I watch the dwarf's disastrous attempt to fill a small hole in the wall, then look back at the murderous death demon altar.
Kaspar...that's sort of the point, no? I hope you haven't been laboring under the impression that we're working in favor of Kelos. That being said, perhaps we may be better off breaking it through conventional means. Kaspar, we'd hate for you to journey with us to Norwich only to taste the hangman's noose. Perhaps we might be persuaded to let you on your way, properly chastised, if you're willing to use your transmutation powers to alter the altar to something more easily destructible. Paper, perhaps?
"I...I don't think I can. The power of Kelos protects the altar. Besides which, I would not wish to work against him, so few of these remain, they are precious. and powerful besides, you could use it's power, you could have whatever you wanted, would you really destroy sch a gift?" He says, his voice going from serios to dignified to pleading as he speaks. What do you do?
If you knew what Kelos' kind has done to my people you would never ask such a question. I'd destroy it and every one like it.
I look around the keep's supply room for a hammer, shovel or axe. Something to crush the floor around the altar, keep others from using it
Clearly going to have to practice that a little more. " That... was not what I intended." Belym says as she returns to the group.
If you knew what Kelos' kind has done to my people you would never ask such a question. I'd destroy it and every one like it.
I look around the keep's supply room for a hammer, shovel or axe. Something to crush the floor around the altar, keep others from using it
The altar is mere ebony and iron, the woodaxe in the storeroom would suffice, however you will likely upset Kelos, and any of his servants. What do you do?
This is what I think about your Kelos!
I let out a mighty shout and smash the axe into the altar.
This is what I think of you. You and all your sadistic kind. Bring it on!
This is what I think about your Kelos!
I let out a mighty shout and smash the axe into the altar.
This is what I think of you. You and all your sadistic kind. Bring it on!
Kaspar looks on in horror as the axe collapses the altar. purple smoke rises from it, quickly filling the room. it doesn't seem to have any effect, but the prison takes on a sinister aspect in the lavender glow. What do you do?
Satisfied, I drop the axe to the ground then look towards Kaspar.
You had your chance to be cooperative. It's time to face the music back in town. Your hands, would you be prefer I bind them or remove them?
Satisfied, I drop the axe to the ground then look towards Kaspar.
You had your chance to be cooperative. It's time to face the music back in town. Your hands, would you be prefer I bind them or remove them?
he recoils, scrambling away from you and calling out "Dwarf! Spearman! Help!". He turns and runs for the door, what do you do?
Ron moves between Conwall and the cultist. Kaspar is our friend Conwall! Leave him alone! Isn't that right Kaspar. I'm your friend, not Kelos, and not those silly cultists. So, think hard, is there anything else that you know that might be useful in bringing down those cultists that were so mean to you?
Ron walks them to a corner of the room as they speak. Once Kaspar is finished spilling the beans Ron will turn the spearpoint on him and ask Conwall to bind Kaspar's wrists.
Ron moves between Conwall and the cultist. Kaspar is our friend Conwall! Leave him alone! Isn't that right Kaspar. I'm your friend, not Kelos, and not those silly cultists. So, think hard, is there anything else that you know that might be useful in bringing down those cultists that were so mean to you?
Ron walks them to a corner of the room as they speak. Once Kaspar is finished spilling the beans Ron will turn the spearpoint on him and ask Conwall to bind Kaspar's wrists.
"She needs sacrifices, by the dozens. Her altar will become more powerful now that it is one of the last 6, and she will capitalize on that. she will take a soft target,like Norwhich once the soldiers have assaulted them, or Beargrave . It is not too late, A circle only 50 leagues from here has another altar, we can use it against her, just don't let the elf near it."
He seems to be very enthusiastic about the altar, and he goes on to describe the power that could be channelled through it (basically, it can be used as a place of power in a wizards ritual, even if you lack the move, and sacrifices can be used to remove requirements.) What do you do?
Time is short. Let us ride. Bring Kaspar. Belym, are you ready?
" I'm ready." Belym replies.
Ron prods the cultist. Let's move.
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Ron prods the cultist. Let's move.
[Dice=Quartermaster]2d6
[dice=Scout]2d6
[Dice=Trailblazing]2d6
With careful planning (and a very well placed blackberry patch) you guys are able to keep marching without breakfast. However, you do get lost, turned around (tunnel navigation skills do not transfer well to the forest). in one of your course corrections, you see a blue... person, riding a... tentacle demon? . What do you do?
Sheridan
you and TAM are moving well along, through a forest (the early morning mist feels good on your skin and gills), you spot a quartet (a dwarf, a spearman, an elven swordsman, and a bound man who seems to be marching at swordpoint. What do you do?
