Militarized Magic Arc II: Into Altiendel (Inactive)

Game Master Mikkel Madsenn

Roster of NPCs, World map, Combat map


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Male CG Half Elf Untouchable Spelleater 4/ Shadowcaller 1 Half Elf | HP: 41/41 Nonlethal:| AC: 16 (12 Tch, 14 Fl) | CMB: +7, CMD: 19 | F: +8, R: +3, W: +4 | Init: +2 | Perc: +11, SM: +5 | Speed 40ft (40 in armor | Bloodrage: 8/12 | Friendly SR:+2 | 1st Level Spell: 2/2 | Active conditions: None.

Letting go of his anger and his flesh form, Xizoh gently pats Cel on the shoulder, his exhaustion slowing his movement. "If you can help us find our friends, I'll help however I can."


Female Elf Fighter (Cad) 3 / Spellslinger 2
Stats:
Init: +5 | HP: 29/29 | AC: 13 | FF: 10 | Tch: 13 | Fort: +3 | Ref: +4 | Will: +5 | Perc: +4 | +5 Fort vs Cold Weather | +2 Against Enchantment | Immune sleep | -2 STR

Henri swings the revolver around on her finger, holstering it and extinguishing the blue glow of magic emanating from the barrel. "Yeah. Sign me the hell up." She pulls a cigarette from her pouch and lights a match, breathing heavily, small dots appearing in her vision as she remembers just how much everything she owns is weighing. "And, uh, if someone knows a way to get rid of whatever the f@*# he did to me, that'd be greatly appreciated, too." She took a brief step over to Terry's unconscious body and tapped a bit of ash from the cigarette onto it. "A@&~!$$."


M Human Bard 5
Stats:
Spells Left: inf/4/3 | Performance: 13/15 | Init: +4 | HP: 36/36 | AC: 20 | FF: 18 | TC: 12 | F/R/W: 4/7/5 | Perc: 8 | Se. Mo: 11 | +4 saves against sonic, language dependent, and bardic abilities

Elioden levers himself off of the floor and dusts himself off, wincing as his hands travel over the burn marks on his clothes. "Consider my help a gift freely given." He says, putting on his best innocent expression for the Major's benefit. And should an Aubergine going into the waterworks to save Altiendel citizens have repercussions, well thats something else entirely.

He shoots a wry smile at the rest of the party. "I think we'll be adventuring together afterall. What are the odds?"


They party notices the lamps in the room glow brighter again after Terry is knocked unconscious.

Major Kijel nods to the party. "Altiendel will owe you another debt. Of course I will do everything in my power to help you find your friends."

The major frowns at Henri's request. "Did a shadow touch you?" They beckon Henri closer. "I want to avoid involving a healer until I have a better idea of who else may involved, but I think I can help you."

They glance around the room. "Mr. Aubergine could use some expediting healing. Anyone else?"
Elioden should be at +18 HP by my count.

"Let me show you what I think you can expect." The major draws a long sheet of paper from under a stack of books. They ink a feather quill pen and begin to draw. "This is High Street," they point to the right of what is becoming a sketched map. "The entrance to Reservoir 3 is poorly marked. You can find it here between the ivy cliff and a lamppost. You'll wind your way through a tunnel and come to a door that leads to the reservoir cavern. It's usually not guarded, but Altien only knows what precautions they've taken. It is generally locked."

Major Kijel takes a bronze skeleton key from another desk drawer and sets in on top of the map. "Once you're through the door, you'll see stairs down to the reservoir level," they draw rough lines on either side of an 'entrance platform'. "The reservoir itself takes up most of the space in the room. The water wheel and its machinery are on the right side of the room. Beyond that is another door that leads to storage."

The major slides the key and the map across the desk toward the party. "I'll be wanting that key back," they say, looking at Elioden in particular. "I've identified four other guards who had requested reservoir duty with Furler. There may be others involved, but I doubt all of them will be there when you arrive."

Elioden:

Elioden thinks there should be another door somewhere in those two rooms that leads somewhere he very much wants to go. He also notices the major fails to mention the creature in the reservoir.

Henri:

Henri has a nagging feeling that she's heard something ominous about how Kinghaven keeps its water supply safe.

Major Kijel's sketch of Reservoir 3 is now in the World Map. If y'all have been waiting to try strategy planning ahead of combat, here's an opportunity.


