Shanosuke's The Sorcerers Alpha Team Editon (Inactive)

Game Master Shanosuke

Is it worth to take the cavalier? Plenty of chances for mounted combat or not really that good to have?

@Frank
If you do, try and balance it as best you can. There will be some nice places for mounted combat but there will also be some dungeon crawling as well. Even so there will be a nice amount of places where you can be mounted.

Leorn nods at Jen. "Very well, lets get to it. Now first off, what type of Ranger do you want to be. I know several sub-categories of ranger so pick the one you feel most suited too. Then we will begin."
Once you have chosen your style of ranger, Leorn spends much of the evening training you to hunt and how to designate a favorite prey.
While this is going on, the rest of you eat inside and linger about. You spend a nice amount of time trying to recreate the spells you performed earlier. You get close but the power drain leaves you all relatively exhausted.

It is dark by the time Leorn finishes with Jen and Yalm finally emerges from his study. As you all eat your before bed meal. Yalm addresses you. "Much is going to happen from this point on. You have power. But no where near what you need. Starting tomorrow I am going to help you unlock more spells and aid you in your capacity to cast simple ones. Now get some rest. Tomorrow is a big day."

With that you all turn in for the night. You have some of the craziest dreams that night. You feel your emotions running wild, intermingling with something else that is hard to describe. The person you were is no more, though the experiences you have had still exist. Slight alterations now exist and you feel more attuned to your element than you were before. However. There is something seriously out of place. For one, battle. You have never in your life considered that you would be expected to battle a dangerous individual whose objective may in fact be to kill you. And how many battles would you have to fight to get there. A wave of insecurity sweeps over you all. And soon you find yourselves questioning. Why are we here? Is this dangerous? How exactly are we to accomplish our goal. These very questions bring about a very unrestful sleep.

The next day comes about and Leorn sets about awakening you. "Time to get up. We have a lot to go over today. I get one of you to train and Yalm gets the other three. Come and have breakfast and we will begin."

For the most part you are all groggy but manage to shake it off. In the kitchen Leorn has prepared fresh eggs with toast and honey. The food is delectible and seems to aid in soothing your nerves from last nights disturbing thoughts.

Jen you can now REPLACE the Expert Class with a level in Ranger. You can also add whatever ranger archetype you want.
Today you will all learn Cantrips and your first level spell. I will post each of your spell details when the game day is over. For now. Decide who gets the next lesson from Leorn and roleplay a bit and we'll move on from there.

"Frank! Rock, Paper, Scissors to see who goes with Leorn?"

Just roll a d20 and whoever gets highest goes first.

1d20 ⇒ 9

I would like become the master of creatures, working with them to fight our common foe. I'd also like to try my hand at using traps, so we can face a larger foe using hit and run attacks. I'm still not sure as to my favored enemy. I want to try and hunt those that try to hunt and corrupt nature. Do you know the main composition of enemy forces that we'll have to fight?

Taking beastmaster and trapper archetypes

After waking up exhausted from a day of training and a night of restlessness, Jen enjoys a delicious breakfast.

Leorn, how do you get the energy to spend all day working and still get up early to make breakfast?

"Frank! Rock, Paper, Scissors to see who goes with Leorn?"

Just roll a d20 and whoever gets highest goes first.

1d20

You are on!

1d20 ⇒ 7

Mmhmmm that was close, 2 out of 3?

I'll be doing an "aldori" swordsman type, so I'll need fighter for the archetype.

Aiden Frost wrote:

"Frank! Rock, Paper, Scissors to see who goes with Leorn?"

Just roll a d20 and whoever gets highest goes first.

1d20

You are on!

1d20

Mmhmmm that was close, 2 out of 3?

I'll be doing an "aldori" swordsman type, so I'll need fighter for the archetype.

I find that free hand fighter archetype works best for that idea, then follow it up with duelist. There is an "Aldori" equivalent in this world and you will meet them before you reach level two. Just a hint.

"Alright."

