Legacy of Fire

Game Master Megan Robertson

Silena is trying to keep out of sight as much as possible - at least initially to hide their approach toward Kalmarane. She leads the way keeping to the low-points between the rolling hills; its also easier upon the mounts.

Occasionally {about once and hour} she will stop dismount and climb a hill cresting it upon her belly to look across the river to first check upon their progress toward Kalmarane and second to look for Gnoll patrols that might be in the area.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Survival: {To avoid getting lost} 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Jengren will try to keep outsight, which should be a bit easier for him since he is walking as opposed to riding a horse. He continues to look for any signs of danger.

perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

You can see figures (gnolls?) moving within Kalmarane itself, but there do not appear to be roving patrols coming out into the surrounding lands.

Jengren will start to tally the numbers that he can see. He will try to ascertain points of interest where they congregate looking for headquarters or supply areas. "Anyone see one that looks authoritative?" He asks the group.

Silena shrugs, "Well.. I know that Gnolls almost universally worship Lamashtu 'The Mother of Monsters', so... look for the biggest gnoll-b+#*$ there... she'll likely be the one in charge. Keep an eye out for any pregnant ones with scarred bellies... they will likely be Clerics of Lamashtu."

"But I think we're going to have to get much closer for any real intel..."

"hmmm.. sorry I didn't think of this before... but I might have if we had gone back to the Princesses camp. I could mix up some alchemical 'aniseed'... spoils those keen noses of theirs so they can scent us down wind. No materials or tools here to do that... with any certainty. I'm not the greatest alchemist."

Calain remains on his belly looking at the village from their lookout.
We were here to scout, were we not? We should get a good spot to observe. Downwind and watch for at least the day. Figure out the routine. Where do they store their food and water? Where do they worship? The princess could attack while they were at prayer or asleep. Heavy assault on a fat, unprepared target. This is what we need

He looks over his shoulder as if listening to someone.
We are gonna END them all so let's find the decisive target.

As you watch the town, at mid-day a group of six gnolls leads a human prisoner from the largest building in town to a open square west of it. There, they stake the man to the ground and proceed to pull out his intestines and inner organs with red-hot iron tongs. The screams of the man echo around the hills.

Calain watches but does not move. The sight of a man not being given a chance to FIGHT to the death was revolting to him.
That was the beauty of being a gladiator. Get handed a weapon and whether you live or die is up to you.
That poor bastard deseerved a chance to fight at least.

Silena smirks shaking her head in critique, "Bah... amateurs! He'll not scream like that for long... no precision. I could drag that out for hours!! So wasteful..."

Seemingly non-plussed by the cruelty of the Gnolls or the screams of their victim, Silena continues on in a soft conversational tone with Calian, "So... what do you propose, Gnollhunter? Do we attempt to get closer or find a 'blind' to watch them more accurately? It's too bright out from me to Night Hunter close unseen... and they'd likely smell me. Though they don't seem to have any patrols out across the river. They do indeed seem to be somewhat lethargic during the day... guess it must be 'happy-hour' now. We could try to lure them to us with a tempting "whiff" of intruders. Then we could potentially capture one of them alive and I could then put one of 'them' to the question... ! Trust me... we'd learn a lot more, real quick - I promise!!"

Jengren cringes slightly at the sight of the man's cruel death. Never been one for torture, death should have some purpose. He nudges Calain and then gets Silena's attention. "They made an example of that man...either he provided the information they needed thereby serving no further purpose, or he withheld information, and his death served a purpose for others to see. That's my take at least." He motions to the largest building, "We are at a disadvantage at night, over our enemy. They can see in the dark and well,most of us are a beacon of light, that doesn't suit me." He reflects for a moment then suggests, "Let's move in closer...I'd like a look at that large building, we could hit it near meal time."

Sonya watches in horror covering her mouth at the discusting display. The veil she wears covers the horror on her face but an easy glance at her can show she is noticeably shaking at the horrific display.

