With a whistle Warren gets the eagles to withdraw. They easily fly back to him behind the hill.
Warren fires another bolt which goes wide.
His dog attacks again
[/dice]
The summoned dog leaps upon the retreating bandit. The mans attempted scream is quickly cut short as the dog manages to sink its teeth deep into its victims throat which erupts in a spray of blood.
Hearing the warning about the large robed creature, Imon waits until it comes into full view and then lets fly a pair of arrows. The second arrow strikes the creatures midsection causing a startled, irritated squeak. But it is the first arrow that strikes true, disappearing into the open hood of the figure. A piercing squeal bursts forth as a pair of long tentacles burst from underneath the robe. The hood drops back revealing a fleshy, bulbous cranium covered by a purplish, green skin. Two black pools that would be eyes sit just above an oval mouth surrounded by dozens of tiny tentacles. Imon's arrow sits deeply embedded in the creature's head near the right eye.
Andrei tries to follow up on Imon's attack, but the crossbow malfunctions throwing off the aim and causing Andrei to nearly drop the weapon. Although he manages to catch it at the last moment, it'll be tough to reload and aim properly for a quick next shot.
Warren's aim is also off as he fires a bolt that flies high over the enemy.
Anwel continues to concentrate on the illusion as the bandits have given no indication that they are aware of its existence. Finally Gorax follows the advice of the others and doesn't charge. Instead he waits to see if the enemy mounts another charge.
The bandits appear to be in a bit of disarray with nearly half of their number down in a matter of seconds. Several scramble for cover among the rocks, including the illusionary rocks created by Anwel and begin to scan the surrounding area for Andrei's 'allies.'
For the moment the leader of the group is forced to devote his energy and focus on attempting to bring his creature back under control before it goes completely wild and lashes out at his own men.
Warren watches his dog attack and then disappear.
He casts again, preparing the way for another dog to appear to hold the narrow gap.
"Be careful about shooting through the barrier, it may strain its credibility!"
Anwel continues to concentrate on the illusion as the bandits have given no indication that they are aware of its existence.
Stellan looks about too see what is in range of his abilities. If he can target the man trying to control the creature he will use his evil eye to interfere with him.
Evil eye- Will save to make it one rd otherwise lasts six rounds. -2 to skill checks.
If that is not available, he target nearest bandit and reduce his armor with the evil eye (-2) instead. If no target, he holds to heal people on counterattack.
When he saw the demon wrangler trying to retake control, Imon paused, wondering if he should direct his arrows at the beast or the man with the leash. If the demon was allowed to run free, it would likely do most of their work for it in killing the bandits. On the other hand, Imon's allies seemed to be making short work of them anyway, and he didn't know how much it would take to kill the beast. He also considered moving, so as not to shoot through the barrier, but he wasn't sure there would be so good a vantage point anywhere else, and the bandits seemed in disarray anyway.
In the end, he took two more shots at the beast.
The bandits scramble away from the beast and the hidden attackers. Seeking the protection of the rocks several disappear into the formations on the south side of the trail. Two others attempt to use Anwel's illusion as cover while they try to slip around the north side of the trail.
The robed man reaches a hand to his badly wounded charge. As his fingers touch the creatures rubbery skin, an indigo energy leaps from man to beast and the demon's struggles calm significantly as some of the damage caused by Imon's devastating attack quickly heals.
As Warren's second dog appears in front of the demon, the creature lashes out, but it's continuing confused state causes it to miss wildly. The creature also seems stymied by Anwel's illusion because it stops moving forward where the trail appears to shrink in width. The reprieve seems somewhat short lived though as its handler notices how some of the beast's tentacles flick 'through' the rocks.
"Bah! It is just a simple trick you simple-minded fools! There are no rocks there." He announces with a sneering voice.
Imon's attempt to repeat his previous success fails when both of his arrows fly high and end up overshooting the demon by several inches.
Andrei follows Imon's lead and turns his aim to the creature as it steps into view. Unfortunately the arrow hits, but bounces off of the creatures thick skin and clatters harmlessly into the rocks.