1d20 ⇒ 4

1d20 ⇒ 10

Adina rises groggily and thanks Leorn graciously for the food. She watches the boy's contest with mild interest, but ends up outside watching the sky brighten as the sun rises.

1d20 ⇒ 20

Tie breaker and decisive one

1d20 ⇒ 2

3 out of 5!? Naah! it's your win I'll just keep an eye on things for now as he looks at Jen training with Yalm

Awesome, I was thinking fo that kind of fighter and getting an "aldori" sword for that also since I'm getting all those feats with fighter and duelist is the rogue?

Shanosuke

"Better luck next time brother."

Aiden shakes franks hand and bows to the ladies. Then, he walks outside with Leorn.

EDIT: I'd like to take the knife master archetype.

Leorn laughs as Aiden wins their little game. "Very well. I will train you in the the art of knife fighting. If you play it just right you can become even more deadly than any trained swordsman." Leorn trains Aiden for most of the day.

The rest of your are joined by Yalm. "Today I am going to show the rest of you how to use some of your lesser powers more continuously. Now stand with me children and I will show you how this is done."

All of you train for the day. Those of you who spent time with Yalm have now developed Cantrips for your level zero spells. Aiden has learned Rogue knife master.

The players are now as follows:
Aiden: Sorcerer(Elemental Bloodline:Fire)/Rogue(KnifeMaster) Level 1
Jen: Sorcerer(Elemental Bloodline:Earth)/Ranger(BeastMaster/Trapper) Level 1
Adina: Sorcerer(Elemental Bloodline:Wind)/Expert Level 1
Frank: Sorcerer(Elemental Bloodline:Water)/Expert Level 1

You all rest for the evening after an exhausting day of training. The next day rolls around and Leorn takes the next student while Yalm trains Aiden in Cantrips.

The rest of you will spend the day practicing your skills and magical talents.

This is training with Yalm is exhausting in ways I couldn't image this is VERY hard for me but will keep trying to make the best of it

Well I got 0 charisma so I just have a bunch of cantrips available xD I think I roleplayed it well as it is basically hard as nails to get it for my character

Check back in the thread some ways. It explains about how sorcerers are treated. Basically charisma modifier = HD. Has other things of note as well.

After trying out some of her new magical powers What exactly did we get? Did we learn our full allotment of like four cantrips or did our previously once per day power become a cantrip, Jen heads to the unicorns to ask them some questions.

She tries to be friendly and connecting with the unicorns, using her new ranger skills at being one with nature.

Hey there, I know that you can understand my language, but I can understand yours, so nod to say yes and shake your head side-to-side to say no, kay?

Are you Yalm and Leorn's unicorns or are you just here to help out on this quest to save this place?

Yalm and Leorn's unicorns (pauses to wait for responses) or just here to help (waits for responses)?

Jen says to the side, talking to herself but making sure the unicorns could still hear. Wow, these are such pretty creatures. They're all so pretty. I wonder how it would feel to ride one. Then she turns back to the unicorns. Maybe one of you could help me experience that? Just around the house a few times, to practice my riding. She waits eagerly for a nod.

Just so you guys know I am waiting on either Frank or Adina to tell me what they want to be trained in. I wont post any further until I know what they are after.

Just so you guys know I am waiting on either Frank or Adina to tell me what they want to be trained in. I wont post any further until I know what they are after.

I'm for fighter, just thinking if I will be freehand+magus or what kind of fighter I would pick, maybe cavalier+roughrider but I will be fighter

Leorn, is it my turn yet? I have been waiting to train like soldier with you, since I know I'm good at physical task and such like fighting armed or unarmed.

Jen speaks to the unicorn and it responds to her talking with the nods and shakes she asked for.

For the questions regarding weather or not these are Yalm's unicorns or if they're just helping, the unicorn nods to both. Apparently these Unicorns are Yalm's and they are also aiding him in his quest to save this world.

At her request to ride one the Unicorn gestures to Leorn.

