Varrel scans the room as he enters openly with Ashe and his new ally in tow. He lets the holy types do the talking, while he as usual assumes the role of the paid Bodyguard. He didn't mind the supposed facade, since it was so close to the truth anyway. The Iomedaen's WERE here to help and Varrel and Silf WERE keeping an eye out. Just not for overly eager sick. Something more sinister.
The familiar chitters in his master's ear in thier shared secret language, his constant twitching caused by it's natural jittery nature AND being unused to the fine new leather Lamillar that Damoc had Masterfully enchanted.
★ Many soon to be dead and some already dead in here, Master. I hear and see so much Prey. Say so Master, I will attack. Silf is Hungry. ★
The Magus liked the little Raptor's aggressive nature. He would not shy from danger. But he was still a predator and still thought of other creatures in terms of 'food' or 'not food', it would take some time adjusting to it's new intelligence.
★We are not here to feed, Silf, we are here to hunt. There are predators here causing too much death. Killing for sport, not food. It is them we hunt. Be watchful of the men in masks and anyone with weapons. ★
Edit: Added Silf's stats and updated AC's for new gear.
Ashe activates his divine senses detecting for the presence of evil before entering the Hospice front doors, looking for a Nurse or 'doctor'.
"Greetings... I'm am 'Sir' {Lieut} Asherick Whiteplume-Stolyarev of the Korvosan Guard, Paladin of the Inheritor, Holy Iomedae... and a healer. I have divine power to cure those worse-case that are diseased by 'Blood Veil'... may I enter and assist Reiner Davaulus and his... acolytes in treating those with the greatest need?"
Mejenko perched upon Ashe's shoulder...his head cocked paying close attention to Varrel's new familiar... his tongue darting in & out rapidly analyzing his scent, and his stingered tail casually twitching... not threateningly... but curious and wary.
As they approach, Deriven says to Ashe, "Ask who this Blessed Maiden is. Is it supposed to be the Queen? Probably a subtle way of praising Urgathoa. I would love to hear an explanation of why the Hospice bears such a name."
***
Deriven walks on Ashe's left. While Ashe engages a doctor or nurse, his stern blue eyes scan the room. He is studying faces, walls, location of doors and passages, clothing and holy symbols of the doctors and nurses, and any general noteworthy information.
Varrel was not surprised at the wall that was put in front of them, what's more the method was exactly as one would expect from a proper hospice.
He mentally relays to Majenko,
He sincerely hoped his new allies were nearby, ready to support them.
Deriven meets the woman's eyes, "Ma'am, I am Lieutenant-Chaplain Deriven Firelion, Servant of Iomedae. I have traveled from Magnimar to assist the citizens of Korvosa."
Deriven will approach the sick folk. "May I attend you?" He will give each a checkup to determine how far along the sickness is.
On their way to the hospice Graxer will cast and walking in after the others Graxer surveys the room.. Rotating through his detection senses he'll attempt to discern any vileness present..
1st-4/day
2nd-4/day
Before the Hospice:
Damoc meets the group a few moments late. In the course of the last four days you've seen him in conservative courtier's clothes or his work smock, but today he is garbed quite differently. Blue leather armor with a tight fitting metal skullcap, a voluminous black cloak which partially conceals the sword at his side, a leather rucksack slung under one arm. He doesn't look comfortable, nor does he hold himself with the easy confidence of a man used to battle. He is quiet. His eyes shift from place to place. He rubs his palms continually.
They all look so ready. I hope I don't let them down.
***
Damoc looks around Varrel's shoulder at the interview taking place between the attendant and the Inheritor twins. Observing the state of the sick citizens he sidesteps unconsciously away and draws a heavy kerchief across his mouth and nose. He knots it behind his head.
Ashe listens to the woman's response... quickly realizing she is not listening to anything he or Deriven said. Ashe complies going over toward the bench... or at least looking like he is complying.
Hearing Varrel telepathic message from Majenko he replies telepathically,
Varrel understands the intent.
