Legacy of Fire

Game Master Megan Robertson

What is the DC to hear Sonya?

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Calain wastes no time thrown some rag over the heads of two Gnolls and binding hands and feet so they could not hurt a camel.
The other two he dispatches with a Gnoll blade to the jugular.

Those other 2 are still in sight, they will run themselves ragged before my Camel, then I can slaughter them. Is that your course, Jengren.

Silena pauses in midstride at Jengren's admonishment... and looks ...disappointed and then somewhat embarrassed at the drawn Leopard's Paw in hand..

"Er.. uh yeah... prisoneers and kill two with Gnoll weapons.. got it... "

Quickly she sheaths the golden-hued magical Katar in hand trying to hide that fact she had every intention of slitting some throats, "...yeah great idea."

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Silena steps over to pick up a dropped Gnoll Telwar when she notices Sonya yelling in the distance frantically,"...what's she going on about?"

In response to Calain, "Two prisoners...two slit throats and let's get those two runners."

Silena perks up, Leopard's Paw in hand again suddenly, "...two slit throats coming up!"

She steps over to two of the unconscious Gnolls, Telwar hung over one shoulder as she crouches squeezes the Katar grip popping out it's vicious serrated blades and coup-de-gas one of the gnolls with a smirk stabbing it in the throat...

There is a gasp of a whimpering sigh from the gnoll... cut short ~ but the blade leaves not a clean slit but incongruously a savage cavity of torn ragged flesh were once a throat had been in a spray of gore and blood...!

The ragged mortal wound is more like a great cat tore out the gnoll's throat rather than any man-made blade of steel!

Coup de gra counts as a critical hit...
Silena - Fortitude Save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
Coup De Gra-Damage w/Leopard's Paw: {CRT x3 damage} 3d4 + 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (3, 3, 4) + (3, 6) + 9 = 28
- Gnoll needs to make a Fort save DC equal to damage or die instantly!

Silena herself winces but does not cry out as the Katar blade stabs her as well...

Leopard's Paw-Vicious Damage: {to wielder} 1d6 ⇒ 3

Silena smiles cruelly, wiping the light spattering of blood upon her face, only succeeding in smearing it more on her cheek, and arms away as she moves to the next unconscious Gnoll...

Another cruel stab elicits a grunt from the doomed gnoll and a practical arterial spray of blood and gore from another throat! Again incongruously the blade leaves a ragged savage wound as if torn out by the maw of some slavering hunting cat! Even Silena must shy her face away from the spray less her eyes be doused in effluvia...

Coup de gra counts as a critical hit...
Silena - Fortitude Save: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Coup De Gra-Damage w/Leopard's Paw: {CRT x3 damage} 3d4 + 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (4, 2, 1) + (6, 4) + 9 = 26
- Gnoll Need to make a Fort save DC equal to damage or die instantly!

This time Silena embraces the pain as the vicious katar savages her hand again! This time, however, she flinches not one bit reveling in the pain and power of the enchanted weapon...

Leopard's Paw-Vicious Damage: {to wielder} 1d6 ⇒ 4

A coppery smell suffuses the air of freshly split blood. Seeing her work done well and efficiently... Silana sheaths Leopard's Paw and hefts the Gnoll Telwar.

Healing: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

She arranges the bodies curiously mimicking a fight. She moves about the two slain gnolls discretely cutting them on arms and flanks to simulate wounds received in battle...

Stepping back she cuts a branch from a nearby bush and wipes out her tracks around the bodies occasionally cutting other bushes as she works her way around the fight 'scene' dusting her tracks away and leaving other cut bushes as though they might have been missed strikes of a furious battle.

Standing back she note her handiwork walking the perimeter of the scene hoping from rock to rock trying to avoid leaving any of her footprints at the scene and to survey her handywork...

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Survival: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

She looks at the large gnoll blade and decides to keep it as a spoil of war trophy...

Readying a wand from a second concealed wrist sheath - she utters a clipped harsh word in undercommon and magically heals her bleeding hand before putting the wand back into its spring-loaded wrist sheath.