Leorn looks at Frank and smiles.
"Well I can teach you many talents as a mounted combatant. Here come with me and I will give you a round on one of the unicorns." Leorn turns to Jen. "You seem anxious to ride one also. Come on." The two of you join Leorn and the Unicorns. The beautiful white steeds move with such grace as they approach. You then mount up bareback. Leorn turns to you. "These are not horses. They are intelligent beast that Yalm and I have raised from infancy. They understand us and therefore do not need reigns, bit, or bridle." Leorn mounts his beast and merely holds onto the Unicorns mane. "Let's go." Leorn rides a couple of laps around the pen on the unicorn. Soon he returns to the two of you. "Come now relay you commands." those of you who have no prior equestrian experience find it easy to adapt to the fast and free unicorns.
Then came the combat training. "Aiden! You may want to join us for this."[b/] Leorn calls out to Aiden. Leorn spends the day instructing each of you in the art of combat.

To Aiden Leorn hands two masterwork daggers. [b]"These are weapons. I will show you the best way to kill a man if you can get behind him."

To Frank, if desired, a masterwork longspear or a masterwork longsword.

To Jen, Leorn offers a masterwork longsword, or a masterwork shortsword, or a masterwork longbow.

These weapons are unfamiliar to you as you have never in your life considered taking up arms in any sort of battle other than the army. But you have yet to have that opportunity. Leorn shows you how to use the weapon you chose with deadly precision.

Leorn spend much of the day training you in the art of killing. Practice dummies are set up and Leorn goes into grisly depth on the best way to kill or incapacitate another man. "Many have fallen to Xivasar's influence and will throw their very lives away to stop you from saving the world. Battles are messy affairs and I can see none of you have the experience of someone who has kill another. I have. The first time is always the most emotional. It's different for each person but it is never a simple matter of fact task. I can guarantee that at some point in your venture, you will be forced to take the life or lives of others." Leorn goes over the dangers of combat and how important it is to protect yourselves. After that discussion he makes a point to fit each of you with masterwork studded leather armor. "This should protect you a little from getting hurt by whomever is trying to kill you. Though it is always best just to not get hit. I will show you the best way. Leorn spends some time to give you ALL a free feat. Dodge. You all know have Dodge for free. Even Adina.

Near the end of the day, Yalm comes out with a sword. [b]"Come Leorn, let us show them by example what a fight looks like." Leorn nods at Yalm and picks up his own sword. "Ready when you are master."

Leorn and Yalm clash in a magnificent display of skilled swordsmanship. Even though he seemed merely an old wizard, Yalm moved quick and with precision. Leorn himself was also very fast but it was clear that Yalm could read Leorn well. The two bouted for a good twenty minutes. Near the end of their duel it seemed the two of them were really trying to kill one another. Once they had finished they withdrew their weapons and turned to face you.

Yalm spoke. "I hope you were watching closely. Fighting can be nerve racking at first but you need to make sure you are mentally prepared to defend yourself and cut down your foe if necessary. That concludes today's lesson, tomorrow I will teach each of you a new spell to use. For now, are there any questions?"

Do not look to the core rulebook or any other source for spells. I have my own spell list for this campaign and I will give you spells as you progress.

Jen's first ride seems to go by quickly, but she enjoys every second of it. Unlike normal horses, the unicorns don't require any of the kicking or prodding, things that often made her uncomfortable before. As the ride ends and combat training begins, Jen thanks her unicorn for the ride and heads to Leorn.

Is that masterwork longbow a regular one or a composite longbow? Composite can be used on the back of a horse, but a regular one can't be used.

In Yalm and Leorn's lessons, one thing stood out to her the most. Make sure you are mentally prepared to defend yourself. He chose to emphasize the mental, not the physical side of combat. And that was how Jen would approach it as well.

So. in other words, we're going to have a lot of spell spoilers? I guess I'll go with druid.

"Uh, no, no questions from me." Adina says as she tries to imagine herself holding a sword.