M Human Bard 5
Stats:
Spells Left: inf/4/3 | Performance: 13/15 | Init: +4 | HP: 36/36 | AC: 20 | FF: 18 | TC: 12 | F/R/W: 4/7/5 | Perc: 8 | Se. Mo: 11 | +4 saves against sonic, language dependent, and bardic abilities

Elioden puts a hand to his chest in mock hurt. "I am wounded that you would think me thief! Though not as wounded as our new friends would be if they went into the water." He gives the Major a nasty look. "Any reason why you didn't mention the guardian you have subdued in there?"


"Yes of course," Major Kijel puts a hand to their head. "Subdued may be a generous term. You must be sure you do not disturb the water in the reservoir. The guardians are very dangerous creatures."


==== Initializing autobot sequence GM002 ====
Up for a bot: Cel. I'm guessing Cel may already be off to his honeymoon, in which case have a wonderful trip!! Cel autobots will follow starting late Monday.


Female Elf Fighter (Cad) 3 / Spellslinger 2
Stats:
Init: +5 | HP: 29/29 | AC: 13 | FF: 10 | Tch: 13 | Fort: +3 | Ref: +4 | Will: +5 | Perc: +4 | +5 Fort vs Cold Weather | +2 Against Enchantment | Immune sleep | -2 STR

"Yeah, one got me." Henri frowns and leans against a wall, trying to prevent herself from showing how tired she is. "What guardians?" She wonders aloud, trying to remember exactly what she had heard. "Could you be a bit more specific than 'they're bad'? So we could have some idea about what we might face?"


Male CG Half Elf Untouchable Spelleater 4/ Shadowcaller 1 Half Elf | HP: 41/41 Nonlethal:| AC: 16 (12 Tch, 14 Fl) | CMB: +7, CMD: 19 | F: +8, R: +3, W: +4 | Init: +2 | Perc: +11, SM: +5 | Speed 40ft (40 in armor | Bloodrage: 8/12 | Friendly SR:+2 | 1st Level Spell: 2/2 | Active conditions: None.

Didn't we handle something similar with the wrights? Surely I can help, after all Oranis taught me

Heal-Shadow Touched: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (16) + 13 = 29


"I don't know their rightful name," Major Kijel says. "Water isn't usually in my jurisdiction. But I do know the guardians are fish-like creatures that live in the reservoirs. By all reports, they're fairly big and can easily kill a person. Especially in the water."

Henri:

Henri thinks she's heard of giant man-eating fish that used to be more common in the rivers of the interior of Altiendel. She's heard stories of fisherpeople being dragged to their death from the deck of small boats, ripped apart by rows of massive teeth. She thinks her father called them 'sharks'.

Xizoh:

From the way Henri leans on the wall and conserves her energy, Xizoh concludes the shadow has sapped almost half of her very strength.

Xizoh thinks if she rests under his care she would recover in a day and a half, or if she rests on her own in three days. He sees in the meantime that she will be at a disadvantage in a fight.


M Human Bard 5
Stats:
Spells Left: inf/4/3 | Performance: 13/15 | Init: +4 | HP: 36/36 | AC: 20 | FF: 18 | TC: 12 | F/R/W: 4/7/5 | Perc: 8 | Se. Mo: 11 | +4 saves against sonic, language dependent, and bardic abilities

"Tandevis" Elioden says, a sharp hint to his voice. "Altiendel in their.." controlling paranoia "... wisdom decided to lock them away and use them, though their captivity seems not to have stopped Furler's plot."

Quick posts, I like this! How would people feel about moving back to a daily schedule? The action is picking up and I feel like we can be a lot more interactive with more frequent posting.


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Male CG Half Elf Untouchable Spelleater 4/ Shadowcaller 1 Half Elf | HP: 41/41 Nonlethal:| AC: 16 (12 Tch, 14 Fl) | CMB: +7, CMD: 19 | F: +8, R: +3, W: +4 | Init: +2 | Perc: +11, SM: +5 | Speed 40ft (40 in armor | Bloodrage: 8/12 | Friendly SR:+2 | 1st Level Spell: 2/2 | Active conditions: None.

Clucking in irritation, Xizoh moves next to his elf friend and looks Henri in the eye.

DC 15:
"Henri, you're not going spelunking in some sewers until you rest and get your strength back. If you let me help, I can get you back in shooting form in a day and half."

After his whispered message to Henri, the half elf states, "So the water is not the best way to approach. What about the guards? Is there any way we can put them to sleep for trial?

I'd be fine with that plan.


