DM Blayde MacRonan's Giantslayer... The Strange Adventures of Team Ruby (Private Campaign) (Inactive)

Game Master Blayde MacRonan

reflex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

The Mwangi grunted as the spindle of stone struck him full on. With a determined gaze, he gripped his holy symbol tightly, preparing to call upon the holy power of Sarenrae once again.

Waiting for his turn and then planning to channel divinity

Liesel-Marie shrugged, ”If I wanted mindless bloodshed, there was plenty going on at the gate. If I’m going to fight, I want it to mean something. I fear once, I gloried in the blood. Now... now I want to fight for something. Tonight, for Trunau, for family and friends. I do not fear my death, if I must die, but what is your other way?”

Reflex w/ Evasion: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

So what I ask you, praytell this non violent way. Because we have seen enough blood today.

Kyt states to the man as she dodged the attack with barely enough grace to do so and moves to stand in front of Nogusta.

We have battled enough and do not know why you are an obstacle for us as you say you are. So please, I beseech upon what comes out of your mouth next. I have seen my family, my town, live through horrors this day that I wish I could wake from and see that they were only a garish nightmare.

In the interest of keeping things moving, I will make Rohan's Reflex check.

Rohan's Reflex: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

The stone spindle came in spinning fast and hard, causing the members of Team Ruby to scatter in an attempt to avoid it. Some rolled nimbly out of the way, while others dropped flat to the ground.

When the danger had passed, Liesel-Marie (the first to rise) called out to the burly man. Why would we care to fight you? If you’ve dealt with the general’s pet, you’re more likely our ally than a foe. We’re not his friends. She pointed at the giant corpse of Ooruk.

I am not, nor could I ever be friends to the likes of you, came the man's reply. That one, he indicated Ooruk with a sideward jerk of his head, would have only gotten in the way of our sport. Now, are you going to talk or are you going to fight me? Because if you don't, then I will raze this place. And when it is spoken of, it will be with hushed whispers, as this town will forever be associated with death and desolation. This is not a threat that I make to you. It is a promise, my word of iron.

The man took a wide stance and gestured for them all to come at him. Now fight me. Or die.

The rager, oddly, made no move to engage. Sport? What are the rules of your sport?

You seek meaning in your actions. The burly man's words carried with them an undertone of surprise intermingled with respect. He continued speaking. Mindless bloodshed is not enough for you, it seems. And while you clearly are one capable of enjoying battle, your control is such that you will not charge headlong into it with reckless abandon. There must be... more.

The man nodded approvingly. So you want rules. Well, rules imply stakes. You wish to be about your business, while I am set as an obstacle to prevent that. Fighting is one way to resolve the matter. But perhaps there is another way. Are you willing to do so, or are your words merely an attempt to forestall the inevitable outcome should we clash with one another?

Liesel-Marie shrugged, If I wanted mindless bloodshed, there was plenty going on at the gate. If I’m going to fight, I want it to mean something. I fear once, I gloried in the blood. Now... now I want to fight for something. Tonight, for Trunau, for family and friends. I do not fear my death, if I must die, but what is your other way?

So what I ask you, pray tell, is this non violent way. Because we have seen enough blood today. Kyt stated to the man as she dodged the attack and moved to stand in front of Nogusta.

We have battled enough and do not know why you are an obstacle for us as you say you are. So please, I beseech upon what comes out of your mouth next. I have seen my family, my town, live through horrors this day that I wish I could wake from and see that they were only a garish nightmare.

The man raised both hands slowly and dramatically. As he did so, a pair of iron maidens cast in the likenesses of praying monks rose from the ground of the shore. The contraptions swung open, revealing that while their interiors contained none of the typical spikes or blades of the famed torture devices, the metal sarcophagi nevertheless could still close and lock in the same manner, creating a claustrophobic space from which few can escape. Choose two from among your band. Once selected, they will be locked within where their physical fortitude and endurance will be put to the test. If just one of you manages to remain conscious after 4 minutes, then you all are free to go where you choose. Is this an acceptable challenge?

Ok, gang. From a pure character standpoint, Liesel-Marie’s already walking toward the maidens before he finishes talking. But she might not actually be the best choice if someone has special ju-ju in their builds. What do you think?

Honestly same here. 1) just by the description of the iron madens alone, it’s calling to her. 2) part of me was thinking L-M that it would be you and I that would be entering them. But I wanted to give the rest of the group time to state their wishes too. But considering our dialog to him thus far, it seemed natural that you and I would just walk over like a couple of bad@$$es in slow motion. She’d be right beside you! ^_^

"Not to play a devil's advocate here, but this looks to me more like he's looking for a easy way to kill two party members and weaken the rest." Mesa frowned.
"Let's face it attacking right off the bat has not given me a very good reason to trust this is all on the up and up. Not to dismiss what honor you have over there, rocky 2 the bigger rocking, but I don't know you and i don't see any reason you might abide by your word."

