Kalev, upon seeing his old faithful companion being torn to pieces, lets out a heart-wrenching cry of anger, moves in closer despite the water pushing at him and swings Cleft in a powerful arch, aimed at taking one of the heads clean off.
"If it can't see us, it can't eat us! SPARKLE!"
A burst of shiny motes of dust suddenly covers the hydra.
Once he has cast the spell, Casimir wades to the shore, signaling Shadow to do the same.
Pass
The hydra is hit full on by the sparkling dust, but it resists the compelling blindness the spell provokes in its form. As Casimir and Shadow retreat, two if its heads target them, each lunging in and biting each of you with brutal force. Neither blow is enough to drop either of you- although Shadow is badly wounded as the valiant horse retreats.
AOO VS Shadow (Hit)
AOO VS Casimir (Hit)
Kalev moves closer to the Hydra in a fit of rage provoking an attack from the beast, quick-stepping under the bite before slashing for one of the heads with his polearm. The agile head hisses and retracts before the blow lands, but the force of the swing continues downwards and not even slowed by the water, hacks deeply into the Hydra's body.
AOO VS Kalev (Miss)
In response, the massive beast lunges for Kalev, but is somewhat off balance from the massive blow Kalev inflicted on it. After missing the hunter twice, the Hydra retreats twenty feet back into deeper water (provoking AOO from Kalev). As the beast retreats Kalev swings again, this time the cover of the water slowing the weapon just enough for it to not penetrate the beast's skin. With his sharp eyes, Kalev can make out the wound he dealt the Hydra already beginning to heal, and although the Hydra attempts to submerge itself fully underwater the Glitterdust makes any attempt at hiding its position impossible.
VS Kalev (Miss)
(Miss due to cover)
Round 2-
Ordered Initiative-
Kip- 17
Casimir- 13
Kalev- 12
Hydra- 10
Map-
Link
Terrain Features-
Notes-
Active Effects
Slow 1/6 rounds used.
If I take a 10+10 for skill +4 for two assists I get a 24 x DC.
Shield is DC 12 MW component DC20. Shield costs 107gp + 150gp for MW. 484sp or 48.4gp/week, (DC 22 with +10 added). Shield will take 5.3 weeks or 10.6 if we say I work at half pace.
Armor will take at DC 24 (19 for amor +5 for speed) 57.6gp/week. 1500+150mw=1650/57.6= 28.6 weeks or 57 weeks at half speed.
So Malthir was working on the shield and decides it will actually be a fitting gift for Maegar Varn so he puts his head down and finishes it for the meetin to present to him. I will deduct 107/3=35.67 in materials, Noleski's shield will have to wait for a couple of months...are you okay with this?
Just as it seems Kalev's second swing is about to miss, Casimir calls out. "Strike deep, Kalev"
Yup thats fine.
Feeling a surge of speed and strength at Casimirs magically inflected words, the blow that seemed sure to not penetrate the hydra's skin pierces it with the aid of Casimir's spell, causing the six heads to hiss in pain as the beast makes its costly retreat.
Damage
Seeing that Kaylev's devastating work with his polearm has driven the hydra into retreat, Kip calls his pony to his side and draws a wand from his pack . Using the wand to cast a spell upon himself , readying himself to cross the river to join Casimir on the far bank, Kip shouts to the others,
Casimir drops his sword on the shore and grabs his bow. After taking a moment to charge the arrow with his arcane energy, he sends an arrow after the submerged hydra.
Kalev looks like he's about to plunge into the deeper part of the water for a second, but seems to be able to just barely restrain himself.
Instead he plants his feet solidly in the river silt, readying for any more attacks from the beast.
Kip, get across, quickly! he says through clenched teeth.
Casimir's arrow plunges through the water but loses most of its force, glancing harmlessly from the Hydra. The Hydra seems content to bide its time as its wounds continue to heal...
Round 3-
Ordered Initiative-
Kip- 17
Casimir- 13
Kalev- 12
Hydra- 10
Map-
Link
Terrain Features-
Notes-
Active Effects
Slow 2/6 rounds used.
