The Pathadi Uprising

Game Master Browman

Joroth snorted as he heard the priest speak,

There is a dagger siting on the table and he has a silver chain with a small shield hanging from it.

"Sounds like oppression has a new name. For as much as someone pushes for otherwise...there are other gods, there are other beliefs, and other views of the world." Says Elrith

Isaac is readying an action to cast peacebound on the dagger and chain if things go sour.

[i]"And where did the gods bring us, to war and famine. Within the Kingdom of Rand there is none of this. But it is no matter, you and everyone else will see this soon enough when the holy kingdom expands and adds pathad to its peace and protection. It will even give its protection from the foul arcanists who threaten us all.

Dara sat quietly close to the door listening closely while remaining hidden, arrow still notched.

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

Zealot I am afraid that leaving you alive would not be benificial for Pathad, or for that matter the Korthin family. However I give you a chance to prove yourself worthy, face me in combat and kill me or be killed.

Isaac was dumbstruck.

"No! We are guests, he invited us in and this is what you do? Your only proving his views right. Back down!"

When you threaten his life, Loran throws his hand forward unleashing a burst of flame on everyone inside the cottage. (he deals 2d4 ⇒ (3, 1) = 4 fire damage to everyone inside the cottage unless they make a DC 13 reflex save)

You have not dealt with Devils have you wizard? They offer what he is offering peace, security and a "good" life. All they ask in return is your freedom. The tyranny of Rand would be no better then that of our current oppressors and more to the point this man smells like the scout for a larger force. I can see it in his eyes, do you want to trade one set of tyrants for another?

reflex save1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

initiative roll 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4

Loran's Intiative 1d20 ⇒ 1

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Isaac ducked down, the blistering fire running down the back of his neck, causing the skin on the back of his neck to blister and burn.

Pulling his body back up he summoned all the pain into a singly point, channeled out into his fingertips. Crackles of electricity shot out, targeting the priests nervous system.

touch attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

1d3 ⇒ 1

Initiative:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Just realized I may have critted

confrim crit: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
damage if crit: 1d3 ⇒ 3

The priest jerks back slightly from Isaac's touch attack.

When its my turn

casts command spell,

save dc for command is 16

Initiative: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

At the burst of flame, Dara popped around doorway and loosed an arrow.

Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Pretty sure 17 is a hit, Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1

Hearing the argument, I waited. While I agreed that one "true" divine would lead to tyranny, and smirking while the "priest" told his story of Turgan's rise to power, we had been invited in under peaceful pretense. The unprovoked attack by Korinth was quite rash, but the ensuing gout of flame that followed was inexcusable as everyone was at risk.
I was outside the hut to the side of the opening (stated in the prior post) so no harm should be done to me, but those that would aid in the rebellion were at risk.

Elven-

Initiative 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Held action to attack the "priest" should Joroth's spell not be effective.
Attack 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Damage 1d10 ⇒ 7
Firing into melee, -4 to hit
That was a waste of an arrow, and good damage too

"Joroth, it seems your true nature is revealed. So long as we have the same goals, I will aid you."

I move into the doorway opening about 10' back and searching for an opening. The "priest" is my Dodge target, AC to 19 against him.

Where is everyone located as I am wanting a straight line of sight, not having to fire into melee

Joroth, Isaac and Elrith are all inside the cottage around the table with Loran on the far side of the table, you and Dara are both at the doorway.

Reflex: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Elrith sensing the attacks moves out of the way just in time
Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
"What is going on, is death the only thing everyone understands?"
"Stop this madness.."
Ready an attack if Loran attacks again.
if nessecary
Attack Quaterstaff: 1d20 ⇒ 11
Will Assume that missed

Isaac was getting swept up in the moment, almost loosing himself to his own old habits. Elrith's word brought a calm.

"I am attempting to bring him in alive."

Isaace grabbed into a pouch he had on his belt and felt its content. The specific mixture that would attract the spell. Soon it would be time for some real magic.

Will save against command 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

The arrows unleashed by Dara and Himonim slam into the cleric, who appears quite badly injured after they hit.

Joroth laughed the foolish cleric thought he could assault his mind! Pathetic, your god is nothing more then a weakling and so are his priests!

will save1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

When its my turn again, I'll cast Doom, save dc 16

Dara notches and looses another arrow.

Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

"You truly want this man alive, both sides must cease their actions. I will wait, but stay wary. Joroth is the one who needs convincing."

To Joroth:
"Can we cease this fight? He may represent a tyrannical ideal, but he himself did not show any violence, that was you."

Elven

I notch another arrow, and hold my action waiting for a possible peaceful end (both sides capitulate, priest surrenders). If violence must decide the "priest's" fate (no other way) see below.

If an attack is required:
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13
Damage 1d8 ⇒ 8

Isaac waited for the reply ready with his spell in hand.

If he doesn't give up then Isaac will drop a sleep spell (DC15)on him. If he needs to he will use his teleport to get into position so that no one but Joroth is hit by it.

Capture him alive, we will need to interrogate him.

"Interrogate without torture, yes. I will not be party to such actions.
Isaac and Elrith, you have what you wanted, now comes the capture or surrender. Let us give him space."

Elven

To the priest:
"So long as I am breathing I will not allow you to be tortured or harmed unduly during any discussions or questions we may have for you. Will you yield as well?"

I lower my longbow as I ask about his surrender.

Elrith awaits The priest's response.

Loran lets go of his holy symbol, "You really need to keep that human under control, elf. I know your kind does not view us as equal only as servants to do your bidding. So I assume he and the other human's follow your orders. Turgan has revealed many truths to his true followers."

"Do not presume to know how my kind views others, your experiences with elvenkind have colored your views. Our most basic experiences are very different; I do not contend to understand your reasoning so do not contend to understand mine. Also, I do not control these beings. I am acting as a voice of reason given my longevity and impartiality.
Can we all sit now, and act in a civil manner?"

Elven

I will unnotch my arrow, and place my longbow and arrow against the inside wall near the door opening. I will then lean on the wall and wait for the others to respond.

ready action to grab the longbow and notch the arrow if hostilities occur. Ideally that's one move action, but if it must be one standard, that's fine. He's lawful, but not unprepared.

Turgan an archdevil in training at best, at worst a tyrant that would murder all my family simply because of our ties to the arcane. Furthermore I need a good answer as to why you are here, as your god urges the conversion of the masses. Yet you are not in a city or even a village, you are here on a series of backroads that could easily conceal the movements of an invading Turgan horde. Now I advise you to tell me the truth, or I will test just how long your mind can withstand my probing.

casting enhance diplomacy to gain a 2+bonus to my intimidate check

Intimidate check1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

I am here because the heathen authorities of this region have banned the spreading of the true faith. Thus I have withdrawn to this place to quitely and peacefully spread the word of Turgan's benevolance and peace to aid the transition when the forces of the Holy Protectorate arrive.

As for you human, if you are indeed cursed by a gift for the arcane then I will pray for your soul.

Turgan himself was lawful neutral but the leaders that came after him have perverted his ideas and Turgan is too busy staying alive in the game of gods/ dependent on the powerboost from so many worshipers to be able to change anything.

Then it is time to ensure that you cannot cause any trouble for us down the road. I give you two choices, death or bind yourself to a hellwrought contract. But I would not be so quick to sign the contract, for you see it isn't just a piece of paper that you can ignore at a whim. Your oath will be recorded within the nine hells, the collateral for breaking it is that your soul will upon death be sentenced to the nine for eternity. Also of note is the fact that in the history of man, dwarf and elf, no one has ever escaped the fate of those who break a contract sworn under the power of the nine.

"Joroth, what is involved in this contract? Is it signed in blood? How is it that you're familiar with this?"

My family has ties that go back to the nine for millenia, once we ruled our own kingdom. Then he came, the cursed paladin king of Pathad who forced us to choose between death and servitude to him. As for the contract it requires nothing more then for this wretch to swear by the terms I provide in my presence. As for the ability to use the system of contracts that the hells use to enforce oaths and fealty that was a gift from an archdevil with powers that rival if not overwhelm Asmodeus. It is also our curse for while it allows us to enforce oaths that no sane man would break it also binds us to them.

"A slave to your own abilities and past, that is unfortunate. Do you intend to honor the new heir?"