I forgot to roll a Reflex check for Aodhán, so lets get that out of the way.

Aodhán's Reflex save: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

So the Chelaxian bouncer takes 16 points damage from the burly man's attack. This puts Aodhán in the Grazed condition and gives him a –1 penalty on all attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks, as well as to AC and caster level.

Now that that is done, lets get back to the matter at hand: the resolution of this trial.

Not to play a devil's advocate here, but this looks to me more like he's looking for a easy way to kill two party members and weaken the rest. Mesa frowned.

Let's face it attacking right off the bat has not given me a very good reason to trust this is all on the up and up. Not to dismiss what honor you have over there, rocky 2 the bigger rocking, but I don't know you and i don't see any reason you might abide by your word.

The burly man regarded Mesa with a serious look as he listened to what she had to say. When the Tian-Min minstrel was done speaking, he gave his rebuttal.

You play Chelaxian advocate and, in doing so, attempt to call into question my honor. Yet you forget the fact that I was more than willing to face all of your troupe, all at once. And that it was your allies, your companions, that did not relish this. It was your allies that sought another option. I think that I've been more than accommodating to your wishes. But if you would like for that to end, then please, by all means, continue your prattling. Otherwise, you should cease projecting your deeds onto me.

If there is nothing else, then we will move on...

The burly man will explain that once the two volunteers have entered the iron maidens, he will cause holes to appear in the devices before shifting them to the waters of the Hope Pond where they will have to deal with the possibility of losing consciousness and drowning.

Any character can hold their breath for a number of rounds equal to twice their Constitution score (20 rounds for Kyt, 30 rounds for Liesel-Marie). After this period of time passes, the characters must make a DC 10 Constitution check in order to continue holding their breath. Each minute, the DC increases by 5. When a character fails their Constitution check, the character falls unconscious (0 hp for Kyt and -2 hp for Liesel-Marie). 1 round is approximately 6 seconds, with 10 rounds being approximately 1 minute. So the first 2 or 3 minutes will actually be the characters holding their breath, while the final minutes will be them making their Constitution checks (with each minute requiring the Constitution check).

I'm running with the assumption that Nogusta used channel positive energy to heal everyone up to full before this encounter (I believe two uses would be more than enough to accomplish this), so the only damage that the characters would have would be that taken from the spindle attack. This means that Kyt (who made her save and has evasion) is Healthy with no special modifiers, while Liesel-Marie (who failed her save) has taken 16 damage, which puts her in the Wounded condition and gives her a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks, as well as to AC and caster level. Should Liesel-Marie want healing before stepping into the metal skin, she will be allowed to do so.

She would, yes. By my math, Liesel-Marie should be able to hold her breath for five minutes, passing the test without a Constitution check, based on your description of the situation. I don’t believe the form of rage she uses would help or be necessary for a four-minute test - am I missing something?

Looking over the character, Liesel-Marie has a 15 Constitution. That's where the 30 rounds comes from. She also has the Endurance feat, which gives her a +4 bonus on Constitution checks to hold her breath. This means that even on a roll of 4, Liesel-Marie would still pass the check to hold her breath (4 + 2 from Con + 4 from Endurance = 10). And she only has to do that for the final minute.

In contrast, Kytynna has a 10 Constitution. This gives her 20 rounds of holding her breath, which means that she has to make a Constitution check for the 3rd and 4th minutes (assuming she makes the one for the 3rd, otherwise she loses consciousness).

The original "chained" version of bloodrage would have given her a +4 morale bonus to Constitution, raising it from 15 to 19, which in turn would have given her 38 rounds, which is 2 rounds shy of 4 minutes. The "unchained" version that Liesel-Marie is using doesn't give that kind of bonus to Constitution, but rather 2 temporary hit points per Hit Die (with the Raging Vitality feat giving her an additional temporary hit point per Hit Die, a +2 bonus on Fortitude checks while bloodraging, and the ability to maintain her bloodrage while unconscious).

My error was more insidious and subtle. I had the wrong number of rounds per minute, so my math was very favorable for my success. Apologies.

Liesel-Marie takes a step toward the iron maidens before looking back at the others. ”Kytynna, are you certain this is a challenge you should take on? I have no doubt of your heart, but perhaps...”

Not the best time of year to expect input from everyone, but it might be good to have input from more before we proceed. Regardless, Liesel-Marie is up for the challenge.

Nyym listened to the whole exchange. Part of him screamed to step forward and had his element focus not been so focused on the damaging lighting side he would have. He looked around to see if any other besides the 2 women had stepped forward. Yet none had. Nyym notice also that Rohan had been odd quiet for his usually very vocal self. Nyym did not dwell on it though as more serious concerns where at play. Given Kyts affinity to manipulate water, that being her element. Nyym had figured she would be perfect for this challenge. But given LMs concern for her in her questioning. Nyym wondered if he had missed something.