Aiden takes to combat training like a horse to the fields. The blood of the ancient Celts courses hot and fast in his veins and he learns the subtle, flourishing feints and strikes of the knife master.

"An Gaidheal 'na shuain, le eiginn nar n-eirigh as ar suain"

"Thank you Leorn. This may be an odd question, but do you have an blue flowers that grow around here?"

Aiden is looking for materials to create Woad: Celtic war-paint. He's hoping to use it for battle. I'm looking for roleplay reasons, if you want to give it an in game boon, I won't argue. 8)

Perhaps relevant: War Paint of the Terrible Visage and Shoanti War Paint

His eyes wide open as he looks at the practice of Leorn and Yalm

Applauding the swordsmanship display

Well I will hopefully be good enough and I think the longsword would serve me best, I felt it more... comfortable to use. as he stands up
Also had a good practice riding those unicorns it was fun, but still the sword calls me and the mobility of it just moving aroudn the battlefield with grace and precision

Might start with mobile fighter and switch things with the Aldori Swordlord archetype also, just searching for the best way to get a decent fencer type of character ala Aldori swordsman

Okay you all head to bed for the night, the next day rolls around and Yalm is once again indisposed. Leorn Trains Adina to be a Druid. He can only teach the typical druid class.
Adina can take only the following Nature Bonds:
Air
Animal
Animal Companion
Cloud
Storms
or Wind.

You are granted no spells from the class except the domain spell, summon natures ally, and any other perk spells awarded naturally by the class.

The rest of you watch as Leorn teaches Adina how to harness some of the lesser magics of Kellmanor and commune with animals.

You spend further lessons in combat over this day and more training of the spells you already know.

Yalm joins you for dinner and announces. "Tomorrow, I will teach you all new spells. I hope you are ready for this."

The next day rolls about and now the four of you are out with Yalm ready for the new spells.

"Today I am going to teach you manipulation magic. This is the foundation for all spells that you will use from this point on. From this magic, you should be able to discover new spells by commanding the elements to your will. You all have spells to produce the main components of your elements, now it is time to use the elements themselves. Now I want you all to start by producing your elements. Leorn and I will help you from there."

You all go about putting your activation spells into effect.
Frank yours is create water
Jen is create sand
Adina is Gust
and Aiden is Spark

Once you all have your elements active Leorn and Yalm proceed to teach you the spell Elemental Manipulation

It is exhausting to learn the new spell. You all go to bed pretty warn out. The next day rolls around and you routinely join Leorn for breakfast. Suddenly, you all hear a knock at the door. Leorn is in the kitchen preparing another helping. He calls out. "Would one of you please check and see who is at the door."

Jen opens the door and is greeted by the sight of a giant eight-foot creature in front of her. While inside, she's quite unsettled, on the outside, she looks rather impassively with "sleepy eyes."

Hi, nice to meet you. She manages a weak wave.

Perception to see the creature at the door.

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

If he sees it...

Aiden draws a dagger underneath the table and silently directs Adina and Frank to look toward the door.

"What?" Adina grumbles as she tries to concentrate and get the ache to leave her head. Her eyes grow wide as she looks passed Jen, but she doesn't scream. She seems pretty close to running though...

The creature standing before Jen lets out an otherworldly bellow. Hot saliva flies into Jen's face bruning her skin. She recoils. Leorn appears quickly with an expression of horror on his face. Seeing the monster he shouts "Jen get away! That is a Lesser Demon Grunt! They are extremely dangerous!" Leorn races for a closest and pulls out an embroidered Bastard sword. "Someone run up and tell Yalm that they found us!"

Jen must make a will save DC 14 or be frozen in fear.
If she fails the demon tosses her through the air and onto the dinning room table and she will take 4 non lethal.

If she succeeds she simply gets out of the way. No harm.

Once Jen is out of the way Leorn moves in to engage the beast.

This is it Boyo. time to prove yourself.

