Strawberry leaps on the undead ruler and shreds him.
Bite: tiger aspect, flank, smite evil
to hit to hurt trip
Claw: tiger aspect, flank, smite evil
to hit to hurt
Claw: tiger aspect, flank, smite evil
to hit to hurt
Torod battles next to Strawberry slashing at their foe.
Scimitar:
to hurt
"Submit? I think not." Justinian holds his symbol up, this time sending waves of healing energy out for he and his comrades.
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Asta delays again.
Sunset shift back attempting to bluff the warrior.
He wearily reptiles ”I will defeat your companions, prove your loyalty to my by attacking your companions!”
Declaring his final death, Seraph makes an attacks invoking holy power, but even the flank isn’t enough as the warrior dodges the blow.
Attack from flank, Strawberry sinks his teeth into the warrior tearing dead flesh and knocking him prone. The warrior is able to avoid the two follow up claws.
Torod strikes at the prone warrior, but the blow glances off its armor.
Channeling power from Iomedae, Doran heals some of his wounds.
Springing to his feet the warrior shifts out of flank and attacks Strawberry, ”Bad leopard!” the blade going wide misses the cat.
to hit damage plus 1 energy drain
Round 5:
Sunset - Exhausted -6 Str & -6 Dex
Doran - 16-9 = 7 dam / 22 max, 1 level of energy drain
Seraph - Fatigued -2 Str & -2 Dex
Asta
Torod
Warrior - 10+10=20 dam
For each negative level a creature has, it takes a cumulative –1 penalty on all ability checks, attack rolls, combat maneuver checks, Combat Maneuver Defense, saving throws, and skill checks. In addition, the creature reduces its current and total hit points by 5 for each negative level it possesses. The creature is also treated as one level lower for the purpose of level-dependent variables (such as spellcasting) for each negative level possessed. Spellcasters do not lose any prepared spells or slots as a result of negative levels. If a creature's negative levels equal or exceed its total Hit Dice, it dies.
A creature with temporary negative levels receives a new saving throw to remove the negative level each day. The DC of this save is the same as the effect that caused the negative levels.
Strawberry snaps at the rising form.
AoO Bite: tiger aspect, flank, smite evil
to hit to hurt
She continues to ravage their foe.
Bite: tiger aspect, smite evil
to hit to hurt trip
Claw: tiger aspect, smite evil
to hit to hurt
Claw: tiger aspect, smite evil
to hit to hurt
AoO Scimitar:
to hurt
Torod stays with the warrrior as the fight continues to shift.
Scimitar: flank
to hurt
Sunset shakes her own head wearily in reply,
"Dang but you're bad at this negotiatin' stuff mate. You be supposed ta' offererin' me somat, capisch?"
"Enough, and more than enough of this," Asta hisses.
The Witch targets the lead undead, inhales, opens wide her mouth .... and nothing seems to happen. At least, nothing seems to happen to her companions. Inside the skeletal pretender's skull, however, an unholy din starts up, a wailing screech fit to crack bone!
"Iomedae, guide our blades..." Justinian intones, eyes cast downward. Thus bolstered, he moves around behind Torod to get into position to attack.
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Strawberry hit the warrior as he stood up and again as he attacked with both the bite and a claw. The warrior doesn't fall for Strawberry’s trip attack a second time.
Torod didn’t fair as well missing both as the undead stood up and again after it attacked.
Sunset shifts back again and banters with the fellow. He rasps ”Is not unending unlife enough?”
Coming out of her trance, Asta uses magic to attack the warrior. The attack hardly phases the undead.
Round 5:
Sunset - Exhausted -6 Str & -6 Dex
Doran - 7 dam / 22 max, 1 level of energy drain
Seraph - Fatigued -2 Str & -2 Dex
Asta
Torod
Warrior - 20+10+10+2=42 dam
For each negative level a creature has, it takes a cumulative –1 penalty on all ability checks, attack rolls, combat maneuver checks, Combat Maneuver Defense, saving throws, and skill checks. In addition, the creature reduces its current and total hit points by 5 for each negative level it possesses. The creature is also treated as one level lower for the purpose of level-dependent variables (such as spellcasting) for each negative level possessed. Spellcasters do not lose any prepared spells or slots as a result of negative levels. If a creature's negative levels equal or exceed its total Hit Dice, it dies.
