Legacy of Fire

Game Master Megan Robertson

Jengren has been a bit of mystery. He doesn't really have a moral compass. He is unemotional and does what needs to be done, although he does favor unobstructed freedom. He doesn't seem like he is out of himself and he hasn't displayed any tendency for greed when it comes to loot we've acquired. With magic users they can have some odd quirks.

Erizi's brow wrinkles in frustration as he takes in the Priestess's speech. His eyes widen in sympathy at the burns on her arm. "Oh"! "That looks very painful". "Does it still hurt". "In the pits we used to rub the sap of a spiked plant to sooth burns". "If I see it I will get you some". "How exactly did you come by those burns".

His glance then turns to the Mad Dog. "I have seen men in the pits turn like him". "They can be the most dangerous opponents, because they don't care if they die or not, so they try some...well...unorthodox maneuvers". "He then points to a large scar on his right thigh. "I got this scar from such a man". "He is dead". Erizi stops for thought for a moment, his mind replaying the fight in his head. Then shaking his head he continues.

"As for the dark one". "I find it hard to trust her, not because of what she is, but of who she is". "She seems to have somehow found a way to embrace the Master of Pain". "I do all I can to avoid pain, so it goes against my nature to trust one who seems to accept it". His big sad eyes then lower to the fire for a moment, and he rubs his hands in front of it. "Still, perhaps I have been too hard on her". "Maybe she just needs a hug". "I will give her one when she returns, and hope she doesn't stab me in the back". The big man looks up hoping that the priestess understands his pitiful attempt at humor.

"I noticed you didn't mention Jengren". "He is mysterious, no"? "Yet he seems a reasonable man from what I have seen". "And the other two...It's just too much for my small mind to take in". "Does the Merry Group have a watch schedule"? "I am willing to stand my share".

Sense Motive DC10

Calain smiles, a sad smile.

"So, pit-brother, what brings you out here?"

"I am fine, thank you," says Umdrella, rather tight-lipped. "I have not been to the Battle Market since my return, so I have no idea what Kardswann thinks or knows. As for the snake, it is a giant mamba and it lives in the ruined slave market. I fancy its head for my stewpot!"

The ruined slave market is location B1 on the map

Silena grimaces, "Is that all? You just want some exotic meats?!?" {sigh}..."Very well, will you then tell us the layout of the city and what assets Kardswann has in the various buildings than can be neutralized to hurt the power of his growing army? Let's 'try' to stay focused on our task... that being ending his rule and control here. That IS still our concerted goal yes?"

"I fell into an open forge. The flames consumed my hands, arms, chest and face. The Dawnflower spared my life, but left my arms burned to remind me that I am hers.

Jengren is mysterious, and as I said, I have not spent much time with this group myself.

"I dare say I shall find other uses for the snake in my potion making,"[b] said Umdrella. [b]"As for the town, what do you want to know?"

Silena does not hesitate but pulls out a scroll of parchment and denotes a quick sketch of the city of Kalemarane drawing notes in chalk she systematically queries Umdrella about the various locations of the city and their known contents.

{Please Identify the numbered locations - B1 through B11)

If Silena is given this information she will nod in acceptance, "Come Jengren.. let's go kill this snake of hers... as a sign of 'good-faith'. I'll let the 'cat out' and it should be done quickly with just us."

Calain smiles, a sad smile.

"So, pit-brother, what brings you out here?"

Erizi replies with a wry smile. "That is a good question indeed, and one I am still searching for the answer to". "For the first time in my life I am a Free man, and due to a unusual sense of circumstances I find myself a potential member of the Merry Group". "I was with another group, but our benefactor withdrew from the fray, so I found myself wandering the wastes until I came upon this settlement...penniless, and friendless". "I am still not sure why the fates have led me here". Erizi stands up, stirs the fire, and adds a couple of branches, bringing up the heat and light level of the circle.

"I fell into an open forge. The flames consumed my hands, arms, chest and face. The Dawnflower spared my life, but left my arms burned to remind me that I am hers.

Selina, is going through much right now. I fear this new curse upon her will only drive her closer into the midnight lords arms, instead of the Everlight's redemption.

Jengren is mysterious, and as I said, I have not spent much time with this group myself.