Tom
On the road, You see a person from the other direction coming toward you. when they spot the symbol around their neck, they call out "Ho! Are you a servant of Iisac? Norwhich has need of a healer!" What do you do?
Ahoy traveler! It isn't safe to be out in this forest alone! There are soldiers, demons, ravagers and ... He glances at Conwall, Elves in the area!
We are headed to Norwhich. Where be ye headed?
As they make their way through the forest, Belym asks Kaspar, "A question for you. Did your cult...encounter...any dwarves in the last year or so?"
Belym is visibly tense once they spot the stranger, but Ron and Conwall would recognize it as primarily an outlet for her frustration at their navigational problems.
As they make their way through the forest, Belym asks Kaspar, "A question for you. Did your cult...encounter...any dwarves in the last year or so?"
Belym is visibly tense once they spot the stranger, but Ron and Conwall would recognize it as primarily an outlet for her frustration at their navigational problems.
"Dwarves, Yeah, there was a whole camp, in the old mine, until we drove them out. sacrificed three of them, the rest retreated, To the west" He smiles cruelly "Were they friends of yours?"
" Maybe. Did any of them bear this sign?". With a visible effort, Belym merely shows the cultist the sigil emblazoned on her hammer, rather than clubbing him with it.
"Ho! Are you a servant of Iisac? Norwhich has need of a healer!"
Aye, lad! Loyal an' true! Tom calls letting them come to him, What be ye trouble? Cautious while on the road around strangers, Tom gives the individual a look over while they walk down the road to meet him.
Sheridan saws on TAM's reins and the huge creature trundles to a stop with the ambulatory grace of two and a half men playing twister on a greased mat.
For a moment the Merfolk traveler attempts to decipher the group's composition, referencing their mental catalog of humanoid variations to no avail. "Can't say as I've met as pleasant a group of bandits as ye. You'll have to come up with a simpler premise, though, I'm not at all sure what part of what yer doin's meant to lure me in." Sheridan flashes a too-wide smile filled with serrated teeth. "I am Sheridan Driftwood, and this is the Traveling Arcadian Menagerie. I was told this For-Rest was home to a large body of water, but I'm having a bugger of a time finding it through all 'o these... upp-y down-y bits." Sheridan sort of gestures at the nearest tree with a vertical jab to accentuate it's "up-y-down-y-ness".
"Ho! Are you a servant of Iisac? Norwhich has need of a healer!"Aye, lad! Loyal an' true! Tom calls letting them come to him, What be ye trouble? Cautious while on the road around strangers, Tom gives the individual a look over while they walk down the road to meet him.
[dice=Discern Realities]2d6+2
"There is a disease that plagues the guard, I do not know it's name, but many of the militia are confined to the privy, or else spew forth blood and bile. others are abed, unwakable, yet fitful in their sleep. Can you help them?" What do you do?
" Maybe. Did any of them bear this sign?". With a visible effort, Belym merely shows the cultist the sigil emblazoned on her hammer, rather than clubbing him with it.
"Aye, it was carved into the mine's door, and many bore it on their shields and weapons. One madman, a berserker who fought with twin axes and next to no clothes, had carved it into his chest. Kelos was pleased when we sacrificed him, carving our own sigil into him." he says, taking obvious glee in the statement. What do you do?
Looking at those with the chitinous one, Sheridan eyes the exchange between the stocky one and the greasy one. "Is this an interrogation? Are you gonna to drub in her joints if ye dunna like what she say? Oh! are ya gonna chain her to a rock and throw her into a large body of water? I've never seen one of those gardens be planted..."
Best be quick, then, Tom says extending a calloused hand, M'name be Tom; may I be graced with yours, lad?
Tom encourages them to move quickly to the encampment in order to review the situation.
Best be quick, then, Tom says extending a calloused hand, M'name be Tom; may I be graced with yours, lad?
Tom encourages them to move quickly to the encampment in order to review the situation.
"Willas, sir. the town's this way" He races off, you in pursuit. you reach Norwich within the hour, a gloomy place, with holes where the gate should be, a few buildings recently turned to ash. through there, you reach the barracks quickly.
Men lay all around, as red liquid (too viscous for blood, probably mixed with bile) lays in patches on the floor, while you here groans coming from the toilets. others lay in their beds, twiching, but unwaking. what do you do?
There is Greathorn Lake, but it is a fishing lake, less than 4 meters deep at the most. or maybe she means Stella's Lake, some 70 kilometers north of here, and in elven lands to boot. other than that, there's little more than ponds.
Tom eyes the condition of the town murmuring to himself Never has the fable of Zimran been so clearly laid before me...
