His demeanour has changed completely. Gone is the curt, intimidating champion of law. He is polite, well spoken and a surprisingly good conversationalist, paying complements to all those assembled and approving of Kardas's many admirable features.
Regarding his intentions in Kardas:
"The power of the order of the chain is confined entirely to Cheliax. Our mission is to uphold the social order, but that is a fairly simple task in modern Cheliax. My master, Lictor Uro Adom, has turned his gaze east to the chaos of the river kingdoms and, especially, Galt. I hail from Galt so he sent me here to try to foster an alliance with any pockets of law here. Kardas is the ideal candidate.
I will not mince my words: the ultimate goal of my order is to use Kardas as a staging point to restore order in Galtan cities. We do not seek your aid in such ventures, merely the oppertunity to build barrackses and purchase supplies without being hindered by ignorant local authorities. In return, you will be able to call upon the not-inconsiderable might of the hellknights to protect you land and enforce it's laws. What's more, you will be protected from Galtan reprisals by the bulk of the river kingdoms. We will build our forces here, but marshal them in the territories of one of the disposessed Galtan nobles that wait on this side of the baorder. Their territories, though, cannot supoport our attempts to build an invasion force.
That is a long, long way down the line however. For the time being my purpose in Kardas is a personal one. I have only just attained the rank of Hellknight. I hope to be instrumental in the Lictor's plan, but first I must prove my mettle against the vile fey creatures that haunt this land. Even if you do not wish to ally with the hellknights, you would have my gratitude if you were to allow me to lend my might to aiding the Guardians in bringing the southern regions under the control of Swordhaven."
On the subject of Baron Varn:
"The Baron himself sounds like a fine statesman and, though I have little experience in such matters, I'm sure his offer of trade between your two kingdoms can only be a good thing. On the other hand...he sees fit to have Gorum as the deity of choice of his nation. Gorum's creed is one of war for war's sake, sending men to the slaughter with hollow talk of glory. You are all educated, though - I'm sure you see the dangers of having Gorumites waiting on your boarders. Perhaps they are under the Barons control, however. Perhaps, though, he uses the creed to improve the effectiveness of his army without letting it's chaotic ideology interfer with his decision making. I hear Gorum cults are a fine tool for motivating rank and file troopers."
Finally, the subject of the owlbear
"You say it was barded? Then it is clearly a weapon deployed by one of your enemies. Perhaps the Guardians will uncover clues as to who made use of such a beast when they clear out it's lair. Do you suppose they've reached it by now? Perhaps I could join them if I rode with all possible haste, if they travel slowly and map their surroundings as you say. This doesn't sound like a trivial fight, even for warriors as mighty as they."
Ricter has finally removed his armour and has changed into well-made but plain clothing - black and dark grey, of course. His face can now be seen to be clean shaven with black hair cut short. Those assembled at the table may not know it, but presenting himself to strangers unarmoured is a significant gesture of respect. All hellknights tend towards anonymity, and due to his Galtan upbringing and witnessing the security enjoyed by the Grey Gardeners Ricter takes this mentality a step further.His demeanour has changed completely. Gone is the curt, intimidating champion of law. He is polite, well spoken and a surprisingly good conversationalist, paying complements to all those assembled and approving of Kardas's many admirable features.
Kalev steps forward and swings Cleft in two arching paths of destruction.
Kalev, strike true...for Malthir and Kardas!
Tired and still ill from the poisonous tentacle touch of the violet fungus, Kalev sags, his initial strike looking sure to simply glance from the Owlbear's tough skin and leather barding. At just the right moment, Casimir's magic inspires Kalev to greater efforts and with a grunt of magically aided exertion, Cleft slashes through the Owlbear's torso. Blood spills forth but the wound seems to only have earnt Kalev the Owlbear's anger... Kalev swings once more a few seconds later ashe spots another opening in the grapple, but the blow lacks the necessary force to pierce the creature's hide.
Maegar moves smoothly across the cave in his mithril breastplate, moving to -A, 9. Lining up his strike carefully, he dives in underneath the Owlbear's outstretched arms and attempts to disembowel the monster. His blade lances swiftly across the beast's stomach in a fine display of swordsmanship and its guts begin to protrude from the wound. The Owlbear continues to hoot and roar in pain.
Hit/Crit Threat
Crit confirmed
Malthir then adds his sword to the engagement, ignoring the claws holding him and slashing into the beast's shoulder with a well placed sword stroke.