Mentally he relays to Majenko:
Varrel gently steers Ashe towards a particularly bad looking patient, standing with the Grey Knight between him and the attendant who seems content to ignore the group.
He looks over Ashe's shoulder at the woman, Surely this poor soul, could be availed somewhat? Might the inheritor have a blessing to spare?
Varrel hopes being away from the woman and her disinterest from her task make it difficult for her to realize what has occurred.
If she DID manage to shake it off, well they'd know in a moment....
Seeing Varrel attempt to put the woman to sleep casts , to make sure there's no sneakies hanging about.. "Ive got an hour of see invis active.. I suggest we tie her up and get moving.."
1st-5/day
2nd-2/day
Ashe Comments via Majenko telepathically,
Deriven tries to communicate through the dragon,
Graxer sigh's and moves forward.. Hand resting on the hilt of his sword..
Feeling the pseudodragon touch his mind to deliver Varrel's message, Damoc starts, then steps fully through the doorway and pulls it closed behind him. Don't want passersby to see if trouble starts.
Using a pseudodragon for communications -- brilliant! Feeling a little at a loss and considerably less brilliant, he considers actions should Varrel's spell fail.
Varrel breathes a sigh of relief and projects via Majenko, he thinks simply so as to not have the little dragon drag o Friday or misspeak the message.
The instructions were simple and tactically sound. The way they came in was clear so little need for the frontliners to wait. If it could be solved diplomatically, Ashe was a good talker. If combat was a forgone conclusion then those two were the most durable and either because of race or faith were also the best at resisting hostile magic. Not to mention their initial assault would afford Varrel, Damoc and Deriven to cast.
Without missing a step Ashe surveys the situation... looks over the waiting patients in the foyer and assess which of them is worse off with the disease.
Pulling out his Wand of Remove Disease - Ashe expends a charge of the wand to remove the ailment entirely.
Speaking the the patients healed, "May Iomedae guide and guard you... be well! When you get home to your abodes... you must discard any and all bedding that you may have rested upon ...anything touched by the blood from sores of the ailment. The Disease is spread on contact. Wash EVERYTHING Thoroughly! Goddess go with you."
Without waiting any further Ashe parts the leather curtain to the area beyond striding in purposefully as if he belongs there and knows exactly where his is going...
Replying to Varrel, telepathically
He rapidly pans his gaze around with his 60'ft cone of evil detection seeking sources of evil...
Deriven nods at the sick folk, "Ashe's intructions are sound. Do not tarry here too long. Merely being within this place may cause you to become ill again. May The Goddess bless you and keep you safe."
Deriven follows Ashe maintaining arm's length behind his circle-brother as he is trained to do. He thinks to Majenko,
Deriven scans the room upon entering.
Damoc opens the door and stands well aside to allow the cured patients out without letting them get too close.
He makes sure the door is closed behind them when they go.
He trails the others toward the leather curtain.
Moving alongside Ashe, Graxer heads further into the Hospice.. Scanning with all his senses he attempts to locate any secret passages or deadly assassins..
He sends a message in return to all..
Ashe pauses only but a moment at the horror of the suffering around him, whispering in shock,
Then Ashe is moving purposefully... making hhis way as if he belongs their toward the "Kitchen area". .
Across Majenko he telepathically informs the party,
As Ashe passes cots with sick he makes quick visual diagnosis of those with the most bloody sores on their face and limbs with the largest buboes... and he will touch those with the wand of remove disease... saying nothing but moving on. He will expend at least three charges from the wand if he can for the three worse case within reach he spots as he moves...
As he goes he will have Majenko relay a message that... somewhat confuses the Pseudodragon...
Of Ashe deep frustration is evident on his face...
Deriven keeps pace behind Ashe. He watches the Grey Maidens, the grim disapproval clear in his expression. Evil women are common amongst followers of The Pallid Princess. This is no surprise.
