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Hanlin's jaw hangs agape as a whirlwind of activity erupts around him... jaws snapping, claws flying, arrows zinging! Its like I'm frozen here as the world passes me by...
He finally snaps out of his stupor and steps up, slinging his shield on his arm and drawing out his longword with a ring "This is for Nanny Goat, you bastard!"
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Erlathan holds forth his quarterstaff of entwined serpents, blasting the chupacabra with a couple of black and white, snake-like arcane bolts.
Hanlin delivers a goat's revenge courtesy of his longsword.
Chupacabra (-24)
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Lord Braggett & Sir Kibble
Erlathan
Vegazi (-5)
Bishop
Hanlin
Nina & Inky
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Though she has no idea what the little lizard creature is, Nina is more than happy to take Erlathan's word for it when he declares it to be a chupacabra. "Woohoo! Come on Inky, charge!" she cries.
Inky, having maneuvered herself into an advantageous position, grins wickedly and races towards the creature with great speed. Nina levels her lance, which flashes with light in the sun...
...and delivers a powerful blow to the creature! Nina whoops with laughter as Inky races on by the lizard-thing and skids to a stop next to Hanlin and Bishop.
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Lord Braggett does know of chupacabras, but their wicked habit of draining their victim's blood is a new detail to the mysterious tales he heard in taverns all across the land. While the new information sinks in, he cheers as his comrades strike the chupacabra hard, "Ahaha! Save some for me, my friends..." He starts whirling around his silver flail, faster and faster, waiting for Nina to ride pass, "Your goat munching days are done, chupacabra! Kibble... Away!" Kibble pounces for the lizard creature as Braggett whirls his weapon around with more style than substance.
Standard action: Attack
Kibble:
5' Step
Standard action: Attack
The first time Kibble is hit in a round, Braggett will use the Mounted Combat feat, and as an immediate action to try and negate any damage. The hit is negated if the Ride check result is greater than the opponent's attack roll.
For the first two adjacent allies (including Braggett) who are targeted for an attack, Kibble will use the Bodyguard feat to use an AoO and boost their AC.
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The paws of her eidolon destrier churning the earth, Nina charges down the gentle slope, spitting the chupacabra on the end of her lance, the force of the blow driving the little beast all the way to her wrist.
When the party returns to the ranch house, Nina reins in Incandescence and dismounts, the chupacabra still impaled on her lance like a meaty lizard kabob. The Dessar children's eyes grow big and their jaws drop.
Their meager belongings already packed, Oliver and Adelaine organize the family and their hired hands for the journey, staying close to their new protectors.
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The party and its gaggle of civilians sets forth from the Dessar Goat Ranch heading south along the Path Road toward Grev's Homestead.
Ahead of you, a small pride of lions is feeding on the carcas of a stag. Scenting your approach, they raise their heads, raspy tongues licking their bloody maws.
Behind you, the Dessar children scream at the sight of the large cats.
Hanlin
Lord Braggett & Kibble
Bishop
Erlathan
Vegazi
Nina & Incandescence
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Lions
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As Hanlin goes to give Nina a congratulatory high five, he kicks over a rock and sees the glint of gold and silver "Woah now, well done Nina! AND it looks like we've found a bit of spending money yes? Maybe we should cover the cost of the missing goats with a bit of this..."
Hanlin pulls out a litany of rings, necklaces, and other jewelry with a tidy sum of 640 gold. Not to mention a interesting looking pearl... "Weird to see just a pearl not on a necklace. It reminds me of this pearl of power I just bought... Any ideas?"
Back at the homestead Hanlin starts to retell the whirlwind attack of the dreaded chupracabra but quickly turns the story telling over to the far more loquacious Lord Braggett. "Your flock should be safe for now. Lets get on the road quickly, we need to get to Grev's before dark."
Hanlin stops short, the mail in his boots clinking extra loudly as he sees the group of very large cats. "Stay calm children, we will protect you..." He pulls out his trusty wand of blessings and asks Iomedae to make this an extra strong one, they're going to need it.
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Nina beams happily as she slides the beast off of her lance. "I've been waiting for ages to be able to do that! Now you know Inky and I can be just as strong and tough as anyone else."
When Hanlin points out the chupacabra's hidden stash, she detects the magical aura on the bead. Attempting to study it, she alllllmost manages to divine its nature...but falls just a little bit short.
"Darn! Seems like there's always stuff to practice..." she sighs.