Casimir curses at the writhing mass of centipedes at his feet, then slices at the webs holding Fenna.
"Hold still, Fenna. I'll have you out in a second. Go help Kip free and see what you can do about this swarm. I'll join the others in bringing down the owlbear."
Once his sword severs the webs, he dashes across the floor, and into the deadly melee.
Fenna inclines her head stiffly in thanks as Casimir cuts her free of the webbing, and she turns to pull at the webs wrapped around Kip.
Her efforts in vain, she stumbles out of the swarming mass of spiders towards the edge of the tunnel.
Fenna inclines her head stiffly in thanks as Casimir cuts her free of the webbing, and she turns to pull at the webs wrapped around Kip.
Her efforts in vain, she stumbles out of the swarming mass of spiders towards the edge of the tunnel.
Ordered Initiative-
Giant Enraged Owlbear- 19
Centipede Swarm- 18
Kip- 14
Kalev- 11
Maegar- 10
Malthir- 9
Fenna- 6
Casimir- 5
Map, Map Features & Notes-
Map Update is on Kip's turn.
Active Effects-
Feather Step Casimir.
Feather Step Malthir.
Expeditious Retreat Casimir.
Shield of Faith Casimir.
Longstrider Kalev.
Lead Blade Kalev.
Grease Kalev.
Enlarge Malthir.
Enlarge Kalev.
Shield other Kalev/Fenna.
Bless all.
Keen sword Malthir.
Shield of Faith Malthir.
Shield of Faith Kalev.
Shield of Faith Varn.
Antitoxin Kalev.
Antitoxin Malthir.
Wounded by the attacks on it, the Owlbear releases Malthir only to unleash another massive blow- this time aimed at Varn. The Owlbear whirls round and sends Varn flying to the floor with consumate ease to the ground, severely wounding the Baron in the process with its huge claw. It takes a 5 foot step closer to the prone warrior.
Meanwhile, the swarm continues to harass Kalev, enjoying feeding off his enlarged form.
4 damage Kalev, 4 damage Fenna
** spoiler omitted **
Your careful explanation and straightforward honesty do much to bring the favor of the Statkari on you. Vaysh says, smiling at you for the first time. The situation in Galt is a terrible one; and I fear that Brevoy may end up in the same kind of state if this coming war goes badly or extends too long. Much of what you say has merit and Kardas could potentially be very interested in such an alliance.
Vaysh's beautiful face hardens a little. One thing you said did alarm me a little though, Hellknight. We have met few vile fey in our time here; most of the Fey we have met are kind and generous. We have had some disagreements from time to time, but they respect our power and our compassion and are willing to fall in line to our rules when it comes to matters that concern our kingdom. We mostly live and let live. But- we have had reports of Fey with more nefarious purposes in the uncharted sections of the forest to the west- and even a hostile chromatic dragon. I will prevail upon my husband to allow you to join his expedition when he eventually explores it but i beseech you; please do not harm any Fey allied with Kardas. If you want our respect and friendship, a powerful warrior like yourself could also potentially assist us with our Troll troubles.
Akiros nods approvingly at your words and several other Statkari 'mmm' in agreement. The Warden says- A well reasoned argument. This had not occured to us, I admit. Thankyou. Sootscales, please try to ascertain Varn's own religious beliefs and extent of his military forces with your agents at your next opportunity.
When I last heard from Malthir, they were close to its lair he believed. Your offer is kind but you would arrive too late to influence now I think. Vaysh answers. Jhod seems to be thinking more about what you said initially about it being a weapon. He speaks, slowly and carefully crafting his words with purpose.
I know more of the Order of the Chain than the rest of the Statkari I would imagine; I have travelled and lived in Cheliax for a time. Perhaps your unique abilities to sniff out chaos cold assist Kardas and allow the Order of the Chain to apprehend a famous revolutionary in the process. This would be a mutually beneficial arrangement that could also help to convince the other Statkari and the nation of a possibility of an alliance between us.
Kardas has two enemies of note. The first is an orator turned miscreant named Grigori who seeks to spread chaos in Kardas. He has attempted to turn the people against us and he used enchantment magic to compel my assistant Karina and use her in an assassination plot against me. We do not know his agenda but he leaves chaos in his wake wherever we find him- and he apparently has ties to another enemy of ours; those responsible for my attempted murder- the cult of Gyronna. We believe he is still operating in the city somewhere.
