With his resolve set, Devan leads the rest of the group to the bigger ship tied to the end of the pier. The large vessel is tied off and bears the name Eel's End, its figurehead is a coiling eel with a woman's head. Several drunkards, sailors, and revelers dance and drink on the large open main deck here, while the aft deck is relatively clear. A pair of large double doors bearing a complex painting of a spider allow entrance into the stern section of the main deck. Two burly enforcers stand guard at the double doors.
The enforcer flexes his massive bicep, clearly thinking over what he should do. "The King don't like to be disturbed unless you'se expected. Are you'se expected? i jus' got on duty, an' no one ain't said nuthin' 'bout expected guests."
Devan fairly easily convinces the man, you are indeed expected.
Surprising to all of you the man goes to the door and opens it, showing you inside.
Not showing his surprise that they were allowed in so easily, Devan saunters into the spider's den, waving the others to follow him in. So far, so good. Maybe they'd leave in enough time to get a couple drinks before calling it a night.
As the group enters, the musician looked about for who would obviously be Devargo Barvasi, heading down what would be the main hallway if no one fitting that description is found.
The large room, once a captain's cabin, has been converted into a throne room of sorts. The walls are thick with spider webs, in which scuttle dozens of spiders, some as large as a fist but most considerably smaller. These spiders seem content to stay in their webs and do not venture into the room itself, which is furnished with two sturdy oaken tables surrounded by chairs. Aft, a wooden stage supports a large leather chair covered with cobwebs and scampering spiders. A narrow door stand to port, hanging ajar and revealing a flight of stairs that leads to the hold below. An iron birdcage hangs from the ceiling like a chandelier.
Seated in the leather throne is Devargo Barvasi. He is a tall, muscular man with shaggy black hair and a fierce glare. He accents his black leather armor with a steel spider-shaped shoulder baldric and a thick chain crisscrossing his chest, linked together in the shape of a spider. His gauntlets fixed with long curved blades over the knuckles glisten with a viscous fluid. Now and then spiders clamber over his skin, but he seemingly takes no notice.
Seated at teh tables in the closer part of the room are seven thugs, who seem to enjoying a sumptuous meal and loud storytelling, at least until you enter, when everything goes silent.
The steel birdcage at the top of the ceiling contains a silvery-purple scaled house drake, similar to the ones you saw fight imps earlier, which appears to be quite unhappy in its small prison.
The King of Spiders breaks the uncomfortable silence, "Well, who have we here? I normally do not tolerate interruptions to my guests' dinner. You must have told quite a story to get this far. Be quick about it!" He motions you forward to the space between his throne and the tables
Mirela looks around and focuses on the obvious threat of the thugs sitting near the table to make sure they don't try to pull anything that would threaten Devan who she expects to do the talking.
Devan walked forward confidently to the space pointed out by the King, thinking that any sign of nervousness or weakness would get the hackles up of these criminals. He waited a moment to make sure everyone was gathered round, then started on his tale.
"No story, sir. We just told the guards that we had business with you, and we do. We believe you have compromising information on an Ambassador Amprei, information that we would very much like to purchase from you. Not only would you be a much richer man, but you'd also be doing a service for this fine city we share!" Devan smirked...he knew the prospect of selflessly helping the city wouldn't appeal to Devargo...it was obviously for show.
The musician had to work hard to keep his hands away from both his weapons and his lute, one on the off chance he needed to defend himself, the other a legacy of self-soothing from years on his own.
Atticus stands still and waits for the bard to make his move
Nargun keeps silent. Talking wasn't his thing, and he knew he could only get things worse.
Wizard 0: Mage hand, prestidigitation, open/close. 1: Mage armour, Magic weapon, (S) Colour spray. | Subtle misdirection 6/6. Bonded item 1/1.
After she gave her information, Twilight remained quiet, distracted as she tried to figure out what was going on. The subtle blush, sideways glances and easy smiles when they looked at each other. Mirela was doing a remarkable job of staying in character. Had Twilight badly underestimated Mirela's acting ability? She expected Devan to play his role well, but his performance was also exceptional. They were putting on a really good show, perhaps too good?