M Human Bard 5
Stats:
Spells Left: inf/4/3 | Performance: 13/15 | Init: +4 | HP: 36/36 | AC: 20 | FF: 18 | TC: 12 | F/R/W: 4/7/5 | Perc: 8 | Se. Mo: 11 | +4 saves against sonic, language dependent, and bardic abilities

Elioden bring a hand up to his chin in mock thought, trying to disguise a small smile. "I can use the power of song to drive them away. That worked on my family for years!"


"Tandevis, is that the name?" the major asks, thoughtful. "Yes, your first priority should be to find and stop whatever plot Furler was referring to, but please avoid killing any of her Majesty's guard. As you say," they nod to Xizoh, "it is not up to us to judge those women and men, and some may not know their true purpose."

Cel says to Elioden, "Song can do that?!"


Female Elf Fighter (Cad) 3 / Spellslinger 2
Stats:
Init: +5 | HP: 29/29 | AC: 13 | FF: 10 | Tch: 13 | Fort: +3 | Ref: +4 | Will: +5 | Perc: +4 | +5 Fort vs Cold Weather | +2 Against Enchantment | Immune sleep | -2 STR

To Xizoh:
"If Kingshaven can last that long... But, I suppose if you insist. I don't want to wait if we can help it, though.
I'm not goin' soft on this."

Henri frowns at the mention of giant seathings in the sewers. "I mean, we can assume they'll be in water." She rolls her eyes at Elioden's comment. "If by 'drive away' you mean 'drive them to kill you instead of me, I'll take it."


M Human Bard 5
Stats:
Spells Left: inf/4/3 | Performance: 13/15 | Init: +4 | HP: 36/36 | AC: 20 | FF: 18 | TC: 12 | F/R/W: 4/7/5 | Perc: 8 | Se. Mo: 11 | +4 saves against sonic, language dependent, and bardic abilities

Elioden winks at Cel. "Just sing badly. Very badly." He laughs at Henri and tips his hat.

To the Major he says. "In all seriousness, if the guards are just following orders they will get out of our way if we have some token of your authority. And if not, they are traitors and cultists."


"Mm," Major Kijel considers Elioden's point. "I think you should know better than anyone that people can be influenced, Mr. Aubergine. Unless you'd otherwise forfeit your own lives, I ask you not kill any guards. Let them stand trial. Please."

They lift a slightly-glowing golden symbol of Altien on a golden chain from underneath their armor. "I will definitely be wanting this back. The guards should recognize it as mine." They set it down on the map. "Another thing - show this symbol at the door when you return. If the guard doesn’t recognize it and take you straight to me, leave as fast as you can. Head back to Captain Vazquez in Southtown."

"As for you, Ms... Coy," the major looks at Henri. They bend down to unlock a drawer, which opens with a rattle of clinking bottles. "I understand if you don't trust me to cast a spell on you. Please take these with you instead." They place three small violet glass bottles on the desk near the map. "I will drink from each first if you prefer."

Henri:

Henri recognizes these as Altiendel-military-issue potions of lesser restoration. She isn't sure how many would help her, or if they would work. She estimates their total worth is close to 1000 gp.


Female Elf Fighter (Cad) 3 / Spellslinger 2
Stats:
Init: +5 | HP: 29/29 | AC: 13 | FF: 10 | Tch: 13 | Fort: +3 | Ref: +4 | Will: +5 | Perc: +4 | +5 Fort vs Cold Weather | +2 Against Enchantment | Immune sleep | -2 STR

"Hm..." Henri gingerly takes one of the bottles and shakes it, examining how the contents move. "Well, if you insist. I doubt they are so poisoned, if they were... well, there's easier ways for you to screw me over. We'll see."

Henri smirks. "As for the guards... لا تبدأ لا القرف لن يكون القرف. I can't garuntee I won't hurt them if they attempt violence on us, but I'll do my absolute best to leave them alive."

Draconic:
Don't start no s~#%, won't be no s~$&.


Male CG Half Elf Untouchable Spelleater 4/ Shadowcaller 1 Half Elf | HP: 41/41 Nonlethal:| AC: 16 (12 Tch, 14 Fl) | CMB: +7, CMD: 19 | F: +8, R: +3, W: +4 | Init: +2 | Perc: +11, SM: +5 | Speed 40ft (40 in armor | Bloodrage: 8/12 | Friendly SR:+2 | 1st Level Spell: 2/2 | Active conditions: None.

To Henri:
"I know you don't, but I don't want to have to carry you back,"

Sighing, Xizoh gives a smile at the token of Altien. "Well, I'm glad we won't have to leave a trail of bodies. Do no harm, you know?" At the mention of making their way back to Captain Vazquez the half elf nervously.