Kip does not hesitate and makes immediately for the far shore as quickly as his magically enhanced speed allows, all the while urging his pony to follow.
Casimir sends another arrow after the hydra, more in an effort to discourage it from advancing again than any actual hope of hitting.
Kalev stands his ground until Kip is safely across, then retreat carefully towards the shore, almost hoping the beast will follow him.
The Hydra submerges itself fully, leaving only a single head and neck floating above the water and watching your retreat carefully as its wounds continue to heal. Kip finishes the crossing and Kalev carefully retreats across the ford- the Hydra makes no move to intercept and you suspect its simply waiting to feast on Babiska once you are out of the way.
Once everyone are safely across, Casimir expends his last two remaining Cure Light Wounds spells on Shadow, content to endure his own wounds until his spells are refreshed the following day.
Once the brave horse is healed, he turns to Kalev and Kip.
"I'm sorry about Babiska, Kalev. I know she was a loyal friend to you for many years. Now, we should press on north. Kip can ride his pony, and Kalev and I can take turns riding Shadow. With luck, we will come upon a farmstead or trappers hut, where we can purchase a new horse."
As Kip and his pony make it safely to shore, followed quickly by Kaylev, Kip turns and focuses his attention on the hydra. Speaking a word of power and gesturing he calls upon his arcane powers to rob the creature of its sight.
As the hydras eyes turn a milky white, Kip, satisfied the hydra will no longer be a threat to anyone, turns to his comrades and shrugs his shoulders, We, or others, might have to cross this ford in the near future and I'm quite certain we don't want that to happen again. With the loss of its sight, it should probably starve to death before long I would think.
Kip likewise offers Kaylev condolences for the loss of his horse, Babiska seemed a fine steed indeed! He will be missed I am certain!
Kip offers to Casimir's plan, What if Kaylev and I ride Shadow? I hardly weigh anything... and my pony should be able to bear you well enough.
Save passed.
Save passed.
Save passed.
Save passed.
Save passed.
The hulking creature seems too strong of body to succumb to the blindness spell, the single visible head standing out with its eyes still working as if in defiance to your magic.
Kip retries the spell a few more times before giving up, more than a little frustrated and disappointed. I had hoped to make this ford safer for us, and others, in the future, but I'm afraid this hyrda shall remain a danger... for the time being anyhow. Kip glances at the simmering ranger, knowing full well the intent in his heart.
Now is not the time brave Kaylev. You will get another chance... we must rejoin the Wardens and inform them of what we have learned in Mivon. Knowing they have learned very little, and that his words are unlikely to have swayed Kaylev much, Kip adds, Don't forget we have a wedding to attend. It would really put a damper on the occasion if one of us were to end up in the belly of that beast. Me especially! Kip smiles broadly...
Now is not the time brave Kaylev. You will get another chance... we must rejoin the Wardens and inform them of what we have learned in Mivon.
...
...says something about crushing your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of their women.
The rest of the journey back to Swordhaven is uneventful, and you return in time to join the wedding party heading to Vierkirche. The wedding is a magnificent ceremony- hundreds of the people of Kardas also pitch up tents and simple wooden huts, determined to be near the blessed union and the grand cathedral. Malthir's father Lendros takes charge of the people visiting, organising them and keeping them from causing too much of a ruckus with a stern voice and a riding whip. Despite his best efforts, before long the outskirts around the cathedral resemble a massive fair, or even a small village. Artius, the master wizard and merchant of Artius' artifacts, expends much of his power conjuring small huts and extra dimensional spaces for people to sleep, and his apprentices and the fledgeling clergy under Jhod provide magically created food and water for everyone.
During the ceremony itself, something extraordinary happens just after Jhod pronounces the couple man and wife, the stern priest clearly very proud. Vaysh and Malthir do not notice, but at the very moment their lips touch, dazzling sunlight bursts into radiance from the window above the altar- and in the magnificent beams two figures are illuminated- an beautiful, female, eagle-headed, winged humanoid that seems to be the source of the blazing light, and an eagle-headed male humanoid that floats beside her, hefting a mighty longbow. The two figures nod in approval and raise their arms to bless the union before them, the female drawing an exquisite longsword and saluting the male humanoid with it as he raises his bow in respect to her. The 200 something guests look on in awe and murmurings about the union being blessed by the heavens themselves can be heard.
