Alex gives a smirk at Krafnik, "Some fancy words there. It is a presupposition that 'fear, loneliness, and evil' require an answer, as if they were a question, problem, or riddle. When, they just exist. Fear and loneliness have definitions based in feelings. They are descriptions. Evil is a state of being, though often as fluid as water in a sphere on an uneven surface. It can sway quickly and easily," as he finishes he slowly takes a breath.
"As for 'love'" he begins again, "Where you use one word, others have several. Of what kind do you speak? Familial love? Romantic love? Friendship? I obviously have a distaste for that word, but only because of lack of clarity.
Fancy words, without substance, stand up to scrutiny as easily as a dandelion stands up to wind. I give these criticisms not as ridicule or to prove a measure of intelligence, but as a challenge, an inspiration. So that you may not just speak with meaning, but live with it.
So what your next move will you investigate the tower or return home first?
"Let's go see that tower. We're not expected back just yet, and I'd like to see what we could do to further expand our territory. Especially as it seems to have just shrunk after running into a surprise kingdom of fey."
Alexand silently nods in agreement.
a challenge heard Alexand and long ago accepted. My words are backed by conviction and an idea such as love or hope can ignite an entire people to action. Clarification is simple. The act of holding another in heart and purpose in positive affection and devotion. As to yonder tower, let us to it.
You travel a few miles and finny see a stone Tower out in the forest at least 60 feet high and as you get closer you see the tower is surrounded by a twenty foot high stone wall. Vegetation grows over the entire structure and it seems in a state of disrepair the wall has collapses at several places.
Your examining the structure when there is a sudden gust of wind.
Zilybar starts to bleed from a cut on his neck with no apparent source.
You hear someone laughing but cant pin down the source.
Before you even know what happened there is another gust of wind and this time it's a leg that gets cut.
The cut is very small and precise almost like a paper cut but it's deep and aimed at a vital spot.
The injuries also causes 2 points of bleed damage.
You hear a voice "First the gnome, then the elf and then the dwarf! What fun!" each word seems to come from a different direction.
Your go. (no need for init he won.)
Your opponent is nowhere to be seen. You can't even tell were the attacks are coming from as he seemed to attack from a different direction each time.
As they walk, Alexand's smirk turns into a full blown smile, "Believing excessively in the insubstantial does not make it substantial." He then takes his bow from his shoulder and displays it, "No matter how hard I believe that his be made of metal, does not make it so. A serial killer has conviction. A cultist to a dark god has conviction. Conviction alone does not give credibility."
"I would disagree. The ideas such as love or hope catalyze action, but do not motivate the beginnings of it. Purposes such as safety and security give the direction that ignites action. Hope can be quite a powerful catalyst, but it is alway hope in something. That is how heart leaders get things done, give a direction and then catalyze the action with a passion. For example," as he gestures ahead of the group, "direction: we should investigate and take care of the evil fey at this tower. Catalyst: because the evil fey cause our loved ones dang-"
”Shut up and kill the beastie.” Hrungnir growled. A wave of light formed around his hammer, and he slammed the hilt on the ground, causing it to spread out to his companions.
"Great invisible enemies." She says her shield out and her cudgel coming forth. She shifts to a simple defense posture as she looks to Hrungnir.
"Any thoughts on methods of engagement?"
We should try to locate this invisible pest and deal with him or it.
Zilybar looks around..
I see how it is...well two can play at this game of yours. You want the gnome...come and find me.
Zilybar lets his fingers move in a mystic pattern as his voice calls out arcane phrases of power.
Ouch I sure hope this helps
He then moves off into a different direction to make sure it is harder for the creature to locate him.
Krafnik will start preforming (inspire courage move action) and then he will attempt to detect evil 60 cone in front of himself pointing thru the group to the west
Alexand smiles. He then moves back into the woods they came from attempting to hide behind a tree.
Ionnia links up with Hrungir as she peers about the area taking her time to see if she can spot any oddity or shimmer.
Zilybar waits and watches for the creature.
He would be out of range of detect evil until he comes in to attack.
He doesn't see Zily or Alex so going for Hrungir.
Your go.
Hrungnir grimaced as the blade sliced him. He yelled ”Barely tickled! Ye cowardly wee bastard!”
"Great, gonna do something Hrungnir" Ionnia says as she begins to cast a spell. Casts Bless
Krafnik will now cast vanish on himself and let his words linger a few moments and he will start reading an action to attack the thing when he sees it.