Aiden will dive through the window in order to get behind the demon, and flank with Leorn.

No attack yet, Aiden will gauge this new opponent.

Does anyone just notice the new change with the thread at the top?

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Jen wipes the demon's spit off her face and moves to the side, trying to find her bow and arrows.

Uh, I haven't chosen a favored enemy yet. Are demons one of the common foot soldiers of this evil fella?

OMFG!!! OMFG!!!

WHAT THE F*** IS THAT! as he suddenly realizes what it happening in the room Adina, go get Yalm! as I draw my sword and point at the creature standing at the door with it.

Any ideas here!?

Snapping out of her fear-induced-paralysis, Adina leaps from the table and runs for Yalm.

"YALM, THERE'S A BIG BULL THING ON TWO LEGS! HELP!!!"

Leorn moves to attack the monster as it moves through the doorway. He takes a stroke with his sword but the demon blocks the attack with it's forearm. With a mighty shove the creature pushes Leorn back. He readies himself for a fight.

Yalm hears Adina screaming for him and opens the door. As he listens to her description of the thing, he quickly races back into his study, grabs his sword and staff and moves down the stairs. He turns to Adina. "Get to the stables and wait there." He continues down the stairs.

In the kitchen the beast seems focused on Leorn ignoring the rest of you. It is more terrifying than anything any of you have ever seen. Even at a distance you all can feel the heat radiating off of its skin. "Get to the stable! The unicorns will protect you! I can handle this but none of you are ready for this kind of fight!" The demon roars and charges Leorn. Leorn blocks but the creature lifts him off his feet all the same and pushes Leorn up against the wall. Leorn mutters something in a language you don't understand. The sword seems to glow and suddenly the fire in the beasts eyes go out. The monster rears back placing both hands on its eyes bellowing in pain. Leorn takes this opportunity to run the the thing through. The monster falls dead. Leorn looks at the rest of you. "They found us, we need to leave. Get to the stables. Yalm and I will join you shortly." With that Leorn heads into the kitchen. The door to the stable is in this room you will have no problem getting there.

As you all make your way into the stables Yalm and Adina make it downstairs. "Leorn! Get the emergency supplies ready! Quickly!" Yalm is unable to answer any questions you may have. You all corral into the stables. Once inside the unicorns move out of there pens and surround you in a defensive circle.

You all now have a moment to breath and reflect on what just happened.

Reflect and talk a bit please.

Oh and Jen, I cannot tell you what common foes you will face are. Leorn would have taught you to kill humans, elves, animals, magic beasts, or dwarves. That's about it.

Okay, I'll just set favored enemy as humans

Even in the face of an enormous threat, Jen can't help but enjoy being in the company of the unicorns. Let's calm down, that demon couldn't have been much of an issue. Like Leorn said, it was just a lesser grunt. On the bright side, soon we'll be able to handle them with ease.

I'll take an animal companion, preferably a bird of some kind, when we get the time.

Adina is trying to calm herself with limited success, taking deep, shuddering breaths. She gives that up in favor of remembering things she likes. The view from a top a tree, preparing a meal, songs, the tingle when Aiden's hands touched her own...

"Okay, I think I'm okay now. I was ready for maybe a person, but Leorn said it was a demon, didn't he? If just a 'lesser grunt' is like that, how long is it going to take to be able to beat it? I was too scared to even move until Frank told me to get help. I'm... sorry I couldn't do more."

Aiden rests his hand on Adina's shoulder.

"Don't be sorry. None of us could do anything against that thing."

Aiden speaks the truth but, are we really cut out to face those things, this has made me realize again we are just not at Home and there are things beyond our understanding and creatures like this one that we don't even have a chance to fight as he looks down and makes a fist with his hand shaking in anger I felt so weak... impotent... even with our new found power... I amount to nothing... as he looks at Jen I do hope what you say is the truth, dearly hope so

A crisis of the spirit becomes a crsis of the mind. If your mind has already given up, how can you expect your body to keep fighting on?

