Shards of the Titanswar

Game Master EldonG

Sakuro looked distinctly unhappy as Alyra wrestled the book away - despite everything Sakuro had been doing to stop it, the book seemed to be getting viewed and even opening up, which was both freaky and extremely bad news. On the other hand, it was hard to get mad at Alyra after the help they'd gotten, but... her cousin had brought the book, and she wasn't the type to just lump the important things onto others after claiming responsibility for it. That thing was definitely nothing but trouble.

I wish I knew a way to bring sight back, Reiko, but I don't know that magic. I fear that it's unlikely that anyone here does. I really don't think that now is a good time to deal with this book. Perhaps the proprietor could lock it away for now?

Alyra looks somewhat distraught as things seem to be on the precipice of spiraling out of control.

Nia - for the moment, Alyra has it, in the satchel - and that's her answer to you. She doesn't physically resist if you take it from her, but she in no way offers it.

Baldek finishes his pipe, letting the others go back in before him. When another five minutes have passed, and he feels the inn is not about to be swallowed whole by the book, he meanders back in.

Chief Swain always said books were dangerous. How right he was! he thinks as he gets back inside.

"Reiko? You blind?! You should rest I think." And leave that damned book be for the night...

He asks for a mug of dark ale and turns to the others: "Ok, so where do you want me. I got the axe, someone will grant me a supernatural armour made of thin air, and I will cut down ogres. That I understand perfectly, but do we know where they will strike? Or are you still intent of bringing the fight to them?"

"Alyra" Auric says, with a hint of frustration creeping into his voice, "I take it from your refusal to answer that you do not know how to prepare such a circle... are you willing to take responsibility for protecting the vile tome from falling into the wrong hands and for protecting the well meaning from meddling with evil far beyond their understanding?"

As he speaks he places his hand on the satchel containing the text, and looking at Reiko shakes his head in disappointment. Then turning his attention to Nia he adds, "We will miss Reiko's blade badly when the ogres arrive... we cannot afford to lose anyone else to this mad curiosity."

if she accepts responsibility for those things I'll let go of the satchel, otherwise I'll gently but firmly take it and write/carve any prayers/runes/sygil/whatever of protection that I can recall on the satchel before stowing it still tied closed in my backpack. Unlike Alyra, I will physically resist anyone who attempts to take it.

I'm sorry, no - I know little about arcane protections. My magics come from the sea, through my father. I still think it would be best if it was on none of us - and definitely in the satchel. Sealed.

Alyra lets Auric take it, somewhat reluctantly.

Auric calls for a large bowl and sits down with the sealed satchel. When the bowl comes he fills it with a vial of holy water, removes a 50' silk rope from his bag and carefully soaks it in the bowl. While the rope absorbs the holy water he does his best to scribe prayers and protective sygils into the satchel before removing his silver holy symbol and using it to further seal the bag closed. When the rope has soaked up all the holy water, he wraps it completely around the satchel (holy symbol and all) and ties it tight before placing the whole bundle into his pack.

After this process has played out he turns his attention back to Alyra and says, "Do you know of anyone in this village who would be willing and able to protect this book from theft and us from it? If so, I will gladly leave it with them until the ogres are dealt with; otherwise, it will remain with me until we show it to the head of my order or it is stolen from my corpse."

Turning his attention back to everyone else, he adds, "I know I am new to you and I apologize for my forcefulness but I have taken a sacred oath to protect people from evils such as this, even if they are unaware of its danger, or uninterested in that protection. It is clear that many of you have unanswered questions about this tome and I suspect that in time, under safer conditions, you may have the opportunity to learn more... but for now Baldek is correct- our attention should be on dealing with the immanent ogre attack." He seems burdened by the thought of what he carries, but manages a small smile at the prospect of 'only' having to deal with ogres.

removed 1 vial of holy water from character sheet

Aya looks up from her scribing. For sure. I cannot think of anyone in the village that is better prepared to safeguard this tomb that us.

"That is unwise. If we are carrying it then any evil it can bring to bear on us it will try. In addition it is spying on us. It is not safe in our hands. Of this I can agree with Miss Alyra. There are many tales of Hero's trying to safeguard something before they are ready. It has already influenced us and blinded our friend here. We should give it to someone for safekeeping for now. The last thing we need is us to be under the influence of fear when facing the Ogres. Find it a keeper, deal with the Ogres, then focus on what needs to be done after that. There are already other forces of evil at work and if that is with us it may signal them to get into their hands. We do not want it on us for that reason and many more." Nia'Nikta's voice was firm and resolute but she fully expected no one to heed the advice. After all, Hero's rarely ever did. It was in all the tales....well most hero's.

