The dwarf's demeanor turns from surly to a little hostile and the rest of his group move closer to the conversation-By funny I meant odd, peculiar, off-putting, one might even say disrespectful. We find it strange that a holy warrior of the Forge would ignore his duties to his liege. I'm sure you found ample time to lounge around in your bed clothes and now you stuff your face like some gluttonous fool. Shamefull....
The air around your table grows quiet and the squire has become quite white-faced; terror of what comes next plain on his face.
“Well your comment makes more sense now. I’m sorry you find my conduct strange but I am not here by choice and would not have come here given any other option as every moment here further delays the fulfillment of my duties.”
Hostile dwarf-Maybe a prayer to Torag might help. It's called faith; you should demonstrate some. You reflect poorly on the rest of us as a 'so called' paladin of our Lord. Especially looking like a freakish dark elf as you do. We'll be looking for you at the afternoon services; make sure you're there.
“Have a good day.”
A little while later as the squire is finishing his plate and clearly feels a bit more comfortable broaching the subject-Do you get that often? I didn't expect to see such anger directed at a holy warrior from members of the same faith.
"Sorry you had to be witness to that, to be honest I think that is the first time anything like that has happened. Where to next?"
Any sign of Arissa?
You don't see Arissa, but you can tell then entire lunch room is watching you and keeping an eye out for any more altercations between and followers of Torag. Clearly such spicy exchanges are quite rare in the Citadel.
Squire-I guess a quick look at the training rooms. She will either be practicing or getting treatment. He guides you to the common area where all five faiths unite to engage in martial improvement. Several small groups are practicing using full kits of armor and padded weapons, although you notice a few use no padding at all but instead have healing wands handy.
Any sign of Arissa?
Arissa does not appear to be present, but a few followers of Irori approach you and ask you to spar with them-We have heard of your prowess with that hammer and would like to test ourselves against your skill. The rest of the sparring combatants in the area pause and watch to see what transpires.
"No thank you, I only came here to see if I could speak with Arissa."
Move on.
The Irorian warriors are very clearly disappointed but acquiesce to your declination, the lead one sagaciously opining-Saving your energy for the true energy is often a wise move, but practicing your art will help you when the moment comes. If you change your mind, we would be honored to have you practice with us on the mats. They bow courteously and let you about your business.
The squire leads you to a nicer part of the Citadel, clearly the officer's quarters. On your way there you fortuitously run into Arissa who says-I was just coming to check in on you to see how you were fairing.
Apparently I needn't have worried; outside of pissing off some your Toragian fellows you seem to be doing quite well.
“Good day. I still don’t really know why I am here, that bothers me, especially since I have other places I need to be. Do you have an idea when the Lictor will see me?”
Arissa shakes her head "no"-My duty was to bring you back, not to know the why. The Lictor sometimes shares his mind with me, but more often he doesn't. Not surprising really, Abadar and Asmodeus may align on actions with some level of frequency, but as for motives, almost never. The same with their followers I suppose.
In any case, he's my superior so I carry out his orders and here you are. The good news is that he wanted to talk to you and not just see your head on a spike so I guess you have that going for you. Certainly much more difficult to do important paladin work when you are headless. She chuckles darkly, clearly amused at her joke.
"I don't doubt you are correct."
Arissa-Well I must see to my duties. I wouldn't imagine the Lictor will keep you waiting overly long, if for no other reason than your stay here might start causing him grief. I had no idea your fellow Toragians would be so salty about your presence here. Keep an eye out, those dwarves play rough.
“I will return to my room and await the Lictor’s summons.”
Go back to room and perform maintenance on hammer and armor while waiting.
The day passes by without any summons and you find yourself getting hungry during the late afternoon period.
Eat a bit of rations, if no one has come by the time it gets dark then head to the battlements.
You eat your rations alone in your room; not feeling quite a prisoner, but certainly not an honored guest. As darkness falls the squire leads you back towards the battlements, which you find well guarded.
The Citadel is well positioned with steep mountains behind and an inclined and winding road leading to the front gates. Any type of direct assault by an enemy force on the place would likely prove disastrous and a protracted siege would likely be difficult as well, with clerics easily able to provide food and water while the mountain climate would steadily wear down any besiegers.
Squire-If it's all right with you sir I will leave you to your thoughts and await you by the guardsmen's fire. He moves off in that direction.
“Enjoy the fire.”
Activate slippers of spider climb and walk down the wall to the outside.
You take yourself over the castellations and begin moving down the sheer face of the curtain wall. One of the guards on watch spots you and raises the alarm. The squire sprints to the wall and with a voice of panicked terror-Sir! Sir! What are you doing? Come back! An alarm bell starts ringing.
Keep walking, away from the citadel into the night.
You finish making your way down the wall and through the dry moat surrounding it. The easiest options are down the road leading to the plains to the East or cut around the Citadel and head into the mountains to West.
Go around and to the west, ultimately towards Umok.
