With a muttered "Im getting too old for this s~@+" Basilli heads out into the storm, carefully testing the path's surface with his staff for loose stones and the like.
Climb roll :
(Fear obviously has given Basilli wings!)
... grabs his bottle of Outlaw Whiskey from the day before. "If we're going into a storm, I'm going to make sure I get a little warmth inside of me beforehand, he takes a short swig of the powerful liquor, just enough to dampen his throat and let the burning sensation of intense alcohol momentarily overcome his other pains. He offers it to all members of the group, saying "Here's to all of us getting through this alive and well,"
When Kirk Spearborn offers Solaric the flask, the paladin stands there flabbergasted, then pulling himself out of his disbelief, he begins to question the half-orc angrily.
Kirk Spearborn!!! What is in the world are you thinking?! We are about to scale treacherous cliffs and assault the cult of Norgorber with an alcoholic that has only been sober for a few hours and you are here offering everybody a refreshment! Get that vile drink out of my sight before I have it thrown over the cliff. I have a good mind to throw you with it. What you do on your own time is your business, but you are putting all of our lives at risk with this foolish choice. It is time for you to grow up and know that we are no longer school boys at the academy. We are dealing with a dark evil that will eagerly slay any one of us if they are given half a chance. I promised to lead this group on the assault, but I cannot lead you if you are compromised in your thoughts and actions. Solaric takes a moment to calm himself. Spearborn, I still consider you a friend. I was honored that you chose to come to the temple with me, and you have proved yourself valiant in battle. However, I am deeply disappointed in you this time. You are needed in this task before us so I am willing to put this incident behind us. However, if I catch you doing something so foolish as that again, I will not be so forgiving. Let us move forward.
Solaric leads onward uttering a quiet prayer. Iomedae, give me the strength and the courage to lead this group safely as you would have me do your will.
Climb Check:
When Solaric gets a chance, he discretely approaches the wise healer and confides in him.
Basilli, could you please have a word with Spearborn for me. I just I lost my temper with him, and I am afraid I may have just compromised our friendship. He offered me a flask of some cursed fire drink, and I gave him a piece of my mind. I just can’t believe he would pull such a stunt moments before we scale these deadly cliffs and assault a shrine. Just think about the temptation that puts in front of Garion Damasco. Sometimes I think that half-orc has no intelligence. I do keep thinking about what you said about compassion. I made an attempt to smooth things over, but I’m not sure that it worked. I just hope that I haven’t broken the trust that we shared. Do you think I acted out of place? Certainly you must agree with me that this is not the time or the place for a drink. I am sorry to vent to you like this, but I am simply concerned for the safety of this group. I insisted we press on and now I am feeling the burden of responsibility and keeping everybody alive! You are a neutral member of this group, and everybody seems to look up to you. Could you please speak to him and help smooth things over in any way you can?
This might turn out horribly. Solaric, if I fall to my doom please take care of Night for me....Kirk give me a swig
Clutching on to the cliff wall, Zahur tries to navigate his way accrss it.
Climb
With a sigh Basilli turns towards Solaric.
I will answer your question now, Sir Solaric - most pious of Iomedae, NAY I will NOT intervene for thee, unless I see that this fracture of good comradeship endangers the success of this mission."
"Do you not ask yourself why I did not choose to intervene or berate Kirk?
Any being seeks comfort when facing an unknown and fearsome adversary -" Drawing himself to his full height Basilli points at Solaric "some like yourself, find it in faith and prayer,"
motioning now towards Victoria, "Others hide behind a veneer of humor and sophistication," and with a nod towards Kirk and Zahur "and yet by far most will find it in the sharing of a nip of a strong spirit before the confrontation. So tell me Sir Solaric - who is right?"
Softening his stance Basilli adds, "Still I AM gladdened that you at least have realised your mistake in manners, and have the wisdom to try and correct it. Knowing that you are capable of mistake and recognising it is the first step towards both good leadership AND seeing past the obvious.
Placing his hand upon Solaric shoulder with a wry grin, Basilli says Between you and me, young Solaric, if Garion was to desire a swig of Kirk's drink I doubt if the lot of us could stop him! My advice to you now? Go to Kirk and apologise for your ill-thought statements express your sorrow in allowing your nerves to agitate you and if your beliefs allow it offer to by him a drink once we get out of here."