'This is it's own tale, watch it unravel as you are part of it and try not to judge those you don't know.' She silently chided herself.

"And what if we entrust it to a townsperson who is overcome with the same curiosity that took you, Nia, and several others only moments ago? You knew it was a foul and powerful evil and still you desired to examine and explore... to know... And what if this townsperson doesn't fair as well as we did? What if it bends them to its will and we find ourselves facing not only ogres but the power of this tome given voice and flesh in some hapless victim?" Auric speaks not with condescension nor a confrontational tone but with a genuine concern. "As I said to Alyra, if you can find a townsperson who is both willing and able to take responsibility for this thing I will gladly let them bear the burden this evening, but short of that I will not be parted with it until I place it in the care of the head of my order or it is stolen from my corpse."

"Yes, I wanted to know, but not for reasons you think. And I for one wasn't the one to open it so don't lump us all in together. Do you really want that book influencing the Orge battle that is to come?" Her own voice lace with concern. "Do you want it watching our every move which we already know it can and HAS."

She sat back.

'I am not going to state outloud in this current company I wanted to see if I could identify it enough to know possibly what it was and how to destroy it. Tales of such artifacts are often in the libraries and maybe I could have cleaned an idea of where to start without going the holy route of asking and divinations. The fact this seems tied to titan's and is Necromatic is....odd and doesn't sit well. Titan's are supposed to be immortal unless slain. I wonder if this book was created with Titan's blood or skin. The tales on the Titan war are hazy at best on details.'

She turned her attention to Reiko and would cast a detect magic on him to look to see if it was a currently running spell keeping him blind or a curse. That was, if she could tell.

Oops, that should have been a Fort save - not that it truly matters. :(

No residual magic.

No, not here in the village. I have been gone for too long. I don't know of any place that would be safe for something like this. All I can hope - it has only ever cast while ope. Perhaps if it stays closed then all it can do is spy.

Alyra sighs and collapses into a seat, looking defeated.

For now, we have a difficult fight ahead. For most of us, rest is the most important thing.

Shaking his head at all the arcane talk that flew right over his head, Antonio went over by Reiko and laid his hand on his shoulder.
"Blinded? Reiko my friend, we have a date with some ogres and we will need every blade. Is there anything that can be done to cure it?"
He absently hands Reiko back his sword.

"Yes, I would prefer we discuss the imminent onslaught of nefarious beast of destruction and mayhem. Once that situation is dealt with, we will either have no more care for this mortal realm, or we'll have plenty of time to sort things out..."

Well, a lot of magic things wouldn't wait until later... and Sakuro sighed a little bit as she slipped out of the room. She needed time to cool her head - and check the shop for a crossbow and some bolts. Hopefully there'd be something in stock she could use.

"Do we even have a plan? So far the plan seems to wing it and hope we can see their leader."

It seems the discussion was over and the angelkin was going to possess the book. "I actually haven't heard a single plan really be put out except put ropes out to trip them up. Do WE have a plan of attack. Since my idea was rejected completely and no one saw merits in it I would ask you what your plan of attacks are"

It would be good to draw the patriarch to us. I would like to set up in the copse of trees closest to the road. Three or four archers would be comfortable in those trees, with as many hidden below - though - it worries me that anybody wants to melee with the beasts.

Tania is, after all, an archer. She looks at the gathering and shrugs.

Nia nods. "How would you suggest drawing him to us? You have watched them and observed him and I heard no input from my previous plan. How would we pull him away from his company? As for Melee, I am loath to do it but I do better when all are able to see and hear me. That way everyone can benefit from the magic I wield with words. Plus, we keep him off of you so that you can rain death on him from above."

Shifting she would look around. "Someone have a map or can create one for those of us without reference?"

Manton does, being the mayor, and all that.

Tania goes to the bookshelf and retrieves the parchment map of the village. It's rougher, but see the Lakeroot link on the Campaign page.

"I was not here for your plan, Nia," Auric replies, "but I, for one, would like to hear it."

Auric thinks he's human, he doesn't even know what an angelkin is... with your knowledges you may well know better than he does, but he certainly would not have introduced himself as an aasimar

The problem with us setting up there, of course, is if he goes west of the road. If he's on the road, or east, we can.get his attention pretty easily.

Tania points out the little copse close to where the slope steepens, to the east.

I think he'll gravitate to the high ground.

