Whatever Round it is
Right on Ali's heels Kappi sprints into the room. Kappi goes around to flank with the fierce elf woman. Not quite realizing the danger of the mirror the Varisian lad slashes at the Sgt.
Flanking melee
sh sword
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Round whatever it is
Grateful that his friends have shown up. Edward's hope and confidence is renewed.
Time to take the smirk off your face Sertane. You will be an agent of the Winter Witches no longer.
Edward brings the sword overhead like a massive chop. But at the last second he flat blades it like a club trying to knock the mirror out of the Sgt's hands.
Davosh calls a hex down on the sergeant just as Edward knocks the mirror from Sertane's hand. Ali's blade fails to find its mark, but Kappi takes advantage of the elf's distraction and drives his short sword into Sertane's ribs; several give a sickening pop as the sergeant crumples to the floor.
Edward notes that the blade Sertane held is of fine quality, and in fact is made of cold iron. Meanwhile, Ali picks up the mirror and sees a familiar sight.
Vojtek then suddenly bursts through the door, complaining that the guard's ear didn't taste nearly as tender as he'd hoped, while Nadya is a few breathless steps after.
The Goltievas exit their hiding place in the kitchen just then, shrilly accusing Nadya of sedition and conspiring with known trouble-makers, noting that the Pale Tower is sure to send more guards, quite likely to raze Waldsby. They insist you all leave the White Weasel at once.
Outside, Nadya gloomily agrees with their observation. Ve are all doomed.
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Mrs Goltievas I don't know how to say this any clearer. You and your malicious desire towards Nadya and or the fact that you like to keep everyone afraid of you are the one who brought this to Waldsby. Now if the guards do come and raze this village they can thank you. The fact is we saved the lives who were bringing supplies back. We tried to engage in honest and fair trade, and all you could do is not get past your own spite and petty vendetta's Edward takes a breath She tries to say something, Edward raises his hand and cuts her off.
In a calm but firm voice Edward continues. Despite all of this, we are going to see what we can do to save this village from the Pale tower's oppression. So if you would just kindly sit down shut up and let your husband talk some sense into you. By the way sir I suggest that you take her herbs away from her, she likes to make a tea to control your thoughts and actions. Someone needs to stand up and be a man around here after we leave.
Edward exits the inn, and finds Nadya Not necessarily Nadya. We just need to give them a target bigger than this Village. Something for the Pale tower to divert forces to rather than Waldsby. I am sure that the woman inside there will try to blame you for all of this. So if there is any kind of help that you can provide us in getting to the pale tower and accomplishing our goal it would be very very helpful. Hopefully the side effects of that will stop them from sending guards back here.
I vill aid you in any vay I can, Nadya says with resolution, heading back to her home. I prefer a straight fight against odds to trembling in fear as Katrina and Emil have done. Perhaps our aggression vill catch Nazhena and her flunkies off guard, maybe? I ask only that you avenge my Thora.
Many condemning eyes peer out windows as you pass, but Nadya pays them no mind, striding through as directly as before. Upon reaching her cottage, she pauses at the door. One other thing to consider. Our home has been blessed with a domovoi, what your people might refer to as a house spirit. Hatch once upon a time vorked for Nazhena. He is shy and vithdrawn, she says, opening the door, but perhaps you vill be able to convince him to help.
Domovoi are sometimes-helpful fey creatures who bind themselves to rural families. They usually stay out of the sight of those they live among.
A domovoi appears as small, old man no more than 2 feet high, covered in hair and with a long, shaggy beard.
Domovoi have the following at-will abilities: invisibility, lullaby, mage hand, mending, prestidigitation. They can attack using a telekinesis spell-like ability. Like most fey, they have damage resistance that is overcome with cold iron weapons.
The rogue puts his boot on Sertane's corpse and pulls his sword out of his back. He wipes the blood off with the Sgt's cloak. He looks a bit sheepish, ...uhh sorry I killed the guy... Maybe we uhmm... could have got him to talk.
Kappi then turns his attention to the mirror that was knocked out of his hands. What was so dangerous about the mirror he was holding?
I share the details of the spoilers.