Wand - Cure Light Wounds {1ch} 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Satisfied she tosses the branch far aside and turns to retrieve Nightscream's reins.. to rejoin the party..a satisfied smirk upon her lovely.. if blood spattered visage. Mounting up she moves to rejoin the party.

@ Megan: I got a BAD feeling about those fortitude save you said Silena has to make anytime she confirms a critical hit with Leopard's Paw...should I be worried?

A lot seems to be happening at once!

Calain's camel seems suddenly enthusiastic about chasing after the 2 gnolls who are still running. So, despite earlier reluctance, is Jengren's camel.

Silena bends to her grim work, strange shadowy patterns writhing across the blade of the katar glinting in the sunlight. As she sees the vicious clawing injuries she has inflicted on the hapless gnolls, a surge of power flows through her, a feeling like unto which she has never felt before. It's as if she was herself a leopard, toying with its prey!

Yep, this should be interesting!

Then the ground erupts, sand flying, as something emerges... the creature looks like a man-sized sandy brown starfish with five long tentacles ringing a central maw lined with sharpened teeth and fangs. It's about 10' across. Sand and dirt begin to shift and slide towards its maw as it seeks to grapple anything edible within reach with its tentacles.

Nightscream skitters in fright as a tentacle brushes her hind leg. Silena, caught mid-mount, had better make a Ride check to avoid falling on her butt.

Sonya and the fellow she's rescued will also need to move fast... and Sonya's camel has bolted!

I think we'd better have some initiatives...

Critter's initiative: 1d20 ⇒ 15

Silena growls in annoyance at the shifting ground... until she realizes a creature has appeared...

Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Silena frantically tries to either mount Nightscream or get him to run away for fear of the starfish creature harming him...

Ride: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

...not even being able to get into the saddle with the shifting ground Silena does the only thing she can.

She slaps Nightscream on the hind to get him to run, while she hefts the Gnoll Telwar and turns to fight!

"Fine ! Come on beast... you will find me a bitter, spiky, meal to swallow indeed!!!"

@ Megan: I hope I have not messed my character up... irreparably... :{

I want to make sure I'm following: Calain killed two gnolls with a gnoll blade. He then put two unconscious one's over his camel for prisoners.

Link to Cailain's post

Silena who did you coup de gra? Did you catch up to the two gnolls running away or did you kill the two gnolls we were taking as prisoners?

initiative: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Er... Silena was following YOUR directions to kill two of the gnolls... Did Calain already kill them?

Er... Silena was following YOUR directions to kill two of the gnolls... Did Calain already kill them?

He did but he actually took multiple rounds in one shorten post to expedite the scene. Hopefully Megan permits both you and Calain to work together with the binding the prisoners and killing the others. Otherwise we have four dead gnolls and two gnolls running. It really doesn't matter, I just wanted to make sure we were all on the same page.

Great description of the kills though.

Yeah, I thought Silena had arrived first and while he was binding Gnoll prisoners she set to slitting throats... I'll leave it to Megan to decide. I just saw what you were talking about in his last post. Not sure what happened first now.

Silena it makes sense that you actually did arrive first since your galloped off. I envision your character slitting one throat, Calain bagging two prisoners, while you slice the second throat. However, if Silena and Calain killed the four gnolls, no sweat, hopefully we can get prisoners from the runners.

Jengren would continue to pursue the two gnolls that are trying to get away, he would not have stopped based on Sonya's warning. He does not want gnolls to escape and adversely alter the overall plan.

If he could he will sweep in ahead of the two runners drawing their attention and vision.

ride: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

Once he corralled both he would cast color spray (Will save DC 15). A vibrant array of color spring forth out of sorcerers wiggling fingers.

concentration vigorous motion, DC 11: 1d10 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

How far away am I at this point as I would have warned then and headed their way before they started killing and binding the gnolls?

Initiative 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

I was bored and tinkering around on maptools and put together a quick battlemap, if that is ok with Megan. It's easy enough to change/modify character's positions, especially, if provided the grid coordinates.

Map Key:

White haloed creatures are the camels (I actually found camel tokens) and Nightscream.

Pink is the prisoner Sonya rescued.

Blue are the running gnolls

Fushcia are the dead and unconscious gnolls

Yellow is the starfish like creature.

