Kern is breathing heavily as he continues to try to draw the shadow's attention away from Victor. He is tiring, but is still in better shape than the others.
For a moment Eponine considers pulling back, but grits her teeth and holds her ground, relying on her agility to avoid the shadow's grasp.
Total defense again.
Seeing Sophy put herself in harm's way, "Sophy! What are you doing?! These things will kill you! Do not worry, I shall attempt to draw its attack to me." Victor turns his attention to the shadow, "I am right here, stupid! My name is Victor Montoya and I shall be your doom!" He taunts it, not really knowing or caring if it understands him or not.
Wishing she had more Magic Missles memorized, Wren does the next best thing. She fires a single missle out of her wand tip at the closest shadow.
Force Missle damage
Sophy steps back to take shelter behind Kern and reaches out to touch Eponine with her wand. "Victor, Eponine, get out! Quick!"
Kern keeps up defending Victor who refuses to leave the battle, even as weak as he is, while his friends are still in the fight. Belril urges them all to get out as he flings to more stones into the shadow closest to Victor stepping closer to the fray. It shrieks with an unholy agony and fades away into the darkness. Wren blasts one of her less powerful bolts of magical force at the third shadow, which lets out some sort of yelp of discomfort.
Stepping over, Sophy hides herself behind Kern while tapping Eponine with the magical wand. Eponine feels some of her strength return as she keeps her blade up and stands her ground. The last remaining shadow lashes out at her to no avail.
"You heard her, you two," Kern says. "Get moving! I'll be right behind you."
Trusting Kern to keep his word and follow behind, Eponine feints at the shadow just enough to cover her flight. She nimbly weaves her way past her friends, shivering slightly from the cold that seems to have penetrated to her soul.
Withdraw to just past her allies, leaving room for Victor as well.
Seeing the others start to retreat, Wren follows suit, moving back 30', after first firing another force bolt at the undead. {b]"Let's go!"[/b]
Damage
"Go, Miss Sophy! I shall follow."
Giving Victor a desparate glance, Sophy backs up toward Belril, keeping the wand at the ready to tap Victor as he comes by.
Seeing Sophy back up, Victor immediately withdraws.
Kern swings his weapon to provide Victor cover as the archer bravely states, "Go, Miss Sophy! I shall follow." Belril moves up taking another fast two shots, one goes wide but the other summons up another unholy sounding shriek of pain from the shadow. Wren strikes it again with another bolt of force before fleeing the room.
Sophy eases back out of the room, and Victor follows close behind and gets tapped again by the wand as he gets close to her again. Eponine retreats out of the room leaving Kern alone against the creature. It reaches out for the warrior. Kern cries out as the gostly touch saps his strength.
Barely able to life his flail anymore, Kern sighs with relief as Victor and Eponine finally get out of the way. He immediately pulls back, too. "Let's get out of here," he says.
Kern slowly backs away from the last creature as Belril strikes it with another of his stones. It shrieks in agony and then bursts in a cloud of dark crackling energy, the darkness in the room becoming more natural as it does.
As the last shadow dies, Victor can only sigh as he moves back in to retrieve his bow. Picking it up, he returns back to the others. "This place is no good for me. I do not wish to remain and find out what it is that eventually kills us. Well, at least me."
"A tactical regrouping would seem to be called for, no doubt. Those creatures draining our strength was something we need to be prepared for ion the future."
Kern, still breathing heavily from exhaustion, nods in response to Wren. "Until I'm healed, I'm useless in this state. I can barely lift my flail. We need to rest and rethink our strategy. Returning to Sandpoint is probably a good idea."
"Is everyone well enough to get back to town? We can take it slow, but I certainly can't carry the lot of you," the mage tries to joke to keep the morale up as the long slow slog back to town begins.
"I am good, Ms. Wren. Most of my strength has returned thanks to Ms. Sophy." He turns and gives a nod to Sophy. "Thank you, Ms. Sophy, for keeping me alive. I am in your debt. But you should have never put yourself in danger like that. You could have gotten yourself killed," he says in a tone that is stern yet caring at the same time. Catching the halfling out of the corner of his eye, "And you, my diminutive friend... nice shooting. It appears you have been observing my method of ranged warfare and increased your skill tremendously." Victor grins wryly as he puffs his chest out, wondering if he will succeed in getting the proud ranger stirred up.
