Teriwynth, being neither nimble nor well equipped is bitten by two dogs, one of which gets near his throat to deliver a powerful blow almost knocking him over.
Teriwyth staggers back, vision splotchy and desperately grasps for magic with which to heal himself.
Some of the wounds close up, scabbing angrily but whole. He stands at the ready, preparing his next spell.
Init:
This is ceasing to be amusing
On my next turn:
5 ft step away from the attacker.
Rapid shot applied:
Attack 1:
Damage
Attack 2:
Damage
Attack 3:
Damage
ac=23
hp 35/48
condition normal
Biting back the pain from the vicious attack, Sumatek brings both weapons in a strong attack against the filthy animal.
Round 3:
27-Edelle
21-Sumatek
17-Alric
11-Casvian
10-Dogs
9-Teriwynth
Edelle and Alric each fell a beast. From his perch, and with the action now away from him, Alric has a moment to notice the small graveyard behind him, fenced in, with severa fresh graves. At the opposite end of the cemetary is the temple, with several eyes peaking out from windows, watching the fight in terror. Sumatek, after seeing the dog drop before him, jumps over the body and proceeds to move to help Edelle. Casvian, having been caught off guard by the attack, finally joins the fray by launching a volley of arrows at the dogs attacking his new ally. Two arrows connect, and the dog quavers a moment before dropping down. This draws the attention of the final beast, who moves to attack you. It moves with incredible speed, but it is not able to attack you before you act again. Edelle, however receives another attack from the dog before her, which she dodges. With an appropriate distraction, Teriwyth recovers a bit of health and gets back up to face any remaining threat.
Stepping back to O21 Edelle attempts to chop down the last dog.
Attack: & Damage:
Attack: & Damage:
Attack: & Damage:
Teriwyth throws his club, after slamming into the dog it flies back into his hand.
If my turn comes up and the dogs are still alive I will attack the closest one.
Attack 1:
Damage
Attack 2:
Damage
Attack 3:
Damage
edit: confirm 1st attack as a crit
Attack 1:
Damage to be added to damage from the first damage roll.
Edelle, Teriwynth, and Casvian bring down the last two dogs. They breath quickly, as though in a fever, but they are assuredly unconscious and not getting up for a while.
Sumatek looks at his leg and pulls some cloth from his shirt to bind the wound.
Those vicious animals are certainly not house pets. No wonder the townsfolk are running scared. Those animals probably had the whole town acting like rabbits. Especially if there are other packs around as well.
Sumatek checks the bandage and keeps his rapier at the ready.
Anyone have some place we should be heading to in this town. I could use a stiff drink and a meal after that incicdent. That is of course if there is anyone to serve it.
Sumatek will melt into the shadows nearby and look around and listen to see if anymore packs are nearby. He will stay within range of the party.
Walking over to the cemetery with her eyes peeled* Edelle asks the villagers/priests about the dogs**:
Hrm, that was more exciting than I like a welcome to town to be. Does anyone have any clues about whats been going on?
*Perception:
**Knowledge Local:
Edelle's question snaps Alric out of his reverie. He drops down into the graveyard next to her. He divides his attention between the graves and the eyes in the temple.
I could use a stiff drink and a meal after that incicdent. That is of course if there is anyone to serve it.
I think Im gonna be passing on drink for a while.
Oh, whoever's near the dogs, could you grab my chakrams?
The villagers come out of the temple and quickly usher you inside. Sumatek almost loses the rest of the group, but catches up at the last moment after getting himself re-oriented.
One of the villagers, a baker by trade, explains the events of recent days to you. "The world's gone crazy is what's been going on! The past couple of weeks everything that growls, caws or croaks has gotten the anger in the blood. Long time family pets have started attacking their owners or going feral. Wolves and wild cats are cropping up out of nowhere and entering town. Some of them seem rabid, others, just wander straight through town. If that isn't enough, we've got some terrible man-beast that comes into town each night and steals the animals away. It's a terrible creature. Unholy creation I tell you! Jon there..." He sighs, gestures to a glass enclosure with the body of an elderly man entombed inside. "...He tried to fight the beast. The thing broke into the cloisters one night while he was writing his prophecies. He'd been having terrible premonitions he told me. Always wrote about them in his journal there. " Jon gestures to the enclosure. Indeed, the man behind the glass is clutching a thick journal.
Were just as interested as you locals on how to stop this, do you mind if we have a look at his prophecies?
" We most certainly do! " From a priest nearby. "Once sealed inside the glass, the man's belongings must not be desecrated. His story will be shared with the Lore-keeper only after he departs. "
It is evident that the glass itself was not constructed to be reopened in any case. This would amount to grave robbery/desecration if you were to take the book out.