Erizi almost blanches at the thought of the pain she must have endured. "One thing about life". "When you think that you have pain, whether physical, or emotional, you can always meet someone who has suffered more". "In this case it seems you have suffered physically, and maybe Selina has suffered even more emotionally". "I believe it is a good idea to offer her my arms instead of the Midnight lords". Then realizing that what he said might be interperted in different ways... "In friendship I mean of course".

"How did you end up with the Merry Group"? "And you as well Calain...I mean Mad Dog". "And,how would you prefer to be addressed"?

Jengren nods in appreciation to Umdrella. he carefully studies the chalk map, mentally noting the features. "Is there anything about this snake we should know about? What type of poison can we expect?"

Umdrella looks at the sketch.

"Very good..." She points at each location in turn, naming them.

B1 - Slave Market
B2 - Gatehouse - there's a warthog kept there.
B3 - Inn, no longer in use alas!
B4 - Stables
B5 - Wharfmaster Manor - rather nice and surprisingly intact 3-story house
B6 - Mill
B7 - Tannery - where we are now.
B8 - Trade Alliance Guildhall that was.
B9 - Watch Gatehouse - there's a gnoll who keeps a pack of hyenas living there now.
B10 - A palace - in olden days it's said that it was kept in instant readiness against a Pactmaster coming a-visiting.
B11 - the Battle Market.

"As for the snake, I do not know what its venom is called, but it affects your constitution, weakens you."

Calain grins, a gap-toothed grin.

"Calain will do. Of course, the pugwampi think I'm their deity, but I won't insist on my god-hood when they are not around! Mad Dog is but a pit-name."

Silena nods accepting the intel and annotating the map with notes and a lump of charcoal to write with {more permanent than chalk} but, gets a curious expression... "I thought you told us there was Perython{sp?}... some deer-headed, two-legged, winged, demon-stag or somesuch in the Mill {B6}... with a pair gnoll keepers?"

"Oh, yes. A peryton - the gnolls feed it every so often. If you do not know this creature, it has the body and forelegs of a powerful stag, sharpened hooves, powerful black wings, and the taloned haunches of a gigantic bird of prey. Its head combines the features of deer and wolf, a set of sharp horns arching over bloodstained jaws. Most unnerving is its shadow, though, which spills forth in the shape of a human figure. Very strange... and not friendly in the least," says Umdrella.

Silena listens... but its clear she is only passing familiar with 'surface' monstrous threats.

Turning to Jengren, "ok.. let's go kill this snake and be done with it. Tomorrow I'd suggest we move systematically clearing the town of threats... starting from this side of the town - dealing with the Peryton and it's Gnoll handlers first!"

"But we should discuss that with the party in a guarded locale... perhaps here in this shop if Umdrella is acceptable with that."

Turning back to the Harpy woman, "I would like to talk with you at some point in private... but that is for later,. Where is this snake located?"

"I'm not sold on the dealing with the Peryton, but we can discuss that. I agree let's go snaked hunting, do you think we should get the others. I'd prefer sending Calain and the that new fella in ahead of myself." he pushes up his sleeves and the tattoos dance, "I like that security around for protection"

Silena smiles, "We can talk about the Peryton... but ponder this... every foe we defeat in battle, every challenge we overcome only waters the seedlings of power within us all. If the party wishes not to tangle with the Peryton.. that is their consensus to follow, but.. I will then kill it on my own, by my own power and reap the rewards of triumph! I'm not here to just serve the Princess' cause but to grow and seize power for my own ends as well. I am, however... as always, open to discussion."

"But enough of such concerns... if you feel more comfortable gathering the party to deal with the snake .. I'm not opposed to it."

Erizi almost dozes off again, then catches himself, and stands to stroll about the campsite trying to stay awake.

It has been a long week. They will either be back soon or not.

He finds his steps lead him back to the temple again, and he walks to the door and puts his ear against it to listen...just in case.

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 Perception

Jengren will nod to Silena, "yes lets get the other. I'd prefer to overwhelm the snake."

Silena will grimace slightly, disappointed... she obviously felt she could take some 'big-snake' without fussing with gathering the entire party.

"{Sigh} Very well... Let's go gather them."

With that she strides out of Umdrella's abode heading back to parties camp-site.

When they get back tot he others, Jengren mention what's happening. he looks at Erizi, "figured you pick would be useful for this mission."

