"So, detour for the keep, or stick to the plan? Gotta say, if there's any strength to the keep, we want to make sure no bandits have taken up residence, and then consider putting an outpost in it for the men to get some comfort, and widen the area we actively protect. Unless you think it is too far afield from the territory we're immediately worried about?"
"I am inclined to agree with Josef... a strongpoint like that in the borders of these lands would be a threat to commerce," says Lisl.
”I think we should double back and deliver the trees to the heater get, then check this region here,” Darian says as he points to their map . ”I don’t like the idea of unknown quantities on our flank, between us and home. Then we return and start here and head to here, then back down this way, checking this keep along the way...” he states as he moves his finger to the northernmost unexplored area and traces it south and then west .
”And I agree with you both, the keep could prove a valuable asset, or a potential threat in the wrong hands. We should make sure it doesn’t prove to ever be the latter.”
"I agree the keep would and will be in our border but not yet. If we expand to quick we will not have the reach to protect as the people deserve. I agree with Darian's plan of action for now."
"Works for me."
You travel west and find only deep woods, old, healthy trees and many animals who avoid you as is their nature.
Swinging to the south your travel is again peaceful and you reach the area Tiressia told you the old keep was to be found.
G1. Main Gate
A ruined, circular keep looms out of the forest, surrounded by towering, ancient trees draped with hanging moss. Four circular towers sprout from the cracked walls like the trunks of great trees, at least one crumbled into rubble.
Twisting vines and thick moss cover the walls in a coat of verdant green, blending the ruins almost seamlessly into the surrounding woods. The overgrown remains of a path lead to an open, arched gateway gaping in the keep’s eastern wall, its doors long since rotted away.
What are you doing now? You are outside and there seems to be no response to your arrival.
Darian let’s out a low whistle in appreciation of the keep’s former grandeur. ”This place was probably fairly impressive in its prime,” he says. He nods towards the gate and asks ”Anyone wanna scout ahead?”
"Want to? Not especially. Can if you want."
You wake up to realize it was a dream, one that you oddly shared. :)
Melianse squeals in delight when you present her with the feather token, tapping a finger against her chin as she studies her pond for the best location to plant the trees.
Having fufilled your agreement with two fey peacefully you are now able to investigate the abandoned keep.
So back to where we were before, at the entrance to the keep.
"Melianse. Tiressia and Falcho have offered to aid us. They will be guarding the Narlmarches and keeping us updated on any threats to its borders or surroundings. I'm telling you this to show further we seek prosperity and balance here for all and would be honored if you would help and maybe even come visit our settlement one day."
Johanna offers a smile and bows a bit awaiting a reply.
|
Isabel stays back, happy to let Johanna take a lead role in the diplomacy for a change.
=======
Upon arriving at the fortress the former dance tutor steps up with a smile. "Moving quietly and not being seen? Let me handle this one boys."
Isabel plants a kiss on her husband's cheek and then vanishes from sight. Invisibly she proceeds into the keep, taking care to tread quietly.
At the pond.
Melianse nods happily when told of your agreement with Tiressia. "Oh I can can do that too!" She bounces happily, giving the party an appreciative look. "You're much better than the usual humans who blunder through the woods making a mess and being rude!"
She also gives Darian & Josef a more flirtatious look and tells them "If you want to drop by sometime, that would be nice."
At the Abandoned keep.
G2. Courtyard
A graceful tower rises out of the keep’s central courtyard, now overgrown with bushes, undergrowth, and several sizable trees. Like the outer walls, the tower is draped with vines and creepers, and several small plants have taken up residence on ledges and in cracks along its sides.
The thick underbrush makes the entire courtyard difficult terrain.
What are you doing now?
At the Pond
"Thank you Melianse. We look forward to visiting again soon."
At the Tower
Johanna waits as Isabel scouts. She has her wand out and ready to buff if anything happens.
As Isabel moves further into the courtyard the old portcullis suddenly drops on her, far more smoothly and silently than something so old should be able to?
Isabel is able to jump out of the way, but is now inside the keep, everyone else is outside.
What are you doing now?
As the portcullis drops, Darian gasps as his heart seems to stop! He darts forward to the gate, concern painted thickly across his face, though after a moment it relaxes. He looks to the others and says ”Help me get this open.”
Noticing Darian strain at the gate and knowing full and well that she wouldn't be much help in effort, Freya offers, "It is an open, if overgrown, courtyard. We could just climb the wall to join her on the other side, or throw over a rope so that she can climb out."
"Quite so. It's not as if we have the spells to rust or lift the gate," says Lisl.
”And then if we need to make a hasty retreat, we can’t. I’d prefer to...UUNNGGHH...” he grunts as he strains on the gate, ”at least try to get this open...”
"We could get Isabel out of there and come back after I've had an opportunity to prepare different spells, one in particular that may loosen the gate's mechanism."
"Baron? Work smarter not harder." He turns and points to the edge of the woods. "You know how well she can hide when she wants to. Let's get a lever, maybe have the men bring a wagon up that we can use for the fulcrum?> Not like we're trying to hide, is it?"
Isabel there is movement to your north. The ruined tower disgorges two rat swarms, screeching and hissing as something drives them from their nest into the courtyard.
Already they are sniffing the air suspiciously.
What are you all doing now?