She continued to try and figure out how much was an act scrutinizing the pair even as they were admitted entry to the Eel's end. It wasn't until they were actually in the presence of the Spider King himself that her mind was drawn back to the matter at hand.
As she approaches the king Twilight casually stands just a little to the side of where the king indicated.
"You have wonderful establishments here. Your staff are well positioned to overhear much and I have no doubt that a man in your position knows that information is a lucrative business. We would like to help you realize the profits that might be available in the information my companion has requested"
Barvasi nods along with Devan and then turns to Twilight as she speaks adding in a bit, his eyebrows raised with interest at the two speakers. He regards the others more coolly. When you are done, he speaks, "This city can burn itself to the ground for all I care. I'll still be in business here, because I sell what people want. You see it, if you've been around. No one talks of politics or the royal family here. They are here to get away from all that. I don't make you an offer out of 'civic duty' or any other principal. I do it because it suits me, and that's all. Understand?"
Provided you nod along or agree in some manner. He continues, "Yes, I do have nice business here, but its because I work hard at it." A spider runs across his chest as he sits there, but he seems to take no notice. "I do hear many things. Some interesting and some which might become useful later. But... because you amuse me, I will tell you that I have the information you seek on that Chelish fool Amprei. I assume Kroft sent you with money? My price is 1500 gold sails. If you have it, I will descend to my quarters and bring you what you seek. Have you the coin?"
You recall that Kroft actually gave you just 1000gp to use as bribe money...
Atticus ponders for a moment and shrugs
"Excellent, that you are willing to negotiate. But that is too much. What do you think Devan, 1500 is a lot of coin!"
Devan smirked knowingly as Devargo launched into a mini-tirade about how his sense of civic duty was a bit stunted, the reaction predictable. Most of this criminal types liked to wax on about how much they didn't care, so it was best to cater to that innate need that they had. He nodded dutifully at the end of the spiel to appease the man.
The smile left the musician's face as Barvasi turned to the topic of information. Specifically, information on their target. So there was confirmation that he indeed did have compromising material. Well, assuming the man wasn't lying, of course. Devan had to work hard not to sharply inhale as the King of Spiders named his price, his mind whirling.
When Atticus spoke, the bard shrugged. The proprietor of Eel's End had seemed pretty intent on his price, but if the astute professor thought it was worth it to bargain, Devan would go along. "1,500 is a lot of coin, indeed! Kroft sent us with less than that, I will admit. Though still quite a sum for information. What have you to lose? Besides everything in the face of a Chelish invasion?"
Wizard 0: Mage hand, prestidigitation, open/close. 1: Mage armour, Magic weapon, (S) Colour spray. | Subtle misdirection 6/6. Bonded item 1/1.
Twilight studied the Spider King while he talked. "The trick with the spiders is a nice touch, I wonder how he does that"
As he made his offer, Twilight cocked an eyebrow.
The amount seemed excessive, but Twilight couldn't read how firm the man's offer was so she decided to take her cue from Devan. She did inwardly sigh a bit as the negotiations continued however "Atticus shouldn't have volunteered a name the King of Spiders didn't ask for, and... oh no. We didn't need to confirm the King's suspicions about the source of our funds nor give him clues about how much we might have either. If he really wanted to know we might have been able to use that as a little more leverage. But what's done is done."
Twilight leaned over to Devan and held her shawl so that it hid her mouth from the King as she whispered "Perhaps start with an offer of 700 or so gold to give us some room to bargain with?"
She then turned to address the King of Spiders.
"The sum you propose is a little high. While we are willing to pay well for the information, it is not so valuable that our offer is not without its limits. Perhaps a somewhat more modest amount?"
Barvasi's dark eyes light up at the presumption from Atticus, but the professor has read the King of Spiders correctly. He listens to Twilight and Devan propose lesser terms and nods. "Well, Devan," he puts special emphasis on the name underscoring the new bit of information. "It has been some time since someone had the cheek to counter my offer. It makes me....amused. If Kroft didn't fund you appropriately to avoid a war, then what did she give you? It seems someone with so much to lose might not be miserly." He stops, obviously considering, stroking one of the odd arachnids on his chair. "I may well take somewhat less, the letters in question have already earned me a fair amount of "income" from Amprei and he may soon find a way off my hook. I may ask for something else in return. Make me an offer, but trust me, my patience is not without its limits, so please don't waste my time."