One of the villagers, a baker by trade, explains the events of recent days to you. "The world's gone crazy is what's been going on! The past couple of weeks everything that growls, caws or croaks has gotten the anger in the blood. Long time family pets have started attacking their owners or going feral. Wolves and wild cats are cropping up out of nowhere and entering town. Some of them seem rabid, others, just wander straight through town. If that isn't enough, we've got some terrible man-beast that comes into town each night and steals the animals away.
Teriwyth leans against one of the walls and thinks deeply on what they've been told.
" We most certainly do! " From a priest nearby. "Once sealed inside the glass, the man's belongings must not be desecrated. His story will be shared with the Lore-keeper only after he departs. "
It is evident that the glass itself was not constructed to be reopened in any case. This would amount to grave robbery/desecration if you were to take the book out.
At a loss for words, Alric looks at the man with an experssion of exasperation like he is an Avatar of Drooling Idiocy. A blatantly false assumption, the man is clearly not drooling.
sumatek goes over to the coffin and looks inside at the corpse.
I sure hope I never see the inside of a glass box unless I'm dead.
Sumatek turns to the baker
When does the man-beast come into town? Is it dark or is it random times? Does he ever try and take humans or is it only animals?
" We most certainly do! " From a priest nearby. "Once sealed inside the glass, the man's belongings must not be desecrated. His story will be shared with the Lore-keeper only after he departs. "
It is evident that the glass itself was not constructed to be reopened in any case. This would amount to grave robbery/desecration if you were to take the book out.
"The world as it is and the saving of lives is more important than your silly beliefs. I have issue taking the path of the lesser of two evils, and it is more evil to allow the current problems to continue."
diplomacy check=If the check fails I simply state:
"You can allow us to look at the prophecies or we can leave you here to die when the beast come back."
To Sumatek's request, the baker replies: "Almost only after dark. No one has gotten a very good look, and there are a few different versions of what the creature may be. Some say it's like a panther, others say it's like a bat. It comes every few nights. Sometimes in town, sometimes in the surrounding farms, but it only ever steals animals. For this, at least, we are thankful. "
As the baker describes the situation, Sumatek casually glances into the glass. There are already gold-brown tinges to the edges of the glass as it becomes murky. The man inside is quite old. What hair he had was a chalk white. His robes are quite fine. There are some knick-knacks in the chamber with him. Some of which catches your appraising eye, but nothing worth breaking into a grave over. The book itself seems to be well used. The pages warped and dried from use and exposure. The book seems to pull itself open as though bursting with information.
Casvian's voice rises up over the others, almost in a shout. The priest in the chamber rises swiftly and approaches Casvian close. The others in the hall are visibly upset. One child begins to sob and her mother picks her up. The priest speaks quietly, but with great passion and force. "I think it would be best if you left here. Now. I will not have you scaring my congregation like this and dishonouring the sanctity of my friend's spirit. I don't know what great revelation you may think to be inside of that journal, but it will not save us from the beast. We must be strong and fight this fight for ourselves." He stands at his full height, and looks down at you. This is a young priest, able bodied, and very good with his words. Casvian feels the eyes of the room upon him as one of the local ranchers opens the door to the temple to let him out. The rancher looks as though he's likely to toss Casvian out himself if he doesn't go himself.
Hearing what casvian says and the response from the priest, Sumatek steps forward.
to the crowd
Please, please all forgive us if we are very forward and bold in our manner. We have literally just fought our way from the depths of a drow slave pen and lived to tell the tale. If we have spoken out of turn then we are sorry and mean no dishonor to your friend. We only wish to aid you all in this time of need.
Sumatek turns to the priest
what is the nearest place that we could find a cheap bed and meal for this evening while we are in town?
Also, you'll be happy to know the Drow will never trouble you again. They all lie slain.
There is a bit of implication in Alric's tone
With this Alric leaves for a moment to fetch his chakrams, he returns and stands in the door.
Is there anyone around who he spoke to about his prophesies? It would be great to hear them.
Sumatek, who has entered after the others, find himself exposed to the back end of this conversation and attempts to save it by explaining their groups recent plight. Alric attempts to help Sumatek quell the tense situation.
Edelle, being a woman of the cloth herself, is treated with a bit different attitude. Besides, which the priest has calmed down a bit. He sees that your interest is in the stories, not with breaking into the details of the grave. "He certainly shared some of these stories with me and the other members of the group. I will share these tales with you, but your compatriot is not welcome in this temple at this time. I am sorry, but he must leave. "
Teriwyth stands in the corner, leaning against the wall, pondering their current situation. Brow furrowed in thought he looks like he's about to speak a few times but he shakes his head and keeps thinking. Finally he exhales a deep sigh of frustration and joins the conversation.