I have faith in Kyts abilities and judgement. But given ur question, I am wondering who else you might have in mind. I know ur question is more of concern then lack of faith in her. While I may suffer in my abilities at such a challenge. Should you wish it, I would take her place.

Nyym let no fear show in his words and spoke with confidence even knowing the fate such challenge might befall him should he do so. He looked to Kyt with a look that said the choice was hers and his eyes showed nothing but trust and respect for her.

Your right Rohan had remain quiet for some time now and he has been in constant thought about everything that was going on, but from now on he will be a bit more vocal in his opinions. He turned and looked to the group and then to the burly man.

"I will take your challange, as I am able to hold my breath likely longer than any other here. I will go with whom ever feels they are just as likely as I.

Rohan stepped forward pushing his cape to the side and staring the big man in the eyes likely looking down at him.

"Rohan has a 18 con so he could last 36 rounds and only have to make 1 save. He is one of the best choices here from what I can see."

Sounds good. Liesel-Marie and Rohan step forward.

Assuming that Nogusta uses a channel energy to heal the group. This will bring his total remaining uses to 4. I'll roll to see how many hit points are recovered.

Nogusta's channel energy: 3d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 5) = 13

Everyone recovers 13 hit points. This means that Liesel-Marie has 31 hit points (which puts her in the Healthy threshold with no special modifiers) and Rohan 37 hit points (which also puts him in the Healthy threshold with no special modifiers).

The burly man watched as both Liesel-Marie and Rohan presented themselves for his challenge, a light smile playing across his lips. Two come forward to take up my challenge. From this point forward, no interference will be brooked from your companions.

He then sized up Rohan before gesturing toward the iron maidens, causing one of them to extend upward to accommodate his taller frame.

When you're ready to enter.

We'll keep it simple. Once LM and Rohan enter the maidens, the burly man will then cause them to move toward the waters of the Hope Pond, with holes opening across the metal chambers as they go. Once the two are in the water and 15 feet from the shore, the iron maidens sink quickly to the bottom of the pond. The trial has begun.

After three minutes pass, the need to breathe hits each of them. Time for those Constitution checks.

Here goes nothing! (Rohan should only need four rolls, yes? Liesel-Maries requires ten?)

Constitution check to hold breath: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Constitution check to hold breath: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Constitution check to hold breath: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Constitution check to hold breath: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Constitution check to hold breath: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Constitution check to hold breath: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8 (Uh-oh!)
Constitution check to hold breath: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Constitution check to hold breath: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Constitution check to hold breath: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Constitution check to hold breath: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Here goes nothing! (Rohan should only need four rolls, yes? Liesel-Maries requires ten?)

[dice=Constitution check to hold breath]1d20 + 6
[dice=Constitution check to hold breath]1d20 + 6
[dice=Constitution check to hold breath]1d20 + 6
[dice=Constitution check to hold breath]1d20 + 6
[dice=Constitution check to hold breath]1d20 + 6
[dice=Constitution check to hold breath]1d20 + 6 (Uh-oh!)
[dice=Constitution check to hold breath]1d20 + 6
[dice=Constitution check to hold breath]1d20 + 6
[dice=Constitution check to hold breath]1d20 + 6
[dice=Constitution check to hold breath]1d20 + 6

Umm... you only needed to roll once, Liesel-Marie. Yes, typically you would need to roll a Constitution check for each round (which would have been 10 rounds for you and 4 rounds for Rohan). But doing it that way also means increasing the DC by 1 with each success. And while failing would've rendered you unconscious (0 hp), you also would have been dying (-2 hit points in your case) the following round, and dead the round after that. I didn't want to deal with all of that, so I pared it down to a single roll where failing only put you unconscious and out of the competition. So, your first roll is more than enough to pass the trial. BTW, doing it "the proper way", you still would've failed that 6th roll, because at that point, the DC would have been 15.

I'm pretty sure that Rohan will go ahead and roll when he gets the chance, but since only one of you needed to pass, I'm going to go ahead and say that this encounter is over. Everyone gets 735 XP. I'm also going to award another 200 XP for turning a potential combat into a different kind of challenge. Well done! This brings your current totals to 13,320 (LM, Mesa, Nyym, Kyt, and Rohan) and 20,455 (Nogusta). The cleric is 545 XP from hitting tier 3 of 5th level while the rest of Team Ruby is only 180 XP from hitting tier 3 of 4th level.

There were a lot of words. I may have missed a few. Sorry! More importantly, may we all have much success and good health in the new year before us. Peace.

