After the lengthy journey northward with your new Twinhorn allies (and Stardust, who decided that sticking with the Pathfinders would be a much more entertaining use of her time) that took you through the Hold of Belkzen, you'd all been hoping for something of a reprieve by the time you reached the Twinhorn's ancestral homelands. Traversing the Hold had proved challenging in its own right, forcing you and your fellow Pathfinder agents to both negotiate with several prominent orc chieftains for safe passage through their lands as well as to fight off attempts to ambush the convoy and steal supplies. With the encampment almost in sight, the anticipation of a hot meal and a warm place to sleep had been the only things on your minds. But no longer.
"Secure the outer perimeters!" Medda calls in response to Skye and Rallas. "We will secure the camp itself! Once you deem it safe, join Anok and I there!" And with that, Medda and her men turn and ride off towards the camp.
The rest of you mount up and make your combat preparations, then set out to secure the outer perimeter of the Twinhorn encampment. You quickly come across what looks to be some sort of hastily-erected barricade covering the entrance to a cave in the hillside - and multiple creatures banging and clawing at it in an effort to bring it down. Your first impression is that you're dealing with more orcs - Medda had warned you that it wasn't unheard of for them to stray this far north, after all. However, as you approach the cavern the figures assailing the barricade hear your footsteps and turn to face you. With the light of the moon to aid you, look upon three, winged creatures, conglomerations of muscle and jutting bone, as if they've been stitched together from multiple corpses. Accompanying them is a tall, desiccated creature wielding a greatsword, its eyes blazing with an eerie red light. The stench of the grave hits you at the same time as the realization that these things aren't alive at all - they're dead.
The three winged undead are scrambler necrocrafts.
For every 5 that you beat the DC, you may ask for one piece of information from this list.
This creature is known as a ragewight.
For every 5 that you beat the DC, you may ask for one piece of information from this list.
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Round 1
Rallas
Dortlin + Clyde
Peribras + Darkpaw
Vanya
Stardust
========
Winged Uglies
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Fung
Skye
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Red-Eyes
Active Conditions:
Rallas, Dortlin + Clyde, Peribras + Darkpaw, and Vanya are UP!
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(resistances, weaknesses)
(resistances, special defenses)
"Ragewrights"
Dortlin will have Clyde move up and defend. (readied action to attack an enemy who moves up.)
"Come on Clyde, We trained for this."
Dortlin meanwhile will use his last level 2 slot to cast Stone Call.
and the whole area is Hindering terrain.
Readied action to attack, No flank bonus because Dortlin isn't threatening.
And probably an aoo if it moves adjacent.
Clearly those among the group are, as whole, more versed in knowledge that pertains to the living dead and all the different permutations that such creatures can take. Between Skye, Dortlin, and Peribras, you quickly figure out that you're dealing with scrambler necrocrafts and an abomination known as a ragewight. The necrocrafts have no special attacks or defenses, but they are undead and thus immune to effects that target the mind, among other things. Ragewights are much the same, having no special defenses, resistances, or immunities outside of their undead nature.
Rallas puts on a burst of speed and races ahead of the rest of the group, coming to a stop just at the edge of where Dortlin directs his Stone Call spell. The air is suddenly filled with falling pebbles, small stones, and other debris, pummeling all four of the undead monstrosities! Though it doesn't stop any of them for good, the spell did appear to function to its fullest extent against them.
As the dust clears, both Vanya and Peribras (atop Darkpaw) move forward as well, drawing their bows and taking aim. Vanya aims an arrow at Green, which nicks a leg...or what approximates a leg! Peribras decides to focus his attention against the ragewight; one of the arrows misses but the second sinks deeply into the creature's shoulder and it utters a hair-raising howl of pain and anger as the holy magic carried by the arrow burns and sears its undead flesh!
Stardust races forward as well, blasting past Vanya and Peribras with a cry of, "Nice shooting, you two!" She comes to a stop just ahead of Dortlin and Clyde and just behind Rallas, evidently not wanting to be too far ahead or behind the group. She narrows her eyes at the ragewight and its necrocraft friends, teeth bared. "You don't belong here..." she says with a low hiss.