Hrungir manages to see the blur coming this time and he swings as the creature attacks him and connects there is a squeal of pain from the small creature as he is sent flying.
"Impossible!?! You saw me! That was just luck!" he shouts running away to hide once more.
Krafnik manages to spot him coming as well (I'll allow you to take a shot with your bow if you want or do any standard action that targets him)
Krafnik will smite evil as a swift action and shoot the damn thing as a standard readied attack
The arrow stick the little guy in the back as he flees. "AHH.." he screams in pain.
You wait for the next attack but it doesn't come it seems he fled.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Hrungnir sighed, as he lowered his hammer.
"Cowardly beast. Chances are it isn't gone, it will just be waiting to slit our throats while we sleep. If we are going to take this land, we will need to figure out a way to kill it."
Do you proceed into the ruins?
”The beastie is gone, for now. Let us proceed. We should know the lay of the land before we send our people here to restore it.”
The main portcullis is fully raised so you can enter there or you can try to find another more subtle way in.
"I Don't think he is gone. I suspect he left to regroup. More of a hindrance than an assassin. SO stay sharp. First off someone sweep for traps. The rest of us switch to your best weapon. Some Ranged some Melee. Z and Alex ready battle magics if you have it."She says as she steps forward and looks at the others.
Krafnik readies his bow keeping a sharp eye as he waits to enter following closely with the group saying I am no trap specialist to be sure.
”Aye, m’lady. Ye’ve got my hammer.”
Good for her, taking command. She’ll need that and more if she wants to be Queen.
Ionnia looks at her club, Maidens' Hammer and began to walk forward as soon as the others fell in line. She went through her spells and possible fighting styles. This would be an interesting encounter. For the good of the people and this burgeoning nation, she would get this group to fight and secure the land s that it would grow and prosper. Especially for her daughter.
Alex sighs, puts away his papers neatly into his pack, draws his bow, and knocks an arrow.
Zilybar looks on at the others as they prepare to head out.
his tone is very matter of fact like.
Do they not see anything at all? It is no illusion...
Before we continue moving forward. Perhaps some healing to those that are in need of it. I for one do not wish to be a bothersome but since I am about to fall over from loss of my life's blood. I would be very much appreciate if someone knew how to stop it from flowing out of my wounds and making me weaker by the minutes.
”Oh! Fook. Sorry lad.”
”Good as new! Ye bore yer wounds well.”
So you decide to enter via the portcullis. someone leads the way and searched for traps? Make your perception check.
Feeling much better after the healing, Zilybar mounts up and follows the rest of the group.
Thank you kindly for the healing.
When they get to the gates, he takes point and give the area a once over.
Alex quietly follows in the back of the group, looking at what he can.
Zilybar finds a tripwire set underneath the portcullis gate. He figures tripping it would cause the gate to come crashing down.
Zilybar points to the ground where the tripwire is located.
It looks to drop the gate on those that trip it. We can bypass it and move on if you like. Or I can attempt to disable it
”You’re the expert. But I don’t trust myself stepping over that. My legs aren’t the tallest, and this armor doesn’t exactly help.”
"I think if you can disable it you should, but its ultimately up to you. You are a specialist" She says with a smile as she was ready to attack whatever came after them.
Alexand stays quiet during the exchange. Upon closer glance it is clear that he is hold the the knocked bow and arrow loosely, as if not ready to use them.
Zily bar looks at the dwarf and smiles...
you do know that you are taller than me....right? Very well I will take care of the trap.
Bending down and looking at the wire from one side to the other. He pulls forth a small pouch from inside his shirt. He lays it down on the ground and unravels it to reveal several different tools...Files, picks of all sizes and shapes, narrow-bladed scissors, several pliers, long hooks, short hooks, key extractor, vials, saw blades, tension wrenches and several other tools that are unknown to the casual eye. He follows the wire to the wall, raping gently on the wall as he lets his eyes roam toward a spot about three feet off the ground. He stares at it for some time before he pulls forth a tool and inserts it into the wall at several different angels. At one point he sticks the first tool into the wall and lets it remain there. Reaching back for another tool, he continues to manipulate the tools back and forth until he hears a slight click. He slowly pulls the tools back out and returns them to his pouch. The pouch soon disappears into his shirt.
That should do it.....