1stConstitution check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10

Other three rounds even though they were not needed just checking
2ndConstitution check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
3rdConstitution check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22
4thConstitution check: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Rohan calmly sits down at the bottom waiting to come back up for air, of course he had no clue how long he had to stay down there you know without a watch and all so he just kinda realizes that he starting to gasp for air and that was enough to give him signs that he needed to head up. With a few more moments goes by he gets the idea to swim back up to the surface looking up at the people from the water. Grabbing a full breath of fresh air he calls to the burly man, In a very deep voice.

Was that long enough or do I need to go back down there for longer?

Then he slowly moved to the shore should the man give him the nod of approval. He looks back to make sure that Liesel was able to make it too or did he need to go and save her?

Would have been epic if one of us had underwater breathing naturally ^_*

That would have been fun! Might not have amused the challenger.

Released from their miniature prisons, the two members of Team Ruby return to the surface.

Getting her gear settled back into place, the Erutaki asks, ”What now? We have done your challenge. We do not wish for another enemy. Do we have at least a truce? Perhaps we can speak, because I suspect you know far more of what is happening than we do. I am Liesel-Marie.” She hesitates to volunteer anyone else’s name, so she doesn’t.

Rohan Climbs out of the water and starts ringing out his long hair and ties it back in a quick pony tail. Then wishes he had one of those mages prestidigitation spells to dry off with but none the less he walks around in his wet clothes and comes up beside Liesel. Seeing that she introduced herself Rohan thought that might be a good idea and does the same.

"I am Rohan, What information might you be sharing with us for completing your challenge?"

Rohan didn't even recall if there was information to be received from him but anything is better then nothing. So he stood there standing his full slender 7'11" tall and just smiles like that was a walk in the park task. Though being a man and all he checks out Liesel-Marie butt that all nice and soak and wet and then quickly looks back at the man in question. Which explains the smile on his face.

LOL

Keep those eyes to yourself if you want remain the tallest member of the party. I can crush walnuts with those glutes! ;-)

Nogusta looks over at the stranger.

I am Nogusta, priest of the Dawnflower Sarenrae. Your test is passed and the deal is done. I would not besmirch your honor without reason, so I gather we may go about our way without further conflict as agreed. I would ask, however, in the name of honor, that we be straightforward with each other. You set yourself as an adversary, and I believe it only right that I know why, as we have never met and I do not feel that my companions recognize you, either. Who are you, and what is your trouble with our group?

The Mwangi walks forward as he speaks, hands outstretched to the side non-threateningly, but attempting to subtly shield the others from any further mischief as he attempts to walk past the man.

Released from their miniature prisons, the two members of Team Ruby return to the surface.

Getting her gear settled back into place, the Erutaki asks, ”What now? We have done your challenge. We do not wish for another enemy. Do we have at least a truce? Perhaps we can speak, because I suspect you know far more of what is happening than we do. I am Liesel-Marie.” She hesitates to volunteer anyone else’s name, so she doesn’t.

The burly man raised an eyebrow. You're very free with giving out your name. In the future, you might want to be careful of that. Names hold power.

As far as a truce is concerned...

Rohan climbs out of the water and starts ringing out his long hair and ties it back in a quick pony tail. After wishing he had one of those mages prestidigitation spells to dry off with, none the less he walked around in his wet clothes and came up beside Liesel. Seeing that she introduced herself Rohan thought that might be a good idea and does the same.

I am Rohan, What information might you be sharing with us for completing your challenge?

The impertinent attitude of Rohan caused the burly man's to flash. You conduct yourself in a manner that offends me greatly. I owe you nothing in the way of information. He continued to speak, and in so doing, seemed to grow larger in size, as though the man were drawing substance from the very land around him, until he loomed over Rohan. The trial was for the well-being of your intrepid band, something you seem all too willing to give up.

The burly man's skin had hardened as well, taking on a stony texture that it had lacked previously. He reached out to the side with his left hand as an enormous stone sword similar in form to Kyt's materialized into view and settled into his grasp.

Nogusta looks over at the stranger.

I am Nogusta, priest of the Dawnflower Sarenrae. Your test is passed and the deal is done. I would not besmirch your honor without reason, so I gather we may go about our way without further conflict as agreed. I would ask, however, in the name of honor, that we be straightforward with each other. You set yourself as an adversary, and I believe it only right that I know why, as we have never met and I do not feel that my companions recognize you, either. Who are you, and what is your trouble with our group?

The Mwangi walks forward as he speaks, hands outstretched to the side non-threateningly, but attempting to subtly shield the others from any further mischief as he attempts to walk past the man.