All three of the necrocrafts clumsily rise into the air and begin flying towards the group...though it's really less flying and more of a strange flopping movement as they pinwheel through the air. Though their strange, crudely sculpted wings does allow them to take flight they're clearly not good enough to allow the creatures to execute complex maneuvers or really to even hover in place, as all three necrocrafts sink back down to the ground after their short flight.
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Round 1
Rallas
Dortlin + Clyde
Peribras + Darkpaw
Vanya
Stardust
========
Necrocraft Green (-13)
Necrocraft Red (-10)
Necrocraft Yellow (-10)
========
Fung
Skye
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Ragewight (-33)
Active Conditions:
Fung and Skye are UP!
Ready for a piece of the action as well, Skye and Fung advance forward and each bring their own unique brands of pain to bear against the undead creatures! The air crackles with electricity and for a moment, the area is illuminated with a bright flash of light as Fung's lightning blast slams into the ragewight and elicits another howl of pain and rage!
Not to be outdone, Skye sets his sights on the three necrocrafts and conjures a burst of holy, radiant light that envelops them! When the light fades, all three lie on the ground; they twitch for a few moments and then grow still.
The ragewight, now alone, utters an inhuman battle cry and its eyes spark with an unholy light as it rushes forward - as best as it can - over the rough ground and loose pebbles...eager for its sword to taste blood.
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Round 2
Rallas
Dortlin + Clyde
Peribras + Darkpaw
Vanya
Stardust
Fung
Skye
========
Ragewight (-52)
Active Conditions:
Everyone is UP!
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Skye moves closer to the ragewight and calls upon the aid of the Tender of Dreams♫♫♮♪♬.
Using his spirit magic, the shaman casts daylight upon a suitable-looking stone. The rock sheds bright light in a 60-foot radius.
"Praise be to Desna, my brothers and sisters. Let there be light!"
________
Fung moves forward and attempts another electrical blast, but thanks to his poor human eyesight his aim is off by juuuust a little and the blast sails past harmlessly and dissipates. Dortlin is suddenly overcome by a strange urge - he must....sing. Or something like it. He launches into a rousing fight cheer, aided by the sounds of singing that can be heard across the land as other groups of Pathfinders join the fight against the undead interlopers. Even Clyde seems to get in on the performance, snapping his fingers and stomping his feet to the beat of the song.
Sensing that the poor lighting is proving to be a problem for some of his companions, Skye plugs into the Desna hotline and conjures the brilliance of the sun to shed some light on the situation while Vanya moves forward a bit more and then readies to strike at the ragewight should it approach.
Despite the ground still being treacherous to walk on thanks to Dortlin's earlier spell, Rallas is still able to close the distance on the ragewight and deliver a powerful blow that leaves the creature reeling...but still on its rotted feet!
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Round 2
Rallas
Dortlin + Clyde
Peribras + Darkpaw
Vanya
Stardust
Fung
Skye
========
Ragewight (-69)
Active Conditions:
Peribras & Darkpaw are UP!
________
Stardust's feline jaw drops slightly as Peribras raises his bow and fires off another volley of arrows at the oncoming ragewight, the first one neatly burying itself dead center in the creature's forehead! With another howl of rage, the creature collapses to the ground, sent back to Pharasma's boneyard - hopefully for good, this time.
"Wow...foiled again," Stardust laughs. "I'm glad I decided to come with you all but perhaps I should accompany some of the junior groups for a time? You've all proven yourselves more than capable of getting on without my help."
After a few moments, you hear a rattling sound and turn to see a small group of Kellids peering out from behind the barricaded cave. They look young, most of them perhaps thirteen or fourteen winters if that.
"That was incredible!" one dark-haired boy declares. "You took those things down like they were nothing!"
"Dron's right," agrees a girl, smiling shyly. "We'd all be dead now if it wasn't for you."
"For sure! We'd have been at the camp, but...well, Inkit and me," he nods at the shy girl, "we'd taken some of the others out to fish at the lake. I guess the undead must've attacked while we were gone...we got caught by them on our way back to the camp and had to hide in the cave," he explains, looking chagrined. "But if you're with us then I'm sure we can make it the rest of the way back. Come on!"