Once again weary and worn the Heroes of Sandpoint stumble out of the depths of Sandpoint. Orik eyes them questioningly as they retrieve the prisoners and start the march back to town. He seems about to make some kind of comment, but a stern look from Sophy has him hold his tongue.
As the group passes through Sandpoint's north gate one of the guards rushes to get the Sheriff. A contingent from the Garrison arrive led by Hemlock who takes Tsuto, Lyrie, and Orik back into custody. As the party protests, Hemlock cuts them off, "These two are going to the cells, but for his efforts we are moving Mister Orik to a room at the Rusty Dragon where he will be kept under guard but will have freedom to visit the common room and receive visitors. He will be confined to the inn, but he will not be kept under lock and key." Hemlock takes the manacles from Kern that had once held Orik and locks them onto Tsuto and marches them off to the jail. Sargent Blake speaks up, "Mister Orik, if you would please come with me to the Dragon, I think you could use a drink. The rest of you have been requested to meet with Mayor Deverin immediately in the Town Hall, a messenger has already been sent to the cathedral to have Father Zantus meet you there."
Gathered into the Mayors office once again the six of you await her arrival. Zantus arrives first, bring a box full of stoppered vials and a velvet bag. "These holy potions will tend to any wounds you have, please drink them and be healed if you are in need. The guard told me you looked weak, and right she was. He pulls a large flat stone, as smooth as a river pebble, our of the bag. "Each of you, please take a moment to hold this stone, clear your mind and ask Desna to restore you." He hands it to Victor first.
Father Zantus takes his leave as the Mayor and Sheriff Hemlock enter the office. Hemlock offers you all a big congratulations on bringing the villains in. The mayor continues, "Indeed thank you all for what you have done for Sandpoint in these past days. You are indeed true heroes, giving of yourselves for the good of our town. I thank you again. It seems your trust in Mister Vancaskerkin, was well placed. The justice from Magnimar should arrive into town late today and a trial will be held tomorrow. I will ask each of you to come and make a statement before the court about all that has happened so that the right and fair justice may be measured out. I have no doubt your testimonies and his cooperation will do well for him."
The mayor then asks for your account of what transpired on this most recent trip and listens as you each contribute to the account of the arrest of Tsuto and the shadow attack below. After a thoughtful moment she says, "Indeed this is a serious thing. A possible demon so close to our town could threaten Sandpoint's existence. Sophy you make such an excellent point, the thing is imprisoned and from what you say it had been for an extremely long time. If it has been bound since the age of the Thassilon empire, then what is to say it will not be bound for another thousand years or more? I have just come from a council meeting where we were discussing the recent goblin threat. It was the agreement of the council that we should occupy the stockade and the tunnels below it, hold it in our control to prevent the goblins from returning. It seems now the watch we will send there will not only be watching for goblins, but will also be imprisoning the demon held below. Plans are already underway to outfit a patrol to be stationed there and oversee the building of a proper fort."
With a motion she signals to the Sheriff who stands and addresses you formally, "Friends your service as special deputies to the Watch has ended. We thank you for the work you have done, risking your own lives in service of Sandpoint and the well being of it's citizens. It has been an honor having you serve. To that end I have a special request for some of you. The mayor has mentioned that we are expanding the protection of Sandpoint for the future, and soon we will have new recruits that will need training and leadership. Kern, I would be honored if you would accept a position as a Sargent of the Watch. You would share command with Sargent Blake, and oversee a squad of your own here in town. Belril and Victor, one of the expansions we are making is the addition of patrols that will control the Lost Coast Road, north and south of town. It is my hope that both of you will take command of one of these squads, each as Sargent of the Watch, one stationed here in Sandpoint the other north at the soon to be established fort. Eponine we will need someone with experience to take command of the squad stationed at this new fort and I would ask you to also take command of some new recruits to be stationed at the fort, also as a Sargent of the Watch."
The mayor adds, "Sophy and Wren, there are only so many positions that Belor can offer to be filled. However there are roles with the town that we hope you will accept. Wren, we were already aware of the arcane nature of Nualia's searching. Now that we also know that a demon is imprisoned in the depths of Thistletop there is more need of what I am going to ask you. It is my sincere hope you will accept of civil position as Master Arcaneist with the town. Your duties will to be centered at the new fort location, ensuring the magical bindings are understood and kept tight."