Stellan looks to hex the leader, but the man in the robes is hidden behind both the demon and the rocks. Instead he is forced to wait as none of the bandits offer a suitable target either since they are either hidden in the rocks or too distant.
With the illusion discovered, Gorax raises his shield and sword prepared to answer the demons inevitable charge.
Stellan notes the healing power of the robed man, but suspects he will stay out of easy range. He'll wait for a good target, with the demon as his most important target. If it comes within range he'll hex it to reduce it ability to defend. If it holds back he do the same to a bandit of opportunity.
The dog forms with a celestial light and charges the demon to smite it using the 'wall' as cover.
Warren begins to summon another celestial dog to help.
Hearing that his figment is discovered, Anwel stops muttering his incantation and steps around the real rock formation, in between Imon and Gorax. Quickly assessing the situation, he points at the towering cephalopoid and invokes his desire that Gorax be able to overpower it. A black ray, lustrous as the obsidian around them, springs from his finger and speeds towards the creature's head.
Standard to cast ray of enfeeblement at B11.
Strength penalty. DC 16 Fortitude save for half.
With the illusion gone Andrei moves into gap next to Gorax and readies his sword for the first enemy who reaches him. "Warren you can take the front when you are finished."
Finally discovering that the rocks they were hiding behind were simply illusions, the two bandits on the north side of the trail dash forward. The first attempts to engage Gorax, but his swing goes wild. The other bandit, raises his bow and attempts a feeble shot at Warren that flies harmlessly over the druid's head.
Gorax steps up to engage the second bandit. His attack cleaves the bandit's arm from his body. Arm and bow fly into the rocks, while the poor bandit screams and falls over to finish bleeding out.
Andrei follows the barbarian's lead by stepping into the gap and attacking the first man. There is a flash of arcane energy as he pierces the man in the chest and essentially short circuits his heart. Like his companion, he falls to the ground where he body spasms for a few seconds before realizing it is dead.
Anwel's black ray envelopes the demon's head and it suddenly seems weaker. In fact, as it tries to attack the dog, the creatures weakened state causes it to loose its balance and fall to the ground. It spends the next several seconds struggling to regain its footing.
The summoned dog tries to take advantage of the demon's exposed position, but is unable to punch through the demons thick, rubbery skin.
Imon on the other hand slams two more arrows into the prone creature causing it tentacles to spasm and lash around in pain and anger.
Stellan continues to wait for a viable target since the two bandits who briefly came into view were quickly dispatched by Gorax and Andrei. Those climbing in the rocks are staying well hidden for the moment.
The robed man utters a string of curses as the demon falls to the ground. Looking up in rage he points a finger at Gorax sending his own brand of black energy toward the barbarian. The energy coalesces around Gorax taking the shape of a ebony chain that winds around the barbarian preventing any kind of action or movement.
Confident that the warriors and the animals can handle the demon, Anwel steps forward to engage the Lissalan. His robe catches on one of the fallen bandits' swords, but he rips it free just in time to see the enemy leader's magic twine around Gorax. Unable to help the big man directly, Anwel turns back to face his target, determined to not let him repeat the feat. "That is not a power you alone possess," he says matter-of-factly, slowly raising his hand as if to conduct an invisible orchestra to crescendo. Half-formed, shadowy hands reach up from the ground around the Lissalan to clutch at his wrists and ankles.
Use binding darkness on B12.
Assuming I hit B12's touch, for the next round he will be entangled, we will gain concealment from him, and he will gain concealment from us. That is, until round 5:
B12 moves at half speed;
B12 cannot run or charge;
B12 takes a -2 penalty on attack rolls;
B12 takes a -4 penalty to Dexterity;
B12 must make a DC 15+spell level concentration check to cast a spell (this is the important bit);
B12 gains a 20% miss chance on all attack rolls;
We gain a 20% miss chance on all attack rolls against B12.
Stellan moves forward enough to get in range of the Lissalan priest, trying to stay behind the warriors if he can do so. He hexes him with the chilling doubts of deepest winter, weakening him to any further magics. -2 to all saving throws, for one round or if target fails a will check of DC 14, lasts six rounds.