Umok is North and East of the the Citadel so you will have to make your way down towards the plains if that is your next destination.
Make a perception check and tell me how long you travel before you rest.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Pathfinder_RPG/comments/69f6we/isger_maps_cleaned_ and_hexed/
Looks like Umok is to the northwest?
Would try to stay in terrain that is unfriendly to horses if possible. Go all night, rest during the day.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Pathfinder_RPG/comments/69f6we/isger_maps_cleaned_ and_hexed/
Looks like Umok is to the northwest?
Would try to stay in terrain that is unfriendly to horses if possible. Go all night, rest during the day.
[dice=perception]1d20+15
Yeah, you are spot on; my lysdexia kicking in. Ugh...
NW is correct but it is down towards the plains and not into the mountains.
You move quickly down the windy road and then head into the rough surrounding hills, trying your best to keep a low profile and stay out of sight as you steadily head NW towards Umok.
Within twenty minutes the sound of pursuit from the Citadel becomes quite clear and you can see the light from various groups of lanterns and torches. You don't think they have found your trail and most of the noise and light moves further down the rough road that leads to the Citadel, although you do see signs that at least a few folks are looking about on paths less well traveled.
You continue to move for a few hours (about 1AM now) and the evidence of pursuers falls away.
Perception check.
Avoid plains as much as possible, use woods if necessary.
You travel another two hours when suddenly a pit lined with wickedly sharp spikes along its bottom and walls appears in front of you while four orcs rush at you, two from either side and a giant boulder is thrown at you.
DC18 REF save or take .
If you save, the orcs attack you and try and drive you into the pit (along with the giant's boulder).
Orc 1
Orc 2
Orc 3
Orc 4
Giant boulder
The now all too familiar voice of your unknown mage nemesis rings out through the night air-You have proven to be a nettlesome opponent thus far, but I had not though you foolish enough to leave the protection of the Citadel unaccompanied. Sometimes Desna gives me a smile!
Swift action divine bond +1 to hammer.
“Enjoy it while you can.”
You smash down an orc as the remaining three press you back towards the pit. DC 18 REF or fall in and take . Another boulder flies in as you see the giant running forward to melee.
Evil wizard-I'm shocked how difficult it has been to deal with you. Shocked I say! You should feel the same....
~ball lightning~
Make a DC 18 REF save for each globe to negate damage. -4 to the save for your metal armor.
Orc 2
Orc 3
Orc 4
Giant boulder
-4
-4
-4
Didn't both ball lightnings hit?
You hit an orc with your hammer once as they swarm about you and the club of the hill giant comes lumbering in. Balls of electricity dance towards you and force missiles land unerringly as they keep trying to push you into the pit.
DC 18 REF pit
DC 18 REF electrical balls x2 -4 for metal armor
Orc 2
Orc 3
Orc 4
Giant great club
Resistance 5
-83
Heroes defiance.
-39
Activate slippers, walk out the back of the pit.
GAH!-The still unseen wizard screams out in frustration before firing off another volley of and moving the balls of electricity at you.
saves as above
Your orc and giant adversaries are a little more befuddled and pause to think about how best to continue pursuit without falling in the pit themselves. You realize you have a few moments to take action outside of melee.
-1
Back away from the pit.
“Why do you pester me? Is your purpose to lead foolish orcs and giants to be slaughtered? Well done.”
Mage-We all serve something; my master tasks me to have you killed and sacrifices must be made to accomplish that goal apparently, however slight they might be. You could be more obliging you know.
He continues to direct the electrical orbs at you.
save as above
The melee foes navigate the edge of the pit and start to chase after you.
“We all die eventually, be patient.”
Try to kill an orc.
You are able to finish off the wounded orc as the remaining 3 melee do their best and the wizard, wizards.
saves as above
Orc 3
Orc 4
Giant great club
Screwed up saves last round. Calculated damage as if I made one.
-100
Second Heroes Defiance.
-64
Heroes Defiance is an immediate action, can Ang use another LOH swift action this round? If so, that’s what he is going to do.
-33
The ever flexible Eye of the Heavens is totally fine with that in lieu of a move action; feel free to take a standard action (full attack).
Never look a gift horse in the mouth.
You smush another orc as the remaining forces try their best and a bolt of lightning flashes at you. It appears as if the pesky mage changed positions to get a better shot at you.
saves as prior
DC 17 REF
Orc 4
Giant
-74
-38
Some red hot rolls this round.
Your opponents continue to press.
Orc 4
Giant
-38
-66
-27
Attack the giant if possible.
Gotta take this giant down before he crushes me with that club.
You first blow lands but not your second.
Mage-Get him you louts! from a different position than where the last round of magic missiles came from. Sounds like he is working to get behind you and the last melee opponents.
Orc 4
Giant
-48
-10
Take 5' step back.
Mage-Flaming hells; nothing should be this difficult! You hurt the giant once and the deadly dance continues.
Orc 4
Giant