"Leave into the streets and be forced to confront these rabid creatures of yours? Is it the policy of this temple to turn away those in need of sanctuary simply because you don't like them?"
The priest looks at the group who has come to aid Casvian. He responds to Teriwynth next, seeing his substantial wounds from the dog fight. "You look like you took quite a beating from the dogs, but this man has not a scratch on him. Where was he during this fight? Not only disrespectful to custom, but a coward as well." He pauses, looks around again " Still... You are right, this is a good place and a time of need for us all. You may stay. " He waves at the man in the doorway to close it. The rancher obliges, but as he passes by, he gives Casvian a vicious look. The priest gestures regally with his hands for Casvian to come to the front by the pulpit. With great ceremony he opens a text and begins to read. Most others in the pews kneel in humility as the priest goes on. Casvian sees a small hassock before him, large enough for just one or two people to kneel. The priest continues to read:
"...And though the time shall come when a great and hungry emptiness swallows the land, there will be those who resist. Brought forth from the darkness and lead by the same hand that is responsible for it. They shall turn their blades on the world so as to cut out its rot. The world shall resist their help, as a beast ensnared in a trap. They shall seek rest for a time, weary of trying to help those who do not want to be helped, yet the world will demand help at their time of greatest weakness. There is no rest for these men. There is only duty. "
The priest finishes his Sermon, looks down at Casvian, and asks. "What do you think that is trying to say, brother? "
Alric slides over into Teriwyth's corner. In a low voice he whispers.
Hey, you got pretty beat up, but youve been doin' all right. Hopin' you last longer than the last few wizardly sorts. But can you use one of these?
In his hand is a battered looking healing wand.
Sumatek listens to the sermon and then replies to the priest.
I have never been one to follow the deities but that sounds strangely like what we have been going through up to now. Fortunately I focus on the here and now and don't allow prophecies to lead my actions. I have always believed fate is your own to make and coincidences are easily found. he pauses for a moment
However i would not think of questioning your trust in what you believe to be true. Sometimes your faith is the only thing that keeps you sane when times are difficult. I for one am more than willing to help you all if needed, prophecy or not.
looking over at the coffin Sumatek will go and look out the window and see if anything has happened outside since they came in.
I may have been a bit rude, but I stand by my words, the general message anyway. With regard to what was just said we just came out of the darkness. Now it might be a bit presumptious to assume it is about us, but I think the darkness refers to the drow and or underdark. If it is not us then someone else from that place will have a hand in saving the world. Maybe it is one of the people we rescued. I do think the person encased in that glass would be saddened to know that he died with information that might save everyone else.
diplomacy:
edit:removed bbcode that was not needed
Hey, you got pretty beat up, but youve been doin' all right. Hopin' you last longer than the last few wizardly sorts. But can you use one of these?
Teriwyth leans in and whispers back:
"Sure can"
Teriwyth takes the wand and invokes the magic within.
Passing the wand back to Alric Teriwyth says:
"Thanks"
Sumatek sees nothing unusual outside of the window. All is quite.
The priest, after hearing Sumatek and Casvian's reply seems skeptical. Incredibly skeptical. He sighs, and then speaks to you on an even plane. "Listen, friend. It seems like you've got the right intention, but you're going about it all the wrong way. I know times are scary, but you can't run around with these delusions of grandeur. Come what may, we are judged by our actions. These prophecies are meant to say that we must keep ourselves working towards a higher goal even in times of strife. I'm glad that you are trying so hard, but... a little more subtlety please. If you need a place to stay, I suppose you are welcome to stay here in the antechamber. We have no more beds here since the man-beast began its appearance. "
"These prophecies are meant to say that we must keep ourselves working towards a higher goal even in times of strife. I'm glad that you are trying so hard, but... a little more subtlety please. If you need a place to stay, I suppose you are welcome to stay here in the antechamber. We have no more beds here since the man-beast began its appearance. "
Thank you for your kindness. If you don't mind, what does "Brought forth from the darkness and lead by the same hand that is responsible for it." mean? And doesn't prophecy have something to do with tellin' the future?
The priest, you learn his name is Jakall, has calmed himself, but he is still unfriendly toward your group. His answer is this: "I have other duties to attend to right now. If you're looking for enlightenment, you should meditate on these texts for a time. The answers may come to you." He then gathers himself up and heads to the back rooms where the cloisters are.
Quietly:
Sumatek sees nothing unusual outside of the window. All is quite.