If you look a couple of posts back she was trying to decipher what his otherworldly "good looks" could be from and comments he has made only led her to believe more. Plus, his general disposition. She won't know for sure just yet but has decided to dub him the Angelkin since he the "shining" Paladin. You do fit many tales of such people ^.^

Also GM You mean the road to the north correct? I am assuming the top of that map is North. If so what is below stays the same

Nia'Nikta shifting looking at the map.

"So what would make him come that way? Just us being there or should we use something in particular? Or you think he will go to that high ground to look over everything?"

"I don't mind trading blows with the ogres, abd I don't mind getting some help with protecting my skin..." gruffs Baldek sourly.

They're coming from the south.

I think he'll take the high ground because they're a mountain clan, and he'll have a good view of the village.

Tania nods in agreement.

Then again, he's pretty canny, for an ogre.

I am a healer. I cannot stop the blows, but I can assure that they don't kill you - as long as they don't come in too fast.

Alyra looks toward, if not at Baldek.

Reiko offers a slight chuckle.
Well, I for on whole my sight comes back before this battle, otherwise it's going to be hard to keep the leader occupied with the rest of you.

"Alyra," Auric begins, "if the offer still stands, I would be most grateful to be bound to you when the time comes. I am at my strongest when there is a single enemy to focus on, and I may be able to hold his attention effectively for a while, but I suspect I will need your help to survive more than a couple blows from an ogre chieftain. And if the high ground is our best chance for confronting him it sounds like where I would like to be. We will, as I said, certainly miss your sword tonight, Reiko."

Of course. I can maintain that link with as many as five at a time. That would be my preference.

Alyra first speaks to Auric, but includes all the group.

Jun, it's a trick I believe I could teach you.

Baldek makes sure he gets the protective spell from Sakuro before venturing on anything that resemble a skirmishing line. Once he feels protected, he swings the blade nervously and with a rasping low voice he just says: "I hate waiting... It's the hardest part..."

"It is something I look forward to learning. I haven't quite got that knack for it yet, but I feel like I am on the cusp of grasping it."

To the others he says, "I have the ability to bend luck sometimes that can turn the tide of battle to our side. I may be able to pair up with a spell casting to increase the odds that it affects its target."

Jun has the ill omen spell causing the target to have to roll his next d20 roll twice and take the worst roll, I would have to be within 30 feet of the target however. In addition he also has the misfortune revelation which I can force a re-roll on any one target once per day per target within 30 feet. (I can do that once per round as an immediate action)

Aya has scrolls she's penning - unless anyone else gives me something specific, the next post I make will be about positioning.

Ok.

Tania takes a platform in the trees. Alyra will be up next to the barricade.

The sheriff takes his place on the road. Manton takes a longspear there at the road. Gotson stands with him. Farther west on barricades you notice Hortense's bodyguard and Drokart, standing by Torsten, at another barricade. The young lady that was singing at the festival is there, too, farther back on the road. Many of the farmers you've seen have their spears there, willing to die for their village.

Manton appears to be giving a pep talk.

There are actually five more platforms in the trees. Several can hide in the copse on the ground, and three or four can gather behind the barricade, hiding or in the open. Alyra's first choices for the link is anybody at the barricade.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

The girl hummed as she looked at the fortifications, interested in what they were doing - though her mind was still a bit preoccupied.

Sakuro abruptly turned as they approached the others, heading for the villagers. Her hands went onto her hips a moment later as confidence practically flowed out of her. "Okay, guys! We took down a bunch of ogres earlier - they can be killed just like everyone else, so don't panic even though they're tall and ugly!" she pronounced. "What we're not going to do is play fair. We'll hit them as hard as we can from as far as we can, and do everything possible to try and avoid even letting them have a swing at us. Your goal isn't to die for the village - it's to keep living and continue protecting your families. This is not a glorious last stand - this is when we kick some ugly ogre butt and go get drunk afterwards, and I don't want it marred by crying and regret! Got it? Nobody here's allowed to die!"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

...Self-confident, much?

I'm confused... I thought we were going to some high ground to try to lure the leader? Is this barricade at the high ground? Are we supposed to find the leader here and lure him there? Are we supposed to let the archers lure him somewhere and then come up on him?"

Auric stands near Alyra with his greatsword in hand, wishing he were more familiar with the geography of the area and with the 'plan'. "I will fight as long as you can keep me healthy, Alyra," he says to her, then addressing the others nearby he adds, "I'm not sure I'll be able to identify the leader, if anyone can point him out I'd be grateful..."

Nia'Nikta would sigh softly shifting her armor as she sat on her horse. She found a place that would best touch the most. Her magic only reached so far and she needed to be close enough to empower those fighting.