Stellan says, "Your winter comes now, novice." He hopes to divide the priest attention, hoping the causes him to make mistakes.
"Move up and if you can deal with the robed man." Andrei says.
Andrei moves to AJ10 and swings his sword at B5.
Warren summons his second dog in front of the huge creature (AK8) and the two celestial dogs both try to continue smiting the bad beast.
Warren rushed the standing bandit
swinging his scimitar.
The scimitar bites deep.
Gorax finds himself paralyzed as the evil clerics dark magic chains him in place.
However, the bandit leader's success is short lived as Stellan and Anwel coordinate their attacks. First Stellan calls upon his powers of winter to seep deep into the cleric's bones, causing him to react slower and be more susceptible to other attacks. Anwel quickly follows up using his own power over the dark to bind the man's limbs and shroud him in a blanket of darkness.
In a fury of steel and blood, Warren and Andrei separate the nearest bandits head from his body and soul from this realm.
At the same time one of Warren's summoned creatures, gets a solid grip on the downed demon. With a growl and mighty tug, one of the demons tentacled limbs rips away and hangs twitching from the dog's mouth.
With the demon writhing in pain and struggling on the ground, Imon follows up with two more arrows that end the creature's torment on this plane of existence. It's high pitched cried of anger and pain are silenced as the body becomes still and then slowly dissolves into a large puddle of putrid goo.
With their leader seemingly immobilized and most of their band dead, the remaining bandits in the rocks throw down their weapons and surrender themselves to the mercy of the party.
The bandit leader grabs a vial from his belt and says something as plucks out the stopper and quickly downs the containers contents. Mere seconds later he clutches his heart and drops to the ground as it spasms wildly.
Stellan is surprised by the sudden collapse of the enemies defense. Are we really that good or did we just get lucky? He muses to himself. The bandit leaders quick move draws Stellan's attention.
Stellan says to the others, "From what that bandit just said I think he sacrificed himself to his dark goddess to do ... something, something really bad."
Stellan tries to figure it out.
If an ongoing spell or spell-like effect appears.
"Nice shooting Imon. It looks like the field is ours! Round up the prisoners, search the fallen, and we can head for Oleg 's"
"What did he say? I missed it and the exact words or as close it should be recorded." Andrei asks Stellan as he starts to pickup the bandit's droped weapons and throwing them in pile awy from the prisoners.
Stellan concentrates and replies to Andrei, "I think he said, 'Goddess, I gift my soul and body to you to strike down those who would seek to keep your glorious being from reclaiming your rightful place', or something very close to that." Stellan frowns, "It doesn't sound good, he may have just killed himself but I suspect he had worse in mind."
Andrei pauses in restraining the prisoners to get his dairy out and not the words down. "Thank you, yeah mind be nothing but... Anwel or Warren any idea about what Goddess and any effects of the sacrifice?"
"Who else but Lissala?" says Anwel, kneeling down next to the priest and looking for a holy symbol. "I would not worry over his intent. No one is hurt yet, and there is nothing I know of that we can do to stave off any lingering curse. It is best just to remember, and not to worry."
"I thought the Lissala was killed at the downfall of the Thassilon Empire."
Imon had another arrow drawn, and was ready to loose it when Warren ordered the taking of prisoners. "Round them up?" He said, clearly irritated. "Why? How do you suppose we get this lot back to the fortress while still able to defend ourselves? And how will we protect the civilians from these ruffians when we get back?" The bow was no longer drawn, but it was clear that he could take the shot at the survivors at any moment.
"It is possible to worship dead gods," says Anwel to Andrei, seemingly ignoring Imon. His smile, however, tells another story. He looks forward to hearing Warren defend his decision. "There are still priests of Aroden, here and there. It is also possible that reports of Lissala's death were exaggerated, or that she was resurrected at some point between Earthfall and now."
The prisoners, hands high in the air, slip and slide down out the rocks. Their pleas for mercy filling the air as they carefully watch Imon and his bow.