Cooler heads may prevail, since I'm writing off Rohan's actions as the result of oxygen deprivation. ;)

I'm going to need an Influence check from Nogusta to shift his attitude, which I'd place at Unfriendly, but quickly heading into Hostile. That sets the DC at 21, so Nogusta needs at least a 14 on the die to succeed. If there was ever a time for the use of aid another actions, this is probably it, because I shouldn't have to tell you what the outcome will be should the cleric fail this roll. Good luck!

The bloodrager shrugs her shoulders in a motion of acquiescence. "I offered my name as a gesture of good faith in hopes we could parley. I did not submit myself to your test with the intention of provoking you into another fight. If you feel that this one has done so," she jerks a thumb at Rohan, "I'm inclined to save you the effort and beat him down for you." She might be joking, but she actually sounds more miffed than jovial.

Influence aid: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 Shoot, can I be the primary even though I intended to be aiding?

influence: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

BOOM! That’s how babies are made right there, kids!

Aodhán watched with baited breath as Rohan and Liesel-Marie submitted themselves to the burly man's trial. Like Mesa, he wasn't too trusting of the man's intentions, but what choice did they have other than a direct confrontation with him?

He was pleased when they (both the competitors and the group) came through the ordeal none the worse for wear. He allowed himself to hope that Team Ruby may actually get through this without a violent resolution.

That all changed once Rohan spoke to the burly man in such an arrogant manner. Desna laughs! thought the Chelaxian bouncer. What in the Hells prompted him to do that?

He readied himself for combat even as Nogusta stepped forward in an attempt to diffuse the situation.

At Liesel-Marie's remark, the bouncer came up behind Rohan. They say that going without air for long periods of time causes a condition like drunkenness in some. I can only assume that's what happened here with our companion, who's usually smarter than this. The last part was a direct jibe at Rohan.

Aodhán's Influence: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17

So, between Liesel-Marie, Nogusta, and Aodhán, you managed to get a 28 total on the check. This not only beat the DC and lowered his attitude, but it actually lowered by 2 to Friendly Let's see how this plays out:

The burly man listened intently to the cleric, with amusement at Liesel-Marie, and with understanding at the bouncer. The sword crumbled into nothingness, though his size remained unchanged.

I am moved by both your words and your loyalty to one another. Know then that my task this night was to delay your entrance into Uskroth's Tomb. Typically these things are usually resolved with blood and steel, but you opted for another way. This earned my respect, but that was nearly squandered by the words of your Rohan.

I will not speak as to why I was set here to impede you, so do not ask. I also will not give you my name, nor that of the one that gave this assignment. However, if you have another question that I could answer, I am more than inclined to do so. Bear in mind, however, that you collectively only have one question and that once asked, I am not obligated to answer any others you may have. So choose wisely.

[dice=influence] 1d20+7

BOOM! That’s how babies are made right there, kids!

Why do I keep seeing all of those bard memes starting to become cleric memes now? ;)

Everyone gets 200 XP (100 for the challenge with another 100 for good roleplay). This brings your current totals to 13,520 (LM, Mesa, Nyym, Kyt, and Rohan) and 20,655 (Nogusta). The cleric is 345 XP from hitting tier 3 of 5th level while the rest of Team Ruby is 20 XP over the amount needed for tier 3 of 4th level and only 1,480 XP from tier 4 (5th level).

it was intended as a reference to Blades of Glory, but you do know I likes my roguish charismatic characters, too...so I’ll take the bard thing with pride.

@Team Ruby: I have been the center of attention too much lately. Liesel-Marie yields the floor to someone smarter to figure out the best question.

@DM Blayde: And do we apply updates from leveling up immediately upon achieving them?

@DM Blayde: And do we apply updates from leveling up immediately upon achieving them?

Yes.

Liesel-Marie Frostvale wrote:

@DM Blayde: And do we apply updates from leveling up immediately upon achieving them?

Yes.

Yay! Always happy with more hit points! Next level, maybe something cool happens, I’ll have to look.

Mesa had remained silent in this regard for several reasons. The first of which was that she couldn't quite fault the brutes logic in his rebuttal, though she still didn't trust him when his first action was to attack.

The second was that she didn't have much to go on with what they were even doing here. She had assumed they were going to stop the spring from being poisoned, yet every one was standing around talking and taking challenges and junk. Really she wasn't sure what dreams they were talking about or any of that, she had spent most of her time playing in a bar and had missed out on what was probably a rather long and drawn out back story that would have taken two years to do despite at best only taking a week maybe a month or two to happen.

The third was she was trying to teach Boo to whistle as she wrote the epic ballad of the battle. Both of those were coming along quite well.

All of that was pushed to the wayside as Rocky decided to poke the bear as it were.

“Kuso.... Rocky I've known you less than a day and you've tried to get me and every one else killed at least three times!!! “ Mesa growled. “ I mean I can understand the lack of air messing with you this time, but does that lump of silicon in your head need a a couple of large chunks of ice to cool it down so your thought processes run faster than your mouth? I mean come on I'M THE BARD, and my mouths gotten me in less trouble than yours has.”