What was so dangerous about the mirror he was holding?
Ali looks direclty into the mirror at the blue eye. Thinking quickly, she spits her venom into it...
You will NEVER find us out in the wild, you frozen freak!
...and smashes the mirror with force against the closest hard surface--her own sword hilt if necessary.
she casts Detect Magic on the mirror to see if it is still radiating, or if he's destoryed it. Ali then addresses her friends. Sorry about that, it was all I could think of. Maybe it will be enough misdirection to keep this Tower from sending a force direclty to the town, maybe they'll go out looking in the wilderness for us instead--or at least split off some forces. And we definitley don't want that to be lying around.. she points to the mirror shards.
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I think surprise may not last long. We should get in there and Vojtek up the place as soon as possible."
I think surprise may not last long. We should get in there and Vojtek up the place as soon as possible."
Kappi nods ready to go.
He who hesitates is...
The rogue asks Davosh and Ali if the party should try and gain the help of the house spirit.
The rogue asks Davosh and Ali if the party should try and gain the help of the house spirit.
Yes. Yes we should!
Ali confers with the group, focusing on Davosh and Nadya. I speak the language of the fey, so maybe I should ask this spirit's help? I think appealing to avenging one of your family, Nadya, may be the best way to go--do you agree? Do you, or you Davosh, know of anything we might offer the spirit to make it more willing to speak to us?
"I too speak their language, but I'm not much of a negotiator. Yes yes, I know I speak to spirits on a regular basis, but the ancients in my line are laconic. Still, it's an excellent idea."
OK then...
Once they're back at Nadya's house, Ali begins to strip off all her combat gear--armor, weapons, weapon blanch, etc. until she's wearing normal clothes. She speaks while doffing.
I have a feeling it wold be best for me to approach this spirit alone, in case it's skittish. If it's here to protect the family, then i don't think I have anything to fear as we've done nothing but help, so I'm not worried about anythign going south.
Nadya, does this spirit have a name I can use? Does it have any favored foods or items I can offer as a gift? And is there any way to call it forth? I'm guessing in the basement is the best place to start...
Ali is eager to get started, and seems to be waiting only on Nadya's responses.
Davosh, how about some of the Ancestors' Guidance? ;-)
Even as Ali asks, Davosh is casting the spell.
Nadya nods. Hatch does like food quite a bit.
Well, I'll aid, "Spirit of the House, kindred in purpose. we beseech thee. There comes a time when a house cannot stand in defense alone. There comes a time when the walls must be shed and blade must be faced. We seek to preserve your domain. We need your help and your noble gifts. Please help us defend all that ties you to this plane."
Hmm, maybe Edvard should do this. Meh. I'll give it a try.
Ali steps forth, no weapons or armor of any kind, and puts a bit of bread and cheese on a clean cloth. She speaks in Sylvan.
HATCH!! Guardian of this home! We are friends of Nadya and her family. We have shed, and spilled, blood this day to defend this house and those who dwell within. Nadya has called upon us to aid her further, to end the threat that is hanging over her family. We seek your wisdom, to help us protect this place. Come forth among friends!
using guidance...
<--hey, almost twice as good. :-(
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Edward coaches Ali on what to say before hand, and how to say it. Ali, it's not only the words, but how you say them that matter. Get rid of the warrior posture, be more inviting. Have that warm feeling inside that you really want to help, and let it show on your face and in those beautiful elven eyes. Then beseech Hatch with your request after the food's aroma has permeated the dwelling.
Despite Ali's less-than-eloquent delivery, a Tiny, hairy old man appears next to the cloth.
Why do you call Hatch? it says, snatching both in lightning-quick hands while eying the elf carefully, then shifts his gaze to Davosh before returning to Ali, shoving half the cheese in its mouth at once. Though, it continues through the half-masticated chunk, Hatch thank you for food.
*whisper* nice coaching, Ed!
Ali sits cross-legged in as non-threatening a posture as possible.
You're very welcome, noble domovoi. And we thank you for your looking over this house and family--Nadya is a brave and good soul.