These bitter she-witches have made it clear they oppose Kardas and all it stands for. Perhaps apprehending Grigori will lead us to them, I do not know. They are dangerous in their own right and the River Kingdoms have been the seat of their power for hundreds of years.
Ricter snarls. Oddly, he seems more hateful of the demagouge than the cultists of a minor chaotic deity
"Such scum must be rooted out of a city as well-run as this before they infect the rest of the populace. I will not see Swordhaven ruined. As for the cultists, I have heard of this Gyronna. A spiteful being that drives women to act according to wrathful impulse, ruining their lives as surely as the lives of their victims. A pathetic creature that couldn't be less deserving of the title god. Still, if this cult is moving against the rightful rulers of this land they too must be rooted out."
He slams his fist on the table to underline this point. Talk of chaotic influences has seemingly roused his anger.
"I can aid in bringing Gregori to justice. I am keen to go into the city this very night and drag him out, but I fear he will be able to evade me once flushed into the open. If his magics were challenged by those of your Magister, however, his days would be numbered. I can find his ilk as easily as your Baron can root out the agents of evil."
He thinks for a moment
"That said...Karina, I would do well to talk with you about what you remember of you time spent under his thrall. No sense in you recounting what the rest of the table already know, I suggest we talk afterwards"
He turns to Vaysh and his tone calms, becoming somewhat sympathetic
"Milady, I would not be so quick to assume that the fey of this region are so willing to co-operate. Their kind shift alligence as soon as breath. I fear they will cease to follow your rules when you most need their co-operation, but of course right now I have no way of making you see that. That is the nature of chaos. It can appear beautiful and benevolent even as the world falls apart under it's influence."
Round 17
Kip smiles in thanks to Fenna as he is freed from the webbing, before turning his attentions to the fight with the Owlbear. Kip reaches into his pack once again, producing yet another scroll. He quickly unrolls the scroll and begins casting the spell contained upon it.
Upon finishing, every Guardian, save for Kip himself, and Varn feels a surge in quickness flow through themselves. Calling out when he is finished, Strike hard and fast and we shall prevail this day! Shall I slow the Owlbear next, or deal with the swarm?
Despite the thousands of bites from the swarm, Kalev shrugs off the poison, swinging Cleft in lightning quick swings, striking the owlbear with brutal force and precision.
-----
As if blessed by Erastil himself, Kalev renews his attack with speed and collosal strength. His first two massive blows from his bardiche hack into the beast, bringing it staggering to its knees, roaring in pain. Showing absolutely no mercy, with one final and mighty swing the Half-Orc beheads the gigantic Owlbear as it attempts to regain its balance. Blood pours out of the massive body and from the decapitation and the Owlbear collapses.
Getting up to his feet groggily, Varn simply tries to comprehend the avatar of destruction before him, not having any method to deal with the swarm.
Well done Kalev, but now we must deal with these pests. Move away from them as soon as you can!
Malthir drops his sword, draws his potions of alchemists fire and readies an action to 5' step towards the swarm and then hurl it.
Round 18
Kip smiles in thanks to Fenna as he is freed from the webbing, before turning his attentions to the fight with the Owlbear. Kip takes a step closer to the action as he reaches into his pack once again, retrieving yet another scroll . He quickly unrolls the scroll and begins casting the spell contained upon it.
Upon finishing Kalev, Malthir and Casimir feel a surge in quickness flow through themselves. Calling out when he is finished, Strike hard and fast and we shall prevail this day! Shall I slow the Owlbear next, or deal with the swarm?
Kip's jaw drops agape at the sight of Kalev's brutal assault and beheading of the Owlbear. He manages to stammer out the answer to his own question, The swarm it is then...
Fenna looks on at Kalev's deadly combination of skill and brute force silently, and wipes owlbear gore from her brow with one hand while searching her belt for a vial of alchemical fire with the other.
"Bravo, Kalev! Every bard and minstrel in the River Kingdoms will sing your praise for a hundred years for those blows. Now, let us deal with those bugs."
The swarm leaves Kalev only to be struck by acid and fire which do a little damage to the centipedes- sensing an easy meal nearby it begins to slowly feast upon the massive Owlbear's corpse. It looks like it will be occupied with it for at least an hour even with hundreds of centipedes within the swarm.
While the swarm is busy with the owlbear corpse, Casimir hurries over and slices the remaining shrieker to pieces.