A creature with temporary negative levels receives a new saving throw to remove the negative level each day. The DC of this save is the same as the effect that caused the negative levels.
As the undead stepped away from Seraph again she looked to where her blade had impacted the floor. Her voice was almost dull sounding as she remarked in irritation. "Feh I missed..." She steps forward, dragging her blade before raises it again for another overhead chop. "Why do you run? I thought you were stronger then us? Begging for aid. Such weakness. For my oaths!" Her eyes glowed bright red as she invoked the power of her oath to Asta before she brought the blade down again with much greater force. Guided by her several factors she was confident in her ability to withstand the undead menace. Her muscles strained as she brought everything to bear for this strike.
Sunset shifts back again and banters with the fellow. He rasps ”Is not unending unlife enough?”
Sunset shakes her head, "Ye make it sound about as excitin' as watchin' paint fry. Ye really be needin' ta' work on yer sale makin' skills." She raises her arm.
And a jolt of lightning springs forth from her weapon.
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Goating the undead, Seraph slashes it with a holy blow that nearly staggers the warrior.
Sunset follows up with a lighting attack that does minimal damage to the warrior.
Still on his feet the warrior lashes out at Torod seeming to enjoy the battle it rasps ”Dying in battle is a fitting end for any warrior! My sword has served me well, when I finally fall wield it with honor!” His blow is deflected by the Elf’s armor.
to hit damage plus 1 energy drain
Round 6:
Sunset - Exhausted -6 Str & -6 Dex
Doran - 7 dam / 22 max, 1 level of energy drain
Seraph - Fatigued -2 Str & -2 Dex
Asta
Torod
Warrior - 42+19+1=62 dam
For each negative level a creature has, it takes a cumulative –1 penalty on all ability checks, attack rolls, combat maneuver checks, Combat Maneuver Defense, saving throws, and skill checks. In addition, the creature reduces its current and total hit points by 5 for each negative level it possesses. The creature is also treated as one level lower for the purpose of level-dependent variables (such as spellcasting) for each negative level possessed. Spellcasters do not lose any prepared spells or slots as a result of negative levels. If a creature's negative levels equal or exceed its total Hit Dice, it dies.
A creature with temporary negative levels receives a new saving throw to remove the negative level each day. The DC of this save is the same as the effect that caused the negative levels.
"You recognize your end. This time your rest will be eternal."
Scimitar: flank
to hurt
Bite: tiger aspect, flank, smite evil
to hit to hurt trip
Claw: tiger aspect, flank, smite evil
to hit to hurt
Claw: tiger aspect, flank, smite evil
to hit to hurt
Still empowered by her comrades and her own natural abilities Seraph continues to press the attack. Swing the blade from groin to chin this time in a follow up to her last blow...
Continues to hold position and fire into the undead's back.
Asta ghosts forward and fixes the undead warrior with a baleful, red-eyed stare.
Justinian draws his light mace and strikes at the undead warrior.
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Torod’s miss with his strike, but Strawberry’s evil smiting bite connects leaving the warrior on the edge of oblivion. Following up with a Claw that ends the warrior’s cursed unlife.
The warrior’s body crumbles to dust as the ages catches up to it, leaving only pile of broken gear.
broken chainmail, heavy wooden shield, broken masterwork scimitar sword
The oppression of the tomb seems to be lifted with the passing of the last undead life that abided within.
Only the scimitar radiates moderate magic. The other items are not magical.
Scimitar is +2 magic fey bane
Sunset - Exhausted -6 Str & -6 Dex
Doran - 7 dam (-5 to max HP), 1 level of energy drain
Seraph - Fatigued -2 Str & -2 Dex
Asta
Torod
Warrior - 62-13-10=85 dam Dead!
For each negative level a creature has, it takes a cumulative –1 penalty on all ability checks, attack rolls, combat maneuver checks, Combat Maneuver Defense, saving throws, and skill checks. In addition, the creature reduces its current and total hit points by 5 for each negative level it possesses. The creature is also treated as one level lower for the purpose of level-dependent variables (such as spellcasting) for each negative level possessed. Spellcasters do not lose any prepared spells or slots as a result of negative levels. If a creature's negative levels equal or exceed its total Hit Dice, it dies.
