Carric stops by to see Tantuss before leaving.
My friend, we did not have much luck visiting the home where Dieredon was last seen at the party. We have requested an audience with the mistress of that house, but the Company of the Blue Axe has been drawn away to engage with gnolls outside of town today. On another note we turned the tables on a tail an he has been hired by a local at a bar, Thirsty Throat tavern, one Bulaedo "Fists" Ledigleer. Know anything about him?
Madame Garah wishes you well, but has a concerned look in her eye as well. "Just make sure you come back, Muscles," she says, giving you a quick hug.
The voice seems mollified by Revjak's reasoning, particularly when he states that he'll return.
along the trail, Carric often paused, took a knee, and peered closely at the gnoll tracks. After the final tim, he made his way back to the others from his point position.
These gnolls travel in larger groups than normal, based upon their tracks. We should be wary, as they may be more organized than most.
On the road, Piety just continues walking forward. If they are travelers, then they should pass him by, but should they be Gnolls, which Piety calls aloud "A disgusting breed of dog-men." during their trek, then he would be right where he wants to be.
Piety strides forward, intending to meet these creatures at the crest.
Carric flanks to the right and stays 40 feet behind Piety and Revjak.
"Piety, I shall join you on your stroll." says Revjak, as he carries Azuredge held over one shoulder.
Arthur advances with Piety and Revjak. "If they are foolish enough to have some malevolent intent at least we'll get to see Azuredge in action eh Revjak?"
Carric swings out to the side, while the rest of the party canters forward on their mounts (Piety's mount is perhaps being led by Carric for now...? Let me know). On your horses, you manage to reach the crest before the oncoming creatures without rushing .
Carric sees the rest of his party start as they see the creatures before he does. A second or two later, though, the elf understands his companions' reactions. Having spotted the party, the creatures break into a full run, heedless of the fact that most of them carry longbows. Seven foot tall, brown-furred hyena men, the gnolls take on a crazed aspect as they charge. Two of them, slightly smaller, lead the charge from the flanks, moving like the wind, brandishing short swords in each furred hand. Slightly behind them, two more gnolls, bulkier and heavier, grip spears as they lope forward, tongues lolling out of their mouths. And behind them is the alpha, glaive in hand, eyes crazed, growling and snarling; whether he's directing the creatures in their own language or just gibbering in a frenzy, you can't tell .
The creatures are hideous and frightening, but they are made even more so by the chipped and cracked skulls that adorn them. Some seem to be humanoid, both adult and child sized, while others are animal skulls. All of the skulls are partially destroyed and smeared with dark, dried blood. The alpha is covered with skulls, most of them large, and for a helm wears the skull of a giant lizard on his head.
P S S
F F
You follow his directions and sure enough find yourself outside the gatehouse of the Phylund villa. The guards pull you up, as guards are wont to do. "What is it? It's four bells till midnight man, what do you think this is, a tavern?" They're not inclined to let you in without a good reason .
Once there he glances at the strange decorations and takes a mental note of them. As the guards approach he offers up a pleasant smile. "I apologize for the lateness of the hour, sirs, but I've only arrived in Waterdeep a short time ago and just found that I will be departing again come the dawn. That said, I have in my possession some property that belonged to your Lady Lythis and I had hoped to deliver it to her personally before leaving the city as I do not know how long I will be away."
After about ten minutes Pip returns, following a tall man of at least fifty winters, balding, with a long grey moustache. The older guard points at you, and the steward approaches the gate. "Well met, stranger. I am Gorlan, steward of House Phylund. You have something of the lady's, I believe? As the Lady Lythis is currently detained, you may return it to me."
Reynwyn nods politely to the guard as he was only doing the job for which he was being paid. "Of course, sir."
When the Gorlan approaches, Reynwyn offers a polite bow and attempts to gauge the sincerity of the man and his words. If he feels anything is amiss he will feign ignorance and pretend that he accidentally forgot the item as he 'looks for it'.
Carric stares down his target and mumbles an incantation before pulling his arrow taught on the longbow and firing at the alpha in the back.
PL -19
SL -6
SR -3
GL
GR
Carric draws and fires in one smooth motion, and his arrow, glowing with a faint golden light, speeds towards the alpha at the rear. Just before reaching its target, the golden light bursts, sending a rain of thorns striking into the alpha and his two spearmen. The gnoll on the right seems to dodge most of the thorns, but the alpha and the other gnoll take the full brunt of the blast as the arrow plants itself in the alpha's chest. Slavering, the gnolls barrel on, seeming to ignore their wounds.