Turning then to Sophy she continues, "Miss Sophy, I can tell that this ordeal has put a strain on your heart. You do not look comfortable outside your stacks of books, and I am deeply grateful for what you have done for us. In the next few weeks I am going to personally lead an effort to raise funds and build a library here in town for the good folk of Sandpoint to use. I have already spoken with Sabyl at the House of Bluestones and Chask Haladan over at the Curious Goblin. They agree a library expanded for the whole town to use would be a wonderful addition to or community and will be helping with our efforts to make it happen. We can think of no one better to be the Master Librarian. It is my hope you will accept this position and help us better our community by sharing your love of the written word with our citizens."
Even though her emotions always bubbled close to the surface, Wren remained fairly stoic at the speech of the Mayor. She takes a fw seconds to respond. "I appreciate your wonderful offer, Mayor. Although I've only been here a short time, this town is beginning to feel like a home to me. As such, I'd like to do what I could to ensure the town's safety. I am truly honored to receive such an opportunity from you, but I need a bit of time to consider all the ramifications of the duty."
"After Orik's trial is concluded, I'll be in a better position to answer. As I mentioned to you earlier, I understand he might not be a perfect shining example of valor, but none of this group is without warts. The truth is, without him aiding us, none of us would have made it back. This time, he had the opportunity to flee as we fought undead. Instead of fleeing, he stood on guard and watched the prisoners we have brought back with us today. If he is freed, I'd be much more inclined to help do what I can to protect the village. If he is found guilty and imprisoned, I honestly don't know if I can sit by and watch that happen, and the open road would seem much more inviting to me."
|
Belril had the decency to at least keep his snort of contempt quiet as Wren lauded further praise upon the undeserving Orik.
Who slew Nualia in single combat? Who had the drive to force the others to return to Thistletop? Who was continually saving the lives of these adventurers as they stumbled from brilliant strategy to sheer incompetence. Twas not Orik... Belril seethed bitterly. He stepped up when addressed and nodded politely, suspecting he was not the Mayor's favourite Halfling.
I accept he said simply.
They won't find Orik guilty after this. If they do, much as I detest the sell-sword, i'll break him out myself.
Eponine is rather grim during the return to town. Absentmindedly, she accepts the healing aid and listens to the mayor and sheriff. Even though her physical strength is restored by Desna’s blessings, her heart seems heavy and her thoughts preoccupied.
Regarding Orik’s trial, Eponine will just nod in agreement to testifying.
When they discuss the offers of positions, Eponine rubs her hands together and examines them closely, hardly looking up as she replies. ”Regarding the position you offer, I would be willing to take it on, at least for a time to help things get established. I cannot say how long I will remain; for decades I haven’t stayed in one place for more than a season or two, and I’ve reasons of my own to keep moving. But for now, I can certainly help in that regard. And when the time comes, I can make sure the next sergeant of the fort will be well prepared for the role.”
Even though her emotions always bubbled close to the surface, Wren remained fairly stoic at the speech of the Mayor. She takes a fw seconds to respond. "I appreciate your wonderful offer, Mayor. Although I've only been here a short time, this town is beginning to feel like a home to me. As such, I'd like to do what I could to ensure the town's safety. I am truly honored to receive such an opportunity from you, but I need a bit of time to consider all the ramifications of the duty."
"After Orik's trial is concluded, I'll be in a better position to answer. As I mentioned to you earlier, I understand he might not be a perfect shining example of valor, but none of this group is without warts. The truth is, without him aiding us, none of us would have made it back. This time, he had the opportunity to flee as we fought undead. Instead of fleeing, he stood on guard and watched the prisoners we have brought back with us today. If he is freed, I'd be much more inclined to help do what I can to protect the village. If he is found guilty and imprisoned, I honestly don't know if I can sit by and watch that happen, and the open road would seem much more inviting to me."