Once everyone is ready Dron and Inkit lead you back to the Twinhorn camp, which consists of several tents made of thick animal hides. A 10-foot high partial palisade runs around the core of the camp, functioning as a windbreak and as a means of making the camp easier to defend. The area around the camp is littered with the bodies of the risen dead and Twinhorn alike but at the moment seems to be clear of danger; Medda's forces must have succeeded in breaking through.
As you stride into camp, Dron directs your attention to a large tent located in the center of the camp. "That's where our council of elders meets. They're probably in there right now, working on how to best defend the camp. You should go and speak with them."
Drawing near to the tent you can hear the sound of raised voices coming from inside and you suddenly recognize that one of them belongs to Medda. For lack of a better option, the group steps inside the large command tent. The thick hide walls of this large tent muffle the sounds from outside. Iron spikes pin down an enormous map in the center of the tent. Wooden carvings of warriors and monsters lie strewn about the map, marking the location of fighting warriors and the encroaching undead. Medda is here, speaking to two others - a massive middle-aged looking man and an old, wizened woman.
"And you want us to just walk away and leave it all behind!?" Medda exclaims. "This is our ancestral wintering ground!"
"Not to mention you would have us abandon our sacred pledge to Ivvora," Anok rumbles from nearby. "Do you truly think that to be the best course of action here, Kragr?"
The man, Kragr, pounds his fist on the table, sending carvings flying in all directions. "Of course I do! Our forces have been decimated; to stay would be lunacy! There are other wintering grounds, ones where we don't have to worry about bloodthirsty orcs and cursed undead!"
"Are you some of the brave warriors Medda has told us about?" the older woman asks, having spotted the group first as you entered the tent. "If so, then please stay and speak with us, for it may be that we find ourselves in need of your wisdom and guidance. I am known as Jala the Patient." She gestures to the tall Kellid man. "Kragr Bloodhand. And you already know Medda and Anok."
She turns to the group and beckons them to sit. "Make yourselves comfortable, but then we must speak. We are at a decision point."
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Round 1
Dortlin
Fung
Lazarus
Peribras
Rallas
Vanya
Everyone is UP!
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"Jala the Patient, I am Skye, shaman of the Lyrune Quah." He offers the elder a respectful greeting, befitting her wisdom and her station.
"Medda told us Ivorra's tale and of the oath the Twinhorn following has sworn. She has fulfilled her duty and returned the blade that was stolen."
He glances at the entrance of the tent, toward the mayhem outside. "It is an affront to Nature that foul, undead creatures stalk your ancestral lands and prey upon your people."
Skye's eyes turn pitch black and colors drain around him, as he calls upon the Goddess of the North Star♫♫♮♪♬.
"Permit us the honor of defending your people and restoring these lands to their natural harmony."
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Perched on Skye's shoulder, Sova the snowy owl shivers, her ruffled feathers reflecting the stars that would be visible in the night sky, no matter where she is or the time of day.
The spirit animal nods and blinks. "Hoot."
Sova's wings flutter in a gesture resembling an avian shrug. "Hoot?"
Not one to rush into conversation unprepared, Peribras remains a bit distant from the leaders and his companions as he tries to recall if he's heard anything about Kragr Bloodhand from the other Twinhorn. He has the vague feeling that he has, but with the adrenaline rush of the previous battle still flowing through him he's unable to recall what it might've been. Noticing Peribras staring at him, Kragr snorts.
"If you have something to say to me, you'd best say it instead of standing there gawping like a fool," he remarks, giving the halfling a rather disdainful look.
Perhaps sensing something of a kindred spirit, Lazarus approaches Jala and offers his respects while Dortlin watches the exchange closely. Jala’s age may have wrinkled her skin and clouded her vision, but she still wears her leather armor and longbow proudly. Regular exercise has kept her body strong, despite her old age. She listens to his words, all the while giving him a look of appraisal. As she listens, Skye can tell that she seems to be warming to his words.
"Kragr and Medda both have compelling reasons for choosing as they do," she begins, turning her eyes - surely once a brilliant blue but now misted over with age - towards Lazarus. "But they are both proud, stubborn individuals, letting emotion cloud their judgement. I think that the wisest answer is the one reached with a clear head and an honest heart."