As they make to depart from the goat ranch, Nina quickly pulls out another wand and thrusts it towards Hanlin. "Um...could you activate this for me please? I'd like to be at my best before we start out again...especially in case there's more orcs or devils wandering around out there!"
"Ahhh...much better! Thank you!"
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When the party come across the pride of lions feasting on their kill, Nina pauses and looks to the others. "Um...think we could get away with trying to go around them or something?" she asks. "They're just minding their own business eating...I'd kinda hate to have to fight them."
But just in case, she begins casting and conjures shimmering, translucent armor that encases Inky and then fades from sight. "There...that'll help, if we do have to fight them."
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Lord Braggett picks up Hanlin's baton and runs with it, explaining in great detail how he and his comrades battled the angry lizard, "...And while I had the foul chupacabra shaking in terror with my exceptional display of dazzling skill, Lady Brightspark sounded the charge, and !" He makes a wide, sweeping gesture with his hand, miming the swift charge, "The dastardly creature was skewered in the blink of an eye. It was a truly marvellous sight!"
"Indeed, Lady Brightspark, there is no need to look for a fight with these creatures." Lord Braggett agrees as he tries to keep Kibble calm, "Defensive formations! Stay close and keep your weapons at the ready." He draws his flail and keeps his shield up.
The first time Kibble is hit in a round, Braggett will use the Mounted Combat feat, and as an immediate action to try and negate any damage. The hit is negated if the Ride check result is greater than the opponent's attack roll.
For the first four adjacent allies (including Braggett) who are targeted for an attack, Kibble will use the Bodyguard feat to use an AoO and boost their AC.
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"Allow me, Miss Nina," Erlathan holds his hand out to take the bead with glowing eyes. He studies it for a few moments before a magical lightbulb appears above his head. "Ah ha. I've got it! It's a..."
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Erlathan ducks behind Braggett. "Lord Braggett, those lions look fiercely hungry. Where my own courage is lacking, you make up for it two fold. I shall perch comfortably behind you and Kibble and place my quarterstaff above your shoulder to do... this!" He rests the quarterstaff on Braggett's shoulder as if it were an arm cannon and activates it, aiming the serpent-missiles for green.
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Erlathan examines the pearl Hanlin found among the chupacabra's treasures. It's a bead of force, an impressive and very useful wondrous item.
Hanlin takes the wand from Nina and heals her wounds, then he uses his own to heal Vegazi, who thanks the priest for his kindness.
At the sight of the lions and the sound of the Dessar children's frightened screams, Hanlin uses his wand to cast bless on the party, while reassuring the Dessars.
Nina wonders if the party lions could avoid a battle with the lions. She uses her wand of mage armor to buff her eidolon, just in case the wild animals get aggressive.
Lord Braggett agrees with the summoner, hoping the creatures won't attack, but he prepares for the worst.
Erlathan recalls that lions are known to pounce in charge and attack with teeth and claws; if they bite, they attempt to grab their prey, and then rake with their hind claws.
Erlathan decides to initiate a preemptive strike, taking careful aim with his staff and blasting the jolly green lion with both barrels. The creature roars in outrage. The other lions snarl at the party. The pride looks ready to pounce.
Vegazi frowns at the trigger-happy elf. Then, her eyes narrow at the lions' reactions. "Something is amiss. These great cats are acting under the compulsion of an enchantment, I'm certain of it. Otherwise, they'd just defend their kill." She shakes her head, "This is not right."
"The lions are too too hostile now", Vegazi scowls at Erlathan. "It will be impossible for me to succeed at calming them down. Please don't kill these innocent creatures. They know not what they do."
Hanlin
Lord Braggett & Kibble
Bishop
Erlathan
Vegazi
Nina & Incandescence
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Lions
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Eyeing the massive lions, and their enchantment-induced hostility, Bishop retrieves his wand of mage armor and attempts to activate it. An invisible but tangible field of force surrounds the slayer. Then he steps toward the treeline to protect his flank.
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Bishop has a chance to use his wand of mage armor.
The enchanted lions loose a murderous roar and charge. The green lion pounces at Lord Braggett, and his trusty bodyguard tries to defend him. Sir Kibble blocks one of the lion's claws and stops the lion from grabbing the cavalier, but the attack is bloody.
The other three lions can't quite reach the party, and they're all out of their freakin' minds!
Vegazi curses. "Defend yourselves, but please spare their lives if you can!"
She looses an arrow at the green lion.