The male humanoid is an ancient, shapeshifting servant of Erastil called Blackfeather, whose archery skills are almost without compare among celestials.
The female is none other than Saint Lymirin, a former priestess of Iomedae who was sainted for her accomplishments in life; and made into a celestial after her death.
The two figures fade away as quickly as they arrived, but they are not soon forgotten! As the evening draws on, the after-wedding party begins, mostly outside the cathedral. Ale and fine wine has been provided by Talamon's Taps and a truly epic feast has been prepared...
Vaysh and Malthir both bow their heads in respect for the holy images that appear in the chapel. They know they have been honored, even if they don't know by exactly what at the time. They can guess that is was a blessing from the deities they struggle so hard to be worthy of!
After the ceremony, Kip asks Jhod if he saw the two angelic figures during the kiss, and if so, if he knows anything about them?
No, I was conducting one of a clergyman's most sacred duties- and my back was to the window that people speak of. Perhaps Akiros knows.
Kip nods his head, Yes of course. My apologies. I will ask Akiros. Thank you!
Kip rejoins the party, hoping to find Akiros and ask him the same question.
Within a short time, the wedding party is in full swing. Brawling competitions, drinking competitions, dancing, bardic songs & tales and warm bonfires all fuel the jubilant mood of Kardas' people and the happy couple. One thing is sure- whether it is the dangerous nature of frontier life, pride in their leaders or both- the people of Kardas how to celebrate. As night begins to fall, the dancing and drinking goes into a full frenzy, and although in the daytime Iomedae and Erastil got the majority of prayers- the name of Cayden Cailean is on everyone's lips now as they revel.
The party reaches spectacular levels of enjoyment- so much so that it even seems to be attracting friendly Fey creatures from the nearby Narlmarches; old friends such as Perlivash the faeria dragon and Tyg-Tigger-Tut the grig, but also new neighbours that introduce themselves to the reveria, including a band of Satyr's that play tunes on their pipes and dedicate songs to the newlywed couple, various brownies; and even a Dryad that came to investigate the noise. In addition to the Fey, travellers begin to drift in as well as some of the new citizens of Vierkirche. Red-Eyes and his horde of wolves seem to take it upon themselves to ensure security at the event, with Red-Eyes himself perching down beside vaysh to have his ears stroked and to converse in Common.
You find Akiros keeping watch with a pair of wolves. Although they cannot communicate with him, you sense that they see Akiros as a dominant force- they keep their heads in his lap as he gently pets them, while the three pairs of eyes keep vigil towards the north. At your question, he nods solemnly and claims he recognised both figures- he tells who they are and surmises that they represent a powerful blessing on the union; both spiritually and magically.
You are sat with Vaysh, enjoying the revelrie with your father chatting to you. He excuses himself to break up a drunken brawl, and you doze off- just for a moment. In your dream, a young gold dragon sits solemnly atop a cloud with you, inspecting you carefully with eyes that seem older than the body of the wyrm before you. Below you, you can see your lands and the other lands of the Stolen Lands; you can just make out Swordhaven. The height is somewhat dizzying and you feel a little disorientated. The dragon begins to speak-
You have served well, Baron al'Dagon; and you have pleased Iomedae ever since you came to the temple, many years ago. You have accomplished much in your life already, more than enough to deserve a quiet, peaceful life with your new wife. Make no mistake though; a quiet life of peace has never been your destiny. Vaysh will bear you fine children, but you will always yearn to be a better father, be absent from the kingdom less, worried about leaving bastards behind. You will grow sick of war, Malthir. But war is coming- you must steel yourself for it. Ensure you are ready. Ensure the Guardians are ready. Ensure Kardas is ready.
Deal with the troll menace and colonise the rest of the Greenbelt. Make the realm a haven for Iomedeans and all who follow the path of righteousness. But, it is imperative that you raise an army when the time is right and not before. Only once the ancient threat to the east has both risen and fallen, will the time be right. Too soon, and you risk everything in petty wars with petty river kingdoms. Too late, and you will swept away in a wave of bloodshed.
