Lief leafs through his new purchases, content to sit down for a good read. When the reading is done, he renews his alchemical studies, deciding to practice his productivity. Given time, he focuses on Antitoxins and Smelling Salts, something he's sure will find value in the Riddleport markets. When the reagants are set to simmer, he returns to his books, and works to scribe his new formulae into his book, which gets closer to capacity with each passing week. In the early evening, he grabs his sleep, before waking after two hours, and continuing his work into the early hours of the morning.
Dimitrio knocked on the door where Lief was working, not wanting to disturb him too much.
The bard looked around the books and reagents and nodded, "So while I'm been out listening to music, you've been here working."
He chuckled, "If we continue this way, I'm sure I'll be working for you one day."
He then added, "I was hoping you had some time to replenish my stash of anti-toxins. I sort of ran out battling the drow and it looks like the battle ain't over yet."
He sighed, "But I...I kind of spent all my money on ensorceling my blade so... Can I... pay you later?"
"Of course, Dimitrio. Does this mean that you'll continue to engage in skirmishes with poisoners? Why don't you just retire to running the Goblin? Don't you think you've sacrificed enough?"
Lief looks over, with a light frown. "Why would anyone discuss the drow with a soft heart?" With the remark said, he turns back to his writing.
"Because we are better than they." she says simply and as non-confrontationally as she can.
As evening arrives, Ederin hears the sound of music and can't ignore his natural Varisian impulse to tap his foot along to the beat and hum. After a little while his curiosity overwhelms him and he drifts outside in search of whoever is playing the music. If he can help it, he doesn't get too close, just enough to hear it better and not interrupt whatever elven gathering is going on.
Ederin heads outside in the dusk, and finds music - everywhere! Largely it’s the multiplicity of wind chimes, and the clear fact that neighbors take nearby chimes into consideration when adding their own music to the existing medley. Then there are active musicians in many homes, taking that background, and riffing off it to make their own smooth jazz in the foreground.
The night is cool, and the windows and doors are open all around. It’s all one grand concert, and it’s hard to pinpoint a ‘sweet’ spot in the neighborhood. The whole town is ‘gathering’ in their own ways, in their own homes. It is quite grand.
"Oh good, thank you," Kaylayne remarks, greatly relieved. "Then I shall begin to prepare for dinner. I wonder if you might come shopping with me? I have things to discuss with you and you might help me pick out something suitable for the experience?"
Presuming Iaon agrees...
She shakes her head sadly, "I'm afraid you must wait one more day. I am simply exhausted, and would be of no use to you now. Please, allow me rest and rejuvenation, and I shall return to you on the morrow, fresh and ready."
In the early evening, he grabs his sleep, before waking after two hours, and continuing his work into the early hours of the morning.
You have not yet rested, as you are chatting with Dimitrio. However, both of you hear the shouting in the next room clearly enough. The door to your room is presumed to be ajar enough to both hear clearly and to open the rest of the way without an action.
As they are done eating Allarnon and Tarkir stride into the market to pick up Tarkir's newly crafted barding.
The armor is indeed ready, and a few quick tweaks aside, fits perfectly. They really did a good job of making sure it provides adequate protection, while not getting in the way of movement. It’s everything you hoped for. You return to the others.
Later that evening, as some of you are lounging on the deck after supper deciding what to do next, there’s a loud crash through the house as the front door is impolitely kicked open! You hear shouting inside, ”Death to all who would doubt the Winter Council!”
At the same time, archers appear from behind nearby houses and move to cover as they loose arrows upon you!
Though it is dusk, there is plenty of light for everyone to see everyone more or less clearly.
Preternaturally sensing something is amiss, Kaylayne may act in the surprise round (the round they kick in the door and move into position outside).
Allarnon
Dimitrio
Ederin (+2 underground, +4 urban)
Kaylayne (acts in surprise round)
Lief
Good Guys
Round Suprise. Init 15
Kaylayne's biscuit falls from her hand as the archers manage to completely sneak up upon her. She widens her mouth to say something, but nothing but weak protestations emerge. "Wha...?"
She shakes her head, wondering what is going on. Calming herself, she casts Wind Wall around the balcony.
[ dice]1d20+13-2[/dice] to hit; (rapid)
[ dice]1d6+2[/dice] magic damage.
+8 Bab +3 Dex +1 magic +1 PBS
1d6 + 1 magic +1 PBS
Pearl of Power 1: 0/2 used
Pearl of Power 2: 0/1 used
Rod Metamagic Extend: 1/3 used
Scroll of Water Breathing
Wand of Lesser Restoration: 14 charges left
Ring of the Ram: 11/36 charges left
Wand of False Life 22 charges left
Staff of Dark Flame (10/10)
10 Adamantine Stones
25 Cold Iron Stones
10 Silver Stones
Spells:
Magic Vestment (22 hours)
Overland Flight (10 hours)
Barkskin (220 minutes)
Other Kaylayne: round 0/11
Produce Flame: 0/11
"Of course, Dimitrio. Does this mean that you'll continue to engage in skirmishes with poisoners? Why don't you just retire to running the Goblin? Don't you think you've sacrificed enough?"
He smiled, "Oh no. Nothing like that. I hope to go back to the Goblin and make it the artistic hot spot in Riddleport for years to come."
He added, "Nah, I think we'll be fighting drow soon. These elves may be slow but they would be stupid if they didn't ask our help. I mean, we are probably one of their few allies that have first hand experience within a drow city. And they know we know how to kill drow."
He thanked him, "I appreciate you spotting me the cash." He hesitated slightly, "Kid, you and me. We're Ok. right? I mean I know we have different opinions and all but I still would like to count you as my ally, if not my friend. I have and want to continue to trust you with my life."
Dimitrio ducked behind the balcony as arrows whistled by, "What the hell? Drow? Here?"
He then called upon his magic as he tried to figure out what was going on.
------------
Originally an advisory body to elven royalty, the Winter Council gained respect when their agents at the Mordant Spire learned of the inevitability of the coming Earthfall over 10,000 years ago. It was at the Winter Council’s urgings that the elves of Golarion fled to Sovyrian - thus saving the race.