Reaching the barracks Tom immediately takes action, This be the result of some malfeasance manifested in food or wine, or it be some wayward corpse dust. The injuries t' the town itself are bearing down on these men. Looking at the people around aiding the men he adds, It will be hard, but we need t' bring these men somewhere isolated with a stone floor we can scrub clean regularly. Their bodies must fight the infection mostly alone, but I give me aide where I can. This muddied floor is going to be the source of further plague...
Head on a swivel, Where is a location with a floor like I describe, even if we need to construct a canvas roof keeping everything clean of blood and bile is critical.
As people take action he continues pushing people, Who hear can walk? Who is able enough t' help carry these men? Everyone, cover your mouths and noses with a kerchief! Wrap your hands and arms with linens before touching these men!
Well met Sheridan. Certainly we be no bandits me ... Lady? They call me Ron Bucanero, of the Norwhich militia. This is Belym, in search of her clan, and Conwall ... He pauses for a moment. In search of something surely. And this gentleman is our prisoner, to be returned to Norwhich to face justice. He is an avowed demon worshipper, cultist, and follower of Kelos. We recently cleansed his brethren from a tower on the Braxos border and return to warn the nearby towns of imminent danger.
I know of only one Lake worthy of the name, Stella's Lake far far from here.
If you are lost, I suggest you accompany us to Norwhich. Tis far better to travel in numbers in these parts, and you can purchase a map in town. What say ye?
Sheridan ducks a bow from her seat at each of the introduced individuals. "Oh well that sounds a sight more refreshing than my plan. The currents in these parts are mighty unreliable. We've been wanderin' fer weeks tryin' to find that stelalaik. I'm not really a maps person, but we could sure use some time to resupply, Bucky. Oh, I can call you Bucky, right? I forget which of you folk are sensitive ta diminutives... You c'n call me Sheri if it suits you. Not a big fan of long names either... Sorry for bein' so negative right off the back, but I've been lost for a good awhile so I'm probably in a mood."
Belym once again visibly struggles to not deck the cultist, before turning to the newcomer. " My apologies, Sheri, for my rudeness. Much as I'd like to, I'm not going to be drowning him today. Belym Felstone, at your service."
Bucky ... sure I suppose. The old man turns to Conwall and points his finger. But don't ye be getting any ideas!
Apologies, Sheri. I'm pleased ye be joining us. It is past time to return to Norwhich.
Tom eyes the condition of the town murmuring to himself Never has the fable of Zimran been so clearly laid before me...
Reaching the barracks Tom immediately takes action, This be the result of some malfeasance manifested in food or wine, or it be some wayward corpse dust. The injuries t' the town itself are bearing down on these men. Looking at the people around aiding the men he adds, It will be hard, but we need t' bring these men somewhere isolated with a stone floor we can scrub clean regularly. Their bodies must fight the infection mostly alone, but I give me aide where I can. This muddied floor is going to be the source of further plague...
Head on a swivel, Where is a location with a floor like I describe, even if we need to construct a canvas roof keeping everything clean of blood and bile is critical.
As people take action he continues pushing people, Who hear can walk? Who is able enough t' help carry these men? Everyone, cover your mouths and noses with a kerchief! Wrap your hands and arms with linens before touching these men!
[dice=Spout Lore]2d6
This isn't a disease, it looks it, but it is poison. the antidote is difficult to make, and tricky to find. Pehaps the power of Iisac could save them, if you could petition his aid. What do you do?
Bucky ... sure I suppose. The old man turns to Conwall and points his finger. But don't ye be getting any ideas!
Apologies, Sheri. I'm pleased ye be joining us. It is past time to return to Norwhich.
Ron leads the party back to town, with a close eye on the cultist. Meanwhile, Roach keeps his distance from TAM.
As they reach the outskirts of the town, Sheridan keeps an eye out for curious folk and awed children, the telltale signs of a profitable evening. An eye is also kept out for bandaged soldiers, beggars, and other signs of danger. TAM was not exactly in shape for a protracted performance, but reputation was important in a Traveler's career, and strolling past the right building could stir up interest.
What should I be on the lookout for?
As they approach Norwhich, Ron notices that Sheri appears to be trying to drink in the sights. He digs into his pack and pulls out an old spyglass. Not sure what ye looking for, but this may help.
Sheridan is delighted to make use of the spyglass. It takes them a few tries to figure out how to make it work, but the basic concept isn't lost on them.
What here is useful or valuable to me?
What is about to happen?
As they pass into town, Belym keeps an eye out for an apothecary, and will purchase a large supply of healing potions at the first opportunity.