Following Ashe, Graxer stares a hole into the nearest Grey Maiden and disregards the telepathic communication.. "By Gorum i have no problems slaying girlies.. Especially evil ones.. Especially ones who prey on populace not capable of fighting to the death.." He stops short of the kitchen, pulls his blade and casts a spell.. And then points his blade at the closest Grey Maiden.. "Hey b&!#%! Why don't you come face a real warrior and see how you fair.."
For those of you who have not seen Graxer in combat you realize quite fast thats he is a very vocal combatant..
"Ashe, I don't think the dwarf is going to allow for conversation," says Deriven.
"Graxer No! Arrrgh! WE are intruding here.. they are the Queen's Quard!! They MUST attack US unprovoked... the Law is on their side~!!!"
His exasperation clear on his face... as a officer of the law and a Korvosan Guardsman he has just been put in a legally Very unsupportable position...
Quickly he turns to face Ashe.. A look of hatred and rage across his face.. "These people are heathens! Not worthy to portray themselves as the law! They make a mockery of these peoples lives and i'll not stand for it! Provoked or not it doesn't matter if their all dead.." With he turns back to the women..
Ashe grimaces... and does the only thing he can do...
He steps away from the Dwarf and addresses the Grey Maidens, "Attention I am I am a dully appointed Korvosan Gaurdsman, deputized by the authority of to be here to render aid in the healing and monitoring of the care these sick citizens are being doled out here in the Hospice of the Fair Maiden. I have every right to be here... and I do not support any unprovoked violence that dwarf initiates on his own. Be warned unprovoked assault upon my person will change that!"
Having publicly identified himself and provided spoken testimony as to his purpose in the Hospice... Asherick folds his arms across his chest and stays out of any violence the others decide to engage in... unless he is personally attacked. It is all... legally he can do at this point.
His handsome features show his deep disapproval and distaste of having to take the Grey Maiden's side in this as lawfully he must. However, he is Not under the Grey Maiden's command and does not have to help them do battle... he can however focus on keeping them from dying if/when they are vanquished by his... more excitable and violent friends... at least in this fight anyways.
Ashe sigh's hoping the next fight will go differently...
Deriven grimaces, but remains poised. He says under his breath,"Stupid, Graxer. Very stupid."
Deriven readies his shield, "We have come to inspect this facility. We have reason to believe it is harboring evil folk intent on harming the city and may well hold information vital to defeating the plague. We intend to complete our inspection of the entire facility. We will not leave until we are satisfied that you do not house those that intend harm to the city. We do so in the name of Field-Marshall Cressida Croft who represents the city and Iomedae who represents justice for those wrongly harmed by the injust. We shall not be barred from our duty."
"Citizens of Korvosa, we will not harm anyone that does not stand in our way. Please remain in your beds. We will keep the disruption as minimal as possible as long as the law-abiding Gray Maidens and noble doctors allow us to do carry out our duties. I'm sure they do not wish to interfere with righteous people seeking to help the city and its citizens."
Ashe smiles at Deriven's words, unfolding his arms he moves to stand at his side, and whispers, "Well played circle brother. I should have thought of that approach. I'll follow your lead and have your flank..."
Varrel sighs, but he was surprised Graxer had held himself this long.
Ashe did not yet realize what Graxer was.
The dwarf lived his life with complete freedom and passion.
When the dwarf was confronted with evil, he found it abhorrent and simply smashed it out of existence.
Varrel was a little more restrained, but generally liked a little more proof.
He decided to end this with as little bloodshed as possible.
Varrel acts swiftly. He speaks to his familiar in a harsh, screechy language.
★Now we attack the prey. Hold on! ★
Silf does as commanded and keeps his claws firmly dug into the pauldrons on Varrel's armor, he leans back using his master for cover and lets out his own shrill call!
As the only flier, Naturally his targets are obvious. He casts SHOCKING GRASP, then
He flies up (drawing his Scimitar as part of the move and using an arcane point to empower it for one minute to be a +1 Keen scimitar) to be adjacent to the closest Grey Maiden, though a foot or so higher in elevation so were he to attack her it would be from 'higher ground'. He uses his free action to deliver the deadly spell via Spellstrike.