M Human Bard 5
Stats:
Spells Left: inf/4/3 | Performance: 13/15 | Init: +4 | HP: 36/36 | AC: 20 | FF: 18 | TC: 12 | F/R/W: 4/7/5 | Perc: 8 | Se. Mo: 11 | +4 saves against sonic, language dependent, and bardic abilities

Elioden stares at the holy symbol. "Alright then. Someone else should probably carry that." He raises an eyebrow to the rest of the party. "So Vazquez is clean?"

He nods along with Henri and Xizoh. "I think we are all in agreement on the guards. First show them the symbol and try to convince them to stand down, then disable without killing if we can."

He frowns in sudden thought. "Where was Terry supposed to be next? Will his accomplices miss him when he doesn't arrive?"


Major Kijel betrays an amused smile at Henri's reluctance to take the potions.

"My thanks. And the Prince's gratitude, I am sure," they say to the party's commitment to spare the guards' lives if possible.

"Of course Captain Vazquez is loyal to the King. Our Abbhen guests are here on her recommendation," the major says neutrally. "Have you met her, Mr. Aubergine?"

Elioden:

Elioden saw Jaya Vazquez in passing. She was present at one of his performances at the castle for King Ellenorah. He remembers he was impressed with her bearing.

"Former Guard Furler was supposed to be in line for the Prince's parade. No doubt he snuck away to distract you from your true purpose." Major Kijel muses thoughtfully. "Well, we can use that to our advantage. Let it slip that he is entertaining your two missing friends here in the castle and perhaps his accomplices will not think twice about those who are absent."

"I'll carry it!" Cel picks up the major's glowing symbol and examines it closely without questioning Elioden's hesitance.


M Human Bard 5
Stats:
Spells Left: inf/4/3 | Performance: 13/15 | Init: +4 | HP: 36/36 | AC: 20 | FF: 18 | TC: 12 | F/R/W: 4/7/5 | Perc: 8 | Se. Mo: 11 | +4 saves against sonic, language dependent, and bardic abilities

"Briefly" Elioden says with a shrug. "She seemed professional."

Very short as I don't really know what to say? I'm ready for scene change btw, if other people are.


As you wish, though I want to confirm that Elioden's player is aware Elioden is currently at 50% HP and looks like he is practically still smoking.

I don't think I've heard a consensus among characters as to your plan, particularly your next destination. If/when you're ready for fast travel, please specify where to so we can make sure the party is on the same page.

Also, now would be a good time to review the equipment/supplies listed your character sheet and make sure everything's up-to-date.


==== Initiating autobot sequence GM002 ====
Up for a bot: Henri, Xizoh. I'll give it until late Sunday Pacific.


Male CG Half Elf Untouchable Spelleater 4/ Shadowcaller 1 Half Elf | HP: 41/41 Nonlethal:| AC: 16 (12 Tch, 14 Fl) | CMB: +7, CMD: 19 | F: +8, R: +3, W: +4 | Init: +2 | Perc: +11, SM: +5 | Speed 40ft (40 in armor | Bloodrage: 8/12 | Friendly SR:+2 | 1st Level Spell: 2/2 | Active conditions: None.

"Major, may I trouble you to get some healing? Not everything came back together as it should have." Xizoh's statement is quiet, and hesitant.


Female Elf Fighter (Cad) 3 / Spellslinger 2
Stats:
Init: +5 | HP: 29/29 | AC: 13 | FF: 10 | Tch: 13 | Fort: +3 | Ref: +4 | Will: +5 | Perc: +4 | +5 Fort vs Cold Weather | +2 Against Enchantment | Immune sleep | -2 STR

Henri gingerly downs one of the potions to test its effects - she figured that if there was something nasty in there, at least the responsible parties are present - and her allies would avenge her.

She moves over to Dara's gear, dropped and abandoned in the confusion, and starts rifling through it to see what was left behind, as well as to add it to her own pack. Not permanently, just until we get her back, the elf rationalized to herself.


"Of course, Mr. Shadelock," Major Kijel nods respectfully to Xizoh. They hold out their healing ring and wait for Xizoh to approach. "I just need to hold this to your skin. Anywhere will do." They touch the ring lightly three times to wherever Xizoh indicates.

"That is an unusual talent you have," the major comments as their ring flashes and Xizoh's flesh reforms properly.

Heal Xizoh: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Heal Xizoh: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Heal Xizoh: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Xizoh is back up to full HP.

"How do you feel now?" they ask.