He drums his fingers on the arm of his leather throne, and you can see there is a lever of some kind positioned there, that his hand nears.
Nargun waits, patiently, until the chit chat has ended and the situation starts to become intesting (which means for him "violent").
He sometimes licks his lips nervously, when one of the Spider King's thugs chugs an ale.
Devan worked hard to keep from wincing when Barvasi emphasized his name, thinking that a short talk with the Professor afterwards might be warranted. Still, the man seemed open to a counter offer. When Twilight whispered to him, he cut his dark eyes to her and offered a small nod to indicate he understood and agreed.
So they were letters, were they? The bard was curious as to what they might contain. Certainly something scandalous if the King of Spiders could extort the Ambassador. Steadying himself internally, knowing that they were playing with fire by bargaining with the man, he commenced.
"I'm glad to see you amused, good sir. Those in good spirits are always more welcome trade partners. We are prepared to offer you 700 gold sails for the letters you referenced. In addition, I am a musician of no small skill. We could make an arrangement for me to come perform regularly, if you were so interested." The bard cocked his head slightly to the side, waiting for the man to retort. Or order his minions to attack.
Mirela tenses but keeps her hands away from her weapons.
This is going badly. He now knows Devan's name... I wonder what 'e will do with that information.
The King of Spider chuckles, but the laughter does not make it to his hard eyes. "Is Kroft really so cheap? Perhaps the Queen really has spent all the royal treasury on baubles. I would've thought such information worth more than that. No thank you, I'll just keep Amprei's letters for a bit longer, I suppose." He sighs wearily, quickly tiring of the negotiation. "I'll also pass on the entertainment, Devan, I have more of that than I need. Though, perhaps your blond friend can return from time to time, eh?" He nods at the scantily clad Twilight. "I can only imagine where she might wear my mark. I think I know just the place." He muses about that silently, looking at the priestess rather insolently. Finally, he says, "I assume you can show yourselves out? If not, perhaps my men can assist you?" He threatens but makes no motion to call them, though they do stop eating and a few of the 5-6 push their chairs back and stand, ready if called.
The musician grimaced as their offer is flatly rejected, the man appearing insulted to the point of booting them out the door. Maybe it was a bluff, but Devan thought not...the man looked in a dangerous mood despite his laughter, and his goons surely thought he was serious. Not looking back at his companions, to do so would show nervousness, he countered, and quickly.
"In pursuit of this, we are willing to inject our own private funds into the pot, and offer one thousand gold sails. We'll go if you insist, of course, but that's quite a ransom for some letters." He takes a few steps away from the dangerous man, just to let him know that they will indeed leave quietly if it was insisted upon, but he remained hopeful that the man was at least partially posturing.
Wizard 0: Mage hand, prestidigitation, open/close. 1: Mage armour, Magic weapon, (S) Colour spray. | Subtle misdirection 6/6. Bonded item 1/1.
Was the King actually losing interest or was this just a bargaining tactic? Twilight didn't know, he was a difficult man to read. Just after Devan made his second offer Twilight leaned in again and whispered to Devan "If you haven't noticed yet, we are standing on a trap door. I'm confident that that lever by his throne activates it. Be on your guard if this goes poorly."
She turned back to the King of Spiders. There were actually a few things about this man that piqued her curiosity. "I'm not inclined to be branded as someone's property, however if we can conclude our negotiations amicably I'm not above mixing a little pleasure with business" she said with a smile.
Barvasi rises from his chair easily. "I think that price is sufficient. As I said, I have already milked the cream off the top of this scam. The rest is just extra." He shrugs and starts for the staircase leading down into the ship's hold. "I will be back with your letters. Might as well get my money ready."
He descends and after a few moments returns with a leather covered folder that contains a small sheaf of papers. "You see, I learned of a scandalous affair Ambassador Amprei was having with the wife of a Chelish noble back home. The wife and the ambassador have been corresponding since Amprei was first stationed here in Korvosa." He lays the folder out on the table, and tips his head looking for the payment. "Naturally, I paid the man a visit giving the man the gift of some shiver and asking to open a line of trade with Cheliax through him. Could be very profitable for both of us, but he refused and had me thrown out."
