"I'm sorry you had to see that, my dear," says Benni to Fiosa.
"I was hoping to teach the lad a few manners. It seems he has rather a lot to learn about how things work in the civilized world. What say we do this together? It'll take half the time and you can tell me a little about yourself as we go."
The seven remaining rebels go a little quiet as Berrin throws the dishcloth at Benni, but after he leaves and Benni apologises to Fiosa they settle back into their conversations, mostly concerning the audacious mission that is planned for the morrow.
Benni: Fiosa beams at your offer. "Why thankee, master. You're a good-hearted one, aren't you now." The two of you walk into the kitchen.
"What would you know about me, sir?" she enquires as you settle into a comfortable rhythm of washing and drying. "I'm sure my life is hardly as colourful as your own."
Attris & Bark: the remaining folks at the table appear to be winding down, their conversations becoming more mundane.
Bark cleans his face thoroughly before turning to gorvio beside him.
"Gorvio!, tell me how you became part of this cause?" bark remains looking at gorvio a little bitter and jealous of his appearance.
to be able to fit in easily again. Damn this curse!
Bark cleans his face thoroughly before turning to gorvio beside him.
"Gorvio!, tell me how you became part of this cause?" bark remains looking at gorvio a little bitter and jealous of his appearance.
to be able to fit in easily again. Damn this curse!
Sneak
Listening in on conversation
Perception
Bark cleans his face thoroughly before turning to gorvio beside him.
"Gorvio!, tell me how you became part of this cause?" bark remains looking at gorvio a little bitter and jealous of his appearance.
to be able to fit in easily again. Damn this curse!
bark finish cleaning his plate and face. Takes his dishes to the 'conversing' halflings and makes his way to bed.
see you all in the morn. Best be getting a good nights rest
Benni to Fiosa:
"How did you come to be mixed up with this merry band? I myself was born into servitude - a life that claimed both of my parents before their time. I think every individual has the right to determine their own path in life, whatever the circumstances of their birth. Don't you think?"
Benni: Fiosa nods earnestly as she scrubs the plate in her hand before passing it to you. "Too right, sir. My father was a slave, and after he died I did my best to help out as many of our people as I could. That's why Arael asked me to join - I'd been accused of smuggling halfling slaves out of Westcrown, and he bailed me out. Introduced me to the faith of Iomedae, he did." She pauses for a moment, her eyes far away.
"Tell me about Iomedae, Fiosa. I must confess to not know much about her. She obviously means a great deal to you and everyone here."
Fiosa nods. "That she does. Iomedae is the Inheritor, the herald of the dead god Aroden, who arose to take his place when he fell. She is the Mistress of Justice, Valour and Honour. Once a mortal, she is now the patron of everything good and holy.
"She rose from human to goddess, and so many humans see her as belonging to their race. But she also favours many halflings who seek justice - and so Westcrown provides her many faithful."
As she talks, she hands you a large kitchen knife without looking, and catches the side of your outstretched hand with the tip, digging in to your flesh. She turns in horror, grabbing your hand. "Oh Iomedae, I'm so sorry!" she gasps. The wound is not large, but the knife has sliced to the bone, and it begins throbbing almost immediately, gently spurting bright red blood.
As you begin to respond, you notice that a change comes over her. Fiosa's face becomes calmer, although still saddened, and she holds your wounded hand gently but firmly, resisting any half-hearted attempts you might make to free it. "Iomedae," she begins, "I pray, heal this man, who has only just begun to work for your cause, and forgive me my carelessness, which, as you teach, can be the root of great evil."
As you watch, she pushes the edges of sliced flesh together, stemming the blood flow. As she does, you feel a warmth suffusing your hand, and before your eyes the edges of the cut join seamlessly back together, leaving but a smear of blood on your hand.
Fiosa, still holding your hand, looks up into your eyes, her face glowing with joy. "Praise be to Iomedae," she murmurs. "She has finally answered my prayers, just as Arael said she would."
** spoiler omitted **
Berrin stands staring at the man
"I heard an argument and a slamming of doors, I was merely checking to see if everything is alright. I do also want to sleep tonight, and with all this noise from you and Janiven I find that hard to achieve"
Sense motive
"Why you..."
