Azzara's arrows rain down on the Baneites, several went wide but one snuck under one priest's gorget, lodging deeply in his neck. The orcs eyes went wild as he saw the fletchings but he was far too stubborn to die to that. Or so he thought, because he'd taking his eye off Helm's Knight and paid for it with his life. Ser Armithia's sword flicked out and with one cross slash he was opened from navel to clavicle and on the reverse he was slashed in the other direction, spilling his guts on the floor!
<--- FAIL
<--- PASS
Kardas was distracted by the din of battle but some second sense made Ishta suddenly look down the stairs to the west where she noticed a pair of vicious looking gnolls skulking up the stairs towards them!
The mass of archers turned on Ser Armithia and the air around him became thick with arrow. Many struck his armor, all but one bounded off harmlessly but one found it's way into his armpit where it punctured through the skin beneath his arm. Painful but could have been much worse.
<--- HIT since nat 20
<--- NO
The two baneites still standing danced round Ser Armithia, their maces glancing off his armor. Despite their training neither of them could get past his guard.
<--- MISS
<--- MISS
To the south the human forces cut down the last of the defenders under the gatehouse and advanced several steps. To the north another band of archers joined the fray!
Azarra keeps singing, and shoots down at blue.
(inspire courage, rapid shot)
(inspire courage)
Calling upon the rage of a people oppressed and in decline for centuries, Kardas weaves his Raumviran anger into arcane lightning and projects it on the hapless gnoll opposing them. He breaches the distance with deft footwork, frost and lightning clashing with every step as Auryl's cold resentment desperately attempts to stave off the Raumviran's crackling rage.
When he strikes, lightning eclipses frost, giving voice to Kardas' pent-up rage. Having to witness these savages' brutality can only be done for so long before a man simply snaps. "May Auryl gnaw on your worthless souls!"
Ser Armithia grins at all the attention. He begins a Dazzling Display!
Ishta is about to climb down the stairs when she notices the gnolls. She quickly backs down, but sadly Kardas can't see her.
Pronouncing a familiar arcane phrase, she conjures some magical darts that fly towards one of the gnolls, hopefully alerting the arcane warrior. Then she moves, in an attempt to confuse the gnolls about her real position.
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Azarra lofts a trio of arrows towards one of the Banites in under six seconds. An impressive feat even if only one was on target and that one punched thorough the meat of the orc's right shoulder and shot out the other side!
Wreated in minature lightnings, Kardas' blade slices deeply through the stinking Gnoll's flank, cauterising the wound with a plume of ghastly bluish grey smoke. Wounded terribly, the Gnoll arched it's back and screamed.
Contemptuous of their pitiful efforts, Ser Armithia starts an impressive sword cata. The sheer outrageousness of this in the middle of a battle makes several take a step back!
Ishta snaps out a spell sending a volley of tiny silvery missiles past Kardas where they suddenly veered towards the head of the unfortunate Gnoll which explodes like an overripe melon.
The remaining Gnoll grimly steps over it's fallen comrade and swings it's sword towards Kardas in a two handed grip. The Rashmiri parrys this easily but the Knoll reverses it's strike and slices down onto his shoulder. This should have cut through bone and sinew but it was deflected by his magical shielding.
<--- MISS
<--- MISS
The archers continued to desultorily pepper Ser Armithia and he was struck by at least four arrows, but they bounced off harmlessly.
Grimly determined the baneites tried to attack Ser Armithia at the same time from the front and the back, leaving him no room to defend against both. Yet Helm's paladin seemed indomitable, contriving to parry one and deflect the other's cut with his vambraces.
<--- MISS
<--- MISS
What initially looked like a pair of golems advanced upon the distracted baneites and set about them with greatswords, each scoring a telling blow!
<--- MISS
<--- HIT
<--- HIT
<--- MISS
The Knight smiles at the two remaining cultists, flanking him. He gives a salute to the Green one with an arrow sticking out of his chest!
He attacks--Hastily-- a second time!
And a third time!
Azarra keeps singing, and shoots again.
(inspire courage, rapid shot)
(inspire courage)
Seeing the field is mostly won in this particular place, Ishta discreetely makes her way down the stairs, leaving Kardas to finish the remaining Gnoll.
Now her task lies in finding any slave, magic item or any other valuable, and mentally note where to find it or evcen recover it if able.
Having full confidence in the edge of his blade, Kardas leans into his sword and turns into a veritable razor as he assaults the gnoll with blade and arcane might.
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Ser Armithia's sword licks out and he lops off both of the Banrite's arms before taking his head clean off with a single blow!
Azarra smoothly switches target and this time several of her arrows land, sorely wounding the remaining Baneite.