Kirk is visibly surprised at Solaric's belittling rant, but keeps a straight face and conveys only the slightest agitation when he responds "If this man really felt inclined to drink, I don't think you or I or any one of us could stop him. And don't presume that you have the authority to tell me what to do. I know you think you're on some 'holy' mission, but I'll tell you what you're really doing: you're doing the dirty work for a bunch of corrupt politicians who can't afford to be involved in something they probably caused, nothing more.
Solaric listens to Basilli, the Fair and Just, and genuinely feels remorse for berating his companion. Then he wonders how he might be able to make amends. Basilli is right, I should make some gesture of kindness. It cannot be easy for anyone who does not know what it is to be at one with Iomedae. I wonder how Victoria would handle this? Certainly she would handle it with such grace and eloquence. The half-elf recalls a few kind words she had recently given him and decides to do his best. When the moment comes, he approaches Kirk Spearborn and speaks candidly.
Kirk, I want to apologize for the unkind words I spoke to you earlier. I am very passionate about many things and sometimes I get carried away. I am sorry. I hope you will see it in your heart to excuse my rudeness. I do not condemn you for your desire for a little warmth. . . just your timing. Please let me offer to buy you a drink when this whole affair is over. Solaric extends his hand in an offer of friendship.
Agile, quick and cunningly Kirk climbs over the rocky cliffs and after about 800m he reaches a platform. About 30m below you lies the wreck of the two-masted large merchant boat that stranded here years ago.
It's hull is severley damaged at one side and it reminds you of a whale that has been pulled to the beach and cut open.
You can't make out any lights or movements from here.
You can spot two figures, even darker than the sphip wreck, standing guard at the hole in the hull.
We are approaching the heart of the beast. I am relieved that you have all passed the cliffs safely, but we must not let our guard down. Let’s find a place to rearm ourselves and prepare for the imminent battle. With a little hope they will not be expecting us from this side.
Perception
"WAIT!" Victoria hisses a whisper...Two figures guard the entrance, the hole in the hull, look carefully... see them, just a slighter shade of black in the darkness?"
"Do we have a plan? We could try to take them out from a distance, and draw them out of their ship and away from any ambushes they might have waiting for us. That would also grant us the high ground, and they might have trouble with these big rocks. Or we could climb down, and try to take them in a rush."
Kirk is rubbing his chin thoughtfully as he talks, crouched down on one knee and peering into the dark shape of the shipwreck. Then, he gets an idea, and says, "I could slip around to the other side and cause some sort of a distraction, hopefully clearing out this end for the group the rush in and take them by surprise at close quarters! I could manage it alone, though I wouldn't say no to any help.
My dear countess, I see the shadows now that you point them out, but once again you take me by surprise. I have spent many years of my life seeing in very low light and I could not see the guards. Your mother must indeed have bestowed you with some extradorinary gifts to be able to see them. I hope you aren’t going to tell me that it was Naga that saw them first.
Solaric listens carefully to Kirk Spearborn’s ideas and nods his head in agreement. I like the idea of a distraction. Once, Zahur, Pitr, and I get down there and armored up, you could lure them out of that entrance. We do not have your stealth or speed, but we could make up for it with the strength behind our blades. We just have to make sure that they do not retreat and warn the rest of the cult. We have the element of surprise and we need to take full advantage of that. How good are you with ranged weapons? What other suggestions do you all have?
"Indeed you see in dim light; I see in its complete absence...but it also helps that I am a keen observer of the world."
Victoria readies her crossbow, identifies a good vantage point from which to shoot, and waits, looking rather expectantly at the fighter types.
Pitr squints through the dark. No Countess, I can't see a damn thing, but I'll take your word for it. As for staying up here- I'm actually not that great a shot and I'd feel a bit exposed if they start throwing spells at us. I'd rather stick a blade in them than give them the chance. A distraction might be a good idea. A lone victim to lure them out and then we'll be on them before they know what's happening.
Gorian peeks into the darkness, rubs his eyes, then peeks again and gives a frustrated sigh
Bah, I can't see a damn thing. Two, you say devil-girl? Two ain't enough to stop us. Maybe they split their forces and the rest of them still awaits us at their ambush point?
Two, you say devil-girl?
A look of shocked horror meeting righteous indignation crosses Victorias face..."Devil-girl? DEVIL GIRL!?" she looks completely ropeable "I'll have you know that my mother was a Demon...!" - she then giggles, happy at her brief show, all a charade for her own entertainment.
I'll have to agree with both Solaric and Pitr on this one. If our ranged companions can give us cover, then we'll go down and assault them from the front.
"I'll have you know that my mother was a Demon...!" - she then giggles, happy at her brief show, all a charade for her own entertainment.