Trying to steady her voice and speak calmly, "If there are others, we could save them. The prisoners would likely know about their leadership and we wouldn't have to the barbarism of these animals."

Or not. We have no idea of thier actual numbers yet. Probing the camp now would set them on alert and make things alot more difficult. After the encounter with the dog b!!&# on the way here we, that is me and the others who originally signed on for this, we saw she KNEW we where coming. She had powerful magic and warned us away. So don't think the gnolls aren't aware we are out here. They would be fu@£ing stupid or arrogant to not have a patrol somewhere.

Calain lets that information digest for a few seconds before continuing.

The blind is a good idea. Picking at the scout patrols is also good because any group we encounter won't have the advantage of close allies or being able to alert the camp without a horn at least. Thin their numbers and get them to more aggressively patrol over the coming days to find us. Puts less of them at thd village to fight later. That's what I think. We find the priority targets here for later, when we can rouse the Princesses forces. In the meantime let's thin out the patrols away from the village and giving us a means of escape. As for any prisoners they have. Dying now for them helps nobody.

Here is an overview of Kelmarane, now you are observing it more closely.

I take it B-11 is the large building that we saw the gnolls exit from with the man they dissected?

Correct.

Jengren points to the two buildings near the base of the bridge, "I bet there's a few talkative gnolls in those buildings." B6 and B7 on the map He takes a deep breath, "We could probe one of those.

Silena listens to the interchange of thoughts her expression softening at Sonya's distress.

She places a spiked gauntlet hand surprisingly very tenderly upon her shoulder in support, "We do no accept their barbarism, my desert flower! We take no pleasure from inflicting pain on others. But sometimes, we must met savagery with savage conviction for the alternative is far worse. We're we at the head of a army of equal size, yes open warfare would be preferable. But we are a small army opposing a vast legion... we must use every tool at our disposal to see to it others are not subjected to these monster's cruel whims! We are an insurgent force... and our weapons must be fear and pain to our enemies to demoralize them and cut their resolve in battle... lest we be overwhelmed. We must accept responsibility to do the UGLY and DETESTABLE - but absolutely necessary deeds that must be done... to protect others from having to do them... or suffer the consequences should we fail. We MUST Not Fail... so we must embrace... very distasteful deeds, so others need not sleep in fear and pain tonight. I'm willing to accept that burden upon my soul... can you?"

Calain is suprised at the half-drows words but looks at Silena,
She uses four words when one will do, but I agree. 'Sometimes even good people like you and Jengren have to do bad things'. The half-drow and I aren't good people but you are. Pray for forgiveness if you need but there is no sin is surviving.

He nods to Silena as he moves to get a better view, What do you think, Maiden of Pain? Poke a hut and see what comes out? In playing chits or even fighting, the first reaction is usually the same. We can work out there daytime actions when a dog goes missing. You can ply your skills with one and find out some thing?

He still wasn't using her name, but 'Maiden of Pain' was a step foreward.
Perhaps he was gaining a measure of respect?

"So, what's the plan?"

Set a building on fire from stealth and see how they respomd. Take one alive if we can and question it. Simple.

Jengren nods, "How much oil do we have? I've three pints." Then he pauses, "We have some concern on getting to a safe distance once the fire is lit; undoubtedly, an alarm will sound and this will cause a host of foes to emerge. Perhaps they will have scout to track footprints."

OK, lay your plans then tell me what you want to do...

"My goddess has given me some charge over her divine flame. I can make a small cone of fire for 15 feet or I can coat one of your weapons in flame. I don't know how much help it would be, but it is what I can offer."

Voice trembling ever so slightly as she tries to remain strong. "I do not like the idea of torturing these beasts. I still argue we should be better than them, but I am in the minority and my job here is to keep you healed and battle ready so I will do my duty. I understand we cannot rush in fool-heartedly to save the innocents, but I do not believe we should wave it off as impossible right away either."