Think about it, Yalm teleported us across worlds. He says our power will exceed his, and there are four of us. There's nothing that we can't handle, eventually.

Jen places her hand on Frank's clenched fist and lightly teases the fingers back into an open palm.

Suddenly the main double doors to the stable burst open in fire and brimstone. Two more of the demon monsters stand in the doorway roaring and snarling. At their feet you see two fiery hounds also standing aside the demons barking and growling menacingly. The unicorns move ahead of you forming a defensive wall. They stand vigilant neighing and rearing displaying their hooves.

The monsters at the other end snarl and begin to charge. The unicorns in turns lower their horns and also charges. Just before the two groups meet the unicorns horns flash with bright lights blinding their foes. The horse collide with the monster in a horrible battle. The battle is short and the four monsters lay dead. Two of the unicorns are wounded and one lay dead among the savage demons.

Aiden stares in wide-eyed shock and anger.

Sorry about the change in Aliases. I'm doing this more for personal fun rather than for any other reason. Usually for characters with a heavy involvement in the story.

Leorn arrives at the door quickly to see what has transpired. "This is bad. Come I have our provisions here. Come out and help me load up the Unicorns for the journey."

The four of you join the Unicorns and they head out into the corral. Leorn has several bags of supplies waiting just outside. "Help me load up." As you aid Leorn in fitting the Unicorns with saddles and supplies you all notice another individual approaching the corral. He is a large man riding a great black unicorn with a fiery mane and tail. The man is red skinned with terrifying red and yellow armor. His hair is black and smooth. When he breaths his breath comes out as a black smoke. Despite his menacing appearance, his features are finely chiseled and he would be quite handsome if not for the armor or the evil looking horse. He is accompanied by two more hellhounds at his side.

Leorn looks at him with concern. "Keep loading the Unicorns. I will handle this." Leorn draws the bastard sword from his back and approaches the hellborn rider.

The Rider chuckles at Leorn. "So, Brandon's little protege has come out to face me. Don't think for a second that you are a match for me boy!" With that the rider blasts Leorn with a raging inferno. The wave of heat washes past you. This is unlike anything you have ever felt before. Leorn is completely engulfed in flames. Suddenly the flames disperse in a brilliant flash. Leorn stands there unscathed hold the now glowing sword in a defensive posture. "Drethrum! Your powers are useless against the Spirit Bane Sword! Now come off your horse and fight fair!" The rider identified as Drethrum snorts filling the air around his nose with smoke. "So you want to fight with swords. So be it." Drethrum dismounts and draws two flaming weapons. A cruel looking longsword and a fiery scimitar.

Drethrum moves to engage Leorn. The two clash in an explosion of flames. Leorn's sword seems to repel Drethrum's fire but the demon man is a far superior swordsman to Leorn. He pushes Leorn hard and Leorn can do nothing but defend. Soon the two of them are surrounded by a field of fire so you are unable to approach.

With nothing else you can do you quickly begin to load the unicorns as instructed praying for the best.

The battle rages on and Leorn has taken a few light hits but is still standing. Soon Drethrum gains an advantage. Leorn has been cast to the floor and Drethrum was about to strike the finishing blow well Yalm appears just between Drethrum and Leorn in time to block the attack with his own sword. "Leorn. The backup plan! It is the only option! You know what to do! Take the kids and GO!"

Leorn had a stricken look on his face. "Yalm no!"
"I cannot hold him for long! You need to get to Barnemum now! He wont be able to follow you in there! Now go!"

Leorn quickly got to his feet and raced back to join the rest of you. The field of fire seems to part to allow Leorn to pass though. He limps over to you. "We need to go. Mount up. The unicorns will follow me. We are going."

Any questions about leaving Yalm are met with. "We have to leave. He can only buy us so much time! Let's go!" You all mount up and the five Unicorns race out of the Corral leaping effortlessly over the fence onto the open road. The Hellhounds try and intercept but they are no match for the powerful unicorns and are trampled with ease. The horse move with great speed. As you look back you see Yalm's home suddenly erupt into flames. Then it is soon out of sight. You ride fast and hard. The Unicorns do all the work so all you have to do is simply hold on.