Silena stand by Jengren... petulant;y tapping her foot it's clear she felt the party was not needed to kill one snake. She is watching the depening night sky.. trying to determine what phase of the moon is current and how long until the full moon.

She mutters, "...its getting late we're wasting time... soon I'm going to be the only able to see in the dark anyways."

Its not... quite a pout..but its still a cute posture for the pretty woman-child half elf.

Erizi hustles back from the temple door, when he notices the others approach. He listens to the telling of the next step, and all traces of weariness disappear, replaced by a childlike eagerness.

"Yes". "I would like to kill a big snake". "Perhaps I can make a belt from it's hide".

Then he turns to Silena, and slowly approaches, mindful of her spikes. "I am sorry that I did not give you a chance before". "Erizi chooses to trust you until you prove unworthy of that trust". Then swallowing he approaches the woman, and makes to embrace here in his giant arms... a hug of friendship, knowing that those spikes are probably going to hurt.

Silena is... stunned at first, "huh, What are you... doing~?"

The hard shell of her spiked blackened banded Mail is solid indeed... but the petite shape of womanly softness underneath is unmistakable as his arms tighten around her in embrace her body yielding... despite the warrior's physique of her back muscles stiffening in wary alert! Held close the dark exotic fragrance of her soft silver-streaked white hair is noticeable.. and enticing. Silena is a lovely.. if prickly bundle to hold in one's arms.

She struggles slightly, "..you wool-headed lout! Let go of ... me...~"

But her words don't hold the usual certainty so familiar to her usual tone... and she lingers in the embrace a telling second or two before wriggling free.. though she does not make any attempt to prick Erizi with the spikes of her armor. Did he perhaps notice a deep cat-like purr in her chest as she broke contact?

She turns away cheeks flushing slightly, and shoulders trembling in anger.. or is it frustration; as she re-collects her dignity?

"You idiot! We don't have time for such foolishness.. we got work to do... muscle-bound moron!"

But her stance seen from behind, even with her garish ocher green-colored cloak fluttering in the evening breeze somewhat obscuring her shapely shoulders; is not one of fury.. more of petulant indignant embarrassment... not really wrath. It is clear... Silena is not use to tender embraces... and is not sure how to accept them... especially in friendship.

An awkward silence passes...

Angrily she retorts, "Can we just go kill this snake ... and then discuss the intel we gathered from Umdrella?!?! We have a busy day tomorrow!"

Jengren leans over to Calain, 'Ahhhhh, you have competition for your elf's affection." Not wasting an opportunity to tease.

Erizi turns his head quizzically as Silena slips free of his hug. "I". "I aaa". "I am sorry". "I still do not fully understand this bonding between beings". "I know my face is not handsome, but I assure you my intent was to only bring you comfort". "I will not be so presumptuous in the future".

"Now, Merry Group Ho!" "Let's go to combat together".

Erizi starts off in the direction the two arrived from, surprised to see he is the only one moving at the moment.

"We have little light left in this day, and our camp is set. Are we to leave our things unguarded or do we leave some behind? I don't know that Dashki or this new man can be trusted enough to watch over all of it.

Calain would be a good choice to stay behind with the other NPCs.

Just so. Calain will remain at camp, snarling at Dashki every so often.

So, off snake-hunting at the old slave market, yes?

Snake hunting works for us.

Jengren walks close to the Erizi, "You may have noticed, but I'm not exactly a weapon wielding man." He pauses to let the warrior take in that fact. "My talents lie in the arcane arts." His eyebrows move up. "I'd prefer, and I'm actually more use, to the group, if you place yourself between me and any melee weapon danger." He smiles and extends his hand. "Deal?

megan, how late is it going to be when we arrive?

Sonya gives Cailin a sympathetic pat knowing how much he must hate to miss a battle. "I'm trusting you to keep them all safe," Sonya says before gathering herself up and following the party. As they travel she feels her magical link with Cailin stretch until it eventually breaks. Sonya remains quiet as the group walks, testing the limits of her new skill. Once she has lost her link with Cailin, Sonya begins to stretch out three new bonds of divine magic making sure to touch each of her companions as they travel. Sonya's gentle touch fills them with the warm glow of the Everlight's healing grace.

I lost my life link of Selina and Jengren when they went to speak with the harpy. I'm casting it back on them and casting a new one on Erizi as Cailin is well out of range.