He smiles another cruel smile, his flinty eyes not leaving you while he tells the story. "I, however, nicked his house key and returned later that night and took the letters -- which I must say, are quite frank and not for mixed company -- and have been selling them back to him one at a time for a while now, one every few weeks. His discomfort is great, but he had the opportunity to make a different arrangement."
He shrugs again, pulling the bag of gold sails towards him, provided you put it up. "The fact that the fool has gone to Kroft and the Guard should tell you how dangerous these letters might be. Do with them what you will."
He returns to his seat with the bag of gold and mildly says, "Pleasure doing business with you. Now I suggest you leave my kingdom before you get bitten or worse." He points to the door, the meaning quite clear. To Twilight he says, "You know where the King sits. Return if you dare, but I am not one to be trifled with, but obeyed. Until then!"
Devan kept his eyes forward, on the King, as Twilight whispered the delightful news that they were standing on a trap door, resisting the urge to look down. Who knew what might trigger the man to activate it? The musician kept having to keep his emotions in check, this time fighting the urge to sigh in relief as Barvasi accepted the bargain at 1,000 gold sails and left to go fetch his blackmail.
The bard listened to the story about Amprei, willing his rapidly beating heart to slow down as Devargo gloated about his dealings with the ambassador. Devan turned his dark eyes to Nargun, then nodded, indicating that the dwarf should turn over the bag of coin. With detached amusement the musician noted that the King was a spiteful man, so best to not give him a reason to turn that petty nature on them.
After Nargun handed over the payment (assuming he does), Devan walked to the table, motioning everyone with him as he does so. He retrieved the letters from their perch, then turned toward the crime lord. He contemplated a departing word, but based on the man's statement, he knew none was needed, so he simply started to walk out the door with the group's objective in hand.
Nargun gives the gold, with a deep sigh.
But he stays quiet.
Atticus will hope it is played cool and straight.
Mirela follows a step or two behind Devan as he heads to the door. As she does, she is silent but is making no effort to disguise the fact that she is watching carefully to make sure there is no danger or double cross forthcoming from Barvasi or his crew.
Wizard 0: Mage hand, prestidigitation, open/close. 1: Mage armour, Magic weapon, (S) Colour spray. | Subtle misdirection 6/6. Bonded item 1/1.
Twilight gave gave the King a curtsey before she turned to leave. She was still curious about the spider thing he had going on. How did he do that? But now did not seem like the time to ask. She still couldn't figure out his disposition despite the successful negotiations so she didn't want to push her luck. He had, however invited her back. His dire warnings aside, she might just take him up on that offer. But for now, it was back to the inn.
A successful evening overall.
Almost not believing their luck in getting the objective without more of a fight, the group leaves the King of Spiders' audience chamber and clambers back onto the deck of Eel's End. Mirela looks back making sure there isn't a deception afoot, but she sees the King disinterestedly strumming his fingers on the chair, and the thugs back into their dinner. It seems safe, so far.
Not waiting around any longer on the pleasure pier, the group carries the letters back into the sketchy streets of Old Korvosa. Where a single person out at this time might be in some trouble, smart cutpurses and muggers avoid the big, well-armed group, and they make to the bridge back to Northpoint unmolested.
Devan finally breathed out a sigh of relief as they put Eel's End behind them, the musician taking care to keep an easy pace and not overwork himself. He was feeling better than a couple of days ago, but knew he was still not fully recovered from his near-fatal malady. As the group starts on their way, the bard slowed so as to walk amongst them. He held the letters up for all to see, then slowly read one as they walked. He was glad for his dark complexion, as it masked the faint blush that cropped up quite nicely.
So these were the real deal...he had worried Devargo had given them decoys and taken away their gold, waiting to laugh until they had left. Devan supposed there might be a certain honor among thieves, after all. After verifying the authenticity of the letter, he spoke to the others, "Let's go ahead and get these back to Kroft, I say. I'm worried Barvasi might be sending someone to trail us with the intent of stealing them from us much the same way he did with Amprei."