Rohan turns away from the big groot and walks away from the rest of the party to let them do the talking. As his back was turned to the group and the groot who grew beyond Rohan size, he scoffs at them merely dealing with such a person was rather annoying in the first place. Thinking to himself..

"Yeah, I put my life on the line for them and they have no show of gratitude, mere words offends the big guy, jeeze grows some and stop letting little things offend thee. Suppose to be some type of hero, well that feels like it not worth it."

Rohan kicks a rock as far out into the water that he could, the frustration showing on his face if anyone cared to even look in his direction.

"Never said I had the brains of this group, and so much for trying to be a leader. Should I just let them fend for themselves???"

Rohan getting more frustrated just talking to himself in his own head. He pulls his hair back and what looks like a very poorly made bun, and drew back his coat and sat on a nearby rock starring off into the distance as if wanted to forget about all the crap that been going on.

Rohan turns away from the big groot and walks away from the rest of the party to let them do the talking. As his back was turned to the group and the groot who grew beyond Rohan size, he scoffs at them merely dealing with such a person was rather annoying in the first place. Thinking to himself..

"Yeah, I put my life on the line for them and they have no show of gratitude, mere words offends the big guy, jeeze grows some and stop letting little things offend thee. Suppose to be some type of hero, well that feels like it not worth it."

Rohan kicks a rock as far out into the water that he could, the frustration showing on his face if anyone cared to even look in his direction.

"Never said I had the brains of this group, and so much for trying to be a leader. Should I just let them fend for themselves???"

Rohan getting more frustrated just talking to himself in his own head. He pulls his hair back and what looks like a very poorly made bun, and drew back his coat and sat on a nearby rock starring off into the distance as if wanted to forget about all the crap that been going on.

Aodhán watched as Rohan moved away from the other members of Team Ruby, examining him with a critical eye as the tall man first kick a rock, redid his hair, then plopped down somewhat dejectedly on a rock and stared off with a look mixed with anger and bitterness. The Chelaxian cast his eyes downward with a sigh. As a bouncer at the Killin' Ground, he had developed a knack for seeing when situations where on the verge of becoming volatile, be it through the words or actions of the bar's clientele. And it was becoming all too clear to him that such was the case with Rohan.

Not wishing to disturb the others while they were trying to figure out what sort of query to put to the burly man, he made his way over to where Rohan sat.

May I sit with you? Aodhán didn't wait for a response, but rather took a seat next to Rohan. I'm not going to pretend that I know what's going with you. Quite frankly, I don't really know you well enough to do that. But I do know that you're a valued member of the team. Because if you weren't, Kyt wouldn't have let you take the challenge with ol' Liesel-Marie. But, if it's thanks you're looking for, then let me be the first to offer them to you.

But you've got to understand that that blighter over there... He gestured over toward the burly man before continuing ... was put here by someone to keep us from going in there. Aodhán then pointed over at the opening in the side of the hill. Just from the formal introduction he gave us, I think it's safe to say that he could put a serious hurt on us if he wanted. He did take down a giant all by himself, after all. But with your help, we've managed to avoid that. Now we've got an opportunity to gain some information from the bloke, albeit with conditions, before going on our way. Again, that was thanks to you, though if I'm being honest, you could have gone about it in a way less hazardous to our overall health. None of us are ungrateful, mind you. We just want you to weigh your actions a little more. You're a member of Team Ruby, after all. Emphasis on Team. We stand or fall based on that distinction.

Rohan sighs to himself but acknowledges Aodhan when he sat down next to him, listening to what the man had to say. A since of relief came over Rohan face as he heard the words spoken clearly to him. Not wanting to press the situation any harder he just smiled lightly with a small chuckle under his breath.

"You know perhaps you are right I could have gone a different way about asking, but I am a very direct person so this may no be my only time this will happen. While someone did put this man here, I felt that after doing something for him he should have answered some questions. But, I guess how I asked could be different. That's ok I will hold my tongue more often. A lesson learned."

Rohan thought for a few more minutes, stood up and looks back to the group. Took a few more minutes fixing his hair better then leaving it such a mess and then leaned up against a nearby tree waiting for the group to move forward.

"I will stand back and let them finish up before moving forward"

Not sure how exactly the big man would take what he had said, Aodhán felt a great weight lift from him as Rohan seemed more understanding of their current situation. He looked up at his companion and smiled before rising from his seat on the rock.

Standing back can sometimes get you a clearer perspective than just going forward. Still, if it were me, I'd want to know what's so damned important about what's beyond that hole. He called it Uskroth's Tomb, yet I don't think I've even heard of the place the entire time that I've lived here. Do you think the townsfolk even knew it was here? He shrugged before continuing, But I'm just a bouncer, not some greybearded scholar, so what would I know. I think I'll stay here with you and let the others figure things out. They're way smarter than I am.