Hanlin
Lord Braggett & Kibble
Bishop
Erlathan
Vegazi
Nina & Incandescence
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Green Lion
Yellow Lion
Red Lion
Purple Lion
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The courageous knight grunts under the painful onslaught, "I shall try my best, Lady Vegazi..." Lord Braggett calls back as he and Kibble try to fend off massive paws, "But my first priority is to defend the children!" He gets his flail free and strikes back, "Have at you!" With the lion distracted by the gnomes wild flailing, Kibble pounces himself, barking ferociously in the giant cat's face.
Standard action: Attack Green
Kibble:
Standard action: Attack Green
The first time Kibble is hit in a round, Braggett will use the Mounted Combat feat, and as an immediate action to try and negate any damage. The hit is negated if the Ride check result is greater than the opponent's attack roll.
For the first two adjacent allies (including Braggett) who are targeted for an attack, Kibble will use the Bodyguard feat to use an AoO and boost their AC.
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Seeing the spray of blood coming from one of his feisty Gnome friends and the pack of lions descending, Hanlin flips his shield onto his arm quickly, drawing out his healing wand with the other and doing what he can to staunch the Lord's wounds. "Easy now, don't do anything rash if you want to avoid being cat food!"
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"If we can at least knock them down then maybe we can save them and let them wake up on their own?" Nina calls out as she and Inky move forward to come to Lord Braggett's aid...but then she stops, remembering something.
"Um, this probably won't make them stand down but maybe it'll help?" she offers as she begins casting. "I might be able to learn something about who or what did this to them!"
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Erlathan sends two more magic missiles into the green lion.
The gnome summoner calls upon her race's ability to speak with animals. Her ears are assaulted by a cacophony of leonine chatter.
Nina hears the purple lion whining, *Bird says I'm too slow.*
The red one snarls at the green lion, *Get out of my way!*
The green lion complains, *Bird, little one has tough skin.*
The yellow lion asks, *Kill which one, bird?*
Nina looks around, puzzled. Bird, what bird?
She spies a golden eagle perched on a high branch of a nearby dead tree, watching the action with rapt attention.
Bishop takes a stab at the yellow lion. It recoils from the slayer's attack.
The green lion attacks the cavalier again. It roars its outrage as its teeth and claws rasp across Lord Braggett's metal shell.
The yellow lion lashes out at the evasive, dagger-wielding slayer. A massive paw rakes across Bishop's midsection.
The red lion trots around its green sister and sinks it fangs into Hanlin's calf. Its jaws lock on his leg. The priest gets an up-close looks that the wicked claws on the beasts fore and rear paws.
The purple lion crashes through the brush, the vegetation slowing its charge. Its teeth open up a gaping wound above Bishop's knee, as its teeth grab a hold of the slayer.
Vegazi steps up behind Bishop to get a clear shot at the green lion.
Hanlin
Lord Braggett & Kibble
Bishop
Erlathan
Vegazi
Nina & Incandescence
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Green Lion
Yellow Lion
Red Lion
Purple Lion
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"Good grief!" Lord Braggett calls out in surprise as as two of the lions clamp their jaws around his comrades' legs, "Hold on tight, Sirs, and do not panic! I have this well in hand..." He says confidently as he jumps out of the saddle and swings his flail at the head of the lion in front of him, cheering and distracting it as much as he can while Kibble retreats, "Aha, now Kibble! Dissuade that cat from its evil, feline ways." Kibble steps back and starts harassing the lion with it's teeth clamped into Hanlin's leg, pulling at the cat's ears with his own teeth and generally being annoying.
Move action: Dismount
Standard action: Attack Green
Kibble:
5' Step
Standard action: Aid another (Hanlin's next attack roll)
For the first four adjacent allies (including Braggett) who are targeted for an attack, Kibble will use the Bodyguard feat to use an AoO and boost their AC.
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Nina suddenly whips around and points at something sitting up in the branches of a nearby tree. "The eagle! It's the eagle, it's giving them orders!" she cries.
Hoping that someone with better aim than she has can do something about said bird, the little gnome turns her attention back to her grappled friends. "Hold on Hanlin, I'll save you!"
She begins casting and suddenly the cleric finds himself covered in a thick, slippery grease!
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Lord Braggett slides off his mount and clobbers the green lion with his magic flail, while Sir Kibble finds a spot where he can help Hanlin escape the red lion's jaws.
Nina alerts the party to the eagle that seems to be directing the lions. Then, she draws a slab of butter from her spell component pouch and hurls it at Hanlin, covering the priest in a layer of slippery oil.
