it's a small town, 12 families. There's a mill, and bunches of farms, and basically nothing else Hayden says. What do you d?
Ron puts his hand on Tom's shoulder as they walk to the prison. We'll face it together.
To be Godslayers ...
Ron speaks with the Mayor in hushed tones.
Mayor. No doubt there is much confusion. Elven radicals trailed Conwall to Ghostmoor and attempted to kill Natria and Kenan. We killed them. Natria and Kenan are safe and in a hidden location. The town guard arrived on scene and ambushed us. They were possessed by a demon serving Einora. The demon is dead. We set out to kill Einora in two days. I cannot explain how, but we know her precise location.
She had a small army. Raise the militia under my command. Ye can't trust your people. Ye know ye can trust me.
" No, I meant - did you overhear anything about how the cultists have arranged themselves there?"
" Alright. As I promised, I'll escort you home. Do you want to remain in town, or would you rather collect your family and flee?"
The vision runs through Tom's head as he picks it apart.
Ron
The dragon Malkorax crept up upon a godling, and tore him apart, but as a priordial being, his claws and teeth could tear godflesh. Jeslei used a sword made of divine will incarnate, and the mage Schyflorat (It was a much more respectable name 450 years ago) used unimaginable amounts of magic to tear apart the god. you have no idea how Einora did it, but she might still have the implement lying aound... if you guys are lucky
the mayor's eye widen at your suggestion Doesn't Norwich need it's militia?
What do you do?
Belym
I haven't seen it since she took over, I'm sorry I really am. he says[/b] I want to leave, tonight. my family and I will go to chillhollow[/b]
what do you do?
Tom
useful or valuable?... umm... lots of cool loot in einora's palace.
in control? the shorter woman is Einora, you know it by her aura, to strong to be mortal or demon.
Before entering the prison Tom warns Ron, Einora is unimpressive to see on her own, but she is with a tall woman with a broken greatsword for a weapon. I must impress on you that both of these women stand on equal footing, and you know a title like Godslayer does not come easily.
Ron
We don't have much of a militia, out guard has always been good. we have a dozen men in reserve for the guard, and a half dozen survivors fro the guard. What do you intend to do with them?
Ron
Ye intend what? Mayor Rushmantle screams James, is there something ye would like ta tell me regarding gods and this cult? like why ye are killing a god instead of a woman?
he seems... concerned, what do you do?
I intend to kill a god.
Ron stops at the exit as the Mayor speaks. Tom, would you explain what you have learned? I must go rest.
" Alright, Hayden. Thank you. Let's go, you can tell me what you need on the way and we'll get it." As they leave, Belym picks up the dagger and tucks it into her belt, leaving it clearly visible.
Taking the floor from Ron, Tom speaks plainly, I have been given a boon from Iisac, and I will forever know the path t' Einora until I fulfill my divine charge. Ron and I and anyone else capable t' be a part of removing the evil and chaos plaguing this town, who wishes t' put out the fire and not just hope it doesn't consume their home, pick up your arms and march with us. This will not just be another skirmish with the cult, this will be the final battle t' end the cult.
Merrick joins Ron and Larune as they leave the prison. Ron first stops by the apothecary and buys three more healing potions. The trio then head to an open area near the tavern and spend an hour in training before ending the evening at the tavern. Larune plays a few songs of overcoming great odds to raise the spirits of the town before the group take rooms and go to sleep. Ron sleeps with his shield and spear close at hand.
Belym
you see hayden off without incident, it would seem the cult is done for the night. what do you do?
Tom
So what you're saying is, you want to take the militiamen, lord knows how many of which are traitors in service of the cult, and leave our town defenseless should Einora, her minions, or whatever other assailants may show themselves, assault the town while you are away. And go slay Einora, who is apparently a god. Which would have been a great thing to mention to me when I asked what the bloody f**! is going on! He says. you don't know if his irritability is the result of a hard night, fear, or genuine anger. what do you do?
Ron
The night is restful and still. At breakfast, Herod's daughter (Leah, you remember her christening) seems a tad off, but otherwise the town seems normal. what do you do?
Through the debates and inquiries, Roshan still feels out of place. Her wrath still burns in her blood, but this town has suffered enough loss. One more herculean strike, and the whole thing could crumble to the ground around her. Then she would have destroyed everything Danyal had won for her.
