Anna crosses her arms and narrows her eyes at Judge Daramid's comments. She takes a look at Danica for a moment after the judge describes how they might explain the inquisitor's presence. Yeah, not happening. She takes a step in Tolvan's direction. Maybe Danica's trying to get me all religious or something. Like, my old man's planning to donate to a Sarenrae church. Noble do that, right?
At Oathar's suggestion, she vehemently shakes her head. No way. We're taking my coach. Besides, there's no way Lady Haber-Blossom -- ahem -- Hauber-Blotten would be seen riding around on some beast, right, judge?
Kimberly gives a curtsy to Anna, As you wish my lady. she says practicing her part.
Yes m'lady. Oathar bows gracefully. This time in a more formal, less exaggerated manner.
The faith of Sarenrae is not oft practiced here in Ustalav... not sure that it is the right tract to plow down but its your call. In any case my role in all this so I'll leave you all with my best wishes for your success. Send a message or two when you can, and with that the Judge leaves.
Tolvars investigation provides some additional information. The preferred entertainment of the wealthy of the province seems to be elaborate hunts, ranging from staged hunts of local fauna to hunts where exotic, and often dangerous, imported beasts are released and then hunted across the land.
Ascanor Lodge is an exclusive private hunting compound for wealthy and noble individuals. In an area that has its fair share of lycanthrope related fatalities, Ascanor has not had any mishaps in quite some time - testament to its security no doubt.
Danica gives the "stink eye" to Ana. "Do I look like a cleric to you? I will play the part of an old friend that has come to teach you the ways of the far east. Lessons like hand to hand combat, sword play and various styles of defense." Danica performs a side kick and holds the kick to show her control of her body. "So I will be "the friend you never had" and instructor. And importantly, I will make sure you do not ruin the ladies' reputation. By the way, I can wear anything you want me to wear to fit in. I am not bound to armor like your Man at Arms." Out of her normal stoic demeanor, the inquisitor turns to give Oathar a flirtatious wink.
Oathar is bemused as he has yet to don his armor. Which proves that our greatest armor is our faith. But if I am going to protect m'lady I should don my skin of steel for the journey.
Danica raise her drink for a toast. "Touche' my new friend. May our patron deities grant us the strength to see this through."
I like the sound of Danica's idea. A fine lady might need an instructor at arms in order to do well in the hunt. I believe we have our cover story. He picks up his small notebook and consults with it for a moment before adding My research into the region has turned up something rather disturbing that I need to share. The area seems to be plagued by lycanthropes. I believe it prudent to arm ourselves with silver weapons and will try to purchase a stock of wolvesbane, if any can be had.
Anna bites back a rebuke, takes up a slightly challenged posture, then slowly agrees with Danica's suggestion. She relaxes when Tolvan agrees to the idea.
Silver weapons? Anna remarks at Tolvan's suggested course of action. I've just spent most of my coin on these boots. She lifts up her leg with remarkable flexibility to show one off.
I've got two magic daggers, anyway. One's even mithril. Anna draws her enchanted mithril from a hidden spot, then spins it in her fingers. She tosses it in the air, catches it, and stows it. I guess I'll get a couple. You can never have too many daggers.
Pulls out a vial of weapon blanch (silver) You might consider some of this as a cheap alternative. My blade is already silvered.
"Does it have to be silver? What about the magic bestowed with my temple blade." Danica removes her blade and begins to inspect the weapon.
I have this little dagger, its made of bone. but I think its the bone of a were-thingy. cause I was told it can hurt them, real bad.
Oathar dons his armor, spends time in prayer and prepares for the journey. He will be ready when the group is.
Clarifying Tolvan falls into his lecturing mode and adds Mithril will work as well as Silver against these weres Anna. It too is a form of silver. And Kimberly, yes. That weapon is indeed crafted and specially enchanted to fight such creatures. It will guide your attacks and increase the depth of your cuts, but for you I advise using it only as a last resort. Othar's blanch will work well but only for a single attack and needs be put onto the weapon using an open flame. It should be done so well before you need it. And while it can only coat a single melee weapon, there is usually enough contents to coat 10 throwing daggers, crossbow bolts, or arrows. And Danica if your temple blade possesses an enchantment of enough power it cab be proof against the defenses of these creatures. But the power required is beyond a simple initial enchantment.
Danica looks at her blade and says, "I guess I will have to find other means."
Danica will go find Jim again and buy a silversheen short sword and a quiver of silver.
Anna nods after Tolvan explains. Okay, so maybe just some silver crossbow bolts, then.
She'll place an order for the bolts when she picks up her new magic footwear and pays the remainder. Then she loads her gear, wardrobe, and and treasures into her coach.