Poppy Field Map if Calain is dismounted with Silena

Alternative Map:

Poppy Field Map if Calain is giving chase to the running Gnolls

Second Alternative Map:

Poppy Field Map if Silena tries to mount Nightscream when the creature emerges

I put up a few variations to choose from based on various descriptions provided by the players and DM.

Maps are awesome but I need Megan to Clarify where Calain is in all this. Giving chase or with Silena

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

(DM takes deep breath...)

Sonya swept in to the bound prisoner and started talking to him. Silena caught up with the slept gnolls, dismounted & started butchering one. Calain then arrived, claimed 2 prisoners, tied them up. Silena polished off the last one... Jengren rode off past in pursuit of the 2 running gnolls, Calain followed after him - their speed increasing as the ground started to move and their camels took off. The starfish-shaped critter erupted and scared Nightscream.

At least, that's what I thought happened.

Of those gorgeous maps, I think this one is the closest.

Everyone happy?

Yep. I'm really worried about that failed fort save... I hope its not serious! :)

Anyways...

Silena hefts the Gnoll Telwar {Basically a Falchion} and slaps Nightscream on the hind with the flat of the blade to send him away As the Starfish moves for her she calls upon the Midnight lord to let the dark powers of negative energy flow through her and channels something akin to a black lightning to any and all living creatures within 30'ft of her person...

"Eat Death! Mindless vermin!!"

Standard Action: Channel Negative Energy 1d6 ⇒ 4
Move Action: Move 20'ft away from Starfish monster
+ May provoke Attack of Opportunity... but worth the risk to avoid the 'Grapple-trap' I'm expecting from this creature. No idea what 'IT' is. The channel was to discourage 'IT' to not seek to grapple her as she just hurt 'IT' without even touching 'IT'!

The energy arcs out killing plants and insects leaving a grey dead soil in its wake.

I would have had Silena cast Cause Fear to drive it away.. but I figured Silena is within its reach and I didn't want to risk loosing the spell from the provoked AoO.

Megan that works for me if you want any adjustments on the battle map set up provide the hex coordinates and I can easily change the placement.

Battle Map

If you want you assume my RD 1 action was casting that color spray which I posted earlier.

H'okay...

Silena, as you draw upon your dark powers, you feel an urge to snarl and to rend your opponent with your fangs and claws...

Fangs and Claws???

The image of a gigantic leopard flickers through your mind, overlaying your own person. Do you resist or embrace this image?

Oh crap! I know what's happened... well let's ride this Tiger...

Feeling the power of the great hunting cat - the Leopard, swell within her and seeing the 'Starfish's tendrils reach for her Silena is ready to fight... as she always has in her life against all challenges - tooth and nail to survive if need be...

Yes! She is a huntress, a she-leopard of fury... {"Hear me ROAR!"}

Silena embraces the power of the beast filling her... and vents the leopard's power of rage upon her attacker... Upon ANY who would do her harm!!

ride: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (16) + 0 = 16

Calain manages to leap from the camels back to make his attack upon the Gnolls.

Attack, high ground, divine favor: 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 1 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 7 + 1 - 1 + 2 = 12
2 hand damage: 1d10 + 6 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 3 + 2 = 14

Calian I believe I go before you in the initiative, depending on the two gnolls will saves form the color spray they may be unconscious, blinded, stunned.

Then I will cut there stunned heads off!!

To everyone's amazement, Silena transforms into a giant leopard which snarls at the starfish thing...

The fleeing gnolls are enveloped in the twisting garish colours of Jengren's spell. His camel belches again.

Gnoll #1 save: 1d20 ⇒ 20

Gnoll #2 save: 1d20 ⇒ 2

Calain leaps off his camel - which looks a bit startled at someone dismounting while it's still standing up - and attacks the gnolls.

Meanwhile, the starfish thing lashes out with a tentacle at the giant leopard...

Starfish thing attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Silena feels like her skin is suddenly on fire..!!! Her clothing searing to the touch reflexively she drops the Telwar and tried to remove her armor and clothing as fast as possible but her limbs were sluggish ...growing ..lengthening... changing!