Ashe scowls at the Grey Maidens reaction... no verbal challenge or warning... just immediate hostility. Yes, Graxer had complicated it by brandishing a weapon and challenging one to combat {legally a shaky ground to stand on}... but even so; not so much as a verbal warning to tell their dwarven companion to put away his weapon or face the consequences! NOT very professional for law enforcement soldiers...
Which left one conclusion, they were evil and intent on evil deeds here, but Ashe needed to be absolutely sure it was not just hot-blooded emotions running wild...
Ashe slides his shield on its strap from his back securing it on his arm and moves directly toward the approaching Grey Maidens, sword still undrawn, but his shield held high for maximum defense.
Speaking directly to the approaching Grey Maidens, "Grey Maidens, our dwarven companion is loud and a worshiper of GORUM... so fighting is in his blood but you are servants of the Crown of Korvosa as we are Agents of the Law of Korvosa... even the Queen is not above the law - be mindful of what you do before you decide to attack us! your Grandmaster would not approve of your hindering our Lawful search of this facility with violence!"
Varrel sees his blade hit home and the arcane power flow into the Grey Maiden on the catwalk violently convulses as the electricity flows into her.
As an after thought, he speaks,
I will not suffer my friends to harm
But his blade had already delivered a lethal point.
---------
His master having delivered a mighty blow, Silf jumps from Varrel's shoulder and flies in a straight charge, he enters her space and attacks (no AOO since Silf uses SUDDEN SWOOP ability)
As the arrows rain down at him the world goes red.. "Finally my thirst will be sated.." Graxer roars a challenge that dam near shakes the foundation.. "BLOOD for THE LORD IN IRON!" Frothing at the mouth the dwarf charges the closest Grey Maiden.. As he closes on her.. "DIE HEATHEN SCUM!" and he swings his massive sword..
Deriven shakes his head and follows Ashe, "Not to keen on speaking are they." His light shield is ready, but he keeps his weapon sheathed. He takes a defensive posture behind Ashe keeping an eye on the doctors.
Ashe rolls his eyes, and whispers, "...sometimes I wonder why I bother? Snap decision jugdmentalism seems to be the way of the world. Its even worse among the fanatically "good" and "lawful". Is the world bereft of the idea of mercy or benefit of doubt?"
Even as the mental and then verbal conversation show the plan unraveling fast Damoc follows the others through the curtain,
Init
the first thing he sees is a patient covered in sores whose shirt is striped with blood she's coughed up. Dear Abadar, keep that from me. There's just no where to go without the threat of plague close at hand.
The snap of two bowstrings refocuses his attention. The arrows have already landed when he cries out a warning to Graxer. Varrel has flown to vanquish the bowmen. It's all happening so fast.
He draws a scroll from his handy haversack and reads shield.
Foolish woman, you have greater problems than a dwarf in plate who cannot reach you.
He then switches to his secret language to Silf
★Harass Her! (Aid another)★
Silf continues to bite at the maiden and flap about her face, she would pay for ignoring the ferocious Pterosaur! !
Varrel casts RIME FROSTBITE and flies to the second archer on the platform
again, delivering his spell via his ** Keen** Scimitar with a 2 handed overhand chop from his elevated position.
You can use this skill to cause an opponent to become shaken for a number of rounds. The DC of this check is equal to 10 + the target's Hit Dice + the target's Wisdom modifier. If you are successful, the target is shaken for 1 round. This duration increases by 1 round for every 5 by which you beat the DC. You can only threaten an opponent in this way if they are within 30 feet and can clearly see and hear you. Using demoralize on the same creature only extends the duration; it does not create a stronger fear condition
Being hit by the woman only fuels Graxer's rage.. "Puny Manling, this is how its done" He swings his sword around at the other maiden..