Take this time to post your reactions and talk to Leorn if desired.

Just speaking in character here, please let me know if this is offensive and I will adjust.

Screaming against the rush of air, Aiden questions Leorn.

"What the f*~# is going on Leorn! Who are those and why did we leave Yalm!? He's our only shot! Right?"

Jen goes mum as the unicorns ride away, her arms wrapped around her unicorn. The burning cottage is reflected by the sadness in her eyes, but her lack of words reveals nothing about her thought on the situation.

"That was Xivasar's right hand man Hellmaster Drethrum. One of our most powerful foes. Yalm knew this might happen. If this was the case he bidden me to take you to Erendere where you will be training by the moon elves. However, that means we will have to cross though the part of Kellmanor that is controlled by Xivasar. It will be a long dangerous trek but Yalm left me a very well laid out list of routes to take and people to seek out. You are our only "Shot" at saving Kellmanor. Yalm, like anyone else is only an asset for you to achieve all of our goals. Yalm knew this so you must honor his death by carrying on his last wish. I will lead you from here so don't worry. your in good hands." You will notice Leorn is also fighting tears and his monotoned speech is really uninspiring. He is obviously broken up by leaving Yalm behind.

Nothing, and I mean nothing offends me. Be real, that's all I ask. Just don't be excessive or unnecessary.

Are you sure that Yalm is dead? Magicians always have ways of disappearing before their final act.

"Magicians in our world." Adina says from her unicorn. "We're not there anymore..."

After a few moments of blank staring, lightning seems to flash across her eyes.

"I didn't know him very long, but I'm going to avenge Yalm. You guys in?"

We are not in Kansas anymore... Yalm was a good man to as Adina as he just rides saying nothing else but it is clear that his face is concerned and filled with anger.

"Absolutely. Xivasar will die with my blade in his throat."

Leorn fights back tears as he states. "Yalm promised to buy us as much time as he could. He told me it would likely result in his death." Suddenly you all hear a deep maniacal laugh echoing from behind. You turn to look to see Drethrum on his dark steed racing after you.
Leorn looked back in dismay. "No he lost so soon!?" Responding quickly Leorn pulls his bow and draws an arrow. Turning in the saddle he aims at Drethrum and fires. The Hellmaster dodges the arrow with ease. Leorn fires another and Drethrum draws his scimitar to deflect it. Leorn fires a third only to have it deflected again. Drethrum was gaining. His dark horse growling as it races after you. Leorn takes a deep breath and fishes in his quiver for a distinct arrow. Once his fingers find the fletching he draws an notches it. He holds for a moment pointing at Drethrum. The Hellmaster held his sword ready to deflect again. Leorn adjusts his aim lower and lets the arrow fly. The arrow strikes Drethrum's steed square in the chest causing the beast to topple throwing it's rider. You hear Drethrum shouting curses even after he is out of sight. "We should be okay for now but we must get to the town. There is a dwarven settlement there with a powerful magic ward in place. Drethrum will not be able to enter."

Ahhh Swordsag'd

Wait, we should master our anger. Xivasar needs to be brought down for the good of this world, but that doesn't mean that we should feel anger inside. Anger is a coal that only burns the hand that holds it.

Xivasar is evil because he clings to power; we will become evil if we cling to hate. Yalm is a good person, and he wouldn't want us to go down that road.

Then the dark champion appears on the road behind them, and releasing her anger becomes much harder.

He was the one that killed Yalm.

As Drethrum begins to gain, fear starts to creep into her breast and she holds tightly to her unicorn, seeking comfort in its long and beautiful mane. Jen only lifts her head when Leorn confirms that Drethrum has been slowed down for the moment and mentions the dwarves.

There are people shorter than me?

"I'd believe about anything these days..."