Even her hands were constricting, nails lengthening hardening... in to wickedly sharp claws. It was a good thing she chose to wear only peasant rags today and a skirt rather than trousers as she morphs and wriggling free from her clothing, armor and weapons into... something else...!

Removing her clothing brought no relief from the burning. Briefly, upon her rapidly fur-growing skin, an ornate tattoo in some silver pigment, contrasting upon her inky black skin is apparent. The tattoo depicting a 'Silver-colored spiked "serrated" dragon' on left shoulder & breast, its tail curling down toward her navel and beyond before the change obscures it. The silver pigment more than just color but indeed made of a silver-laced pigment! Silena's Infernal heritage gifted her with a slight allergy to silver... and one of her mothers 'little-cruelties' was to have her intentionally tattooed with silver pigments. Silena, however, had accepted it and to throw it back in her mother's cruel face - Silena had taking to wearing only silver jewelry despite the slight discomfort it brought to her... all to show her strength and determination!

It was much more than discomfort now...

Suddenly where Silena was before is now a large, stunningly beautiful, black and white furred Katipeshi She-Leopard... black coated with white spots. A mottled discoloration upon its shoulder and chest can still be seen under its fur as the silver-based tattoo remains. The She-Leopard is powerfully built and graceful as it stalks the starfish creature... tail lashing about eagerly. The She-leopard's eyes are not green, but violet like Silena's and slitted. There is no look of a mindless beast in those eyes but the calculating intelligence of a sinister will!

The Starfish lashes out a tendril striking the hunting cat and eliciting an immediate response!

"RAWRRROAAAWWW!", comes a challenging roar just before the She-Leopard charges to a flank and leaps - claws suddenly igniting with infernal fires!

Attack-Pounce 'Charge': Claw 1# 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 10 + 2 = 17
Attack-Pounce 'Charge': Claw 2# 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 2 = 32 CRIT-Threat!
Attack-Pounce 'Charge': Bite 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 9 + 2 = 12
Attack-Rake, Claw 1# {On hit by both Claws}: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 10 + 2 = 26
Attack-Grab {Free CMD}: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (11) + 15 = 26
Attack-Rake, Claw 2# (On hit by both Claws): 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 2 = 23
Swift Action: 'Fires of Hell' - Summon Fire

Claw 2# - Critical confirm: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 10 + 2 = 13 'no crit'

Damage Claw 1#: {+1pt fire} 1d8 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 1 = 11
Damage Claw 2#: {+1pt fire} 1d8 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 1 = 13

Damage 'Rake, claw 1#': {On hit by both claws} {+1pt fire} 1d8 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 1 = 11
Damage 'Rake, claw 2#': {On hit by both claws} {+1pt fire} 1d8 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 6 + 1 = 14

Sonya can do little else but stand slack-jawed as Selina changes before her very eyes. Her mind begins to race trying to think of what could cause such a transformation.

Spellcraft 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
Knowledge Religion 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

She moves her camel to within 30 feet but dares not move closer to either beast. Once her camel has stopped Sonya focus's a prayer inward towards Cailin, Jengren, and the Leapord-Selina hoping that her friend remains inside the beast. She begins to mold her prayer into a bond of positive energy to keep each of them safe.

At the start of Sonya's turn each round if you are missing 5 or more hit points you regain 5 hit points and Sonya will lose 5.

The leopard literally tears into the starfish thing, and a couple of tentacles are ripped off completely and fly through the air... the rest lie flaccid on the ground.

Whatever it is, it's dead now.

Combat over

The She-leopard 'worries' the corpse for a bit more just to make sure no life is left in it. Then blood/icor soaked she slings away from the ruin of its corpse... then does something very odd...

The She-leopard begins to cough and spit in a strange wheezing fashion as though the predator cat found the taste of the creature... most undesirable...

The cat sits on its haunches briefly wiping its paws on its furried neck pelt and licks it paws once... eliciting even more sputtering as it tries to clean the taste off of its tongue...

The she-leopard sputters in frustration and stops sighing in a strangely humanoid fashion...

