D is outside. Oscar takes a swing at the demonic man, and hits hard as it flees out the front door just as a few of the Foxtails do. Xara just stands there, as two spawn begin to assault her. Raxaniel holds the door open.
Between Koldur, Sable and Brother Henric the force of undead are at bay.
It is now well into the evening, outside will be dark, just they way vampires like it.
Alendar used to situations like this quickly pulls a support beside the bar and a wooden cover slams down over the liquor. Alendar also takes cover behind his bar. The girls try to take cover. One of them is grabbed by one of the ruffians. Not many of those in the pub are not part of the attack group, four individuals take cover.
"Go Sable! We'll hold this as long as we can."
To those four individuals.
"Move you fools, We've got a chance to do so, run for the door, your lives depend on it."
A sudden thought occurs to him and a nagging fear begins to grow.
No It can't be....Could it be? Just a chance perhaps.
"Moonshine, Move!!! Have you forgotten your lessons? Always keep moving, Constant Movement Always!!!"
I'm not just standing, I'm just after the vampire and waiting for his action before posting.
If she can head out without having to use the withdraw action, she'll move out and summon a celestial eagle to attack the vampire.
The girl attendants and the bartender have all fled. The only ones to worry about are the Foxtails who have been mauled, had their necks torn out, those outside, Oscar and Xara.
The vampire was attacking Sable. Considering the situation even if you withdraw you will take AoOs.
Koldur you see one of the attendants being pushed back into the far side of the bar. "Rusty, get yourself out of here, the Stolenlands hold the truth!" She yells as four vampire spawn push her behind a table which gets upturned.
If she's getting AoOs anyway...
Xara moves outside and performs a summoning ritual. A magnificent white bird appears behind the vampire opposite one of the heroes and attacks the undead.
Talon 1:
Damage:
Talon 2:
Damage:
Bite:
Damage:
The first of those that hit do an extra point of damage, and they all bypass DR because of smite evil.
Seeing his former charge being set upon by vicious beasts awoke the inner protective instincts of Koldur deep within himself.
A quick accessment of the quickest exit via window vs a charging heavy dwarf at full charge summed up his actions.
"Nooooo.......raghhhh"
A roar of pure anger as he slaps both weapon hafts to his side ignoring the stinging sensation of cuts as, the dwarf with sudden ferocious agilty, vaults over overturned chairs and tables transforming into a rolling mass of bunched muscles, which could prove an intimidating sight to lesser creatures when confronted with his snarling vestige.
Barrelling his way past snatching claws, ignoring the streams of blood his passage is costing him to snatch up his precious prize and to charge straight through the thin slit of a window, cradling his former charge as he brings all the fury of his dwarven body and strength, his entire heart and soul put forward to this very attempt.
Brawny Shoulders slam with all the fury of the dwarf spearheading it hoping to smash his way to freedom.
"Hold tight Moonshine, One Exit, Dwaven style, coming right up."
Razaniel was not expecting all this - the situation is chaotic indoors, and the area beset by what seem like demonic or undead foes - he stands fast by the door, offering support with his bow to keep any foes at bay as best as possible, until all are out safely.
Though... Where to next? - he ponders, just as the dwarf literally barrels through the WALL.
The vampire is distracted by the eagle, even more when the daylight erupts.
Koldur takes massive wounds, but makes it through the throng of undead bloodsuckers, picking up his charge and shoulder first, makes a dwarf sized hole in a weak part of the wall.
It seems that by his actions the whole bar is unstable and the back begins to buckle, then the front follows soon enough.
Everyone state where you are and where you wish to go.
D has collected several mounts from the stables, the mounts wait for their masters. D and Sable's mounts are elsewhere, thus leaving Oscar's, Henric's, and Razaniel's mounts. Xara's mount is elsewhere.
The holy symbol of Brother Henric seems to have lost its luster and the vampire spawn attempt to attack but still are at bay.
The daylight must have been only momentary for it peters out and Sable seems to be caught in a mortal struggle with the Vampire, surrounded by many of its spawn.
As Sable shouts out, D's hand flicks outward and a small object flies through the air. "Sir, you really should check your appearance. I am afraid your five o'clock shadow is showing, but perhaps your companion should check his appearance first." The item is the small mirror from D's shaving kit.