"Surely these prisoners deserve a trial and to repent for the their crimes as much as the other bandits that have now joint us and more than the bugbear in my opinion. Perhaps there trials can done now or atleast soon. So that those that are repentant can be freed of bonds to serve their repentance and those that aren't can be exicuted. Either way we won't be so burdened by prisoners." Andrei suggests loudly, much more for the benefit of the prisoners than out of argument with Imon.
Warren is once again convinced that telling humans what you expect of them under coercion will almost guarantee that response.
"We can try them now as Thad demonstrated. If you like, we can take them back to him for justice."
Warren eyes them curiously and, having learned from Thad, exercises some patience. "Explain how you come to be in this situation. Captured by the forces of good will serving evil masters."
Anwel takes a deep breath, the still-chilly spring air whistling a little in his nose. "There is no need to call on Thad," he says amiably, surreptitiously casting the whispering spell.
"We have enough wit and wisdom to hear what these men have to say, and there is no hurry." Despite the obliqueness of his chosen words, Anwel's tone of voice makes it clear that he means to pay Warren and Andrei a compliment. he says, projecting as loudly as his breathy voice allows and beckoning with an exaggerated gesture. Anwel expects a tale of press-ganging, perverted magic, and punitive discipline that the bandits could not escape, but it would not do to tell them that.
Stellan is perturbed at his deductions. He starts a bit at Anwell's admonishment, then wryly nods a bit. He careful and quietly cast message in response.
"Understood Anwel, we'll need to take them back, hopefully that will work out in spite of the obvious difficulties. I'm not sure what happen with that leader, it wasn't a spell, at least that I could tell, but it seemed ritualistic and ... it seemed like I sensed some sort of response. I just don't know."
Anwel's lip ticks downward a touch at Stellan's news. He crosses his arms in front of him.
He glances quickly up the cliff, past the descending bandits.
Warren nods at Imon.
"Your concerns are worth considering. We will hear what they have to say. Thad was able to resolve this--we will do our best too."
Warren adds: "Let's separate them first. Then we can hear what they want to say."
"There are three of them and six of us," muses Anwel. "Perhaps we could break into groups of two and each group could take one of them aside?"
"We just need to separate them and question them in turn by as many that can observe them. Thad found the bad ones without a problem. The ones not being questioned can wait their turn far enough away. I would not want to feel they have to come up with a group answer, but individual ones."
"I agree that we ought to listen to one at a time," says Anwel. "I was merely trying to arrive at the best way to do that. If two of them were left alone at the same time, while all six of us listened to the third, the two might have tried to concoct a story or run. Separating out into three panels and listening to them all at once would have prevented that."
He gives a little shrug to show that he had only been thinking out loud, and was far from committed to the idea. In fact, he abandons it entirely, and focuses on refining Warren's plan. "But there are other ways. While five of us listen to each story in turn, one of us can watch the remaining two bandits. It might as well be me," he says, closing his eyes ruefully for a moment, "for the reasons we spoke of at Kressle's old camp."
"It doesn't really matter who it is as we can just use the. message spell and have what is being said relayed to the guards. For that reason I think we should have two guards and kep the prisoners seperate."
You manage to separate out the prisoners and speak to them each alone. Each gives a similar tale to those you've heard from others in the region. Each man found himself in desperate straights and succumbed to the lure of food and treasure offered by the bandit lord. Once in, they found it impossible to escape.
Two of the men seem almost simple minded and follow your instructions easily enough. The third, a man named Dorganil reveals himself to be a half-elf. Emaciated, filthy, and covered with numerous odd, circular scars, he was clearly low in the pecking order of the bandits and is extremely nervous and reserved during questioning.
They are each quite eager and willing to swear to the penance and follow your leadership for the next year and a day.
Another pouch reveals a set of silver manacles engraved with an pair interlacing whips that circle each bracelet.
Warren listens to their stories, builds a quick fire, and addresses them:
"Your past is no more. Pick a different name and write your old name and what you have done that you regret on a piece of parchment. If you can't write, I'll help you. Then throw the paper in this fire. You cannot undo what you have done, but you can let it go. You can now add to the legacy of what is now your new name and new life."
He wished Thad were here, but then he thinks he knows what Thad would have done anyway.