Rizzardo draws back his fist, fury in his eyes.
Reflex save
Strength
Attris makes a point to say goodnite to all at the table but makes special mention of his new friend the blacksmith.
if there is nothing more to attend to Attris retires to the sleeping quarters provided to gain some much needed rest.
Benni is genuinely shaken and uncharacteristically lost for words.
"Praise be to Iomedae. Thank you, Fiosa. You have given me much to think about."
When the dishes are done Benni holds both of Fiosa's hands and says "Good night, sleep well," before turning to leave. It is not until he reaches the door that he remembers everyone else and wishes them a good night as he walks quietly to bed.
"The next time you strike at me unprovoked Rizzardo I might bite back"
Berrin slams the door shut and makes his way to the room where the argument came from and gently knocks on the door softly speaking.
"Lady Janiven is everything alright I heard shouting"
Fiosa smiles joyfully at Benni's words, and gives a slight curtsy as he leaves. As Benni pokes his head into the room, he sees Ermolos, the massively muscled young smith, chatting animatedly to Attris as the gladiator stands to leave.
The remaining folks say goodnight to both half-orc and halfling, and together the two of them begin to make their way to the stairs leading to their rooms.
"That Rizzardo is cause for concern, can barely control himself."
Berrin lowers his head towards the crack in the door and whispers
"Although I think he likes you more"
Berrin moves away from the door and down the corridor to his quarters.
"Goodnight Lady Janiven"
Walking together companionably, you top the stairs to see Berrin stepping back from a doorway. The door closes with a click, cutting off the soft sound of a woman's quiet laughter.
I'm happy for him to be any where that make it easy for you but who the f#&& hit who? have i missed something or do i need to read spoilers?
Stop reading other people's spoilers, Duda.
lets say bark came up as berrin caught his fist. Bark would have stopped still in the shadows watching... waiting to make sure things were in control. As berrin leaves Janivens room he will walk past the warrior bark says "quick reflexes young one. I best keep on your good side." Bark then continues to bed.
Berrin walks past Bark hardly acknowledging him
"Yes you had better Bark"
Not wanting to stay and talk Berrin moves towards his room.
Benni looks from face to face, suddenly aware that he's missed out on something.
"What happened? What did I miss?"
Noticing Berrin's body language he calls after him, "Are you alright, Berrin?"
And then to Attris "I guess he'll tell us in the morning."
And finally to himself "I hope he's been behaving himself."
After a decent night's rest in the simply furnished bedrooms of the abandoned Church of Aroden, you all wake (or are woken by Morosino) an hour before dawn. The Church is chilly as you all wash and break your fast - simply oats, milk, and some small amount of jerky provides sustenance for the busy day you no doubt have before you.
True to his word, the handsome Gorvio has procured the four of you a good horse each on loan from his uncle. He asks politely for you all to take as much care with them as possible, and you can see a tinge of worry in his eyes as he does, and he speaks to each of the horses in turn, by name, settling them as he hands them over. Then Janiven approaches, and briefly introduces you to the other members of the group that you mightn't have met yet before you all start off on your potentially deadly mission.
Fiosa, Ermolos, and Rizzardo you are all well-acquainted with - Fiosa has a warm smile for all of you, though she seems rather scared of Berrin; Ermolos waves heartily to all; Rizzardo is standoffish, and declines to meet anyone's eye. The amber eyed Gorvio and the quiet Larko nod to you wordlessly, standing together as usual. The others are waiting to meet you all properly.
Amaya is a beautiful, dark-haired Tian woman, though she is dressed extremely plainly. She seems rather shy, but when she speaks in her crystal clear voice, and looks any of you in the eye, her personal magnetism (above and beyond her beauty) is apparent. Janiven mentions that she is currently working as a glass-blower.
Next, you are introduced to Mathalen, a short, wiry, hard-faced young woman. She greets you all very respectfully, and seems filled with a definite purpose. She listens intently whenever Janiven speaks, and seems to be paying attention all the time.
Sclavo is very short, no taller than 5'6", and of compact build. Although young, his hair is already thinning, and he wears the holy symbol of Iomedae tucked into the neck of his shirt. He speaks very precisely, but there appears to be a nervous determination about him. The longsword on his hip looks very out of place, and he readjusts it regularly. Janiven mentions that he works as a scribe in one of Westcrown's courts.