Kyt’s head was still spinning after the full steam of events that just flowed by like the smoke from a pipe. There one moment filling everything, then gone the next leaving you to second guess if had even been there in the first place.

Your patience is unfathomable considering the situation. She spoke directly to the man who offered them the question. As you can see, we do not wish to squander your opportunity. So if you could just give me a tick whilst I herd the cats for a moment as not to pass you some waste of time on the silver platter you have so graciously placed in our hands.

She points at the ones still standing where they were like a mother pointing at her children. Unable to understand the picking, tantrums, and lack of common sense.

All of you, over here... now. She speaks through her teeth, quickly thinking back and wondering if any parent of hers ever spoke to her like this, and if she was somehow channeling that person right now. She nodded in the direction that Rohan and Aodhán were sitting, as she herself headed over that way.

Any suggestions? Before this one tries to take us out purely due to spite. Because he already took out one of our foes. And as he stated, it had nothing to do with the desire to aid us. Considering he looks to not have broken a sweat over doing so, I seriously do not want to fight him. She looks at Rohan and Aodhán. That also includes the both of you. We are a team. I understand that feelings get stepped on. But this is not the time nor the place. We can hug this out later over a pint. I’ll buy you and Liesel-Marie two each in thanks for how awesome you both were back there. Right now we need a question. And I’m about to take something, anything, that doesn’t sound wasteful like asking why the sky is blue.

"I'm not good with puzzles that require finesse. If I can't fix it with an axe, I'm not sure what to do. But I think the bouncer," she points at Aodhan, "has a good question. Maybe our new friend would be willing to tell us about the tomb or whoever is buried within. Would that tell us something useful?"

Nyym was anxious. Something about this felt off, but what it was he could not be certain. He had been of the idea that they had came to stop Gorewillow. Now this new being that they came to see as burly man was delaying them. But he was not working with Gorewillow. Of that Nyym was certain. That means there is yet another player in this that for all tense and purpose was a complete unknown.

Yes, knowing more about this tomb will definitely help. I am curious as to if this King that keeps becoming us forward and this tomb is somehow connected. Why is it so important. We came to deal with Gorewillow, but with this new development, I can't help but feel that we have stepped into a situation that is much larger. We must tread carefully in this. Up till now, we didnt even know of this place after all.

Nyym kept his voice calm and collective as he spoke to his fellow members of team Ruby. But the concern was evident in his eyes.

Could this be connected to what the keeper of memory had tasked them to stop? Is the key to all this inside this tomb? If so, just how many other players are there and just how in the nine hells were they supposed to stop them?

Those were just some of the many questions that raced through his mind. And with each question came more questions. To many questions and not enough time and or answers.

Aodhán nodded as he listened, first to Liesel-Marie then Nyym. After a moment to consider what was said, the bouncer spoke, I'm pretty sure that something or someone important must be kept in there. Maybe even both. But I haven't been with you all since that weird dream after the festival, so I wouldn't know. Have any of you heard or come across anything that that would lead you to believe that someone is searching for something? Because it seems awfully strange to me that we're just finding out about this tomb in the middle of an orc invasion.

Normally, this would be where I would ask for either an Intelligence or Wisdom check to recall such a thing, but given that many of the players probably don't remember (with some not knowing anything at all), I'm going to provide two instances where such a thing occurred:

The first took place during the interrogation of Daktani...

Daktani continued, I guess you're wondering what's going on, right? Well, it's simple really: Trunau's days are numbered. The town and everyone in it will become food for the crows. Or sold as slaves. Whatever the general decides to with any survivors, you can bet it won't be pretty. But before that can happen, the town's defenses needed to be weakened. That's why we're here. Things were going well. But then, Rodrick Grath started snooping around, so Skreed said he had to go. Couldn't take the chance that we would be found out. The half-orc shrugged nonchalantly. Hopefully once we sack this place, that tomb will become easier to find.

Liesel-Marie, Nyym, and Rohan were present for that exchange.

The second instance happened during the interrogation of Urnsul...

My "leader" is called Gorewillow, but since he's working for Grenseldek, I guess you can say she's our true leader.

In addition to finding what Grenseldek wants, we were also given a secondary objective: sabotage the town's defenses so that the Twisted Heart orcs would have an easier time taking the place.

Kytynna, Liesel-Marie, Mesa, Nyym, and Rohan were present for that exchange.

Rohan listened to Kyt as she profoundly called for him and Aodhan to return back to the group. He was not so happy to return but he did so anyways dragging his feet along the ground stirring up some of the ground with his feet and his natural ability to meld with the ground. He tucked his cloak behind him so that it didn't sway as much as he walked. He stopped several feet from the rest of the group looking down at the ground avoiding contact with the group but primarily avoiding contact with the beast of a man. After all he didn't want to draw any more attention then he already had.