Silena replies to sonya, "Very well desert rose... I'll make this proviso... As this is not ALL about me and we do not want you to gain the disfavor of your goddess for not speaking up against what she would disprove of; I will use every other potential resource to gain information before resorting to putting these wicked creatures to the question. Hopefully, your goddess willing, we will discover the intel we need before resorting to more direct actions."

"As for setting fires to sow confusion and ascertain their reaction... I have no alchemical reagents for such...which is part of the reason I wished to return to the 'Princesses Camp'... was to reprovision ourselves with scrolls, potions and to plan a direction for our next actions and thusly equip ourselves appropriately! We were set to investigate a ruins yesterday not fight an insurgency against entrenched occupants. Yes, yes I know... some of your carry all you own with you but, we found sufficient treasure that we could have purchased the resources we need now... and don't have to proceed with this operation. We are currently limited in our resources as to what tactics we can now employ."

"Sigh... that said - its water under the ground now! If we wish to sow confusion and then see what opportunities present themselves... I'd say use a fire to create a distraction... I have scrolls and can summon something to cause a distraction and start a fires like a fire beetle... then drop an Obscuring Mist spell to confuse the issue. But, I think a daring day-time raid on their slave pens would be useful. First to see how they fast they react and with what numbers. And second to question the slaves on what they have witnessed they have first hand knowledge after all and are likely willing to give to us without reserve. While I'm making the distraction with say Sonya's help; Calian you could raid the slave pens with Jengren providing spell supports and keeping an eye out for discovery."

"This is not the only thing we could do but it is certainly provocative? Sonya and I can escape on 'Nightscream' as he can out run any gnoll on foot."

"If we had returned to base camp...we would have failed our primary mission, to investigate and gauge the enemy's strength in, and around, Kelmarane. We had not achieved that goal last night, so there was no real purpose to return to camp without actionable information. That is the purpose of scouting."

He frowns slightly, "I don't condone slavery, or torture, but that death," he motions to the town, "served some purpose. Seeing that motivates me. Let's go hit the left hand building (B,6), we can move in and capture or kill those enemies inside. After we accomplish that task we can move on to the next one (B,7) depending on our resources and information gained. Perhaps, that one can be burned to the ground as we move safely back into these hills."

Did I miss a post identifying an area as slave pens?

If we go, we go hard and brutal. If the alarm is raised we cut and run. We can't take the whole village ourselves now. Save your biggest magics for us to get away. Nothing leaves those buildings. If we are not swift, we will die. Not that it matters. We will all die anyway.

Calain holds his Blade in hand and a mad gleam is in his eye.

Silena shrugs.

"Slowly destroy them as we move into town, occupying building after building... sounds more like an assault. But if we can cross the river and make our way toward the ruined buildings to the east of the town we could set up a 'blind' to watch for details of troop numbers, persons of note. If we are patient enough tonight I can slip into the town invisible and get more detailed info. Just keep in mind 'scouts' are not supposed not be spotted - as long as we neutralize or kill any who spot us.. this would be acceptable. But keep in mind... once Calian starts fighting.. there will be no running away should we find more numbers than we can handle..well at least for him. I don't want him dying in a fight we would best flee from."

"Do you Jengren have any scrolls with prepared spells? I have some limited supply. If we can we don't want to start any fires lest it attract attention to where we are... unless its a distraction.

B6 appears to be an old watermill, but whilst the wheel of this roofless building still turns with the flow of the river, it has not been used for its intended purpose in decades.

B7 emits occasional wisps of smoke or steam. Someone's using it for something.

At present, you have no idea where the gnolls are based or where they keep any captives or slaves.

The maiden is almost correct. It will be... difficult to dismiss my fury once I have a kill. Stopping is not easy.

Silena rolls her eyes, "My name is 'Lady' Silena Dulara of Nidal, Silena will do. I've not been a 'maiden' since my first blood of womanhood... my mother violently saw to that! It's not a praise to Zon-Kuthon to call my by my name you know. My Temple name is 'Lady' Despair... a dark inside jest of my father and the clergy. You don't need to call me that - Calain.. I prefer it not."