The priest, after hearing Sumatek and Casvian's reply seems skeptical. Incredibly skeptical. He sighs, and then speaks to you on an even plane. "Listen, friend. It seems like you've got the right intention, but you're going about it all the wrong way. I know times are scary, but you can't run around with these delusions of grandeur. Come what may, we are judged by our actions. These prophecies are meant to say that we must keep ourselves working towards a higher goal even in times of strife. I'm glad that you are trying so hard, but... a little more subtlety please. If you need a place to stay, I suppose you are welcome to stay here in the antechamber. We have no more beds here since the man-beast began its appearance. "
"If you choose to put the wishes of one who is no longer among us over those who are here now so be it. With that out of the way what did the man-beast look like?"
Speaking to the group:
"If the man-beast can talk we should try to capture it, assuming we can do so without dying."
With the Jakall having left the room, there is still an unease amongst the remaining people here. Most attempt to go about their business, looking at Casvian side-long. The man who looked like he was going to throw you out of the building a moment ago now stands tense behind you, staring intently, but unmoving. One child can be heard talking to her mother enthusiastically, and her mother trying to quiet her. It is apparent that Casvian has not gained the support of the townsfolk here.
Alric seems to have forgotten the situation entirely, and is staring at Teriwynth with a look of bemusement.
Is that... a table leg?
Edelle wanders over to the Mother and Daughter and attempts to strike up a conversation, encouraging the daughter to talk.
Diplomacy:
My what pretty eyes you have little girl
Sumatek moves over to the door and waits for the tension in the room to die down a bit.
these folks would rather see us leave as much as the man-beast. We have not made any allies here today.
The girl shrieks and hides behind her mother. Edelle's voice sounds more menacing than she had intended. She drops an fetish from the drow temple from her pack onto the ground. The small plate depicts horrible acts commited upon the young. The woman picks up the child quickly and moves into the back chamber of the church. A few moments pass and agitated mumbling can be heard from deeper into the temple. After a few moments, the priest comes out into the main chamber again, with a grimace on his face. He addresses your group in a harsh tone. His voice is deepened with an almost divine force behind it. "You and your group. Leave this place. Now! We'll take our chances with the wild beasts than with your kind. So, a new tactic by the drow is it? Disguises? magic? It does not matter. We shall resist you! " The priest reveals a heavy crossbow in his hand, and you note a morningstar on his belt loop. You have, evidently, outstayed your welcome.
Sumatek opens the door as the priest reveals the crossbow and steps outside, drawing his weapons. Leaving the door open he attempts to hide.
Insulting us will only encourage those who are quick to anger to attack. We'll see what we can learn around town.
Slowly leaving, not showing her back to the priest.
Remember our allegiance lies with the greatest good, we'll be doing what we can end these dark times and help our allies. When you choose to do something about it too we'll accept your help and work with you. Till then, good bye
Maybe I could go for a drink after all.
Unlike Edelle, Alric saunters away like he's untouchable.
Alric seems to have forgotten the situation entirely, and is staring at Teriwynth with a look of bemusement.
Is that... a table leg?
"Yes, in the dark we did what we could to survive, I haven't found anything to replace it yet."
When you choose to do something about it too we'll accept your help and work with you. Till then, good bye
Teriwyth pauses before heading outside with the rest of the party.
"She's right you know, it's just common sense."
Alric seems to have forgotten the situation entirely, and is staring at Teriwynth with a look of bemusement.
Is that... a table leg?
"Yes, in the dark we did what we could to survive, I haven't found anything to replace it yet."
Here, take this. Bit less embarrassing
Here, take this. Bit less embarrassing
He tucks the table leg into his belt and takes hold of the rapier, testing it's balance.
"It's been a while since I've used something like this but I guess it'll do. Thanks."
He looks up at Alric with a frown.
"I'd hardly think it embarrassing, it's a mark of our triumph over those that dwell in the dark."
If you say so. But the sword was loot too.
Alric glances back over his shoulder.
Err.. If its all right, can I ask a favor? How does magic.. you know... work? It's a bit embarrassing, but till I was captured, I never had to know. Stuff just sort of, happens.
Alric gives a vague "magic" gesture as he's talking.
Err.. If its all right, can I ask a favor? How does magic.. you know... work? It's a bit embarrassing, but till I was captured, I never had to know. Stuff just sort of, happens.
Teriwyth cocks an eyebrow
"Really? I'm impressed you've been able to come this far without a proper teacher. You've obviously done well so far to control your power so I don't think you'll be setting things on fire anytime soon but when we next have enough time to sit down and relax I'd be happy to enlighten you to the more technical side of magic if you'd be interested."