Silena smiles at Sonya's gentle touch and the feel of pure & warm divine energy of Sarenrae filling her... unlike the bitter and cold feel of the Midnight Lord's power seething within her.

In response Silena brushes her fingers across Sonya's fingers, gently, in a sign of affection at her touch to reset her life link, but she says nothing and refocuses her attention on the task at hand.

Silena leads the way to the location of the snake described by Umdrella.

She does speak up to Jengren's concerns, "Jen, you know I know your not a warrior... and that I'll let nothing near you to harm you. That's WHY I'm here. Trust your Battle Cleric."

Her words are half-spoken in jest.. no real accusation in them.

"Deal". "It just so happens that Melee weapons I understand Magic I don't". "Just don't burn, freeze, or shock me with anything, and we'll get along fine".

"Hey"! "What's happening". "That tickles and kind of burns at the same time".

"Now lead the way, whoever knows where we're going".

Erizi draws forth his massive Earthbreaker and holds it in hand ready to rumble.

"Even better...two warriors shielding me.' He slaps both of Erizi and Silena's back. "That the way it should be."

Notice how he politely suggested that you put your lives directly at risk to protect his. Just like a sorcerer.

It is by now getting dark. You arrive at the slave market (B1). Fire claimed much of this building ages ago, leaving behind only a partially collapsed shell. An old ruined sign bearing the legend "—AVE MARKET" hangs above the gaping entrance on the north side of the building.

"Be calm Erizi, it is the Dawnflower's blessing and shall keep you safe in the coming battle."

Erizi simply looks at the priestess and nods, before entering the building.

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11 Perception

His eyes taking some time to adjust to the darkness of the area.

It's dark and quiet...

Jengren casts light on a copper and handing it to Erizi, so the group can see. For Erizi's benefit. "Selina's the only who can see in the dark." He pauses, "If you prefer I can cast it on your weapon, or whatever."

Silena strides forward boldly undeterred by the darkness... hefting her cold iron spiked chain in two hands buckler on her right fist

"I'll flush the snake out... just be there to back me up..."

As she moves into the dark environs... she suddenly vanished from sigh turning invisible ...but not silent as she strides into the temple boldly moving from room to room searching the darkness with her inherent darkvision.

Domain Power - Dark Hunter Standard Action - Invisibility/Stealth: 1d20 + 4 - 7 + 20 ⇒ (5) + 4 - 7 + 20 = 22
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Move: 20'ft

Sonya focuses silently on the teather of positive energy that links to her life sensing for any harm that may come to her while she is out of sight.

Silena ghosts her way into the now-derelic slave market (not a temple!). The entry foyer leads to a large hall, now roofless, with a block in the centre. Offices off to the left, a grilled and gated passage to the right with cells and holding pens beyond.

Which way?

Sonya continues to trace the teather sensing no harm has come to Selina yet. "She's still unharmed, stay in the doorway and be patient. If anything goes wrong I'll warn you the instant it happens. Be ready to move in after her in a moments notice."
Her strong determined words do not reflect the turmoil in her mind. Please be ok. I'm trusting you to not be reckless. I can't bear you suffering any more pain, let me help carry your burden.

Silena does not pause turning left to enter the offices... sweeping the slave market methodically and quickly searching for any hostile inhabitants - mindful of the limited time her Darkness Domain - Night Hunter {invisibility} power will last {5rds/day - 1rd used}.

Double Move Actions: 20'ft / 20'ft
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Stealth: 1d20 + 1 + 20 - 6 ⇒ (14) + 1 + 20 - 6 = 29

Erizi whispers to Silena. "She's going to get herself kill't walking in there by herself". "I can't even see her".

Jengren moves forward using Erizi as his barrier. "Anyone see the elf?"

Those outside: There's a bit of a commotion off to the left... but the 'life link' is steady so far.

Did the snake somehow detect Silena? She is invisible and rolled a really high stealth roll...

Silena smiles, "Ah.. there you are..."

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

silena snakes tend to have the Scent ability. If you are within 5 ft of the snake it can pinpoint unseen creatures. Stealth doesn't mask your smell.

"I heard something...I think". "I'm going in swinging in a moment"

Erizi prepares to draw his lighted coin from his belt pouch.