She takes a deep breath, then continues. My friends and I are going to exact retribution on the Pale Tower, to avenge the death of Thora and to protect the rest of this family from further harm. We think the minions of Nazhena mean to strike at the town, and we mean to strike first and stop them in their tracks. Nadya suggested you may decide to offer us what aid you can--advice, perhaps? She leaves the question open, hoping he may think more help would be appropriate, maybe, perhaps, somewhat...?
<--meh
Hatch stares at Ali in such disbelief that he stops chewing. Mrphoo Nngohng Aylow? His eyes, now wide, dart back and forth between the elf and the warlock before it occurs to him that he still has cheese stuffed in his mouth. What you mean, you go to Pale Tower? after swallowing and trying again. That mad talk. You mad elf to attack Nazhena and Pale Tower.
Why? How tough is she? And what's her deal, anyway? I mean, we showed up in this town yesterday, and most of the folks treat us like we've put up signs saying "Please attack this town, Nazhena!!" What is it about outsiders that so frightens her, that the townspeople think she'll raze the town to ash because of us?
You not know Nazhena. Hatch says simply. Nazhena angry. Nazhena angry all the time. Always show power when Nazhena can. He gets a faraway look in his eyes for a moment. Nazhena not like jokes much. Get Nazhena even more angry. Nazhena have guards hurt Hatch and throw Hatch to wolves in the wild.
He takes a nibble from the bread and continues. But Nadya Petska find Hatch, help Hatch not hurt. Hatch help Nadya Petska and Orm and Mjoli and... His voice catches in his throat.
Some memory has clearly upset Hatch.
In a small voice, Hatch finishes the thought. Hatch clean house to help.
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Excuse me Hatch. Edward offers a chunk of cheese What I think the good elf is saying, is that we aren't going to attack the tower outright, but we need to get inside there to help right a terrible wrong, and take some revenge for Thora. Maybe you could give us some of the names of your tormentors and we might be able to punish them for their mistreatment of you. So if you could help us get in, or help us with the floor plans, and any kind souls in the tower we would be very greatfull
Kappi waits outside during this strange entreatment of spirits. He sits on the woodpile and works at carving some wooden dice. Once he finishes, he starts casting dice with Vojtek for each others shares of the (over priced) yew shine.
He takes a nibble from the bread and continues. But Nadya Petska find Hatch, help Hatch not hurt. Hatch help Nadya Petska and Orm and Mjoli and... His voice catches in his throat.
In a small voice, Hatch finishes the thought. Hatch clean house to help.
<--BAM
...and Thora? Nadya's little girl that Nazhena murdered?? Maybe I am a mad elf to want to attak Nazhena. But I'll be damned if I let anyone hurt the Petska children any further, not when I could have stopped it.
short pause...
Nazhhena sounds like nothing but a glorified bully. I don't cotton to bullies, and neither do my friends. If cleaning the house for Nadya is all you can offer, then you have our thanks for that. but if you can give us anything on Nazhena, you'll have our thanks--and the knowledge that you were *really* able to help.
<--includes Ed's aid. Anyone else want ot try and chip in?
Hatch has tears well in his eyes and begin to stream down his cheeks at Thora's name. He tries to say something, but no words come out. Finally he simply nods.
When the spirit at last composes himself enough to speak, he agrees to help the party. Hatch know all of Pale Tower, he says. Hatch come along. Show Nadya Petska friends how Pale Tower works, how Nadya Petska friends move between parts of Pale Tower, who in Pale Tower might hurt Nadya Petska friends.
Ali closes her eyes and sighs in relief, and gratitude. Thank you, Hatch! My name's Ali. she makes the intros for the rest of the group.
we don't expect you to fight, just give us whatever info you can to help us out, that will be a HUGE help. Shall we rest the night and head out first thing?
Done with his dicing. Kappi says nothing but offers the little guy a shot of the yew shine.
The party waits the few remaining hours until daylight. Ali remains up to talk to Hatch, who is polite and pleasant but quite guarded, revealing little of himself or his history. Nadya and the rest catch a little sleep before arising at dawn and putting their plan into motion.
Nadya's sleds are full of food and supplies, with only room for her on the last sled, so the party must walk. The snowshoes acquired make this easier...