In the centuries to follow, the role of the Winter Council receded from the public eye, so that by the time the elves returned to Golarion, the Winter Council was little more than a dream in most elves’ already long-lived memories. Clearly however, someone is invoking their name anew. But is it a badge just for show, or does the organization truly exist? Only the conspiracy minded among the elves know for sure.
Kaylayne provides cover against elven arrows on the porch. Dimitrio, in the room with Lief, has no fear of elven archery (as yet). However, he prepares for the battle in a blur!
The archers dutifully take aim and release a volley of arrows at the party, safely protected by Kaylayne’s wind wall. Annoyed, they seem to hesitate, doing nothing obvious after their first shots.
The swordsmen charge into the house and spread out, looking for targets.
Red charges in and attacks the great Tarkir with his rapier!
Blue follows, provoking from the bear and Ederin if either has the ability to make AoOs flat-footed. He attacks Ederin.
Green and Orange ransack the interior, looking for threats.
Purple makes it to Dimitrio, and does his best.
Pink checks the other bedroom, and yellow charges up into the great hall and throws a dagger at Tarkir
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Tarkir's new armor holds strong as Allarnon leaps up. Still in his human form he bares his teeth and smacks Tarkir on the backside, sending the bears fur on end, increasing his defenses further.
"Tear 'em down Tark!"
Tarkir growls and mauls at the elves in front of him.
Allarnon-Human Form
AC Bear: (AC 24) [+5 Armor; +1 Dex; +4 Natural; +3 Deflection; +1 Dodge; +4 Enhance Barkskin; -2 Rage (+1 additional Dodge when raging)]
AC Human: (AC 21) [+5 Armor; +2 Dex; +3 Deflection; +1 Dodge; +4 Enhance Barkskin; -2 Rage (+1 additional Dodge when raging)]
HP: 137/137; +0 Temp HP; -DR (0 remaining)
Buffs: Rage 17/17)
Tarkir
AC: (AC 32) [+4 Armor; +3 Dex; +9 Natural; +4 Enhance Barkskin; +2 Deflection PfE; +2 Magic Vestment]
HP: 64/64
Buffs: None
AC: 16 (Touch 15/ FF: 11)
Equipped Weapons: +1 Keen Longbow (+2)
+1 Cold Iron Longsword
Conditions:
Relevant Data:
+11/+6/+1 BAB
+2 STR
+5 Dex
+1 Composite Longbow (+2)
+1 Weapon Focus
-3 Deadly Aim
+6 damage Deadly Aim
+6 Hit/Damage Ranger's Focus
+1 Attack/Damage PBS
Boots of Speed (10/10 Rounds left)
29 Regular/ 70 Adamantite (*)/10Silver/3Ghost Salt (*)/11 Blunt Arrows (8 Silvered (Blanch) 6 Silvered (Alchemical)/20 Thistle Arrows (*)
"Oh what the f$%$! Ederin shouts as his relaxation is interrupted and he takes a wound from the rapier that pierces his side. He takes a moment to regret using that stoneskin vial so wastefully. As Kaylayne's wind roars around them he chooses not to move and expose her to attack. He pulls his bow out and fires a shot, point blank at the elf that stabbed him.
"F+$&ing fancy lads." He mutters.
Round 1, Init 7
AC = 13 (Dex +2, Amulet of Natural Armor +1)
HP = 62/62
Weapon Equipped = +1 Hand Crossbow
Condition(s) = Not happy
"Kid, you and me. We're Ok. right? I mean I know we have different opinions and all but I still would like to count you as my ally, if not my friend. I have and want to continue to trust you with my life."
"I would hope that is no longer an issue, Dimitrio. We're done fighting. At least, I am."
...
With a quickness learned over many weeks, Lief secures his crossbow, loading it while looking the elf over in the doorway.
When the elf stabs Dimitrio, only then does Lief release the bolt. With malice.
He yells to the others. "They're rallying over the Winter Council! Some speak of a hidden organization within the hierarchy, the true power of the throne, but I never thought I'd hear it uttered by elven voices publicly. It's supposed to exist in the realm of myth! Take one of them alive, if possible!!"
Round 1, Init 15
After the arrows fly, Kaylayne realizes that this is not a joke nor an elvish prank, but an actual threat and begins to take it so. She notes that Allarnon and Tarkir are quickly shrugged off their languor and tries to do the same.
She casts Overland Flight and moves up 5' while drawing her Staff of Dark Flame from her 'sack.
"Take one of them alive!"
"You heard him, Allarnon. Try not to kill them all if you can. We might need to interrogate a few separately," Kaylayne repeats to Allarnon, hoping the man can find some restraint.
[ dice]1d20+13-2[/dice] to hit; (rapid)
[ dice]1d6+2[/dice] magic damage.
+8 Bab +3 Dex +1 magic +1 PBS
1d6 + 1 magic +1 PBS
Pearl of Power 1: 0/2 used
Pearl of Power 2: 0/1 used
Rod Metamagic Extend: 1/3 used
Scroll of Water Breathing
Wand of Lesser Restoration: 14 charges left
Ring of the Ram: 11/36 charges left
Wand of False Life 22 charges left
Staff of Dark Flame (10/10)
10 Adamantine Stones
25 Cold Iron Stones
10 Silver Stones
Spells:
Magic Vestment (22 hours)
Overland Flight (10 hours)
Barkskin (220 minutes)
Other Kaylayne: round 0/11
Produce Flame: 0/11
Dimitrio pulled out his newly rapier and matched blades with the elf.
He slashed at the elf while he asked, "What are you doing? Why are you attacking us?"
-----------
criticals?