Her expression softens as she turns her gaze on Sonya and smiles, "...my friends, few as I have, call me - on occasion 'Sil', Sonya Amir. You may also 'Desert Flower'..."

There is a long pause and an uncomfortable silence...

Then she gets a petulant look on her face, arms folded under her breasts, "...well? Let's not stand around.. these gnoll throats are not going to cut themselves!"

---

Without further remark Silena heads towards the town of Kelmarane using the hills to cover her approach. Dismounted she leads her horse by the reins. Occasionally, she pauses to pick up a handful of sand to toss in the air to determine the direction of the wind... sometimes she adjusts her approach. Her eyes scan about keeping wary eye for Gnoll patrols...

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Within 500 yards of the western building next to the bridge {B7}... she hobbles her horse behind a large hill and moves ahead drawing her oddly shaped crossbow and loading a bolt.

Whispering to Jengren, "Now would be a good time to cast that message spell of yours so we can whisper and coordinate in stealthy speech. I'm going to try to get close if I see foes... I intend to cast a sleep spell to subdue them quietly. My spell can reach over 100'ft so I don't need to get very close. Maybe some minor distraction to draw them out yet not alarm them might help?"

Though clad in her blackened spiked-banded armor she does 'try' to approach as quietly as possible and is surprisingly graceful... and none too little sensuous in her movements to those that care to notice...

Stealth: 1d20 + 1 - 6 ⇒ (19) + 1 - 6 = 14

Calain listens but says nothing.
He'd had a name too. Slave.
Not a nice title but one that held no offense to him. Things were the way they were.

He follows along with the cleric, his main concern was keeping everyone alive to see out the day.

But. He would admit, to himself at least.
The half drow was growing on him.

Hello?

Jengren nods to Silena and casts message so the drow, barbarian and cleric can each communicate with him. Pass your warnings to me and I will relay them.

Jengren will respond to Silena's earlier question about scrolls, I'm a sorcerer and do not have scrolls, nor can I read magic. My power is innate.

Silena smirks at Jengren's reply about scrolls, "I know sorcerers and I know several that make use of scrolls. You limit yourself unnecessarily not to use them, as all the spells of arcane are available for your wielding their power... but to each his own I guess. My thanks for the message spell.. that will make this easier to coordinate."

"Should we need it, I have a spell that can turn one of them against it's allies. The magic only lasts a few seconds but it would work well as a short distraction."

When I created the character it was on the fly as a late member, I missed picked up read magic as an oversight.

Calain looks a little confused. Well then, you three sort this sleep spell. I would be surprised if ALL of them succumb nif you try to knock out more than 2. Either way we will get a reaction of some sort. Maybe just try for one and I can drag him back here? Be ready to flee if this goes bad however. I will ensure you all get a head start.

Jengren follows the others getting closer to the building trying to watch for any gnoll movement.

perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Failing miserably.

B7: There is definitely someone in there, moving around and clattering pots about. The smell is... shall we say, unpleasant. As you get closer, it's obvious the place was once a tannery, but the smells are not those of a tanner at work, bad as those are... these are worse.

Then you hear a rather tuneless humming, singing... a female voice.

Jengren watches as Calain pulls up and heads around the back motioning for the group to continue. The sorcerer does his best to remain stealthy,

stealthy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

He apparently didn't notice the pile of wood and knocks it over with a clatter. Cringing at the sound. His heart racing as he prepares for a gnoll to investigate the clamor.

Calain looks at the stumbling of the sorcerer, It is daylight, our positioning is what matters now, not so much how quiet we are. Keep low and be ready to run if this turns bad. We will drink tonight here or in pharasma's line no matter what happens

Pharasma's Line! I certainly DO NOT like that option. He grins wolfishly at the warrior, "Here most definitely!"

Silena moves a quietly as possible... but at Jengren's loud blunder... she sighs shaking her head slightly.