But he over extends in his swing, loosing some accuracy for increased damage..
Damoc has barely finished his scroll and is looking up to see what's going on when Varrel ends the archery threat that caused the mage to cast the shield anyway. The little Cheliaxian wonders at the elf's seamless melding of swordsmanship, spellcasting, and skill at flight. To his left, Graxer has downed one opponent harries the second.
Damoc hurries after Ashe and Deriven.
Ashe scowls deeply at the felling of the one Maiden who paused in her advance to speak by Graxer's blade and he moves into action...
Ashe moves the the side of the dropped Grey Maiden 3# and crouching at her side, pulling out his healer's kit as he tries desperately to save her from dying ... if life is still in her.
Ashe cradles her head and shoulders held together barely by severed flesh and cleaved through plate and chain coif... a grizzly mess. He only hopes his efforts are not in vain...
Resting his hand upon the chest of her full plate armor a silvery light suffuses his hand flowing into the seams of the plate armor; a sacred touch.
Deriven can tell from his demeanor Ashe has decided NOT to fight in this battle...
As Ashe's circle brother, Deriven can remember the young lad that arrived at the Monastery in Magnimar some 8 years ago! He was so eager and so willing to learn! The pure desire in his heart to hunt down evil to stand for justice to end injustice where ever it would be found... to be a hero like his missing father burned in his young child's heart! Yet, there was a gentleness there as well and a... gift'. A Sacred Touch, the boy was magical... he possessed a power of mercy that the meisters of the Cathedral of Iomedae learned he could save anyone from dying at a mere touch of his hand as long as life was still in them. Even before the blessing of Iomedae manifested within him from the training. Yet, the boy Asherick never let this great gift go to his head but used it unreservedly freely. As his training advanced and he grew in maturity his young body growing, his knowledge of theology and martial skill increased - he made Great Progress! The temple masters felt he would one day be one of the greatest knights of the Inheritor... but with one flaw. Ashe refused to attack the other female sisters in his circle during martial training with any real effort. It was not disdain it was a chivalrous streak that no level of clerical counseling, scolding, or even liberally administered beatings by the female circle sisters could remove from his heart or personal sense of propriety. He accepted that there were evil women in the world indeed that were guilty of wickedness that would be punishable by death or violence... and he accepted he might face such foes and have to use lethal force; but it made no difference in his aversion to shed... {as he called it} . It seems even years of adventuring and travel have NOT changed that strongly held vow of his heart.
Deriven stays near Ashe, "Is she alive?" Man had no trouble putting me down during sparring, but he couldn't harm a woman. Same old, Ashe. He looks at the carnage, This has gone all wrong. This elf and Gorumite have little respect for laws. Seems they would both gladly wander around as outlaws killing the folk sent to arrest them even if they were no more than guardsmen doing a job. I hope this doesn't go badly for the Field-Marshall. If we don't find some damning evidence before we leave here, it's going to look like she sent a pack of bloodthirsty brigands into a hospital.
"Ashe, if that saved that woman's life," says Deriven knowing Ashe's touch can do so,"we need to find some evidence of wrongdoing or we'll be the criminals. We can't have Iomedae represented by men branded as murderous criminals. Let's move to the loading dock and find the lower level. That's where they'll be keeping their evil secrets more than likely."
Ashe replies to his circle brother cradling the armored woman in his lap... gently trying to remove her sundered full helm without causing more injury, "...I'm uncertain if life is still in her. I'll do what I can for her. Keep an eye on those Masked Physicians... do not let ANY of them escape! They are Red Mantis cultists... more criminal than any of these Grey Maiden's... BY FAR!!"
Ashe sparing a quick glance at the loading dock, "You are correct but... first we must learn if there are multiple ways down to this basement. Tactical doctrine of efficiently securing a hostile stronghold is - secure what is above before securing what is below. Less to cover as you can more easily tell how much you need to search. What's below ground will still be there as long as you secure the obvious ways down. There are too many ways to escape an above ground stronghold..."