The dragon smiles, and begins to fade away as you feel yourself waking up. At the last moment, you hear a slight chuckle and the dragon's voice changes from a stern voice to a teasing one.
For now though- enjoy your wedding night!
You find yourself being expected to welcome and introduce the Fey visitors to everyone at the party and to act as a diplomatic liason for them. You get to talking with the leader of a band of Satyr's over a jug of wine, and upon realising he is speaking with a leader of the country, he explains the troubles the satyr's have been facing in the past few years. He explains that Satyr's are passionate and somewhat hedonistic creatures; and they always reproduce with mortal women. The children of these unions are always full-blooded satyr's that are usually spirited away shortly after birth. He freely admits that sometimes enchantment is used as a means to an end in these unions, but insists the women is never harmed, is borne no ill will and usually enjoys the experience.
However, the number of Satyr's in the Narlmarches is dwindling- this is very much due to Kardas- the satyr leader knows much about the kingdom and has not permitted his Satyr's to mate with any citizens since the kingdom has been founded, fearing the retaliation of the mighty Baron Al'Dagon and his Guardians. He seeks your guidance in this matter, and wonders if you have any solutions to his predicament. He asks if you have any brothels in the city which Satyr's could pay a small fee to sire children, for example- but he is open to other suggestions too.
You mingle among the revellers, perhaps drinking a fair share of alcohol to boot. The food is fantastic- the finest meats hunted fresh in the Narlmarches and a selection of exotic fruits the Fey brought with them to the party. You feel strangely content and at peace for a moment, and your eyelids flutter as you fall asleep for a moment sat amongst the grizzled hunters and your trusted underlings that help you Marshall the wilderness of Kardas, enjoying the warmth of the fire and warm company.
You are deep in the forests of the Narlmarches, crouched down behind a rock. You know that the prey is near, and that the Grim White Stag could sense your presence at any moment. You slow your breathing to almost a whisper, covering your mouth so that the ice cold air generated by your breathing does not become visible. You are dressed in simple hutners garb, but you wear the Stag Lord's Helm. Beside you, an old Ulfen man in the garb of a trapper gestures with stern authority for you to give chase. Somehow, you know that this trapper is Erastil himself. You burst out of your hiding position, hoping to lay a hand on the collosal, magnificent beast- but it senses you almost immediately, moving through the trees that it dwarfs with great speed yet somehow not harming them in its passing. With a cry of triumph, Erastil appears, leaping through the air with speed and strength that belies his physical appearance; but his trailing fingers miss the beast by a whisper. He lands like a cat upon the balls of his feet, but the Stag is already gone. Erastil grins at you-
Kalev, my lad. Good to see you. We'll catch him yet, you and I. I was just hunting the Grim White Stag for practice; this old Elk doesn't find the time to hunt much anymore. Well, welcome to Heaven at any rate. Shall we continue?
You find yourself spending a lot of time with your family, but eventually you manage to slip away from them to get a good drink. As you approach the makeshift bar set up by Oleg, you notice two other travellers have arrived and are sampling various ales, wines and spirits; a rakeish looking gentleman in chainmail with an ornate rapier strapped to his hip and wearing a fashionable wide brimmed hat, and an elderly Dwarf in full platemail armour with a massive warhammer strapped to his back. As you approach to get a drink for yourself, the human beckons you over-
Excuse me, Casimir no? Come help us settle this dispute would you? he asks jovially.
My stubborn old companion here insists that this keg of imported ale from Druma leaves a finer taste in ones mouth than this delicious, vintage wine from the heyday of Taldor's golden age. Tell us what you think, fine sir? the man says, tipping his hat to you. The Dwarf merely grunts in greeting and extends an old, well callused hand.
Mathir is very happy to see the fey and meet the Satyr's of the forest.
When he sees Red Eyes, he gives the great wolf a hug, to the marvel of many of the guests.
Later that evening...
Malthir wakes from a quick snooze and stands as if there is something wrong, men start to look around, for a moment it seems as though something is about to happen.
He then cracks a big smile and pronounces...