As the others begin to disperse for the night, Roshan finds an empty cell in the prison and sits down in the back, facing the door. She draws her blades one at a time and constructs the Censure of Hebron. She sits in the dark, staring at the fractured chakram. She holds in her hand a small, papery scrap of leather. "I would have stopped to kill you if I had known I had nothing to come back to."
I'm back downstairs in the Inn, if anyone returns to the tavern. I don't sleep for long and I want to try to make my rejection of the Inn Keeper's daughter sting less. I'll be entertaining her with stories and song and trying to show her that my disinterest is not related to her in the slightest. I want everyone to like me and no one to love me, she's no exception.
Exhausted, Belym returns to the inn. She'll pull up a chair briefly and listen to Conwall's tales before heading up to her room and resting.
As they sit in the common room, Ron calls Larune over to their table during a break in her set. He quickly relates the story of the defense of Norwhich, the capture of the fort, the lifting of the Norwhich siege, the quetzal demons and the vessel demon. She is tasked with bolstering the city's faith in the group as she heads back to the stage to improvise.
So what you're saying is, you want to take the militiamen, lord knows how many of which are traitors in service of the cult, and leave our town defenseless should Einora, her minions, or whatever other assailants may show themselves, assault the town while you are away. And go slay Einora, who is apparently a god. Which would have been a great thing to mention to me when I asked what the bloody f&#$ is going on! He says. you don't know if his irritability is the result of a hard night, fear, or genuine anger. what do you do?
Your passions are rising against your sense, please take a deep breath and let's discuss the alternative, Tom says allowing a pause in conversation for the mayor to calm themselves, You don't know who is part of the cult or not, and we are the only ones capable of slaying the worst the cult has t' offer. We will not just be taking able bodied persons for out own benefit, but t' take anyone already turned - that is anyone who would already attack the town and open the gates for the cult t' destroy it - away from here. These are things that a leader of soldiers against evil is aware of, and is part of Ron's plan.
Continuing, You are a shepherd t' the weak, t' those who cannot rise against the evil trying t' claim this land. Your duty is with those people; not your land, not their possessions, and certainly not the hero that will slay the wicked. No matter how much your flock enjoys the taste of sweet flowers in this land, when it is infested by disease, wolves, and bandits the shepherd doesn't stop t' think about how hard it would be t' find as nice a patch of grass.
Tom places his hand on the mayor's shoulder to calm them some and let them think about his proposal.
~~~Vague Future Plans~~~
While Tom doesn't need to eat or sleep, he spends his time resting to heal his body for the journey. He'll also clean and make repairs to the cathedral at a leisurely pace, and let it be known he offers healing to those that need it and that he can be found there. If he leaves the cathedral he writes a note saying about when he will return and where to find him if it's a consistent location.
Tom will also avoid Conwall.
As Larune plays, Ron moves to sit next to Conwall. In hushed whispers: What happened back there with Tom?
Conwall
your tales get you a crowd of people, and you are well liked. your armour should be done tomorrow, what do you do for the day?
Belym & Roshan
Your party leaves on the morrow, how do you spend this day?
Tom
Very well, if you and Ron think it is what is nessesary, then you may have command of the militia the mayor relents
you have a day before your party is fit to set out. you can't do much, but the cathedral looks a little better, and the wounded of the town will survive.
Ron
as with the others, you have a day to make preparation for the assault on Einora, what do you do?
I give a little shrug, then take a drink of wine.
Tom felt that he needed me to know that the idea of my people dying wouldn't necessarily upset him. I reacted...predictably, especially given how my day has been going. I wish I could say that I'm the kind of person who wouldn't fight beside him, but I know that if he finds himself in danger I'll be in danger with him.
I take another slug of wine.
I took Elven life today, Ron. There's no going back from that, and I did it to keep a bunch of strangers in Ghostmoore safe. I'd do it again, in a heart beat. I just...I hope my decision to keep quiet doesn't doom my people to save yours.
I put the wine down, and push away from the table.
I think it time for me to retire for the night. We've another day in town. Is there anything you'll need from me tomorrow? Perhaps we could go over some of those contingency plans you're so fond of?
In the morning, after combing out her hair, shaving, meditating, and stretching, she heads to the blacksmith with her Chakram.
Forgetting pleasantries, and ignoring how busy the man looks with Conwall's armor, she asks if the blade can be fixed. By all appearances, the blade is a sharpened hoop of metal, and no more. A hard impact has fractured the hoop at the point the ends of the metal were welded. Rather than iron, the chakram is made from cobalt. The weld looks like it has been done and redone, mostly with iron.