Covered in grease, Hanlin realizes he's in big trouble. He strains against the powerful jaws of the lion, but it's not quite enough to enable him to break free of the lion's grip.
Hanlin
Lord Braggett & Kibble
Bishop
Erlathan
Vegazi
Nina & Incandescence
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Green Lion
Yellow Lion
Red Lion
Purple Lion
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Held down firmly by the lion's paw Bishop cursed at his luck. He had seen effective ways to break free of holds but nothing was coming to his mind with the lion's maw close enough to smell the animal's breath.
Left with only one option Bishop made the appearance he was going to break free letting his weapon hand stay limp laying against. Anticipating the reaction of the lion snap he waited until the moment for it pull him back with it's teeth and then rolled sharply into the lion using the momentum to drive his blade into the side of the lion.
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Erlathan gives the eagle the business end of his quarterstaff of entwined serpents. When the glowing white snake and the shadowy black snake slam into the raptor, it screeches, indignant, and takes wing, flying in a south-southwesterly direction.
The lions seem bewildered for a moment, but then the two wounded lions retreat into the woods. A second later, the red lion releases Hanlin and follows them.
The fallen lion lies at your feet, its dying heart pumping blood into the dust of the Path Road.
Vegazi looks down at the great cat, sadness on her face.
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Hanlin's building panic starts to subside as the lions break off their attack and flee, he gets up slowly, checking his injuries and shaking a bit "I thought I was doomed there. I've heard stories of whole troops of men eaten alive by these things!"
He nods at Vegazi as she looks on at the dying Lion. "I'll help us all here... Iomedae show us your light so we may continue living this day!" He lifts his left hand and a bright, rolling light erupts from his palm.
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Kibble sends the lions off with a few barks, looking terribly proud of himself as Lord Braggett cheers, "Aha! Good show, comrades!" He puts away his flail and looks down at the slowly recovering cat, "Strange that a bird would be their leader... Still, excellent work by all I'd say." Gives Hanlin a curious look, as he makes his way past the lubed up cleric and hops back into his saddle, "Thank you for the healing, Sir. I'm sure the lion appreciates it too. Speaking of..." He turns to Vegazi with an apologetic expression, "Lady Vegazi, I hope you can forgive my skillful tenderising of that poor creature. It was either him or those I have sworn to protect... I simply could not see another way until Lady Brightspark brilliantly deduced the mastermind behind the attack." At this, he gives Nina an appreciative salute.
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"I mean, she did attack the lion too..." Erlathan grumbles with a pointed look at Vegazi. "My question is why on Golarion is a bird commanding a lion pride? Perhaps it was a devil bird! Yes, must have been! Do you suggest we follow it, Lord Braggett? Hanlin? I believe it departed towards the south."
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Hanlin takes a few paces back away from the now rousing lion, his eyes never leaving the beast as he answers Erlathan's question "I can't say I know anything about the beasts of the forest and how they work together or against. But we've got a mission to save and protect these homesteaders, we should keep on that task. We don't have a ton of time to get to Grev's before dark sets in."
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Raising his hand to the heavens, Hanlin bestows Iomedae's healing grace upon the dying lion and his friends.
Bishop
Hanlin
The lion rises and rushes into the trees, following the scent of its pride. Vegazi watches the wounded beast slip into the forest. "Thank you for sparing its life. No ordinary eagle could force such magnificent creatures to act contrary to their nature."
Erlathan watches the mysterious raptor fly off to the south-southwest, quickly climbing higher over the treetops until it disappears from sight.
The party discusses trying to follow its flightpath, but elects to stay on mission, evacuating the homesteaders to the relative safety of Arwyll Stead.
The Dessar family struggles to keep up, still shaking after their brush with death.
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Hanlin gives tentacle chin a look of unease as he offers up his demonic wand of flesh restoration "Iomedae has cleared up most of the bite wound, the rest will heal normally I expect. Thanks for the offer though." He then gives Bishop a look of I wouldn't use that if I was you! before stowing his equipment and reassuring the children that all is well.
"Many miles yet to go right? They aren't going to walk themselves!" He gives a thumbs up salute to Vegazi as he continues along the road.
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Following Jerem's map and after less than an hour's walk, you finally arrive at Grev's Homestead.
The little house sits on a level field about a half-mile from the road. Trees surround the home and a small garden is planted in front; these splashes of green provide contrast
to the otherwise rocky, dusty terrain. The house is built to weather the elements, and has a wide porch, a fresh coat of paint, and windows open to let in the breeze. A sun parlor on the northeast side of the house features large glass windows instead of walls.