When Wren finishes her comments the Mayor replies, "I understand completely. It is very late and after a nights rest and this nasty business of a trial is completed then you can give me your answer. I am glad that you feel Sandpoint is like a home to you, we see you as one of it's favored daughters. Mister Vancaskerkin's fate is in the hands of the Justice now. He has shown valor, and has done much to redeem my first opinion of him. The law is the law and if Sandpoint is going to function than we must abide by the law. It is my hope that your testimony on his behalf will sway the Justice to rule fairly."
Belril had the decency to at least keep his snort of contempt quiet as Wren lauded further praise upon the undeserving Orik.
Who slew Nualia in single combat? Who had the drive to force the others to return to Thistletop? Who was continually saving the lives of these adventurers as they stumbled from brilliant strategy to sheer incompetence. Twas not Orik... Belril seethed bitterly. He stepped up when addressed and nodded politely, suspecting he was not the Mayor's favourite Halfling.
I accept he said simply.
They won't find Orik guilty after this. If they do, much as I detest the sell-sword, i'll break him out myself.
Nodding in approval Sheriff Belor shakes Belril's hand, "Very well, it is good to have you aboard Sargent Leokas. Take a few days to rest, after the trial we will meet to discus what your squads duties will be. In a few weeks we will be meeting the recruits and I will be needing your input on the best men and women for the job."
Eponine is rather grim during the return to town. Absentmindedly, she accepts the healing aid and listens to the mayor and sheriff. Even though her physical strength is restored by Desna’s blessings, her heart seems heavy and her thoughts preoccupied.
Regarding Orik’s trial, Eponine will just nod in agreement to testifying.
When they discuss the offers of positions, Eponine rubs her hands together and examines them closely, hardly looking up as she replies. ”Regarding the position you offer, I would be willing to take it on, at least for a time to help things get established. I cannot say how long I will remain; for decades I haven’t stayed in one place for more than a season or two, and I’ve reasons of my own to keep moving. But for now, I can certainly help in that regard. And when the time comes, I can make sure the next sergeant of the fort will be well prepared for the role.”
Letting go of Belril's hand Belor offers it to the half elf. "Very good, for as long as you are willing to serve we are lucky to have you in charge. The council is already making plans for the fort, but I want your input on which of the recruits we gather will best serve as defenders. Once the trial is over we will meet to discuss all the details."
Kern is a bit taken aback by the offer and he stumbles over his words in response. "I..uh...thank you," he says. "I...I'm honoured to take the position. I promise to perform it to the utmost of my abilities."
Victor takes the stone offered by the priest, "Thank you, Father Zantus."
In response to the offer of being a Sergeant of the Watch, "Of course. But what does that entail? And, um," he leans in, trying to be discreet. "Can I have the patrol here in Sandpoint?" He glances over at Sophy for only a moment, a slight grin forming, before turning back to the Sheriff who's sporting a raised eyebrow at him. Startled, a nervous chuckle escapes Victor, "No, no reason," he says as he fakes a cough in hopes to hide his embarrassment.
Sophy stands a little stiffly as her companions all agree to swear allegiance to and serve a justice structure of which she has grown extremely distrustful. What better way to limit criticism than to assimilate the Heroes of Sandpoint, who might otherwise speak against those in power, and bind them to follow orders from those very leaders? She is so distracted by her thoughts, she is a bit startled by the offer made to her at the end of the mayor's remarks and stammers a little as she quickly parses its ramifications. "I ... I suppose," she responds. Master Librarian doesn't, at first glance, appear to be a military position which will require her to carry out orders given by a superior. "Like Wren, I'll have to see the outcome of the trial first before I feel comfortable making decisions about my future."
Kern is a bit taken aback by the offer and he stumbles over his words in response. "I..uh...thank you," he says. "I...I'm honoured to take the position. I promise to perform it to the utmost of my abilities."
Belor says, "I am certain you will do well. Take a few days to rest and we will gather soon to discuss your duties and review the new recruits. Welcome to the guard."
Victor takes the stone offered by the priest, "Thank you, Father Zantus."
In response to the offer of being a Sergeant of the Watch, "Of course. But what does that entail? And, um," he leans in, trying to be discreet. "Can I have the patrol here in Sandpoint?" He glances over at Sophy for only a moment, a slight grin forming, before turning back to the Sheriff who's sporting a raised eyebrow at him. Startled, a nervous chuckle escapes Victor, "No, no reason," he says as he fakes a cough in hopes to hide his embarrassment.