HP 91/91
AC 28, touch 17, flat-footed 22
10 +4(DEX) +1(belt of DEX +2) +6(chainshirt+2) +2 (buckler+2) +2(ring of prot) +1 (dodge)
Conditions: blur
Melee (rapier+3): +20/+15 = +9(base) +4(dex) +1(belt of dex +2) +3 (magic) +1(weapon focus)+1(swashbuckler specialization)
Melee Damage (rapier+1, arcane strike, panache): 1d6+18 = +3(weapon) +4 (dex) +1(belt of dex +2) +2 (arcane strike) +5 (precise strike)+2 (specialization) +1(swashbuckler specialization), 15-20, x2
5/5 daggers, 5/5 panache, 3/3 charmed life, 22/22 bardic performance, 5/5 1st level, 4/4 2nd level spells, 1/1 arcane bond spell, ring of fire 5/5
Ederin pulls his bow, and misses, a feat that is rare indeed. Kaylayne prepares flight. Allarnon supports Tarkier who taps red once. Lief releases a bolt at the elf, hitting him solidly. Dimitrio, without quick draw, gets only one swing, but he connects - and makes it count with a critical. The elf falls, and does not answer the pointed man.
The archers drop bows and charge, flying, into the party . As they hit the wind wall, their robes flutter upwards with their flight - making it look rather dramatic. They close with their rapiers and attack those on the deck from above!
Red and Blue archers attack Ederin with their rapiers.
Green archer works on Kaylayne.
Meanwhile Orange and Purple close on Allarnon.
The swordsmen charge into the house and spread out, looking for targets.
Red swordsman continues to press Tarkir with his rapier.
Blue continues his attacks on Ederin, hoping for a flank later when Kaylayne falls.
Green and Orange swordsmen ransack the interior, looking for threats.
Pink and Yellow move to Dimitrio. Pink attacks, while Yellow produces a vial of some kind.
They attack, seemingly quietly now that their initial shouting has died down. They press the advantage of their surprise, hoping that will be enough to win the day. Er, night. Er, evening.
Seeing his opponent fall, the swashbuckler movrd on to his next assailant.
"We're not your enemies, damn it! There are very real enemies out there."
Already bloodied, the bard does not hold back.
-----------
HP 80/91
AC 28, touch 17, flat-footed 22
10 +4(DEX) +1(belt of DEX +2) +6(chainshirt+2) +2 (buckler+2) +2(ring of prot) +1 (dodge)
Conditions: blur, no armor so current AC=22
Melee (rapier+3): +20/+15 = +9(base) +4(dex) +1(belt of dex +2) +3 (magic) +1(weapon focus)+1(swashbuckler specialization)
Melee Damage (rapier+1, arcane strike, panache): 1d6+18 = +3(weapon) +4 (dex) +1(belt of dex +2) +2 (arcane strike) +5 (precise strike)+2 (specialization) +1(swashbuckler specialization), 15-20, x2
5/5 daggers, 5/5 panache, 3/3 charmed life, 22/22 bardic performance, 5/5 1st level, 4/4 2nd level spells, 1/1 arcane bond spell, ring of fire 5/5
Round 2, Init 15
Kaylayne's jaw drops for the second time as the elves fly...literally fly fly...up to stab her with pointy weapons. This was not just bad, it was annoying too.
She reaches deep for some magic to help her in the fight.
Concentration vs. DC15+12=27
She casts Chain Lightning, starting with the jerk that attacked her and then going around the balcony elves, then into the house and get them too...because piddlespot these piddlespotting elves.
[ dice]1d20+13-2[/dice] to hit; (rapid)
[ dice]1d6+2[/dice] magic damage.
+8 Bab +3 Dex +1 magic +1 PBS
1d6 + 1 magic +1 PBS
Pearl of Power 1: 0/2 used
Pearl of Power 2: 0/1 used
Rod Metamagic Extend: 1/3 used
Scroll of Water Breathing
Wand of Lesser Restoration: 14 charges left
Ring of the Ram: 11/36 charges left
Wand of False Life 22 charges left
Staff of Dark Flame (10/10)
10 Adamantine Stones
25 Cold Iron Stones
10 Silver Stones
Spells:
Magic Vestment (22 hours)
Overland Flight (10 hours)
Barkskin (220 minutes)
Other Kaylayne: round 0/11
Produce Flame: 0/11
|
|
Allarnon enrages as he increases his defenses while the rapiers poke into his skin.
"Do what I can, though there is no stopping Tark."
Tarkir continues to bite and claw as per his command.
Allarnon-Human Form
AC Bear: (AC 27) [+5 Armor; +1 Dex; +4 Natural; +3 Deflection; +1 Dodge; +4 Enhance Barkskin; -2 Rage (+1 additional Dodge when raging)]
AC Human: (AC 24) [+5 Armor; +2 Dex; +3 Deflection; +1 Dodge; +4 Enhance Barkskin; -2 Rage (+1 additional Dodge when raging)]
HP: 120/137; +22 Temp HP; -DR (0 remaining)
Buffs: Rage 17/17)
Tarkir
AC: (AC 32) [+4 Armor; +3 Dex; +9 Natural; +4 Enhance Barkskin; +2 Deflection PfE; +2 Magic Vestment]
HP: 64/64
Buffs: None
Round 2, Init 7
AC = 13 (Dex +2, Amulet of Natural Armor +1)
HP = 62/62
Weapon Equipped = +1 Hand Crossbow
Condition(s) = Not happy
Lief watches as one of the elves drops to Dimitrio's strong thrust, so he simply steps up alongside the dancer, and throws a couple of dagger-jabs at the new elf, after looking him over, too.
Where are poison bolts when you really need them?
"Well struck, Dimitrio. Be aware of when they become unsure of their numbers. We don't want to lose a chance to interrogate at least one of them, when they decide to run."
Cool, thanks Dimitiro. I thought I missed, so skipped the blur.
High is good for me.
Hit! for another 11.
Kaylayne, I don't think you can target elves you cannot see, so more are spared other than just pink, but you got the bulk of them. Nice shot!
vs DC 21 for 25
vs DC 21 for 25
vs DC 21 for 51
vs DC 21 for 25
vs DC 21 for 25
vs DC 21 for 51
vs DC 21 for 25
vs DC 21 for 51
vs DC 21 for 25
None of the elves fall to the bright light coursing through their veins, but it's clear that a few of them are closer to their gods than they were a moment ago!