The musician had to admit to himself that he liked being useful to the City he loved. He didn't have to like the Queen to serve Korvosa. And the jury was still out on the young, red-headed ruler of the city-state, anyway. Speaking of red hair...he exchanged relieved, satisfied smiles with his companions, but saved Mirela for last. His lips curled a little more for her, and he winked before turning back to begin the trek to the Citadel and Kroft (assuming everyone's ok with delivering the letters).
Standing outside of the Eel´s End Atticus procured a pipe and lit it with strong andoran tobacco. After lighting it he smiled.
"Very good work Devan. I wonder what we will have to do next?"
Wizard 0: Mage hand, prestidigitation, open/close. 1: Mage armour, Magic weapon, (S) Colour spray. | Subtle misdirection 6/6. Bonded item 1/1.
"I don't think Barvasi cares about us or the letters any more. If he wanted to double cross us he would have pulled his lever the moment he had gold in hand." Twilight gestures to Atticus and his pipe "The Professor has the right idea, it's time to relax. Why don't we head back to the Laughing Wave for the evening and we can get Kroft her letters in the morning. I have to head there to get my stuff anyway and I owe Nargun one or more drinks for what I got him into back at the Twin Tigers." Twilight slid her arm around Devan "And you look like you need a little diversion as well. I didn't realize how tense you were until we left Eel's End. You did a great job with the King, let’s celebrate our success."
Mirela lets out a sigh of relief as they leave Eel's End.
She listens to the others speak then adds her own thoughts.
I 'ave to agree with Devan. I think we should get these to Kroft as soon as possible. Something about that whole place just feels off.
Maybe Barvasi will 'old on his word, but there are too many spiders I've seen that strike when their prey feels safe for me to relax until this thing is safely out of our 'ands.
She looks down and then says to no one in particular:
I worry that all we did 'ere is attract a very dangerous man's notice.
When she looks up and sees Twilight's arm around Devan her eyes narrow for a second then after a second her face relaxes and with a serious face she says:
Maybe if the rest of you want to relax, Devan and I could take the papers to Kroft and you three could 'ead to the Laughing Wave and get a 'ead start on relaxing. Devan and I could join you sometime later after dropping off the papers.
Devan smiled at the Professor's compliment, but sincerely hoped the answer to his open question was 'nothing'. At least for a little while. This had been exciting and enjoyable and the night had opened up all kinda of new possibilities for the young man, but he knew as well as any of them just how sour this thing could have gone. The City seemed to be less rowdy, and perhaps that meant a return to normal. Although the musician didn't exactly know what normal meant for him.
As Twilight offered a counter position and talked of the need to relax and enjoy their success, the musician stiffened as she slipped an arm across his shoulders. He opened his mouth to speak, but he heard Mirela's voice behind them volunteering herself and the bard to deliver the paperwork to Kroft while the others head to the Laughing Wave. He looked back, but her expression was neutral, so maybe she just wanted to get the job over with. He couldn't disagree.
He deftly slipped out from beneath the Calistrian's arm, smiling at her. "Yes, walking into a lair filled with thugs and spidery crimelords does tend to get me wound up. Mirela's right...you three go on ahead. Maybe the walk to the Citadel and back will get my nerves calmed down and get me in the mood for a few drinks to celebrate after I know this whole mess is complete." He looked to the other three, making sure there was no major dissent amongst them. If not, he turned with the redhead to head toward the Citadel and their employer while they headed to the Inn.
The heroes are able to let down their guard walking through the still unquiet streets of Old Korvosa and discussing what to do with the letters they just maneuvered to get for the Guard. Crossing the bridge into Northpoint, they have just seaparated, with a pair off to the Citadel and the others about to enter The Laughing Wave, when a rumble issues from below their feet.
A moment later the city street cracks apart and long fissures run across the paving bricks. The road bursts upward, casting chunks of rock into the air and raining bricks on the surrounding area. The stench of sewer filth and garbage belches forth, heralding the approach of a loud and hungry monster. What appears in the noxious fissure is a three-legged freak that is mostly mouth. Three tentacles, two tipped with barbs, the third with eyes, extend from its sides, waving around in a snake-like frenzy. "HUNGRY!" it bellows, the tentacles snatching up a nearby unfortunate commoner. "WHERE GOOD FOOD?"