A creature with temporary negative levels receives a new saving throw to remove the negative level each day. The DC of this save is the same as the effect that caused the negative levels.
With the undead gone Sunset sighs and leans heavily against the wall of the place.
"Just... need ta' catch a breath..."
Torod thinks that the weapon and armor might make an interesting exhibits. After all, they were worn by a past king of this land. He casts Mending on the scimitar and chainmail to repair them. On a whim he decides to discern if any of the items hold magical properties.
Cast Lesser Restoration on Sunset to change her Exhausted to only Fatigued.
Sunset straightens under Torod's ministrations.
"Aye.. that's takin' a load off.." She acknowledges Torod's efforts/works.
As combat ends Seraph's focuses on calming herself down, pulling back the aggression and restraining the killing intent she had released. Her muscles shrink, becoming more feminine once more as she settles her massive blade flatsided on her shoulder. She looks towards where the undead warlord had come from as she spoke. "Excellent work everyone. Though once you are all rested..." She starts striding off towards the east, intent on finishing the exploration of the tomb. "...catch up." She smiles then at Sunset as she steps past her companion, her words not being meant as derogatory in the slightest to the exhausted woman.
She abandoned stealth and focused on her surroundings, despite her fatigued state she was more then willing to press onward.
Sunset shakes her head at Seraph's words and the other woman's direction as she saunters off into the unknown.
"Dang impulsive youngsters.... Always runnin' off an' gettin' them selves in't trouble." She looks to where Torod is poking through the skeletal warrior's gear.
"Aye.. an' Gabby's plan a Kingdom domination would've worked too... If'n it weren't fer them meddlesome kids..." Sunset adds as she picks herself up, straightens her own gear, checks herself down, sorts herself out and gets her breath and bearings back before carefully sliding along the corridor after big, brash, young Seraph.
Sunset tries to be quiet.
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Seraph moves into the finale chamber to have a look around. She see the walls of this chamber are adorned with a plethora of weapons, shields, armor, and tattered banners and standards. Interspersed among the displayed arms are carved scenes of battle, pillage, and conquest. The carvings are caked in flaking pigments that were once brightly colored, but many have been defaced, apparently by repeated blows from a weapon. At the far end of the room, sits a stone catafalque where a body would normally lie in state. All the weapons and armor are in poor shape due to extreme age.
Also, the ring on the skeleton in the center chamber detected as magic. The skeleton is all that remains of a previous unlucky tomb robber. While most of the skeleton’s equipment has rotted away, a tarnished copper ring of sustenance still encircles one bony finger.
Sunset -Fatigued -2 Str & -2 Dex
Doran - 7 dam (-5 to max HP), 1 level of energy drain
Seraph - Fatigued -2 Str & -2 Dex
Asta
Torod
Broken: Items that have taken damage in excess of half their total hit points gain the broken condition, meaning they are less effective at their designated task. The broken condition has the following effects, depending upon the item.
If the item is a weapon, any attacks made with the item suffer a –2 penalty on attack and damage rolls. Such weapons only score a critical hit on a natural 20 and only deal ×2 damage on a confirmed critical hit.
For each negative level a creature has, it takes a cumulative –1 penalty on all ability checks, attack rolls, combat maneuver checks, Combat Maneuver Defense, saving throws, and skill checks. In addition, the creature reduces its current and total hit points by 5 for each negative level it possesses. The creature is also treated as one level lower for the purpose of level-dependent variables (such as spellcasting) for each negative level possessed. Spellcasters do not lose any prepared spells or slots as a result of negative levels. If a creature's negative levels equal or exceed its total Hit Dice, it dies.
A creature with temporary negative levels receives a new saving throw to remove the negative level each day. The DC of this save is the same as the effect that caused the negative levels.
Sunset cautiously moves into the room, very carefully checking the floor and walls for anything nasty, like the black rays that got the party last time.
Once satisfied the room's 'safe' Sunset moves to check the walls, floor and stone box for any hidden or secret compartments.