We will discuss that another time, now it is time for the zealot to choose: Death or Contract? Make up your mind before I lose my patience.

At the comment of the Dwarves, 'trying to enslave human kind,' Dara couldn't help but burst out into laughter. After a few seconds she said, "We're trying to enslave mankind? I must have missed that meeting. Why would we do such a thing, you Humans provide too much profit."

Death or contract? Honestly? You realize that you sound just like he does right?

Isaac moved to place himself between Joroth and Loran, who seemed to be two sides of the same coin.

Yes, there is plenty to find at fault in others when we judge others by our own lives. Morality is a perspective, you cannot change it by force, or contract, or threats. It has to be nurtured like a fire.

Isaac moved to shake Lorans hand.

If you want me to leave then I will, but if you can stand to have me in your home despite how you feel about my choices in life then I will gladly stay and listen to your point of view because this is your home.

"and you people wonder why, Turgan tells us to avoid the arcane. This one freely admits to consorting with demons and devils. Of course he is trying to stop the spread of the true word."

He turns to Isaac "and why should it trust you when your comrade has threatened my life and my soul multiple times."

"Dwarves don't take credit. You either pay up or get nothing."

Because I am not him, and he is not my comrade. I disagree with his view just as he disagrees with you. You can trust me with your life and your soul because I will trust you with mine.

Isaac sighed, letting down the wall buried deep inside of himself. He felt a connection to the rage and hate again, followed by a presence.

Come back, his whispered to himself but not with words, but with emotion.

The cat from earlier that day made its way into the center of the room, like it had been waiting the entire time. Smug with satisfaction, it made its way to Loran. Isaac looked defeated.

This is a portion of my soul I deposited. I will trust it to you for safe keeping while we are guests. It is a sign of trust. It is both the most valuable thing I ever possessed and the thing that haunts my nightmares, but I will trust you with it if you are willing to trust me.

He must be bound by contract or die, those are the only two ways I can ensure that no one knows of our passing. For he is ultimately loyal to a god and a country that means nothing good for Pathad. I will not let my family's freedom be crushed by any boot whether it comes from Turandy or Turgan. Besides the point all I require you to swear to is that you will not tell anyone or anything by any method, way or magic of what occured here. Also you must swear on the nine, for I suspect you would be more then willing to break an oath sworn on Turgan's name simply because of my ties.

And Elrith is bound to a god as well, but I trust him more then anyone else here. He is more likely to break an oath to you then his own god. Who is he going to tell and what will he tell them? He has no idea why we are here but he offered us shelter. Your the one giving away any secrets we had.

Isaac felt the anger and frustration creeping in. He pushed it back down but the back and forth was wearing away his patience.

Besides I refuse to promise you anything. Are you just going to kill everyone you can't bend to your will? You'll have to start with me.

"unlike you I sign no pacts with devils. And then you wonder why Turgan teaches us to be wary of the arcane. Why must I do this for you when it is you who has attacked me in my home after I offered you refreshment and shelter. If anyone should be punished for their actions it should he you." Loran grabs his holy symbol and begins to quitely chant.

He get's to live, that is more then most get and besides it's an easy contract that binds me as well as him. If you swear to abide by the contract priest then I swear not to kill you. No bargaining this is the best offer you will get. And I can assure you breaking an oath to that binds me to the contract is also damnation for myself. I have plans to say end up in nirvana when I die, the nine I would rather avoid.

casting enhance diplomacy

diplomacy check to convince priest the contract is the best offer he will get.1d20 + 13 ⇒ (6) + 13 = 19

casts peacebound on Joroth's crossbow, its now a DC15 strength check to draw it. Not looking at him while doing it and it only has semantic components, so I'm keeping it to a whisper.

Putting away her bow and arrow, Dara steps in and places herself between Joroth and the priest. "I do believe you are outnumbered by the decision on this matter. You may want to settle down there, Hellfire, or you may get more than you, bargained, for."

Joroth carefully lowered himself to the dwarf's eye level.

Very well but understand this, if this comes back to haunt us I won't hestitate to sacrifice your life or any of the others for that matter to preserve my own. Should you have judged this zealot wrong the price is on your heads not mine, am I understood?