"I'm sorry I am of little use when it comes to brute force."
She looks around a bit frantic sad that she is unable to assist.
"If you don't want to get a lever, we can work together and eventually lift the gate. Eventually. But everybody's going to have to help."
Spurred on by the impending danger to his beloved Darian has a superhuman burst of strength and raises the portcullis, finding it suspiciously well oiled for such an ancient and decrepit place.
Unfortunately the sound of the portcullis lifting has also drawn the attention of the swarms, who begin to move closer, screeching in hunger.
Isabel, you may get out now, the portcullis won't stop the swarms though. What is everyone doing?
Johanna falls back with nothing but her swords she is of little use.
The swarms closeness works against it as Isabel manages to force her wand to blast one swarm out of existence.
Still one pouring towards you though. :)
”Uhm...guys? Anyone got any tricks for a big wad of rats?” Darian says as he draws his sword and prepares to slice at the approaching horde of rodents...
Lisl blasts the oncoming swarm with a sound burst, a sudden and jarring discordant blast that sends rats tumbling.
The swarm scuttles closer as Isabel lines it up with her wand, Lisl blasts it and sends rat pieces flying with her spell, but it still comes on.
Then two figures appear from hiding and strike at Isabel!
Quickling
CE Small fey
Init +7; Senses low-light vision; Perception +9
DEFENSE
AC 20, touch 19, flat-footed 12 (+7 Dex, +1 dodge, +1 natural, +1 size)
Fort +2, Ref +11, Will +6
Defensive Abilities evasion, natural invisibility, supernatural speed, uncanny dodge; DR 5/cold iron
Weaknesses slow susceptibility
OFFENSE
Speed 120 ft.
Melee short sword +10 (1d4–1/19–20)
Special Attacks sneak attack +1d6
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 6th; concentration +8)
1/day—dancing lights, flare (DC 12), levitate, shatter (DC 14), ventriloquism (DC 13)
Feats Dodge, MobilityB, Spring AttackB, Weapon Finesse
Skills Acrobatics +14 (+50 jump), Bluff +9, Craft (any one) +9, Escape Artist +14, Perception +9, Spellcraft +6, Stealth +18, Survival +4, Use Magic Device +7
Languages Aklo, Common, Sylvan
SQ poison use
SPECIAL ABILITIES
Natural Invisibility (Su)
A quickling is invisible when motionless. It loses this invisibility and remains visible for 1 round in any round in which it takes an action other than a free action.
Supernatural Speed (Su)
A quickling moves with incredible speed. Save for when it remains motionless (at which point it is invisible), the quickling’s shape blurs and shimmers with this speed, granting it concealment (20% miss chance). In addition, this ability grants the quickling evasion and uncanny dodge (as the rogue abilities of the same names).
Slow Susceptibility (Ex)
A quickling that succumbs to a slow effect loses its supernatural speed ability and is sickened as long as the effect persists. This sickened condition persists for 1 round after the slow effect ends.
Grimstalker
This creature looks like a hairless elf, slender and graceful, with long arms that end in sharp claws. Its skin is brown and woody and resembles tree bark. It wears clothes made of leaves and vines.
NE Medium fey
Init +9; Senses low-light vision; Perception +12
DEFENSE
Fort +5, Ref +11, Will +7
DR 5/cold iron
OFFENSE
Speed 40 ft., climb 20 ft.
Melee 2 claws +9 (1d4+1 plus poison)
Special Attacks sneak attack +3d6
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 8th; concentration +11)
3/day—control plants (DC 21), tree shape
TACTICS
The grimstalker directs his allies’ attacks with control plants while using the plant to flank foes. When reduced to fewer than 11 hit points, the grimstalker flees, climbing up the walls to escape through a hole in the tower’s roof.
Feats Combat Reflexes, Improved Initiative, Stealthy, Weapon Finesse
Skills Acrobatics +16 (+20 jump), Climb +20, Escape Artist +18, Intimidate +11, Knowledge (nature) +13, Perception +12, Stealth +18 (+26 in forests), Survival +9
Languages Aklo, Common, Elven
SPECIAL ABILITIES
Poison (Ex)
Claw—Injury; save Fort DC 14; frequency 1/round for 6 rounds; effect 1d2 Dex; cure 2 saves.
The party may now act.
(free use of inspiration)
(free use of inspiration)
"A quickling! Hit it while you can see it! Freya exclaims, gesturing toward the small fey creature, clad in orange. She also takes the moment to focus her gaze on the quickling, hoping to put him to sleep.
”Isabel!” Darian cries out as he lunges forward. He thrusts his blade at the fast foe, growling through clenched teeth, ”Leave my wife alone and fight me, you son of a b$$!+!”
__________
Johanna steps forward and stabs out with her swords.
[ooc]Johanna will delay until Isabel takes her action
"Isabel give me a flank!"
+2 if Isabel steps first to flank.
+2 if Isabel steps first to flank.
if Isabel flanks
if Isabel flanks
Orange is hit hard by Darian. His eyes widen just in time for him to slump to the ground under Freya's hex.
Green dodges the worst of the bolt, but the swarm is destroyed.
Josef steps up on green and swings hard.
Lisl steps up and turns a 3rd level spell into Cure serious wounds for Isabel
Green, flanked and with his ally unconscious decides to leave.
Orange is still asleep.
+