After some last minute shopping it appears you are ready to leave...
Anna wears a fine traveling outfit for the journey. She takes a few notes from Judge Daramid about Lady Hauber-Blotton's personality and affectations. Despite her irreverence in front of the judge, Anna prides herself in being a professional, and plans on being true to the role.
Hence, she decides to practice during the trip, and assumes the role almost immediately uponddeparture.
Unless we have horses, Oathar will grab a seat next to the driver on the coach where he can remain on guard as man-at-arms.
Kimberly fixes her normal priestess attire to look a little more like a servant.
The whole trip she only refers to Anna as m'lady. or ma'am.
Tolvan dresses the part of an academic advisor from the university. But he adds a top quality overcoat and top hat to go with the ensemble and seems to enjoy dressing up. He rides inside the coach beside Anna.
As the carriage ride heads off on their journey, "Lady Hauber-Blotton" crosses her legs and places her hands in her lap. She smiles to Tolvan sitting across from her.
So, Mr. Tolvan, sir. Tell me more of these lycanthropes you mentioned. Why does one need silver when confronting them? Is there a way to tell if someone is one? Is there anything else I might need to know?
The departure from Lepidstradt is without incident and a wagon of supplies, provided by the judge, trundles behind Anna's carriage. You have leisure to speak and the journey as as comfortable as can be expected.
Three days out you find the way blocked by five grubby men in studded leather who level crossbows at you.
Halt! Road toll!, one of their number bellows.
"How dare you stop the carriage of Lady Hauber-Blotten! This is a free and open road. Clear the road and let us by."
Anna frowns as she peeks through the curtains at the men in the road. Toll, my behind. Highwaymen, most like, she whispers to Tolvan. Then she shifts her focus to the roadside, looking for others waiting in ambush while she loads her hand crossbow.
If she sees any, she'll point them out to Tolvan with hand signals.
Calling out of the carriage, she speaks in clipped tones. Sir Oathar, what is the delay? Why have we stopped?
With a mental command, she winks out of sight. Tolvan feels a light peck on the cheek, then the carriage door opens. Anna slips out and begins to circle around to behind the men.
Highwaymen. They can yield or taste steel. Oathar jumps down from the coach pulling his great sword.
Before Anna goes away (hopefully) MA'am is there anything you wish me to do?
She peeks out the window toward the thugs and ruffians.
Kimberly spots two more hiding off the brush at the side of the road on her side of the carriage, armed with spears.
Init
Kimberly
Oathar
Anna
Tolvin
Crossbowmen
Spearmen
So everyone then Spearmen then Oathar then crossbowmen.
Tolvan assesses the situation carefully and chooses a spell to increase his party's movement, defensives and offenses all at once. As Anna peers from the window Tolvan reminds Do be careful out there, and remember to wait for my spell...
Anna tells Kimberly before she heads out, Stay safe, and make sure no one comes to harm while these ruffians are dealt with.
With the exhilarating feel of Tolvan's magics upon her, she switches from her crossbow to her dagger as she races around the highwaymen. She flickers back into view as she plants the dagger into a spot near a vital organ of one of the men.
Befuddling Strike for rounds.
Tolvan notes 2 spearmen on each side of the carriage from his position.
Anna puts a blade into a nerve buddle on one of the crossbowmen.
Two spearmen move to cover Oathar, stabbing at him while he is flat footed.
1
2
The other two cover the cabin, thrusting their spears in threateningly.
Make no move or we'll skewer you both
Oathar's FF AC with haste is 23 so both miss.
He power attacks with his great sword at spearman 1
With his hasted attack he swings at spearman 2
Yield or die ruffians!
Oathars first hit doubles the man over, and his second blow decapitates the spearman. He then whirls and splits the other spearmans skull with another swipe.
Kimberly noticed the crossbowmen in the distance, she yells out at one of the, You must stop, in the name of Pharasma Stop!
with her words an invisible wave of energy pulses from the carriage.
Will save
One of the crossbowmen freezes, unable to fire, two drop their bows and draw cheap swords and attack Anna while two more take a long step away from the chaos and fire. One at the driver of the carriage and another at the knight.
Driver
Knight
Converting?
Swordsmen vs Anna
Anna's ire raises when she sees one of the crossbowmen shoot at her driver. Hey! No fair shooting Giovanni! Someone deal with that guy, she shouts over the din of combat.
Anna's blade flashes.
-2 attacks for that many rounds.
Danica tells Kimberly "Stay safe and don't wonder about."
She runs to the aid of Anna who is facing 2 opponents performing a side kick to one of the thugs.
Danica sets up a flank for Anna next round, leaving Kimberly and Tolvan to face two spearmen back at the carriage.