Xizoh looks noticeably better to the rest of the party. His clothes have a noticeable hole burned through the front where Terry's ray struck him in the chest, but his cloak is still in fine shape.

==== Autobot sequence GM001 ====
Pre-programmed autobot, posted on behalf of Elioden.

"You know, I've never been set on fire before without a lady being involved," Elioden comments wryly. He winces as his clothes tug on his burns. "I could also use a bit more healing."

"It sounds like you should be more respectful to your partners," Major Kijel says sternly, but they beckon Elioden forward and touch their ring to him three more times.

Heal Elioden: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Heal Elioden: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Heal Elioden: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
Elioden is back up to full HP.

The major grips Elioden's wrist after he is healed and gives him a serious look. "The late head of your family was a great man and he spoke highly of you. Can I put my trust in you, Mr. Aubergine?"

Elioden:

Elioden senses the major speaks the truth, and he remembers that before he died the head of his family also spoke well of Major Kijel.

Although Elioden's injuries look healed, his clothes are badly burned and missing sections, including his coat. It would be immediately obvious to any passer-by that he's been in either a fire or a fight.


Henri's potion: 1d4 ⇒ 4
Henri gains back 4 strength

After drinking the potion Henri looks like she's better able to stand fully upright. She walks more easily to the bow and bag Dara left behind.

Henri:

Henri immediately feels much stronger after drinking the potion, but not quite back up to her full strength.

As she approaches Dara's bow, she notices the string has broken.

Inside Dara's bag, she finds Dara's leather purse, Dara's field journal, a bedroll, two packs of rations, 30' of silk rope, soap, a full waterskin, a mess kit, a traveller's any-tool, and an ioun torch all packed neatly together. If she looks inside Dara's purse, she finds 65 gold pieces.

Henri doesn't immediately see the coat of arms on a silver chain she remembers Silo giving to Dara. After a thorough search she spots a hidden fold in Dara's backpack and finds the token of the king inside. She nearly misses another necklace tucked away even deeper; this one intricate bronze metalwork that Henri guesses is dwarven. She doesn't recognize what it is, but it occurs to her one of the Abbhen natives might know. She feels it's worn very smooth, probably from being held and handled. She'd guess this is the most important object to Dara of anything in this pack.

Please flag for me anything Henri transfers to her possession ('everything' or 'everything except' would be an excellent format) and add it to Henri's character sheet.


==== GM travel advisory ====
Tonight I'm taking a red eye to the east coast. I'll catch up with y'all tomorrow from snowy Massachusetts.


M Human Bard 5
Stats:
Spells Left: inf/4/3 | Performance: 13/15 | Init: +4 | HP: 36/36 | AC: 20 | FF: 18 | TC: 12 | F/R/W: 4/7/5 | Perc: 8 | Se. Mo: 11 | +4 saves against sonic, language dependent, and bardic abilities

"Oh, not ladies as in lovers, just that the mages who tend to set me on fire have all been women." Elioden pauses. "Alright maybe once, but I didn't know that she was trying to sabotage our dig when she took me up to her room. And she was gracious enough to wait until I took my clothes off so they didn't get ruined." He sniffs, and shoots a glare at Terry. "Unlike this lout. Ruined a perfectly good shirt..."

Elioden grips the Major's wrist back. "You can trust me to put things right. One way or another."


Female Elf Fighter (Cad) 3 / Spellslinger 2
Stats:
Init: +5 | HP: 29/29 | AC: 13 | FF: 10 | Tch: 13 | Fort: +3 | Ref: +4 | Will: +5 | Perc: +4 | +5 Fort vs Cold Weather | +2 Against Enchantment | Immune sleep | -2 STR

Henri sighs and decides to down another potion, the first one seeming to not be successful in doing something... unnatural to her. After this, she begins to add things to her pack - focusing mostly on things that she thinks would be important to Dara. As she does so, she scoffs at Elioden's monologue about mages who have set him on fire. "I'm surprised most women wait at all to set you on fire."

Dara's Things:
Henri takes everything, but very carefully stores the coat of arms and the bronze necklace in a safer place.
She also rifles through the field journal to see what Dara might've written down, or if there are any clues in there. Henri is not technically claiming possession of these items, she's just carrying them in her bag of holding.


M Human Bard 5
Stats:
Spells Left: inf/4/3 | Performance: 13/15 | Init: +4 | HP: 36/36 | AC: 20 | FF: 18 | TC: 12 | F/R/W: 4/7/5 | Perc: 8 | Se. Mo: 11 | +4 saves against sonic, language dependent, and bardic abilities

"All I've gotten from you is a broken nose... perhaps you're falling for my charms?" Elioden winks at Xizoh. "Or it could be the doctor's good influence."