Jala offers a faint smile to the shaman. "Your words are wise, shaman of the Lyrun Quah. For these undead are indeed a blight of nature and, if left unchecked, will certainly bring ruin to this land. And yet, many of our number have already been slain at their hands. Is it sensible to risk sacrificing more in a battle that is already not in our favor? It is a troubling question," she sighs. "But as I said, your words have much merit. I will think on them."
In watching the exchange between Skye and Jala, Dortlin comes to a realization that might prove useful. She seems to have retained her hunting instincts even in her advanced age, silently evaluating the situation and acting only when most effective. Approaches that involve facts instead of emotional appeals would likely prove most effective at persuading her to stay and fight.
_______
Discoveries Made: 1/3
Medda Influence: 0/?
Jala Influence: 1/?
Kragr Influence: 0/?
Round 1
Dortlin - Discovery Made (Jala)
Lazarus - Influence Success (Jala)
Peribras - Discovery Attempt (Kragr)
Rallas
Fung
Vanya
Fung, Rallas, and Vanya are UP!
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Fung stands in one corner of the tent, clearly uncomfortable about being asked to speak. He looks from Pathfinder to Twinhorn elder, uncertain what he can do or say to make a difference. He sidles up to the one person that he does know, Medda, and asks her with some concern, "Medda? I don't understand. Hasn't the Twinhorn sworn to guard the standing stones? What has changed?"
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Vanya approaches Kragr:"We were asked to come here to help you and your tribe. In fact we already did, saving some of you from gruesomed undead. We are Pathfinders and we want to help you, yet you need to allow us to do so. The enemy may seem strong but so are you and so are we. Together we'll send these horrors back to the grave that generated them"
While speaking Vanya studies the man, trying to discern his character so to have a better chance to influence him later.
"Not all of the Twinhorn choose to follow the teachings of Vildeis," Medda explains sadly. "Many do but many also follow the Goddess of the North Star and Our Lord in Iron. They see little value in continuing to follow the traditions of Vildeis and Ivvora, wishing to winter in places where the game is more plentiful and the orcs fewer." She shakes her head and sighs. "And more and more, I wonder if perhaps they are right."
Vanya and Rallas both decide to try their luck with Kragr and approach him together. This massive Kellid stands a head taller than most humans and wears a dire polar bear cloak. The many scars on his body suggest a life of physical conflict and perseverance. He gives both human and elf an appraising look that signals neither approval nor disregard.
"Your words are strong but lest you forget - we Twinhorn have wintered here for generations. Every winter, we must face the orcs and other creatures that roam these harsh lands. Every winter, we have prevailed," Kragr seethes in response to Vanya. "Until now. The arrival of these forsaken undead have shifted the balance. Hours before your arrival, a portal opened on the site where Ivvora defeated her ancient foe and now undead pour through unchecked! Throw enough foes at anyone and they will eventually weaken and be overwhelmed!"
As she carefully watches Kragr's body language, Vanya can tell that having to even admit to the possibility of defeat chafes him something terrible. She suspects that Kragr admires strength and vitality in others and seeks to project those same qualities to those that he encounters. Hinting at cowardice will likely motivate him to look stronger but taking too much of a blunt approach and outright calling him a coward will probably only make him angry.
Cluing in on Vanya's discovery, Rallas decides to try his hand at some reverse psychology as he voices approval for Kragr's 'safe' choice to flee before they're all killed. "Hmph! Are you suggesting that I like making such a suggestion?" he snorts, narrowing his eyes at Rallas. "Far from it! Had we been more prepared, with more warriors, we would not be having this talk right now. I and the rest of the Twinhorns would be out there cleaving skulls right off of bony, rotted shoulders!" Kragr crosses his arms over his chest. "I only advocate leaving out of concern for the elderly and the younglings, those who are unable to fight and would be slaughtered otherwise. That's all."
________
Discoveries Made: 2/3
Medda Influence: 0/?
Jala Influence: 1/?
Kragr Influence: 1/?