When they pack up he addresses the former bandits: "We need to find our big friend. Don't be scared when we meet what you may think is a monster. Everyone deserves a chance at redemption, but not everyone gets it. You are the lucky ones. Now let's get you some decent food before we start on the trail."
"Take what you need from your unfortunate companions, it's a long walk until will be able to get supplies. Then come give me a hand making a barrow for the fallen." He says and starting laying the dead out in a neat row and then getting rocks to cover them.
For several minutes the quarry path is silent except for the hearings done around one of the fires. Anwel deflects any of the bandits' attempts to talk while he's standing guard, the better to listen. Their stories are familiar, though not so lurid as Kressle's. "Congratulations," he says as the last one returns from judgment, panning his eyes over them all and clapping his hands once. He steps back from Warren's ceremony, and files into line with the others to strip and bury the fallen.
He makes his way to the leader and beckons Stellan to come over. Anwel had noticed a few things about him before the trials began, and wanted to point them out before the burial disturbed them. "That power you sensed," he says, "I think it consumed his holy symbol. See this burn?" He outlines the form with his index finger. "It looks like hers. Snake tail, woman's chest. It would also be prudent to examine the mace and shackles for magic." Anwel is somewhat disappointed that the gold they found is nowhere near enough to repay Oleg for the sextant, but if the manacles or mace are magic, and if nobody wants to use them, maybe he will accept an in-kind payment.
Leaving Stellan to his examinations picks up the leader's ankles and drags him to Andrei's line of cairns. He catches the half-elf's - what were the bandits' chosen names again? - eye, and leads him a little way away from the other ex-bandits, but not far enough away that they'll be out of Anwel's companions' earshot. "It can be hard to speak of old hurts," he says earnestly, pulling back his sleeve to show his own marks. "But it is equally hard to begin anew without doing so. If you tell us what was done to you, we will listen. And if you want whoever did it punished, we will help."
At Anwel's response to his observation, Stellan can only nod ruefully, "Too true." After he assists the others with the burial duties, he is beckoned by Anwel. He listens to his concerns, "I've not prepared for the Sight but I'll check him over for anything else I can tell." Stellan checks the dead leader for anything he might note about him.
Anything of note.
State of life and death, means etc.
Any ongoing inobvious magic effects that can be noted or any symbols that can be interpreted.
The bandit's all follow Warren's instructions and then easily assist Andrei in the buries of their fellows. That is until Anwel drags the leader's body near where they are working. Although they continue working it is easy to see the glances of fear they give the body while they give it as wide of a berth as possible.
"Give us a head start," says Anwel. He smiles reassuringly at Dorganil, but keeps his hands firmly at his sides. The other man obviously does not want to be touched. "Not that it will come to that. Thanks to you."
Anwel turns back to Stellan, still looking over the leader's body, and calls Warren over as well. "According to Dorganil," he says quickly and quietly, gesturing towards the ex-bandit, "we have a problem. He believes that the priest burnt his holy symbol and invoked his goddess' wrath so he would rise again to hunt us down. He suggests cremation." He turns to Warren. "What do you think?"
As for burning the corpse, the last time you were using green, wet wood and burning several corpses at the same time in the middle of the forest. You are still on the mountainside and if you were able to find enough dry wood you could get a fire hot enough to burn without the same amount of smoke and smell.
Warren smiles;
"Cremation should work better this time. We are in an area that is already somewhat a wasteland."
Warren visits the new recruits. "I can see this demonstration of evil magic can make you take notice. I have seen a new shrine and bastion of good take form in this area. The power of the seed of Erastil is more powerful than any necromancy you see here."
Warren talks of the daughter of Erastil. He speaks of the face of innocence with a clear voice and clear eyes and the ability to see into a man's soul. There is conviction and peace in his voice.
"Well, time to move back to Oleg's. Last time we visited, there was much to do."
"Cremation? Alright we need significant amounts of wood. Gorax can you give us a hand, you might need to cut down a tree."
"Warren a pyre here will be a becon for everyone near and ww ill have to leave it burning if we are planning to get back to the camp and horses in time."
"On the way back I'm going to check out that cottage. There is no longer a rush and if any would like to accompany me I would appreciate that."