HP: 37/77
AC: 16 (Touch 15/ FF: 11)
Equipped Weapons: +1 Keen Longbow (+2)
+1 Cold Iron Longsword
Conditions:
Relevant Data:
+11/+6/+1 BAB
+2 STR
+5 Dex
+1 Composite Longbow (+2)
+1 Weapon Focus
-2 Rapid Shot
-3 Deadly Aim
+6 damage Deadly Aim
+1 Attack/Damage PBS
Boots of Speed (10/10 Rounds left)
29 Regular/ 70 Adamantite (*)/10Silver/3Ghost Salt (*)/11 Blunt Arrows (8 Silvered (Blanch) 6 Silvered (Alchemical)/20 Thistle Arrows (*)
Ederin growls as he bleeds from numerous wounds and silently vows to live in his armor from now on. "If you don't kill 'em and stop negotiatin' Dimitrio we'll be dead before we get out o' here!" He shouts as he takes in the dire situation and lines up as many shots as he can. He hopes he isn't thrown off by the windwall like with his previous attack. He aims at the blue swordsman and the orange one behind him, hoping to open a lane for escape or back up.
2nd: Ederin will use his Ranger's Luck on the first attack that hits him and force that foe to reroll their attack. Must take the result even if it's worse for me.
Ederin hits but twice, once with his free action boots Kaylayne lights up the hall, injuring many with her lighting play and dropping Ederin’s wounded. Allarnon prepares himself further while Tarkir misses with every stroke. Lief also has trouble connecting with the juiced up elves. Dimitrio, there’s a wall between you and yellow, so I’ve resolved your attacks against pink who takes both blows and manages to remain standing.
Red and Blue archers attack Ederin with their rapiers.
Green and Orange archers work over Allarnon.
Purple focuses on Kaylayne
Red and Blue swordsmen focus their attacks on Tarkir
Pink does his best to push back on Dimitrio, while Yellow drags his ally out of the way.
high is good for me
high is good for me
Finally, Orange and Green draw and quaff potions.
A very rough round as the whirling blades of the elven force cut and flense the innocent party! But you hear the shouting of elven voices in the nearby community. Is it aid, or reinforcements for the enemy?
Round 3, Init 7
AC = 13 (Dex +2, Amulet of Natural Armor +1)
HP = 62/62
Weapon Equipped = +1 Hand Crossbow
Condition(s) = Not happy
Lief presses his attack on Mr. Pink, hoping to free up Dimitrio to join the others.
Lief watches Mr. Pink, with the first thrust, into the second thrust. If it looks like he can drive the elf into unconsciousness, without twisting the blade upwards into the ribcage, he doesn't seek the additional bleeding, in hopes of downing, then stabilizing the elf.
Lief pierces the target with the first strike, which would, I think, trigger the studied strike, which is enough to drop the foe - leaving Lief with a move action.
Round 3, Init 15
Kaylayne takes another piercing blow and steps away again. She tries to cast another spell.
Concentration vs. DC15+6=21
She casts Slowing Mud, targeting all that she can see.
[ dice]1d20+13-2[/dice] to hit; (rapid)
[ dice]1d6+2[/dice] magic damage.
+8 Bab +3 Dex +1 magic +1 PBS
1d6 + 1 magic +1 PBS
Pearl of Power 1: 0/2 used
Pearl of Power 2: 0/1 used
Rod Metamagic Extend: 1/3 used
Scroll of Water Breathing
Wand of Lesser Restoration: 14 charges left
Ring of the Ram: 11/36 charges left
Wand of False Life 22 charges left
Staff of Dark Flame (10/10)
10 Adamantine Stones
25 Cold Iron Stones
10 Silver Stones
Spells:
Magic Vestment (22 hours)
Overland Flight (10 hours)
Barkskin (220 minutes)
Other Kaylayne: round 0/11
Produce Flame: 0/11
slowed/blinded
slowed/blinded
slowed/blinded
slowed/blinded
slowed/blinded
Also, I accidentally had a dead guy attack the party. As I have spares in the hallway, I'm not too worried, someone would have stepped up, but I'm not moving anyone into position quite yet in case the party wanted to shift around. But one of the hallway folks did not get to heal at least.
Dimitrio nods to Lief, "Good shot; there's your prisoner. I'm going out."
he then crosses blades with the elf outside of the chambers.
"Why are you attacking us? WE ARE NOT YOUR ENEMIES."
------
critical?
HP 80/91
AC 28, touch 17, flat-footed 22
10 +4(DEX) +1(belt of DEX +2) +6(chainshirt+2) +2 (buckler+2) +2(ring of prot) +1 (dodge)
Conditions: blur, no armor so current AC=22
Melee (rapier+3): +20/+15 = +9(base) +4(dex) +1(belt of dex +2) +3 (magic) +1(weapon focus)+1(swashbuckler specialization)
Melee Damage (rapier+1, arcane strike, panache): 1d6+18 = +3(weapon) +4 (dex) +1(belt of dex +2) +2 (arcane strike) +5 (precise strike)+2 (specialization) +1(swashbuckler specialization), 15-20, x2
5/5 daggers, 5/5 panache, 3/3 charmed life, 22/22 bardic performance, 5/5 1st level, 4/4 2nd level spells, 1/1 arcane bond spell, ring of fire 5/5
|
|
Seeing little other option Allarnon slams into the surrounding flying elves as his body bursts outwards. Skin instantly shreds and tears into a bloody mess as a large mass of fur takes its place. Fang and claw now threaten the surrounding elves as the raging bear faces them in a very enclosed space.
Tarkir continues to follow his last command and thrashes wildly at the red drow elf in front of him.