"Danyal said to keep it away from copper. I saw him fix it once before, but I do not think I could do it myself just yet." She nods to herself. "This metal, it can resist heat and corrosion--it must--but it is an uncommon and temperamental thing." Roshan takes a deep breath. "I do not have much for payment, but it need only be done when- if I return. Perhaps I shall have better means of compensation then. If I do not return, it is yours."
Tom can lead us directly to Einora. She is accompanied by a large woman with a broken greatsword. I've only ever heard of four successful "Godslayers." A dragon tore one to pieces. A Mage used powerful magic. Another used a weapon infused with divine will. And Einora. If she used a weapon we might be able to find it.
A thought crosses Ron's mind as Comwall gets up to leave. Catastrophe. Was it forged by Pelnore's will?
Ron pulls out the vessel demon's divine ore and holds it in his hand.
I pause for a moment, to consider Ron's words.
What an interesting question, Ron. Pelnore wishes the end of the Asmodeans, and as such Catastrophe is an instrument of his influence. But the decision to forge it, the purification I undertook and the way I use it are all of my own path. We walk in Pelnore's fallen leaves, but he drops them in no pattern that we can fathom. Why do you ask?
Once she's awakened and ready for the day, Belym pulls out the ring and circlet found in the ruins. One at a time, she balances each item on the tips of her fingers, and carefully allows the slightest trickle of power through her conduit, probing the items to see if there's any reaction while carefully studying the craftsmanship.
Once she's awakened and ready for the day, Belym pulls out the ring and circlet found in the ruins. One at a time, she balances each item on the tips of her fingers, and carefully allows the slightest trickle of power through her conduit, probing the items to see if there's any reaction while carefully studying the craftsmanship.
[Dice=Spout Lore: ring]2d6+2
[Dice=Spout Lore: circlet]2d6+2
The ring: The runes on the ring mark it as gnomish work, one can only imagine how the item wound up in demonic hands. the magic itself does not react with your conduit, but a quick glance at a gnome-dwarfish dictionary gets you all you need, this ring lets you speak to birds while you wear it.
The circlet: The elven craftsmanship on this item leaves little doubt as to the general magic of this item, snowflakes and an eternal light covering of frost. interaction with our conduit shows that the magic cast upon it becomes ice magic. anyone who uses magic with this makes it into ice magic.
what do you do with these new toys?
Also, Ron, we can bump the group gold by 900, minus however much Belym spent getting Hayden's supplies.
Also, Ron, we can bump the group gold by 900, minus however much Belym spent getting Hayden's supplies.
we retconned the elf loot. the demon loot (including a 900 GP necklace, and 70o in infernal currency) was still there.
Belym will head downstairs and look for Conwall. Assuming he's around, she'll show him the circlet. "I found this on the demon's body. The mayor didn't recognize it, so I'm guessing it came from the demon, or Einora. It's clearly Elven make, any idea how it could've fallen into their hands?" If Conwall (or anyone else) asks, she'll explain what it does as well.
I shrug
Arcanery was never my focus. I did...poorly in school. She likely stole it.
In the morning, Ron packs away his pillowcase and tosses the tavern owner a coin for the trouble.
Ron spends the day training with the hirelings and anyone else willing to join.
Fast forward?:
As the party regroups to head out, Ron approaches Tom. That spell ye cast on Roshan's blade. It may be the only thing that can harm Einora. Keep it in mind. And Tom, ye best mend things with Conwall.
In due time, Ron. Some things require a bit of time along with words, and I will not dishonor Conwall further by asking forgiveness through my teeth.
In the morning, after combing out her hair, shaving, meditating, and stretching, she heads to the blacksmith with her Chakram.
Forgetting pleasantries, and ignoring how busy the man looks with Conwall's armor, she asks if the blade can be fixed. By all appearances, the blade is a sharpened hoop of metal, and no more. A hard impact has fractured the hoop at the point the ends of the metal were welded. Rather than iron, the chakram is made from cobalt. The weld looks like it has been done and redone, mostly with iron.
"Danyal said to keep it away from copper. I saw him fix it once before, but I do not think I could do it myself just yet." She nods to herself. "This metal, it can resist heat and corrosion--it must--but it is an uncommon and temperamental thing." Roshan takes a deep breath. "I do not have much for payment, but it need only be done when- if I return. Perhaps I shall have better means of compensation then. If I do not return, it is yours."
Aye, the repairs can be done the blacksmith And I'l, take 40 gold, because of the exotic needs. he happily takes the disk. What do you do?
