, Mulray searches for injured citizens among the rubble.
"Fear not good citizens! We have come to help!" Mulray looks over to his monkey, Karou - foolishly expecting him to be on board with helping the helpless.
Karou squawks pointing at the beast...
"I know, I know... leave it to those who can fight."
Karou grumbles frowning with arms akimbo, then sticks out his tongue.
"Scared? Heh... no, no... what am I going to do? Shoot it with an arrow? What is an arrow going to do to that thing?"
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Neji: Destroyerman AC rises
Ti'Itza: The range is close, so you affect the people that didn't surged forward, Halcorg, Seraph, Neji, Ti'Itza and Tepti. The weather is clear skies. A bolr of lighting descends over the Owlbear and strikes at it. For a second its eyes glow more fiercely, but after that it continues rummaging on the building ruins, seemingly unaffected by the lightning strike.
Tepti: The Owlbear? No, no equipment you can see.
Xi'Tir: Not hasted. Deadly shot is Deadly Aim? Two of her arrows hit the Huge Owlbear, the arrow shafts poking from his body, while it disappears in the dust cloud seemingly unaware it has been hurt.
Mulray: Several people start to get into his carriage, some of them hurt, all of them scared. After a few seconds all the people around you are inside, or holding out from the outside of the carriage, asking you to take them out of danger.
Seraph, feeling the magic wash over her assesses the situation and does what comes natural. She turns to Maria and smiles at her confidently. "You should probably seek cover, it might find you quite delicious. Don't worry we will be back debating the Kobolds soon enough." With that she mounts Swift and sheathes her greatsword.
She guides Swift so that she can get line of sight on the beast...
"Line up the lance and crush it in one blow. Lets see if Danath's advice holds true..."
Assuming the owlbear is still there, Halcorg moves forward raising his earthbreaker and striking the beast.
Attack-earthbreaker-Vital Strike: <-- +1 haste, not sure if any other buffs are in effect, +1 strength from enlarge person, -1 size from enlarge person
Damage: <-- extra 4d6 from Vital Strike (level 7 feat)
Oops, forgot the concealment, did you roll for it? Or did the attack just not do any damage?
Tepti casts shield of faith on herself. Raising her AC as she prepares to do battle.
From her position, Daliedhur guides Leaf slightly to the left side, trying to move around the cloud of debris, and unleashes a barrage of arrows at the creature.
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From her position, Daliedhur guides Leaf slightly to the left side, trying to move around the cloud of debris, and unleashes a barrage of arrows at the creature.
Leaf and Daliedhur avoid the cloud and fire a volley of arrows at the creature, only the last one connects and gets stuck on the body. The huge beast turns to look for the enemy that hurt it, but its gaze stays in something else. A Carriage filled with tasty meat!
Tatiana flies over and well out of reach of the huge, green-glowing owlbear. She prays to Desna to send her symbol of protection, and a large, blue-glowing starknife starts to hover by and harrass the owlbear.