Jala Influence Skills: Average Kn. Nature or Profession: Soldier, Hard Kn. Religion
Kragr Influence Skills: Average Intimidate, Hard Diplomacy or Bluff
Round 2
Dortlin
Lazarus
Peribras
Rallas
Fung
Vanya
Everyone is UP!
________
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To Jala.
"All of these undead are pretty bad for all the local animals. The undead will kill them for no nourishment. They may even turn some of them into undead horrors. The longer that goes on the less food there will be for winters to come. We not only need to fight back, We have to do so quickly."
Jala nods slowly as Dortlin speaks, weighing his words. "This is true, brave hunter. While retreating may spare further Twinhorn lives, what of the lives of the animals that also call this land home? Are they not equally important, equally valuable as part of the cycles of nature and of life and death? Perhaps...perhaps they are..."
________
Discoveries Made: 2/3
Medda Influence: 0/?
Jala Influence: 2/?
Kragr Influence: 1/?
Jala Influence Skills: Average Kn. Nature or Profession: Soldier, Hard Kn. Religion
Kragr Influence Skills: Average Intimidate, Hard Diplomacy or Bluff
Round 2
Dortlin - Influence Success (Jala)
Skye
Peribras
Rallas
Fung
Vanya
Skye, Peribras, Rallas, Fung and Vanya are UP!
________
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Skye casts guidance on himself and then approaches Kragr. "A few minutes ago, the six of us fought and defeated a ragewight and three necrocrafts and rescued a group of Twinhorns hiding from them in a cave."
The shaman pauses. "They were led by a boy named Dron and a girl named Inkit. Those two young warriors are ready to defend their people. They told us their leaders were in this tent. Shall we tell them their elders aren't ready to fight, that their elders would rather run from this challenge?"
He looks the warrior in the eye. "The Twinhorn following has hunted these lands for centuries. How will the skalds sing of this day? Kragr Bloodhand fled at the first sign of danger? Or Kragr Bloodhand led his people to a great victory over the undead hordes?"
Skye shakes his head. "I trust you will choose according to your heart."
Sova gives the warrior a challenging stare with a pair of big, round raptor eyes. "Hoot."
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Vanya continues to focus her attention on the gigantic warrior:"Listen to yourself! Are these creatures invincible? No. They were defeated before, a long time ago by Ivorra, and but moments ago by none other than us. Are you telling me a warrior of your experience and renown cannot do the same? I find it impossible to believe, unless... unless you've grown old and frail, of course..."
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For some reason, Medda did not respond to Fung. Perhaps she did not hear me. She must have been paying so much attention to what the other two council members are saying...
"Medda? I'm sorry to be disturbing you. You must be worried about what the other two council members are thinking. Um... I not usually good with words, but don't worry, alright? We said we would help and we will. We will convince them to stay and fight. And even if they don't, we will have the Pathfinders by your side."
The one-two combo of Vanya's insinuations and Skye's call to think of the influence he wields over the younglings of the tribe seems to finally be getting through to Kragr. "Kragr Bloodhand is the equal or more of any Pathfinder," he states proudly, flexing his massive arms. "My sight is perfect and my reflexes are as quick this day as they ever were! Once, I wrestled, pinned, and strangled a dire bear with only my hands to aid me - and now you see its hide draped across my shoulders," he continues, gesturing at his fur cloak which is quite impressive. Kragr stops and his voice grows quiet as he gazes at each of you with a steely look. "Kragr Bloodhand is not a coward. And let it be known far and wide and among the young ones that Kragr Bloodhand backs down from no challenge. But what of you, Pathfinders? Your words are bold and you have survived this long but do you have the guts to charge into the fray again and again, the strength to stand side-by-side with your comrades and have their backs? Kragr Bloodhand does not fight alongside weaklings."
Although he seems to have turned the challenge back around on the group, there's a spark flickering in Kragr's eyes where there had previously been nothing. You suspect that just a nudge more and you'll have him on your side. Jala, too, seems to stand a little straighter after your talks with her and she seems to be on the verge of reaching a decision as well.