The sheriff chuckles, "Of course, no spceific reason. Eh? We will meet in a few days to discuss the details. The patrols you and Belril are leading are inteneded to patrol the roads north and south of town, out riders so to speak, using the town and the new fort as home bases. After we review the recruits and see how they squads will from up, then we will figure out where you will be best suited to serve. Welcome to the guard."
Sophy stands a little stiffly as her companions all agree to swear allegiance to and serve a justice structure of which she has grown extremely distrustful. What better way to limit criticism than to assimilate the Heroes of Sandpoint, who might otherwise speak against those in power, and bind them to follow orders from those very leaders? She is so distracted by her thoughts, she is a bit startled by the offer made to her at the end of the mayor's remarks and stammers a little as she quickly parses its ramifications. "I ... I suppose," she responds. Master Librarian doesn't, at first glance, appear to be a military position which will require her to carry out orders given by a superior. "Like Wren, I'll have to see the outcome of the trial first before I feel comfortable making decisions about my future."
The mayor smiles warmly at Sophy, "Of course, you have been through a lot this past week. From the goblin attack and finding of a grotesque murder scene, to discovering ancient catacombs and demons...Sophy you have shined in the darkness like I could never have expected. I do hope that you will put trust in the law, and let it serve the purpose it has to keep civilization safe. I do hope you will accept this position, I can think of no one better."
The meeting at the Town Hall concluded the Heroes of Sandpoint retire for the rest of the night. The next day provides a day of rest, and anticipation as the arrival of the Justice is expected in the afternoon.
At some point during the day each of you are approached by the heavy set, Titus Scarnetti. He finds you alone and without the others, and is everything you expect from a head of one of Sandpoints founding families and town council member. After introducing himself he offers a short rehearsed speech, "Congratulations on your recent appointment. My father Alamon gave his sweat, and yes even his blood, to help bring the vision of Sandpoint into fruition. Now you will be an integral part of helping drive what my family has served for the past forty years towards a new and exciting future. I trust you will honor and be committed to the strong and traditional values our community was founded upon. I hope that you will accept this humble reward, from me, for your great service you have done on behalf of our town. Take it as a token of our friendship, as you formally enter into the service of our town I hope you will count me among your friends." He offers you a bad of assorted polished jewels, that at first glance probably value close to a hundred gold coins. Titus refuses any attempt to decline the gift, even from those who are yet to accept any positions with the town.
Later in the afternoon a small caravan arrives from Magnimar. The Mayor and Sheriff are seen greeting the Justice and his attendants. You spend the night relaxing, possibly spending the evening at the Rusty Dragon where Orik is in good spirits despite it being the eve of his trial.
In the morning each of you are individually summoned to the Town Hall to testify at the trial of Tsuto, Lyrie, and Orik. When you arrive the court room is packed with many of the town's notable citizens. Titus Scarnetti is there, who offers you a wink, sitting with Ameiko and the Mayor along with Ethram Valdemar. You can see Cyrdak from the theater sitting with Jasper Korvaski. You can even see Aldern Foxglove with his snooty man servent sitting in the back of the room. Father Zantus is also in attendance and offers any of you who appear nervous, a calming word of pastoral comfort. Near the front, along the side of the room sit the chained prisoners. Tsuto sits stiff backed with his head held up high and defiant. Lyrie slouches, trying to appear invisible, while Orik sits relaxed, but prepared for what is coming next. The Sheriff and Sargent Blake stand guard over them.
A uniformed woman, dressed in the court apparel of Magnimar, announces the arrival of Justice Ironbriar. A dark haired, stern faced elf dressed in the regalia or his office enters the court and takes a seat raised up in front of the assembly. He sits down and the trail begins. Charges of conspiracy, treason and endangerment are announced against the three, with the additional charge of murder added for Tsuto. Witnesses are called to the stand one by one. The sheriff first gives a report of the attack on the town which includes mention of the Heroes of Sandpoint and their bravery. He recounts how you all found the body of Lonjiku, and your efforts under Sandpoint and at Thistletop. Next Ameiko softly shares how her brother lured and kidnapped her, how he revealed his plans to conspire with Nualia to burn Sandpoint to the ground and admitted his role in the death of their father. She tries to remain strong, but can not help the tears from falling. Bethanna is asked to account for how all of you became involved in the case.