Allarnon-Human Form
AC Bear: (AC 27) [+5 Armor; +1 Dex; +4 Natural; +3 Deflection; +1 Dodge; +4 Enhance Barkskin; -2 Rage (+1 additional Dodge when raging)]
AC Human: (AC 24) [+5 Armor; +2 Dex; +3 Deflection; +1 Dodge; +4 Enhance Barkskin; -2 Rage (+1 additional Dodge when raging)]
HP: 120/137; +2 Temp HP; -DR (0 remaining)
Buffs: Rage 15/17)
Tarkir
AC: (AC 32) [+4 Armor; +3 Dex; +9 Natural; +4 Enhance Barkskin; +2 Deflection PfE; +2 Magic Vestment]
HP: 46/64
Buffs: None
Also, you'd be squeezing I think, but I'm not sure what's possible. There's no notice from Beast Shape I or the druid ability. In the enlarge spell it says this:
"If insufficient room is available for the desired growth, the creature attains the maximum possible size and may make a Strength check (using its increased Strength) to burst any enclosures in the process. If it fails, it is constrained without harm by the materials enclosing it—the spell cannot be used to crush a creature by increasing its size."
So seemingly you can grow into your space and try to push outward. I'm not going to give you free overbears/bull rushes against everyone around you. So I think you're squeezing if you expand. Thoughts?
Feel free to change your plan if you wish.
AC: 16 (Touch 15/ FF: 11)
Equipped Weapons: +1 Keen Longbow (+2)
+1 Cold Iron Longsword
Conditions:
Relevant Data:
+11/+6/+1 BAB
+2 STR
+5 Dex
+1 Composite Longbow (+2)
+1 Weapon Focus
-2 Rapid Shot
-3 Deadly Aim
+6 damage Deadly Aim
+6 Hit/Damage Ranger's Focus
+1 Attack/Damage PBS
Boots of Speed (10/10 Rounds left)
11 Regular/ 70 Adamantite (*)/10Silver/3Ghost Salt (*)/11 Blunt Arrows (8 Silvered (Blanch) 6 Silvered (Alchemical)/20 Thistle Arrows (*)
"WE ARE NOT YOUR ENEMIES."
"Maybe he ain't but I sure am!"
The archer shouts as he pulls back on his bow and clicks his heels.
Ederin is fading fast as he continues to be punctured by his enemies swords. He knows he can't last much longer and he's getting frustrated at his sudden inability to hit anything. He focuses on Red, to give Tarkir some room, knowing that this might be his last volley.
Ederin has little luck as only one arrow pierces his target, but pierce it he does and drops it. Kaylayne blinds and slows a few of the opposition as she’s pressed further back against the wall. Allarnon squeezes into his bear form, while Tarkir takes a swipe at the purple archer wounding him. Lief easily kills one, paving the way for… Dimitrio, who steps up and takes a chunk out of the elf, but fails to crit and so he stands defiant, a fury burning in his eyes.
However, just before Dimitrio goes, there’s a flash of light and none other than the Queen pops into view, clearly enraged and backed by five of her guard. She and her guard appear 30’ above the fracas and she shouts in elven.
”Kuinka kehtaat hyökätä ne, jotka Me suojelemme. Elämänne on menettää sinua vihollisia!”
The elves, hesitant before their queen, nearly break and run, but feel they can push their luck one more time… After all, the Queen is just a figure-head, right? ...that and many are blinded anyway...
The Red archer wipes mud from his eyes.
While the Blue archer attacks Ederin
...and I believe Ederin drops.
Green works over Allarnon, while Orange wipes the mud from his eyes
Purple wipes the mud from his eyes.
The Green swordsmen focuses his attacks on Tarkir
While the Orange swordsman wipes mud from his eyes.
Yellow straightens and attacks the dervish Dimitrio.
high is good for me
high is good for me
Round 4, Init 15
Kaylayne calls upon what powers she has to try to heal her and her party's wounds, however meagerly.
healing to Ederin, Tark, Alla, & Kaylayne
[ dice]1d20+13-2[/dice] to hit; (rapid)
[ dice]1d6+2[/dice] magic damage.
+8 Bab +3 Dex +1 magic +1 PBS
1d6 + 1 magic +1 PBS
Pearl of Power 1: 0/2 used
Pearl of Power 2: 0/1 used
Rod Metamagic Extend: 1/3 used
Scroll of Water Breathing
Wand of Lesser Restoration: 14 charges left
Ring of the Ram: 11/36 charges left
Wand of False Life 22 charges left
Staff of Dark Flame (10/10)
10 Adamantine Stones
25 Cold Iron Stones
10 Silver Stones
Spells:
Magic Vestment (22 hours)
Overland Flight (10 hours)
Barkskin (220 minutes)
Other Kaylayne: round 0/11
Produce Flame: 0/11
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Tarkir and Allarnon continue to take their licks as they fight back with tooth and claw. Allarnon has very little room to move about as he thrashes and roars.
Allarnon-Human Form
AC Bear: (AC 27) [+5 Armor; +1 Dex; +4 Natural; +3 Deflection; +1 Dodge; +4 Enhance Barkskin; -2 Rage (+1 additional Dodge when raging)]
AC Human: (AC 24) [+5 Armor; +2 Dex; +3 Deflection; +1 Dodge; +4 Enhance Barkskin; -2 Rage (+1 additional Dodge when raging)]
HP: 101/137; +0 Temp HP; -DR (0 remaining)
Buffs: Rage 15/17)
Tarkir
AC: (AC 32) [+4 Armor; +3 Dex; +9 Natural; +4 Enhance Barkskin; +2 Deflection PfE; +2 Magic Vestment]
HP: 36/64
Buffs: None
Round 4, Init 7
AC = 13 (Dex +2, Amulet of Natural Armor +1)
HP = 62/62
Weapon Equipped = +1 Hand Crossbow
Condition(s) = Not happy
Inspiration = 1/9
Lief kneels over the elf bleeding out, hoping to keep him alive.
Dimitrio's hopes went up when he saw the Queen. He sorely hoped she was on their side and had told everyone to ay down their weapons.
"Listen to your Queen and put down your weapons!"