Fung, clearing his throat, tries once more to get Medda's attention for she had not really answered his earlier question - at least not to his satisfaction. "Oh...I am sorry Fung, yes, it's hard to not worry of what Jala and Kragr think," she admits, looking a little embarrassed. "For all my experience, I'm still the youngest of the our leaders. Kragr and Jala have many more years of life lived to draw on than I do and it's admittedly intimidating at times."
She smiles at Fung; a tight smile with an undercurrent of worry, but worry just the same. "Come what may, let me say that your support is something I am grateful for, my friend. While I wish that more were willing to stand up to evil simply because of it being the right thing to do, I would be a fool to turn down any sort of help, no matter what their reasons were for helping." Medda then shakes her head again and chuckles. "Sorry, I am rambling, aren't I?"
Though perhaps her words were rambling, Fung realizes that there's a hint as to Medda's deepest nature hidden within them. He notes Medda’s bloody bandage and celestial rune scars, which symbolize her devotion to Vildeis, the empyreal lord known as the Cardinal Martyr. Medda's faith is a cornerstone of her life and her desire to fight the evils that she encounters align with the desires of other good gods and goddess. The support of such people would surely bolster Medda's resolve to see this business through to the end.
________
Discoveries Made: 3/3
Medda Influence: 0/?
Jala Influence: 2/?
Kragr Influence: 3/?
Jala Influence Skills: Average Kn. Nature or Profession: Soldier, Hard Kn. Religion
Kragr Influence Skills: Average Intimidate, Hard Diplomacy or Bluff
Medda Influence Skills: Easy Kn. Religion or Perform: Oratory
Round 2
Dortlin - Influence Success (Jala)
Skye - Influence Success (Kragr)
Peribras
Rallas
Fung - Discovery Made (Medda)
Vanya - Influence Success (Kragr)
Peribras and Rallas are UP!
Jala smiles at Peribras, shaking her head. "Ah yes. Under most circumstances I would agree with you. Each of the followings have their own traditions, their own wintering and summering grounds, yet we do occasionally communicate between our groups to warn each other of dangers and to share information. Those groups tell of grounds that are in fact less orc-infested and boast more plentiful hunting. True, I don't expect these foul creatures to be content to sit idle in this one location but moving elsewhere would give us time to regroup and prepare accordingly." Jala shakes her head. "They sadly caught us by surprise here."
Rallas decides to try approaching Medda, who has been a surprisingly tough nut to crack despite being the only one of the elders that you actually have some prior familiarity with. She thinks on Rallas' question...and then, a light seems to flare in her eyes. "Omens...yes, of course! Our meeting in the museum! If you and your friends hadn't arrived, our battle against that devil might have gone much differently," she exclaims. "And even had we survived, who knows if we could have persuaded that thief Nigel Aldain to return Ivvora's dagger?" Medda laughs, shaking her head. "I believe I even said then that meeting you was fortuitous. I'm a fool for forgetting that so easily."
The sounds of battle outside continue to rage and grow louder and soon a decision point must be made. Though none of the three elders have so far committed to stay and fight, their resolve to leave seems to have weakened considerably - even Medda's. One last, good push with each of them may just be the key to winning their support.
________
Discoveries Made: 3/3
Medda Influence: 1/?
Jala Influence: 2/?
Kragr Influence: 3/?
Jala Influence Skills: Average Kn. Nature or Profession: Soldier, Hard Kn. Religion
Kragr Influence Skills: Average Intimidate, Hard Diplomacy or Bluff
Medda Influence Skills: Easy Kn. Religion or Perform: Oratory
Round 3
Dortlin
Skye
Peribras
Rallas
Fung
Vanya
Everyone is UP!
________
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|
To Medda
"That meeting was fortuitous. We met you and other good friends. And at the moment of our meeting a devil attacks. Clearly dark forces wanted to prevent our assisting you. Yet here we are. With a small army. Destiny and Fate are things gods deal in not us mortals. But whatever it was we should take advantage of it and press on. You will never have a better chance at this then now."
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|
Skye murmurs a prayer to Desna, seeking her guidance, and appeals to the warrior one last time. "Kragr Bloodhand, we honor our oaths of friendship to Medda, and we have already demonstrated our skills in battle against the very undead your blade has yet to taste. You speak boldly of the warrior you once were. Show your people the warrior you still are!"