Each of you are then one at a time invited up to tell your story. Belril seems to talk mostly about how he saved the others and how he killed the mastermind of these crimes, Nualia. Eponine rambles on a lengthy recount of what the Heroes of Sandpoint have done over the past eleven days, makes an argument for Orik's release and ends with an attempt to appeal to the courts understanding of Sarenrae's view of redemption. Next Victor gives a passionate speech on behalf of Orik's valor, highlighting that Miss Sophy would be dead if not for his actions during the battle with the goblins outside the fort. Wren gives a through account of all that has happened, even offering some needed corrections and clarifications of the testimonies the Sheriff and Eponine gave. She also speaks on Orik's behalf. Kern then recounts his involvement in the case concluding with a strong and passionate speech supporting Orik that comes off as an accusation against the town and the court. Sophy takes the witness stand last, and gives another accurate statement on what has occurred, but hers is different. True to her heart, she speaks of the emotions, the outcomes of choices, and the memory of the victims. Her words are personal, emotional, and moving and some sniffling is heard among the gathered crowd as she relates the real tragedy of the past week.
After the testimony the three accused are given an opportunity to speak on their own behalf. Orik stands and speaks against Tsuto, names him as a conspirator with Nualia and pledges he is no longer in his service or in favor of anything the half-elf stands for. He thanks all the Heroes of Sandpoint for speaking on his behalf and swears to the gods that he has forsaken his old ways and pledges his sword to the service of Sandpoint, if they will have him. Lyrie takes her time to beg mercy of the court, pleads that she was unaware of Nualia’s true motives, even suggests that she and Tsuto were bewitched by the demon womans power and not acting on their own accord. Tsuto stands last, and curses the town promising that Nualia’s greatness will not go unfinished. He vows that Sandpoint will burn. There are boo’s from the crowd and you can see the pain and hurt on Ameiko’s face.
When Tsuto is done Justice Ironbriar stands, “The proceedings of this trial are now complete. I thank all of you who taken the time to witness to these horrible events. I will now retire to consider all the words, accuser and accused, and will return with a verdict in good time.” With a swish of his robe the Justice leaves the room. The prisoners are ushered out and the crowd turns to murmuring about the hours of testimony. Ameiko swiftly leaves, not wishing to remain in the presence of the discussion. After an hour the woman court attendant announces to clear to courtroom, an announcement will be made outside the cathedral once the Justice has made his decision.
Hours pass as each of you finds ways to pass the time and avoid the gossip calling for all three to be executed, and the chatter about the trial and the testimonies. Near sunset the bells of the church ring, summoning the citizens of Sandpoint to the reading of the verdict. The Heroes of Sandpoint arrive with the rest of the crowd to find the Justice standing on the platform that held the town leaders just days ago the night of the Swallowtail Festival. He unfurls a scroll and reads, ”Hear you all the reading of the verdict concerning the accused Tsuto Kaijitsu. Accused of the crimes of conspiracy, treason, endangerment, and murder I Justice Ironbriar of the Justice Council of Magnimar declare him guilty of all charges. I hereby sentence him to be hung until dead, the sentence to be carried out in one week in the City of Magnimar.”
”Hear you all the reading of the verdict concerning the accused Lyrie Akenja. Accused of the crimes of conspiracy, treason, and endangerment, I Justice Ironbriar of the Justice Council of Magnimar declare her guilty of all charges. I hereby sentence her to be imprisoned for a time no less than fifty years, the location of her imprisonment shall be the Pediment Building in the City of Magnimar.”
”Hear you all the reading of the verdict concerning the accused Orik Vancaskerkin. Accused of the crimes of conspiracy, treason, and endangerment, I Justice Ironbriar of the Justice Council of Magnimar declare him not guilty of the treason and endangerment charges. On the charge of conspiracy I declare him guilty. I hereby declare he is to be freed from his holdings and escorted to the Sandpoint town limits never to return”
As the Justice rolls up his scroll and the crowd reacts favorable to the verdicts, Bethanna finds Sophy in the crowd, ”Miss Sophy, you must read this.” The halfling hands her a note from Orik asking her to meet him at the southern gate of town.