The day of the expidition
A group of armed individuals meet you at the gate Sir Strong, we were told to report here today, and to tell you that we are under your command. I'm Leo Marshbough, Commander of the guard, Recently promoted he adds with a nasty look. what do you do?
I arrive at the gate, my armor shining in the sun. In the time before our departure, I've used party gold to buy five more throwing daggers and 2 more potions.
Reporting for duty, Sir Strong. I arch my eyebrow at Ron's new name When do we march?
Yesterday...
Belym spends much of the day outside of town, experimenting with the magic items. If the local birds are friendly, she'll attempt to learn anything they can tell her about the status of things around and in Einora's fortifications.
This morning...
Belym arrives, looking well rested, and with a gleam of silver visible in her hair. "Morning, Ron. What's the plan?"
Yesterday...
Roshan leaves the broken blade with the blacksmith with a nod. "Thank you for your services to our cause."
The solemn Templar would spend the rest of the day checking her chainmail for damage, sharpening her blades, and distracting herself from her loss. Her wrath seethes just below the surface, keeping her focused, and scaring the locals. She has to move more than once.
During one such move, she sees Ron, who invites her to train. He's caught her with her equipment bundled under one arm. Her armor, it would seem, is not what makes her figure imposing. She wears a simple pair of shorts and her chest is bound. Her hair hangs in oiled ringlets around her face. Her bare legs are toned like a horse's and riddled with scars to match her arms. Her predatory smile returns. "A Sworn Blade of Hebron brandishes weapons for three reasons: to penance, to inquire, and to kill. I would not subject your wards to my blades. We will meet when Conwall has his plate and it is time to move out."
This Morning...
Roshan drops from the town wall, near the gate. She had been meditating there, watching the horizon, and waiting for the allies she had mustered nights before. She still smells of demon's blood, though not as strongly. She keeps her distance from Ron's men, and does not look at Tom. When Belym arrives, she bows curtly, but remains just outside the clustered party.
Conwall
Belym
You learn a great deal about fishing spots, and which trees you oughtn't perch on, but as it turns out, the ring only allows you to speak to birds, commanding them is not within it's power
Roshan
So, what kind of bird do you capture, and what sort of torments do you put it through, you sadistic zealot.
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Ron nods and smiles at each party member as they arrive at the mustering ground. He surveys the group and habitually categorizes them. Archer, archer, heavy infantry ...
It isn't an army, but it's something. He feels himself slipping back into a role he thought long gone. He recalls something a grizzled commander once told him over too much ale. Leading men is just acting. Acting confident. Acting like you have a plan. Never let them see doubt.
Ron approaches Marshbough and salutes him. Commander Marshbough. He speaks loudly to the men. I am sorry for yer loss. The men and women that died last night were good folk twisted to an evil purpose by the liar Einora. I am sorry for the part that I played in their deaths.
Ye know me as James Strong. Ye know who I am. Ye know I will not lie to ye. We march towards great danger. Ghostmoor ... all of Tanard ... faces a grave threat. The Lady of Lies has claimed the mantle of Godhood. Her agents infect our lands, kill our loved ones. This ends today. Loyal men and women of Ghostmoor! Together we will free this land of tyranny, and make our home safe.
He allows a scowl to cross his face, and his done darkens. And those of ye that serve her that march with us today ... know that ye march to yer deaths. Ye may think that we are trapped with ye cowards. But I assure ye, yer the ones trapped here ... with me.
Ron separates them into four equal groups and directs one group to each of Conwall, Belym, Tom, and Roshan. These are yer captains. Obey them and we will prevail. Keep an eye on yer neighbors and report anything suspicious. Speak loudly and plainly. We will have no whispered conversations in this camp.
He nods as they form up. Yer job is simple. Engage and defeat any cultists that Einora sets against her. Keep yer captains alive. Know that some of our comrades will turn on us when we first engage the enemy. We will prevail regardless. Do not engage Einora or a large woman with a broken greatsword. Leave that to yer captains. At ease.
Ron gathers the party members together for a council of war out of earshot of the men.
At least we removed some cultists from the town. We know where Einora is, but not how to kill her. I know of three godkillers that survived the deed. One was a dragon with primordial claws that could rend godflesh. One was a mage that used incredible magics. One was a warrior with a weapon of divine will. And Einora managed the same, but I know not how. Any ideas?
Ron hands Belym the divine ore. I've seen ye bend earth. Can ye reshape this?