{Silena focuses her will envisoning her lovely dark-skinned Half-Elven form and forces the beast back down into her heart...}

The She-leopard begins to visibly shrink in size ~ fur retracting into its skin, limbs and body shrinking in length, inky black skin rapidly revealed under the retreating fur, clawed paws shortening into delicate feminine hands, back straitening to an upright posture, pert breasts revealed as the fur vanishes. Finally, a naked Silena stands where once the she-leopard stalked. The petite Silena is truly incongruous to the large hunting-cat that once raged against the sand beast a moment ago. The She-leopard must have easily been twice Silena's size and weight!

The only change in Silena being her shock white hair is a little wilder and quite a bit longer than before... and of course she is splattered in monster icor /blood.

At first she is a little uneasy on her feet but quickly catches her balance .. the silver serrated dragon Tattoo upon her shoulder and breast its tail curling enticing around her navel the tip pointing suggestively at her loins catches in the bright sunlight; when her sense of self fully exerts itself.

Silena's eyes widen and she turns away from Jengren and Calain in embarrassment... her longish white hair lightly brushing her slender flanks and shapely behind. Silena has no body hair of note save her mane if white upon her head. She raises a hand to shield her sensitive eyes from the sun's daytime glare.

She speaks her voice briefly hoarse, "{Gasp!}...ohhh! Sonya would you please bring me my peasants rags and something to wipe this... Ewww gore off my skin!"

Then her tone turns in chastisement toward Calian and Jengren, "..and you two louts! Do you mind not leering at me so!?!"

Sonya is lost at this point her mind reeling at what she just saw. She finds herself leering more than the men probably are, though certainly for different reasons. Sonya hears Selina's words, but her mind I still lost in a fog. It takes a moment before Sonya finally reacts to the words hopping of the camel and hastily finding Selina some clothes. A simple casting of create water dampens the cloth as Sonya sets to cleaning Selina off, using the opportunity to inspect Selina's flesh for any kind of claw or bite mark from the madman that stabbed Sonya just nights before.

heal check 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Sonya keeps her body between Selina and the men shielding her from any improper attention until Selina is cleaned of any hint of the gore that covers her. All the while in the softest whisper, "Selina, do you have any idea what just happened. Any memory of what you just did?"

All the while, in her haste to aid her friend, Sonya foolishly left the prisoner unattended an unbound atop her camel.

Silena's eyes soften at Sonya's tenderness and care... something... almost 'but not quite' completely foreign to her.

"My Thanks you, Sonya! 'Desert Rose'... you... truly are my friend?!? Aren't you? I... I've never had a friend before."

She turns her pretty violet eyes away in embarrassment her voice soft, "just... Thank you."

"...I'm as amazed as you are! But I do remember ...the change.. and I was completely in control and aware of what I was and was doing. It was very strange. Like having the heart of a beast expressed... but controlled by my intellect and reason! It was indescribably..."

Silena cleans herself with the offered water... it removes the majority of the gore enough that at least now she does not smell of being bathed in monster icor. Quickly she gets dressed... immediately wanting to get rearmed and re-armored ... familiar things that she is certain of.

"I suppose I'll have to consult a sage to determine the full nature of this ... ability."

Sonya can not help but blush deeply behind her veiled cheeks. She had never found herself so intimately close to a naked form besides her own. She aids her ally in washing off then shields her as she redresses.

"Be careful with whatever this is. Power always has a cost. Always!"

Calain does not falter at the verbal attack for staring.
I did not think nudity would embarrass you, elf. Hells, often I have had to stand naked for the eyes of wealthy woman and men to behold the champion. And do and have done things to me all for another's pleasure. You can either be afraid or be resolute. A slave is offered no dignity. You are free and should not be ashamed.

THEN he turns.
I will fetch your Armor. By the way. Understand if that beast takes hold of your mind and attacks us, I will fight it. I cannot promise you would survive, so ware the change but I will do my best to NOT kill you should the worst happen.

The fellow you rescued is looking rather shaken at all this.

"Um, thank you. I think... I mean, the gnolls wanted the thing that lives under the ground to eat me, were trying to attract it... but that big cat? Where did it come from? And where has it gone? Um. I am Oxvard, a priest of Abadar. Who are you?"