"I say we withdraw out into the sunlight to re-group and heal our injuries before we proceed with the exploration of these caves. The most serious threats are probably dealt with by now, but no need to take chances."
While the swarm is busy with the owlbear corpse, Casimir hurries over and slices the remaining shrieker to pieces.
"I say we withdraw out into the sunlight to re-group and heal our injuries before we proceed with the exploration of these caves. The most serious threats are probably dealt with by now, but no need to take chances."
Malthir heals himself again and walks over to the Owlbear corpse to remove the band as well as drag the Owlbear head away from the rest of the corpse.
While the swarm is busy and we still have all of the protective magic up we should quickly heal up and search the cave for any evidence as to what was going on here Cas. If we leave and come back we will only have to deal with the swarm when it is done with the Owlbear corpse.
Alex, do you just want to roll up a few cures and lesser restorations to get things moving or one of us can roll?
Malthir looks at the head and then over to Varn with a smile, So Baron, how did you like your first little adventure with the Guardians of the Greenbelt?
This will make another fine trophy for the Castle halls Kalev. The bragging rights to this fight go to you my friend. Those were the mightiest blows and I ever seen you land.
Well, it was a fine hunt. A little lethal for my usual tastes but i've had similar struggles in Varnhold. I am glad Swordhaven has been avenged and that I was here to help you do it. Kalev, that was most impressive indeed. Lord Dalgum will wish he had been here to witness that feat. But we should press on- someone put this barding on the beast and we must ascertain who.
Health status:
Casimir: 10 hp down - 6 dex down
Kip hustles over and picks up both his everburning torch and his dropped wand, stashing both in his pack along with his wand of enlarge, while removing an alchemists fire at the same time. Kip calls out that he is fine, both in terms of health and also in available arcane energy reserves.
While waiting for the others to heal, Kip helps Casimir to scan the area for magical auras.
He also offers to look at the ring...
"It would indeed be prudent to heal our wounds before heading further, the lack of tracks outside might suggest whoever is responsible for this in not present here, but they may utilise alternative modes of transport; a phantom steed for example, would leave no tracks."
Kalev bows at the praise from his friends and companions, saying I see this as a group effort. Without the magical support from Kip, Fenna, etc., I would not hold up long against this mighty beast, so I will not brag of taking the kill; we win together and we lose together. That makes us strong.
The cave mouth widens into a large cavern filthy with carrion and offal. A bewildering variety of molds and fungi grow on the roof and walls, some as big as a person. Countless insects scuttle about underfoot, feeding on the mounds of waste. A large tunnel slopes down to the south, with a similar opening to the north. You spot glints of metal in the piles of rancid feces, suggesting that some useful equipment and or coins are scattered in the remains.
After examining the ring with Casimir, Kip will also use some of his free time to poke about the cave with his walking stick , looking for anything of value... all the while keeping an eye on the swarm, flask of alchemists fire in hand.
A quick search is enough for Kip to determine that digging through this area and uncovering everything of value would take about half an hour- although he finds three gold pieces while ascertaining this. The detect magic reveals two additional auras- one inside the shambling mound and one buried in faeces (which will take a long time to get at). Investigation of the mound's remains reveals a wand, which Casimir and Kip manage to identify as a-
Understanding the inscription alongside the wand takes a few moments, but it seems to be the command word- Shochraos.
The word means lightning in Draconic.
Investigation of the ring reveals a fairly unique item. It appears to function as a Ring of Animal Friendship, except that rather than working on animals it works on magical beasts. The pair also deduces a faint aura of Enchantment (compulsion) magic in addition to the (charm) magic, although they do not understand its function.
A quick search is enough for Kip to determine that digging through this area and uncovering everything of value would take about half an hour- although he finds three gold pieces while ascertaining this. The detect magic reveals two additional auras- one inside the shambling mound and one buried in faeces (which will take a long time to get at). Investigation of the mound's remains reveals a wand, which Casimir and Kip manage to identify as a-
Understanding the inscription alongside the wand takes a few moments, but it seems to be the command word- Shochraos.
** spoiler omitted **
Investigation of the ring reveals a fairly unique item. It appears to function as a Ring of Animal Friendship, except that rather than working on animals it works on magical beasts. The pair also deduces a faint aura of Enchantment (compulsion) magic in addition to the (charm) magic, although they do not understand its function.
We should start where the OwlBear came from Cas or Kip, do you know which passageway it come from?