Reynwyn nods politely. "Well met, Gorlan. My name is Reynwyn of Company of the Blue Axe. I do indeed, I found an old spellbook of hers and thought perhaps she may appreciate its return. Although I had hoped to speak with her personally, I understand the hour is quite late. Perhaps you could mention my name to your Lady; as you see, I too am a student of the esoteric and hoped to speak with her about her studies and what interests may have taken her to the place where it was located." He fishes 5 gold pieces from his coin pouch and places them beneath his palm as he passes the spellbook over to Gorlan. "I would be most indebted, should you deem fit to pass along my request to Lady Lythis, goodsir. My Company and I leave in the morrow for an undetermined period with business for the city, but should Lady Lythis decide to accept my invitation you may leave word with Madam Garah in the Adventurer's Quarter." He bows low to the man.
He leads you past the still squinting guard and into the compound, crossing the courtyard and heading into the side entrance to the main building, a handsome three-storey affair. He seats you in what seems to be a servant's dining room, bids the matron of the kitchens to fix you a drink, and disappears further into the house, taking the spellbook with him.
He returns a short while later, and asks you to follow him; you put your drink down and do so. He leads you to a sitting area, and you find yourself in the company of the raven-haired Lady Lythis Phylund. Gorlan stands by the door as you sit opposite her.
Perhaps in her early thirties, and strong-featured but attractive nonetheless, the lady looks tired and drawn, but her eyes are still bright and sharp. "My thanks for returning my old book. It's been over ten years since I saw this. I have already instructed Gorlan concerning your reward. Where did you find?"
Reynwyn smiles and attempts to surreptitiously slip the coins back into his pockets as he follows behind Gorlan. "I thank you, sir, I appreciate your understanding of such a venture." His eyes take in the beauty of the building. Once inside with the matron he smiles politely to the woman as he takes his drink until he led into the sitting room.
Reynwyn immediately takes notice of Lythis' tired, but alert eyes and before he sits, the young half-elf drops into a deep bow like he was taught by his mother. "Milady, please let me first apologize for the lateness of the hour and allow me to express my gratitude for seeing me this eve." He then takes the seat and smiles as she slips into the topic. "My company and I found it within a series of tunnels near Melton that were being utilized by a tribe of goblins who had assaulted a caravan with which I was traveling. Specifically within an area that had been boarded up containing several zombies. I incorrectly assumed that the owner was one of the undead; however, upon my arrival in Waterdeep I inquired to see if I could locate what I assumed would be your next of kin, but was informed that not only were you still alive, but that you resided here in the city still as well!" He chuckles slightly, watching her reaction to the information he was presenting. "As you can likely guess by my appearance that I, too, delve into esoteric lore and knowledge. I was curious if you knew anything specific about those tunnels and if you were searching for anything in particular we may have come across during our time there. We found many interesting things within that did not all have explanations. While I enjoy a good puzzle, I also find that not knowing the answers vexes me." He adds the last part sheepishly.
Revjak, seeing the vile gnolls, howls in fury, spurring his horse onwards.
"Onward Thunder! We slay gnolls this day!"
THE FURY GROWS!
He spurs Thunder onwards, into a charge, into the thick of the gnolls.
"RAAAAARGHHHH!!!!!", he roars, with Azuredge held aloft in one hand.
And then in two, as he drives the head towards the gnoll to his left.
"Near the end, my company, the Wild Hunters, took on a contract from the House of the Moon, the temple of Selune. The High Priestess wanted us to investigate the threat of a holy object of Shar, known as the Nightbringer's Mask. We were to scour the forest near the village of Melton for any traces of it. All we found was a horde of goblins. It was a disaster. Most of us were killed or captured. Soon after, my father died, and as the sole heir to House Mhairuun, I gave up ranging for monsters and set about catching the man I loved." She seems to withdraw again as she says the last.
Arthur holds his position between Revjak and Piety and sings a mocking song at the alpha gnoll, his words cutting as a knife.
The alpha roars in rage and charges at Arthur, firing two shots with his longbow as he runs.
The gnoll's first shot flies wide, perhaps affected by Arthur's mockery, although the arrow shines brightly as it flies overhead with a noticeable whoosh. The second arrow strikes Arthur in the chest, and though it fails to penetrate his studded armour it takes the bard's breath away, and pain lances through his ribcage.
Revjak's answering roar of fury is deafening, and he charges forward to meet the packlord, Azuredge slicing down in a flash of blue light! The alpha shrieks again as the blue axe slices into his flesh.
SL -6
SR -3
GL
GR
As Azuredge strikes, and the blue light flashes, Revjak feels the fury itself strike, running along the axe and into the gnoll as a burst of pure white light!
Divine Fury (radiant)
At 3rd level, while you're raging, the first creature you hit on each of your turns with a weapon attack takes extra damage equal to 1d6 + half your barbarian level. The extra damage is necrotic or radiant; you choose the type of damage when you gain this feature.
If Revjak needs to spend Arthur's inspiration to get a hit, add this to the roll:
Ardeep
Reynwyn gasps as the rush of gnolls bursts into combat and his companions are suddenly assailed. "Arthur! Are you okay?!" After getting a nod, Reynwyn sends Twilight out a short distance to gain an open line of sight to the archers and sends out a bolt of the black energy streaking towards the archer, but his unfamiliarity with fighting some horse back sends his attack wide! He then wheels Twilight back around and brings her back behind Piety and Arthur.