Silena pulls on the somewhat torn peasant's rags with distaste... at least the shirt which was too tight for her womanly figure is now torn enough to fit comfortably if not modestly. The rough skirt hangs at her waist somewhat loosely but stays upon her hips at least.

Silena grimaces {Grr... I must look like some tavern slut... or worse some recently molested alley trollop...!}

When finally, if not really, 'dressed' but at least no longer naked, Silena notices Sonya's blushing shyness. She turns to her and embraces her giving her a fierce sisterly hug of affection kissing her cheek, she whispers in her ear, 'We'll talk latter when there are less prying ears of men about...'

And a genuine smile of gratitude and affection graces her expression as she meets Sonya's eyes with her own. It's a fitting expression one but rarely seen when the prideful half-drow lets her mask of tough, darkly divine-empowered distance... slip.

But the mask returns quickly enough...

Silena retorts to Calain, "Hurmph! That's all well and good for YOU Calain... I have been naked and chained to an alter for the pleasure of demons if they could survive my wrath to consummate their wicked hearts desires with my body, but I'm no {Ex}pit-fighting slave! I'm a Noblewoman of Nidal, I'm NOT ashamed, but MY dignity is mine to defend and mine to decide who should have the privilege of viewing me unclothed!"

But when Calain returns with her armor she does favor him with a smile she tries to conceal.

She nods, "I think you for your consideration Calain... its more than I would expect. Right now.. it seems I retain my own mind as the beast, I will have to practice to learn the limits of my control. But whatever happens... you must promise to not let me hurt others... even if it means my death! I'll not be responsible for passing this curse to others... or my ~... friends..."

Quickly as possible Silena gets back into her armor... feeling more modestly dressed, she straps on her weapons belts, wrapping her spiked-chain about her waist. Silena retrieves the Gnoll Telwar/Falchion and its sheath from one of the slain gnolls strapping the weapon comfortable across her back... similar to how Calain carries his Nodachi.

Silena tries to retrieve 'Nightscream', hoping her ...steed will still accept her - speaking softly she offers him a sugar cube, "Come on big-boy. I'm still your Silena..."

Riding 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Taking 'Nightscream's' reins Silena leads him back over to the party.

Answering the man, "You need not worry over the... fortuitous appearance of the hunting leopard... it will not bother us, it seems to have had its feast of flesh. I am 'Lady' Silena Dulare of Nidal... Fighter & Cleric of the 'Midnight Lord' Zon-Kuthon, currently in the service of Princess Almah! How did you, Oxvard, befall captivity to the Gnolls and where were you going when so captured?"

Calain keeps an eye on the prisoners, content to let Jengren do the talking.
The Barbarian was here for the hunt.

"That mess will kink our plan," he motions to the clawed creature. Jengren eyes the priest of Abadar, "Why were you being left as a meal?"

Pausing before his next question, "What can you tell us about the gnolls...and the town...what have you seen?"

Sonya sighs lightly at her allies bluntness. "Are you injured? Is there anything we can do to aid you?"

Oxvard, still looking a little wild-eyed, says "I came to Kelmarane with five other members of my party, the Lions of Senara, explorers from the distant nation of Cheliax seeking treasure in the faroff deserts of Katapesh. I have already seen several of my companions murdered by the foul gnolls, but I believe that my friend Felliped may yet live. Felliped escaped the gnolls recently, but I suspect that he hasn't been able to escape the village entirely and has been forced to hide out in one of the ruined buildings. We had been imprisoned on the first of three floors in the battle market, but I am afraid that I don't know much else of the layout of the place."

Nightscream snuffles at you a bit suspiciously, Silena, but trots back happily at your side.

Responding to Jengren, "I don't think so sorcerer. It obvious to any untrained eye that the slain sand starfish took a bite out of nothing... and the wounds on those Gnolls were made with forged weapons. I doubt the torn out throats of the two I... ended will be taken as anything other than a gnoll ripping out another's throat! The usual method they use to resolve disputes... or make a point. As long as we cover our track away from the immediate area of the slaughter... they will likely assume yes, some humans found the site of the slaughter... perhaps rescuing the captive and when the sand starfish actually came some large hunting cat slew it when it tried to feed off the carrion of the area..since its very close to the slain gnolls. But it is more confused than indeed I would have wished. I'm sure they'll wonder where the hunting cat went as its tracks don't leave the area..."