Tarvi is a very tall, focused-looking woman, and she is dressed in simply tailored clothing, yet the fabric is obviously extremely expensive. She seems rather disinterested in the lot of you, perhaps concentrating intently on the mission ahead.
Vitti is a strange looking fellow, with a shock of dark green hair and a long, thick beard of the same hue. His clothes are rough and obviously homespun, and he seems somewhat disdainful of you all. He has a small block of wood in his hands the entire time Janiven is introducing him, absentmindedly carving it, apparently into a fantastic looking fish creature.
Lastly, Yakopulio is a diminutive gnome woman, dressed in tight black leathers that accentuate her slim build and feminine curves. Her mouth has a sardonic twist to it, and she looks the four of you up and down, cocking an eyebrow suggestively at Berrin, then batting her eyelids saucily at Attris. Her purple hair is long and spiky, and her lips are painted in the same colour. She spins a dagger idly in her hand, and has at least two others on her.
Everybody acquainted, the lot of you mount up in the Church stables, your breath steaming in the cold morning air. As the sun crests the horizon, you all move out onto the streets. People are just beginning to emerge from their houses as you move north through the city - the threat of the shadowbeasts disappears with the dawn.
The group makes it out of Westcrown without incident, and once you hit the open road Janiven spurs her horse on, calling out for everyone to keep up. Your horses seem to be extremely well-trained, even the worst rider among you carried along surely and without a hitch by your mount.
Attris pulls his mount alongside Berrin and offers a nod of recognition to the young lion. Attris appears to not exactly be comfortable riding a horse and keeps looking down at the ground as if it is a lot further down than a few feet.
He eyes the barbarian with a warm look.
How did you rest young Berrin? My city is not the most accomodating of places to sleep for one from the wilds such as yourself. Although you may gradually get accustomed to it as my father did.
We will slay many men today him and I if he has his mind in the fight and not stuck up his arse
Berrin appears to look the same as Attris awkwardly riding his very stable horse.
"I am well rested Attris, although I would prefer the fur of a wooly Rhino than the fitted sheets my bed had"
You see an eagerness stirring in Berrin as he looks to the road ahead.
I hope to meet battle soon my body aches for it!
Berrin looks over at Attris
"I am keen to see you at your full potential on open ground Attris, the few stories I have heard in my short time in Westcrown often revolve around the pits, And of you and your father.
The quiet Larko approaches you as the group stops for a quick break after an hour or so of riding, the amber-eyed Gorvio beside him. He nods in greeting, then seems to struggle to find the words he wants.
Gorvio sighs in exasperation. "By the gods, just spit it out Larko!" he says, with mock severity. Larko gives him a small frown before addressing you.
"Bark, ain't it? I heard of you - you helped track down a welcher for my uncle Carius a couple a six months back. He had nothin'but good things to say 'bout ya, even if you do look... Beg pardon," he murmurs.
Gorvio rolls his eyes. "Nice," he mutters under his breath. "What he's trying to say is, he's heard of your talents, which seem to align with his somewhat, and he's wondering if you might be able to give him some pointers, particularly with the bow and your... affinity with the shadows." Larko nods in affirmation, meeting your eyes once more.
"Assuming," Gorvio continues, smiling charmingly, "that we all survive this little countryside jaunt."
My father was a true proponent of the Tremab Dorr style unfortunately he was taken from me and not in the manner befitting one of his talents. No doubt you have heard of his murder at the hands of Ginzazel the pink tiefling in the pits a few moons ago?
Attris is visibly torn as he recounts these details to Berrin. The pain of losing his only friend and father seem to be extremely raw. Attris eyes look forward as if to hide this emotion from the young lion.
I am merely a shadow of my fathers ability but I will do everything within my power to expose Ginzazel as the fight cheat and murderer he is. My father deserved a warriors death not a cheaters gambit.
Attris whips the reigns against the neck of his mount and charges forward at a gallop
Bark catching Larkos eye contact sits speechless for a short moment trying to moves past the clear issue larko has with his appearance
yes i am hideous, can people not move past it?
a smile then forms on his face and turns to a snigger as he looks to Gorvio
"haha Gorvio. We will see. i think even the hell knights are a little too smug to be expecting an ambush."
barks eyes wander back to Larko.