"I'll survive which is more than I can say for this cur!"
Reynwyn's bolt flies wide, and the flanker on the north (left) charges with blinding speed straight towards the warlock. The other flanker, moving like the wind, pounces across the ground, reaching Carric.
The two spear-wielding gnolls move to help their leader take on Revjak. Both of them leave their shields strapped to their shoulders and lunge, two-handed, with their spears. Revjak strikes the first one, hard, and it yelps as it stabs at him in desperation.
Both of them manage to strike Revjak, as the young barbarian is attacking heedlessly, and they howl and gibber ecstatically as they draw blood.
SL -6
SR -18
GL
GR
"In any case," she continues, "thank you again for returning my long lost property. There are many who would not. May I ask, what are your plans from here?"
Carric marks the approaching Gnoll, draws his Shortsword and atracks.
"You are quite welcome, Lady Lythis. I have my own book that I cherish above all others." He gives her an inquiring look as he reaches into his backpack and removes his Book of Shadows, wisps of black-shadowy stuff drift from the closed pages, disappearing like steam from a boiling pot. He allows her to examine it should she be so inclined. "I must also thank you, as well, milady. I copied a few of the rituals from your spellbook into mine own." he grins at her. "My company and I are off to hunt a group of gnolls that are plaguing the city's trade routes. From there, I cannot say, as my journey thus far taken me to many places in the North. My next step though, seems to be here within Waterdeep. So it is likely that I will be here for the time being." He glances at the lingering servant for a moment before turning his attention back to Lythis.
"For what it is worth, I am sorry that your family duties forced you into a life that was not one of your choosing. It is tragic when you must choose between duty and destiny; especially so they are not the same path. Myself, I chose destiny." He nods as Jareth crows loudly from his shoulder. "I hope that one day you will be able to do the same."
With that, Gorlan sees you out, giving you a pouch of coins. "Thank you good man, and perhaps we'll see you again in the future."
Revjak roars, a little in pain, but mostly in sheer rage. And then howls again, as he swings Azuredge towards the gnoll alpha, seeking to smash the most dangerous foe.
And draw as many as possible away from his friends.
”Of course, sir. Should your house have beer of the Company of the Blue Axe you know where to find us. Send word and we will aid you.”
As the Gnolls flow into him, Piety takes a moment to orient himself, then reaches out and smashes into one of the spear Wielders, hoping to make a point.
As he arcs back his fist, it begins to spark with electricity.
Piety swings at the slavering gnoll, his electrically-charged fist missing the gnoll by about a foot, though the creature's eyes widen as it crackles past. Carric trades swings with the gnoll next to him, without result.
Arthur moves to stop Revjak from becoming easily flanked and strikes at one of the gnolls. "Well struck Revjak!"
Arthur pierces the side of the gnoll he engages, deep enough to wound it but not to slow it down. It turns to face him with a howl.
The pack lord steps around its packmate to get a clean look at the wildly swinging Revjak, and attacks with a flurry of blows, howling at the spearman as it does. The spear-wielding gnoll stabs at Revjak as well.
Revjak takes three solid blows from glaive and spear, but seems to ignore the pain. The packlord then ducks back behind his packmate. It does no good though, as despite the cover its fellow provides, Revjak brings the axe head of Azuredge down upon its skull helm, cleaving through it and the bone of the packlord's head. Blood and brains splatter over the gnoll between them.
Revjak then reverses the butt end of the halberd up into the throat of the spear wielding gnoll on his right, causing it to fall to the ground, clutching its neck and struggling to breathe.
SL -6
SR -26 dead
GL
GR
With the gnoll immediately in his face, Reynwyn pulls Twilight's reins and risks leaving himself open to an attack as he rides as far away from the beast as he can! Once far enough, he wheels around and sends another bolt of black, eldritch energy streaking across the battlefield!
The gnoll obliges by swinging at Reynwyn as he turns away.
Its blade makes a whoosh in the air, narrowly missing the warlock. It turns to face Piety, then looks back in surprise as a bolt of shadowy energy slams into its body. Spitting and snarling, it turns its fury on Piety, slashing madly and attempting to bite the man-golem's head.
Its frantic attacks fail to injure Piety in the slightest. Meanwhile, the other fast-moving gnoll attempts to savage Carric's mount!
The horse screams and falls to the ground, bleeding from large rents in its abdomen. Carric lands on his feet, but the hyena-like creature is so crazed with bloodlust it leaps at the elf, jaws champing madly at his face!
The last spear-wielding gnoll, seriously wounded, his leader down, facing a raging barbarian with a glowing blue halberd and a swift half-elf with a painful rapier, turns tail and flees. Revjak deals it a grievous blow in the back as it flees, but it staggers on.
PL -53 dead
SL -21
SR -26 dead
GL -6
GR
CH Unc S1 F0
Carric atracks with his short sword.