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As they reach the outskirts of the town, Sheridan keeps an eye out for curious folk and awed children, the telltale signs of a profitable evening. An eye is also kept out for bandaged soldiers, beggars, and other signs of danger. TAM was not exactly in shape for a protracted performance, but reputation was important in a Traveler's career, and strolling past the right building could stir up interest.
[dice=Discern Realities]2d6+2
What should I be on the lookout for?
Sheridan is delighted to make use of the spyglass. It takes them a few tries to figure out how to make it work, but the basic concept isn't lost on them.
What here is useful or valuable to me?
What is about to happen?
there are a pair of massive holes in the wall, one where the gate should be (they have goat-fencing in it's place), and one about 10 meters ahead of that. there are two gaurds atop the wall, both look like they have been there all night (it's 3 or 4 by now). this town is clearly under attack, and not prepared for it.
The depressed and scared towns are always looking for a distraction, you could make some money here. also, you get challenged at the gate , but your companions simply walk through, they even crack a joke with the old spearman. they could get you into town.
This entire town feels like a reef, right before a hurricane. a metaphorical storm is coming, and based on the shape of the town, it will come with steel and torches.
Everyone but Tom
you approach the gate, to find only two people guarding it, (Ron & Belym know them to be Sam and Jericho). Jericho stands and calls out to you "Ron, thank god, I thought we were going to be defenseless" She says, looking exhausted. Sam lets her sit, and takes up the guard. "You and Belym can go in, the goats have been known to figure out that lock, so even you should be able to work it" Sma laughs, before Turning his crossbow onto Conwall and Sheridan "You two, we have to have a little chat first, 'specially you... Missy?" He says, waving his crossbow to indicate Sheridan. What do you do?
As they pass into town, Belym keeps an eye out for an apothecary, and will purchase a large supply of healing potions at the first opportunity.
Tom, surveying the quarantine of those afflicted with the pathogen realizes that this is some sort of toxin introduced to these soldiers, Make sure to treat the patients with a lot of fluids, preferably something like broth with some salt. If they can accept food keep it plain grains and fruits only.
Tom sets up an "alter" (really just a barrel or box with some painted symbols to Iisac), and in an earthenware bowl or plate begins to burn the few dried herbs he has hung on his cloak. I'll need to seek new herb soon. The bitter herbs leave an acrid smell in the air, which means you know it's working.
Speaking again with the people aiding the poisoned, Tom asks if there have been any strange deformations in any of the livestock - maybe a pig with a pseudopod, some plants whose fruits were shaped strangely, or even an adult with new growths or wounds that won't heal. Any medical oddity that may have surfaced recently.
Tom, surveying the quarantine of those afflicted with the pathogen realizes that this is some sort of toxin introduced to these soldiers, Make sure to treat the patients with a lot of fluids, preferably something like broth with some salt. If they can accept food keep it plain grains and fruits only.
Tom sets up an "alter" (really just a barrel or box with some painted symbols to Iisac), and in an earthenware bowl or plate begins to burn the few dried herbs he has hung on his cloak. I'll need to seek new herb soon. The bitter herbs leave an acrid smell in the air, which means you know it's working.
Speaking again with the people aiding the poisoned, Tom asks if there have been any strange deformations in any of the livestock - maybe a pig with a pseudopod, some plants whose fruits were shaped strangely, or even an adult with new growths or wounds that won't heal. Any medical oddity that may have surfaced recently.
As you burn the herbs, you feel inside yourself that it is not enough, not enough to save these men. Iisac demands something precious,proof that these men are more precious [ooc]For the record, the herbs will usually work for guidance or a boon, but this is basically a miracle (Which is well within Iisac's purview, but it is not purchased cheaply).
When you ask about the fruits, one of the men perks up. "well, a lot of the farmers who were driven from their lands say that there was a blight on their crops even before the unpleasantness started". This is a town on the brink of disaster from several angles, and on the border of two kingdoms one incident from war, exactly the type of place Zimran loves. What do you do?
Tom thinks about what he can do, he has a number of years on his bones but is still young in the faith. He begins to have the seeds of doubt creep in thinking that this is too big an opponent for his skill.
He goes patient to patient, and asks them, What did ye eat the day ye fell ill?
After hearing the answers he suggests no one else be allowed to consume food from the same source or drink from the same wells. I really need t' explore the farmlands t' see this blight. Maybe I can find something there t' save these men... but it be too dangerous t' go alone...
If I were t' explore these farmlands, where were the blights first reported?
Ron tugs at the goat fence. Sarcastically, Aye, the walls of Jericho will surely stand forever.
These three are with me, and I take responsibility for their actions within Norwhich. What is new in town? Quickly now, we must go speak with the mayor at once!