"Good," Major Kijel gives Elioden's wrist a squeeze before letting go. "I'm relying on you to show the team the way to the reservoir, Mr. Aubergine."

The major glances between Elioden and Henri during their exchange, clearly confused about whether they are joking.

==== Initiating autobot sequence GM002 ====
Up for a bot: Xizoh. I'll give it until late Wednesday.


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Male CG Half Elf Untouchable Spelleater 4/ Shadowcaller 1 Half Elf | HP: 41/41 Nonlethal:| AC: 16 (12 Tch, 14 Fl) | CMB: +7, CMD: 19 | F: +8, R: +3, W: +4 | Init: +2 | Perc: +11, SM: +5 | Speed 40ft (40 in armor | Bloodrage: 8/12 | Friendly SR:+2 | 1st Level Spell: 2/2 | Active conditions: None.

Blinking at the major's remark, the healer shrugs, doing his best to avoid showing his face. "Sometimes, the path we wish for isn't the one fate wants us to traverse."

Raising his eyebrow at Elioden's remarks, the healer makes a point of rummaging through his worn satchel. "I'm afraid I have no burn cream for further interactions with females."

A smile breaking through at the wink, Xizoh shakes his head. "'Fraid it isn't a good idea to play with Fireball, given your penchant for being on fire."


M Human Bard 5
Stats:
Spells Left: inf/4/3 | Performance: 13/15 | Init: +4 | HP: 36/36 | AC: 20 | FF: 18 | TC: 12 | F/R/W: 4/7/5 | Perc: 8 | Se. Mo: 11 | +4 saves against sonic, language dependent, and bardic abilities

"Fireball!" Elioden grins at Henri. "What an excellent nickname!"

:P

"Don't worry Major, I'll get our intrepid band safely to the underground cavern full of man eating fish, possibly cultish guards, and unknown danger set to destroy the city. I had nothing else to do today anyways."


Daaaang Xizoh. Are you packing Elioden some burn cream for further verbal sparring?

Henri's potion: 1d4 ⇒ 2
Henri is back up to full strength.

Henri:

This one doesn't have quite as much of a kick, but Henri feels immediately back up to her usual strength.

Thanks for the note on what Henri took - that's very helpful.

Dara's journal:

Whoever looks at Dara's journal sees extensive notes on the 'Cult of Raven' dating back years.

One entry summarizes statistics of a CoR cult she infiltrated called 'Mordhollow':
Cult size: ~25 cultists
Race representation: 85% humans 15% dwarves (follows Abbhen population distribution)
Gender ratio: 70% men 30% women
Age distribution: a few over 65, 20% 40-65, 40% 25-45, 20% 15-25, a couple less than 15, including a human girl of twelve who greeted passing visitors with a smiling face and later cheerfully described the ways she would enjoy killing them one day.
All CoR cultists have in common some selfish desire or ambition. Dara had known from CoR lore that the Raven shows its prospective followers a future with this desire realized, speaking to them in their dreams. When they’re ready, the Raven shows them where to come. During the two months she was there, Dara learned that they always come alone.
She also learned that the cultists spend most of the time they’re not doing chores preparing for the new world order. Dara discovered the CoR enclave hierarchy was based on how long cultists have listened to the Raven’s call. Dara began to recognize the madness of those seeing more and more of these visions; each with their own obsessions. Senior cultists claimed to receive instructions from the Raven in the form of rituals and actions that would bring the cult closer to covering the land in darkness, when all their desires will come to pass. She noticed the cult elder spent most days completely shut away, muttering to himself about what the Raven showed him.
Dara took meals together with the cultists and trained in their ways along with the other newcomers under the direction of the enclave lore master, who claimed to have a strong connection to the Raven’s call. Dara participated in some minor rituals, which were harmless as far as she could tell. At least once a day, the enclave would join hands, ask for the Raven’s blessing, give praise to the true gods, and meditate on their own visions.