"Normally.. like there's apples under an apple tree... " She continues to poke, twist and fiddle with the furnishings, "There's usually s'posed t' be treasure under tha' altar..." Sunset muses.
Eventually Sunset suggests to Seraph,
"Y'know? These wall arts? We could be takin' tha' time ta' be movin' an restorin' 'em? Y'know, give people a bit more of their history about where they live, like?" She suggests.
She takes her time sifting through the room, looking for anything of note.
She looks for anything that had survived among the tattered ruins, anything lost in the piles or among the defaced artifacts. She ends her search with the empty catafalque.
If she doesn't locate anything she returns to her companions and reports her findings before moving off to the Northern Chamber and Southern Rooms.
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Seraph’s through search of the tomb reveal nothing more, examining the two side chambers she finds similar chambers in both. The walls of each dusty chamber are decorated with mosaic scenes of hunting and battle. Six biers line the walls of each chamber, the resting places of respected warriors whose bones are now scattered throughout the tomb.
Other than the tomb which is a landmark of sorts, the only items of value would be the warrior’s scimitar and the ring on the recent skeleton of some earlier explorer.
Sunset -Fatigued -2 Str & -2 Dex
Doran - 7 dam (-5 to max HP), 1 level of energy drain
Seraph - Fatigued -2 Str & -2 Dex
Asta
Torod
Broken: Items that have taken damage in excess of half their total hit points gain the broken condition, meaning they are less effective at their designated task. The broken condition has the following effects, depending upon the item.
If the item is a weapon, any attacks made with the item suffer a –2 penalty on attack and damage rolls. Such weapons only score a critical hit on a natural 20 and only deal ×2 damage on a confirmed critical hit.
For each negative level a creature has, it takes a cumulative –1 penalty on all ability checks, attack rolls, combat maneuver checks, Combat Maneuver Defense, saving throws, and skill checks. In addition, the creature reduces its current and total hit points by 5 for each negative level it possesses. The creature is also treated as one level lower for the purpose of level-dependent variables (such as spellcasting) for each negative level possessed. Spellcasters do not lose any prepared spells or slots as a result of negative levels. If a creature's negative levels equal or exceed its total Hit Dice, it dies.
A creature with temporary negative levels receives a new saving throw to remove the negative level each day. The DC of this save is the same as the effect that caused the negative levels.
When the search of the tomb turns up mostly empty, Justinian accompanies the others outside. "Well, I don't know about the rest of you, but I could use a rest."
Sunset saunters out into the sunshine, dropping her hat back over her eyes though she too stretches and relaxes for a moment in the sunshine.
As every one else gathers she waits a moment before speaking.
"Well.. that were an interestin' history lesson." She indicates the tomb the group has just explored. "Maybe we need ta' do a bit more searchin'? See if'n we've got more'a these types a folk jus' lyin' about tha' place?" She suggests.
"See how many of tha' tales about 'Old Kings' an' such we can be findin', maybe lead us to 'em a'fore other folks lookin' ta' settle down fall in't their chambers, hey?" Sunset sighs and keeps trying to work some of the encounter's kinks out of her system as she checks on fluff.
"As fer shine? I'll be interested in comin' back an' seein' ta' them wall pictures. Might be able ta' do some renovatin' about tha' place with 'em." She nods thoughtfully.
Tomaru begins to try and sort the scattered bones and places them into the biers. One complete body per bier to the best of his ability.
"Once I am done here, Justinian, would you be willing to help reconsecrate this tomb?"
"Asta, some of the weapons and armor and banners could be used to decorate your palace. Not only would that lend veracity to your claim, but it would be a way of showing respect to the history of the land and its peoples as well as giving honor to these departed warriors."
He finishes cleaning and consecrating before continuing with surveying. Even if it takes more than a day.
Seraph picks up the Ring of Sustenance as it tumbles out of the bones that Torod was sorting .
She nods to Sunset, looking somewhat drowsy. "Apologies, , it seems this trap took more of a toll then I thought. She considers for a moment before nodding again. "If we have the time to return and do so that would be wonderful Lady Sunset, archiving the knowledge of a lost age is important. In fact I would very much like to see this place restored in a way that would make it usable again." She wraps her knuckles on the sturdy walls. "Could you imagine what we could do with it if we expanded it, a hidden home away from home."