Turning back to Oxvard, "..so 'Lions of Senara' eh?"

Silena ponder something quickly and addresses the party off-handedly, "Which reminds me if we are to pull off our ploy in Kelmarane... we will need some silly mercenary name. How about the [i]"Blades of Fury"[/]i? Sounds pretentious and adolescent enough to fit the part of wandering cut-throats looking for more plunger and pillage."

Turing back to Oxvard, "If your game... Oxvard we have gnoll captives I intend to question for intel and we plan to infiltrate Kelmarane as mercenaries looking to join up... you could come with us to help rescue your team mate then make your way to freedom once you've met up? That is if my party has no objections at least."

Glancing at Jengren, "I'll leave the details to you..."

Silena makes her way over to the subdued gnolls and retrieves one of their secured weapons.. this one a a battered scimitar with a crude leather sheath. She makes her way over to Dashki.

She holds out the Scimitar to him and says, "...here is your first step to revenge. Take the weapons of your enemies and use them against them! Take that rage a use it to focus your purpose ...'winning back your honor'. But... I warn you... turn this blade against us and prove traitor twice... and I will personally skin you alive and stake you out in the shade on a ant hill to die Very VERY slowly! We are being uncommonly kind to give you a second chance.. don't waste it... or I promise you.. I'll see to it you die screaming!!"

"So. I'll have your answer now! Will you serve me dutifully and faithfully not to exceed a year and a day to win back your honor?"

Calain turns at the half elfs bold offer to the rat. His life is not yours to spare, Silena. The Princess was clear he was to be killed for his betrayal. It was Sonya who stayed my hand. He breathes as my gift to her. If she wishes Sword in his hand I will allow it but ASK her first. Should our goodly priest deem him unworthy of life it will be forfeit. I already have no use for him. We all are lions, even you who I disagree with most, and he is not worthy to hunt with us

Jengren shakes his head in silence. We know not who this Oxvard is, why he is here, even if his story is legit yet she discloses our intent to infiltrate Kelmarane. He glances over at Calain "Keep the two prisoner's safe, let's cover the tracks and ride out of here." Pointing towards Oxvard, "We can talk as we clear out of here."

Good idea, Jengren
The barbarian walks past the Rat, giving him a look that assures in no uncertain terms he was on thin ice. It was two fold.
If he entertained ideas of betrayal he wanted him to know that was death. He also wanted the Rat to come after Calain first if he DID decide to try something.

Silena shrugs, addressing Sonya, "...if you have no desire to keep this man alive with no chance to win back his self-respect and nothing to live for save Calain constantly berating & threatening his life at a whim... you invite nothing but more betrayal from him! 'A lion will hunt when hungry but even a dog-cur, kicked often enough will eventually turn and bite back!' A man with nothing to live for will eventually do something to spite his tormentors even in the face of death... after all he has nothing to loose! But I was not there in the Princess' presence when this was ... decided or I would have claimed his life and given him hope of something better tomorrow. I still can... unless you have other plans Sonya. If he is to live without hope you had best just kill him now and be done with it. I'll respect your wishes... but I do not think prayers will heal what ills this man."

Silena awaits Sonya's reply.

As the party moves to get going Sonya will pull Jengren aside as the travel to whisper to him.

"I can see you do not understand my openness with this 'stranger'.. rest assured my words are a trap... if he refuses to accompany us I would insist he be returned to Princess Almah's camp to reprovision himself for travel and there have the Princess arrest him and held captive until our return to co-oborate his story... {lest he be a spy... or one of the Genie's mercenaries}; if he agrees to come with us we get to watch him closely and if he tries to betray us in the Battle Market we simply tell all we told him a lie to get him to return to Kelmarane in hopes of turning him over as a spy for a bounty for the Genie leader Kardswann we've heard about. I never do anything without a reason..."

Her smile is sinister.. and cruel...

You need a sense motive check to guess at Jengren's thoughts. ;)

"Well advised," he whispers to Silena. I assume that everyone will work to clear the battle area and tracks as best they can.

aid another survival: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Did the gnolls have any camels for the Oxvard to ride?