Xara moves away, while her eagle continues to slice and dice the vampire. Xara pulls out her silent whistle and begins calling her mount.
Round 2
Oscar will also barge after the demonic men trough the window.
Round 3
Seeing most of the people head for the stable in order to get their mount he will do the same and follow them
Henric confused in the chaos mounts up and takes his mule's lead. Hearing Sable's shout he responds Aye! looking around he assists any who may need aid riding up to Koldur and his charge he calls on Erastil to heal those in need
Razaniel rushes to retrieve his mount, returning as fast as possible to the inn's entrance, offering cover for the retreat.
The building that was a pub now falls upon itself, peices of mortar and wood fly. The group mounts up and rushes away as you see vampire spawn crawl their way out of the rubble.
Where do each of you go? Do you stick with the group that has been thrown together or do you venture off on your own? Who is in the lead, D? Razaniel seems to be last.
None of you saw Sable exit the building.
Raaniel moves away on his horse but shouts - "The elf is still inside!" - warning the others - "We cannot simply leave him!" - he adds through gritted teeth.
Was Xara able to summon her giant crow?
A massive black bird flies down and picks up Xara seeing that there is a threat in the area.
"Running water or a private residence are out best options. I do believe it is time to go." D announces climbing on his horse.
The demonic man runs and takes an alley as soon as possible with the other Foxtails in tow.
Moonshine appears to be hurt as well being out of sorts, "Come, we will ride for the temple of Desna."
Razaniel hesitates for a moment, then follows the others.
Xara flies low over the rubble of the pub, looking for any signs of the elf she can snatch up.
"Ride!!!! To the temple of Desna. Ride now!!! The Dark is nearly upon us."
Koldur wheels his mount as his commanding voice rings out across the empty air, bringing his mount and his charge's mount riding hard and furious towards the temple of Desna.
Sable, I hope you got out of there alive, if you didn't I swear to have that creature's head
Henric looks around seeing everyone ride off toward the temple. He heard Sable cry out to meet at the spot they entered Restov as the building fell. The west gate must be what he spoke of. He would ensure all got to the temple then grab D and Raz to see if Sable was waiting for them near the gate. He hurries to catch up with the others.
Oscar will also ride and follow to the Temple of Desna
Dam vampires next time when there won't be so many innocent around to you to take thrall i will destroy you.
Assuming you all travel to the temple of Desna. Their main doors are shut but a standard bolt door is open with guards standing at it. As Moonshine shouts out 'Hollyberries', they fling open the doors and help you inside. As other guards quickly take any mounts off to the side. The priests come rushing over to hear of all the commotion then see Moonshine and begin to channel, then focus on individuals.
Once all are there Brother Henric does what he planned and heads to the West Gate with D and Raz if they would come.
Koldur dismounts and hits the ground running,catching the elf before he collaspes under the weight of his wounds. Looking at his companions, he gestures for them all to make haste and ride for sanctury.
Failing to see how he can help staunch the blood flow, the dwarf hands over Sable to one of his other companions before mounting up.
"He's wounded badly, how bad I can't tell, The temple have healers and it's holy ground. We should regroup there. Moonshine can tell us exactly what in the name of the gods is happening here."
Oscar will also offer assistance with the wounded in the form of Lay On Hands.
He will also introduce himself to the lead cleric of Desna as a Sacred Servant of Abadar
Xara, unable to find Sable in the rubble, flies off towards the temple of Desna, landing as the others arrive with the elf. She pats Reafan's neck as she dismounts, commanding him to stay. She introduces herself simply as Xara, a servant of Grandmother Crow.
Koldur brings the priest up to speed on what happened as he sees to the defences being put up. Always better to be prepared.
Leaving Sable in far more capable hands then he, he commandeers the priests, their guards and whoever else could wield a weapon to prepare themselves in case of an attack. While doing that he will look out for his former charge, Moonshine. She could shed more light on this.
Sable! Henric calls upon Erastil again.
If any of the guardsmen can be saved he will do his best to see to them as well. Henric will bring any survivors with them to the temple leading his horse so the wounded may ride if need be.
Brother Henric, alas all the guards are dead, you can tell your channels have no effect on them.
Koldur once back to the temple you realize one of your legs is acting up, do you let a priest or Brother Henric look at it?
His legs are shaking he realises, better to get it seen too as much of his fighting style relies on them being hale and hearty.