She looks to Asta and Torod then, catching a small part of the conversation but she is soon nodding at Torod's suggestion. "I agree, give me a few moments and I can prepare a small tribute to ASta from the derelict remains." Turning back to enter the main tomb once more. She rolls up the tattered banners delicately. Selecting one of each broken weapon, one of each broken armor and one of each different shield to secure to Julius. "That which cannot be restored can be merely smelted to its base, these banners though should be repairable with Mending, at least I hope magic would be enough."
Seraph's suggestion hits Torod strongly. "This a tomb. A final resting place after a life of service to others. Not some shack to booze it up and fornicate in. Even your goddess can tell the difference, I'm sure."
"We can certainly move some of these items to our home," Asta says, "but maybe not as decorations. We could devote a whole room in the fortress to these mementos of the land's past, possibly even from before the Rogarvia reign. People could come to see - scholars, for example."
The Witch casts a slightly cool glance at Seraph. "But I must agree with Torod. This is not an appropriate spot to kick back. We have - you have all done a great thing here, to put this undead menace to rest. But apart from that, this is still a chamber dedicated to the dead. Some decorum is appropriate."
Sunset straightens, though the brim of her hat shades her eyes.
"This here place were a tomb." She states, "But when Gabby an' his minions decided ta' get up an' try an' put us all down? I be thinkin' such nice and sweetness were off." She moves to stand besides Seraph.
"Lookin' after tha' splinters we left back in that hole be all right an' proper but respect? Did ye all a sudden come over forgetful? Gabby weren't in tha' least mood ta' be any 'respectful' ta' us." Sunset spits some dust from her mouth. "When some one tries ta' kill me? I work at killin' 'em right back! That's whut I call proper."
"So, like I said a'fore, we should be really lookin' ta' make sure there's not more holes like this fer people ta' go fallin' into nor fer things ta crawl come out of." She indicates the space every one has been crawling through with a jerk of her chin over a shoulder,
"I be happy as claimin' this spot fer me very own." Sunset declares even as her shaded features turn towards Asta, "Less'n there be some law comin' about in regards ta' such happenin?" Sunset finishes her words with a soft question.
"Improper respect and care in funeral and burial is one of the ways that undead come to be. Once something has risen, paying proper respect in re-interring it helps to keep it or something else from rising again." Torod speaks to Sunset slowly to help her understand.
Sunset tilts her head. Hmmmm..... That weren't the impression Gabby were givin' me. Seems just ta have been an ornery son of a b!tch..."
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GM Glyn: Where is this exactly located? Is it a large mound, in a rockface or? Just curious as to where this is located. Thanks!
The tomb is not easily distinguished from the other grassy knolls dotting the landscape, means that the barrow has gone undiscovered for many centuries. Through the keen eyes of your companions they spotted the crack in the side of a hill that leads into the barrow mound’s interior.
Seraph winces visibly at Torods rather tactless remark, taking the remark far more personal as her faith was misunderstood gravely by a companion. "I see... I... I wasn't aware you thought so little of me and mine." She looks a little downcast then, tucking away the swan symbol before adding quietly. "I thought that even you would understand the usefulness of underground store houses and other such secure locations that could be used by the people. Especially since we have destroyed the dead here and sacked them of their possessions." She indicates the sword he had claimed and the ring she was holding prominently out of the items she was holding. "It has more use then being a molding trophy hut to a warlord obsessed even in death."
She winces again at Asta's words, the broken chain on her collar seeming to skip to an unfelt wind, Seraph seemed to wilt under that cool gaze. "Milady, I understand your position. Decorum is needed and what I said to Torod stands true. As to studying here we would need an adequate defensible place especially with our enemies about or risk another event like the priest in town. Outside of that aspect, this location is solidly built, established and can be repurposed. I wasn't looking to make a villa in the countryside. But that is what you wish then it shall be as you say." She bows her head, sweeping out of the chamber withle little else to say. "I will ready the horses."
She smiles to sunset, appreciative of the support as she heads out.
Torod looks back at Seraph oddly. Then realization hits him. "I'm sorry. You know I meant no harm by that. I think very highly of you, Seraph. You are a valued friend and boon companion. However, the god you follow has a certain reputation. You must know this."