"Ah Carius, yes i recall that well. He had indeed been done wrong by but lets just say we have rectified that now."
Bark grins slightly as he speaks
"Now I've never considered myself much of a teacher being that i have never tried. But, you are more than welcome to follow my lead and ask questions. I will try my best to guide you in what I know to aid this cause."
The ride continues on, and Gorvio and Larko continue to chat with Bark - well, Gorvio does. Through the course of the intermittent conversation, the amber-eyed fellow hints once or twice that he may have tieflings in his ancestry. Larko rides silently for the most part, seeming content to be present for the conversation rather than involved in it, his bow at the ready as he observes the largely featureless countryside.
After another hour, you pass through a long stretch of thin forest, and Janiven points out this area as the other option for the ambush site . She points out again how its advantages would be in avoiding defeat rather than seizing victory, and the other rebels generally smile and nod at the wisdom of the party's decision to go for the throat at the bridge some miles ahead.
Fiosa takes the opportunity of another half hour's ride to join Benni, and begins sharing with him her excitement at Iomedae answering her prayers. She now wears her plain wooden holy symbol openly on her chest. However, she soon asks Benni to tell her a story of heroes, and listens intently as he does. Her eyes shine at the tale of heroic exploits, however as she looks ahead down the road her childlike wonder fades, to be replaced with a hard, grim expression, one that is tinged with sadness.
You see the trees first, lining the banks of the small stream. As you approach, a ring of standing stones appears beside the road, and directly beyond that there is a short, sturdy-looking stone bridge. The tree cover is not nearly as good as the previous site, but the bridge and stream will no doubt be invaluable to your plans.
Janiven points out the standing stones as perfect for the four of you to hide behind as you await the Hellknights' approach, then she rallies the others to begin laying their caltrops a good two hundred yards down the road from the bridge. The rebels seem flushed with excitement for the most part, though the reality of potential death could not be far from their thoughts.
Not ten minutes after the caltrops are strewn sufficiently over the road and the rebels have hidden in the sparse trees and behind the occasional large rock in the area, the jingling noise of tack and harness, along with the rumble of wheels and the clip of hooves, reaches your ears. From your hidden vantage point, you see four mounted Hellknights riding towards the bridge (and you), preceding a large black carriage drawn by two horses in series. Two Hellknights sit behind the carriage horses, the driver wearing a particularly ornate, open faced helmet. Two armoured men cling to each side of the carriage, while atop the vehicle sits a huge crossbow, manned by yet another Hellknight.
Ten Hellknights and their officer, four of them mounted, one with a giant ballista.
The horses and carriage slow slightly as they near the bridge, passing by your location. Just as the four mounted Hellknights are about to ride onto the bridge, they pull up sharply. Peeking out from behind the standing stones, you see Janiven and the rebels have marched out of the trees, lining up behind the caltrops hidden in the dirt, yelling challenges and waving weapons.
The mounted Hellknights turn to look back at the carriage as if seeking direction. In response, the driver with the distinctive helmet stands, roaring with laughter. You can hear him clearly as he bellows, "Arael, your ragtag rebels seem to no longer desire life without you!" He points a heavy mace across the bridge, and orders the horsemen: "Leave none alive."
With whoops of enthusiasm, the four riders spur their mounts, and the horses charge across the bridge, their hooves clattering on the stone. The Hellknights remaining on your side of the bridge laugh and chatter, making wagers about which rider will "bag" the most rebels.
Benni hides behind stone number 3 and in the first round of action casts Silent Image on the far side of the wagon. He makes a heavily armoured paladin of Iomedae mounted on a warhorse appear on the far side of the wagon, hopefully drawing the fire of the ballista.
Should the illusion persist into the second round, Benni will cast Ghost Sound and have the paladin's horse rear and whinny and the paladin shout a battle cry as he charges the wagon.
Once the wincing of the creatures ahead has sounded Bark stands tall and proud giving him just enough clearance over the rocks in front with a single arrow pre pulled in his long bow destined for ornate helmet wearing hellknight
Bark then pull back behind cover to reeload