Assuming there were no other camels to ride, Jengren will have the Oxvard ride with the rat. The message being clear to all.

"So this adventuring group Lions of Senara when did you arrive and what treasures did you secure? Did you hide those trinkets or did you foolishly walk into town with them?"

He pauses, 'I noted that you did not say where your comrades were murdered and you neglected to provide any indication of force that overtook you and that location. How are we to Help you, if you are withholding information?"

diplo: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

True... I was only seeking to explain what she was doing, for Story purposes. Not EVERYTHING in the game should need a roll. Play-by-post is s different medium than sit-down, paper and dice... as I could have easily communicated my intention to the other players were we actually siting around a table with dice.

Sense Motive: Take 10! 10 + 2 = 12

Sonya speaks in a calm matter to Selina ensuring Dashki can hear each word. "I intend Dashki to earn redemption not revenge. I intend him to deal retribution I those who harmed him and took his father. That having been said, he has been less than helpful and has not yet earned my trust. It is not wise to arm him as he has yet to prove his loyalty or desire to earn repentance. He is not being mistreated though, and I am insulted you imply that I would mistreat any in my care. He is bound, a necessary precaution, but I am ensuring he is clothed, fed, and given water. If you honestly believe my prayers cannot heal this man I truly pity you and your thoughtless god. The Dawnflower does care about all whom follow her, and any who live. So long as you draw breath, redemption is obtainable."

Assuming the matter is settled, Sonya moves her camel to listen to Jengren and Oxvard.

Jengren moves his camel bit farther away from Oxvard's so Sonya can approach.

Silena grimaces disappointed she was not understood as she wished to be, "I meant no insult to you Sonya.. it is Calain that continues to antagonize the man. I'm sorry.. but I cannot offer him redemption it is beyond my power... all I know is vengeance. I learned... painfully a long time ago... no one was coming to "Save me" from the evil all around me that threatened to consume my soul hungrily. But the Midnight Lord heard my tears of sorrow & fear. HE offered me the power to save myself! I took what he offered and have given him his due ever since.. his power has never failed me. Perhaps, you had a brighter hope offered you. I took what was available to me... lest I be destroyed by my parent's cruel designs!"

"I was told by my parents my life was a waste ~ that I was less than nothing, a mongrel to be despised, tortured and humiliated for jest then feed to demons as sport and fodder! So.. I proved them ALL WRONG! No life is a waste.. or without value. I hate to see any life thrown away... its wasteful. Vengeance is the only 'gift' I can offer... it is all I know ~ you wound my heart to despise what help my charity knows how to offer.. but I understand you do not fully understand me as yet. I'll not be insulted as your ignorance.. for it is honest. I'll concede to your wishes and leave him to your more tender mercies if that is your wish."

Silena gently spurs 'Nightscream' and rides ahead... unwilling to share more of her inner feelings with strangers at this time who do not know or understand her... to collect her dignity and build another layer of stone around her heart.

{I am stone.. unbreakable. I feel nothing.. not sorrow not pain. Cold stone is my friend and a comfort in its solidity.}

Dashki is looking very confused as he tries to follow the conversation.

Oxvard is also looking a bit puzzled. He takes a deep breath.

"May I have something to drink, please? We had not as yet found any treasure for the gnolls to steal... perhaps that is what irritated them so. Or maybe that is just normal behaviour for such savages. Two of my friends were killed during the fight when we were captured, and one was taken out and torn apart a couple of days later. Felliped managed to escape and the last of us, Wicks, is still in captivity as far as I know. What else do you want to know? It is not my intention to deceive."

Sonya is filled with sorrow at how hopeless silena sounds, but she listens wordlessly clinging to each word with hopes she may use them to aid Selina. "The hope granted to me is also offered to you, now and forever. The Everlight will protect you from the Midnight Lord and guide you into a life of redemption. I regret her light did not reach you first in that dark place but it is there for you now."

At Oxvard's request, "Of course you may have water, and food if you wish it. Do you have a canteen? If you do not I shall let you use Dhaski's." With a simple casting she fills the canteen with created water.