Cloaked by her magics, Ishta moves in search of other things.
Enhanced by his power, Kardas's swords brutally slice into the Gnoll, virtually cutting it to ribbons! The fact it was still standing was little short of a dark miracle. Feeling it impending death it savagely lunged at Kardas but the Rashmiri had trouble dodging its attacks.
<--- MISS
<--- MISS
Kardas feinted low before stepping past the Gnoll's blade and slitting its throat from ear to ear.
The two heavily armoured knights nodded to Ser Armithia and brutally finished the last Banite.
<--- MISS
<--- HIT
<--- HIT
Behind them the full might of the Red Ravens mercenary corps swarmed into the citadel many of them cheering and waving at the Watchers of Dawn. What remained for the mercenaries was the sordid task of rooting out every last monster and putting them to the sword. This grim task took long into the evening of the next day and when it was done the streets flowed red, green and even orange with blood.
for you anyway.
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Ishta is certainly trying to find that nice longbow for Azarra.
And maybe some other nice things for the rest of the Watchers... ;)
Would be nice also to know what's been of Lofferen.
We search make certain Loffren and his ilk are gone.
Ser Armithia will begin searching about the place.
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There's a bunch of low level stuff on the dead bodies. Ishta's acid ball of doom didn't leave much behind (most gear was non-magical). One curious fact is of the movers and shakers from the auction, none of their bodies have turned up with the exception of the minotaur. That was cornered in a building and it killed half a dozen knights before it was put down.
Reports later filtered in of a group of twenty orcs that used dimensional magic to bypass the northern wall. They where headed leaving the city and heading north towards the Dragonspine Mountains...
Well, Azarra waits while Ishta casts locate object to find the bow and other things that we saw auctioned, but if there are no treasures from the auction to be found, Azarra accompanies the invading army when they go into the flophouse to make sure that her parents aren't mistakenly killed (by either side).
She also tells the invaders about the Banker's party, in case it is still going on, and if the auction tent is still there, she warns them not to kill the slaves.
"Hrm, too many good people gave their lives today. We should honor their sacrifice and finish what has been started. Ishta, please, tell us what your spell has told you?"
Azarra waits to hear what Ishta has learned.
Ser Armithia continues to search for anything missed. He then readies to escort the former slaves back to New Phlan.
Well, should we go find out what happened to the bankers or to Lofferen now, or do you guys just want to go back home?
Ser Armithia gathers around the group.
We can attempt to pursue Loffren; or head back to give our reports. I would say the latter.
Azarra now in her true form with the aid of the mercenaries and the rest of The Watchers of Dawn storms Hallah's Flophouse. The resistance was desperate and every orc, gnoll and other assorted monsters fought to the last breath. A good number of humans lost their lives as well but in the end the tenement building was secured and Azarra's visibly frightened parents where rescued. Her normally reserved father was overcome by emotion having long since give up hope. Her mother smiled claiming that deep down she knew they'd be reunited again one day.
A few hours later the Watchers of Dawe, dirty, bone tired and strangely elated yet numb found themselves in a private meeting in the Council building.
The head of the council Eberhard greeted them warmly, although he looked older and decidedly unsteady. "Friends you have done Phlan a great service, we have now secured everything bar the castle and surely its capture is now but a matter of time. I'm particularly pleased that you managed to recover that orb even if it did mean spending thousands on it. Considering the damage a flight of dragons might cause we should count ourselves lucky. Naturally it needs to be destroyed if possible or placed beyond harm if not."
A coughing fit struck the old man and it took him a while to master himself before he continued, "We spent most of our treasury on the orb but fear not your efforts will not go unrewarded. Should you wish to claim it we have resolved to grant land and title elevating you and your descendants as nobility. This is in addition to your pick of villa from the newly reclaimed north bank. Also we understand there were items of power at the auction that have left the city headed west in the clutches of a group of orcs, we believe we know where they are headed..."
A sly smile crept onto Cardona's features before he took on a serious demeanour. With unaccustomed respect he addressed you, "Honoured heroes, we believe they orcs are headed on foot to a Zentilar outpost which is due west of here. It will take the orcs three maybe for days to get there on foot, on horseback this trip would take half that time and perhaps even less for resourceful folk like yourselves. We have reason to believe they bear other treasures stolen from Phlan, intercept them and they are yours for the keeping."
He paused to take a sip of water before adding, "The council has agreed to try and seek a trade agreement with the outpost. It will take time to rebuild our defences and we can ill afford to pick a fight with the Black Network, especially considering the state of The Treasury. We request that you deliver a letter to the commandant on our behalf. Naturally you will be compensated, a thousand gold each but payment will have to be deferred until after the autumn tax roll..."