Rohan mind raced from one moment to the next and recalling events that he soon would rather forget but none the less while recalling the events he mumbled to himself, though his voice was so deep that nearly everyone could probably hear him mumble.

"Likely it was from Daktani talking about the orc evasion."

He didn't say much more but almost seemed that he was talking to himself. He was still being very closet bound after the rude actions he performed not but a few moments ago. He was not in the mood for another round of neglect or actions that would cause him to be a problem. He appeared to also be counting with his fingers.

"One, Gorewillow, two, Rishka, three, Daktani, four, Akrish, five, grenseldek, six...

The motions nearly stopped as he seem to have forgotten one more thing but couldn't place it. He was not prepared to think of the past nor did he really want to but the memories came flooding back from the last few days. The nightmare that transpired, the war that was taking place, it was all there as if it just happened moments ago. Then he begin to think about what the group was talking about.

"A Cave?

The face went for a mere pause as he was questioning the very answer that was given.

and so it seems the obvious question presents itself as...what is it about this tomb, or what is contained within, that so much death and violence would be considered necessary?

Agreed, Nogusta

and so it seems the obvious question presents itself as...what is it about this tomb, or what is contained within, that so much death and violence would be considered necessary?

Aodhán nodded at the priest of Sarenrae's words. That would indeed seem to be the case, but I think your phrasing would be seen as two questions. The people of Cheliax have experience with things like this, due to how often the wizards traffic with fiends. Though I must say that this one seems more like a demon than a devil, despite how honorable his actions have been thus far.

The cleric rubbed his chin in thought.
perhaps you are right, my friend. It may be better worded as, “what do they want with this tomb?

Kyt thought about the complexity that can be placed into a single question. As Aodhán stated just moments before, unintentionally asking more than one wouldn't help if the man before them would constitute it as such. But asking one all inclusive one may be permitted.

I feel as though a specifically worded tongue looks to be needed if we wish to get the information that we desire from him. My attempted input at the wording... "Please tell us Everything you know about Uskroth's Tomb, the things you know to be fact and know to be rumored distinguishing between the two; and considering the request for everything is being made, that also refers to the inclusion of the reason as to its importance and their desire to obtain what is inside or outside no matter if its tactile, mental, magical, or other should you have that knowledge, also distinguishing whether you know if that is fact or rumored?" Would that cover it?

Is it too much? Maybe that type of length was indeed best used for wishes. Her mind still felt as though this was a pretty similar situation.

Kyt thought about the complexity that can be placed into a single question. As Aodhán stated just moments before, unintentionally asking more than one wouldn't help if the man before them would constitute it as such. But asking one all inclusive one may be permitted.

I feel as though a specifically worded tongue looks to be needed if we wish to get the information that we desire from him. My attempted input at the wording... "Please tell us Everything you know about Uskroth's Tomb, the things you know to be fact and know to be rumored distinguishing between the two; and considering the request for everything is being made, that also refers to the inclusion of the reason as to its importance and their desire to obtain what is inside or outside no matter if its tactile, mental, magical, or other should you have that knowledge, also distinguishing whether you know if that is fact or rumored?" Would that cover it?

Is it too much? Maybe that type of length was indeed best used for wishes. Her mind still felt as though this was a pretty similar situation.

Aodhán raised an incredulous eyebrow at Kyt as the elven warrior-monk put forth a possible question. Truly the wizards of my land would be in awe of your stated question, especially considering your lack of expertise in the art of fiendish contracts.

Nyym was briefly distracted by Rohans withdrawn return. But was brought back to the matter at hand as the ideaz of how to ask the all important question was still in full swing between the members of Team Ruby. He was about to give his own input, but was beaten to the punch by Kyt as she put forth her suggestion. After listening,..

I... why yes I do believes that pretty much covers it.

Nyym stared at her and found not help if she may be part bard after stringing it all together so quickly and with ease.

Reminder to self. Never just words with her for I would surely lose I believe.

Nyym was also at this point chomping at the bit to get to Gorewillow. He fully intended to make sure that revenge was extracted up him by means of Brins Hope Knife. It's only fitting after the pain for which he had inflicted upon her and Rodricks family.

Liesel-Marie stared at the ground and frowned as she tried to concentrate on Kytynna’s suggestion, but gave up as the clauses and conditionals mounted. Hoping that she looked like she was thinking, she snuck a glance at the others to see how they responded. Why don’t they say something? She sighs inwardly, but they seem impressed.

Making up her mind and tired of all this deliberation, the bloodrager goes all in with her enthusiasm, ”Sounds good to me! Let’s go!”