...and Nadya offers her own pair to . Ali and Davosh note that these detect as magical.
Venturing forth, the party makes its way through the frozen wilderness toward the Pale Tower northwest of Waldsby. Nadya is unusually quiet during the trip, lost within her own thoughts; and Hatch is nowhere to be seen, though he has assured Ali he will keep his bargain.
A little more than three hours into the trip, the tundra about them gives way to a hilly forest, through which a winding trail snakes like a white river of snow. It is about a half hour later that the sleds crest a rise and a barely-visible wall can be seen stretching among the trees on either side of the trail, each ending in a bluish-white circular tower of some unknown material, from which stretch a gate across the trail.
Nadya looks at you as she motions to the towers, whispering, Checkpoint. Sure enough, you can see a pair of guards outside the gate and one on each tower, each armed with a crossbow and a blade at their side.
The party waits the few remaining hours until daylight. Ali remains up to talk to Hatch, who is polite and pleasant but quite guarded, revealing little of himself or his history. Nadya and the rest catch a little sleep before arising at dawn and putting their plan into motion.
Ali spends her time that evening (and the next morning) trying to hlep Edvard improve Hatch's attitude towards us...
<--fail
Nadya's sleds are full of food and supplies, with only room for her on the last sled, so the party must walk. The snowshoes acquired make this easier...
Ali smiles and points to her feet. No need, Nadya--these will actually do better!
...and Nadya offers her own pair to Davosh. Ali and Davosh note that these detect as magical.
<--success (check out spoiler above)
Nadya looks at you as she motions to the towers, whispering, Checkpoint. Sure enough, you can see a pair of guards outside the gate and one on each tower, each armed with a crossbow and a blade at their side.
Ali whispers to the group. If anything fun starts, I'll start on the crossbowmen
To do so with a bow, you'd need to have the Myrmidarch archetype (and be 4th level).
Arcane Strike will work fine with a bow, however.
Kappi is feeling a little nervous about bluffing their way in. He knows that is not his strong suite. He wishes he had his uncle's wit and charm. Yet, he goes along with the party. He tries to say nothing if possible.
Bluff
Luckily he plays nervous teenager, scared of the Pale Tower fairly well.
Nadya looks over everyone, deciding this is about as good as it'll get, and guides the sleds toward the gate. The guards shout for her to stop, which she does, and one (Orange) recognizes her. Ha! It's the Petska widow, come crawling back to the Pale Tower! What are ye fetching for the White Witch this time, Petska? The other guards chuckle, amused by their fellow.
Food and supplies for Nazhena, as requested, Nadya says, staring at the one who spoke.
The guards stop laughing at her audacity, actually using Nazhena's name. Orange steps forward, eyeing the sleds and the party with suspicion. Quite sure ye are supposed to bring any shipment alone, aren't ye? What's with the entourage, eh?
Nadya glances back and replies. Vith a load this size, I needed a hand.
The guards do not appear mollified by her answer. The ones with crossbows train them on her and the ones below have their hands on their sword hilts.
How high up are the crossbow guys? Just wondering if I can hit them with an ax or do I need a javelin?
Ali curses under her breath at the sight of the crossbowmen aiming at the defenseless woman. Thinking quickly, she looks at the back of the sled and calls out sharply...
Nadya! that pack is about to fall!
She runs forward--apparently heedless of the crossbows--and starts fiddling with the ties behind Nadya, apparently concentrating on fixing whatever she found. Keeping her head down, she whispers to Nadya
get behind me if you can
Sorry I'm late to the party. I would have assumed that I'd take as long as possible to get the disguise just right. Is taking 20 possible?
I'll act looney, but a harnless looney, not a Daffy Duck Looney. Do I think I could hex them without making them pull the triggers?
<--buh-buh-BAM!!
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Edward wants to help with the scruitny and move the situation along and help squeek us past the guards.
Tis true what Ms Petska said. She needed help with the supplies. In fact Sergant Sertane was insisting to speak to Ms Petska about her journey. After that we traveled here quickly. Now could you be kind enough not to delay her delivering items to the White Witch. I'm sure she's not one that you or I would like to see angry.