As Solaric overhears this dialogue, his ebon skin would have paled if it was at all possible as a flood of thoughts enter his head. A Demon! Wake up Solaric! What in the world were you thinking? This would explain a great deal. How did I miss that? This is not the time to think about it. We have a task upon us. Focus Solaric! The paladin of Iomedae does his best to hide this disconcerting news.
Gorian, please tell me, how many are you expecting to be in their lair?
After listening to his response, Solairc dons his armor, carefully climbs down the rocky hill and finds a hidden spot to arm himself and wait for Spearborn's distraction.
Gorian just grins at Victoria's show and comments
Whatever, you wouldn't want to know what the people called my mother hah!
then he turns to Solaric and furrows his brows
How many? Depends on if they split or not. The whole group could muster about something from 6-10, I'd assume. If Desna smiles those two are the only ones left behind.
Two, ten, twenty. Whatever their number they'll soon be dead. Pitr says grimly as he quickly puts his armor back on and descends the path.
Grimly clutching his staff Basilli adds "Aye. Now is the time to make peace with your gods as you will. Remember though to try and take prisoners - we are investigators not executioners. However I will shed no tears if the choice comes down between you or them. I'd rather have live friends than dead ones."
"Okay, if we're in agreement, then I guess I'll go try to draw them out. I'll see if I can't get them into charging distance, and then we'll take them in a storm," Kirk chuckles at this, readies his crossbow, and proceeds down the trail.
Stealth
Perception
Take 10 Acrobatics
Victoria nods, and takes up position in a strategic location about 50' away from the cave entrance, she lies down behind her crossbow and takes aim. Naga slips off her arm and lies beside her.
Solaric crouches behind a rock with his longword drawn waiting for the imminent battle. He whispers a silent prayer to Iomedae as he waits in anticipation, "Iomedae, you are the light of my sword. Let my blade swing true as I open myself up to your will. Bless all of my companions in their every act as we take down this evil cult in your name!"
After you all have sneaked down the path and hid behind some rocks lying on the beach, Kirk and Victoria advance a little further. Kirk is able to come very close to the not very vigilant guards and Victoria crouches behind some rocks, crossbow ready. The rest of you is some steps behind.
Gorian suddenly whispers
On your attack I will run back and check the path to the lighthouse. You should be able to handle those two and I will hold off any help. Desna be with you!
On your attack I will run back and check the path to the lighthouse. You should be able to handle those two and I will hold off any help. Desna be with you!
The dark elf whispers a reply to Gorian, "My friend, thank you for all of your help. If you catch any of these Norgorber rats trying to flee the island, I trust you will know what to do with them. May the light of Iomedae be with you. We will meet you back at the lighthouse."
Both are armed with daggers and short swords.
Perception
Perception
Perception:
Perception
In the darkness, the Witch remains vigilant, crossbow levelled at the two guards...
Kirk hunkers down and steadies his aim in a similar manner as the Countess, then fires his shot at the guard on the right.
Attack
Damage
Solaric quietly moves over to Q20 and waits in position there.
Due to Basilli's slower rate of movement and low initiative Ill wait until the rest have engagued in order to move to flank and assist.
Initiative roll
Zahur readies an action to charge when the guard in J13 moves within reach of his charge.
Attack Roll (Power Attack):
Damage:
As both bolts smash into the chest of the guard, he staggers back then doubles over and lies still.
Sequence:
Pitr's Initiative 22
Guard's Initiative 21
Kirk's Initiative 18
Solaric's Initiative 18
Zahur's Initiative 7
Victoria's Initiative 5
Basilli's Initiative 0
Kirk reloads another bolt into his crossbow, takes aim, and fires. He calls out to the guard left standing, "Come on, y'worthless lump, show me you're more than an idiot with a stick!"
Attack
Damage
Solaric is crouched at Q20 preparing to charge the villainous guard the moment he comes within reach. Here is the attack for that moment.
Longsword:
Damage:
Pitr waits to see how the guard reacts.
The guard draws his weapons, takes on a defensive stance and bellows back into the broken hull of the ship
We are being attacked, they sneaked around the ambush site, destroy the books, I will hold them off as long as I can!
Rd 1:
Pitr's Initiative 22 [delayed]
Guard's Initiative 21 [resolved]
Kirk's Initiative 18 [resolved]
Solaric's Initiative 18 [readied]
Zahur's Initiative 7 [readied]
Victoria's Initiative 5
Basilli's Initiative 0