Looking to Alyra. "Connect to those that really need it. Only me if there is no one else." They had plenty of fighters and she believed they should have it. Moving Shadowstar to one side she looked at Jun.

"If you need to move quickly because the battlefield changes I can give you a ride. Least I can do."

She unhooked her shield and slid it onto her arm, but instead of grabbing her sword she pulled out her whip. Yeah, it wouldn't do much damage but she was more a fan of tripping and disarming. Though, that was usually against humans. She really needed to perfect the technique.

"Reiko, would you consider remaining around our more squishy casters, at least until your vision returns?"

Antonio looked around at the terrain around the fortifications, looking for some kind of advantage.
Knowledge:Local: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Indeed, it seems that is all I can do at the moment anyway. I can at least somewhat fight blinded. I never did perfect the technique though.

Lakeroot is in a valley - the lake is the lowest point. The dotted line on the map marks rise (I forget how much, at the moment) and the barricade you'll be manning is right where it starts getting steeper. Those trees are right near the edge, too.

Who is taking what positions?

Aya casts Mage Armor on Baldek. She scans the trees and the approach, then selects a tree archer position and climbs up to the makeshift platform. She then verifies that she has a good view of the field. Then with Sleep scroll in hand and bow in lap she sits and waits.

Baldek will get to the barricade. His deep raspy voice booms: "Hello Fellows! This will be quite the night!" with conviction and he adds "Leave me the biggest ones if you want. Just remember to aim below the belt, okay?"

For a moment, he looks at the sky, his hand wandering to his throat, wondering what Fate had in store for him.

Why save me from imminent death by hanging, if it's to be slain by ogres... Right?

He shrugs, and looks at the road and the forest, whistling softly.

Baldek, the Mage Armor was yours, not Sakuro's. Sorry for listing the wrong character.

After giving her little speech to the audience, Sakuro moved around and towards a position up in the trees, aiming to be able to cast magic at the ogres as they came and still be able to keep away from them if it looked like they'd break through. Her Grease spell would probably be the best choice for now - anything to slow those brutes would be good.

The Lakeroot map ends right at the southern edge of town... is there another map I'm supposed to be looking at? or, are you saying we're actually east of the road near the watchtower? Actually, I suppose it really doesn't matter because IC Auric really isn't familiar with the geography here, or where the ogres are coming from, or what the plan is beyond fighting ogres and killing the chief

Auric stands close to Alyra and recites some prayers in preparation of battle. "Is there a range which I must stay within to remain linked to you?" he asks the blind seer, then adds "and, if you have any spells which can add to the damage I deal or might reduce the injuries I sustain, those would be most appreciated."

Goldar, grant me the endurance to stand against this evil and the strength to protect these people. Placing his hand on his chest, as dwarves often do when offering prayers, Auric is woefully reminded of his holy symbol's absences there... he does not allow himself to give thought to the important task it is currently engaged in, but forces his attention back to the more immediate concerns. He begins to look and listen carefully for any signs of approaching enemies.

perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

It's rare that one linked moves out of range before a battle is over - but just in.case, my range is about half again a hundred feet.

Alyra starts linking people - Auric and Baldek first - who else?

She'll include Manton and the sheriff if she runs out of party members likely to be hit.

Reiko will definitely need it. He's going to be fighting ogres blind, afterall.

Auric checks his sight lines, and finding that he can see for a fair distance in what might be the direction the ogres will approach from (assuming that's true), he sheaths his greatsword and draws his longbow. "I'm not nearly as good with this as I am with a good sword or axe," he tells Baldek, "but I might be able to soften them up a bit, or anger them enough to head this way." If he doesn't have at least 80' of clear sight line please disregard this post.

Just to be clear - anybody included in the link will heal 5 hp/round up to max. Reiko added. Anybody else? Antonio? Nia?

LOS is 200-300 feet, with some trees scattered. There are torches at the barricades, but it's dim light beyond that, thanks to a 3/4 moon.

Nia will take it if all other hitters are selected. Her tactic will to stay back and support with her whip, bardic performances, and magic when needed. I have only 30ft range so I will want to be somewhere I can hit as many people as possible with it, but especially our front line fighters.

Sounds like Nia will be close to Alyra, then, as she stays close for extra healing.

Jun thanks Nia, "I'll need to be within 30' of the brutes at some point. Though some may get that closer sooner than any of us would like. I also could channel some of my divine positive energy easing the wounds of some. If I set up near Alyra though we will both have the same range."