Turning to look for Henric
"Henric, I do believe my wounds may have caught up to me. Would you take a look?"
Moonshine collects to all in a side room where Koldur and Sable are resting and can listen. "I thank you all for your help. I can give you each a gift if you require one for your actions. Life in Brevoy is hard enough as it is, but without the support of your family it is by far worse. I hope to find clues to where my family went or what happened to them. I know there is an old temple to Eristal that may have answers for me. I have a charter for exploration into the stolen lands where this temple is, though still dealing with noble families I wish to send you on this errand for me. I have protectors, but today was a holy day for them, servants of Kaevern are strange in their rituals, but very fierce when protecting. I had thought I would be fine this night with such loyal and stalwart companions. Though I think the vampire had another focus, it seemed like he wanted Sable and/or Koldur. Here is the charter the swordlords have given to me, may you make all haste in the morning or when Sable and Koldur are able." She tries to explain and is willing to answer any questions you might have.
If i understood correctly, the vampire lord hired the criminal gang known as the fox something to kidnap a relative of Sable.
he stops for a second or two
So you need to find answers and you think there should be some in an old temple in the stolen lands
Alright i am in he says. You can see his muscle relaxing as he came to a decision.
His legs buckling as the adrenalin finally leaves his system and all the wounds seem to converge and make its presence known all at once.
"I think I'm getting too old for this or maybe all this arguing with walls is finally catching up to me. I'll take some rest and rest my tired bones. I'll rest an-..........zzzzzzz"
His words cut off mid-speech as he finally surrenders to his body's incessant need to rest and recover.
Xara, silent until now, speaks up with challenge in her eyes. "I'm sorry, but I fail to see how this little quest of yours 'protects the kingdom', like your missive to me suggested. I serve the needs of the common people. You folk have enough common folk serving your needs already."
"The Surtova family is cause of family Rogarvia's disappearance, a pact much like what Chelliax made with devils, but much more insidious. Dark Ones have been returning. The only way to stop the Dark Ones from fully coming and taking a firm grip on Brevoy a descendant of Choral must retake the throne. If you thought the spawn of that vampire was bad, the Dark Ones are worse they creep not only in the night but in the dark places of your mind and fear. Now do you understand how you are protecting the kingdom?" Moonshine continues.
"Princess...Moonshine, is it? I mean no disrespect, I don't know you, and I know nothing about you. I've met one or two nobles in my life who seemed genuinely interested in something other than lining their pockets and filling their bellies...and I've met a lot of nobles. Maybe you're the third. Maybe you're telling the truth here. I don't know at this point. I do think there is something going on, that bandits are working with vampires, and if there is something I detest more than selfish nobles, it's brigands and bandits. The Stolen Lands are a good place to find bandits, so I will come along, if only to keep these fools from luring dangerous enemies into attacking them in a public place filled with innocents."
She glares at Sable and Koldur, shaking her head.
Koldur at this point.......
"zzzzzz......"
D produces a blanket and pillow and makes Koldur comfortable, and sits hot beverages next to everyone along with finger foods.
Well i will start with stopping these vampires, that is for sure says oscar with a firm voice
"Moonshine is my old nickname Koldur used for me. I am Alexandria Rogarvia, only by the priests of Desna was I protected from whatever happened to the rest of my family those ten years ago and yet I still was not unscathed, I slept for nearly six years, and recently been learning what I can. The swordlords want the stolenlands explored and mapped out, that is the reason they send those that will take this charter in my name. Take care of the bandits as you choose. If there is nothing else I have more research to collect." Alexandria says in a 'noble' way. She sticks around for several minutes answering any other questions then leaves.
oscar not very familiar with the history of the stolen lands will ask about the line of Rogarvia and Surtova and why would the old church holds some answers
"It was alluded that a cleric or priest in that temple held some ancient scrolls describing the Dark Ones and possibly how to defeat them. It was also said that one of the priests actually created the pact between the Dark Ones and Surtova. There are many rumors and contradicting testimonies but this seems the most valid information or at least you should find some truths. I have a small spy network collecting information for me, though it is only as far as Restov and the capitol." She explains then continues, "Rogarvia and Surtova have been the ruling families for ages, Surtova family surrendered to Choral the Conqueror when he advanced into their lands. Is there more specific information that you are looking for?"