"The good folk of the land won't care that he was a vile warlord. They will only care that we are just another group of nobles looking to exploit their land. Your idea is a good one, only this is not the place for it."
"Take a look around." Justinian says, laying down on his bedroll with his feet propped up. "There aren't any 'people' here to say this is theirs. No one lives here, and only those strong enough to claim it will have any say."
Justinian muses about what he knows about the Stolen Lands. "The history of this place would suggest there are many of these little tombs; forgotten resting places of forgotten kings and queens. Every one a piece of a forgotten history. What you are trying here hasn't been done successfully by anyone...ever." He sits up to look at the others. "Sorry, but that's the truth of it. Don't worry about the past of every little kinglet that came through here...make your OWN history."
He wasn't feeling particularly deferential at the moment. The wight's touch had taken a part of him, and the pointless discussion about what to do with the tomb annoyed him. As far as Justinian was concerned, the damn place could be razed and salted.
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vital energy and happens automatically when a melee or ranged attack hits. Each successful energy drain bestows one or more negative levels (the creature’s description specifies how many). If an attack that includes an energy drain scores a critical hit, it bestows twice the listed number of negative levels. Unless otherwise specified in the creature’s description, a draining creature gains 5 temporary hit points for each negative level it bestows on an opponent. These temporary hit points last for a maximum of 1 hour. Negative levels remain until 24 hours have passed or until they are removed with a spell, such as restoration. If a negative level is not removed before 24 hours have passed, the affected creature must attempt a Fortitude save (DC 10 + 1/2 draining creature’s racial HD + draining creature’s Cha modifier; the exact DC is given in the creature’s descriptive text). On a success, the negative level goes away with no harm to the creature. On a failure, the negative level becomes permanent. A separate saving throw is required for each negative level.
Looking at the mending spell it doesn't say it can't be cast multiple times, but to work on the scimitar the caster must be 9th level. might as well get the make whole spell.
Sunset huffs but says no more. Turning to begin helping folks as they prepare for...
During her own time she cuts quite a few saplings, Trims and straightens them. Sharpens their ends of the make shift poles into points and proceeds to 'Out line' the hill area.
Sunset
She felt her breath catching in her chest, her collar felt tighter and restricting. She knew full well the cause of it and she had to correct it before fatigue and onset of sickness dragged her down. Though at Torod's words she pauses midstep turning to look at him. Her hurt didn't diminish, though now she was feeling somewhat angry. She closed her eyes momentarily to shrug off the angry response welling up before opening them and looking at him as she spoke calmly though a bit breathless. She raised her hand, as though to halt Torod from going further. "Just stop Torod, please." She would not get into a debate, not here, not when it was one sided and pointless.
She lowered her hand before before turning away again. "Asta has spoken. This is to be left a tomb and sacrosanct so I have nothing more to add. Please excuse me I need some air." There was only one person she would truly abide by and, now that she had, she could breath again.
She doesn't look at Justinian as he speaks. She was hurt to be unable to do anything for him in his current state and no matter how she wished to respond her voice was faded now. She exited the tomb more for fresh air more then anything else and tending to the horses was good for her.
She spends her time tending to the horses and cleaning out rogue bits of tanglefoot residue in Julius's coat and legs.
She brings the horses inside, if they decided to take shelter in the tomb, for added protection and wraps up the bones of the one who had fallen to the trap. It was the least she could do for taking their ring. She places the bones in a small but private part of the Northern room and prays over it for a time hoping the fallen finds rest. She then takes up her usual post on guard duty, though much quieter this time as she she contemplated the events of the day.
Torod doesn't speak much after his interaction with Seraph. He knows he is right, but understands that he has hurt his friend's feelings. He wants to apologize and make things right, but knows words are not his strength. He chooses to express his apology through action instead.
Once finished with his work in the burial mound, he starts some water to boiling for tea, then goes over to better inspect Justinian. "I am not much of a healer. I can see to your physical injuries, but this is well beyond my ability. Perhaps Jhod can help when we return to the Stag Fort."
Normally everyone is expected to get their own tea after he has gotten some for himself and Strawberry, but this time he offers to pour Seraph a cup first.