He shows you a fancy looking letter sealed with an impressive wax seal.
Von Urslingen gave Cardona a sour look and with a deep sigh, sounding resigned he told you, "Unfortunately he's right, we really can't afford a conflict. At least not until the new year..."
Cardona responded, "Councillor, we've been over this. Long term peace is the only winning strategy. It's not like we're inviting them to live here, just to trade like we do with the Dales folk and Cormyrians and the Sembians and the other cities of The Moonsea. Can't say I'm a fan of Melvaunt but they trade with us in good faith..."
Sounding disgusted Braccio barked, "Good faith is pushing it! Ok they'll follow the letter of the law but it doesn't stop Melvaunt or The Zhents from being snakes!"
Looking and sounding tired, Eberhard reminded Braccio, "At times we have to choose the lesser of two evils. By ridding ourselves of the occupation we now become an attractive proposition for annexation by any one of a dozen powers. We need to raise a self defence force but as we know that takes time and money... Let's not rehash the vote, we made a decision. It's time we followed through.". The old man started coughing and waved away assistance from Braccio.
Extending the letter, Cardona asked, "So do you accept?"
(pass)
Councillor Eberhard, are you okay? Perhaps you should visit the temple to see a healer.
(fail)
(pass)
And you won't actually have to pay us this deferred payment since you don't believe we will survive. Nice.
Cardona shrugged before replying smoothly, "I'm sure you'd agree it's a dangerous world Azarra and by all accounts those Orcs are quite formidable. Still never fear we fully intend to pay although if the worst was to happen the payment would fall to any benefactors you where to leave in your will."
Smiling sadly Eberhard nodded to Azarra, "I've had a long life Azarra. I'm afraid time is catching up with me as does it all..."
(fail)
(pass)
As usual the Knight seems to be only paying attention to the doors, windows, and hands of all those around.
So, these Orcs escaping is the priority? Then let us mount up straightaway!
Kardas groans at the idea of having to face the orcs, fearing that they might very well be part of the Black Network. The orcs would certainly push them to the limit with taunts and jeers, if not outright attack them with the backing of the Outpost. It would be an uphill battle for them. No, he has a bad feeling about this. "We ought to take our time and think this through. They're highly dangerous orcs, killers every one of them, and to make matters worse, they are armed to the teeth with weapons and gear bearing enchantments that make the goods of the Red Wizards look like children's toys. Not only that, but they might very well be returning home whereas we'll be strolling into the dragon's den. I say we once more ..." and Kardas looks like he's about to throw up and, in a sense, does so when he utters the next words. "We once more rely on guile and subterfuge. We don't need to fight or kill them to take the items away from them."
After Karcas had finished speaking, councillor Cardona smiled "You have proven to be resourceful, I'm sure mere orcs won't stop you..."
While this discussion was ongoing a member of the watch entered the room and caught Councillor Eberhard's attention. The councillor beckoned the man over and they had a whispered conversation which ended with Eberhard saying, "Tell them."
The captain of the watch addressed the assembled company, "Ladies, gentleman. Something very strange has happened, a group of half elves and dwarves have appeared at the temple of Tymora. Apparently they were under the impression that the recovering Moonelf Talia Dumourne owned them. This was a great suprise to Miss Dumourne and now there's the question of what to do with them. The group seems quite confused, they also claim to have no idea how they got there. We certainly have no records of them entering Phlan..."
The watch captain added, "Oh one other thing we've had complaints about a group of men climbing the roofs near the temple and making a nuisance of themselves. We couldn't find anything when we checked but there's definitely a few broken slates so maybe this needs further investigation."
Oh, good, they were delivered. I bought a few slaves at the auction so they wouldn't be tortured... my parents among them, and had them delivered to Talia. I'll go take care of that... As for the people on the roofs, I am guessing those are the same people that tried to kill Talia, because they were hanging out on the roofs as well. Perhaps someone should start shooting them rather than just complaining. Excuse me.
Azarra leaves to go to the temple and explain things to Talia. She also brings the ownership paperwork for the slaves so that they can prove they are all free and give them a chance at a new life... she hopes Talia can help get them new papers if they choose to leave Phlan, and if they choose to stay... well, didn't the Council just tell them that they had their choice of houses? They could set up an armory for the dwarves and the others could live and work there on other things if they like... but as free people rather than slaves.
She takes her parents with her, so that the slaves will see someone they know, but after she is outside she turns around and comes back.
Uh, Ser... I'm worried that Lofferen set up a trap for me with the slaves somehow. Can you come along and maybe search them all or something before any trap can be sprung?