------
HP 69/91
AC 28, touch 17, flat-footed 22
10 +4(DEX) +1(belt of DEX +2) +6(chainshirt+2) +2 (buckler+2) +2(ring of prot) +1 (dodge)
Conditions: blur, no armor so current AC=22
Melee (rapier+3): +20/+15 = +9(base) +4(dex) +1(belt of dex +2) +3 (magic) +1(weapon focus)+1(swashbuckler specialization)
Melee Damage (rapier+1, arcane strike, panache): 1d6+18 = +3(weapon) +4 (dex) +1(belt of dex +2) +2 (arcane strike) +5 (precise strike)+2 (specialization) +1(swashbuckler specialization), 15-20, x2
5/5 daggers, 5/5 panache, 3/3 charmed life, 22/22 bardic performance, 5/5 1st level, 4/4 2nd level spells, 1/1 arcane bond spell, ring of fire 5/5
HP 9/77
AC: 16 (Touch 15/ FF: 11)
Equipped Weapons: +1 Keen Longbow (+2)
+1 Cold Iron Longsword
Conditions:
Relevant Data:
+11/+6/+1 BAB
+2 STR
+5 Dex
+1 Composite Longbow (+2)
+1 Weapon Focus
-2 Rapid Shot
-3 Deadly Aim
+6 damage Deadly Aim
+6 Hit/Damage Ranger's Focus
+1 Attack/Damage PBS
Boots of Speed (10/10 Rounds left)
11 Regular/ 70 Adamantite (*)/10Silver/3Ghost Salt (*)/11 Blunt Arrows (8 Silvered (Blanch) 6 Silvered (Alchemical)/20 Thistle Arrows (*)
Ederin fails to stabilize, and slides closer to death. Kaylayne heals elements of the party, especially Ederin, as she gets further from harms way herself. Allarnon continues to struggle, restrained as he is, but Tarkir does better, injuring but not dropping green. Lief bends down to assure a prisoner, to find he has already stabilized. Dimitrio takes another chunk out of yellow as he presses into the building.
The Queen’s voice is shrill as it climbs with Her anger at Her subjects disobeyance.
”Teitä on varoitettu, nyt kasvot vihan Kyonin ihmisiä!”
Some, having just wiped the mud from their eyes and barely able to see, find the blinding light of the fireball just too much to handle and collapse, leaving this world behind. Though many in the party are in the envelop of the flame (Ederin, Allarnon, and Tarkir), they find they are untouched by the heat.
Reflex DC 17
The Queens Guard swoop in, also flying, to mop up the remainders. Two of them descend on Ederin and Allarnon, healing them a bit from above.
Two others close and make attacks against remaining elves, while the last remains with his Queen, guarding Her person closely.
The remaining elves scatter and try to flee, though they are pursued by elements of the Queen’s guard and several are captured (many being slowed after all).
The party is out of initiative.
In the immediate aftermath of the battle, the Queen's guard takes steps to separate the injured elves from the party and two of them channels, a few times, healing the group quickly back to full.
The priests of Calistria also heal the party of any ability or other damage that may have occurred during the battle. They check you over very thoroughly. Others produce masterwork manacles that don't seem like they see much use and bind the prisoners. Meanwhile the Queen and her personal guard, eyeing the shadows nearby, approaches you, Her face still red with fury.
"Our humblest apologies dear sirs and lady. This is simply unacceptable. You must come with Us now. We shall protect you within the walls of the palace itself!"
As she finishes, Lord Villastir teleports in, along with another handful of palace guards. As he's acclimating after teleporting, the Queen casts a quick spell, hiding it from Villastir as much as she can.
You know you may respond in kind, but only have 25 words with which to do so.
- - -
"You must come with Us now. We shall protect you within the walls of the palace itself!"
Kaylayne nods, pausing only to gather her meager belongings and is ready to follow.
Kaylayne stretches in a certain way, giving a determined natural signal that others in the party will know that they are being scryed upon.
She assumes other will follow her lead.
Dimitrio goes back to his room to gather his belongings. He's specifically looking for his chainshirt.
He approaches Layne, "What's going on? Where are we going?"
Barely alive, Ederin stays where he is on the floor taking a moment to collect himself before rising and facing the elves.
"At least you lot don't take forever to do everythin'." He mutters as a way of saying thank you.
"What's going on? Where are we going?"
He raises an eyebrow at Dimitrio. "The queen just said we're going to the palace. I figure, we're probably headed to the palace, mate."
While he's not eager for more royal elf proceedings, they just saved his life, and he's not going to argue with that.
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Seeing Kaylayne's signal Allarnon's heart drops.
Are the drow still watching us?
The speaking of the palace catches his ear. Nervously he chuckles as he looks to himself and Tarkir.
"I never been in a palace before."
The Queen smiles at Kaylayne, and in fact to you all, and says, ”Come with me! Let’s get you to safety.” She leaves the prisoners in the hands of the newly arrived guards firmly under the command of Lord Villastir, who looks like he’d very much rather join you, while she escorts you back to the Palace on foot with her personal retinue.
She gathers Lief’s arm, walking with him toward the palace. Seemingly oblivious to possible peril from other Winter Council attackers, she focuses on him and asks, ”So you are an alchemist. That’s fascinating, there are some among the elves who ply that trade, but it is not one I’m familiar with. Can you teach me?”
She leads the group briskly the couple hundred yards to the palace. The guards at the gate are surprised to see the Queen walking up, but manage to not look too bad as they get the doors open in time to match her stride. The Queen guides you into the complex, through a few halls lined with memorabilia stretching back through the ages.
Soon, you come to a pair of massive double doors set deeply in the wall for their own protection. While they are made of wood, the inlay is brass and reinforced throughout.
As you approach the door, the Queen mumbles something under Her breath, then turns to the guards. ”We’ll take them from here, thank you. Stand watch and We’ll return to you shortly.” Before they have an opportunity to argue, She pushes through the party to open the door, and rushes you through it. As you step through the large beautifully carved double doors, you notice you step through a thin wall of obscuring fog just at the threshold.
Beyond, the antechamber is well lit, and as beautiful as the rest of the palace. A pair of domed chambers connect to form a single larger room here some 60’ across and 20’ deep. A towering pair of double doors stands in one wall (through which you’ve just entered), opposite a shimmering golden curtain. The floor is of polished marble, matching the plain but spotless walls rising to the domed ceiling 20’ above. To either side, an equally well-polished stone statue of a crouching wasp with crystal wings stands sentinel.