Vaysh, join me, we must be among our people and dance!
He spends much of the night gracing some of the ladies with his rather awkward dancing, and Vaysh spends much of the night with drunken men asking her for a dance between the well behaved ones. Between Akiros and Kalev, no one gets out of hand though...and for a night he is no longer a Baron, but just a man, happy to be married to his lady...
Fenna, did you see the signsduring the ceremony, do you know what they meant, are they good luck and blessings to us?
You continue through the endless forests of Heaven, stalking Erastil's old friend, the ancient Grim White Stag. You eventually pause for lunch, the deity conjuring bread, salted meat and water for you both to eat. Although the food is simple, it must be the best of its kind you have ever tasted. Erastil lays a firm hand on your shoulder.
You wear that ancient helm well, young one. I brought you here today, to give you council. I am mighty pleased by the community you and your friends have founded in my name. For reasons even I cannot fathom, prophecy is slowly returning to the planes; even to the Gods themselves. The forks are many, but prophetic magic is finally returning.
I have seen some of what is to come for Kardas. You are the strongest of the Guardians, Kalev; your physical might a testament to man's potential. But you must be even stronger to survive what is to come, for the great destinies of several others inevitably clash with Kardas; from mighty barbarians to ancient undead to shadowy First World forces. You must be prepared to unleash your primal side; become the hunter, let the rage of the wolverine flow through you. as Erastil speaks, his human head slowly shapeshifts into the head of an powerful Elk.
The trials of you and your friends will be great- and the hints of greatness shining like beacons throuhout the Stolen Lands has and will continue to attract divine attention. Not all of it will be so benevolent- and the treacherous tendrils of deception filter through Kardas like a plague. Now, I cannot keep you here much longer; I have urgent business to attend to. Do you have any questions before I return you to your body?
Casimir smiles, as the duo touches upon a subject near and dear to his heart. He nods to the human and shakes the fist of the dwarf, before leaning on the bar in a relaxed posture.
"An age old question, friend, and not one easily answered. For the palate of each man or dwarf favors different flavors, and I'm sure your companion finds the taste of his ale as delicious as your cup of wine is to you. And while I happily drink of either brew, tonight I desire a different beverage, one which reminds me of a good friend who taught me to wield a blade. Oleg, a glass of Oldlaw, if you please."
Oleg hoists a bottle from beneath the bar and pours Casimir healthy glass of the rich golden liquid. Pausing for a moment to admire the color and scent of the rye whiskey, Casimir raises his glass to the pair.
"May Cayden Cailean bless your cups, friends, whatever is in them!" He then takes a large sip, savoring the smooth, smokey taste of the alcohol. "You have me at an advantage, gentlemen. You know my name, while you are strangers to me. With whom do I have the pleasur of sharing this drink?"
The Dwarf grunts.
Well, hes polite at least. Though I still say the ale from Druma is finer.
The rakeish gentleman smiles as you ask for Cayden to bless our cups, and rests a hand on your glass of whiskey for just a moment. When you next take a sip, you find that the Oldlaw has somehow been enhanced; its taste lingering on your tongue with far greater potency. The gentleman smiles, and whispers in a hushed, conspiratorial tone.
A god always hears when his name is called, Casimir. My name was said with such frequency and the revelry here was so magnificent I felt the need to investigate such a grand party myself. And my good Dwarf friend here wanted to sample the brews with me. Cayden Cailean and Torag; pleased to make your acquaintance. Lets get the real drinking started eh?
A most blessed event indeed! That their union would draw the attention of the gods themselves is a good sign for Kardas! That I might accomplish enough in my life to be rewarded with such an honor... Kip's voice trails off.
Kip sits down beside Akiros and offers a hand to each wolf before stroking their heads. Fine beasts. Always looking out for us aren't they? Much like yourself Master Akiros.
Kip listens to the ongoing wedding celebration and revelry, a smile upon his face. The worries of the past weeks and days melting from his mind as he sits staring out into the night.
That this would last forever...
After a few minutes of silence, Kip asks Akiros, Is there anything I can fetch for you? A bit to eat? Perhaps a drink? I would offer to take your place here for a bit if you wish to join the party...