Otyugh Uprising - Round 1
16 Mirela
16 Twilight
16 Otyugh
14 Devan
12 Atticus
4 Nargun
As they start to leave the rest of the group thoughts spin through Mirela's head.
Hmm, would he mind if I grab his arm as we walk? He did choose to get awa y from Twilight, so maybe...
Her internal debate is interrupted by by the sound of cracking stones.
Mirela whirls around at the sound of stones raining down on the pavement:
Bloody Beast below! What is that?
Seeing the thing grab a citizen, Mirela does not hesitate but yanks out her bow and draws a bead on the creature letting fly to try to distract the creature from it's meal.
Taking a look and after a whiff Atticus makes a face of disgust.
"This is an otyugh, an aberration, meaning it does not follow the usual 2 legs 2 arms, or 4 arms distinction of most beings."
If you say so. I guess it can be killed?
Nargun smiles dangerously, seizing his axe
Wizard 0: Mage hand, prestidigitation, open/close. 1: Mage armour, Magic weapon, (S) Colour spray. | Subtle misdirection 6/6. Bonded item 1/1.
Twilight was surprised when Devan tensed up at her touch. That certainly wasn’t the response she was expecting. Her mood soured, ”That’s ok, if we want to be good guard members we should report to the Citadel and call it a night. Let’s just stop by the inn so I can grab my things and change.”
As they moved on, Twilight was quiet until the rumbling under their feet started, ”Does anyone else feel that?” she asked, moments before the abomination made its way to the surface.
Twilight nearly gagged as the stench of sewer spilled onto the street ”By Callistria’s barbed words, what is that thing?
Able to maintain her presence of mind despite the horror that had entered the street, Twilight dashed over to Devan, pausing just long enough so as to not get in the way of Mirella's shot before stepping in front of her. Intoning the arcane words she reached out and brushed his cheek with her fingers, the blue glow surrounding her hand transferring to Devan. The faint blue glow wrapped him in a magical armour before fading away ”That will serve you better than your magic shirt.”
She then called to Atticus who seemed to know what the beast was ”How do we fight it Professor? Does it have any weaknesses?”
Otyugh Uprising - Round 1 - continued
Reacting quickly to the smelly creature bursting through the brick-paved street, Mirela unshoulders her bow and fires in a smooth and well-practiced motion. Her shot is true but the thick hide of the foul creature deflects the arrow which clatters to the ground harmlessly.
Seeing that a fight was at hand, Twilight moves over to Devan and covers the bard in an arcane warding spell that acts as armor to repel attacks.
Stuffing the unfortunate commoner into its massive mouth, the otyugh shambles over towards one of the pavilions in the square, which as selling warm bread. "FOOD!" cries the beast in a loud voice reaching its tentacles out towards the warm pastries.
Nargun moves casually toward the creature, his axe ready to strike, and bloodlust in his eyes.
Whether it's the creature's or his own blood which is about to be spilled doesn't seem relevant to the mad suicidal dwarf.
Hey, wanna get some real meal, instead of those appetizzers? Try me. It will put hair on your chest. Or more probably an axe in your ugly head.
Devan's brow furrowed as Twilight seemed to get offended. The musician sighed, "The night is young...I don't see why we can't both complete our task and celebrate. Although if you'd prefer to pout, then be my guest." One of the bard's eyebrows arched up, his tone friendly enough, if offering a little of the Calistrian's acid back at her.
As they started to continue on their way, his thoughts are again interrupted by Twilight. The musician turned confused eyes on her, beginning to shake his head before the street literally cracked apart and coughed up an abomination. Devan's lip curled up in disgust as the misshapen creature pulled into onto the street, his disgust quickly turning to apprehension as the beast grabbed an unwitting citizen.