Across the message spell, "Well that tears it. I hear only one inside... a woman. I don't want to waste an area spell on a single target. Back me up if you will 'Godslayer' Calain..."

Not bothering with stealth anymore Silena moves at full speed entering the building and springing LEOPARD'S PAW from her wrist sheath she moves to the voice with no warning or challenge...

If the female voice is from a Gnoll Silena stabs her with the vicious weapon! Her pretty violet eyes cold with cruelty...

Move: 20'ft
Immediate Action: draw Leapoard's Paw from spring loaded wrist sheath.
Standard Action: 'If a gnoll' - hopefully flat-footed Attack w/LEOPARD'S PAW 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
'Target' Damage: 1d4 + 2d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + (6, 1) + 3 = 12
'Silena' Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

If not a gnoll she will step close and hold the blade to her throat gesturing with her other hand, a gauntleted finger to her lips whispering, "shhhsush!"

If the non-gnoll target does anything else than obey immediately... Silena stabs her!

If target is not a gnoll...
Standard Action - Intimidate: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Calain follows up behind the Half - drow, blade in hand
At least if I do lose control and kill someone, the first victim will be the follower of an evil torturing bastard.

Calain did you forewarn us about this new talent that you have of losing control? Alternatively, do you know about it yet?

If Jengren knows of the uncontrolled raging ability he most definitely leaves 15 - 20 feet between himself and Calain once battle occurs.

I have referred to it. Play as though you know about it. It's the inquisitor level you don't know about.

The figure inside is not a gnoll, Silena. She looks like a feral human, wild hair and motley attire of rags and trinkets, save that she has tattered wings and taloned feet. She turns from her pots at your entry...

"You're not gnolls... what do you want?" she demands in a rather hoarse voice.

Calain steps in after the half drow,
The deaths of the Gnolls of course, woman. The question is, whether that is agreeable to you. Are you foe or ally?

Calain's Nodachi is in hand but lowered. Hos question is direct and honest. He was not threatening her, just establishing her value. If she was allied with Gnolls she would come along or she would die.

Oh goodness that was close! I almost had Silena just go in and kill without Question... that would have really bothered her morally once she realized it was not a gnoll enemy! Good thing I decided to made provision for just such a possibility. Sheesh... gotta be more careful with my posts!

Silena is surprised to find ... something other than a gnoll as the source of the voice. And... her expression shifts to embarrassment and shame to be threatening the simple feral woman with the deadly LEIOPARD'S PAW...!

Silena is stymied in her response, "..er no were are not gnolls. We are here to make them know fear and pain and death!"

She casts an uncertain glance of those...pretty violent eyes of hers Calain's way briefly before returning her gaze to the feral woman...

"We... were led to believe that none lived here who were not gnoll slaves. I.. er we... thought there would be gnolls here, our mistake. Who are you, who do you serve and... what manner of... being are you?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Silena's tone shifts subtly to one of contrition... for a violent act she would have regretted had she been less careful. Her voice quavers... the proud half-elf is not use to apologizing. But her tone is clear that is her intent... and its heartfelt.. even if not a direct 'I'm sorry'. She retains her dignity... with effort.

To Calian standing so near the petite half-elf its obvious she is glad she did not just stab blindly.. a curious concern for one devoted to a God of Pain and Torment.. but clear in her expression...

Silena does not kill without reason... or purpose... nor apparently finds any sick joy in senseless bloodshed. Odd indeed for the stereotype of one of her faith.

Slowly Silena lowers her enchanted and blood-thirsty Katar blade from the woman's throat and re-sheaths it in her wrist spring sheath. Her shock white hair stirring in the motion like a cloud of mist about her head.

But Silena does unlimber her Morning Star from her belt loop. The weapon is made of silver and wickedly depicting a screaming skull being tortured with long spikes driven through it to form the morning star's flanges...

Hefting the weapon in hand is all Silena does with it... no actual threat... but the unspoken menace is still there...