Journal entries (see 'Dara' spoilers):


  • Dara Shadeshard's account of the Mordhollow raid: Arc II: #1

  • Dara begins to see the world outside of herself in her dreams: Arc I: #2665

  • Dara's dream vision of Reservoir 3: Arc I: #2672

  • Dara makes dream contact and sees something she is not meant to: Arc II: #100

  • Dara's reaction to her nightmare: Arc II: #105

  • Dara gets the first clue that her recent dreams are real: Arc II: #125

  • Dara second nightmare warns of an attack on the prince: Arc II: #349

The journal indicates Dara is an agent of Abbhen's Anti-Cult Task Force; an elite and diverse group within the Abbhen Guard that includes skilled casters and non-casters responsible for investigating dangerous groups. As an independent arm of the Abbhen military, the ACTF interfaces with the Wardens, Abbhen Guard, the city governors’ forces, and the Altiendel military (particularly the Order of Reclamation).

Dara’s current direct superior is Roland Batel. Batel’s unit of ten people is based in Abbhen City, and they specialize in relatively small, isolated cults of magic, including the Cult of Raven.

There is an entry dated a week before Dara met the party in Southtown that summarizes a briefing: About three years ago, elders of the Way of Spirits in both countries began reporting visions of mass death emanating from the mountain. Nearly a year ago an archeological dig began in earnest to locate a relic from the Abbhen-Altiendel war. The Wardens fear this relic is tied to a powerful spirit conjured back from the dead through Norah’s influence. Altiendel has assumed responsibility for locating the object, and six Abbhen Guard officers were stationed there to help and liaison. Three of them are now reported missing. There is an existing plan in place to summon help from Abbhen if the pass is inaccessible - Dara is instructed to seek out ACTF Agent Blaine Guillen if this is needed.

There are also some notes on Alaina's father, Marcus Steele. He was escorted to Altiendel after being reported by his wife a potentially dangerous mage. He later trained at the University and became a Rank 10 battle mage specializing in combat magic. He is currently stationed near the northern border in Altiendel. Marcus served a six month rotation in Southtown two years ago, at about the time Colonel Silo Fairhurst started visiting and showing interest in Mount Oranis.


@Elioden - Batman says you should update your HP please.

Major Kijel smiles wryly. “Well, you’d best be on your way then. I will see to Prince Andreanna’s safety.” They sheath their sword and look down at Terry’s unconscious form, “Then we'll begin the arduous process of ferreting out Furler’s conspirators. I expect one of them knows of fate of your companions, Ms. Steele and Corporal Shadeshard.” They look troubled. “And I’ll ask about your other friend - Lieutenant Toema.”

Cel:

Cel is confused why the major is the second person to refer to Dulae as ‘Lieutenant’ instead of ‘Sergeant’, but he remembers Terry threatened her.

Henri:

Major Kijel’s words remind Henri that Terry mentioned Dulae will ‘get what’s coming to her’, apparently working for The Order.

Xizoh:

Xizoh is reminded of the surprise that Dulae is a member of the Order of Reclamation. He remembers Terry threatened her.

Elioden:

Elioden infers Lieutenant Toema must be the ‘paladin’, the purported leader of the party during their triumph in Southtown.

“The guard who brought you to me - she is trustworthy, I’d bet my life on it,” Major Kijel says. “Please go back to that door and send her to me. Ask her for her cloak,” they nod to Elioden. “That should make you presentable enough to make it to the reservoir without drawing attention. Try not to act alarmed as you leave.”

Autobot is paused for today - I hope everyone is full of turkey. If/when y'all are ready to move on, please specify where you'd like to go.


M Human Bard 5
Stats:
Spells Left: inf/4/3 | Performance: 13/15 | Init: +4 | HP: 36/36 | AC: 20 | FF: 18 | TC: 12 | F/R/W: 4/7/5 | Perc: 8 | Se. Mo: 11 | +4 saves against sonic, language dependent, and bardic abilities

Elioden is ready to go to the sewers. There would be buckling and swashing except thats a different class. Instead singing! And interpretive dance! Which will knock enemies into the laser sharktanks? Eh, its late. Happy turkey week.


(I'm with Elioden this week - I'm definitely going to insist on seeing said interpretive dance.)

==== Initiating autobot sequence GM002 ====
Up for a bot: Henri and Xizoh. I'll give it until late Saturday Eastern time.


=== Autobot sequence ERROR ===
GM bluff called: N_PCs_for_bot > N_PCs_total/2
(Also, 1/3 active PCs ready for fast travel to a specified location)


==== GM travel advisory ====
I'm headed back to the west coast tomorrow. I'll check back late Monday Pacific.