Frozen at the sight for a moment, his reverie was interrupted as the redhead beside him displayed no such hesitation, pulling out her bow and sending off a shot that bounced off the creature. Right, this seemed like hero time, he had to agree. Devan looked over at the Professor, nodding absently at the man's words. Seeing the Calistrian run towards him, he didn't quite know what to expect until he saw the glow of the shielding spell surround him as it had during their foray into All The World's Meat. He smiled gratefully at her, then followed the dwarf towards the creature, pulling out his instrument as he did so.
His fingers flowed over the strings of the lute, a fast-paced, repetitive melody filling the street, a song to get his companions' blood stirred and ready to face this rather difficult-looking foe.
Otyugh Uprising - Round 1 - concluded
Feeling the arcane armor envelop him with a crackling sound, Devan moves forward to engage the great smelly beast. On the way, he draws out his ever-present lute, and strums a song to inspire his companions to greater feats of martial prowess.
Beside him, Nargun stirs into action, unslinging his axe and moving to the fore to face the aberration.
Seeing the brute force of the creature they must engage with, Atticus grabs and downs his protective extract, creating a magical shield in front of himself as he moves closer to the foe.
End of Round 1
Otyugh Uprising - Round 2
16 Mirela
16 Twilight
16 Otyugh
14 Devan (mage armor)
12 Atticus (shield, 20 rds)
4 Nargun
Wizard 0: Mage hand, prestidigitation, open/close. 1: Mage armour, Magic weapon, (S) Colour spray. | Subtle misdirection 6/6. Bonded item 1/1.
Twilight kisses her fingers then lays her hand on Mirela's as Mirela goes to draw another arrow:
"A little luck from Callistria to help your next arrow find its vitals, wherever they might be."
Twilight then moves forward, staggering back a step or two away from the monstrosity as the smell threatens to overwhelm her.
A nasty beast we will need all the protection we can get...
Mirela moves forward closer to her allies thinking to put protection on on Devan, but her armor slows her down and she can't keep up with him.
I really need to find something lighter and less "military" if I'm going to be in town all day...
But the though is cut short as Twilight lays a hand on her and the crazy desire to take a chance rushes through her.
Well in that case.
Feeling a rush of adrenelin as Devan starts playing a lively tune Mirela draws an arrow and fires it at the beast.
Just as she fires, she senses a slight gust of wind and at the last second aims slightly right of dead mass before loosing the arrow.
Otyugh Uprising - Round 2 - continued
Twilight brushes against Mirela passing her a divine touch of luck. The huntress fires another arrow at the smelly otyugh, and with the luck aiding her, she is able to wound the creature this time, the arrow driving deep through its thick hide. Both ladies then move up to get closer.
THAT HURTS!" cries the big beast turning its attention from the food to the attackers. The great aberration moves slowly toward the group, flicking out at Nargun with one of its long tentacles. The snake-like appendage cuts the dwarf's skin for a slight abrasion, but more problematic is that it wraps around Nargun, holding him fast. GOT YOU!" the beast roars in its deep-throated rumble.
Devan smiled grimly as he saw an arrow whiz by his head and sink deeply into the filthy beast, surely enough to get the otyugh's attention focused on the group. As predicted, the creature screamed its rage and then charged toward the closest of the group, Nargun, latching onto the dwarf with one of its weird arms. It really was a rather terrible-looking beast, its asymmetry disconcerting. Still, his companion was possibly in trouble. Casting aside good sense, the musician strummed a few more notes on his instrument to continue the blood-pounding effect it would have on himself and his friends, then he dashed forward as he pulled his slender blade, attempting to dance about the flailing appendages of their foe and get close enough to strike.
Finding himself up close and personal with the beast (yay), the musician jabbed forward with his weapon, hoping he can muster the strength to pierce the creature's hide.
After he poked at the otyugh, the young man set his feet shoulder's width apart, his blade held forward at the ready, hoping that he can fend off the creature's attacks long enough for the others to start pounding it into submission.
The creature's strategy proves to be a mistake.
A "big as an raging barbarian dwarf" mistake, as Nargun lose himself in the violence, calling his nemesis name, and hacking at the tentacles and body
Lamm...Lamm..Lamm...LAMM...
The axe bites deeply and sends blood flying
Atticus charges the beast, swinging his new morningstar.