The Queen looks levelly at the party, and speaks in a rush. ”We are always watched, but We have a moment now, in this chamber, where We are unobserved. But We have not much time, before Our absence will be noted, so I must speak more frankly than I should like.”
”The Winter Council have become corrupt - We are certain. Yet We cannot act against them directly, such is their power and root within government and indeed all elven society. This “Allevrah Azrinae” you speak of could be none other than General Allevrah, one of the secret leaders of the Winter Council! We must know, and you must act for Us. Please!” She begs quietly.
Rushing on, she goes on to explain that She cannot do anything directly Herself, and that laying it out on the table like this to you is Her last, desperate attempt to take action before She’s forced to put her entire government at risk of collapse. She explains that there’s a succubus prisoner in the Paradise Chamber through the curtains that you can use to get into Tanglebriar and perhaps even to aid in infiltrating Thorn’s End, the headquarters of the Winter Council.
She then begs you one last time to go along with her plan, such as it is. ”I must hurry, Eviana trusts you and so shall I, will you help Us?!”
"What's going on? Where are we going?"
Kaylayne again makes the gesture to show that they are being scryed upon, and anything she says might be heard by anyone and so keeps her words simple.
"We are going with the Queen," Kaylayne repeats. She is relieved that Lief has seemingly listened and remained quiet.
Is he learning?
* * *
As the Queen speaks, Kaylayne tries to remember what she knows of Allevrah.
Kaylayne has questions for the Queen when she is done pleading.
"Excuse me, Your Highness, but there are some things that are unclear to me. You are sure the Winter Council exists? Lief mentioned something about it, but can you repeat what it is and how it came to be? And how could a Drow be on the council? That doesn't...that doesn't seem to make sense," Kaylayne opens up with a few questions. "Also, is this the Paradise Chamber?"
While the Queen answers (if she does), Kaylayne will begin to armor up.
Dimitrio's head started spinning again. he was really missing just dancing for a while.
He tries to make sense of this, "So now the elves, not the drow, are corrupt? And what is this Tanglebriar and Thorn's End?"
He looks about puzzled, "Did I miss a class while I was out listening to music?"
Lief stands up, debating how he will bind the fallen soldier, until he watches the Queen's Guard take up the duty. He doesn't object, understanding in a flash that he has no strength here. Only anger.
"Our humblest apologies dear sirs and lady. This is simply unacceptable. You must come with Us now. We shall protect you within the walls of the palace itself!"
Lief retrieves ALL of his possessions. He doesn't rush, making sure that his new purchase is carefully tucked away, and stored in his Bag.
"So you are an alchemist. That’s fascinating, there are some among the elves who ply that trade, but it is not one I’m familiar with. Can you teach me?”
Lief doesn't reject the Queen's taking of his arm, but he also doesn't reject the opportunity to respond, despite the absurdity of her manners. "You are of course welcome to visit me in Magnimar. You will be seeing us safely home, now that it's obvious we are unwelcome here." He doesn't offer it as inquiry, more as certainty.
When they gain the palace, Lief looks to and fro, with earned paranoia. He is uninterested in another assault so soon after the first one.
Passing through the fog, Lief realizes that he will be free to speak his mind, the only audience to his frustration being his companions, and the one most responsible for their endangerment.
"The Winter Council have become corrupt - We are certain. Yet We cannot act against them directly, such is their power and root within government and indeed all elven society. This 'Allevrah Azrinae' you speak of could be none other than General Allevrah, one of the secret leaders of the Winter Council! We must know, and you must act for Us. Please!”
"You demean us publicly, delay us with petitions that our information be vetted by diviners, host us in chambers easily accessible to agents of the Winter Council, where we are almost slaughtered in our exposure, without any form of warning to be on guard..." Lief palms right fist in left palm, the knuckles turning white.
"I... am at a loss for any sympathetic words."
"So now the elves, not the drow, are corrupt? And what is this Tanglebriar and Thorn's End?"
"Azinrae is a drow name, mate, which means they're involved in this Winter Council too."
Ederin groans. Every time they got a moment to rest something else came up. Now they were being asked for help from the Elf queen?
His thoughts are cut off by Lief's angry words and he pats the younger man on the back. "Don't know much about runnin' a goverment kid, but I know enough to know it's complicated. Nothin' we can change about what happened, and I ain't gonna notice a few more scars. What we need to do is decide what we do next."
He shakes his head and picks something out of his teeth. "Honestly, I jus' wanna go home. Been fightin' my whole life, but nothin' like this. Damn near died back there against the Winter Council an' I think my bow arm is gettin' stiff, ain't been much use lately. We came to Cryin' Leaf to help 'em with the drow though, and they're still a problem. Ain't got a clue what this Tanglebriar is, but my vote is to help out. Stick it to the drow one more time and try to keep people safe." He sighs even as he finishes speaking, and looks in the direction of Riddleport, wondering if he'll actually ever see it again.
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"If Azinrae is a drow then are they able to alter their forms like we did?"
Allarnon looks confused. "So now we have to deal with the drow and corruption within the elven rulers?"
He sighs. Is this whole world as corrupt as the Elders believe it to be? Are we truly ready to return or are we better off staying in our home?
"Don't know much about runnin' a goverment kid, but I know enough to know it's complicated. Nothin' we can change about what happened, and I ain't gonna notice a few more scars. What we need to do is decide what we do next. Honestly, I jus' wanna go home. Been fightin' my whole life, but nothin' like this. Damn near died back there against the Winter Council an' I think my bow arm is gettin' stiff, ain't been much use lately. We came to Cryin' Leaf to help 'em with the drow though, and they're still a problem. Ain't got a clue what this Tanglebriar is, but my vote is to help out. Stick it to the drow one more time and try to keep people safe."
Lief listens as Ederin lays out his shared desire to return home, nodding in agreement. When the archer turns the course of his reason abruptly, Lief grimaces. Yes, Ederin. You almost lost your life. Like Tarkir. We all could have lost our lives. We were naked to the wind, and it was only the sheer stupidity of the Winter Council's agents that we survived. They could have posed as Queen's Guard, and overwhelmed us before the first curse was uttered. Who decides to openly call out the Winter Council, and implicate them publicly?? Were we examples to be made? A blasted poor one, if you can't actually slaughter to your design. The Queen's timing was impeccable for both our salvation, and the assassins' suppression. This is madness...