Through the glass, you see the hermit diligently working on his books and paintings. He looks up as you approach the house. The old man stands up, one hand pressed to his aching back, and hobbles to the door. The sleeve of one arm hangs empty, pinned to his shirt.
The door opens and Grev calls out, "That's far enough, strangers. State your business." He has a loaded heavy crossbow braced against the doorframe.
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Hanlin skids to a stop as he sees the man and his crossbow "Oh hey, you must be Grev? We've come to warn you about the orcs and devil attacks!"
He looks at Lord Braggett and touches his shoulder, a small twinkle travels up the shoulder and polishes the Gnome's teeth and freshens his breath. Hanlin gives him a nudge to lay on the charm.
Touch of Glory (Sp): (5x/day) You can cause your hand to shimmer with divine radiance, allowing you to touch a creature as a standard action and give it a bonus equal to your cleric level on a single Charisma-based skill check or Charisma ability check. This ability lasts for 1 hour or until the creature touched elects to apply the bonus to a roll. You can use this ability to grant the bonus a number of times per day equal to 3 + your Wisdom modifier.
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"Greetings!" Lord Braggett says as he gracefully slides from the saddle and bows respectfully at Grev, "We have come to escort you and the other homesteaders to safety, behind the walls of Arwyll Stead." He rises from his bow and clasps his hands behind his back as he takes a step bravely towards the man with the crossbow aimed at his temple, "As my comrade has stated, devils abound, and they have joined forces with the many orcs that roam the area. We will likely face the Hell's Fury tribe in combat, and heroically thwart their evil plans, but in order to do so, we must first ensure the safety of the good people of this... remarkable land you call home. What do you say, sir? Will you honour us with your company as we offer succour to the remaining homesteaders?" He smiles and the sun twinkles off his freshly polished teeth, "I would very much like to hear tales of your past as a soldier around these parts. Oh, and I believe Scoutmaster Terrin would also like a word with you about a tangentially related matter, if you would be willing."
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With some degree of amazement, the old man regards the loquacious cavalier, "Does your rhetorical skill extend to the written word as well, gnome?"
His manner gruff, Grev heads back inside, which seems as much of an invitation as you're likely to get from the hermit.
"I have no intention of returning to Arwyll Stead," he shakes his head in stubborn refusal. "I doubt my little homestead is going to draw much attention, and I'm certainly not much good in a fight anymore."
He takes a seat at his large oak table, hundreds of pages of parchment strewn across its scarred surface. "If I'm to die soon, I’d prefer to at least finish my memoir."
He takes a sip of his tepid tea and sighs. "Seven years ago, I retired from military service in Vigil, after a skirmish with orcs left my sword arm so wounded that the healers had to amputate it. Rather than become a liability on the field, I opted to retire and buy a little house with my savings."
He falls silent, lost in his memories. His eyes well, and he blows his nose in his handkerchief. "After my wife died, I found myself reminiscing more and more about the time I served on Captain Adil’s border guard. Ultimately, I decided to write a memoir about my experiences." Grev coughs and clears his throat. "Not that anyone would give a damn."
love to see Grev’s memoir, then the old codger might be more eager to join you.
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Hanlin follows the old fella into his home to continue the negotiations.
Hanlin sees how important the journal is to the man, and honestly is interested to some old war stories. "If you come with us would you allow us to read your memoirs? The battle experience we could learn from it, and from you directly, could certainly make all the difference in the coming fights."
Hanlin rests his tattooed hand on the man's shoulder.
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"I too have memoirs, sir. See these tentacles?" Erlathan leans in to allow Grev to get a good look. "My stories are not quite as glorious as your military service, no doubt, but the tales formed - no pun intended - after that night in Blakros Museum are just as important to me as those memoirs are to you." He moves away, standing against a wall with his arms folded. Social aptitude was as foreign to Erlathan as sobriety was to a dwarf. "Right?"
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Greg gives the elf arcanist a blank look, long snowy eyebrows raised.
But the veteran blushes at Hanlin's compliment, his pleasure plain on his sunken cheeks.
"Finally," he exclaims, "some adventurers with good taste in literature!"
His eyes light on Vegazi entering the room. His jaw drops and his eyes go wide in immediate recognition. He scrambles around his scattered notes and drawings to locate one sketch in particular.
Grev stammers in excitement before bowing his head politely to the half-orc. "You!" he exclaims to Vegazi. "Her!" he cries to you. "She rescued Captain Adil and myself many years ago from the Hell’s Fury prison camp!"