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Female Elf Fighter (Cad) 3 / Spellslinger 2
Stats:
Init: +5 | HP: 29/29 | AC: 13 | FF: 10 | Tch: 13 | Fort: +3 | Ref: +4 | Will: +5 | Perc: +4 | +5 Fort vs Cold Weather | +2 Against Enchantment | Immune sleep | -2 STR

Henri takes several minutes to pour over the notes in Dara's book, each page turn leading to some new, interesting, and revealing information about the elf's captured party member. However, there was not much time to process this information, nor did Henri want to spend the time to around all of this Altiendel brass. She shuts the book quietly, and slips it into a safe place in her pack. "Well, you're betting our lives on it, so I hope you're right." She re-shoulders her pack with the gear stored inside, and rests a hand on her revolver. "We better not f*#@ing die, cause if we do I'm gonna come back and haunt the s!&# outta you."

Henri is ready to venture to the sewers!


Thanks Henri. 2/3 active PCs ready for fast travel.


M Human Bard 5
Stats:
Spells Left: inf/4/3 | Performance: 13/15 | Init: +4 | HP: 36/36 | AC: 20 | FF: 18 | TC: 12 | F/R/W: 4/7/5 | Perc: 8 | Se. Mo: 11 | +4 saves against sonic, language dependent, and bardic abilities

Elioden chuckles. "I'm going to haunt the river myself. More places to hide from pesky exorcisms." He then makes his way to the door and pops his head out, waving for the guard in question to come inside.


Those darned Altien followers and their incessant exorcisms.

Elioden can hear the regular footfalls of marching and shouted parade orders outside. The guard shoots him a quizzical look and steps inside. '"Can I be of service?" she asks, shutting the door behind her.


M Human Bard 5
Stats:
Spells Left: inf/4/3 | Performance: 13/15 | Init: +4 | HP: 36/36 | AC: 20 | FF: 18 | TC: 12 | F/R/W: 4/7/5 | Perc: 8 | Se. Mo: 11 | +4 saves against sonic, language dependent, and bardic abilities

"Ahhhh, yes. The Major requires the light of Altien to shine all the brighter from you!" Elioden grins. "By giving me your cloak please." He sniffs. "I seem to have gotten a few burn holes in my own clothes since I entered. Not really the usual Altiendel reception, if you ask me."


The guard looks over Elioden's clothes and immediately tenses. "What happened?" she asks, resting a hand on the hilt of her sword and walking briskly back toward the Major's office. "Where are the others that were with you?"


==== Initiating autobot sequence GM009: Missing person protocol ====
We have a major party choice ahead of us which is not bot-able - currently we require full consensus among PCs to move ahead to a new location. We'll give it until late Thursday Pacific for consensus. After that we'll proceed with majority (2/3) vote.
(I hope things are okay, Xizoh!)


M Human Bard 5
Stats:
Spells Left: inf/4/3 | Performance: 13/15 | Init: +4 | HP: 36/36 | AC: 20 | FF: 18 | TC: 12 | F/R/W: 4/7/5 | Perc: 8 | Se. Mo: 11 | +4 saves against sonic, language dependent, and bardic abilities

"Oh, just a little disagreement among friends, nothing to worry about. It turns out that the elven gunslinger's nickname of 'Fireball' is well deserved." Elioden pulls a grin of contrition. "And she reacts violently to smarm. The Major does want to see you though."

Bluffing for Fun and Profit: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25


The guard looks confused but takes her hand off of her sword and does not quicken her pace.

The guard swings open the door of the major’s office with Elioden close behind. The party notices the Altiendel blue over her armor contrasts Terry’s purple Kingshaven Guard sash. Her eyes widen at the scene within but she shuts the door calmly.

“Tai,” she looks immediately to Major Kijel. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine, Abeni,” Major Kijel says with a warm tone of familiarity.

She relaxes visibly. "What happened? I thought there were more of you."

“Our guests had come to warn of an attack on Prince Andreanna," the major explains. "Guard Furler was outed as involved. He somehow smuggled two class 4 hostiles into this room and attacked with the aid of some enchantment on the command stripes his squad gave to me. We lost two of the Southtown party in what looked like a teleportation spell, but I didn’t see him cast it.”

“I always hated that snake,” Abeni grits her teeth, looking at Terry.

“Furler made a threat on the city. I am sending the Southtown party to investigate reservoir 3, our only lead, while you and I confirm who is still loyal to the King," they quickly summarize.

“The water,” Abeni says with concern. “How vile.” She uses a gloved hand to turn Terry over roughly. “Have you questioned him yet?”

“I thought you'd care to,” the major says.

Abeni grins wickedly. “Gladly.”

Major Kijel turns to the party and gestures to Abeni. “Before you go, please meet Lieutenant Abeni Ribadu of Teresct. One of Altiendel’s finest.”

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