The young man turns his back on the Queen, looking at Ederin, studying his face. Seeing the man's resignation/commitment worn well enough in his expression, Lief pauses, debating. He turns back to the Queen.
"You ask us to continue putting our lives in danger, to breach and defeat the Winter Council, which may or may not have allowed a drow to participate in steering the course of your elven government? Only then, you'll have the strength of control sufficient to deal with the drow threat? And you would have us ally with a succubus to that end? Is your bookmark meant to inspire us along those ends?" Lief looks at his companions, a look of exasperation clear on his face.
"Allarnon, I share your confusion, but the deeper point here, for me, is what happens if the government of Iadara collapses, and another Plucking of the Star occurs. The drow won't stop with the elves. It's their nature. They will continue to destroy, to slaughter the Surface, elves or otherwise. The only luck we have here, I think, is that we can surmise what their first target is, and their primary focus. Until that is carried out, we can rest assured that our families back home have time." Lief turns back to the Queen.
"Time that you do not have. What else are you keeping from us? You kept the Winter Council from us, and we were almost slaughtered. You name none of the suspected Winter Councillors, you name no one you trust, who we can trust not to betray us in any actions we take. Why have they not acted already to remove you from power?" Lief keeps his distance from the Queen, not wanting to intimidate her in his questioning, and allowing the others' questions to intersperse with his own.
I can't believe we are seriously entertaining this. Surely the Queen has power greater than our own to see this work done. We can't be her only hope. We are simply a tool for her to strike out against her insurgents. You may very well be right, Ederin.
Earlier…
Lief doesn't reject the Queen's taking of his arm, but he also doesn't reject the opportunity to respond, despite the absurdity of her manners. “You are of course welcome to visit me in Magnimar. You will be seeing us safely home, now that it's obvious we are unwelcome here.” He doesn't offer it as inquiry, more as certainty.
The Queen is stifled, and says nothing, but nods sadly. ”Of course.”
Nowish…
"Excuse me, Your Highness, but there are some things that are unclear to me. You are sure the Winter Council exists? Lief mentioned something about it, but can you repeat what it is and how it came to be? And how could a Drow be on the council? That doesn't...that doesn't seem to make sense," Kaylayne opens up with a few questions. "Also, is this the Paradise Chamber?"
”Oh, We have no time to adequately explain, but yes the Winter Council exists, and exerts a most overbearing pressure on all levels of the government. We cannot give you the history, just know the present - they have become corrupt somehow - perhaps under the strength of Allevrah. We do not know how the two persons are connected, but We feel they are. Don’t you?” she lapses a moment, clearly confused, before continuing.
”This is the threshold, pass beyond the curtain and you shall be within it.”
"Azinrae is a drow name, mate, which means they're involved in this Winter Council too.”
He tries to make sense of this, "So now the elves, not the drow, are corrupt? And what is this Tanglebriar and Thorn's End?"
”It feels to Us like the drow may have corrupted the Winter Council - yes. I cannot say more for I have already been here too long. Remember the book (link) I left in your chambers. You must trust me!” She turns to leave.
”You demean us publicly, delay us with petitions that our information be vetted by diviners, host us in chambers easily accessible to agents of the Winter Council, where we are almost slaughtered in our exposure, without any form of warning to be on guard…” Lief palms right fist in left palm, the knuckles turning white.
“I… am at a loss for any sympathetic words.”
The Queen, in a hurry, is stopped in Her tracks. She turns to Lief sorrowfully but respectfully, ”We did none of those things, but if you truly believe that, than you cannot trust Us, and so We shall ask nothing further of you. You may leave with Us, and We shall do all We can to get you out of the city safely and to your home in Magnimar. No disrespect is intended, you must choose your own path.”
”You ask us to continue putting our lives in danger, to breach and defeat the Winter Council, which may or may not have allowed a drow to participate in steering the course of your elven government? Only then, you'll have the strength of control sufficient to deal with the drow threat? And you would have us ally with a succubus to that end? Is your bookmark meant to inspire us along those ends?” Lief looks at his companions, a look of exasperation clear on his face.
“Allarnon, I share your confusion, but the deeper point here, for me, is what happens if the government of Iadara collapses, and another Plucking of the Star occurs. The drow won't stop with the elves. It's their nature. They will continue to destroy, to slaughter the Surface, elves or otherwise. The only luck we have here, I think, is that we can surmise what their first target is, and their primary focus. Until that is carried out, we can rest assured that our families back home have time.” Lief turns back to the Queen.
“Time that you do not have. What else are you keeping from us? You kept the Winter Council from us, and we were almost slaughtered. You name none of the suspected Winter Councillors, you name no one you trust, who we can trust not to betray us in any actions we take. Why have they not acted already to remove you from power?” Lief keeps his distance from the Queen, not wanting to intimidate her in his questioning, and allowing the others' questions to intersperse with his own.
The Queen looks to Lief, ”Clearly you are the thinker of the party, but We have no time for you to think… and We have no time to explain all that you don’t know, let alone guess at what might possibly effect you and your actions. You must either trust Us and pass through that curtain, or come with Us and We will see you free of these weighty matters.”
”We are in power because We are good at this game of theirs - born into it. But make no mistake, Our power is not rooted deeply and I can be removed by this Council readily enough. We know We are asking a lot, but such is the burden of the power you wield.”
She walks to the door and prepares to open it, ”Now who will help Us, and indeed the elven people? If you agree, pass beyond the curtain when you are ready. All others, please come with Us, and We shall see you safely home, though I cannot promise the Council will leave you alone with the knowledge you already possess.” she warns, clearly unhappy at the burden the elves have put on the party already. You suspect that she too wishes, at least in part, that you had not gone below into the drow city, for your own good!
Her hand on the door, she hesitates to see if any follow her.